The excitement in college basketball reaches new heights as the 2025 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) reveals its bracket featuring 32 teams, including familiar names such as SMU, Dayton, UC Irvine, and San Francisco, who have all earned top seeds. This tournament kicks off a thrilling postseason, especially for those teams that just missed out on the NCAA Tournament. Let’s dive into what this means for these schools and how the tournament will unfold.
Understanding the NIT: How It Works
The National Invitation Tournament, often referred to as the NIT, provides a platform for teams that do not qualify for the NCAA Tournament to still compete at a high level. The 2025 edition includes various teams across multiple conferences, making it a showcase of talent. The NIT holds 32 spots open for schools from 15 different conferences, ensuring plenty of action for basketball fans. The format includes several rounds leading up to the championship, ensuring every game is packed with excitement.
Top Teams and Their Journey
- **SMU and Dayton:** Both schools have established themselves as powerhouses with impressive regular-season performances.
- **UC Irvine and San Francisco:** They have grabbed the top seeds, showing consistent performances throughout the season, giving them motivating momentum heading into the NIT.
- **Dayton:** By making its 28th NIT appearance, Dayton leads the pack with the most participation in this year’s tournament.
Important NIT Dates
The tournament kicks off with first-round games on March 18 and 19 at campus sites, providing an energetic home-court advantage for the top-seeded teams. Key dates include:
| Round | Date |
|---|---|
| First Round | March 18-19 |
| Second Round | March 22-23 |
| Quarterfinals | March 25-26 |
| Semifinals | April 1 |
| Championship Game | April 3 |
Match-Ups to Watch
Exciting matches await as the NIT kicks off. SMU will be facing off against Northern Iowa on March 19, a game that promises nail-biting thrills for fans eager to see how the Mustangs will respond after a tough season. With injury setbacks earlier in the year, their resilience will be tested as they strive for victory in the NIT.
Mid-Major Schools on the Rise
This year’s NIT illustrates a significant trend in college basketball: mid-major schools are making their mark. With several high-major programs opting out, this allows smaller programs a chance to shine. These schools have been working hard and have consistently proven they can compete with the larger conferences.
Catch the Action!
Fans can catch the excitement of the NIT as games will be televised on ESPN networks. This is a unique opportunity to witness rising stars in collegiate basketball and cheer for your favorite teams as they battle for the NIT title.
The stage is set for an exhilarating 2025 NIT! Whether you’re rooting for SMU, Dayton, UC Irvine, or San Francisco, there’s no doubt this tournament will bring thrilling moments and unforgettable memories for both players and fans alike as they compete for glory on the court.