Even Jack Bauer would have been excited by the recent 24-hour span experienced by the No. 23 ASU men’s basketball team.

It ended in Tempe on Sunday afternoon, as the Sun Devils gathered to watch the NCAA Tournament selection show.

Though they knew they were in, the Sun Devils were the 64th of 65 teams to hear their name called. The suspense was nearly fatal.

“I came in here with a chill attitude,” ASU senior Jeff Pendergraph said while he waited for ASU’s name to show up. “But now I’m on edge.”

After the viewing party, Pendergraph fielded questions from reporters. He started off the session by noting a historic moment.

“Y’all need to really take note of this,” Pendergraph said. “[ASU] Coach [Herb] Sendek just made a joke. For reals, it was funny. Like everybody was laughing, and I don’t think y’all recognize that. That’s big.”

Pendergraph, who often says Sendek has no sense of humor, was marveling at Sendek’s quip to finish his interview.

“[ASU media relations director] Doug [Tammaro] is going out to get a new swimsuit — a new Speedo — for the occasion,” Sendek said.

The occasion happens to be a dance. The Big Dance. And the No. 6 seed Sun Devils are headed to Miami for the first round of the NCAA Tournament to play No. 11 Temple.

The Owls (22-11) clinched their berth by winning the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament.

Pendergraph said he already had his outfit picked out for South Beach.
“Linen suit,” he said. “Linen top, linen shorts, sandals. Got it. Got two of ’em. ... I just got to go get some sunglasses, and I’m good.”

He said he also planned to text his good friend UA forward Jordan Hill to make plans to hang out in South Beach. That’s because the Wildcats will also play their first round game in Miami.

Ironically, Sendek was just minutes away from telling reporters his players wouldn’t be distracted by the city. He was also looking on as Pendergraph laid out his social plans.

“Coach Sendek’s talking about not going anywhere,” Pendergraph said. “But, c’mon now. I’m not going to get in any trouble. But it’s the tournament. It’s kind of like our spring break. It’s Miami.”

Pendergraph then looked over at Sendek and said, “I know he’s right there.”

The Sun Devils said they are happy to play their first-round game on Friday, to get an extra day of rest.

But Sendek isn’t wasting any time. He said his video staff was already in the process of gathering Temple footage, mere minutes after the viewing party.

Just a day earlier, ASU wasn’t in such a good mood.

The Sun Devils (24-9, 13-8 Pac-10) were walking off the court while USC celebrated a 66-63 win in the Pac-10 Conference tournament title game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

“I can’t really describe [my emotions] right now,” Pendergraph said after the game. “It’s a lot of stuff. I don’t want to say something crazy because I’m really upset right now.”

The Sun Devils led for 39:06 of the 40-minute contest. Aside from an early 3-2 lead, USC never led until junior guard Daniel Hackett buried two free throws to put his team up 64-63 with 42 seconds left.

Reach the reporter at alex.espinoza@asu.edu.