Broncos in NIT

It didn't end in Las Vegas after all! When Boise State's NCAA tournament hopes were dashed by a loss to San Diego State at the Mountain West tournament last week it appeared the season was done.

Now, for the first time in 13 years, the Boise State men's basketball team will compete in the National Invitational Tournament, better know as the NIT. Next to the NCAA tournament the NIT is the longest running post season event with the final four going to New York City.

Boise States journey however begins with a much shorter step albeit a difficult journey to Salt Lake City to play Utah Tuesday night at 8 p.m. BSU is a #6 seed and Utah a 3rd seed and the Utes will be favored on their home court.

A total of 32 teams compete in the NIT and this year ten of those teams won regular season conference championships but were unable to close the deal in their conference post season tournaments missing out on automatic NCAA berths. Joining Boise State in the NIT from the Mountain West are Fresno State and Colorado State which means the top four seeds in from the Mountain West tournament advanced to post season play. Nevada, the league champs, will represent the conference in the NCAA tournament Thursday in Milwaukee against Iowa State.

While BSU plays at Utah Tuesday, Colorado State will host The College of Charleston and then Wednesday Fresno State plays at TCU.

Quite frankly this is one of the best fields in the NIT since it began in 1938.