College of Charleston Men's Basketball is set to return to the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year following their CAA Tournament Championship. Winning the  2024 CAA Tournament Championship earned the Cougars an automatic bid to the tournament scheduled to begin on March 19.

The Cougars will play Alabama in the Round of 64 on March 22 in Spokane, Washington. 

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Charleston is entering this year's 2024 NCAA Tournament on a 12-game winning streak and their second-consecutive CAA Championship. This will mark the second NCAA Tournament appearance under third-year head coach, Pat Kelsey, who was recently named CAA Coach of the year. 

Here's what to know ahead of Charleston's NCAA Tournament appearance. 

CofC Basketball NCAA Tournament 2024 Preview

Here's a look at five things to know as Charleston heads into the NCAA Tournament this year.

1. Charleston NCAA Tournament History

This will be Charleston's second consecutive year earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament. This is the first time the program has seen back-to-back trips to the tournament since 1998-1999. 

In program history, the Cougars have reached the NCAA Tournament six times since their first appearance in 1994. Here's a look at their record over the years. 

• 1994    #12    First round    #5 Wake Forest    L 58–68
• 1997    #12    First round #5 Maryland   W 75–66
•                      Second round   #4 Arizona  L 69–73
• 1998    #14    First round    #3 Stanford    L 57–67
• 1999    #8    First round    #9 Tulsa    L 53–62
• 2018    #13    First round    #4 Auburn    L 58–62
• 2023    #12    First round    #5 San Diego State    L 57–63

2. CofC Basketball Is Coming In Hot

Charleston is entering the NCAA Tournament on a 12-game winning streak that they have been building upon since CAA conference play. 

The Cougars last loss came on Feb. 2 vs. UNCW. Charleston came up just short against the CAA rival with a final score of 80-74. 

3. College Of Charleston Coach Pat Kelsey Is Key

This season, Kelsey earned 2024 CAA Coach of the Year honors, the second COTY award in his career following his first in 2021 prior to leaving the Big South. 

The NCAA Tournament is not new scenery for Kesey as he helped his former program WInthrop clinch three trips to the NCAA Tournament. However the 2021 tournament was cancelled due to COID-19. 

Kelsey is considered one of the best mid-major coaches in the country and has already been drawing attention as a high major coaching prospect. His ability to bring Charleston to the forefront in a short period of time showcases not only his skill, but the trust and respect this team has behind him as they continue buying into his approach. 

4.Charleston Basketball Shines With No Stars

Charleston is a team that on any given night can have 3-5 players finish in double digit scoring. Leading the way this season for Cofc is junior guard Reyne Smith, averaging 12.8 points per game, Ante Brzovic trails closely behind averaging 12.3 points per game. 

The Cougars led the CAA in scoring averaging 80.5 points per game and also led in three pointers made averaging 10.5 per game. 

In their CAA Championship game they shot 13-30 from 3-point FG with Smith contributing six three-pointers of his own. A well balanced team where anyone can take on scoring will poise a challenging matchup for whoever they play entering the tournament.

5. CofC Basketball Will Make A Return

 After looking at the majority of this teams production coming form Reyne Smith, Ante Brzovic, and Ben Burnham Charleston looks to be in good hands. All the players named are juniors this year with eligibility remaining if they decide to return to Charleston. These players were also apart of the programs 2023 NCAA Tournament appearance and are gaining more reps and experience. 

Whether the Cougars make a March Madness run this year or not,  this will not be the final time we see Charleston. With key players possibly returning along with coach Kelsey the Cougars could find themselves in a position to win for big for seasons to come. 

Who does Charleston play in NCAA Tournament?

Charleston is set to play No.4 Alabama in the First  round of the  2024 NCAA Tournament

CofC Basketball Games In 2023-2024

Replays of Charleston Men's Basketball games from the 2023-24 season can be found here.

NCAA Basketball Tournament Bracket 

The bracket was announced on March 17. 

THE BRACKET IS SET 😤

let the madness begin pic.twitter.com/dF2y29XrEa

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 17, 2024

Here is the West Region: 

First look at the 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket WEST Region, where North Carolina is the No. 1 seed: pic.twitter.com/waZWD42wq1

— Kyle Boone (@kyletheboone) March 17, 2024

When Does The 2024 NCAA Tournament Start?

The tournament will begin with Selection Sunday on March 17, followed by the First Four on March 19-20. 

After the opening round is complete, the field will be set with the top 64 teams and the first round will start on March 21-22.

Watch NCAA Men's Basketball On FloHoops

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FloHoops Archived Footage

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