‘No Respect': Boise State Left Out of March Madness Tournament

Boise State has had a big year--but unfortunately, it seems to be ending on a bittersweet note.

Basketball fans know that yesterday, March 16th, was one of the biggest days of the entire year: Selection Sunday. Dubbed 'the greatest sporting event on earth' by legendary basketball coach and Hall of Fame nominee Mark Few, 'March Madness' will soon takeover workplaces and homes across America.

The top 68 basketball programs in the nation have been mapped out on one big bracket and a national champion will be crowned after weeks of upsets and drama.

Speaking of drama--it's already begun here in Boise--as the Boise State Broncos were 'snubbed', according to many fans.

In what would have been Boise State's fourth consecutive year in the tournament (no small feat), the Broncos were left by the wayside while conference foe San Diego State was one of the final teams to make the cut-- a team that Boise State defeated just days ago.

The real drama? Boise State was 'on the bubble' with one major program, the legendary University of North Carolina, who has had a lackluster year. Most argued the Tarheels had no business making the cut--however, they landed a spot in a play-in game. We should note--the Chair of the March Madness Selection Committee is their Athletic Director.

Fans in Boise? Not so happy about this one.

It's customary for the committee chairs to do some interviews after bracket selections are made.

They were explicitly asked about Boise State being left out of the field. Their response, below:

Yes--that BIG win against Houston early in the season seems to have carried San Diego State a long way. They also beat Boise State twice during the regular season. Boise State's biggest win? Clemson--here in Boise--also early in the season. According to the committee, that just wasn't enough. Ahead of Selection Sunday, head coach Leon Rice expressed why his team was worthy:    

Despite his logic, the Broncos fall short.

Fans have to wonder what went on in deliberation during Boise State's time on the docket. Just a couple of years ago, San Diego State played in the national title game. Boise State has the nation's longest losing streak for March Madness games. Did that weigh in?

It's all irrelevant now--the Broncos are going to have to try again next year.