Breitbart Sports wrote about the 295 teams still competiting for the national championship, but the list of teams already in the NCAA tournament is much shorter – one. In just their sixth season competing in Division 1, Florida Gulf Coast (24-10) has claimed the first NCAA tournament spot in 2013 at the same time that the school celebrates the first berth in the history of the program.
Brett Comer led the way with 21 points as the Eagles soared to claim the Atlantic Sun title knocking off top seeded Mercer in the 88-75 contest. Sherwood Brown also made a significant contribution with 16 points and 11 rebounds. The Atlantic Sun is one of 30 conferences that are guaranteed a bid for their tournament champion, and the Ivy League regular season champion also gets an automatic bid.
The Eagles, who beat a strong Miami team earlier in the year, are unlikely to be taken lightly in the Tournament.
Mercer (23-11) was unable to handle the Eagles in the second half, and their 17-game home winning streak was snapped. The streak was tied for sixth longest in the nation.
Florida Gulf Coast beat North Florida and Stetson to arrive in the title game. Sherwood Brown has been their most consistent performer averaging 15.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.