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MU in the first NCAA tournament
Posted on: March 21, 2019 at 12:48:54 CT
FIJItiger MU
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The NCAA tournament first came into being during the 1938-39 season as an 8 team tournament (although it was officially called the National Association of Basketball Coaches Tournament the first year). In an era where being conference champs was a requirement to participate, MU won the Big 6 with a 7-3 record.
However, with the new tournament holding no real prestige and no future professional basketball careers on the line, MU declined a bid to the first NCAA tournament citing travel costs. Second place finisher Oklahoma went instead and after easily defeating first round opponent Utah State became the conference's first 'Final Four' participant as only one victory was required with only 8 teams in the field. They then lost to the eventual first winner of the tournament the Oregon Ducks.
Had MU not declined the invitation to the first NCAA Tournament they might have very realistically reached their first final four, and hearing about MU never making one would have never been a thing.
However, with the new tournament holding no real prestige and no future professional basketball careers on the line, MU declined a bid to the first NCAA tournament citing travel costs. Second place finisher Oklahoma went instead and after easily defeating first round opponent Utah State became the conference's first 'Final Four' participant as only one victory was required with only 8 teams in the field. They then lost to the eventual first winner of the tournament the Oregon Ducks.
Had MU not declined the invitation to the first NCAA Tournament they might have very realistically reached their first final four, and hearing about MU never making one would have never been a thing.
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MU in the first NCAA tournament - FIJItiger MU - 3/21 12:48:54