For an everyday season convention champion like Norfolk State, a loss within the convention event normally means a spot within the NIT.
However that’s not a given for NSU or the vast majority of the common season convention champions this season. The NCAA, which runs the NIT, made a change final yr which many — together with NSU head coach Robert Jones — weren’t comfortable about. It was introduced final fall that the NIT will assure two groups (based mostly on the NET rankings) from every of six conferences (Atlantic Coast, Massive East, Massive Ten, Massive 12, Pac-12 and Southeastern) computerized bids. The remainder of the sector will probably be chosen on an at-large foundation, leaving champions from leagues just like the MEAC/SWAC.
Norfolk State’s 80-74 loss to Howard on Friday evening ended its hopes of an NCAA bid. After the sport, Jones revealed that his program wouldn’t be ending its season. Jones mentioned this system will probably be taking part within the CIT — School Insider Event.
“The competitors goes to be fierce. It’s one other likelihood to show Norfolk State on a nationwide stage,” Jones mentioned on the submit recreation presser, seated between MEAC Participant of the Yr Jamarii Thomas and guard Allen Betrand. “It’s one other likelihood to show these gamers or HBCUs on a nationwide stage.
“And I attempt to not get an excessive amount of into the HBCU factor as a result of it takes away from what they’re. These two guys are a number of the finest mid-major gamers in America, so let’s neglect about all the opposite stuff. However I do know the connotation that we have now, so we gotta preserve exhibiting the world that it’s a bit totally different than what folks assume it’s.”
The CIT subject is ready to be introduced on Sunday, March 17. 4 faculties will host 4 4-team pods with two semifinals and finale the following day. The 4 winners will advance to the CIT nationwide semifinals to be performed on campus websites with the championship recreation to even be performed on the website of the very best remaining seed. The complete subject will probably be seeded 1-16.
That’s the place NSU will probably be — if it doesn’t sneak into the NIT. A number of applications from Energy 5 conferences have reportedly opted out of the NIT, which may open the door for a program like Norfolk State. An invitation from the NCAA Event or the NIT takes priority over the CIT.
NSU’s document at the moment sits at 22-11. And it already has one signature win in that event, having knocked off Alabama again in 2019 after dropping within the MEAC title recreation.
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