NIT: Unveiling the Latest Bracket Updates & Game Results
March Madness may capture the lion's share of attention, but for dedicated college basketball fans, the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) offers a thrilling secondary stage where teams battle for pride, glory, and a coveted championship title. Often home to some of the season's biggest "snubs" from the NCAA Tournament, the NIT consistently delivers compelling matchups and unforgettable moments. If you're looking for the most current information on the
Printable 2026 NIT Bracket & Full Schedule, you've come to the right place. We'll dive deep into how teams qualify, the current results, and what to expect as the tournament progresses.
Understanding the NIT: More Than Just a Consolation Prize
The NIT, or National Invitation Tournament, is a highly respected 32-team postseason tournament that crowns an unofficial "consolation champion" each year. Far from being a mere afterthought, it's a significant opportunity for teams to extend their season, gain valuable experience, and send their seniors out with a championship banner.
The selection process for the NIT is designed to recognize a wide array of strong programs across the nation:
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Exempt Bids: The top 12 conferences, as determined by the KenPom ratings on March 15th, each receive one exempt bid. This bid goes to the team in that conference with the best KNIT score, granting them the chance to host first-round games – a considerable advantage.
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Automatic Bids: These are awarded to regular-season conference champions whose KNIT score is 125 or better as of the morning after their league's regular season concludes. It's a nod to sustained excellence throughout the conference schedule.
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At-Large Bids: To complete the 32-team field, a dedicated committee selects additional teams based on their overall resume, strength of schedule, and performance throughout the season. These often include many of the high-profile programs that just missed out on an NCAA Tournament berth.
This year's tournament features a diverse field of 32 teams representing 18 different conferences, all vying for the ultimate prize. For many of these programs, including top seeds like Auburn, playing in the NIT is a chance to prove they belonged on a bigger stage, providing an extra layer of intensity to every game. To understand more about the teams that found themselves in the NIT, read our guide on
NCAA Snubs & More: Your Guide to the 2026 NIT.
The 2026 NIT Bracket: Latest Game Results & Second Round Showdowns
The 2026 NIT tipped off with a flurry of exciting first-round matchups, and we're now moving into the highly anticipated second round. Here's a region-by-region breakdown of the current standings and what's coming next in the dynamic Nit Bracket:
Auburn Region
- First Round Results:
- No. 1 Auburn 78, South Alabama 67: Auburn, a notable NCAA Tournament snub despite a challenging schedule, secured a solid opening win on their home court.
- No. 2 Nevada 89, Murray State 75: Nevada demonstrated their offensive firepower with a convincing victory.
- Liberty 77, No. 3 George Mason 71: A significant upset saw Liberty overcome the higher-seeded George Mason in a hard-fought contest.
- No. 4 Seattle U 67, St. Thomas (MN) 52: Seattle U handled business at home, advancing comfortably.
- Upcoming Second Round Matchups:
- No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 4 Seattle U – March 22 at 6:30 p.m. ET
- Liberty vs. No. 2 Nevada – March 21 at 9 p.m. ET
- Quarterfinals: The winners of these two games will face off on March 24 or 25. The potential Auburn-Nevada clash in the quarterfinals would be a must-watch, showcasing two teams with legitimate aspirations for a deep run.
Albuquerque Region
- First Round Results:
- No. 1 New Mexico 107, Sam Houston 83: New Mexico put on an offensive clinic, sending a strong message to the rest of the field.
- No. 2 California 91, UIC 73: California showcased efficiency and depth in their victory.
- Saint Joseph’s 69, No. 3 Colorado State 64: Saint Joseph's pulled off a gritty upset against a strong Colorado State team.
- George Washington 79, No. 4 Utah Valley 78: In arguably the most thrilling first-round game, George Washington snatched a victory in a nail-biter.
- Upcoming Second Round Matchups:
- No. 1 New Mexico vs. George Washington – March 22 at 6 p.m. ET
- No. 2 California vs. Saint Joseph’s – March 22 at 9 p.m. ET
- Quarterfinals: The winners will meet on March 24 or 25. New Mexico, with their high-octane offense, will be looking to continue their dominant run.
Winston-Salem Region
- First Round Results:
- No. 1 Wake Forest 82, Navy 72: Wake Forest successfully defended their home court, securing a comfortable win.
- No. 2 Dayton 80, Bradley 66: Dayton displayed strong defense and balanced scoring in their first-round triumph.
- UNCW 68, No. 3 Yale 67: UNCW squeaked by Yale in a dramatic one-point affair, proving every possession matters.
- No. 4 Illinois State 79, Kent State 58: Illinois State delivered a dominant performance, showcasing their potential as a dark horse.
- Upcoming Second Round Matchups:
- No. 1 Wake Forest vs. No. 4 Illinois State – March 22 at 4:30 p.m. ET
- No. 2 Dayton vs. UNCW – March 21 at 7 p.m. ET
- Quarterfinals: The winners from these second-round contests will battle it out on March 24 or 25. This region promises some tight games as teams fight for a spot in the Indianapolis semifinals.
Tulsa Region
- First Round Results:
- No. 1 Tulsa 89, Stephen F. Austin 84: Tulsa weathered a tough challenge, emerging victorious in a high-scoring affair.
- No. 2 Oklahoma State 84, Davidson 80: Oklahoma State held off a persistent Davidson squad in a hard-fought contest.
- No. 3 Wichita State 74, Wyoming 70: Wichita State used a strong defensive effort to secure their first-round win.
- UNLV 75, No. 4 UC Irvine 72: UNLV pulled off a slight upset, defeating UC Irvine in a closely contested battle.
- Upcoming Second Round Matchups:
- No. 1 Tulsa vs. UNLV – March 22 at 7 p.m. ET
- No. 2 Oklahoma State vs. No. 3 Wichita State – March 22 at 8:30 p.m. ET
- Quarterfinals: The winners will compete on March 24 or 25. The Oklahoma State vs. Wichita State game is a particularly intriguing matchup, with both teams eager to prove their regional dominance.
Navigating the 2026 NIT Schedule: Key Dates & Championship Details
The NIT is a fast-paced tournament, and keeping track of the schedule is crucial for fans. Here’s a detailed look at the remaining dates, venues, and broadcasting information:
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First Round: Tuesday, March 17, and Wednesday, March 18, at campus sites. Games were broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPNU.
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Second Round: Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22, at campus sites. Tune in to ESPN2 and ESPNU for live coverage.
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Quarterfinals: Tuesday, March 24, and Wednesday, March 25, at campus sites. Catch the action on ESPN2.
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Semifinals: Thursday, April 2, at the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. These pivotal games will be broadcast on ESPN.
* Albuquerque Region Winner vs. Tulsa Region Winner
* Auburn Region Winner vs. Winston-Salem Region Winner
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Championship: Sunday, April 5, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, airing on ESPN2. The ultimate culmination of the tournament, crowning the 2026 NIT Champion.
Fans are encouraged to check local listings and streaming services for exact broadcast times and availability, especially for games hosted at various campus sites. The move to Indianapolis for the semifinals and championship brings a centralized, electric atmosphere to the tournament's climax.
Key Storylines & What to Watch For
Beyond the scores and schedules, the 2026 NIT Bracket is rich with compelling storylines. Many of the top seeds, like Auburn and New Mexico, come into this tournament with a chip on their shoulder, eager to prove their worth after being left out of the NCAA Tournament. Their motivated play often leads to exceptionally competitive games.
Keep an eye on these potential factors:
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Home Court Advantage: Early rounds at campus sites can create intense atmospheres, often fueling upsets.
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Coaching Proving Grounds: For coaches looking to build their program or make a statement, a deep NIT run can be invaluable for recruiting and job security.
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Player Development: Younger players on these teams get crucial postseason experience, which can be a springboard for their future careers.
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Cinderella Potential: While the NIT tends to favor higher seeds, upsets are always a possibility, especially from mid-major teams playing with nothing to lose. UNCW's narrow victory and Saint Joseph's upset are prime examples from the first round.
Will a top seed like Auburn or New Mexico live up to expectations and capture the title, or will a lower seed ride a wave of momentum all the way to Indianapolis? Every game offers a new chapter in this exciting tournament.
Conclusion
The 2026 NIT has already delivered some fantastic college basketball, and the excitement is only set to escalate. As teams progress through the regions, the stakes get higher, and the quality of play intensifies. Whether you're tracking your favorite team, hoping for an upset, or simply enjoying high-stakes basketball, the unfolding Nit Bracket promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. Don't miss a moment as these determined teams battle it out for the ultimate NIT championship title!