Congratulations to the four teams that have advanced to this year's National Invitational Tournament (NIT) Final Four. Even though these teams did not qualify for the NCAA Tournament, they remained dedicated to their teammates instead of mailing it in like North Carolina.
Winning the NIT Tournament actually means that good things will happen next season for the victors. Last year, Xavier won the NIT. They used that momentum to propel themselves into the Sweet Sixteen this season in the Big Dance.
Plus, the teams had extra incentive to qualify for the NIT Final Four because this time will be the first time ever that the NIT Final Four will be played at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Instead of keeping the NIT Final Four at Madison Square Garden, the NCAA has now established that the NIT Final Four goes to the highest bidder.
Here is a look at the tournament schedule. All times listed are in Pacific Standard Time (PST).
North Texas (29-7) vs Wisconsin (20-14) - 4 PM (ESPN).
North Texas won an overtime thriller at Oklahoma State in order to advance. Mean Green guard Tylor Perry led the team with 23 points. Fortunately, he does not wear a dress like Tyler Perry.
Wisconsin had a difficult road, but they earned a trip to Vegas with wins over Bradley, Liberty, and Oregon. In their win against the Ducks, the Badgers were led in scoring by guard Max Klesmit.
Utah Valley (28-8) vs UAB (28-9) - 6:30 PM (ESPN).
Utah Valley had the toughest road to the NIT Final Four with wins over New Mexico, Colorado, and Cincinnati. They will have another tough game against UAB, who went on the road to defeat Vanderbilt in their last game.
People slept on Conference USA this season, but if North Texas and UAB both win, then the NIT Championship will be all C-USA.
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