March Madness: NCAA rescinds NIT invitation to South Alabama in bizarre move
The NCAA Tournament Selection Committee’s blunder in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) has left South Alabama in a state of disbelief and disappointment. The Jaguars were initially extended a bid into the NIT, only to have it rescinded just one hour later, leaving head coach Richie Riley and his team feeling robbed of an opportunity they had rightfully earned.
Riley expressed his frustration and disbelief at the situation, calling it unfair and a joke. He highlighted the hard work and determination of his players, who had fought tirelessly throughout the season only to have their hopes dashed at the last minute. The NCAA’s decision to rescind South Alabama’s bid was met with disbelief and anger, especially considering the team’s lack of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and underdog status.
While teams like West Virginia were disappointed to be left out of the NCAA Tournament, South Alabama’s situation was far worse as they had been given false hope before having it taken away. Riley detailed the sequence of events, explaining how UC Riverside’s commitment to another tournament led to the rescinding of South Alabama’s NIT bid.
The NIT issued an apology to South Alabama, acknowledging the emotional impact of the confusion. However, Riley was not appeased by the apology, calling it meaningless and expressing his disappointment in the NCAA’s handling of the situation. The Jaguars had an impressive 21-11 record on the season and had tied for the Sun Belt Conference regular season championship, only to fall short in the conference semifinals.
The abrupt reversal of fortune for South Alabama serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and often unfair nature of college sports. Despite the disappointment, Riley and his team are determined to move past this setback and continue to work towards their goals. The NCAA’s blunder in the NIT may have left South Alabama feeling cheated, but their resilience and determination will carry them through this difficult moment.
