3/20/2008 Arizona State University vs. Southern Illinois University, National Invitation Tournament, Wells Fargo Arena, Tempe, AZ


 13 years ago today...

March 20, 2008 - Tempe, AZ

Arizona State Sun Devils hosted my alma mater Southern Illinois University in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena.

It was a postseason home game for ASU, the #1 seed in the region, and winners over the Salukis 65 - 51.  The Devils were led by beardless freshman James Hardin with 16 pts 7 assists. Salukis came in to the game beat up and without starters including all conference point guard Bryan Mullens.  Today, Mullens is the Salukis head basketball coach.

Great seats were easy to come by and we were just a few rows off the court, part of a small but spirited group of Saluki fans.  It was fun to have the Dawgs play here, but the game was never in doubt.

Southern Illinois won the NIT in 1967, back when it meant something and a true national championship, versus today when the winner is team 65 behind the NCAA March Madness field.  Walt "Clyde" Frazier was the star of the champs who beat Marquette at Madison Square Garden for the title.

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