Oh jeepers.
The games started again and I am late to telling you about them. ACC and MAAC Previews incoming.
Thankfully, the games that have already started don’t have much bearing on the NIT. I say “much” because every game, in its own little way, has some bearing on the NIT, and also because I think it might be possible for Wake or Pitt to play themselves into the race if everything were to break right for them.
As for the games that do matter. All automatic bid hopefuls. No at-large hopefuls. They’re saving that for tomorrow.
Alabama A&M @ Prairie View A&M (6:30 PM Eastern)
Prairie View A&M did not make the NIT last year, but not for lack of trying. They won the SWAC regular season title, and who can blame them for not realizing scoring 92 points against Texas Southern would mean winning the tournament as well?
Now, they have a chance to redeem themselves. Lose tonight, or Friday, or Saturday, and they’re locked in as an automatic bid. It might not be likely tonight. But it’s possible. And that’s all we need.
UMBC @ Vermont (7:00 PM Eastern)
Oh man. Remember this matchup?
In 2018, UMBC stunned the world by granting Vermont an unexpected NIT automatic bid. Could they do the same tonight?
Hofstra vs. Northeastern (7:00 PM Eastern)
Championship game, folks. Last chance for Hofstra to book their second straight trip. Hearing rumors they could get a rematch with NC State in the first round but also maybe not.
North Dakota State vs. North Dakota (9:00 PM Eastern)
Another championship! Guess they don’t call it “Championship Week” for nothing. NDSU’s the team to watch tonight, but if you watch them, you’ll probably see North Dakota as well. Pay them no mind. NDSU’s the one who makes the NIT with a loss.
