Kevin Cary: "Above the Rim"

Davidson out of NCAAs? Blame Sendek

If Davidson doesn’t make the NCAA Tournament this season, Herb Sendek might be partially to blame.

That might seem like a stretch – the much-maligned former N.C. State coach is now 2,000 miles away at Arizona State – but consider this:
Since Davidson won at Arizona State 75-70 Dec. 22, the Sun Devils have lost 13 straight games entering Thursday night’s game with UCLA. So, even though Davidson beat a major conference opponent on the road – typically a big boost for a mid-major team’s NCAA resume – Arizona State (5-18 this season) has turned it into just another win.

Arizona State’s RPI, according to realtimerpi.com, is now 246. That’s lower than all but three Southern Conference teams.

Davidson’s other nonconference opponents also haven’t helped. Duke, Missouri, Michigan, and Charlotte have all underachieved this season. That’s pushed Davidson’s strength of schedule down to No.187 this season, and its RPI down to 61.
-- Kevin Cary