March Madness: Seven biggest snubs from the 2018 NCAA Tournament
By Connor Hope
Saint Mary’s
Scheduling ruled the committee’s decision-making process this season, and Saint Mary’s was extremely lacking in this category. It was the biggest reason why the Top 25 team missed out on an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
With Emmett Naar, Calvin Hermanson and Jock Landale all playing their final year of college basketball, this was expected to be the Gael’s best team in recent memory. However, with just two good wins all season, there was not enough on the Gaels resume to overcome losses to Washington State, San Francisco, and BYU.
It is interesting how Saint Mary’s earned a bid last season without beating Gonzaga, but this year, as was the case two years ago, the Gaels beat their rival and still missed the tournament. It just goes to show you that talent alone does not get you a tournament bid. Teams must play good teams in their non-conference schedule.
Heading into the NIT, Saint Mary’s has to be one of the favorites to win the tournament, but it is certainly not where the Gaels expected to be. Jock Landale’s incredible career will end with another miss, and Randy Bennett’s scheduling will once again come under fire from fans and experts alike.