Sophia said Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson has gotten involved in the search for an alternative, and university officials said they’re anxious to keep the tournament in the area.
“We’re going to try to find a solution that works locally,” said Bill Macriss, interim athletic director at CSUS . “That’s the best option for our student-athletes ... and our fans.”
The final outcome could depend on the Hornets’ on-court performance; if the Hornets don’t win the regular season title, the tournament automatically goes elsewhere and the issue becomes moot. But even though the team has seven games left, and the regular season doesn’t end until March 7, the clock is winding down quickly on CSUS . Loghry said Big Sky officials need to know within 10 days or so which venue the university has designated for hosting the tournament.
“We’re trying to give them as much leeway as possible,” Loghry said. If the Hornets win the regular season but can’t or won’t host the tournament, the team that finishes second would take over.
Macriss said CSUS President Alexander Gonzalez’s plan is to have the university host the tournament, “regardless of where that would be.”
Even if the games are played in Reno, being the home team might still give the Hornets a better chance of winning the tournament – and catapulting the Hornets into their first-ever spot in the NCAA basketball tournament. Reno is a two-hour drive, close enough that CSUS fans could attend.
Macriss said a Sacramento-area location obviously would be preferable to taking the games outside the region.
“Knowing we still have some time, we haven’t stopped the process,” he added.
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