UNC’s approach to NIT-land is all anyone’s talking about, and justifiably so (I checked Joe’s bracketology of that other tournament so you don’t have to, and yes, they’re close). But others are also making moves, including the Big Ten’s favorite laughingstock: Rutgers.
Rutgers has never made an NIT as a member of the Big Ten. They hardly made it out of the Big East, reaching the field only five times in their 18-year run in that league. They’ve never won the thing, though they came close in 2004, when they lost to Michigan in the championship. Suddenly, though, they’re in the picture. And because they might not stick around, now is the time to celebrate them.
Entering tonight’s games, Rutgers is one of the ten most likely teams to make the NIT. They’re a four-seed in Joe’s latest NIT Bracketology. They just beat Wisconsin and Seton Hall in the span of four days, and they aren’t expected to be an underdog again until January 7th or 11th.
It’s early, but the Scarlet Knights are in the mix. Strap on your armor.
