![]() |
Dons Continue Practicing In Hope of NIT Call Sunday
March 11, 2005
Jessie Evans and the USF men's basketball team have continued practicing in hopes of an playing again in the NIT tournament next week.
USF's hopes are raised by several factors. The Dons competed in the West Coast Conference which ranked seventh in league RPI ratings this year. League champion Gonzaga earned the league's automatic bid and St. Mary's is expected to be granted an at-large NCAA spot.
The Dons, who have wins over four regular season conference champions in Penn (Ivy League) St. Joseph's (Atlantic 10), Gonzaga (WCC) and Pacific (Big West), have by far the best RPI and schedule strength of the WCC's remaining teams. USF also beat Big Sky tournament champion Montana. The Dons are the last team to defeat Gonzaga before their long winning streak and were the only team to beat Pacific at home.
USF also has the tradition of winning the 1949 NIT under Hall of Fame coach Pete Newell.
The 40-team NIT field is usually announced shortly after the NCAA field on Sunday evening.
Related Article:
Quality wins could earn Dons NIT bid; USF knocked off Pacific, Gonzaga, Penn (SFGate.com)



























