CBB Review hands out awards for each conference tournament in 2022. Up next: The Southland Tournament.
As I always say, throw out seeding when it comes to mid-major conference tournaments. Fourth-seeded Texas A&M-Corpus Christi rolled through the tournament, including an upset win in the semis over top-seeded Nicholls State and a victory in the finals over second-seeded Southeastern Louisiana. For just the second time in their 20 year Division-I history, the Islanders are going dancing after winning the Southland Tournament.
CBB Review All-Southland Tournament First Team
- Troy Green, New Orleans – 22.5 PPG, 2.5 APG, 9.5 RPG (2 games)
- Darius Lee, Houston Baptist – 17.5 PPG, 3 APG, 8 RPG (2 games)
- Simeon Fryer, TAMU-CC – 14.3 PPG, 0.7 APG, 4.7 RPG (3 games)
- Terrion Murdix, TAMU-CC – 12.7 PPG, 4.7 APG, 5.0 RPG (3 games)
- Jalyn Hinton, SE Louisiana – 11 PPG, 10 RPG, 6.5 BPG (2 games)
CBB Review Southland Tournament Most Outstanding Player
Simeon Fryer, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
The senior guard from Philadelphia, PA was more of a role player throughout the season but he stepped up when most needed. Although the Islanders’ identity is more defense-based, Fryer provided the most scoring in this tournament. Fryer was super efficient every time he touched the ball and especially dangerous from beyond the arc, where he shot 10 for 19. The difference between mid-majors today and those several years ago is their three-point shooting ability. For that reason, Fryer would be the reason Texas A&M-Corpus Christi hangs around with a top seed.
Southland’s NCAA Tournament Prediction
Round of 64
Look, being in the Big Dance is a huge accomplishment. However, the Islanders are more than likely to be a 16-seed with their 11 losses overall and .500 regular season conference record. All year, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s formula has been getting downhill and creating off the dribble. It will be difficult to do so against more athletic and bigger teams, especially since they do not do a fantastic job drawing contact to begin with. But as we have seen before, you never know, so coach Steve Lutz’s job is to have his guys approach the situation with a ton of confidence and take it from there.