What Is 2003 CAA Men's Basketball Tournament

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2003 CAA Men's Basketball Tournament was held from March 7–9, 2003, at the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, Virginia. George Mason defeated Drexel 73–67 in the final to win its first CAA title and earn an NCAA Tournament berth.

Key Facts

Tournament dates: March 7–9, 2003
Champion: George Mason Patriots
Runner-up: Drexel Dragons
Championship game score: 73–67
Venue: Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, Virginia

Overview

The 2003 CAA Men's Basketball Tournament marked the 16th edition of the Colonial Athletic Association's postseason championship. It determined the conference's automatic bid to the 2003 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, with all games held at the Richmond Coliseum.

The tournament featured 8 teams seeded by regular-season conference records. George Mason emerged as champions, capturing their first CAA title after defeating Drexel in the final game.

Championship date: The final game was played on March 9, 2003, concluding a three-day event that began with first-round matchups on March 7.
George Mason's path: As the No. 2 seed, George Mason defeated Hofstra, UNC Wilmington, and Drexel en route to the title, winning four games in five days including the conference semifinal and final.
Drexel's performance: The No. 1 seed Drexel entered the tournament undefeated in conference play but lost 73–67 in the final, ending their perfect CAA season.
Location significance: The Richmond Coliseum hosted the CAA Tournament for the 10th consecutive year, establishing itself as the traditional venue for the event through the early 2000s.
NCAA berth: George Mason earned the CAA's automatic bid to the 2003 NCAA Tournament, where they were seeded 13th in the South Region and lost to Pittsburgh in the first round.

Bracket Format & Structure

The 2003 CAA Tournament followed a single-elimination format with eight qualifying teams based on regular-season conference standings. Seeding was determined by win-loss records, with tiebreakers applied as needed.

Number of teams: Eight of the nine CAA members participated, with only the bottom team excluded; in 2003, all teams except Towson qualified.
Seeding: Teams were seeded 1 through 8 based on conference records, with head-to-head results used as the primary tiebreaker for seeding.
Game format: All games were single-elimination, with the first round, semifinals, and final held over three consecutive days.
Location: The Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, Virginia, hosted the tournament from 1994 to 2005, making it the permanent site during this era.
Championship game: Played on March 9, 2003, it featured George Mason (No. 2 seed) versus Drexel (No. 1 seed), with George Mason winning 73–67.
Automatic qualifier: The winner received the CAA's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, a high-stakes incentive for all participating teams.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2003 tournament can be evaluated against prior and subsequent editions based on competitiveness, attendance, and NCAA performance.

Year	Champion	Runner-up	Score	Location
2001	Richmond	George Mason	75–65	Richmond, VA
2002	Richmond	Hofstra	68–64	Richmond, VA
2003	George Mason	Drexel	73–67	Richmond, VA
2004	James Madison	Delaware	68–66	Richmond, VA
2005	George Mason	Hofstra	63–57	Richmond, VA

The 2003 edition stood out due to Drexel’s undefeated conference season entering the final and George Mason’s breakthrough victory. While attendance figures were not officially released, the Richmond Coliseum typically drew between 8,000 and 10,000 fans for championship games during this period. George Mason’s subsequent NCAA appearance marked a turning point for the program, foreshadowing their Final Four run in 2006.

Why It Matters

The 2003 CAA Men's Basketball Tournament was a pivotal moment for George Mason and the conference, showcasing rising programs and competitive balance. It highlighted the tournament’s role in shaping NCAA Tournament bids and elevating mid-major programs.

Program milestone: George Mason’s 2003 title was their first CAA championship, laying the foundation for future success, including a historic Final Four appearance in 2006.
Drexel’s near-perfect season: The loss prevented Drexel from completing a perfect CAA season, underscoring the volatility of single-elimination tournaments.
Mid-major exposure: The win gave George Mason national visibility, helping mid-major programs gain recognition in NCAA Tournament discussions.
Conference parity: The close score (73–67) reflected the CAA’s competitive depth, with multiple teams capable of winning the title.
Richmond Coliseum legacy: The venue became synonymous with the CAA Tournament, hosting it for 12 consecutive years through 2005.
NCAA implications: George Mason’s NCAA berth contributed to the CAA’s reputation for producing competitive tournament teams despite limited resources.

The 2003 tournament remains a significant chapter in CAA history, remembered for George Mason’s breakthrough and the high stakes of March Madness qualification.