The NIT bracket was released on Sunday, March 15, with Auburn, New Mexico, Wake Forest, and Tulsa securing the top seeds.
First-round games took place on March 17 and 18, with higher-seeded teams largely advancing, though some faced tough competition.
Key first-round results include Wake Forest's victory over Navy, Illinois State's win against Kent State and George Washington's narrow defeat of Utah Valley.
Several power conference teams are participating, while some programs declined invitations.
The semifinals will be held at Hinkle Fieldhouse on April 2, and the championship at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 5.
Why This Matters: The NIT provides a competitive stage for teams outside the NCAA Tournament spotlight, offering fans additional exciting basketball action and showcasing emerging talents.
The 2026 NIT kicked off with intense first-round matchups. No. 1 seed Wake Forest secured an 82-72 victory over Navy, led by Juke Harris's 26 points. Illinois State dominated Kent State with a 79-58 win, while George Washington edged out Utah Valley 79-78. Other notable results include Liberty's win over George Mason and UNCW's victory against Yale.
Several teams, including Seton Hall and Virginia Tech, declined NIT invitations, highlighting the tournament's evolving role in college basketball's postseason landscape. The NIT championship will be held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 5, marking a change from previous years.
Key Dates:
First Round: March 17-18
Second Round: March 21-22
Quarterfinals: March 24-25
Semifinals: April 2 (Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis)
Championship: April 5 (Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis)
Q: How does the NIT differ from March Madness?
The NIT is an invitation-only tournament, while March Madness includes teams that automatically qualify by winning their conference tournaments.
Q: Where will the NIT championship game be played?
The 2026 NIT championship will be held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Q: How can I watch the NIT games?
Games will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2 and streamed on ESPN+ and Fubo.
The 2026 NIT features a competitive field of 32 teams vying for the championship.
Key first-round games saw higher seeds advancing, with some notable upsets and close contests.
The tournament provides an opportunity for teams outside the NCAA Tournament to showcase their talent and compete for a national title.
Stay updated with the latest scores and schedules to follow the action leading up to the April 5 championship game.
Who do you think will win the 2026 NIT Championship? Share your predictions below!
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