The NIT is still going on for those still thirsty for college basketball
The NIT serves two purposes. It gives a small handful of teams that missed the big dance a chance to make something out of their season. A few teams get a couple extra home games and and some others get some momentum to bring into the next season. It’s also for the insane college basketball fans still thirsty for more ball after the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
For those that missed out, the first round of the NIT has passed and the teams that weren’t interested in participating have likely been eliminated. This is when the games start getting good. On top of that, the NIT so far has made more upsets than the actual NCAA Tournament did. This is where the real March Madness resides! Well, until the NCAA Tournament has some more upsets or buzzer beaters. For now though, the NIT will bask in the glory of being the true insane tournament college basketball fans want.
RELATED: Updated 2017 NCAA Tournament bracket
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Some interesting matchups include Illinois State vs UCF where former Illinois State transfer, Nick Banyard, returns to his former team looking for revenge. A revenge game in the NIT? Who knew! There’s also some potential enjoyment in Richmond-Oakland, and UT-Arlington vs Akron. Lots of interesting mid-majors are playing in this year’s tournament mixed in with the typical powers that were left out of the tournament such as Iowan and Illinois.
Then of course there’s Syracuse. Them being in the NIT is only interesting in the sense that if they make the finals they’ll get a chance to play “at home” in Madison Square Garden. Syracuse hasn’t played in MSG since they were in the Big East. It would be a bit of a homecoming for them if they can make the final.