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2mo ago

South Alabama's NIT Invitation Rescinded After UC Riverside Reversal

The NCAA and NIT apologized for the error, but South Alabama's leadership criticized the handling of the situation as 'unacceptable' and 'avoidable.'

Nov 14, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; South Alabama head coach Richie Riley gives instructions to his team as the play Alabama at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
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Overview

  • South Alabama was invited to the NIT on Sunday, only to have the offer rescinded hours later due to UC Riverside reversing its decision to participate in the tournament.
  • UC Riverside initially committed to the College Basketball Invitational but later withdrew to accept the NIT invitation, creating the conflict.
  • South Alabama's coach Richie Riley and athletic director Joel Erdmann criticized the NIT's procedural error, describing the situation as 'unacceptable' and 'avoidable.'
  • The NIT and NCAA issued apologies, acknowledging the emotional impact of the confusion, but South Alabama called the apologies insufficient.
  • South Alabama's season ended with a 21-11 record and a share of the Sun Belt regular-season championship, with no postseason play.