What Is 2021 WAC Men's Basketball Tournament

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2021 WAC Men's Basketball Tournament took place from March 11–13, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada, with Grand Canyon University winning the championship and earning an NCAA Tournament berth.

Key Facts

Tournament dates: March 11–13, 2021
Host city: Las Vegas, Nevada
Champion: Grand Canyon University
Runner-up: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)
Championship venue: Orleans Arena

Overview

The 2021 WAC Men's Basketball Tournament was the postseason championship event for the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), determining which team would receive the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Held amid the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament adapted scheduling and safety protocols to ensure completion.

This single-elimination tournament featured the top eight teams from the WAC's regular-season standings, competing in a neutral-site format to crown a champion. The event was hosted in Las Vegas, Nevada, continuing a multi-year agreement to centralize the tournament at Orleans Arena.

Eight teams qualified for the tournament based on their regular-season conference records, with seeding determined by win-loss performance.
The tournament took place from March 11 to March 13, 2021, compressed into a three-day format to minimize exposure and travel.
Grand Canyon University won the championship, defeating the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a final score of 89–75.
As champions, Grand Canyon secured the WAC's automatic bid to the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, marking their first NCAA appearance since 2018.
The tournament was held entirely at Orleans Arena, a 9,500-seat venue located just off the Las Vegas Strip, providing a consistent and controlled environment.

How It Works

The WAC Men's Basketball Tournament follows a structured single-elimination format, with seeding based on regular-season conference performance. Teams compete in a bracket-style progression, advancing through quarterfinals, semifinals, and a championship game.

Format: The tournament uses an eight-team, single-elimination bracket. The top four seeds receive byes into the quarterfinals, while seeds 5–8 play in the first round.
Seeding: Teams are seeded 1 through 8 based on their WAC regular-season win-loss records, with tiebreakers applied as needed.
Neutral site: Since 2019, the WAC has hosted the tournament at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, ensuring fairness and centralized logistics.
Championship prize: The winner receives the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, while the runner-up does not receive an automatic qualification.
Game progression: The tournament spans three days: first round, quarterfinals, and semifinals on Day 1 and 2, followed by the championship on Day 3.
COVID-19 protocols: In 2021, all teams and staff followed strict health guidelines, including regular testing and limited attendance to reduce transmission risks.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2021 WAC Tournament with the previous two editions, highlighting key differences in format, location, and outcomes.

Year	Dates	Location	Champion	Runner-up	NCAA Appearance
2019	March 13–16	Las Vegas, NV	New Mexico State	Grand Canyon	Yes
2020	Tournament canceled	N/A	None	None	No
2021	March 11–13	Las Vegas, NV	Grand Canyon	UTRGV	Yes
2018	March 2–6	Las Vegas, NV	New Mexico State	Stephen F. Austin	Yes
2017	March 7–11	Las Vegas, NV	New Mexico State	UC Davis	Yes

The 2021 edition was notable for being the first completed WAC tournament since 2019, after the 2020 event was canceled due to the pandemic. Despite a shortened schedule and modified health protocols, the tournament successfully crowned a champion and restored competitive continuity.

Why It Matters

The 2021 WAC Men's Basketball Tournament had significant implications for member institutions, postseason opportunities, and conference visibility. Its successful execution demonstrated resilience in collegiate athletics during a global health crisis.

Grand Canyon's championship marked their return to the NCAA Tournament after a three-year absence, boosting national recognition for the program.
The tournament provided exposure for mid-major programs, helping schools like UTRGV and Seattle U gain recruiting and media attention.
By hosting in Las Vegas, the WAC increased its brand visibility and attracted fans and media to a high-profile location.
The event underscored the importance of flexible scheduling and health planning in maintaining athletic competition during uncertain times.
Teams earned valuable AP and NCAA NET ranking points, influencing postseason eligibility and seeding beyond the WAC tournament itself.
The tournament also served as a revenue generator through broadcasting rights and limited ticket sales, supporting athletic departments financially.

Overall, the 2021 WAC Men's Basketball Tournament was a critical milestone for the conference, restoring competitive rhythm and providing a platform for member schools to achieve national prominence.