Tulsa, New Mexico Advance to NIT Semifinals

0:00On March 25, Tulsa and New Mexico both punched their tickets to the National Invitational Tournament semi-finals with close wins on Tuesday. The top-seated Golden Hurricane from Tulsa edged out Wichita State 83-79, thanks to Guard Tyler and Riley's big night with. 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Over in the other matchup, top-seated New Mexico handled St. Joseph's 84-69, led by Thomas LaBouligions, 27 points. Meanwhile, the rest of the bracket takes shape Wednesday night on ESPN 2. Number 1 seed, Auburn hosts number 2, Nevada at 9 p.m., Eastern, while number 2 Dayton takes on number 4 Illinois State at 7 p.m. Auburn. Stands as the last high major program still standing, chasing their first ever NIT's semi-final trip since losing in the quarterfinals back in 2009. Stands are buzzing about how mid-major teams have dominated this year's field.

1:00Only four power conference squads started in the NIT Auburn, Cal, Wake Forest and Oklahoma State, and several big names like Seton Hall and San Diego. State skipped invites after missing the NCAA tournament. The semi-finals hit Henkel Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Thursday, April 2nd, with Tulsa facing New Mexico in one game and the Wednesday winners in. The other, both on ESPN. That sets up the championship Sunday, April 5th, at 8 p.m. Eastern on ESPN 2. These matchups promise some fireworks as underdogs keep surprising everyone on the road to the title.