What Is 2000 SWAC Men's Basketball Tournament

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2000 SWAC Men's Basketball Tournament was held from March 8–11, 2000, at the Riverside Centroplex in Bossier City, Louisiana, with Texas Southern defeating Southern 78–72 in the final to earn an NCAA Tournament berth.

Key Facts

Tournament dates: March 8–11, 2000
Champion: Texas Southern University
Runner-up: Southern University
Championship game score: 78–72
Host venue: Riverside Centroplex, Bossier City, LA

Overview

The 2000 SWAC Men's Basketball Tournament was the postseason championship event for the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) during the 1999–2000 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. It determined the conference's automatic qualifier for the 2000 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, making it a high-stakes competition for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the region.

The tournament featured a single-elimination format with all SWAC teams competing for the title. Held annually since 1978, the 2000 edition marked a pivotal moment for Texas Southern, who captured their first SWAC title in over two decades. The event showcased rising talent and intense rivalries among conference members.

Championship Game: Texas Southern defeated Southern 78–72 on March 11, 2000, securing the SWAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Location: The tournament was hosted at the Riverside Centroplex in Bossier City, Louisiana, a neutral site venue used for several SWAC tournaments in the late 1990s.
Format: The event used a single-elimination bracket with all eligible SWAC teams participating based on regular-season standings.
Historical Significance: Texas Southern's win marked their first SWAC tournament title since 1979, ending a 21-year championship drought.
NCAA Appearance: As champions, Texas Southern earned a #15 seed in the 2000 NCAA Tournament, where they lost to #2 seed Cincinnati in the first round.

How It Works

The SWAC Men's Basketball Tournament operates as a conference postseason event to crown a champion and award an automatic NCAA Tournament bid. Teams qualify based on regular-season performance, with seeding determined by conference standings.

Single-Elimination Format: Teams compete in a knockout style bracket; one loss results in elimination, increasing pressure and drama in each matchup.
Seeding: The top eight teams in the SWAC regular-season standings qualified in 2000, with higher seeds receiving favorable matchups.
Automatic Bid: The tournament winner receives the SWAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, regardless of regular-season record.
Neutral Site: The 2000 tournament was held at the Riverside Centroplex, ensuring fairness by avoiding home-court advantages for any team.
Championship Game: The final was played on March 11, 2000, with Texas Southern defeating Southern 78–72 in a tightly contested matchup.
Player Recognition: Tournament MVP honors were awarded to Texas Southern’s key performer, though records of the specific recipient are not widely documented.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2000 SWAC Tournament with other recent editions in terms of location, champion, and NCAA Tournament results.

Year	Champion	Runner-up	Score	Location
2000	Texas Southern	Southern	78–72	Bossier City, LA
1999	Grambling State	Alcorn State	78–77	Tulsa, OK
1998	Alcorn State	Mississippi Valley State	80–78	Tulsa, OK
1997	Southern	Tennessee State	80–74	Texarkana, TX
1996	Alcorn State	Grambling State	81–75	Texarkana, TX

This table highlights the competitive balance within the SWAC during the late 1990s, with programs like Alcorn State, Southern, and Texas Southern dominating. The 2000 tournament stood out due to Texas Southern's breakthrough victory after a long title drought, contrasting with Southern's consistent presence in the finals.

Why It Matters

The 2000 SWAC Men's Basketball Tournament holds significance beyond the standings, influencing team legacies, player development, and HBCU visibility on the national stage. Its outcomes reverberated through recruitment, program funding, and NCAA Tournament exposure.

NCAA Exposure: Texas Southern’s appearance in the 2000 NCAA Tournament increased national visibility for HBCU programs despite a first-round exit.
Player Development: The tournament served as a platform for future professional players to showcase skills under high-pressure conditions.
Conference Prestige: Winning the SWAC title elevated Texas Southern’s reputation within the conference and among peer institutions.
Historical Context: The victory marked a turning point for Texas Southern, signaling a potential resurgence in their basketball program.
Community Impact: HBCU tournaments generate pride and engagement among alumni, students, and local communities across the South.
Recruitment Boost: Success in the tournament enhanced Texas Southern’s ability to attract high school talent to their athletic program.

The 2000 SWAC Men's Basketball Tournament remains a milestone event in conference history, symbolizing both competitive excellence and the broader cultural importance of HBCU athletics in American college sports.