After amassing a 22–10 record, including 10 wins in their previous 11 games, and ranking with an RPI in the middle 30s, Hinson and his squad were disappointed to be omitted from the (then) 64-team NCAA Tournament field. However, the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) came calling, and SMS drew a first-round matchup at home with Southern Methodist, whom they defeated handily. On the road at Ole Miss in the second round, Hinson and his Bears did not fare as well, getting blown out to the Rebels.