- South Carolina State enters as the MEAC’s #2 defense (70.9 PPG allowed)
- Coppin State ranks last in 3-point shooting (29.3%)
- Bulldogs won both regular-season matchups by 30+ points
The MEAC Tournament kicks off with a David vs. Goliath matchup as South Carolina State brings its conference-best 11-3 record against Coppin State’s 4-10 MEAC campaign. The Bulldogs have dominated recent meetings, including a 30-point victory in February where they shot 53% from the field while holding Coppin State to 37% shooting.
Regional Insight: Norfolk’s Scope Arena has historically favored defensive teams, with 7 of the last 10 MEAC champions ranking in the conference’s top 3 for defensive efficiency. South Carolina State’s ability to force turnovers (8.2 steals/game) could prove decisive in this Tidewater venue.
Coppin State faces an uphill battle, having lost 14 of their last 17 games. Their 65.8 PPG scoring average in recent contests ranks 328th nationally, while South Carolina State’s offense has surged to 87.7 PPG during their 9-1 stretch. The Eagles must improve their perimeter defense against a Bulldogs squad that converts 35.6% from beyond the arc.
Industry Trend: Mid-major tournaments are seeing increased dominance from top seeds, with 83% of #3 seeds or higher advancing to semifinals since 2020. This bodes well for South Carolina State’s tournament aspirations despite their underdog status in larger NCAA conversations.