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Wake Forest to Host Navy in 2026 NIT First Round | Detroit Pistons’ Paul Reed Teams Up with Savvy Sliders to Launch ‘BBall Paul’ Meal | Boca Juniors vs. Huracán: Showdown in Torneo Apertura 2026 | Pistons Take 2-0 Lead Over Cavs: Cunningham Gets Help, Mitchell Doesn’t | Flyers Face Elimination vs. Hurricanes: Game 4 Preview | Alabama Advances to SEC Tournament Championship, Defeats Florida | Florida State Seminoles Clinch 2026 ACC Softball Championship | Las Vegas Aces Celebrate 2025 Championship with Ring Reveal and "Never Fold" Premiere | WNBA Veterans Who May Be Playing Their Final Season | Wake Forest to Host Navy in 2026 NIT First Round | Detroit Pistons’ Paul Reed Teams Up with Savvy Sliders to Launch ‘BBall Paul’ Meal | Boca Juniors vs. Huracán: Showdown in Torneo Apertura 2026 | Pistons Take 2-0 Lead Over Cavs: Cunningham Gets Help, Mitchell Doesn’t | Flyers Face Elimination vs. Hurricanes: Game 4 Preview | Alabama Advances to SEC Tournament Championship, Defeats Florida | Florida State Seminoles Clinch 2026 ACC Softball Championship | Las Vegas Aces Celebrate 2025 Championship with Ring Reveal and "Never Fold" Premiere | WNBA Veterans Who May Be Playing Their Final Season

Sports / College Basketball

Wake Forest to Host Navy in 2026 NIT First Round

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons have been selected to participate in the 2026 NIT and will host the Navy Midshipmen in the first round. This marks the third postseason appearance for the Demon Deacons under head coach Steve Forbes. The game i...

Wake Forest Men’s Basketball Selected For 2026 NIT, Hosting Navy in First Round
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Wake Forest to Host Navy in 2026 NIT First Round Image via Wake Forest University Athletics

Key Insights

  • Wake Forest earned the No. 1 seed in the Winston-Salem Regional of the 2026 NIT.
  • The Demon Deacons will face Navy in the first round at home.
  • This is Wake Forest's third postseason appearance under Coach Steve Forbes.
  • Sophomore guard Juke Harris was named ACC Most Improved Player and a second-team All-ACC selection, having a record-breaking season.
  • Navy is recognized for its strong defense and slow-paced offensive style, presenting a contrasting challenge to Wake Forest's preferred tempo.
  • Wake Forest is favored to win, leveraging their talent advantage and home-court record.

In-Depth Analysis

Wake Forest enters the NIT as a team with a strong home-court advantage, boasting 73 victories at LJVM Coliseum since 2021, ranking them high among ACC programs. Juke Harris's outstanding individual performance this season has been a key factor in their success. Navy, while successful in their conference, faces a significant step up in competition. Their defensive capabilities and slow tempo aim to neutralize Wake Forest's offensive threats. Betting odds favor Wake Forest, but Navy's defense could keep the game competitive. Wake Forest is 17-16 overall vs Navy's 26-7 record. Navy is +12 and the Over/Under is at 148.5.

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FAQ

When and where is the game?

Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET at LJVM Coliseum in Winston-Salem, NC.

How can I watch the game?

The game will be televised on ESPNU.

What are the betting odds?

Wake Forest is favored by 12 points. The over/under is 148.5.

What is Wake Forest's home record?

Wake Forest has 73 home victories since 2021.

Takeaways

  • Wake Forest is a strong team at home and is favored to win the first round of the NIT.
  • Navy's defense and slow pace of play could make the game closer than expected.
  • Juke Harris is a player to watch, coming off an exceptional season.
  • Expect Wake Forest to push the pace, while Navy will try to control the game with their defense.

Discussion

Do you think Wake Forest will advance in the NIT? Share your predictions! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

Sources

Disclaimer

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