Didn't we have a game - and my memory could be failing me here - where we literally had a chance to win on the last possession, and Tavaras Hardy's short shot in the lane spun out with only a few seconds left? Does anyone remember something like that, or is my imagination taking me for a ride?
I think you are thinking of Carmody's 2nd season (2001-02) when the 'Cats were actually in the NCAA bubble mix prior to an unfortunate late season collapse.
I believe you are correct about the Hardy attempt. The 'Cats lost 58-57. That shot certainly would have clinched an NIT birth, but it hasn't been the only time a last second miss in Columbus stung. Mirkovic ended up w a tying three point attempt in the closing seconds of the 2008-09 game. Had NU won that one, they would have received a much more favorable BTT match up and would been right on the bubble at 9-9. I believe Vedran also missed a last second jumper a few years prior, albeit with less at stake.
Don't forgot all the heartbreakers in Evanston and the Big Ten Tournament either...