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2019 National Invitation Tournament
2019 National Invitation Tournament
2019 National Invitation Tournament
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2019 National Invitation Tournament
Season2018–19
Teams32
Finals siteMadison Square Garden,
New York City
ChampionsTexas Longhorns (2nd title)
Runner-upLipscomb Bisons (1st title game)
Semifinalists
Winning coachShaka Smart (1st title)
MVPDylan Osetkowski (Texas)
National Invitation Tournaments
«2018 2020»

The 2019 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) was a single-elimination tournament of 32 NCAA Division I men's college basketball teams that were not selected to participate in the 2019 NCAA tournament. The tournament started on March 19, and concluded on April 4. The first three rounds were played on campus sites with the higher seeded team acting as host. The semifinals and championship game were held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Experimental rules

[edit]

On February 22, 2019, the NCAA announced a set of experimental rules that were used in this edition of the NIT.[1]

The following rules were also used in the 2018 NIT:

  • The three-point line was moved to the FIBA standard of 6.75 metres (22 ft 2 in). When the arc approaches the sideline, it changed to a line parallel to and 1.02 metres (3 ft 4 in) from the sideline.[a]
  • The free-throw lane was widened from the current college standard of 12 feet to the NBA standard of 16 feet.
  • After an offensive rebound, the shot clock was reset to 20 seconds instead of the current NCAA standard of 30.

A set of rules relating to free throws that had been used in the 2017 NIT[2] were used again in the 2019 edition, with one modification:

  • Team foul counts, for purposes of determining bonus free throws, were reset to zero at the 10-minute mark of each half, effectively dividing the game into quarters for that purpose. This mirrored the current practice in NCAA women's basketball, which has been played in quarters since the 2015–16 season.
  • The "one-and-one" was eliminated. All bonus free throw situations resulted in two free throws for the non-fouled team.
  • Teams entered the bonus upon the fifth team foul in each 10-minute segment.
  • The team foul count was reset to zero at the start of any overtime period. Teams entered the bonus upon the fourth team foul in an overtime period.
  • In a completely new feature, the NCAA adopted the NBA's bonus rule regarding team fouls in the last 2 minutes of any period. Teams entered the bonus on the second team foul in the last 2 minutes of a 10-minute segment or overtime period, regardless of the total team foul count at that point of the period.
Notes
  1. ^ FIBA's definition of the three-point arc calls for the line to be exactly 0.9 metres (2 ft 11 in) from the sideline until it intersects the 6.75 m arc. However, the FIBA court is officially defined as 15 m (49 ft 3 in) wide, slightly narrower than the NCAA standard of 50 ft (15.24 m). On a FIBA court, the closest three-point distance, found along a line parallel to the baseline that passes through the center of the basket, is thus 6.6 m (21 ft 8 in) from the center of the basket. Translating this distance to the NCAA court dimensions results in the line being the stated 1.02 m from the sidelines.

Participants

[edit]

Automatic qualifiers

[edit]

The following teams were guaranteed berths into the 2019 NIT field by having the best regular season record in their conference but failing to win their conference tournament. Such teams were eligible to receive an at-large berth into the NCAA tournament but did not.

Team Conference Overall record Appearance Last bid
Campbell Big South 20–12 1st Never
Harvard Ivy League 18–11 3rd 2018
Hofstra Colonial 27–7 6th 2016
Lipscomb ASUN 25–7 2nd 2006
Loyola–Chicago Missouri Valley 20–13 5th 1980
Norfolk State MEAC 21–13 2nd 2013
Saint Francis (PA) Northeast 18–14 4th 1958
Sam Houston State Southland 21–11 1st Never
South Dakota State Summit 24–8 2nd 2015
Wright State Horizon 21–13 1st Never

At-large bids

[edit]

The following teams were also awarded NIT berths.

Team Conference Overall record Appearance Last bid
Alabama SEC 18–15 16th 2017
Arkansas SEC 17–15 4th 2014
Butler Big East 16–16 9th 2006
Clemson ACC 19–13 17th 2017
Colorado Pac-12 21–12 11th 2017
Creighton Big East 18–14 12th 2016
Davidson Atlantic 10 24–9 8th 2016
Dayton Atlantic 10 21–11 25th 2012
Furman Southern 25–7 2nd 1991
Georgetown Big East 19–13 13th 2014
Indiana Big Ten 17–15 6th 2017
Memphis American 21–13 18th 2010
NC State ACC 22–11 12th 2007
Nebraska Big Ten 18–16 19th 2018
Providence Big East 18–15 20th 2013
San Diego WCC 21–14 1st Never
TCU Big 12 20–13 8th 2017
Texas Big 12 16–16 5th 1986
Toledo MAC 25–7 9th 2014
UNC Greensboro Southern 28–6 3rd 2017
Wichita State American 19–14 13th 2011
Xavier Big East 18–15 8th 2000

Seeds

[edit]

Bracket

[edit]
First round
March 19–20
Campus sites 		Second round
March 23–24
Campus sites 		Quarterfinal
March 27
Reynolds Coliseum
         
1 UNC Greensboro 84
8 Campbell 69
1 UNC Greensboro 69
5 Lipscomb 86
4 Davidson 81
5 Lipscomb 89
5 Lipscomb 94
2 NC State 93
3 Georgetown 68
6 Harvard 71
6 Harvard 77
2 NC State 78
2 NC State 84
7 Hofstra 78
First round
March 19–20
Campus sites 		Second round
March 24–25
Campus sites 		Quarterfinal
March 27
Frank Erwin Center
         
1 Alabama 79
8 Norfolk State 80*
8 Norfolk State 60
4 Colorado 76
4 Colorado 78
5 Dayton 73
4 Colorado 55
2 Texas 68
3 Xavier 78
6 Toledo 64
3 Xavier 76
2 Texas 78*
2 Texas 79
7 South Dakota State 73
First round
March 19–20
Campus sites 		Second round
March 22–24
Campus sites 		Quarterfinal
March 26
Schollmaier Arena
         
1 TCU 82
8 Sam Houston State 69
1 TCU 88
4 Nebraska 72
4 Nebraska 80
5 Butler 76
1 TCU 71
2 Creighton 58
3 Memphis 74
6 San Diego 60
3 Memphis 67
2 Creighton 79
2 Creighton 70
7 Loyola–Chicago 61
First round
March 19–20
Campus sites 		Second round
March 23–24
Campus sites 		Quarterfinal
March 26
Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
         
1 Indiana 89
8 Saint Francis (PA) 72
1 Indiana 63
5 Arkansas 60
4 Providence 72
5 Arkansas 84
1 Indiana 63
6 Wichita State 73
3 Furman 70
6 Wichita State 76
6 Wichita State 63
2 Clemson 55
2 Clemson 75
7 Wright State 69
Semifinals
April 2
Madison Square Garden 		Final
April 4
Madison Square Garden
      
6 Wichita State 64
5 Lipscomb 71
5 Lipscomb 66
2 Texas 81
1 TCU 44
2 Texas 58

* Denotes overtime period

Media

[edit]

ESPN, Inc. had exclusive television rights to all of the NIT Games. It telecast every game across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN3. Westwood One had exclusive radio rights to the semifinals and the championship.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

2019 National Invitation Tournament

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 2019 (NIT) was the 82nd edition of the annual postseason for 32 men's teams that did not qualify for the men's basketball tournament. The event ran from March 19 to April 4, 2019, with the first four rounds hosted at campus sites and the semifinals and championship held at in . The captured the title with an 81–66 victory over the in the final, marking Texas's second NIT championship after their 1978 win. The tournament field was selected on March 17, 2019, immediately following the NCAA tournament selection show, with automatic bids awarded to the regular-season champions of conferences whose teams were excluded from the NCAA field and the remaining spots filled by at-large selections based on overall performance. The 32 teams were divided into four regional brackets of eight, each seeded from 1 to 8, and the tournament incorporated experimental rules including a three-point line moved to the international distance of 22 feet 1¾ inches, a widened free-throw lane of 16 feet to match NBA dimensions, and a reset to 20 seconds after offensive rebounds. Notable participants included power-conference teams like (Big 12), TCU (Big 12), Wichita State (American Athletic), and (Big Ten), alongside mid-major standouts such as Lipscomb (Atlantic Sun), the No. 5 in the Region after a 27–4 . In the semifinals on April 2, advanced with a 58–44 defensive masterclass over in-state rival TCU, while Lipscomb upset the No. 6 seed Wichita State 71–64 to reach their first-ever NIT final. The championship game showcased 's balanced attack, led by forward Dylan Osetkowski's 19 points and 11 rebounds, as the Longhorns pulled away in the second half behind strong perimeter defense and efficient scoring. This victory capped a 21–16 season for under coach and highlighted the NIT's role as a competitive postseason outlet for bubble teams and conference champions seeking extended play.

Overview

Tournament Summary

The 2019 (NIT) was a postseason college men's basketball competition featuring 32 teams from (NCAA) that did not qualify for the NCAA men's basketball tournament. The event ran from March 19 to April 4, 2019, culminating in a single-elimination format that included 31 games across multiple rounds. This edition of the NIT introduced several experimental rules modifications, such as an extended three-point line and adjusted foul bonus structures, to test potential changes for future NCAA play. The emerged as champions, defeating the 81–66 in the final game held at in . This victory marked Texas's second NIT title in program history and their first since 1978. Head coach led the Longhorns to the title, with senior forward named the tournament's after recording 19 points and 11 rebounds in the championship game.

Historical Context

The (NIT) was founded in 1938 by the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association as a postseason alternative to the nascent NCAA Tournament, which would debut the following year with only eight teams. Initially held at in , the NIT quickly gained prominence by inviting top independent and conference teams, offering a prestigious platform for schools overlooked by the smaller NCAA field. Its early success stemmed from a focus on competitive matchups and national exposure, positioning it as a viable championship opportunity in an era when college basketball's postseason landscape was still developing. Over the decades, the NIT's role evolved alongside the NCAA Tournament's expansion, which grew from 16 teams in to 68 by 2011, absorbing many elite programs and relegating the NIT to a secondary status for "bubble" teams—those with strong regular-season records but insufficient NCAA bids. This shift contributed to a general decline in the NIT's prestige, as power conference champions were increasingly mandated to participate in the NCAA event, and overall attendance and viewership trended downward amid perceptions of diminished stakes. Despite this, the NIT maintained value as a developmental opportunity for and bubble squads, with 32 teams annually selected to provide extended play and recruiting visibility. The NIT followed the 2018–19 men's basketball season and featured 32 teams chosen by the NIT Committee immediately after the NCAA's 68-team field was announced on , 2019. This edition highlighted the tournament's ongoing relevance for competitive programs, including several from power conferences like the Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC, which added intrigue despite broader prestige challenges. For the , the 2019 event marked a return to form, culminating in their second NIT title—the first since 1978. While viewership for the championship game reached 805,000 on , reflecting modest growth from 2018, the field underscored the NIT's niche as a showcase for talented but uninvited squads.

Format and Rules

Standard Structure

The 2019 (NIT) was structured as a involving 32 men's teams, with winners advancing through progressive rounds until a champion was determined. The tournament featured four rounds prior to the semifinals: the first round consisted of 16 games played on March 19 and 20, the second round included 8 games from March 21 to 25, and the quarterfinals comprised 4 games on March 26 and 27. The semifinals took place on April 2, followed by the championship final on April 4, both hosted at in . To facilitate bracketing and regional alignment, the 32 teams were divided into four regional pods—, , and Midwest—each containing eight seeded teams that competed within their pod through the quarterfinals before the winners converged for the neutral-site semifinals and final. Higher-seeded teams enjoyed home-court advantage by hosting the first, second, and quarterfinal rounds at their respective campus arenas, promoting fan engagement and travel efficiency in the early stages. All games adhered to standard NCAA men's rules, including a 40-minute time divided into two 20-minute halves, with a 30-second . This format ensured consistency with regular-season play, emphasizing fundamental skills like defense and fast breaks without deviations from core timing mechanics.

Experimental Modifications

In 2019, the (NIT) served as a testing ground for four experimental rule modifications approved by the NCAA Men's Rules to evaluate their potential impact on gameplay and suitability for broader adoption in . These changes, which marked the first significant experiments since the 2008-09 season adjustments to the 3-point line and other elements, were implemented uniformly across all 32 games of the tournament to gather data on pacing, shooting dynamics, and foul management. The most prominent modification involved extending the 3-point line to the international distance of 22 feet 1.75 inches (6.75 meters), approximately 1 foot 8 inches deeper than the standard NCAA arc of 20 feet 9 inches. This adjustment aimed to assess whether a slightly more challenging long-range shot could enhance strategic balance by potentially reducing the volume of 3-point attempts that had surged in recent seasons. The change was applied consistently in all NIT contests, building on its trial in the tournament, and provided measurable data on shooting percentages and game flow. Another key experiment widened the free-throw lane from 12 feet to 16 feet wide, aligning it with the NBA's dimensions to promote more space for drives to the basket and reduce congestion under the rim. This alteration sought to minimize physical contact in the and encourage perimeter play, with its effects monitored through player movement analytics and rebounding statistics during the tournament. Like the 3-point extension, it carried over from the 2018 NIT for continued evaluation. The shot clock reset rule was adjusted to 20 seconds following an offensive rebound, down from the standard 30 seconds, to accelerate the game's tempo and limit prolonged possessions after misses. This modification was designed to test improvements in overall pace without overly disrupting offensive strategies, and its implementation in every 2019 NIT game yielded feedback on transition opportunities and scoring efficiency. It too had been piloted in 2018. Finally, a new foul-tracking system reset team foul counts to zero at the 10-minute mark of each half, effectively treating each period as two 10-minute segments for bonus purposes and eliminating the traditional one-and-one free-throw format. Under this rule, teams earned two free throws after their fifth foul in each segment, or after the second foul in the final two minutes if fewer than five had occurred; in , bonuses began at the fourth foul overall or second under two minutes. The intent was to streamline foul calls, increase free-throw attempts, and refine late-game discipline, with this being a debut experiment exclusive to the 2019 NIT. These experiments were conducted in collaboration with the NIT's oversight bodies, with coaches, officials, and administrators providing post-game feedback to inform the NCAA's process. The data collected ultimately contributed to the adoption of the extended 3-point line and 20-second reset for the 2019-20 NCAA season, while the lane widening and foul reset rules were not implemented league-wide.

Selection and Participants

Automatic Qualification

The 2019 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) awarded automatic bids to 10 teams that were regular-season champions of conferences whose teams were excluded from the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. This mechanism ensured representation from conferences without NCAA bids, filling part of the 32-team field alongside at-large selections. The selection committee, administered by the NCAA, applied these rules consistently across eligible leagues. The automatic qualifiers included: Campbell (Big South Conference), Harvard (Ivy League), Hofstra (Colonial Athletic Association), Lipscomb (Atlantic Sun Conference), Northern Kentucky (Horizon League), Norfolk State (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference), Saint Francis (Pennsylvania) (Northeast Conference), Sam Houston State (Southland Conference), South Dakota State (Summit League), and Toledo (Mid-American Conference). These 10 automatic bids highlighted the NIT's role in providing postseason opportunities to competitive programs just outside NCAA selection, with all qualifiers from conferences in 2019. The process underscored the tournament's criteria prioritizing regular-season conference performance for these slots.

At-Large Selection Process

The NIT Selection selected 22 teams for the 2019 tournament following the men's basketball tournament selections on March 17, 2019. These bids complemented the automatic qualifiers—regular-season conference champions not advancing to the NCAA Tournament—to form the 32-team field. The committee, chaired by Director of Athletics Barry Collier and composed of experts such as athletic directors and conference commissioners, conducted the process without noted conflicts of interest for the cycle. Members evaluated teams using criteria similar to those of the NCAA selection committee but applied less stringently, including the NCAA Evaluation Tool () rankings, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and conference records. Additional factors encompassed box scores, game summaries, NABC rankings, and submissions from conferences to assess overall performance. The involved an initial where each member nominated up to 32 eligible teams, advancing those receiving votes from all but one member; subsequent ballots ranked remaining candidates via a cross-country scoring system until 22 bids were filled. Announced during an broadcast on March 17, 2019, the selections included teams such as , , and Wichita State, reflecting a mix of major-conference contenders and strong mid-majors. The resulting 32-team field achieved balance across conferences, with five teams from the Big East, two from the ACC, three from the Big 12, and representation from 22 Division I conferences overall. This distribution ensured geographic and competitive diversity while prioritizing teams with solid NET rankings and postseason potential.

Seeding and Team List

Seeding Methodology

The seeding for the 2019 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) was conducted by the NIT Committee following established principles, dividing the 32 selected teams into four regions—East, Midwest, South, and West—each with eight seeds numbered 1 through 8. The process involved ranking the teams based on a seed list developed through committee votes and cross-country scoring, where the team with the fewest points advances to the next seeding level, repeated iteratively until all teams were assigned seeds. Key criteria included overall winning percentage, NET (National Efficiency of Team) rankings, conference standings, and quality of wins, with resources such as box scores and NABC regional advisory rankings informing evaluations. Automatic qualifiers, consisting of regular-season conference champions not selected for the NCAA Tournament, were reseeded alongside at-large selections without preferential treatment, ensuring a merit-based assignment across the field. In 2019, the No. 1 seeds were UNC Greensboro in the East Region, in the West Region, in the South Region, and TCU in the Midwest Region, reflecting their strong overall profiles among eligible teams. The top four seeds (1 through 4) in each region hosted the first- and second-round games on their home courts, subject to logistical considerations like travel and facilities. Pairings followed a standard bracket format within each region: No. 1 versus No. 8, No. 4 versus No. 5, No. 2 versus No. 7, and No. 3 versus No. 6, designed to balance competition and promote geographic proximity for fan interest. Additional rules included placing the first two teams from the same conference in different regions and avoiding first-round rematches of regular-season opponents when possible, with minor seed line adjustments (e.g., shifting a team one line for balance) approved by committee vote. The 2019 seeding process proceeded without significant controversies, as the assignments aligned closely with preseason projections and performance metrics.

Participating Teams by Region

The 2019 consisted of 32 teams divided into four regional brackets—East, West, South, and Midwest—each containing eight teams seeded from 1 to 8 based on the selection committee's evaluation. Automatic qualifiers included regular-season conference champions whose teams did not advance to the NCAA Tournament, while the remainder were selections.

East Region

The top four seeds in this region hosted first-round games.

West Region

    1. (Big Ten Conference)
    1. (Big 12 Conference)
    1. Furman (Southern Conference)
    1. Providence (Big East Conference)
    1. (Southeastern Conference)
    1. Wichita State (American Athletic Conference)
    1. Wright State (Horizon League, automatic qualifier)
    1. Saint Francis (Pennsylvania) (Northeast Conference, automatic qualifier)
Higher seeds in this region served as first-round hosts.

South Region

    1. (Southeastern Conference)
    1. Clemson (Atlantic Coast Conference)
    1. Memphis (American Athletic Conference)
    1. (Pac-12 Conference)
    1. Dayton (Atlantic 10 Conference)
    1. (West Coast Conference)
    1. Loyola Chicago (Missouri Valley Conference, automatic qualifier)
    1. Norfolk State (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, automatic qualifier)
Teams seeded 1 through 4 hosted early-round contests in this bracket.

Midwest Region

    1. TCU (Big 12 Conference)
    1. Creighton (Big East Conference)
    1. Xavier (Big East Conference)
    1. (Big Ten Conference)
    1. (Big East Conference)
    1. Toledo (Mid-American Conference)
    1. South Dakota State (Summit League, automatic qualifier)
    1. Sam Houston State (Southland Conference, automatic qualifier)
This region featured strong representation from the Big East, with three teams included. Across all regions, the had the highest representation with five teams, followed by the Big 12, Atlantic Coast, Southeastern, American Athletic, Southern, Atlantic 10, and Big Ten conferences, each with two teams; the remaining conferences contributed one team apiece.

Bracket and Results

Early Rounds (First and Second)

The 2019 National Invitation Tournament's early rounds were conducted on the home campuses of the higher-seeded teams, spanning March 19–20 for the first round and March 23–24 for round across four regional brackets. These rounds featured 24 total games, with the first round including 16 matchups between the 32 participating teams and round narrowing the field to eight quarterfinalists. Home-court advantage played a significant role, as higher seeds won 13 of 16 first-round games, contributing to strong crowd support and familiar environments that favored the hosts. In the first round, top seeds generally prevailed, but a few upsets highlighted the competitiveness. For instance, No. 2 Texas defeated No. 7 South Dakota State 79–73 at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas, showcasing efficient scoring led by their balanced attack. No. 1 Wichita State topped No. 8 Furman 76–70 at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas, relying on strong defense to limit the Paladins' perimeter shooting. A standout upset occurred when No. 8 Norfolk State stunned No. 1 Alabama 80–79 in overtime at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where the Spartans' late-game resilience overcame the Crimson Tide's home dominance. Other notable results included No. 1 UNC Greensboro's 84–66 win over No. 8 Campbell at the Greensboro Coliseum and No. 5 Lipscomb's 89–81 victory against No. 4 Davidson in Nashville, Tennessee, demonstrating the Bisons' high-powered offense. The second round saw continued higher-seed success, with all remaining top seeds advancing except for UNC Greensboro, which fell to Lipscomb 86–69 in Greensboro. Texas extended its run with a 78–76 overtime win over Xavier at home in Austin, maintaining defensive intensity to secure the victory. Wichita State advanced by defeating No. 2 Clemson 63–55 in Wichita, where their physical play disrupted the Tigers' rhythm. TCU, a No. 1 seed, routed No. 4 Nebraska 88–72 in Fort Worth, Texas, highlighting their transition scoring. Colorado, after its first-round win, beat Norfolk State 76–60 in Boulder, Colorado, capitalizing on the upset team's fatigue. NC State edged Harvard 78–77 in Raleigh, North Carolina, in a thriller that preserved the Wolfpack's momentum. Overall, the round produced no major upsets, with home teams winning all eight contests and setting up neutral-site quarterfinals. The advancing teams—Lipscomb, NC State, , , Wichita State, TCU, Creighton, and —reflected the bracket's structure of four regions, each sending two teams forward.
RoundKey Games (Representative Examples)ScoreLocation
First (2) vs. South Dakota State (7)79–73Austin, TX
FirstWichita State (6) vs. Furman (3)76–70Wichita, KS
First State (8) vs. (1)80–79 (OT)Tuscaloosa, AL
FirstUNC Greensboro (1) vs. Campbell (8)84–66Greensboro, NC
SecondLipscomb (5) vs. UNC Greensboro (1)86–69Greensboro, NC
Second (2) vs. Xavier (3)78–76 (OT)Austin, TX
SecondWichita State (6) vs. Clemson (2)63–55Wichita, KS
SecondTCU (1) vs. (4)88–72Fort Worth, TX

Quarterfinals

The quarterfinals of the were held on March 26 and 27 at the home arenas of the higher-seeded teams. These on-campus games featured competitive matchups, with two notable upsets as lower seeds advanced to the semifinals. On March 26, No. 6 seed Wichita State defeated No. 1 seed 73–63 at in . Markis McDuffie led the Shockers with 21 points, helping them overcome the Hoosiers despite playing on the road and securing an upset victory. In the same evening's contest, No. 1 seed TCU topped No. 2 seed Creighton 71–58 at Ed and Rae in . scored 25 points, including six three-pointers, as the Horned Frogs pulled away in the second half with strong defensive play to hold Creighton to just 32.4% shooting. The following day, March 27, No. 5 seed Lipscomb edged No. 2 seed NC State 94–93 in a thrilling finish at James T. Valvano Arena at William C. in . erupted for a career-high 44 points, including nine three-pointers, to propel the Bisons to a dramatic road upset in the final seconds. Also on March 27, No. 2 seed defeated No. 4 seed 68–55 at in . The Longhorns controlled the game with balanced scoring and defense, limiting the Buffaloes to 37.5% from the field en route to a comfortable win. Wichita State, TCU, Lipscomb, and advanced to the semifinals at in . The upsets underscored the tournament's competitiveness, with Wichita State's resilience and Lipscomb's offensive firepower proving decisive in eliminating higher seeds.

Semifinals

The semifinals of the 2019 National Invitation Tournament were held on April 2 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, featuring a doubleheader that advanced the final two teams to the championship. In the first game, No. 5 seed Lipscomb rallied from an 11-point deficit in the final minutes to defeat No. 6 seed Wichita State 71–64. Garrison Mathews led the Bisons with a game-high 34 points, including eight three-pointers on the tournament's experimental extended three-point line (moved to the international distance of 22 feet, 1¾ inches), which highlighted Lipscomb's perimeter shooting prowess throughout the postseason. The Nashville-based Bisons, who had upset No. 2 NC State in the quarterfinals, scored the game's final 14 points to secure their first-ever appearance in the NIT final, with a crowd of traveling fans adding to the electric atmosphere despite the modest attendance of 4,599. In the second semifinal, No. 2 seed Texas dominated No. 1 seed TCU 58–44 behind a stifling defensive effort that limited the Horned Frogs to 31.6% shooting. Kerwin Roach II paced the Longhorns with 22 points, while forward Dylan Osetkowski contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring a frontcourt that forced 15 TCU turnovers and held the Big 12 rivals to just 17 points in the first half. Texas, which had advanced past Colorado in the quarterfinals, controlled the tempo under the NIT's experimental rules, including the 20-second shot clock reset on offensive rebounds, to set up a matchup against Lipscomb. The game drew an announced attendance of 4,599, reflecting the intimate yet intense setting of the historic venue for the tournament's late stages.

Championship Game

The 2019 National Invitation Tournament championship game was held on April 4, 2019, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, pitting the No. 2 seed Texas Longhorns against the No. 5 seed Lipscomb Bisons. Texas, advancing after a 58-44 semifinal victory over TCU, faced Lipscomb, who reached the final by defeating Wichita State 71-64 in the other semifinal. The Longhorns, coached by Shaka Smart, controlled the game from the outset, building a commanding lead in the first half through efficient shooting and defensive pressure. Texas jumped to an early advantage, with forward scoring 15 of his game-high 19 points in the opening period, including 3-of-3 from three-point range, while guard Jase Febres added three triples. The Longhorns closed the first half on a 13-2 run, capped by Febres' buzzer-beating three-pointer, leading 41-27 at halftime. Lipscomb, led by Rob Marberry's 17 points and ' 15, mounted a brief comeback in the second half, narrowing the gap to 53-46 midway through, but Texas responded with a decisive 13-2 run to pull away. Kerwin Roach II contributed 16 points and nine assists off the bench for Texas, helping secure the 81-66 victory. Key statistics underscored Texas' dominance: the Longhorns shot 41% from the field (28-of-68) and 10-of-22 from beyond the arc, capitalizing on their perimeter game, while Lipscomb managed 39.3% (22-of-56) overall and just 5-of-17 (29.4%) from three. forced 14 turnovers from Lipscomb while committing only 10, converting those into a 16-6 points-off-turnovers edge. Osetkowski added 11 rebounds for a , bolstering Texas' 37-36 rebounding advantage. In post-game reactions, celebrated its second NIT title and first since , with coach Smart praising the team's resilience amid off-court uncertainties. Senior guard Kerwin Roach II was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player for his contributions throughout the run. The game drew an attendance of 4,051, reflecting the intimate atmosphere at . Lipscomb coach Casey Alexander lauded his team's historic season, marking their first NIT final appearance.

Media and Legacy

Broadcast Coverage

The 2019 (NIT) held exclusive television rights with ESPN networks, which broadcast all games across its family of channels and streaming platforms. This arrangement ensured comprehensive coverage for the postseason event, aligning with ESPN's longstanding partnership with the NCAA for the NIT. The first round featured 16 games split between , , , and , airing on March 19 and 20. Seven matchups were televised on , , and , providing live coverage of early elimination games from various campus sites, while the remaining nine streamed exclusively on for broader accessibility. Subsequent rounds shifted to higher-profile networks: the second round games aired on or , quarterfinals on , semifinals on , and the championship game on at 7:00 p.m. ET on April 4. This progression allowed for escalating visibility as the tournament advanced to neutral-site contests in . Announcing duties were handled by ESPN's standard college basketball broadcast team, including play-by-play announcers such as and , alongside analysts like and for select games, though specific assignments varied by matchup. Internationally, coverage was limited and distributed through International, reaching audiences in regions like and via affiliated networks.

Notable Impacts and Performances

emerged as a key performer for during the 2019 NIT, averaging 15.6 points per game across five contests while contributing significantly on the boards and in steals. In the championship game against Lipscomb, he recorded a with 19 points and 11 rebounds, helping secure the title. of Lipscomb also stood out during the Bisons' deep run, leveraging his sharpshooting to advance to the semifinals and having been named the ASUN Conference Player of the Year for his regular-season performance. The tournament provided momentum for under head coach , who used the NIT championship to build confidence heading into the 2019-20 season after a challenging regular campaign. Lipscomb's unexpected semifinal appearance marked the farthest advance for an ASUN team in the NIT since , enhancing the conference's national visibility and highlighting competitiveness. The NIT incorporated experimental rules, including an extended three-point line to the international distance of 22 feet, 1.75 inches, which resulted in teams averaging 23.1 three-point attempts per game—slightly higher than the 22.8 average from the 2018-19 regular season. This adjustment, tested to promote spacing and shooting volume, influenced the NCAA's decision to adopt the longer arc starting in the 2019-20 season, though the full effects were curtailed by the pandemic's cancellation of postseason play. Despite several upsets, the 2019 NIT was regarded as a competitive field that showcased resilient teams and contributed to the tournament's ongoing as a postseason outlet. Post-tournament, the exposure proved valuable for players like Osetkowski, who, though undrafted in the , secured professional contracts overseas, including stints in Germany and the . As of 2025, he continues his professional career in the with Partizan Belgrade, having won multiple titles in Europe.

References

  1. https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2019-04-05/2019-nit-bracket-schedule-scores-tv-channels-thursdays
  2. https://texaslonghorns.com/news/2019/4/4/mens-basketball-tops-lipscomb-81-66-to-win-nit-championship.aspx
  3. https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/2019-03-17/2019-nit-selection-show-time-tv-channel-date
  4. https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/2019-02-22/college-basketball-experimental-rules-be-used-2019-nit
  5. https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401123695
  6. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/dylan-osetkowski-1.html
  7. https://big12sports.com/news/2019/4/4/211798531.aspx
  8. https://fansided.com/2023/03/12/nit-brief-history/
  9. https://www.si.com/college-basketball/history-and-expansion-of-the-nit-tournament
  10. https://frontofficesports.com/keep-your-invitation-the-nit-is-struggling-to-stay-relevant/
  11. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2826324-nit-2019-complete-bracket-1st-round-schedule-and-teams-to-watch
  12. https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2019/04/womens-final-four-ratings-nit-phillies/
  13. https://i.turner.ncaa.com/sites/default/files/images/2019/03/17/2019-nit-bracket-schedule-seeds-teams.pdf
  14. https://www.msg.com/events-tickets/nit-game-madison-square-garden-april-2019/3B005571FBCF2536
  15. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2826017-nit-2019-known-tournament-info-format-and-championship-dates
  16. https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2019/3/17/18266394/nit-bracket-2019-teams-revealed
  17. https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2019-09-26/college-and-nba-basketballs-biggest-rule-differences
  18. https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2019-06-05/mens-college-basketball-3-point-line-extended-international
  19. https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2019-05-10/proposal-would-extend-3-point-line-mens-basketball
  20. https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2019/03/espn-networks-exclusive-home-to-82nd-national-invitational-tournament-nit/
  21. https://www.ncaa.com/sites/default/files/files/NIT_Principles_Procedures.pdf
  22. https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/26292974/five-teams-big-east-included-nit-bracket
  23. https://hoosierstateofmind.com/2019/03/17/indiana-named-one-seed-nit-tournament/
  24. https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2019-nit-championship-bracket-scores-texas-claims-title-after-taking-down-lipscomb-in-new-york/
  25. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2826656-nit-2019-tuesdays-round-1-scores-updated-bracket-and-wednesday-schedule
  26. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2827822-nit-2019-final-2nd-round-scores-updated-bracket-quarterfinals-schedule
  27. https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401123697/wichita-st-indiana
  28. https://theamerican.org/news/2019/3/27/mens-basketball-wichita-state-wins-at-indiana-advances-to-nit-semifinals.aspx
  29. https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401123696
  30. https://gofrogs.com/news/2019/3/26/mens-basketball-srong-second-half-pushes-frogs-to-nit-semifinal
  31. https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401123699/lipscomb-nc-state
  32. https://gopack.com/news/2019/3/27/mens-basketball-nc-state-falls-short-to-lipscomb-94-93
  33. https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game?gameId=401123698
  34. https://texaslonghorns.com/news/2019/3/25/mens-basketball-to-host-colorado-in-nit-quarterfinals-on-wednesday
  35. https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401123693/wichita-st-lipscomb
  36. https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/wichita-state/article228751894.html
  37. https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401123694/texas-tcu
  38. https://texaslonghorns.com/news/2019/4/3/mens-basketball-defeats-tcu-58-44-in-nit-semifinals
  39. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2829227-nit-2019-semifinals-scores-updated-bracket-and-championship-schedule
  40. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2829644-nit-2019-box-score-stats-highlights-from-lipscomb-vs-texas-championship
  41. https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/2019/04/04/lipscomb-basketball-texas-nit-2019-final-live-score-updates/3312952002/
  42. https://lipscomb.edu/news/bisons-historic-season-comes-end-nit-final
  43. https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401123695/lipscomb-texas
  44. https://www.burntorangenation.com/2019/4/4/18296057/texas-longhorns-81-lipscomb-bisons-66-kerwin-roach-dylan-osetkowski
  45. https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/gamelog/_/id/3155390/dylan-osetkowski
  46. https://asunsports.org/news/2019/3/4/3_4_2019_4023.aspx
  47. https://uncbears.com/news/2019/11/4/mens-basketball-tips-off-2019-20-season-at-texas.aspx
  48. https://lipscombsports.com/news/2019/3/23/IMPORTED_STORY_15900_15900
  49. https://www.ncaa.org/news/2019/6/5/men-s-basketball-3-point-line-extended-to-international-distance.aspx
  50. https://thesunflower.com/38350/sports/increased-3-point-distance-shorter-shot-clock-and-other-rule-changes-will-be-in-play-in-the-nit/
  51. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jerrybeach/2019/03/19/for-mid-majors-the-nit-is-a-big-deal/
  52. https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Dylan-Osetkowski/Summary/80007
  53. https://www.eurohoops.net/en/euroleague/1841986/dylan-osetkowski-signs-with-partizan-euroleague/
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