March Madness: Seven biggest snubs from the 2018 NCAA Tournament
By Connor Hope
Notre Dame
Heading into Selection Sunday, the biggest question facing college basketball fans was whether or not the Selection Committee would take Bonzie Colson’s injury into account when determining their fate. The Irish went 14-5 when their star forward was on the court, but only when 6-9 during his 15-game injury.
Notre Dame’s resume with Colson was as impressive as it gets. The Irish had a strong non-conference record, with wins over Wichita State and LSU. Losses to Ball State and Indiana are the only real black eyes on the Colson-backed resume.
While the committee chairman, Bruce Rasmussen, acknowledged that the injury to Colson was a factor in their decision, Davidson’s win in the A10 Tournament ultimately pushed the Irish out. While there will be debate over whether the Irish should have been considered at all, it makes sense that a bid steal would knock them out.
The absence of Notre Dame, like Saint Mary’s, will result in one of the nation’s best teams being forced into the NIT. It is a complete shame that the final season for Colson and teammate Matt Farrell will end in disappointment.