The 2025 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) has officially tipped off, bringing with it exhilarating matchups and fervent basketball action. Scheduled to run from March 18 to April 3, the tournament features 32 teams vying for glory, including the high-profile clash set for March 18 between Oklahoma State and Wichita State, and UC Irvine facing off against Northern Colorado on March 19.
The NIT being known for its fierce competition, Oklahoma State enters their game with notable credentials. The Cowboys, bolstered by their home-court advantage, hold an impressive 12-3 record at home this season. Their three losses came against top-tier teams—Houston, Arizona, and Texas Tech—demonstrated how competitive they have been against elite competition. Notably, Oklahoma State has been perfect when favored, boasting a 12-0 record under such circumstances. Julian Edlow, DraftKings Sportsbook analyst, noted, "The Cowboys are perfect 12-0 when favored this season," highlighting their potential to continue this trend against Wichita State, who struggles on the road with a sub-.500 record.
Meanwhile, the game featuring UC Irvine also teases excitement. The Anteaters, regarded as one of the stronger teams, sported remarkable stats this season, finishing 25-3 as favorites and holding significant motivation to prove themselves, especially after narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament. Edlow mentioned, "UC Irvine would probably be a pretty popular underdog had they made the NCAA Tournament," indicating the respect this team has garnered this season. Their home advantage, complemented by their 10-2 record at Bren Events Center, sets the stage for their encounter with the Northern Colorado Bears.
Northern Colorado rolls on with their own tale, coming off a tight loss to Montana, where they fell 91-83. This defeat, compounded by their defensive inconsistencies allowed them to let their opponents shoot 65.2% from the field during the matchup. Nevertheless, Northern Colorado maintains strong offensive capabilities, averaging 80.9 points per game. Their offensive prowess will face off against UC Irvine’s staunch defense, which allows only 66.2 points per game and has secured their spot as the 37th-ranked team nationally defensively.
Players to watch include Jaron Rillie for the Bears, averaging 12.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, along with Isaiah Hawthorne, who has stepped up recently, averaging 17.0 points over the last ten games. On the Anteater side, Justin Hohn is notable, contributing significantly with 11.9 points per game and shooting 37% from beyond the arc.
Focusing back on the overall NIT structure, the championship will play out at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis. The semifinals are set for April 1, 2025, following second-round games scheduled for March 22 and 23. This year’s championship will culminate on April 3, 2025, marking what promises to be a thrilling close to the tournament as each participating team aims to rise to the occasion.
The opening matchups shape up well to provide fans with memorable basketball moments as teams like Oklahoma State and UC Irvine establish their presence on this national stage. College basketball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate each game, singing praises and criticisms of the eventual performances, with social platforms buzzing about team hopefuls clawing their way to victory! How will each match conclude? Only time will tell as the tournament progresses.
