Ridiculous NCAA rule will keep one conference tournament champion from playing in March Madness

A dumb rule from the NCAA will prevent one conference tournament champion from competing in this year’s NCAA Tournament. Seriously.

On Tuesday night, Bellarmine defeated Jacksonville in the ASUN Championship Game. In most cases, that would mean Bellarmine is headed to the March Madness tournament with an opportunity to compete for a national title.

Not for the Knights.

Bellarmine is in just its second year of ASUN competition and playing at the Division I level. Per NCAA transition rules, the program is not eligible to compete for 4 years.

So, instead, Jacksonville State will head to the NCAA Tournament, earning the ASUN’s automatic bid. The Gamecocks won the regular season title.

Bellarmine wins the Atlantic Sun Tournament.

But Bellarmine is ineligible for the NCAA Tournament.

So Jacksonville State — who Jacksonville — who lost to Bellarmine tonight — beat in the semis — will go instead.

A MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE!

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 9, 2022

THE BELLARMINE KNIGHTS ARE CHAMPIONS!

PARTY ON, LOUISVILLE! pic.twitter.com/EytNo0ujiI

— Bellarmine Men’s Basketball (@BUKnightsMBB) March 9, 2022

It’s hard to imagine this rule is even still in place. Then again, this is the NCAA we’re talking about. A lot of the rules that are still being used make very little sense.

Unfortunately, this dumb rule will keep Bellarmine from playing in the NCAA Tournament. It’s really a crime to the players, coaches, fans and alumni.