What Is 2001 MAAC men's basketball tournament

Overview

The 2001 MAAC Men's Basketball Tournament was the postseason championship for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) during the 2000–2001 NCAA Division I season. Held annually to determine the conference's representative in the NCAA Tournament, the 2001 edition featured ten teams competing in a single-elimination format.

This tournament was particularly notable for its underdog story, as the Manhattan Jaspers entered as the No. 9 seed and advanced through the bracket to claim the title. Their victory over top-seeded Iona in the final marked a significant achievement for the program and secured a spot in the 2001 NCAA Tournament.

• March 1–5, 2001: The tournament spanned five days, beginning with first-round matchups and culminating in the championship game on March 5.
• Pepsi Arena, Albany: The venue hosted the MAAC Tournament for the third consecutive year, drawing over 20,000 fans across the event.
• Manhattan Jaspers: As the No. 9 seed, they became the lowest-seeded team to win the MAAC Tournament at that time, defeating higher-ranked opponents in succession.
• Championship result: Manhattan defeated Iona 74–67 in the final, with sophomore Jason Williams scoring 22 points to lead the Jaspers.
• NCAA bid: The victory gave Manhattan an automatic berth in the 2001 NCAA Tournament, where they were eliminated in the first round by Arizona.

How It Works

The MAAC Tournament follows a structured single-elimination format involving all eligible conference teams. Seeding is determined by regular-season performance, and games progress from first-round matchups to semifinals and the championship.

• Format: The tournament uses a single-elimination bracket. Teams are seeded 1 through 10 based on regular-season conference records.
• First Round: The No. 7 through No. 10 seeds play in the opening round. The four winners advance to join the top six seeds in the quarterfinals.
• Quarterfinals: Eight teams compete in best-of-nothing matchups. Games are held at a neutral site, typically the Pepsi Arena in Albany.
• Semifinals: The four quarterfinal winners advance. Held on the Saturday before the championship, these games determine the finalists.
• Championship Game: Played on March 5 in 2001. The winner receives the MAAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
• Eligibility: Only MAAC member institutions can participate. Teams must have completed their conference schedule to qualify for seeding.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key aspects of the 2001 MAAC Tournament with other mid-major conference tournaments from the same season:

This table highlights how mid-major conferences like the MAAC provide competitive pathways to the NCAA Tournament. While Manhattan received a No. 15 seed—lower than some peers—their run exemplified the unpredictability and excitement of March Madness.

Why It Matters

The 2001 MAAC Tournament remains a landmark event in conference history due to Manhattan's improbable run and the broader implications for mid-major programs.

• Underdog success: Manhattan’s victory as a No. 9 seed demonstrated that lower-ranked teams could win with strong defense and cohesion.
• Exposure for mid-majors: The tournament provided national visibility, helping smaller schools attract recruits and fan support.
• Financial impact: MAAC schools shared NCAA Tournament revenue, with each game appearance generating approximately $200,000 over time.
• Historic precedent: The 2001 result led to format discussions, eventually influencing MAAC’s decision to expand play-in games.
• Player development: Standout performers like Jason Williams gained recognition, boosting professional opportunities post-college.
• Conference pride: The win elevated the MAAC’s national profile, contributing to improved RPI rankings in subsequent seasons.

The 2001 tournament underscored the value of postseason opportunities for student-athletes and reinforced the competitive balance within NCAA Division I basketball.