March 19th, 2024 marked the commencement of the highly anticipated Division I Men’s Basketball NIT Tournament First Round, showcasing the resilience and prowess of college basketball teams across the nation.
Originating in 1938, the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) has carved its place in basketball history as one of the most prestigious postseason competitions, running parallel to the NCAA tournament. As teams took to the courts on this momentous day, they carried with them the weight of tradition and the hopes of their respective fan bases.
The NIT tournament’s rich history is a testament to its significance within the collegiate basketball landscape. Initially conceived by New York City basketball promoter, Eddie Einhorn, as a means to host a postseason tournament outside the NCAA’s jurisdiction, the NIT quickly gained traction as a premier event in its own right.
Over the decades, it has evolved into a platform where teams not only vie for championship glory but also showcase their talent on a national stage.
Among the remarkable moments that unfolded during the first round was the intense battle of words among players, reflecting the competitive spirit and determination inherent in college basketball.
Star players will engage in thrilling battles of words, eager to prove their worth on the national stage. Coaches like Providence’s Ed Cooley, known for his fiery demeanor, will undoubtedly urge their players to seize this opportunity with relentless focus
The first round of the 2024 Division I Men’s Basketball NIT Tournament captivated audiences with its blend of tradition, history, and fierce competition. As teams showcased their talent and determination on the court, they honored the legacy of the NIT while creating new chapters in college basketball lore.
How to Watch NCAA Men’s Basketball Brackets
The first round of the 2024 Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, also known as March Madness happens on March 19th, 2024. However, you can still catch the ongoing action! Here’s how to watch
Cable or Satellite TV:
- ESPN:
- CBS Sports:
- Fox Sports:
Streaming Services:
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- Sling TV
- fubo TV
NCAA March Madness Bracket 2024 Live:
- The NCAA offers a dedicated streaming service called March Madness Live. With a subscription, you can watch every game of the tournament online or via mobile devices.
When to Watch 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament
This year’s NIT promises its own brand of captivating narratives expected a first round brimming with competitive fire is going to held on March 19th, 2024 at 7 pm ET.
Providence vs. Boston College NIT Bracket 2024 Preview: Friar Faithful Face Off Against Familiar Foe
Providence College and Boston College, former Big East Conference foes, meet on Tuesday night in the NIT first round. Both teams are looking to extend their seasons and potentially build momentum for next year.
Providence (21-13) boasts a strong regular season record, finishing fourth in the Big East. They’re known for their stifling defense, allowing just 68.9 points per game (13th in the nation). Leading scorer Devin Carter’s absence due to injury is a significant blow, but veterans like Jared Bynum and Noah Locke will need to step up offensively.
Boston College (19-15) enters the NIT after a narrow loss to Virginia in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals. They rely on a balanced attack, with four players averaging double-digit points.
Defense has been a concern, surrendering 70.8 points per game. Veteran coach Earl Grant will look to tighten things up and exploit any offensive struggles Providence might face without Carter.
This matchup is a close call. Providence’s home-court advantage and stingy defense are assets. However, Boston College’s offensive balance and recent hot streak shouldn’t be overlooked. Expect a tightly contested battle with the winner potentially setting the tone for a strong NIT run.
Georgia vs. Xavier: Bulldogs Take on Musketeers in A Look Ahead
The Georgia Bulldogs (18-15) will host the Xavier Musketeers (19-14) on Tuesday, March 19th in the first round of the NIT. Both teams fell short of NCAA Tournament bids but will look to extend their seasons and claim the NIT title.
Georgia had a hot start, reaching 12-3, but stumbled in conference play. Despite a strong showing at home (12-6), their struggles on the road (6-9) ultimately cost them an NCAA Tournament berth. Senior guard Terry Roberts leads the Bulldogs in scoring (16.7 PPG) and will be crucial to their success.
Xavier boasts a balanced attack with four players averaging double-digit points. Sophomore guard Colby Jones (14.8 PPG) is a rising star, while senior Zach Freemantle provides a veteran presence down low. The Musketeers struggled on the road throughout the season (3-8), but their experience in tight games could prove valuable.
While both teams have their strengths, Georgia’s home-court advantage gives them a slight edge. However, Xavier’s overall consistency and balanced scoring might be the deciding factor. This promises to be a close battle, with the winner potentially making a deep run in the NIT.
Ohio State vs. Cornell : Buckeyes Look to Soar Over Big Red in NIT Opener
The No. 2 seed Ohio State Buckeyes (20-13) take on the No. 7 seed Cornell Big Red (22-7) in the first round of the NIT on Tuesday, March 19th. While both teams fell short of NCAA Tournament bids, they’ll be eager to extend their seasons and claim the NIT crown.
Ohio State boasts a rich basketball tradition, including two NIT championships (1986, 2008) and appearances in eight Final Fours. Led by experienced upperclassmen like Jody Finney, the Buckeyes are a strong defensive unit, allowing just 69.5 points per game. However, inconsistency plagued them throughout the regular season, particularly in conference play where they finished 9-11 in the Big Ten.
Cornell enters the NIT with the program’s first-ever postseason appearance. Head Coach Brian Earl, named the 2024 NABC District Coach of the Year, has built a high-octane offense averaging over 80 points per game. Senior leader Jimmy Boeheim, son of coaching legend Jim Boeheim, and sophomore guard Jonathan South have been offensive forces. While Cornell boasts a strong record, their schedule lacked the strength of the Big Ten, making this matchup a true test.
Prediction: This game is a clash of styles. Ohio State’s experience and defensive prowess could be a deciding factor against Cornell’s fast-paced offense. However, the Big Red’s hunger and home-court advantage shouldn’t be underestimated. Expect a close battle, but Ohio State’s experience might edge them out in a 72-68 victory.
In-State Rivalry Rekindled: Virginia Tech vs. Richmond NIT Preview
The NIT first round offers a clash between Virginia Tech Hokies (18-14) and Richmond Spiders (19-13) on Tuesday, March 19th. Both teams boast winning records and a hunger to extend their season.
Virginia Tech had a strong regular season, securing notable victories against conference rivals Clemson, Virginia, and Wake Forest. However, a first-round exit in the ACC Tournament dashed their NCAA Tournament hopes. Look for the Hokies to rely on their balanced scoring attack and home-court advantage at Cassell Coliseum.
Richmond, known for their efficient offense and stifling defense, also fell short of the NCAA Tournament after a conference tournament opening-round loss. Led by star guard Jordan King (18 ppg) and big man Neal Quinn (13 ppg, 6 rpg), the Spiders aim to upset the Hokies with their disciplined play.
This matchup promises a tightly contested battle. Virginia Tech’s home-court edge and offensive firepower could be decisive. However, Richmond’s stingy defense and King’s scoring prowess shouldn’t be underestimated. This in-state rivalry promises a thrilling first-round NIT encounter.
Butler vs. Minnesota: NIT First Round Rematch
On Tuesday, March 19th, a familiar foe awaits the Minnesota Golden Gophers as they take on the Butler Bulldogs in the NIT first round. This matchup holds historical significance, with Minnesota holding a 3-1 edge in the all-time series. Notably, the Golden Gophers dominated their last meeting in the 2009 76 Classic by a score of 82-73.
Butler, under Coach Thad Matta, boasts a record of 18-14, a significant improvement from their previous losing seasons. They’re known for their disciplined style of play, averaging just 13.8 fouls per game (12th nationally) and relying on a balanced scoring attack. Key players include Jalen Thomas, who anchors the defense with 1.25 blocks per game, and Eric Alexander Jr., the team’s assist leader at 4.9 per contest.
Minnesota, under Coach PJ Fleck, also finished 18-14, showcasing their own resilience after struggling seasons. Their offensive firepower hinges on Dawson Garcia, who averages a team-high 17.7 points per game. However, they’ll need to overcome their rebounding struggles (minus-1.0 per game) against a Butler team with a slight edge on the glass.
Hawkeyes vs Wildcats: A Look Back and a Look Ahead
The Iowa Hawkeyes (12-19-1) open their National Invitation Tournament (NIT) campaign on Tuesday night, welcoming the Kansas State Wildcats (18-13) to Carver-Hawkeye Arena. While both teams fell short of NCAA Tournament bids, this matchup offers a chance to salvage their seasons and potentially claim a prestigious postseason title.
Iowa boasts a strong recent home record, winning 89 of their last 95 non-conference home games. Their offense is a force, averaging 82.9 points per game (14th in the nation). Look for Payton Sandfort, the team’s leading scorer (16.3 ppg), to be a key offensive threat. However, their defense has been shaky, allowing 79.0 points per contest.
Kansas State counters with a balanced attack, featuring three players averaging double-digit points. Tylor Perry (15.5 ppg) and Arthur Kaluma (14.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg) lead the way, while their physical defense allows only 70.2 points per game (129th in the nation). The Wildcats recently defeated Iowa State, a team that split their season series with the Hawkeyes.
While Iowa has the home-court advantage and a potent offense, Kansas State’s stingy defense and recent success against a common opponent make them a dangerous threat. This game promises to be a close battle, with the winner potentially setting the tone for a deep NIT run.
Battle in Salt Lake City: Utah vs. UC Irvine NIT Preview
The Utah Utes (19-14) host the UC Irvine Anteaters (24-9) in a first-round NIT matchup on Tuesday, March 19th (already played). Both teams fell short of NCAA Tournament bids despite strong seasons.
Utah boasts a balanced attack, with Branden Carlson (17.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg) leading the way. The Utes finished sixth in the Pac-12 but lost to Colorado in the conference quarterfinals. Coach Craig Smith seeks his first postseason win at Utah in his third season.
UC Irvine, winners of the Big West regular season title (17-3), enters with momentum after a late-season surge. They feature a more distributed offense, with Justin Hohn (12.7 ppg) and Andre Henry (10.6 ppg) pacing the scoring. However, a semifinal loss to Long Beach State in the Big West tournament sent them to the NIT.
This matchup hinges on Utah’s ability to contain Irvine’s scorers. If the Utes can leverage their home-court advantage and Carlson has a dominant performance, they hold the edge. However, Irvine’s balanced attack and late-season form present a significant challenge. This game promises to be a close battle with both teams eager to extend their season.
