Three-division structure leads to new OUA playoff format in upcoming quests for the Cup

Burlington, Ont. – New teams; new format. With the expansion of both OUA women’s and men’s basketball to 18 teams and the corresponding change to a three-division breakdown, the plan for postseason play will also differ from years past.

Upon completion of the regular season schedule, the top three teams in each division will automatically qualify for the postseason, along with the three teams – regardless of division – with the next best records, bringing the total participants to 12. Each of the three division winners will be seeded first, second, and third – based on their record and OUA tie-breaking formats – while the remaining nine playoff teams will follow, also seeded based on regular season results and any necessary tiebreakers.

The top four seeds in the playoffs will each receive a bye in the opening round, while seeds five through 12 will open up the single-game, bracket format postseason with the fifth seed hosting the 12th seed, the sixth seed hosting the 11th seed, etc. The four-round playoff structure will be capped off with a one-game final, to be hosted by the highest remaining seed.

In addition to the above format changes for this season, the opportunity will also exist for a bronze medal game to played on one or both of the women's and men's side. Should the Ottawa Gee-Gees make it to the Wilson Cup final, the men's bracket would include a bronze medal game to determine the third conference representative at the U SPORTS Final 8, while the same holds true should the Carleton Ravens make it to the Critelli Cup final. As hosts of these respective national championships, the aforementioned squads are already guaranteed a spot at the events. 

For complete details surrounding the rules and regulations for the 2019-20 basketball season, please refer to the sport-specific Rules & Regulations (Women | Men) documents.