Update: The original NIT bracket released by the NCAA was incorrect. It had Liberty listed as a 2-seed but the Flames are actually a 3-seed and Wisconsin is the 2-seed. This only affects a potential 2nd round matchup between Liberty and the Badgers with that game being played at Wisconsin now instead of in Lynchburg.
For the first time in school history, Liberty (26-8, 15-3 ASUN) has received a bid to the National Invitation Tournament. The Flames will play at Liberty Arena on Tuesday night at 9 p.m. against Villanova (17-16, 10-10 Big East). The game will be televised on ESPN 2.
The Flames received a 3-seed in the NIT as part of Oregon’s region where the Ducks are the 1-seed. The winner of Tuesday’s game between Liberty and Villanova will play the winner of 2-seed Wisconsin and Bradley on Saturday. If the Flames advance, Liberty would play at Wisconsin, should the Badgers win, since they are the higher seeded team. If Liberty and Bradley win, the game would be played at Liberty Arena.
Villanova is making their first appearance in the NIT since 2004 and have made 9 straight NCAA Tournament appearances prior to this season. The Wildcats won NCAA Championships in 2016 and 2018 under former head coach Jay Wright and advanced to the Final Four just last year. They are being coached by first year head coach Kyle Neptune.
The Wildcats are currently ranked No. 75 in the NET and No. 60 in KenPom. Villanova is led by four players who average double figures including 6’8″ forward Eric Dixon who averages 15.5 points per game. 6’4″ guards Caleb Daniels and Justin Moore also average double figures as does 6’7″ forward Cam Whitmore.
Liberty enters the NIT with a 26-8 overall record and 15-3 mark in the ASUN. The Flames earned a share of the ASUN regular season title and advanced to the ASUN Tournament final before falling to 1-seed and host Kennesaw State, 67-66. The Flames are currently ranked No. 44 in the NET and No. 48 in KenPom which would both be the highest ever season finish in school history.
