NIT Update - Big Ten Represe... wait, what?

Submitted by oriental andrew on

I hear there is some other tournament going on or something, but in Big Ten country, we're all about the NIT amiright guys???

So here is your weekly NIT update!

The Big Ten had gotten off to a strong start, with #1 Iowa and #2 Illinois winning their opening round games. Only Indiana lost, maybe as the first higher seed to voluntarily play a road game in the NIT ever (probably). Also local-ish teams like Oakland and Illinois St. advanced woo!

So on to our update!

ROUND 2

#1 Iowa took on #4 TCU in the 2nd round and... LOST 94-92 in OT. I was so heartbroken, I couldn't even be bothered to look up the game recap.

But that's okay because #2 Illinois took on upstart #6 Boise St. and showed them the bidniss, winning 71-56, with new coach Brad Underwood looking on. Good look for the new coach, boys!

Speaking of upstarts, #7 Oakland (winners over #2 Clemson in round 1), took on #6 Richmond (winners over #3 Alabama). Sadly, it was not to be for Oakland, as they lost 87-83 to Richmond.

I think we care about #1 Illinois St because they're in the Big Ten footprint, right? Well, care no more because they lost 63-62 to #4 UCF.

ROUND 3, AKA the Quarterfinals

#2 Illinois looked to have an easier path against #4 UCF, but it was not to be. They lost 68-58 to the UCF Knights Who Say Ekke Ekke Ekke Ekke Ptang Zoo Boing

And thus ends all meaningful post-season basketball for the Big Ten. Or something. 

PS - Georgia Tech is in the semifinals against CSU-Bakersfield. If they win it all, at least IU can say they lost to the CHAMPS!  *waves tiny flag*

oriental andrew

March 23rd, 2017 at 11:41 AM ^

I apologize for taking away from what is clearly very important game preparation time for you. I truly hope and pray that the several minutes it must have taken you to read this post and formulate your response (and downvote!) does not negatively impact your ability to fry your large fish, hopefully in a nice beer batter and to a crisp, golden crust. 

Squader

March 23rd, 2017 at 11:36 AM ^

Thanks for the update. I wasn't about to dig around for NIT results, but it's good to hear what's going on with other B1G teams. Seems we have some surprisingly grumpy folks for such a beautiful Sweet 16 morning. 

Ty Butterfield

March 23rd, 2017 at 11:38 AM ^

Would you rather win the NIT, or make the First Four of the NCAA Tournament but lose right away? Tough call.

Michigasling

March 23rd, 2017 at 2:16 PM ^

The 2004 NIT was my first time seeing an M basketball game live.  According to the history book, Michigan beat a local team (Rutgers) for the championship.  Didn't remember that, but remembered speaking to Tommy Amaker.  Lovely guy.  (Seriously.)

Also didn't remember that the semifinal game was a win against Oregon. 

stephenrjking

March 23rd, 2017 at 11:42 AM ^

Man, must be some people commenting on this thread so heartbroken that it's posted that they can't even be bothered to read the OP.

I don't always care about NIT updates, but when I do hahaha jk I never ever care about NIT updates but if I did I would want them written like this one.

HireWayne

March 23rd, 2017 at 12:06 PM ^

I wish Michigan missed the ncaa tournament so their younger guys could get some experience in the NIT.

Because they are getting blown out in these ncaa tournament wins.

oriental andrew

March 23rd, 2017 at 1:22 PM ^

I caught the end of the ISU/UCF game and they mentioned that the winner of the UofI game would be playing at UCF. Maybe it has to do with being in the 1-seed bracket? I was wondering that myself. 

EDIT: per the Champaign Room (SB Nation Illini blog), it was due to a scheduling conflict. 

http://www.thechampaignroom.com/2017/3/22/15030550/illinois-vs-ucf-fina…

If UofI won, they wouldn't have been able to use their home arena. If UofI lost to Boise St, UCF would still be the higher seed and host anyway. 

grumbler

March 23rd, 2017 at 1:27 PM ^

Gotta love the douche canoes who not only open a thread they don't want to read (knowing, because if the clear titling, that they don't want to read it), then they read it, then downvote it, and then post so they can whine about how they didn't want to read the topic.

Great job, OA.  I enjoyed this. 

uncle leo

March 23rd, 2017 at 2:30 PM ^

An 8 seed made it to the semis. That's a pretty decent run.

An NIT-erella if you will.

Feel good for these teams who make it far. Michigan's been in this position plenty in the NIT so it's hard for me to play the "high and mighty" role here.  

No matter if you are playing in MSG for the NIT finals or to watch Adele, that's special for those guys.

NittanyFan

March 23rd, 2017 at 2:34 PM ^

they were an 8 (lowest) seed in the NIT.  First time an 8 seed has made it to the semifinals.  They won 3 road games to get to MSG.  This will be a rather cool thing for their fans --- CSUB only became a D-1 school 10 years ago.