Gat-Rat Bull

After AAC tourney loss, Charlotte wants to keep playing - The Charlotte Post WWW.THECHARLOTTEPOST.COM 49ers would accept NIT berth following ouster by Temple Not that it makes us feel any better, but our old friends over at Charlotte would trade places with us in a second. 49ers’ head coach Aaron Fearne said... “[The NIT] is another opportunity for the guys to play and grow. Last year we played in the [College Basketball Invitational] and that was an awesome experience. Playing postseason basketball is generally very physical and competitive. You learn to perform under pressure to keep moving on because if you don’t, you’re done.” "Charlotte guard Lu’Cye Patterson is hoping to play in another postseason tournament for the 49ers’ seniors. Any postseason tournament, whether it be the NIT or NCAA tournament are big tournaments,” he said. “So, I am down to play, especially for the senior guys like Robert [Braswell] and Jackson [Threadgill]. I wouldn’t want this to be the last time they go out wearing a Niners jersey. So, whatever presents itself, the NIT or anything would be good momentum going into next season. I’m down to play if that opportunity presents itself.”

I didn't say I was excited to be in the NIT. I am, however, excited that I get to see this team play more games. Of course, I'm disappointed about missing out on the big tournament, but since that didn't happen, all we have left is the reality of the games USF does get to play. I plan to thoroughly enjoy every game left.

So by that logic, if we can't win the NCAA championship, no other championship is worth pursuing? I will remember (and most USF fans will remember) if we win the NIT, and that's all I care about.

So, why wouldn't a NIT Championship matter? It's not a JV trophy at all. There are some really great teams in that bracket. Not the least of which is our Bulls.

Serious question... Why would any school opt out of the NIT? I can think of legitimate reasons, but if it's only because they are butt-hurt for getting left out of the NCAAs, then I am embarrassed for them. It's another chance to keep competing.

I will be shocked if this team declines the inevitable NIT invitation. Declining the chance to keep playing and growing would not even come close to matching the messaging we've been hearing all season from the program.

Bid earner.

She definitely stepped it up!

Wilson three pointer count up to 4.

Wilson hits back-to-back threes. Nice! And another one. Three for her in the first half.

I'd rather the streak end in this probably meaningless game than in the AAC tournament.

Yup. They would destroy each other I guess.

love how you think.

Plus, if they were to play each other, someone on TBP could post, "USF will destroy us!".

C.W. Lambert is clearly projecting.

Not sure if anyone already mentioned this, but the baselines were crowded with a lot of photographers last night for the game. It was very noticable considering usually there are hardly any photographers there. It's almost like USF men's basketball is a big sports news story or something. The NCAA committee has to invite the hottest team in the nation, right? Just think of the Cinderella story line possibilities with this team. I mean, the Tampa Bay Times is running USF hoops stories. I think the rest of the nation would fall in love with our Bulls and our amazing head coach.

Anybody have metrics proving this? Also, does this "absolute truth" consider the future value of a football program once, let's say, USF gets to the ACC?

This is 100% correct, except I would use a much harsher word than "silly"...

Exiting was pretty easy for us last night. We stayed for the championship celebration and net cutting instead of waiting in the parking lot. By the time we left the parking lot madhouse had mostly settled down.

It was at least 90% filled from what I could tell. I walked around at halftime, and the lines for food and restrooms were down the hall. They even had a line for a popup concession stand behind us in the walkway behind section 213. The third level was pretty packed too. There were more empty seats in the club section than I expected, but even that was more full than usual. People love watching a winning team I guess.

I have a few lessons learned from last night's game that I'll have to remember for next season (since those will all be sold out games too, of course). Namely, don't try to go the back way unless you have lot 6 parking, arrive as early as possible, and Go Bulls!

Not sure if any of us know exactly when the injury really happened or how bad it was. At least, I don't know. If it happened pre-season that explains a lot. Whatever the reason, it is certainly disappointing to see her have a letdown this season. Can't coach that kind of height after all.

Wasn't Emma injured earlier this season. If so, maybe she is still not 100% recovered yet?

I still remember the 1990 Sunbelt tournament championship fondly. It was my sophomore year at USF. Hard to believe it's been 34 years. Just highlights how special this team and this season is Bulls fans new and old.

Man, the wait outside the YC was well worth it. The team looked so happy. Coach on the mic was awesome. He singled out the three returners for special recognition. He also said if we are excited now, just wait until we can get back there to welcome them home after they get to the Sweet 16. He said it in a way that has me believing!