ASU beats ASU !!

Yes, it's true. ASU (Arizona State) whupped up on ASU (Alabama State) in the first round of the NIT. Final score was 64-53. That's Jeff Pendergraph (above) and James Harden (below) doin' some serious dominating.

ASU also defeated the Southern Illinois Salukis (is that a cool team nickname, or what?) in the second round, 65-51. All that stands between Arizona State and a trip to the NIT Final Four is playing Florida, here, next Wednesday.

There is some disappointment in not being invited to the "Big Dance" NCAA Tournament, but frankly, this is an over-achieving team of overall modest talent. Perhaps it is better to be a big fish in a small pond, than first-round dog-meat for some national powerhouse. Bottom line - we're still playing hoops, while the under-achieving blue-chippers at UofA are sitting at home watching TV.