What's Happening?
The California Golden Bears are set to participate in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) for the first time since 2017. The Bears, who did not qualify for the NCAA tournament, received an invitation to the 32-team NIT. They will face Illinois-Chicago
(UIC) in a first-round game at Haas Pavilion on March 18, with the game being televised on ESPN2. Cal enters the tournament as the No. 2 seed in the Albuquerque Regional, boasting a 21-11 record. UIC, with a 19-15 record, finished their season with a 12-8 mark in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Flames reached the conference tournament final but were defeated by Northern Iowa. If Cal wins, they will advance to play the winner of the Saint Joseph's and Colorado State matchup in the second round.
Why It's Important?
This tournament appearance is significant for Cal as it marks their return to postseason play after a five-year absence. Participation in the NIT provides the team with an opportunity to gain valuable experience and exposure on a national stage. For the players and coaching staff, it is a chance to showcase their skills and potentially attract attention from larger programs or professional scouts. Additionally, a strong performance in the NIT could boost the program's reputation and help in recruiting efforts. The tournament also offers a platform for the team to build momentum and confidence for the next season.
What's Next?
Should Cal win their opening game against UIC, they will advance to the second round, where they are likely to host the game at Haas Pavilion. The potential matchup would be against either Saint Joseph's or Colorado State, with the game scheduled for March 22. Success in the NIT could lead to further games, with quarterfinals set for March 24 and 25, and the semifinals and finals taking place in Indianapolis in early April. The team will need to maintain focus and performance to progress through the tournament.
