Introduction to Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University (A-State) is a public university located in Jonesboro, Arkansas. It is the second largest university in the state and offers more than 140 degree programs through its nine colleges. A-State has a long history of excellence in academics and athletics, and has consistently been ranked as one of the top universities in the nation.
A-State Athletics
A-State is well known for its athletic success, particularly in football and basketball. The school competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, and the men’s basketball team competes in the Sun Belt Conference. A-State is a member of the Sun Belt Conference and has won numerous conference titles in both football and basketball.
A-State’s NCAA Tournament History
A-State has a long history of success in both football and basketball, and has had some success in the NCAA Tournament. The men’s basketball team has appeared in the tournament seven times, but has never won a game. The most recent appearance was in 2019, when the Red Wolves lost to Auburn in the first round.
The 2019-20 Season
The 2019-20 season was a momentous one for the Red Wolves. A-State finished the season with a 24-7 record, the best in school history. They also won the regular season title in the Sun Belt and advanced to the Sun Belt tournament championship game. Despite their success, they were not selected to the 2020 NCAA Tournament.
Reasons for Not Making the Tournament
There are several reasons why A-State was not selected to the 2020 NCAA Tournament. One of the main reasons was their non-conference schedule. The Red Wolves played a relatively weak non-conference schedule, which included only two games against Power 5 opponents. This lack of quality opponents meant that their RPI (Rating Percentage Index) was not high enough to be considered for an at-large bid to the tournament.
The Impact of COVID-19
The 2020 NCAA Tournament was impacted significantly by the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament was initially postponed and then later cancelled. This had a major impact on the selection process, as teams that were originally considered for at-large bids were no longer eligible due to their conference tournaments being cancelled. This likely had an impact on A-State’s chances of making the tournament, as their conference tournament was cancelled and they were not eligible for an at-large bid.
Reaction from A-State Fans
Reaction from A-State fans was mixed. Some fans felt that the Red Wolves deserved to be in the tournament, while others were understanding of the circumstances and accepted the decision. Ultimately, A-State fans were disappointed, as the team had a historic season and deserved a chance to compete in the tournament.
Future Outlook
Despite not making the tournament this season, A-State looks to be in good shape for future success. The team returns all five starters from this season, and is expected to be one of the top teams in the Sun Belt next season. The Red Wolves also have the chance to make a strong non-conference schedule, which should help their RPI and improve their chances of making the tournament in 2021.
Final Thoughts
Arkansas State has had a long and successful history of athletics, and has had some success in the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, they were not selected to the 2020 tournament due to a weak non-conference schedule and the impact of COVID-19 on the selection process. Despite this, the Red Wolves have the potential to make the tournament in the future, and A-State fans will be eagerly awaiting their chance to see their team compete in March Madness.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas State has made seven appearances in the NCAA Tournament, but has never won a game.
- The 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which likely had an impact on A-State’s chances of making the tournament.
- The team returns all five starters from this season and is expected to be one of the top teams in the Sun Belt next season.
- A-State fans will be eagerly awaiting their team’s chance to compete in the NCAA Tournament.