SoCon Fast Break

The regular season comes to an end, and the seating scenarios are enough to give any fan a headache! While ETSU has already clinched the outright title, the battle for the Top 6 is wide open. In this episode: ETSU at Mercer: The newly crowned champions take their #1 scoring defense into Macon to face the league's top-scoring offense. We discuss the "Barocco Okogie factor" and whether Mercer’s starters are battling "tired legs" down the stretch. Furman at Western Carolina: The Catamounts are the hottest team in the SoCon with a 5-game winning streak. We analyze the Julian Somalo injury factor and the specific tiebreaker scenarios that could vault WCU into the Top 6. UNCG at Samford: In a rematch of an 89-82 thriller, can Lennie Acuff’s Bulldogs avenge their early-season loss? We explore Samford's motion offense and why the Spartans likely won't repeat their 70% shooting performance from the perimeter.Chaos is coming to the SoCon!Presented by Ingles Markets

It's a Thursday night matchup in the Scenic City as the UNCG Spartans head to "The Roundhouse" to take on the red-hot Chattanooga Mocs. With the Southern Conference standings tightening, this is a "must-win" situation for a Spartan team trying to snap a two-game slide and secure a top-six finish.In this episode:The First Matchup: A look back at the January 1st season opener where UNCG took a 77-72 victory by dominating the interior and getting to the free-throw line 31 times.Battle of Styles: Why Chattanooga’s 3-point reliance (39% of their points) clashes with UNCG’s need to score from the charity stripe (21% of their points).Inside Presence: The importance of Justin Neely and K.J. Younger to pull the defense away from the perimeter.The Health Factor: How the availability and rhythm of Chattanooga’s personnel, specifically Collin Mulholland, could shift the tide for the Mocs.SoCon Founder's Day: A special tribute to the 105th anniversary of the Southern Conference, officially founded on February 25, 1921.Can UNCG slow down Chattanooga's offense?Presented by Ingles Markets

Wednesday night in the Southern Conference is a powder keg with implications all over the standings. On today’s episode, we break down two massive matchups that will define the race for the #2 seed and the crucial first-round byes in Asheville.In this episode:The #1 Seed Response: How ETSU will handle the "mountaintop" after clinching their first regular season title since 2019-20.The "Back-Breaker" Stats: A look back at how ETSU’s 19 points off turnovers and 26-of-28 free throw shooting dismantled Wofford in their last meeting.Wofford’s Path to Victory: Why the Terriers must turn the game into a perimeter battle to overcome the interior dominance of Cam Morris III and Blake Barclay.The Closer: Evaluating the impact of SoCon Player of the Week Brian Taylor II as he looks to shut the door in Johnson City.Barnburner in Cullowhee: Can Western Carolina extend their four-game winning streak to secure a top-six position? Mercer’s Road Test: Whether the Bears can replicate their January dominance when they jumped out to a 13-0 lead against the Catamounts.The Difference Makers: The impact of Armani Mighty’s double-doubles and the ability of guys like Zaire Williams to provide extra offensive production.Can WCU make it 5 in a row?Presented by Ingles Markets

Samford’s Jadin Booth is officially the most dangerous threat from deep in college basketball. In this special Player Edition of SoCon Fast Break, we sit down with the man known as "Jadin Buckets" to go beyond the stat sheet and explore the incredible journey that led him to the top of the national rankings.Jadin opens up about his unique path through the transfer portal and how a devastating knee injury—which he once feared might end his career—actually paved the way to Samford, his marriage, and a renewed sense of purpose.In this episode:The Sniper’s Mentality: Why Jadin’s "keep it simple" approach is the secret to leading the nation in three-pointers made per game.Life Under Lennie Acuff: Insights into the Princeton-style offense and the "life quotes" that guide the team daily.Beyond the Court: The heart behind the Jadin Booth Elite Camp in Omaha and his dedication to giving back to "Ashton’s Army".Family First: Balancing life as a "true OG" on the roster, his marriage to fellow athlete Kiki Morris, and the excitement of becoming a father.The Inspiration Award: What it meant to receive the Ryan Turell Inspiration Award in Kansas City.Asheville Outlook: Why Samford believes they are a "dangerous team" that can beat anyone when the tournament begins.Can Jadin help lead Samford to a SoCon Tournament Championship?

The #1 seed is officially set, but the pathway to Asheville remains a total mystery. We look at ETSU's dominant run to the top of the Southern Conference and discuss whether anyone can catch them in the tournament.In this episode:The Clinch: How ETSU secured the top seed with a massive road win and some help from Furman.The "Gold Standard": Why health and consistency made the Bucs the best team in the league this year.Offense vs. Defense: We debate if "great offense trumps great defense" in today’s SoCon.Awards: We name our Team of the Week and explain why Brian Taylor II is the ultimate "closer".Power Rankings: A fresh look at the top 10, including UNCG’s recent slide and Chattanooga’s offensive explosion.Final Week Preview: Looking at high-stakes matchups like Furman at Western Carolina and UNCG at Samford.Can anyone stop the Bucs?Presented by Ingles Markets

It is Separation Saturday in the Southern Conference, and the stakes couldn't be higher as we head into the final stretch before Asheville! ETSU is on the verge of clinching the regular-season title and the #1 seed—we walk through their path to the top. Plus, the Samford Bulldogs are the hottest team in the league, looking for their 7th straight win as they visit Mercer.In this episode:ETSU at UNCG: Can the Spartans play spoiler against the league leaders?The Clinch Scenario: How the Bucs can wrap up the #1 seed this weekend.Samford at Mercer: Analyzing the Bulldogs' win streak and why Brady Shoulders is the X-factor for the Bears.Game Predictions: Who stays hot and who stumbles on the road?SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Join us LIVE for a special SoCon Fast Break Gameday pregame show this Saturday at 5:30 PM ET! We’ll be broadcasting from Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium ahead of the Furman–Wofford rivalry game.Presented by Ingles Markets

Will Furman avenge their 15-point collapse, or can ETSU bounce back in this OT thriller rematch? We’re breaking down the keys to the game, the impact of Asa Thomas and Charles Johnston, and our official prediction. Plus, a massive road test for UNCG at Western Carolina.Highlights:The Rematch: Can Furman finish the job this time against the Bucs?The X-Factors: Why Asa Thomas and Charles Johnston are the names to watch.In This Episode:0:43 – ETSU vs. Furman: Breaking down the rematch3:27 – 4 Keys for an ETSU victory6:56 – Player Impact: Thomas & Johnston8:31 – Official ETSU vs. Furman Prediction11:19 – UNCG vs. WCU: Matchup and PicksCan Furman hold onto a lead this time?Presented by Ingles Markets

With only two weeks until the Southern Conference Tournament descends on Asheville, the race for the top seed is reaching a fever pitch. Samford and UNCG have officially shown they're the hottest teams right now, but can they keep it up before the bracket is set?In This Episode:The Big Two: Analyzing Samford’s 5-game tear and UNCG’s relentless 4-game win streak.Player Spotlights: How Jadin Booth’s offensive explosion and Justin Neely’s dominance on the glass are changing the scouting reports.Trouble in Johnson City? We discuss if current #1 seed ETSU is starting to slide at the worst possible moment.The Power Rankings: Our weekly look at who’s actually the best in the league right now.Breaking News: Everything you need to know about the new Big South-SoCon Scheduling Alliance and what it means for the league’s future.If you love SoCon hoops, make sure to rate and review the show!Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@soconfastbreakPresented by Ingles Markets

Three of the hottest teams in the Southern Conference are on a collision course this Saturday, and something has to give. With Samford and ETSU both riding four-game winning streaks into their showdown, and UNCG looking to extend its own streak against second-place Wofford.In This Episode:[00:44] Wofford vs. UNCG: Can the Spartans make it four in a row, or will the Terriers play spoiler?[09:18] Samford vs. ETSU: The Battle of the Four-Game Win Streaks. Who blinks first?[19:26] Rapid Fire: Quick hits on Furman/VMI, The Citadel/Mercer, and a massive clash between WCU and Chattanooga.Which streak ends on Saturday?Check out our video deep dives on YouTube: youtube.com/@soconfastbreakPresented by Ingles Markets

Football is officially in the books, which means the road to Asheville is heating up! In this episode of SoCon Fast Break, we dive into the mid-February madness where the "baked-in" identities of teams are being tested by injuries, upsets, and some seriously head-scratching performances. In this episode:The Power Shift: Are ETSU and Wofford turning this into a two-horse race? We discuss their consistency and how they've managed to avoid the "roller coaster" rides affecting the rest of the league. The "Hiccup" Week: Mercer and Furman both had weeks they’d rather forget. We debate whether Mercer’s 49-point outing against Samford was a fluke or a sign of fatigue. Samford is Surging: The Bulldogs have found their defensive teeth, holding Mercer to 27% from the field and moving within striking distance of the top three. Justin Neely’s Masterclass: From record-tying free throw attempts to game-winning "ice in his veins" moments, we break down why the UNCG star is the clear Player of the Week. Road Warriors: We celebrate The Citadel’s recent success on the road and wonder if Western Carolina can fix their travel woes before it’s too late. Team of the Week: We’re split between the UNCG Spartans and the ETSU Buccaneers. Player of the Week: A unanimous nod to Justin Neely for his dominant double-doubles. Power Rankings: We shuffle the deck as teams 4 through 7 are now separated by only a single game. Is anyone safe from chaos in the SoCon?

We have officially crossed the ten-game mark of the Southern Conference slate! With the 18-game journey to Asheville more than halfway complete, the standings are beginning to harden. This week, we analyze the "Second-Half Surge" and whether anyone can crack ETSU's defensive shell as the hunt for the top seed intensifies.In this Episode:Contenders Separate: We're starting to see clear separation of the top four teams, and why the middle of the pack remains dangerous but inconsistent.Giant Killers: Western Carolina’s 90-88 thriller over ETSU. The Catamounts have officially swept the season series against the first-place Bucs.The Citadel’s Climb: After not winning a conference game last year, Ed Conroy has the Bulldogs sitting at 5-5 and playing "infinite growth" basketball.Injury Impact: How teams like Furman are weathering the storm with a "next man up" culture while others struggle to find depth.Stat of the Week: We’re going back to Charleston! The Citadel leads the nation in overtime wins this season with three, and they’ve secured back-to-back conference wins for the first time since 2023.Player Spotlight: We debate the Player of the Week candidates, including a 33-point career high from Furman’s Alex Wilkins and the dominant double-double machine Justin Neely.Mid-Season Power Rankings: We re-rank the league from 10 to 1 and preview the massive #1 vs. #2 clash between ETSU and Wofford.Is the race for #1 in SoCon over?Presented by Ingles Markets

Not even a winter storm could slow things down in the Southern Conference!We discuss the "Winter Storm 2026" scheduling shakeup and a week of basketball that defied the odds. From a historic comeback in Charleston to a superstar performance in Spartanburg, the SoCon is starting to see some separation at the top of the standings.In this Episode:The 0.5% Miracle: A dive into The Citadel’s legendary 19-point comeback against Furman—one of the "greatest escapes" in program history.Kahmare Holmes is a Problem: After a 36-point explosion against Samford and a near triple-double against Mercer, Holmes is our clear Player of the Week.Power Rankings: ETSU (7-1) remains the frontrunner, but Wofford (6-2) is surging into second place. We break down the "Big Four" and the battle to stay out of the opening night in Asheville.Gritty Road Wins: How ETSU found a way to win in the "Battle of Tennessee" despite a tough shooting night at Chattanooga.Free Throw Madness: Discussing Samford's ridiculous second-half turnaround at the line—missing 10 of their first 13, then hitting 18 of their final 19.Featured Players & Teams: We highlight standout performances from Sola Adebisi (The Citadel), Jadin Booth (Samford), Blake Barkley (ETSU), Justin Neely (UNCG), and Tom House (Furman).What surprises will we see this week?Presented by Ingles Markets

In this "Coach Edition" of SoCon Fast Break, we sit down with Mercer head coach Ryan Ridder to discuss the Bears' explosive start to the conference season. Coach Ridder shares how his team transitioned from a defensive-focused group in the summer to becoming the most efficient, high-octane offense in the Southern Conference today.In this episode:The Offensive Explosion: Insights into the "mind-boggling" numbers Mercer is putting up and the development of Baraka Okojie and Armani Mighty.Building a Program: Coach Ridder shares his blueprint for quick turnarounds and his non-negotiable core values: toughness, unselfishness, and being a great teammate.A Family Affair: The impact of working alongside his brother, assistant coach Reed Ridder, and growing up in a legendary coaching family.The "Aerospace" Advantage: Does an Aerospace Studies degree from Embry-Riddle actually help with offensive efficiency?.Recruiting for Fit: How the staff identified the specific pieces—shooting, IQ, and toughness—needed to compete at the top of the SoCon.Life Beyond the Court: Coach talks about his transition to the Blackstone grill, his golf game, and the importance of being present with his wife and three daughtersWhat's the ceiling for Mercer this year?Presented by Ingles Markets

A third of the way through the conference slate, the SoCon is reaching a fever pitch, with elite individual performances and a wild week in which road teams dominated, winning 8 of 10 games. In this episode:Nationally Dominant: A deep dive into Armani Mighty’s historic week for Mercer, including a 25-rebound performance against VMI—the most in college basketball since 2023. Team of the Week: Why the Chattanooga Mocs earned the honors after a perfect 2-0 road trip, and Coach Dan Earl secured his 150th career victory. Road Warriors: Analysis of the "gold trophy" wins from the past week, including Western Carolina’s upset of ETSU and Blake Barkley’s last-second heroics. Rebounding Powerhouse: Examining the national stats that show the Southern Conference currently boasts three of the top 16 rebounders in the entire country.Power Rankings: We reveal our updated 1–10 list as the hunt for the regular season championship intensifies. Can anyone stop Armani Mighty?Presented by Ingles Markets

What does it feel like to get the "dream job" call just days before the season begins? We’re joined by Wofford Head Coach Kevin Giltner to pull back the curtain on his "whirlwind" return to Spartanburg and the Terriers' impressive 3-1 start to Southern Conference play.In this exclusive Coach Edition of SoCon Fast Break, Giltner shares:The Sudden Call: His "I'm in" moment and the emotional reality of taking over his alma mater in a matter of days.Relationship-First Culture: Why he prioritized getting to know his players' "why" over X's and O's during his first month as a "firefighter".Freshman Impact: Highlighting why this year's rookie class—including Brian Sumpter and Chace Whatley—is one of the best the league has seen in years.The I-85 Rivalry: A preview of what to expect when Wofford heads to the new Timmons Arena to face Furman.Plus, Coach Giltner shares his respect for the elite coaching in the SoCon and how he spends his rare off-days hiking with his family in national parks.Presented by Ingles Markets

The Southern Conference hierarchy is beginning to take shape. This week was defined by breakthroughs, defensive masterclasses, and an offensive explosion in Macon that has the rest of the league on high alert.In this episode:The Streak is Over: Analysis of The Citadel’s emotional overtime win against Western Carolina, snapping a 37-game losing streak against Division I opponents and the "electric" atmosphere at McAlister Fieldhouse.ETSU’s Dominance: Why the Bucs are the lone 4-0 team in the league, boasting a top-30 national scoring defense and the emerging impact of high-major transfer Blake Barkley.Mercer’s Offensive Clinic: How the Bears averaged a staggering 105 PPG this week, highlighted by a 109-point performance where they shot 63% from both the field and beyond the arc.Chattanooga’s Season-Saver: Why the Mocs' victory over Samford was a "must-win" for their postseason aspirations, despite ongoing injury struggles.The 500 Club: We look at the parity in the middle of the pack, including UNCG’s rebounding dominance with Justin Neely and the efficiency of Jadin Booth for Samford.The team of the Week: ETSU and the Player of the Week: Mercer's Baraka OkojieIs ETSU the best team in the SoCon?Presented by Ingles Markets

After just two games of conference play, the standings are already providing surprises, from winless starts for preseason contenders to dominant defensive statements.In this episode:The Power Rankings Shift: Why ETSU claims the #1 spot with their elite defensive efficiency.National Recognition: Nils Machowski’s historic week for Wofford, earning him Lou Henson National Player of the Week honors after averaging 32 points per game.Physicality & Ball Security: How UNCG pulled off a nearly impossible stat—zero turnovers in the second half against Samford.Scoring Threats: Why Jadin Booth is proving to be the most dangerous pure scorer in the league for Samford.Early Upsets: Recapping Western Carolina’s overtime thriller at Furman and VMI’s statement win over Chattanooga.Games to Watch: Wofford and UNCG, battle for a chance to start 3-0—a mark that historically guarantees a top-three finish in the final standings.What observations have you made after two conference games?Presented by Ingles Markets

Conference play in the Southern Conference is officially here, and the quest for Asheville begins now! In This Episode:Conference Tip-Off: We preview the opening slate of games, including the 106th season of SoCon basketball, tipping off with ETSU at The Citadel.Surprise Standings: Discussing Wofford’s unexpected rise under Kevin Gilder and the challenging non-conference schedules of teams like Western Carolina.The "Penthouse" Quadrant: A look at the statistical relationship between points in the paint and fast-break points. Why Mercer, Wofford, Furman, and ETSU are leading the way in offensive efficiency.Players of the Week: Celebrating Chattanooga’s Jordan Frison and Wofford freshman Jaden Tyler for their explosive performances.Special Guest: Ben Vander Wal (Furman Paladins)Who will climb to the top of the conference standings?Presented by Ingles Markets

MID-TERM GRADES: Final exams are over and conference play is just two weeks away! We transition from observations to definitive trends handing out official mid-term grades for all 10 teams!In This Episode:ETSU Buccaneers (Grade: A-): Brook Savage has the Bucs (8-3) at the top of the class with a NET of 100 and elite defensive metrics.Mercer Bears (Grade: A): The surprise of the league. Ryan Ridder’s offense is clicking, and they proved their top-tier status by leading Clemson at halftime.Wofford Terriers (Grade: B+): Kevin Giltner has righted the ship. The Terriers are the most "connected" unit in the league with a surging freshman class.Samford Bulldogs (Grade: B): Finding their rhythm after a brutal early schedule. The Booth/Faulkner duo is a recipe for a deep March run.Furman Paladins (Grade: B): Peaking at the right time. Alex Wilkins is the clear freshman phenom, and the frontcourt size is a nightmare for opponents.VMI Keydets (Grade: C+): Resiliency in Lexington! Even without preseason POY Ricky Bradley Jr., the Keydets are battling and securing D1 wins.Chattanooga Mocs (Grade: C+): Preseason favorites turned "mash unit." We analyze if they can survive the injury bug before January.Western Carolina Catamounts (Grade: C): The league’s best rebounding team (40+ RPG) still searching for perimeter consistency.UNCG Spartans (Grade: C-): Defensive struggles for Mike Jones? Giving up 83 PPG is uncharacteristic—can they flip the switch?The Citadel Bulldogs (Grade: D+): Searching for that elusive D1 win while battling defensive hurdles and a long losing streak.What's the biggest mid-term grade surprise?Presented by Ingles Markets

We break down the SoCon's Top 10 Storylines, separating early trends from final conclusions as the league will turn their attention to conference play soon!In This Episode:SoCon Frontrunners: ETSU's defensive dominance and Mercer's high-scoring backcourt (led by Baraka Okojie) are signaling championship trajectories.Freshman Phenom: Why Alex Wilkins (Furman) is playing like a seasoned star and Kevin Giltner (Wofford) is the early frontrunner for Coach of the Year.The Crisis: The biggest mystery—Rickey Bradley Jr.'s undisclosed injury (VMI). Plus, analyzing UNCG's surprising defensive struggles and The Citadel's historic losing skid.League-Wide Concern: Why the SoCon NET ranking dipping to No. 21 impacts NCAA Tournament seeding and the chances of a second bid.Barometer Week: A look at the final key non-conference tests for Mercer, ETSU, and Chattanooga.What storyline is missing?Presented by Ingles Markets