Kent State's NIT Bid: A Postseason Surprise?
So, the Kent State Golden Flashes are heading to the NIT! It’s their third postseason appearance in four years, which is pretty impressive, right? After a solid finish to the season, they’re facing off against St. Bonaventure in Olean, New York on Tuesday. It's a big deal for Coach Rob Senderoff – his eighth postseason appearance in 14 years, but his first trip to the NIT. Who would have guessed?
Getting to Know St. Bonaventure
St. Bonaventure’s got a serious home-court advantage; they're 12-3 at the Reilly Center. They’ve also got a pretty good track record against MAC teams, even beating Buffalo by 10 points this year. They haven't played Kent State since 2003, but their past record against the Flashes is looking good for them. And let’s not forget Coach Mark Schmidt, who's been at the helm for 18 seasons – that’s serious stability. Oh, and did you hear about their new general manager, Adrian Wojnarowski? That's a pretty big name in basketball.
Kent State's Season: A Rollercoaster Ride
Kent State had a fantastic run, going 9-3 since February. They made it to the MAC Tournament quarterfinals before losing to Miami. This NIT appearance follows their 2023 NCAA Tournament run, showing they’re consistently competitive. Their last NIT appearance? Way back during the Geno Ford era (2010-2011), where they even reached the quarterfinals! That's some serious history.
The NIT: A Second Chance
The NIT is a 32-team single-elimination tournament, five rounds of nail-biting action leading up to the semifinals and finals in Indianapolis at Hinkle Fieldhouse. It’s interesting that South Carolina turned down an invitation this year because of roster issues. It just goes to show how competitive the NIT really is, even without some of the top teams.
Tuesday Night Showdown: What to Expect
This game? It’s going to be a battle. Two experienced teams going head-to-head. Kent State’s recent success is undeniable, but St. Bonaventure’s home crowd will be a huge factor. It’s going to come down to who wants it more, who plays smarter, and who can handle the pressure. Honestly, I’m on the edge of my seat! Will Kent State keep their postseason run going? Or will St. Bonaventure’s home-court advantage be too much to overcome? Tune in Tuesday night to find out!
