NCAA Tournament 2016: Five biggest snubs on Selection Sunday

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Mar 5, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs forward Malik Pope (21) dribbles the ball as head coach Steve Fisher (right) looks on from the bench during the game against the UNLV Rebels at Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl. The Aztecs won 92-56. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

5. San Diego State Aztecs

The San Diego State Aztecs were the top-seed by far in the Mountain West Conference Tournament, but they fell in the tournament championship game to the Fresno State Bulldogs. There were plenty of people that thought that meant that two teams out of the Mountain West would make the NCAA Tournament, but apparently that was only a one-bid league and going 25-9 overall and 16-2 in the conference wasn’t enough to push the Aztecs into the field of 68.

It’s not just the record that San Diego State had overall or in the Mountain West that works to their credit, as well. They played a loaded schedule against four teams that received a No. 4 seed or better, including a victory over the Cal Golden Bears. Moreover, they ran through the softer parts of their schedule without too many major hiccups and certainly got better as the season went on.

While there were some rough losses for SDSU when they did have those hiccups, they quite clearly established themselves as one of the most exciting and best teams in college hoops this season and by far the most consistent team out of a traditionally quality Mountain West Conference. Sure, they should’ve won in the conference tournament final, but the Aztecs should also be dancing as part of the 68 teams in the 2016 NCAA Tournament.

Next: No. 4 Valpo

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