FORT COLLINS — Not every team is excited to play in the NIT.
Two years ago Colorado State wasn’t, and it showed.
The Rams were considered a safe bet to make the NCAA Tournament but never heard their named called on Selection Sunday. Three days later, as a 1 seed in the NIT, their 27-win season came to an abrupt end with a loss at home to South Dakota State.
CSU (23-11) is back in the NIT again, this time as a No. 4 seed set to host fifth-seeded Charleston (25-9) on Tuesday at Moby Arena (7 p.m., ESPN3). Unlike a couple years ago when the NCAA snub was still fresh, the Rams are actually happy to be here.
was a key reserve on that 2015 team and is determined not to go out like that.
“I’m a senior now. I’m not repeating the same thing again. I was there when that happened, and a lot of people wanted to be in the NCAA Tournament,” said Clavell, the team’s fourth-leading scorer a couple years ago. “It’s a blessing to be in the NIT. … It’s another chance to play with this team, and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
A couple years ago CSU coach Larry Eustachy said his team would be ready for the matchup against South Dakota State despite the disappointment of missing out on the big dance. Now, though, he admits that wasn’t the case and says that this time is different.
“We just weren’t ready to play,” he said. “I think it’s different this year. I hope it is. We really want to play.”
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