The 2025 NIT is underway, and it’s already delivering thrilling upsets and showcasing top college basketball talent. From Chattanooga’s stunning victory over No. 1 seed Dayton to Bradley’s strong performance against George Mason, the tournament is setting the stage for an exciting run to the championship. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the NIT bracket, including key dates, schedules, and scores, ensuring you stay updated with all the latest action.
The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) is a prestigious postseason competition featuring 32 teams not selected for the NCAA Tournament. It offers these teams a chance to extend their season, compete for a championship, and gain valuable experience. For fans, it’s an opportunity to witness competitive basketball and discover rising stars. Understanding the NIT bracket is essential for following the tournament, predicting outcomes, and enjoying the excitement of college basketball in March and April.
In this article, we’ll break down the current state of the 2025 NIT bracket, highlight key matchups, and provide insights into potential semifinal and championship contenders. We’ll cover the schedule, scores, and standout performances, ensuring you have all the information you need to stay engaged with this exciting tournament. Stay tuned for detailed analysis and updates as the NIT progresses!
2025 NIT Key Dates
Mark your calendars! Here are the essential dates for the remainder of the 2025 NIT:
- Quarterfinals: March 25-26
- Semifinals: April 1 (Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis)
- Championship: April 3 (Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis)
All times are Eastern Standard Time (EST). Make sure to adjust accordingly based on your time zone to catch all the games live.
These dates represent the pinnacle of the tournament, where teams will battle for a chance to advance and ultimately compete for the NIT championship at the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Don’t miss out on the thrilling action as teams vie for postseason glory.
SMU Region: First Round Results
The SMU Region showcased some intense matchups in the first round. Here’s a quick recap:
- No. 1 SMU 73, Northern Iowa 63
- No. 2 North Texas 75, Furman 64
- No. 3 Arkansas State 103, Saint Louis 78
- No. 4 Oklahoma State 89, Wichita State 79
SMU, North Texas, Arkansas State, and Oklahoma State all secured victories to advance to the second round. These games were marked by strong offensive performances and tight defensive battles, setting the stage for an exciting regional showdown.
As the tournament progresses, these teams will face tougher challenges, and their ability to maintain consistency and execute under pressure will be crucial. The SMU Region promises to deliver more thrilling basketball as teams compete for a spot in the semifinals.
SMU Region: Second Round Preview
Looking ahead, the second-round matchups in the SMU Region are set to deliver even more excitement:
- No. 2 North Texas vs. No. 3 Arkansas State | Sunday, 7 p.m. ET
- No. 1 SMU vs. No. 4 Oklahoma State | Sunday, 3 p.m. ET
North Texas and Arkansas State will battle for a spot in the quarterfinals, while SMU will face a tough challenge against Oklahoma State. Expect these games to be highly competitive, with both teams vying for a chance to advance deeper into the tournament.
Key players to watch in these matchups include North Texas’s leading scorer, Abou Ousmane, and Oklahoma State’s dynamic guard, Javon Small. Their performances could be pivotal in determining which teams move on to the next round.
Dayton Region: Upsets and Surprises
The Dayton Region has already seen some major upsets, shaking up the bracket and creating new opportunities for teams to advance. Here’s a recap of the first and second-round games:
First Round:
- No. 1 Dayton 86, Florida Atlantic 79
- No. 2 George Mason 86, Samford 69
- No. 3 Bradley 71, North Alabama 62
- Chattanooga 109, No. 4 Middle Tennessee 103 (3OT)
Second Round:
- No. 3 Bradley 75, No. 2 George Mason 67
- Chattanooga 87, No. 1 Dayton 72
Chattanooga’s victory over Dayton stands out as one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far. Honor Huff’s impressive 26 points and Trey Bonham’s 25 points led Chattanooga to a decisive win. Bradley also delivered a strong performance, defeating George Mason to secure their spot in the quarterfinals.
Irvine Region: Upcoming Matchups
The Irvine Region is set to feature some exciting second-round matchups. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
- No. 2 Santa Clara vs. UAB | Sunday, 9 p.m. ET
- No. 1 UC Irvine vs. Jacksonville State | Sunday, 9 p.m. ET
Santa Clara will face a tough challenge against UAB, while UC Irvine will look to defend their top seed against Jacksonville State. These games promise to be competitive, with teams battling for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Keep an eye on UC Irvine’s Pierre Crockrell II, who has been a standout performer this season. His leadership and scoring ability will be crucial as they aim to advance in the tournament.
San Francisco Region: Key Games to Watch
The San Francisco Region features several compelling matchups in the second round:
- Kent State vs. No. 2 Stanford | Sunday, 9 p.m. ET
- No. 1 San Francisco vs. Loyola Chicago | Sunday, 7 p.m. ET
Stanford will face a tough test against Kent State, while San Francisco will look to maintain their dominance against Loyola Chicago. Expect these games to be closely contested, with both teams eager to move closer to the NIT championship.
Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud will be a key player to watch, as his size and skill could pose a significant challenge for Kent State. Meanwhile, San Francisco will rely on their balanced scoring attack to overcome Loyola Chicago.
Conclusion: What to Expect Next
The 2025 NIT has already delivered thrilling upsets and showcased top college basketball talent. As we move closer to the semifinals and championship, expect even more intense matchups and standout performances. Keep an eye on teams like Chattanooga and Bradley, who have already proven their ability to compete at a high level.
For fans, the NIT offers a unique opportunity to witness competitive basketball and discover rising stars. The remaining games promise to be exciting, with teams vying for a chance to claim the NIT championship at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Stay tuned for more updates and detailed analysis as the tournament progresses. Whether you’re a die-hard college basketball fan or new to the sport, the 2025 NIT is sure to provide plenty of memorable moments. Don’t miss out on the action!
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