1997 TAAC men's basketball tournament

1997 TAAC men's basketball tournament
Classification	Division I
Season	1996–97
Teams	8
Site	John Kresse Arena Charleston, SC
Champions	College of Charleston (1st title)
Winning coach	John Kresse (1st title)
MVP	Anthony Johnson (College of Charleston)
TAAC men's basketball tournaments

The 1997 Trans America Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Tournament (now known as the Atlantic Sun Men's Basketball Tournament) was held February 27–March 1 at the John Kresse Arena at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina.

College of Charleston defeated Florida International in the championship game, 83–73, to win their first TAAC/Atlantic Sun men's basketball tournament.

The Cougars, therefore, received the TAAC's automatic bid to the 1997 NCAA Tournament, their first automatic bid to the Division I tournament. Charleston defeated Maryland in the First Round before falling to eventual-champion Arizona in the Round of 32.

Format

For conference scheduling, the 12 teams in the TAAC were separated into two six-team divisions. However, only the top eight teams in the standings, regardless of division, were invited to participate in the tournament. College of Charleston became eligible for the tournament this year after becoming a full Division I member. However, transitioning members Florida Atlantic and Jacksonville State were not eligible.

Bracket

	Quarterfinals Thursday, February 27					Semifinals Friday, February 28					Championship Saturday, March 1
	1	College of Charleston	89
	8	Centenary (LA)	71
						1	College of Charleston	93
						5	SE Louisiana	63
	5	SE Louisiana	61
	4	Campbell	55
											1	College of Charleston	83
											2	Florida International	73
	3	Samford	60
	6	Stetson	51
						3	Samford	67
						2	Florida International	90
	7	Georgia State	57
	2	Florida International	70