Back-up plan: NCAA tourney standbys not expecting a call

Official March Madness 2020 tournament basketballs are seen in a store room at the CHI Health Center Arena, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, March 16, 2020. Omaha was to host a first and second round in the NCAA college basketball Division I tournament, which was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

by: Associated Press

Posted: Mar 15, 2021 / 05:30 PM EDT

Updated: Mar 15, 2021 / 05:30 PM EDT

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Louisville Cardinals coach Chris Mack isn’t holding his breath waiting for the call that his team will replace another unable to play in the NCAA Tournament because of COVID issues.

Neither is Colorado State coach Niko Medved, whose team is second behind the Cardinals among four standby teams that could get in if another drops out.

CSU, Saint Louis and Mississippi have accepted NIT bids and will be No. 1 seeds in the 16-team field.

Louisville likely would have been a No. 1 seed but opted not to participate in the NIT after enduring two lengthy COVID-related pauses.