Princeton’s run to the Sweet 16 shows how much selection committee under-ranks mid-majors

It’s the madness that makes March so special, and the past few days have been absolutely bonkers.

And Princeton continued as one of the poster children for why this is the greatest month in sports, with the 15th-seeded Tigers reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history with Saturday’s 78-63 win over Missouri at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.

But as the NCAA Tournament’s latest uplifting underdog scenario plays out, Princeton also symbolized what’s becoming an increasing problem for the Big Dance.

More:Don’t call them a Cinderella: Princeton dominates Missouri, advances to Sweet 16

The Ivy League champs were the best team on the court from start to finish. They shredded the Missouri defense, and limited the fourth-place SEC team’s ability to get out on the fast break.

Note to selection committee: There are hidden gems

It’s just the latest example of the selection committee badly under-ranking a mid-major program, as it becomes increasingly clear that those teams are not getting the respect they deserve. And it’s the New Jersey teams the past two years that have made it clear that metrics don’t measure things like heart and determination.

Princeton Tigers forward Tosan Evbuomwan (20) drives the ball against Missouri Tigers guard DeAndre Gholston (4) during the first half at Golden 1 Center

It’s time for the committee to start catching on to the level of play some of these supposed lesser leagues, which are increasingly making their seeds look silly.

More:March Madness: Mitch Henderson’s mentors proud as Princeton dances on; Missouri next

Rugged Ivy League

Anyone who watched the Ivy League this season saw how ultra-competitive it was. Every game was a battle. And Princeton wasn’t even the best team during the second half of the season. Yet the Tigers have obliterated the bracket, beginning with Thursday’s takedown of top-seeded Arizona.

It was the same blueprint a year ago for Saint Peter’s, the first 15-seed to reach the Elite Eight. The MAAC was brutal night-in and night-out, and what emerged was a battle-hardened squad that took down Kentucky, Murray State and Purdue before falling to national finalist North Carolina.

Story continues

Already this year it was Furman advancing as a 13-seed, and FDU puling off the biggest stunner of all, emerging from the play-in game to become just the second 16-seed ever to advance, beating Purdue.

More:March Madness: Princeton basketball, channeling past, stuns Arizona

New Jersey’s best?

Princeton looks like the best team from New Jersey right now, bad losses and all. By contrast, if Rutgers had received an invitation, like they should have, the Scarlet Knights, having lost 7 of their last 10, likely would have been an 11 seed. And they ended up getting knocked out in the first round of the NIT.

And while it’s not fair to Princeton, how about Arizona, which worked hard all season to secure a No. 2 seed, and deserved a softer first foe.

For Princeton, it’s a metrics-based spiral they can’t escape right now. Head coach Mitch Henderson has repeatedly expressed his frustration with his inability to get high-major programs – most notably Rutgers – to play his team. They couldn’t schedule a single high-major this year. That after knocking off South Carolina and Oregon State last season. So it’s difficult for the Tigers to improve their resume.

At least privately, Missouri had to be ecstatic after Princeton dispatched a Pac-12 power in Arizona.

But it’s the latest example of the quality of the teams mid-major leagues are producing. And it’s about time the selection committee starts giving some of the teams the respect they deserve.

This is a breaking news story, so check back later for more from the post-game press conference.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Princeton basketball Sweet 16 run shows how under-ranked mid-majors are