ASU Denied, UofA Allowed

After a tremendous start, a disappointing end, and a few questionable calls in more ways than one, ASU’s remarkable turnaround season ends short. To add insult to injury, their in-state rival and arch nemesis, Arizona, whom they defeated twice this season for the first time in over a decade, actually made it into the dance by the skin of their teeth.

Other teams who fell short were Syracuse, Dayton and Virginia Tech (to name a few) who all had seasons better than some of those who were admitted.

The fact that Arizona was granted a slot after getting hammered by Stanford in the Pac-10 tournament and 3-9 against top 25 teams last season, while finishing 7th overall in the Pac-10 with a pathetic 8-10 record is beyond even the best sports analyst.

The fact that ASU didn’t get a bid after finishing the season with a better overall record, a better Pac-10 record, and the two victories against UofA is plain robbery. Especially since they played better in the Pac-10 tournament.

The argument, however, is that Arizona had a tougher schedule, injuries and diversity (Olson leaving) to overcome, and a better RPI. Even though that may be true, it’s complete garbage.

Arizona finished their worst season in two decades, they did not have a single convincing win against top teams, they were incredibly inconsistent, and they embarrassed themselves by losing eight of their last 12 games, including the trouncing by Stanford in the Pac-10 tournament. Most of those games they were playing healthy.

ASU, on the other hand, finished 5th in the Pac-10, completed their best season in the 2000’s, and showed that they can compete with the best of them. It’s true that they had an easier schedule. It’s true that their destiny lied in their hands, and some could argue that they dropped the ball with a terrible 5-10 second half of the season.

But what’s disappointing is the lack of reasoning behind the madness of the selection.

With two wins against UofA, ASU can be proud. With an amazing turnaround, they should be. If anything, maybe being slighted will light a fire that will torch their competition next year. They can get a head start by doing well in the NIT.

Either way, there is no question that ASU got the short end of the stick.

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