In the world of exhibition basketball. ...

[SelectionSunday]

#16 Arizona loses 69-68 to Division-II Seattle Pacific, 69-68. It was Arizona's first exhibition loss since November of 1984.

Seattle Pacific has now won 3 straight exhibitions vs. D-I opponents. Last year SP defeated Eastern Washington (Big Sky) and Nevada (WAC). They get another crack at a Pac 12 foe when they visit Washington on Nov. 4.

 

[Monty519]

This seems to happen more and more now. Those lower level squads get up for these big boys, plus there is talent at those levels. Combine that with a little apathy from the big dog and suddenly you have an upset.

 

[SelectionSunday]

For what it's worth, the announcers said Seattle Pacific has been to 7 straight D-II tournaments and that it's ranked #24 in D-II. SP was ahead by about 10-11 for a large share of the 2nd half, but 'Zona made a late run & missed a hurried shot at the buzzer that would have won it.

 

[CDH27]

Not a great start for one of Tyus' leaders.

 

[Gopher Warrior]

I'm sure Arizona isn't real happy with their performance, but it's hard to get very excited over these exhibition 'upsets'.

Remember when Le Moyne beat Syracuse in an exhibition game a couple of years ago? Really rattled them. 'Cuse struggled to a number 1 seed in the NCAA tourney.

 

[SelectionSunday]

I agree. The exhibitions don't mean a lot, especially to the big-name programs. MSU lost to Grand Valley State a few years ago (2007), yet still managed to get to the Sweet 16. After losing to Winona State in 2006, I wish our season turned out as well as Syracuse & MSU's did.