The UNO bid for a second NCAA tournament berth in three seasons came up short Saturday (March 16) in a Southland Conference championship loss to Abilene Christian in Katy, Texas.
The Privateers trailed by 15 points in the first half and never got closer than eight points in the second half of the 77-60 loss. Abilene Christian will play in the NCAA tournament in the second season of postseason eligibility after its transition from the Division II level.
UNO (19-13) reached the conference final with a semifinal win Friday against top-seeded Sam Houston State. The Privateers held the No. 4 seed and a first-round bye to the quarterfinal round of the eight-team tournament. The game Saturday with the third in three days for UNO.
UNO turned the ball over 13 times in the first half and trailed 40-29 at halftime. The deficit reached 15 points a second time in the second half before a 7-0 run drew UNO within 61-53. The Wildcats (27-6) ran away from there.
Bryson Robinson, one of two current players from the NCAA tournament team from two years ago, scored 14 points with four 3-pointers. Scott Plaisance added 13 points.
Although not qualified for the NCAA tournament, UNO could have a postseason opportunity. The school played last season in the College Basketball Invitational, an event in which schools submit a bid for a chance to play at home.
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