Beyond the Power 6: A Deep Dive into the Atlantic 10’s March Madness Potential
College basketball fans are intimately familiar with the Power 6 conferences. But beyond those familiar names lie 31 other conferences brimming with talent and tournament aspirations. This year, we’re turning our attention to the Atlantic 10 (A-10), a league that, despite its name, boasts 14 competitive teams and a growing reputation for sending squads to March Madness.
A-10 Tournament Dynamics: More Than Just an Auto-Bid
The A-10 tournament is a gauntlet. The top four seeds receive a double-bye into the quarterfinals, while teams 5-10 get a first-round bye. The bottom four face a play-in round. While the automatic bid is crucial for mid-major conferences, the A-10 has demonstrated the potential for multiple at-large bids in recent years, both in men’s and women’s basketball. Success in the conference tournament, and maintaining a strong NET ranking and Wins Above Bubble (WAB) score, are paramount for teams hoping to extend their season.
Men’s Basketball: Saint Louis and VCU Lead the Charge
As of February 18, 2026, Saint Louis held a 12-1 conference record, with VCU close behind at 12-2. George Mason, though stumbling with three consecutive losses, remains in contention at 9-5. Saint Louis is currently ranked 18th in the NET rankings, while VCU sits at 45th. Dayton (85th), George Washington (88th), and George Mason (98th) are similarly within the top 100.
Key players driving the men’s game include Dejour Reaves (Fordham) leading in points per game with 17.4, Frank Mitchell (St. Bonaventure) dominating the boards with 9.9 rebounds per game, and Christian Henry (Fordham) dishing out 5.1 assists per game. Tyler Cochran (Rhode Island) is a defensive force, ranking third in Division I in steals with 2.8 per game, and Justice Ajogbor (St. Joseph’s) leads in blocks with 2.4 per game.
Saint Louis’s success isn’t built on a single star, but rather a balanced attack with six players averaging between 4.2 and 5.7 rebounds. VCU, however, relies heavily on Terrence Hill and Lazar Djokovic, who are among the conference’s top performers in both scoring and rebounding.
Women’s Basketball: A Wide-Open Race
The women’s side of the A-10 is even more competitive. Rhode Island leads the conference with a 14-1 record, followed closely by George Mason at 13-2 and Richmond at 12-3. Richmond, despite recent losses, remains a dangerous team.
Maggie Doogan of Richmond is the standout player in the A-10, leading the conference in points (21.6), minutes (34.6), and several shooting categories. Her dominance, however, doesn’t guarantee a tournament berth, highlighting the conference’s overall depth.
Key Stats and Tournament Implications
For the men, Saint Louis (36th in WAB at 2.02) and VCU (47th in WAB at 0.72) are the most likely candidates for an at-large bid. George Mason (75th in WAB) needs a strong tournament showing to bolster its resume. On the women’s side, Richmond (42nd in NET) and Rhode Island (46th in NET) are in the best position, but the conference’s clustering makes for a potentially unpredictable tournament.
A-10 Leaders at a Glance (February 18, 2026)
| Men’s | Statistic | Player |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 17.4 | Dejour Reaves, Fordham |
| Rebounds Per Game | 9.9 | Frank Mitchell, St. Bonaventure |
| Assists Per Game | 5.1 | Christian Henry, Fordham |
| Steals Per Game | 2.8 | Tyler Cochran, Rhode Island |
| Blocks Per Game | 2.4 | Justice Ajogbor, St. Joseph’s |
| Women’s | Statistic | Player |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 21.6 | Maggie Doogan, Richmond |
| Rebounds Per Game | 9.3 | Alyssa Koerkenmeier, Saint Louis |
| Assists Per Game | 4.3 | Ally Sweeney, Richmond |
| Steals Per Game | 3.4 | Aryss Macktoon, La Salle |
| Blocks Per Game | 2.2 | Alyssa Koerkenmeier, Saint Louis |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the A-10? The Atlantic 10 is a collegiate athletic conference with 14 member institutions.
- How does the A-10 tournament work? The top four teams receive a double-bye, teams 5-10 get a first-round bye, and the bottom four play in a play-in round.
- Can the A-10 send multiple teams to March Madness? Yes, the A-10 has had multiple at-large bids in recent years.
- Who are the key players to watch in the A-10? Dejour Reaves (Fordham) and Maggie Doogan (Richmond) are among the conference leaders in scoring.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the NET rankings and WAB scores as Selection Sunday approaches. These metrics play a significant role in determining at-large bids.
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