What Is 2013 MEAC Men's Basketball Tournament

Overview

The 2013 MEAC Men's Basketball Tournament determined the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's automatic qualifier for the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Held annually, the event features the top eight teams from the conference's regular season standings competing in a single-elimination format.

This edition marked the 33rd conference tournament and was notable for Norfolk State's dominant performance after winning the previous year’s title. The tournament was hosted at the Norfolk Scope Arena, a frequent site for the event due to its central location and strong fan support.

• Norfolk State entered as the defending champions and top seed, having finished the regular season with a 14–2 conference record.
• The tournament spanned six days, beginning with first-round games on March 11 and culminating in the championship on March 16.
• Bethune-Cookman advanced to the final as the No. 2 seed, defeating teams like Morgan State and North Carolina Central.
• The championship game drew over 8,000 fans to the Norfolk Scope Arena, one of the highest attendances in MEAC tournament history.
• Norfolk State’s 70–50 victory was powered by strong defense and a 20-point performance from senior guard Kyle O’Quinn.

How It Works

The MEAC Tournament uses a structured single-elimination format designed to crown a conference champion and NCAA Tournament representative. Teams qualify based on regular-season performance, with seeding determined by win-loss records.

• Format: The tournament includes the top eight teams from the MEAC standings. The No. 1 seed plays the No. 8 seed, No. 2 plays No. 7, and so on in the first round.
• Seeding: Teams are seeded 1 through 8 based on conference win percentage. Tiebreakers include head-to-head results and point differentials.
• Location: Since 2008, the tournament has been held at the Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, providing a neutral yet fan-friendly site.
• Championship Game: The final determines the MEAC’s automatic qualifier for the NCAA Tournament, regardless of at-large consideration.
• Game Length: Each game follows standard NCAA rules—40 minutes of regulation, divided into two 20-minute halves.
• Eligibility: Only MEAC member institutions can participate; associate members are not eligible for the tournament.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 MEAC Tournament compared to recent editions in key metrics:

The 2013 tournament continued the trend of dominant defensive performances in the final, with Norfolk State holding Bethune-Cookman to just 50 points—the lowest score by a finalist since 2006. It also marked the second consecutive year that the top two seeds met in the championship game, highlighting competitive balance in the conference.

Why It Matters

The 2013 MEAC Tournament had significant implications for player development, program visibility, and NCAA Tournament representation. Winning the title not only brought prestige but also tangible benefits for the school and athletes.

• Norfolk State earned an automatic bid to the 2013 NCAA Tournament, where they faced Missouri in the Round of 64.
• The tournament provided national exposure for HBCU programs, with ESPN broadcasting all games live.
• Players like Devon Greene of Bethune-Cookman gained All-MEAC recognition, boosting their professional prospects.
• Winning the tournament increased scholarship funding and recruitment interest for Norfolk State’s basketball program.
• The event generated over $1.2 million in local economic impact for Norfolk, Virginia, through tourism and hospitality.
• It reinforced the MEAC’s role in developing elite talent, with several players going on to professional leagues overseas.

Overall, the 2013 MEAC Men's Basketball Tournament was a milestone event that underscored the competitiveness and cultural significance of HBCU athletics on the national stage.