[NU Sports] NIT Seeds

[Tom Maycock]

> Automatic qualifier? For the NIT?
> 

Yeah, there's a new rule now -- I think for conference regular-season champions who don't get an NCAA bid because they lose their conference tourney. From what I read, we were indeed the last team in. 

And as I understand it, the NCAA runs the NIT now. 

> RPI is just one factor -- 

According to stories in the Trib, the NIT also looks at Sagarin ratings, which have us much higher. 

Another NIT/Trib article mentioned that they don't factor in "good sales" in determining who gets the home game--that it's all based on seeding. Of course, whether or not home ticket sales factors into seeding was not discussed.

In any case, I'm happy the 2010 Cats get another chance to play. 

It was nice to see them finish the "regular" year strong, after struggling for a few weeks. 

Crawford seemed to regain some of his old form, so I assume he is feeling better. Rowley is apparently over the virus that had him out for a while, so we've got a key bench player back. 

If Luka can play with confidence and avoid fouls (we really missed his passing when he had to sit during the Purdue game), this team has a chance to make a nice run.

Tom