College Basketball Invitational a possibility for Tulsa men's team
BY BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Sunday, March 17, 2013
3/17/13 at 7:33 AM
Following Friday's Conference USA Tournament semifinal loss to Memphis, University of Tulsa coach Danny Manning expressed a desire for "more basketball."
It appears that Manning and the Golden Hurricane may have the opportunity for more basketball. The university has submitted paperwork to College Basketball Invitational officials.
A TU source says that if the CBI calls on Sunday night, it is "highly likely" that the Hurricane would accept an invitation to compete in the 16-team tournament. It is expected that the Golden Hurricane would open with a road game. To host a home game in the CBI, a school is required to pay a fee of $35,000.
First-round games are played on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"Hopefully, we'll get an invite to go somewhere," Manning said. "It would be very beneficial to play in the postseason - not only for our young guys, but for our older guys, too. You want to continue to play as long as you can."
Said Tulsa freshman Shaq Harrison: "I want to play more. Since we're young, we could use that postseason to get better and start getting ready for next season."
With an overall record of 17-15, the Hurricane once again will be excluded from the NCAA Tournament field. TU hasn't been an NCAA participant since 2003. With an RPI standing of No. 142, the Hurricane doesn't appear to be positioned for NIT consideration.
In 2008, the Hurricane was the champion of the inaugural CBI. At the championship level of the tourney, TU and Bradley were matched in a best-of-three series. A Reynolds Center sellout crowd watched the Hurricane prevail in Game 3.
Original Print Headline: Hurricane hopes to continue play
Bill Haisten 918-581-8397
bill.haisten@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Tulsa's Shaq Harrison is guarded by Memphis' Geron Johnson during Friday's Conference USA semifinals at the BOK Center. JAMES GIBBARD / Tulsa World
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