[Paper Boy]

Tough loss indeed. But that can happen in the toughest hoops conference in the land. I would not mark them for the NIT just yet, but I do believe a bit much has been expected of a team that essentially has four new players in the lineup -- with Dean being the only major holdover from the Final Four squad of last year.
I am trying to be patient with the Cards, but they might simply be in for building year that none of us anticipated, but probably should have.
Besides, the NIT wouldn't be awful. Maybe they can play Kentucky in the second round.