What Is 2008 MEAC men's basketball tournament

Overview

The 2008 MEAC Men's Basketball Tournament was the postseason championship event for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's 2007–2008 season. It determined the conference's automatic qualifier for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

Twelve teams participated in a single-elimination format, with seeding based on regular-season conference records. The tournament culminated in Howard University claiming its first MEAC title since 1992.

• Howard defeated Hampton 68–67 in the final game on March 15, 2008, to win the championship.
• The tournament was held at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, a neutral site that hosted the event from 2008 to 2011.
• Twelve of the MEAC's 13 members participated, excluding only the non-scholarship Florida A&M team that did not qualify.
• Howard entered as the No. 3 seed, becoming the lowest-seeded champion in tournament history at the time.
• The Bison earned an automatic bid to the 2008 NCAA Tournament, where they lost to Kansas in the first round.

How It Works

The MEAC Tournament follows a structured format to determine the conference's NCAA Tournament representative. Teams qualify based on regular-season performance, with higher seeds receiving advantages in scheduling and matchups.

• Qualification: The top 12 teams based on conference win-loss records qualify. Tiebreakers include head-to-head results and point differentials.
• Seeding: Teams are seeded 1 through 12, with the highest seed receiving a bye into the quarterfinals.
• Single-Elimination Format: Each game is winner-take-all, meaning one loss eliminates a team from championship contention.
• Game Locations: Since 2008, the tournament has been centralized at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, to boost attendance and revenue.
• Automatic NCAA Bid: The tournament winner receives the MEAC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
• Player Awards: The Most Outstanding Player is selected after the final game; in 2008, it was awarded to Howard’s Charles Jenkins.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2008 MEAC Tournament with previous editions and key metrics:

The 2008 tournament marked a shift in venue and competitive balance, as Howard’s victory ended a long title drought. The close scores across years reflect the conference’s parity, with five of the last six finals decided by 10 points or fewer. Centralizing the event in Raleigh improved fan engagement and media coverage, contributing to the MEAC’s growing visibility.

Why It Matters

The 2008 MEAC Tournament had lasting implications for member institutions, particularly Howard, whose NCAA appearance boosted national exposure. It also highlighted the importance of postseason success for smaller programs seeking recognition.

• Howard’s NCAA berth was their first since 1992, drawing national attention to the program’s resurgence.
• The close final score of 68–67 underscored the high level of competition in the MEAC.
• Charles Jenkins’ performance as Most Outstanding Player showcased emerging talent from mid-major programs.
• Centralizing games in Raleigh increased attendance, with over 12,000 fans attending the 2008 final.
• Automatic NCAA bids provide financial incentives through NCAA Tournament revenue sharing.
• Exposure from March Madness helps MEAC schools with recruitment and fundraising efforts.

Overall, the 2008 MEAC Tournament exemplified how postseason success can elevate historically Black colleges and universities on the national stage, reinforcing the value of conference tournaments in college basketball.