You don’t always get what you want in the NIT.
Nebraska fans (some of them), and fans who don’t like Nebraska (some of them), and NIT bloggers (all of us) didn’t get the Tim Miles return for which they yearned.
Indiana fans (all of them?) didn’t get the Romeo Langford dominance for which they pined.
Michael Avenatti didn’t get the money he allegedly tried to extort from Nike.
The effects of all three live on, though. Tim Miles further secures a special place in our heart. Indiana let its supporters down again. Michael Avenatti is still tweeting.
Sadness can be beautiful sometimes.
In Bloomington last night, Wichita State did what they’ve been doing all tournament: they got a lead and made it stand, defying the odds to advance yet again. Markis McDuffie is not going gentle into that good night, and Gregg Marshall is reminding the world, lest it forgot, that they’re called Shockers for a reason.
Yes, I know that reason is wheat—go with me here.
There will be a time at which we’ll look forward. We’ll debate what this means for the future of Wichita State hoops, a freshman-laden crew looking to rejoin the fray in the AAC. For now, though, we think of the present. Wichita State is going to New York, and they’re going there trying to cement themselves as the best NIT program of the decade.
In the later game, Creighton gave TCU all they could handle for a half. But the Horned Frogs have been here before, and they, like Wichita State, are looking for a title that means just a little bit more, historically speaking. In the second half, it was all about the amphibians. TCU advances.
Each will find out who they play within the next twelve hours, barring some really exciting overtime situation. Will there be a TCU/Texas rematch? Or will Colorado emerge from the fight holding the Pac-12’s flag higher? Will Lipscomb continue their rise to prominence? Or will former tournament favorite NC State remind us all how they got here?
Actually, if NC State reminds us how they got here, it probably won’t end well for them. Scratch that last question.
Or will former tournament favorite NC State show the mid-major how a state school does things?
There we go.
We find out, beginning at 9:00 PM Eastern Time. I’ll be there, physically (I’d appreciate updates on the Lipscomb/NC State game if you have the time). You’ll be there, spiritually. Robbie Hummel will be there, professionally. Sheck Wes will be there, musically. Pop culture icon Steven Anthony Lawrence will be there, also spiritually.
Ok, I’m not sure on that last one.
Tonight, dreams will be realized. Tonight, hopes will die. Tonight, the NIT rides again.
Get your party pants on.
