It's the most wonderful time of the year to be a college basketball fan! In addition to March Madness, hoops aficionados can also indulge in the National Invitational Tournament, which began on March 19 and runs to April 4. This year's tourney features a who's-who of NCAA powerhouses including No. 1 seeds Seton Hall, Wake Forest, Indiana State, and Villanova, who were shockingly defeated by VCU in the first round.
Track the movement of all 32 teams with our NIT odds and follow along with each round of the 2024 National Invitational Tournament as we provide fresh college basketball picks and update our bracket daily.
The 2024 NIT bracket
NIT schedule
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 19-20 | First Round |
| March 23-24 | Second Round |
| March 26-27 | Quarterfinals |
| April 2 | Semifinals |
| April 4 | Championship Game |
How are teams chosen for the NIT?
The National Invitation Tournament features the top teams that did not receive an invitation to the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Automatic bids are given to teams that had the best regular season record in their conference but were eliminated from their postseason conference tournament.
The selection committee then fills out the remaining spots with at-large selections. These selections are based on a team's overall performance throughout the season, including factors like their record, strength of schedule, quality wins, and various advanced metrics.
Once the field is determined, teams are seeded and placed into a bracket, and the tournament proceeds in a single-elimination format until a champion is crowned.
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Where are the NIT Semifinals and Championship games being played?
The 2024 NIT Semifinals and National Championship Game will be played at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Built in 1928 on the sprawling campus of Butler University, "Indiana's basketball cathedral" was the largest hoops arena in America until 1950. It has since undergone extensive renovations that have modernized the interior while preserving the charming architectural features that have made the Hinkle Fieldhouse a National Historic Landmark.
Tips for filling out your NIT bracket
Here are a few things you'll want to consider when filling out your own NIT bracket:
Know the teams: Familiarize yourself with the teams participating in the tournament. Understand their playing styles, key players, recent performances, and any injuries that might impact their gameplay.
Consider recent performance: Look at how teams have performed in their most recent games leading up to the NIT. Teams with momentum often perform well in tournaments.
Analyze matchups: Pay attention to the matchups between teams. Consider factors such as offensive and defensive strengths and weaknesses, styles of play, and head-to-head history if available.
Look for experience: Teams with players who have prior postseason experience may have an advantage in high-pressure situations. Consider the experience of both the players and the coaching staff.
Beware of fatigue: Some teams may be fatigued from a long regular season or conference tournament play. Consider how well-rested teams are and whether fatigue (and travel) might impact their performance.
Study statistics: Analyze team statistics such as scoring offense and defense, rebounding, turnovers, and shooting percentages. These can provide insights into team strengths and weaknesses.
Trust your instincts: Ultimately, filling out a bracket involves some level of intuition. Don't be afraid to go with your gut, even if your picks run contrary to popular opinion.
