FYI - First Round NIT games likely to be Tue 03/17 or Wednesday 03/18

[RF1]

Was just looking at the 2019 NIT bracket. All of the first round games in 2019 were held on either the Tuesday (10 games) or Wednesday (6 games) after the end of the regular season. That would mean that URI's probable first round NIT game will likely be Tuesday 03/17 or Wednesday 03/18. The 32 teams of the NIT are chosen from a pool of any conference regular season champions and best at large teams that fail to make the NCAA Tournament. 20 at large teams were selected for the 2019 NIT. There are four regions with the teams seeded in each. The top seeds host each round. Given that URI currently has an NET rank of #56, it would likely be a top four seed in its pod and host a game if it participates in the NIT as is now most probable.

[RF1]

I would think that URI will soon be sending an email out trying to get a jump on the difficult prospect of selling tickets to the NIT. Home games for this tournament present many challenges in drawing crowds. There is typically just 2-3 days notice of the game time and opponent. No season tickets are pre-sold for the games making the starting base zero for each contest. I also believe that URI's policy of providing free student tickets is against the NIT rules and is not in effect for these games. I believe that in some instances in the past, sponsors have stepped up and purchased tickets for them.

[Rhodyram]

Ghost town

[RamStock]

I would think that URI will soon be sending an email out trying to get a jump on the difficult prospect of selling tickets to the NIT. Home games for this tournament present many challenges in drawing crowds. There is typically just 2-3 days notice of the game time and opponent. No season tickets are pre-sold for the games making the starting base zero for each contest. I also believe that URI's policy of providing free student tickets is against the NIT rules and is not in effect for these games. I believe that in some instances in the past, sponsors have stepped up and purchased tickets for them.

I had guessed 2800 earlier for an NIT game. I was probably too high. I’ll pass on any NIT game even if they gave me the tickets for free.

[section(105)]

......as much distaste many have for the NIT, if offered the team should decide, no news flash there, but maybe for Jeff and Cyril the opportunity to make it to MSG is worth going......?

[RF1]

Ghost town

I agree. I myself am not inclined to attend at this moment. I went to 12 home games this season and last night was likely my last for this year. The NIT is a tough sell which will be even tougher for fans that were for many weeks dreaming of the NCAA. I think you will see a fairly small crowd of just a few thousand. I am not even certain it would even exceed 3k. Based on the attendance trend for the last several NIT home games, crowds will not be big.

Ryan Center NIT Games Attendance
3/19/03 vs Seton Hall 5,995
3/25/03 vs Temple 7,214 (*2nd round)
3/17/04 vs Boston University 4,435
3/17/10 vs Northwestern 2,734
3/22/10 vs Nevada 3,419 (*2nd round)
3/17/15 vs Iona 2,638

[RF1]

......as much distaste many have for the NIT, if offered the team should decide, no news flash there, but maybe for Jeff and Cyril the opportunity to make it to MSG is worth going......?

I think it foolish to think the program will refuse the NIT. It will without a doubt accept a bid. No one however will be much enthused - be it the players, coaches, administrators, fans, or students.

With the NCAA running the NIT these days, I don't see the purpose of it continuing. I would much rather see it rolled up into the NCAA Tournament. Increase the field from 68 to 96 with 32 teams playing 16 games in an earlier play in type round.

[Billyboy78]

The Ryan Center is near the top of my list of 'Happy Places'. If there's an NIT game, I'll be there. If there's an exhibition game, an open practice, a game against a crappy team, I'm there whenever I can be, even when the game means nothing.

[Blue Man]

LOF*&KINGL if you told me 3 weeks ago after GW at 18-5 (10-1), that we'd be having this legitimate conversation, I'd have died.

But here we are.

I can't in good conscience support an NIT run by a team who played their way out and has shown no fight along the way. Maybe if we make a run in Brooklyn and show that we're not dead and willing to fight I might make an appearance - but why on God's earth anyone would go to these games if we end our season on a 3 game losing streak, losing 6 of 8, mostly to inferior opponents, is beyond me.

The NIT is a massive disappointment - beyond the obvious - but based on the fact that this team has rolled over and died with zero passion or fight like a Baron team. It's too disgustingly familiar to need to see again.

This team has been disgusting and a displeasure to watch - even in the 2 wins. St Joes at home was a STRUGGLE without their best player. We got lucky to escape FORDHAM. It has been joyless basketball for 3 weeks - much more looking like a brand new coach and new players adjusting to a brand new rebuilt situation....rather than a senior led team that returned all of it's starters and all-conference talent from the year before.

Would love to see this team fight and look like they want to win, but nothing based on the last 3 weeks of basketball has shown me they are interested in anything but being an absolute train wreck.

[Taylor Swift]

The Ryan Center is near the top of my list of 'Happy Places'. If there's an NIT game, I'll be there. If there's an exhibition game, an open practice, a game against a crappy team, I'm there whenever I can be, even when the game means nothing.

I couldn’t have written it better myself

[hrstrat57]

If it’s $10 I’m all in

Go Rhody

[PeteRI]

NIT or bust!

[theblueram]

any NIT game should be played in Keaney.

[steviep123]

......as much distaste many have for the NIT, if offered the team should decide, no news flash there, but maybe for Jeff and Cyril the opportunity to make it to MSG is worth going......?

I think it foolish to think the program will refuse the NIT. It will without a doubt accept a bid. No one however will be much enthused - be it the players, coaches, administrators, fans, or students.

With the NCAA running the NIT these days, I don't see the purpose of it continuing. I would much rather see it rolled up into the NCAA Tournament. Increase the field from 68 to 96 with 32 teams playing 16 games in an earlier play in type round.

I was against this when it was first proposed several years ago which turned into the first four playoff round, but now there are more and more teams jumping to division 1, so that is making me rethink this. However, my fear is still the extra 28 teams will come from the sub .500 teams in the P5, instead of the very good 3rd place team from a smaller conference, so I think in order for me to want this, they'll have to make sure we aren't getting those crappy 10th place team from the Pac 12 or something. Perhaps require a .500 or better record in conference or something.

[RhodyRams916]

Can we take it one step at a time? URI still has a chance to get an auto-bid in the A10 tournament next week. If Dayton gets knocked out (which is very very unlikely) before we do I think we have a chance to win it all.

[section(105)]

......except for the other lesser post season events......play anybody anywhere.....

[section(105)]

Can we take it one step at a time? URI still has a chance to get an auto-bid in the A10 tournament next week. If Dayton gets knocked out (which is very very unlikely) before we do I think we have a chance to win it all.

.......Team Rankings gave that 10%.......

[RhodyRams916]

Can we take it one step at a time? URI still has a chance to get an auto-bid in the A10 tournament next week. If Dayton gets knocked out (which is very very unlikely) before we do I think we have a chance to win it all.

.......Team Rankings gave that 10%.......

I don't care what team rankings says. URI could turn it around in time for the tournament. It's not impossible

[GansettSummer]

Can we take it one step at a time? URI still has a chance to get an auto-bid in the A10 tournament next week. If Dayton gets knocked out (which is very very unlikely) before we do I think we have a chance to win it all.

.......Team Rankings gave that 10%.......

[NYGFan_Section208]

NIT or bust!

There should be a waiver so that, if it's anything from this movie, you can "like" it multiple times....

[RhowdyRam02]

any NIT game should be played in Keaney.

I'm unlikely to go to an NIT game but holding it in Keaney would certainly change that

[NYGFan_Section208]

any NIT game should be played in Keaney.

I'm unlikely to go to an NIT game but holding it in Keaney would certainly change that

With beers in seats.

[theblueram]

any NIT game should be played in Keaney.

I'm unlikely to go to an NIT game but holding it in Keaney would certainly change that

It would certainly make a statement with the players for sure. NIT is for gyms, NCAAT is for arenas. I would go as well if a game was held at Keaney.

[class of 86]

Seriously....take down mass,slu,rich,st bunnies, or any assortment....a few bubble b u sts.....maybe it's a stretch but who expected last year's four a10 tournament games

[Rhody15]

I would actually get excited if we played UConn at home.

Granted, I can almost guarantee Hurley would tell the NIT they won’t play if they are matched up with us.

[Rhodyram]

How is the NIT still a thing??? Attendance at most games suck(drew just over 4K for the final at MSG)and TV ratings can’t be great.

[NYGFan_Section208]

How is the NIT still a thing??? Attendance at most games suck(drew just over 4K for the final at MSG)and TV ratings can’t be great.

Because message boards talk about it?

[RI_Bred]

any NIT game should be played in Keaney.

Great idea, although I'm not sure I would attend...jury still out. Have to see the effort in the A-10 tourney.

But, great idea.

[Taylor Swift]

any NIT game should be played in Keaney.

Is there a pub there?

[ramster]

I would actually get excited if we played UConn at home.

Granted, I can almost guarantee Hurley would tell the NIT they won’t play if they are matched up with us.

UConn could end up in the NCAA tournament.
Hurley has won 4 straight including tonight over #21 Ranked Houston

UConn has won 7 of their last 9

[Section104]

I would actually get excited if we played UConn at home.

Granted, I can almost guarantee Hurley would tell the NIT they won’t play if they are matched up with us.

UConn could end up in the NCAA tournament.
Hurley has won 4 straight including tonight over #21 Ranked Houston

UConn has won 7 of their last 9

As an at large? They’re 9-8 And in 7th place in a conference similar to the A10.

[Rhody15]

I could see them winning their tournament. No dominant team.

[Taylor Swift]

any NIT game should be played in Keaney.

Great idea, although I'm not sure I would attend...jury still out. Have to see the effort in the A-10 tourney.

But, great idea.

I really think it should be done for an open practice or at least an exhibition game. I was the freshman class for the RC so I never had the privilege of the student experience at Keaney. Since a game hasn’t been held there since 2001-2002 season maybe an anniversary special to look forward to? I’d find a way to market that.

[scine20]

The game against Temple in the NIT in the first year was one of the loudest I've ever heard it in the Ryan Center. I believe they were up 16 at one point and would have played at home against Minnesota for the right to go to MSG had they won. I remember when the game ended the fans gave the team a standing O.

I don't think there's a chance in hell of that kind of a crowd this year, even if they were to play UConn or another name opponent such as Syracuse with the right to go to MSG.

Or they could just make it a non-issue and win three straight in Brooklyn...

[Blue Man]

any NIT game should be played in Keaney.

Great idea, although I'm not sure I would attend...jury still out. Have to see the effort in the A-10 tourney.

But, great idea.

I really think it should be done for an open practice or at least an exhibition game. I was the freshman class for the RC so I never had the privilege of the student experience at Keaney. Since a game hasn’t been held there since 2001-2002 season maybe an anniversary special to look forward to? I’d find a way to market that.

Keaney can’t be used for an NCAA sanctioned event. It’s not up to par any more as a basketball court.

[rambone 78]

Great idea, although I'm not sure I would attend...jury still out. Have to see the effort in the A-10 tourney.

But, great idea.

I really think it should be done for an open practice or at least an exhibition game. I was the freshman class for the RC so I never had the privilege of the student experience at Keaney. Since a game hasn’t been held there since 2001-2002 season maybe an anniversary special to look forward to? I’d find a way to market that.

Keaney can’t be used for an NCAA sanctioned event. It’s not up to par any more as a basketball court.

We're not up to par as a basketball team. Or a program...seems to be trending that way anyway.

The heady days of just a couple of years ago are virtually gone. Didn't take long, did it?

[section(105)]

......lots of question marks going into next season for sure.....

[rambone 78]

UConn might just make the NCAA tourney. At the very least they will likely be a higher NIT seed than us.

They are winning without Akok Akok too.

Hurley teams get better....ours?

[section(105)]

UConn might just make the NCAA tourney. At the very least they will likely be a higher NIT seed than us.

They are winning without Akok Akok too.

Hurley teams get better....ours?

.......even though we have experienced an overall improvement from last year, as has been pointed out by others, the drop off recently feels like we are regressing overall, I think it is the disappointment we are feeling this end of season when so much was within our grasp to go get, make our own destiny, but we haven’t......The A-10 to go, who knows......

[ElmCityRhody]

ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[daytonflyerfan]

UConn might just make the NCAA tourney. At the very least they will likely be a higher NIT seed than us.

They are winning without Akok Akok too.

Hurley teams get better....ours?

Torvik has RI and UConn at about the same spot, so tied seed-wise if they both are in the NIT.

http://www.barttorvik.com/teamcast.php? ... m=&x5_res=

[rambone 78]

Yeah we're about a 3 seed in the NIT at present.

The way we're going, we might not even get a home game.

If we lose tomorrow and then next Friday, will anyone care?

[theblueram]

This thread is a literal kick in the balls.

[ace]

UConn might just make the NCAA tourney. At the very least they will likely be a higher NIT seed than us.

They are winning without Akok Akok too.

Hurley teams get better....ours?

Can’t see that happening without the automatic bid, which means 4 wins in 4 days. Regardless, it’s turned into a meaningful season. They lost two front court starters (their best defensive presence and their best 3 point shooter) and now start two freshmen, yet they’ve gotten better. They only have 7 guys eligible, occasionally 8- even one of their walk-ons is hurt, but they’re a tough-minded group. Adams is playing that Stan Robinson role as a small 4.

Vital is having the kind of senior season I had desperately hoped for Dowtin to have. I also think Fatts could benefit from being coached the way Vital has been. They seem like similar personalities and have some of the same tendencies on the court.

Also, whatever happens, if UConn is scheduled to match up with URI, I’m burning it all to the ground before that happens. I’d honestly rather have UConn play ASU (who will probably make the tournament). UConn making the NIT seems like an ok next step. URI possibly making it after all this seems like a gut punch.

[ElmCityRhody]

This thread is a literal kick in the balls.

HEAR HEAR

HATE THIS THREAD

[McRam]

I would think that URI will soon be sending an email out trying to get a jump on the difficult prospect of selling tickets to the NIT. Home games for this tournament present many challenges in drawing crowds. There is typically just 2-3 days notice of the game time and opponent. No season tickets are pre-sold for the games making the starting base zero for each contest. I also believe that URI's policy of providing free student tickets is against the NIT rules and is not in effect for these games. I believe that in some instances in the past, sponsors have stepped up and purchased tickets for them.

I had guessed 2800 earlier for an NIT game. I was probably too high. I’ll pass on any NIT game even if they gave me the tickets for free.
FAIR WEATHER FAN! re you a Yankee fan also?

[rambone 78]

If we make the A10 finals and lose, we'll be a 2 seed NIT.

If we win Friday and lose Saturday, we'll be a 3 seed.

If we lose Friday, we'll be a 4 seed.

Most likely we'll get one home game.

For what that's worth.

[Rhody72]

Wait! Will we be any better next Year? This may be one last chance to see the best URI basketball team for many years.

[section(105)]

......I think make it to the finals in A-10, And loose.......dust off the big dancing shoes......cause we is going.......

[ramster]

......I think make it to the finals in A-10, And loose.......dust off the big dancing shoes......cause we is going.......

Too early to be talking NIT

What happened to?

One

Game

At

A

Time

Win 2 straight in NYC and if one of those wins is Richmond I don’t see how Richmond goes ahead of us.