What Is 2001 SWAC men's basketball tournament

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2001 SWAC men's basketball tournament was held from March 6–10, 2001, at the Riverside Centroplex in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where Alcorn State defeated Southern 79–76 to win the championship and earn an NCAA Tournament berth.

Key Facts

Tournament dates: March 6–10, 2001
Championship game: Alcorn State 79, Southern 76
Host venue: Riverside Centroplex, Baton Rouge, LA
Champion: Alcorn State Braves
NCAA Tournament berth awarded to winner

Overview

The 2001 SWAC men's basketball tournament marked the postseason championship for the Southwestern Athletic Conference, determining the conference's automatic qualifier for the NCAA Tournament. Held annually, the event brings together top teams from historically Black colleges and universities across the SWAC to compete for a national stage opportunity.

This edition featured intense matchups and culminated in a dramatic final that showcased the depth and competitiveness of mid-major basketball programs. The tournament not only decided a conference champion but also highlighted rising talent and storied rivalries within the league.

March 6–10, 2001: The tournament spanned five days, beginning with first-round games and advancing through semifinals to the championship on March 10.
Riverside Centroplex: Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this venue hosted the tournament, providing a central and accessible location for fans and teams alike.
Alcorn State Braves: The eventual champions, they entered the tournament as a strong seed and maintained consistency throughout each round.
Southern Jaguars: Faced Alcorn State in the final, having advanced through a competitive bracket; they narrowly lost 79–76 in a tightly contested game.
NCAA Tournament berth: The winner received an automatic bid to the 2001 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, a significant achievement for any SWAC program.

How It Works

The SWAC tournament follows a single-elimination format, where seeding is based on regular-season conference performance, and lower seeds face higher seeds in progressively challenging matchups.

Single-elimination format: Each team must win every game to remain alive; a single loss results in elimination from championship contention and NCAA Tournament consideration.
Seeding structure: The top eight teams in the conference standings qualify, seeded #1 through #8, with higher seeds receiving favorable matchups in early rounds.
Automatic NCAA bid: The tournament champion earns the SWAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, regardless of their regular-season record or ranking.
Host site rotation: The tournament location varies; in 2001, Baton Rouge was selected to host, benefiting from strong fan support and regional accessibility.
Game progression: The schedule includes quarterfinals, semifinals, and the championship game, all held consecutively over five days to maintain momentum and excitement.
Team eligibility: Only SWAC member institutions are eligible, and all players must meet NCAA academic and eligibility standards to participate.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2001 SWAC tournament compares to other mid-major conference tournaments of the same year:

Conference	Champion	Score	Location	NCAA Result
SWAC	Alcorn State	79–76	Baton Rouge, LA	Lost in First Round
MEAC	Hampton	69–67	Norfolk, VA	Won First Round
Big South	High Point	72–69	Boiling Springs, NC	Lost in First Round
Horizon League	Butler	74–68	Indianapolis, IN	Lost in First Round
SWAC (2000)	Mississippi Valley State	79–76	Little Rock, AR	Lost in First Round

The 2001 SWAC tournament mirrored the competitive balance seen in other mid-major leagues, though few champions advanced beyond the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Alcorn State’s victory was particularly notable due to the narrow margin and the high stakes involved in securing the conference’s only NCAA bid.

Why It Matters

The 2001 SWAC tournament had lasting implications for player development, institutional visibility, and the broader landscape of college basketball.

National exposure: Winning the tournament allowed Alcorn State to compete on a national stage during the NCAA Tournament, boosting the school’s profile.
Recruiting boost: Success in March enhances a program’s appeal to high school recruits, particularly in regions with strong HBCU traditions.
Historic rivalry: The Alcorn State–Southern matchup intensified an already heated rivalry, adding another chapter to their competitive history.
Player recognition: Standout performers gained attention from scouts and professional leagues, increasing post-college opportunities.
Conference prestige: A strong NCAA Tournament showing can elevate the SWAC’s RPI and influence future tournament seeding discussions.
Community pride: HBCU tournaments generate significant local and alumni support, reinforcing cultural and educational values beyond athletics.

The 2001 SWAC men's basketball tournament remains a significant moment in conference history, symbolizing both athletic excellence and the broader mission of HBCUs in American higher education.