Men’s Hoops: UVM Draws Middle Tennessee in NIT First Round Tuesday on ESPNU

Courtesy Vermont Sports Information

BURLINGTON — The Vermont men’s basketball team learned its National Invitation Tournament (NIT) opponent and seed on Sunday night after the NIT Selection Show unveiled the tournament bracket on ESPNU. The sixth-seeded Catamounts will travel to third-seeded Middle Tennessee in the first round on Tuesday (March 13).

Vermont will be playing in the NIT for the fourth time in program history. UVM earns its highest seed in the NIT in program history. The Cats were the No. 7 seed three times – 2014, 2011, and 2007.

The Catamounts are making their 10th straight postseason appearance and 14th trip in the last 16 years. UVM earned the automatic NIT bid by winning the 2018 America East regular season crown. The Green and Gold will be seeking their first NIT win and sixth postseason victory in program history.

UVM, which has won 21 of its last 24 games, is making its seventh straight trip to the postseason under head coach John Becker. During his tenure at Vermont, Becker has accrued five postseason victories – the most by an America East head coach.

The 2017-18 Cats racked up 27 victories, the second-highest win total behind only last year’s 29-win campaign. Becker guided the Catamounts to their 10th straight 20-win season and captured their eighth America East regular season crown in school history.

Middle Tennessee posted a 24-7 overall record this season and went 16-2 in Conference USA play on its way to a regular season title.

The opening round matchup will be the first meeting all-time between the mid-major powers. The opening tip is set for 8 p.m. (EST) and will be nationally-televised on ESPNU. ESPNU is located on DirecTV channel 208, DirecTV Video on Demand channel 1208, and Dish Network channel 141. For full cable channel listings, contact your local cable provider. Fans can also listen to the game on 101.3 ESPN FM and online at 1013ESPN.com with Sam Hyman on the call.

Tickets are available for purchase at TicketMaster.com for $10. All seats will be general admission.