Kentucky wasnt the only Southeastern Conference team snubbed by the NCAA Tournament selection committee. Alabama and Tennessee also missed the cut, marking the first time in 39 years that the Wildcats, Crimson Tide and Volunteers were left out of the same NCAA Tournament.
The Cats (21-11) and Tide (21-12) are No. 1 seeds in the NIT, along with Southern Mississippi and Virginia.
Alabama was likely done in by late road losses at Florida and Mississippi which made a surprising run to the SEC Tournament title. The Tide beat Tennessee in the conference tournament but lost a rematch with the Gators on a neutral court.
We felt like we needed to play our way in and we werent fortunate enough to do that. Were thankful to have a chance to participate in the post-season, Alabama Coach Anthony Grant said.
Southern Miss (25-9) lost in double overtime to Memphis in the Conference USA title game with an NCAA bid on the line. The Golden Eagles will host Charleston Southern on Wednesday.
We believe we should have been in the NCAA Tournament, especially when you see some of the other teams that got in, Southern Miss Coach Donnie Tyndall said. But theres still opportunity for us and I believe well bounce back.
Virginia (21-11), which was blown out by North Carolina State in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals, hosts Nor-folk State on Tuesday.
Tennessee (20-12) is a No. 2 seed and hosts Mercer on Wednesday.
Maryland, Baylor and Massachusetts are also No. 2 seeds, with the Minutemen in line to host third-seeded Iowa if both teams advance.
Its definitely a good thing for us to be able to continue playing. Thats always an honor and a blessing, Iowa junior Devyn Marble said. Were looking forward to it and making sure we stay focused and take care of business. Were going to come in with the same focus and mindset wed have if they were a Big Ten team.
Florida State will face Louisiana Tech on Tuesday, and Saint Josephs will host St. Johns in an intriguing matchup in Philadelphia.


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