NCAA Basketball: 2018 NIT Season Tip-Off preview and predictions

By TJ Miller | Nov 20, 2018

OKLAHOMA CITY - MARCH 20: A detail of a NCAA logo decal is seen at center court as the Kansas State Wildcats play against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Ford Center on March 20, 2010 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 13: Chris Mack the head coach of the Louisville Cardinals talks with Christen Cunningham #1 and Ryan McMahon #30 against the Southern Jaguars at KFC YUM! Center on November 13, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Expectations

All four teams in this bracket portion of the NIT Tip-off are capable of winning two in a row and capturing the championship. However, Kansas and Tennessee should be considered as the favorites.

Both teams are coming off conference titles and have managed to get through their first 3 games unscathed this season. Tennessee won the event the last time it participated back in 2010 and will attempt to become the first team to win the tournament twice since it expanded just over a decade ago.

Marquette is the team with the most to gain as a win over Kansas and then Tennessee or Louisville would be important after a disappointing blowout loss to Indiana. Also, the Big East doesn’t look nearly as strong as last season meaning there may be less potential quality wins for the Golden Eagles to snag come league play.

Louisville is the squad with the least amount of pressure on its shoulders. This team is already playing with a carefree spirit infused by Chris Mack. Plus, even if Louisville goes winless at this event, they should have plenty opportunities to score nice victories in the ACC.

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