 He did this fifteen minutes before the team's final game of the season, against rival Ole Miss.Colvard claimed in a statement, "In answer to a manifestation of interest and in light of my best judgment, it is my conclusion that as responsible members of the academic community and of the SEC we have no choice other than to go.Accordingly, as president of MSU I have decided that unless hindered by competent authority I shall send our basketball team to the NCAA competition."