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Princeton University Athletics
NIT-Picking
March 13, 2000 | Men's Basketball
March 13, 2000
As consolation prizes go, the NIT is hardly a bad one. Princeton learned that last year, when it made a nice run through college basketball's oldest postseason tournament, and the Tigers will get to experience it again this time around.
Princeton opens play in the 32-team, single-elimination NIT Wednesday night, when it travels to Penn State in a 7:30 game (Princeton radio network, www.goprincetontigers.com, no TV as of now).
The bid, which was awarded late Sunday night, sends the Tigers to the postseason for the fifth straight season, a record for the program.
Despite being battered by key injuries all season, the Tigers finished their regular season at 19-10 overall and 11-3 in the Ivy League. Princeton is still without Mike Bechtold, out with a stress fracture, and senior co-captain Mason Rocca, who has missed most of the season with a groin injury and then ankle surgery. His status for the NIT is still uncertain.
"We're happy to still be playing," said Princeton coach Bill Carmody. "They're a good team, a veteran team, and it'll be a tough game."
Princeton is making its fourth NIT appearance with an overall record of 7-2 in the event. Princeton split a pair of games in 1972, won the tournament in 1975 and defeated Georgetown and North Carolina State before losing to Xavier in last year's field.
Tickets are available at the Jadwin Gym box office for $10, and they can be ordered there until noon Wednesday. After that, please call Penn State's ticket office at 800-863-3336.