Conference play brings perks

Jordan Swarbrick’s three point shot ripped the nylon as the buzzer sounded throughout the McKay Center, signifying the end the first half. Swarbrick’s trey gave the Wolverines a 35-33 lead over the North Dakota Fighting Sioux heading into the break – but unfortunately it wouldn’t be enough to record the win.

The Wolverines 67-62 loss dropped them to 1-1 in the Great West Conference, their only win coming over Chicago State. For the first time in UVU’s NCAA history, the Wolverines have a real conference title to play for. And for the first time as a division I institution, the possibility of playing in a true post-season tournament.

The CollegeInsider.com Tournament has granted an automatic bid to the GWC. The way UVU has competed thus far in conference play, and with the GWC Tournament taking place in the McKay Center, the Wolverines have to be considered one of the favorites to continue playing well into March.

The Great West Conference Tournament will take place in the McKay Center March 10-13. The winner of the tournament will receive that automatic bid to play in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament. The CIT will make its selections after the fields have been set for the NCAA Tournament and the NIT.

“I think it’s very exciting for every school in the Great West to have a chance for post-season play,” said UVU coach Dick Hunsaker. “It’s a wonderful reward for the conference tournament winner.”

Unlike the NCAA Tournament, the CIT will play its tournament games at home sites throughout the country. If the Wolverines are able to solidify the bid, post-season play could come to campus.