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The Colorado State Rams were one of the main basketball teams that were considered to have been snubbed by the NCAA tournament when the March Madness brackets were announced Sunday afternoon.
The Rams will have to overcome their disappointment in a hurry however, as they are a number one seed in the National Invitational Tournament. The Rams will host South Dakota State Wednesday evening at 8:00 p.m. MT.
CSU's Region
#1 Colorado State vs. #8 South Dakota State (8:00 p.m. on ESPNU)
#4 St. Mary's vs. #5 Vanderbilt
#3 Rhode Island vs. #6 Iona
#2 Stanford vs. #7 UC Davis
The Rams have a very difficult region. South Dakota State will be a good opening test for the Rams, and the availability of senior forward J.J. Avila might be questionable.
Avila was hurt and missed the San Diego State game during the Mountain West Conference Tournament. If the Rams advance, they will face either St. Mary's from the WCC or the SEC's Vanderbilt. The biggest name at the bottom of the region is Stanford, who is disappointed themselves in not making the NCAA Tournament.
Other number 1 seeds for the NIT are Old Dominion, Temple and Richmond.
Colorado State's game versus South Dakota State can be seen on ESPNU