ASU Basketball: After Oregon loss, are the Sun Devils still in the NCAA Tournament field?
By Trevor Booth
ASU basketball was eliminated by Oregon in the semifinals of the Pac-12 Tournament, leaving its NCAA Tournament fate with the committee on Selection Sunday.
Friday night was brutal. But for Arizona State, the only way to move is forward.
The Sun Devils (22-10, 13-7 Pac-12) were defeated by Oregon (22-12, 13-8), 79-75, in the semifinal round of the Pac-12 Tournament, ending the latest chance at the program’s first conference tournament title.
With the loss, ASU is no longer in control of its NCAA Tournament destiny. Oregon stole the Pac-12’s automatic bid after beating Washington. As for the Sun Devils, they’ll hope to be awarded an at-large bid for the second straight season.
Despite that uncertainty, coach Bobby Hurley expects to see his team in the Tournament field, which will be announced on CBS’ Selection Sunday show at 3 p.m. this afternoon.
“When the committee looks at our season, I think that we’ll be rewarded for being great in the non-conference, beating the No. 1 team in the country at one point and having a very strong effort in the league,” he said.
ASU’s resume reflects an impressive 11-6 record against Quadrant 1 and Quadrant 2 opponents in the NET rankings, including wins over Kansas, Utah State, Washington and Mississippi State. This is a good sign, based on the selection committee’s emphasis toward quality wins.
But there is a caveat. The Sun Devils also have a combined four losses against Q3 and Q4 foes, which is a worse mark than several bubble teams.
Hold your breath, ASU fans. Let’s check out where the Sun Devils stand before their name is potentially called.