The excitement is building as the 2025 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) gets ready to kick off, featuring some incredible teams, including SMU, Dayton, UC Irvine, and San Francisco. With the tournament starting on March 18th and running until early April, fans are eager to see how this major basketball event unfolds.
How the NIT Works: Bracket, Format, and What to Know
The NIT is a chance for teams to showcase their talent after missing the NCAA Tournament. This year, 32 teams from 15 different conferences will compete for glory. The first round of games is set for March 18 and 19, followed by the second round on March 22 and 23. Fans can look forward to the quarterfinals, which will take place on March 25 and 26, before the exciting semifinals on April 1 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The championship game will follow on April 3, also in Indianapolis.
Top Seeds and Tournament Highlights
Leading the tournament as the number one seeds are SMU, Dayton, UC Irvine, and San Francisco. Each of these teams has shown remarkable skills and determination throughout the season. Dayton is particularly noteworthy, marking its 28th appearance in the NIT this year, the most of any team in the tournament. In contrast, The Mustangs from SMU earned their first-round matchup against Northern Iowa, adding to the anticipation of their game.
Important Dates to Remember
| Round | Date |
|---|---|
| First Round | March 18-19 |
| Second Round | March 22-23 |
| Quarterfinals | March 25-26 |
| Semifinals | April 1 |
| Championship Game | April 3 |
The tournament features a variety of teams, including both high-major and mid-major schools. With several high-major programs declining invitations, this opens doors for mid-major teams like San Francisco and George Mason to aim for success against tough competition.
SMU’s Journey to the NIT
SMU’s journey to the NIT has not been without its challenges. This year marks the eighth consecutive time they missed out on the NCAA Tournament, yet the Mustangs have accepted their invitation to compete in the NIT once again. They were ranked as a top seed, which gives them a strong advantage as the tournament begins. With a remarkable first half of the season despite injuries, the Mustangs were predicted to finish lower in their conference but surprised many by finishing tied for fourth in the ACC during their inaugural season.
All Eyes on Indianapolis
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Indianapolis, where the final four teams will battle it out for a chance at the championship title. Fans can catch all the action on ESPN networks, which will cover the games live. This unique tournament structure not only emphasizes teamwork but also provides a thrilling atmosphere for fans and players alike.
The upcoming NIT promises to be an exciting showcase of college basketball, featuring both established teams and rising stars. As the tournament unfolds, supporters will be cheering for their favorite teams as they strive for greatness on the court. Be sure to mark the calendar and get ready for some basketball action!
