What Is 2019 CAA men's basketball tournament

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 CAA Men's Basketball Tournament was held from March 8–11, 2019, at the North Charleston Coliseum in North Charleston, South Carolina. Northeastern University won the championship, defeating Hofstra 72–61 in the final to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Key Facts

Tournament dates: March 8–11, 2019
Host venue: North Charleston Coliseum, South Carolina
Champion: Northeastern University
Runner-up: Hofstra University
Northeastern defeated Hofstra 72–61 in the championship game

Overview

The 2019 CAA Men's Basketball Tournament was the postseason championship event for the Colonial Athletic Association, determining the conference's automatic qualifier for the NCAA Tournament. Held annually since 1980, the 2019 edition marked the 39th iteration and featured the top eight teams from the regular season standings.

This tournament was particularly significant as it concluded a competitive season in which multiple teams vied for dominance, culminating in a dramatic final between two strong programs. The event drew thousands of fans and significant media attention, highlighting the growing profile of mid-major basketball.

Northeastern University entered as the No. 1 seed after finishing the regular season with a 15–3 conference record, the best in the CAA.
The tournament took place from March 8 to March 11, 2019, at the North Charleston Coliseum, a venue that has hosted the event multiple times since 2015.
Hofstra University, the No. 2 seed, reached the final after defeating Drexel and James Madison in earlier rounds, finishing the season with 27 wins.
The championship game drew an attendance of over 4,000 fans, reflecting strong regional support and interest in the matchup.
Northeastern claimed its first CAA title since 1988 with a 72–61 victory, securing an automatic bid to the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

How It Works

The CAA Tournament follows a single-elimination format involving the top eight teams based on regular-season conference performance. Seeding is determined by win-loss records, with tiebreakers applied as needed to finalize the bracket.

Format: The tournament uses a single-elimination bracket with four first-round games, two semifinals, and one final game held over four days.
Seeding: Teams are seeded 1 through 8 based on their regular-season conference records, with head-to-head results used as the primary tiebreaker.
Location: Since 2015, the CAA Tournament has been hosted at the North Charleston Coliseum, providing a neutral site for all participating teams.
Bid Allocation: The winner receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, while other teams may receive at-large bids based on their overall season performance.
Team Eligibility: Only the top eight of the CAA's 10 member teams qualify, excluding those with NCAA postseason bans or failing to meet academic standards.
Game Rules: Standard NCAA basketball rules apply, including 40-minute games, overtime periods, and standard shot-clock regulations.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2019 CAA Tournament compared to previous editions in key metrics:

Year	Champion	Runner-up	Score	Location
2019	Northeastern	Hofstra	72–61	North Charleston, SC
2018	UNC Wilmington	Hofstra	72–63	North Charleston, SC
2017	UNC Wilmington	William & Mary	78–76	North Charleston, SC
2016	UNC Wilmington	College of Charleston	88–75	Baltimore, MD
2015	William & Mary	Delaware	80–79	Baltimore, MD

The 2019 tournament continued the trend of competitive games and strong attendance, though the margin of victory in the final was wider than in previous years. Unlike earlier editions held in Baltimore, the move to North Charleston has provided a more centralized and modern venue for the event.

Why It Matters

The 2019 CAA Tournament had significant implications for the teams involved, particularly in terms of national exposure and postseason opportunities. Winning the tournament not only brought prestige but also tangible benefits for the programs and their athletes.

Northeastern's victory marked their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1991, ending a 28-year drought and boosting program visibility.
The tournament provided national television exposure through ESPN, increasing recruitment appeal for all participating schools.
Players like Elliot Cofield of Northeastern gained recognition, enhancing their prospects for professional careers.
For Hofstra, reaching the final improved their NCAA Tournament resume, though they ultimately did not receive an at-large bid.
The event generated significant economic impact for North Charleston, with hotel stays, dining, and local spending totaling over $1.2 million.
Success in the tournament helped secure increased athletic funding and alumni support for several member institutions.

Overall, the 2019 CAA Men's Basketball Tournament was a pivotal moment for mid-major college basketball, showcasing competitive balance and the potential for underdog stories on the national stage.