Big East Conference men’s basketball coaches expressed frustration with the NCAA after only three teams from the league qualified for the tournament this year.
Defending national champion UW is the No. 1 overall seed, with Marquette and Creighton both earning spots in the top 68. But the conference issued a statement as coaches such as Rick Pitino and Kim English spoke out about the alleged snubs. About that issue.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
The Big East Conference said it was disappointed that no “deserving” teams were selected for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. (Mitchell Leighton/Getty Images/File)
“We have great respect for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee and the time and effort they put into selecting and seeding teams for the NCAA Tournament,” the conference said. “This is an extremely challenging task, and we have received reports that this year’s upsets have added to the complexity and influenced the committee’s final spot selection.”
“Given the high level of play in our league, it is understandably very disappointing that some of the Big East’s worthy teams were not selected to participate. We look forward to making the Big East the best it can be next year. We will continue to work closely with schools over the next few months to position our schools to continue participating in March Madness in a manner befitting our status as one of the best conferences in college basketball. .”
Providence head coach Kim English signals to his players during a game against Villanova at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on February 4, 2024. (Mitchell Leighton/Getty Images)
Marquette’s Shaka Smart: DePaul’s ‘worst year ever’ led to lack of Big East schools in March Madness
Several conference tournament winners made impressive appearances, forcing the selection committee to make a high bid to the school that appears to be the favorite to win the conference title.
North Carolina State shocked North Carolina by winning the ACC Championship, while UAB won the American Athletic Conference by defeating Temple. That meant Florida Atlantic would get the big bid.
These are just a few of the teams that played a role in shutting out some schools in the Big East.
St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino watches a game against Creighton on February 25, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Porter Binks/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Seton Hall, Providence, Xavier and Butler will play in the NIT.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcast and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
