CIAA Championship Overview
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the oldest African-American athletic conference in the United States, formed in 1912. The conference is made up of historically black colleges and universities located in the eastern part of the country. Each year, the CIAA holds a championship tournament to determine the conference champion in men’s and women’s basketball.
Who Competes in the CIAA Championship?
The CIAA consists of 12 teams, divided into two divisions. The Northern Division includes Bowie State, Chowan, Elizabeth City State, Fayetteville State, Lincoln, Saint Augustine’s, and Virginia State. The Southern Division includes Johnson C. Smith, Livingstone, Shaw, Virginia Union, and Winston-Salem State.
When is the CIAA Championship?
The CIAA Championship is usually held in late February or early March. This year, the tournament was held from February 25th to March 2nd.
Competition Format
The tournament consists of three rounds. The first round consists of the four lowest seeds in each division competing in a single-elimination format. The winners of the first-round games advance to the quarterfinals, where they join the top four seeds from each division. The winners of the quarterfinals advance to the semifinals, and the winners of the semifinals advance to the championship game.
2020 CIAA Championship Tournament
The 2020 CIAA Championship Tournament was held from February 25th to March 2nd in Charlotte, North Carolina. Below is a list of the teams that participated in the tournament:
- Bowie State
- Chowan
- Elizabeth City State
- Fayetteville State
- Johnson C. Smith
- Lincoln
- Livingstone
- Saint Augustine’s
- Shaw
- Virginia State
- Virginia Union
- Winston-Salem State
Quarterfinals
The quarterfinal round of the tournament saw some exciting matchups. In the Northern Division, top-seeded Bowie State defeated eighth-seeded Chowan, fourth-seeded Elizabeth City State defeated fifth-seeded Fayetteville State, and third-seeded Lincoln defeated sixth-seeded Saint Augustine’s. In the Southern Division, top-seeded Johnson C. Smith defeated eighth-seeded Livingstone, fourth-seeded Shaw defeated fifth-seeded Virginia State, and third-seeded Virginia Union defeated sixth-seeded Winston-Salem State.
Semifinals
The semifinal round of the tournament featured some exciting matchups. In the Northern Division, top-seeded Bowie State defeated fourth-seeded Elizabeth City State, and third-seeded Lincoln defeated second-seeded Virginia State. In the Southern Division, top-seeded Johnson C. Smith defeated fourth-seeded Shaw, and third-seeded Virginia Union defeated second-seeded Winston-Salem State.
2020 CIAA Championship Game
The 2020 CIAA Championship Game was an exciting matchup between the top two seeds in the Northern Division, Bowie State and Lincoln. Bowie State, the top seed in the Northern Division, had been the favorite to win the tournament from the beginning. However, Lincoln had been playing very well in the tournament, and the game was expected to be close.
Bowie State vs. Lincoln
The game was close throughout, with both teams trading leads multiple times. However, in the end, it was Bowie State that was able to pull away and secure the victory. Bowie State was led by senior guard Kavon Waller, who scored a game-high 24 points and was named the Tournament MVP.
Bowie State Wins the 2020 CIAA Championship
In the end, Bowie State was able to come away with the victory and secure the 2020 CIAA Championship. It was the first time in school history that Bowie State had won the tournament, and it was a momentous occasion for the program. Bowie State was led by a strong team effort, with four players scoring in double figures.
Reaction to the Championship Victory
The victory was met with much celebration from the Bowie State community. Players, coaches, and fans alike rejoiced in the victory and the team’s accomplishment. It was a momentous occasion for the program, and one that will be remembered for years to come.
Conclusion
The 2020 CIAA Championship was a thrilling tournament that saw some exciting matchups and a thrilling championship game. In the end, it was Bowie State that was able to come away with the victory and secure the 2020 CIAA Championship. It was a momentous occasion for the program and one that will be remembered for years to come.