Jax State, UNA among seven in-state teams in the NIT

It has been a magical season for college basketball in the state of Alabama. And while four men’s teams and one women’s team are headed to the big dance, there are others who will still have a part to play in March.

Four other in-state men’s teams + three women’s teams are headed to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). The list includes:

• Alabama A&M women
• Jacksonville State men
• North Alabama men
• Samford men
• Troy women
• UAB men + women

Keep reading to see the full bracket + how you can watch every team’s first round matchup this week.

Men’s NIT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by National Invitation Tournament (@nitmbb)

The NIT might have lost some of its luster over the years and some of the top teams outside of this year’s big dance seemingly declined their invitations to this year’s “consolation tournament.”

But that doesn’t take away from the competition for the teams on the court.

The tournament features 32 teams with the higher seeded teams hosting the first three rounds. The semifinals and championship game will be played at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indiana on April 1 and 3.

Here’s a look at the first-round games featuring in-state teams:

If North Alabama and Samford both win, the two teams would play each other in the second round. If higher seeds are eliminated, the next round’s host will be announced at a later date.

Women’s NIT

The women’s tournament is slightly different with 48 total teams competing in the tournament, 16 of them getting byes. The championship will be held on April 5.

The full bracket will be released Monday. This story will be updated when it becomes available.

Want more like this in your inbox? Subscribe to our free newsletter to keep up with Alabama’s buzziest news.