Lipscomb vs. Wichita State: 2019 NIT Tournament game preview, TV schedule
Lipscomb and Wichita State have both made it to the Final Four of the NIT. Which team makes it to the finals and whose season ends on Tuesday?
TV schedule: Tuesday, April 2, 7:00 pm ET. ESPN
Arena: Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York
The Liberty Flames represented the Ohio Valley Conference in the NCAA Tournament this season, defeating five seed Mississippi State in the Round of 64 before falling to Virginia Tech right after. But if a couple of bounces went different in the OVC Tournament title game, Lipscomb would’ve been in the Big Dance instead.
Although disappointed, the Bison were determined to make the best of it and go on a run. It started with a pair of road wins in the state of North Carolina over Davidson and UNC Greensboro, scoring 89 and 86 respectively. But they had to remain in the state to take on their toughest opponent in NC State. And at times, the Wolfpack was in full control in the game.
Lipscomb (28-7) never gave up and led by a record-performance by reigning OVC Player of the Year Garrison Matthews’ 44 points, the team won in the final second 94-93 over NC State. The Bison made 14 three-pointers and assisted in 24 out of their 34 total field goals. It’s the program’s first time in the NIT semifinals and while the NCAA Tournament was filled with chalk, Lipscomb gives fans that one Cinderella mid-major to root for.
A team who used to be that was Wichita State (22-14) before moving up a level to the AAC. The team took a step back after losing so much talent after the season prior and just made the NIT. But the young team is riding a wave of momentum and took it with them on the road to beat Furman, Clemson and most recently, Indiana.
Led by Markis McDuffie’s 21 points, the Shockers defeated the Hoosiers, 73-63 in Assembly Hall. The senior forward has been the top player all tournament long and has gotten enough help from the young Wichita State players to advance to this point.
The key in this game will be how the Shockers defend the high scoring Bison. Lipscomb is ranked in the top-10 nationally in ppg and has only increased that in the NIT. Wichita State is a good defense but hasn’t faced either a team as potent as the Bison or players as good as Mathews.
Next. Early look at top 2020 recruiting prospects. dark
Whether it’s the seniors wanting to go out in style for Lipscomb or Wichita State looking to head into next season with positive momentum, both teams will be very motivated to play in Madison Square Garden. The Shockers will be able to limit the Bisons some in this game but the experience and hot team from the OVC should move on.