This week, college basketball fans are buzzing as the 2025 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) has officially kicked off, featuring 32 exciting teams ready to compete for postseason glory. Among these teams is the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs, who, despite a tough season, have earned a coveted No. 1 seed in the NIT bracket. With this appearance, the Mustangs are looking to break their unfortunate streak of missing the NCAA Tournament for eight consecutive years.
SMU’s 2025 Journey
SMU’s men’s basketball team faced quite a few challenges this season. They started off strong, surprising many by finishing tied for fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), especially considering they were predicted to finish much lower, at 13th place! Their remarkable performance throughout the season, however, did not secure them a spot in the NCAA Tournament, highlighting the unpredictability of March Madness.
- SMU’s season included a rough patch when their starting point guard, Boopie Miller, suffered a foot injury towards the end of the season.
- During Miller’s absence, the Mustangs struggled, posting a record of 2-3.
- Despite finishing with an impressive overall record of 22-13, SMU didn’t manage to capture a critical Quad 1 win.
- A close loss to Clemson in the ACC Tournament ended any hope of joining the NCAA’s big dance.
NIT Details
The NIT, which has been around since 1938, provides teams who didn’t make the NCAA Tournament a chance to show their skills and compete. This year, SMU is set to face Northern Iowa in their first-round game, taking place on Wednesday, March 19th, at 8 p.m. CT. Fans can catch all the action on ESPN2, broadcasting live from Moody Coliseum in Dallas, Texas.
What’s at Stake?
The Mustangs are not new to the NIT; this will be their seventh appearance in the tournament and their fourth in the last five years. A good showing in the NIT could help build momentum for next season, as the players aim to showcase their talent and fight for the title. With teams like Dayton and UC Irvine also competing for the top honors, the stakes are high for every participating school.
Teams to Watch
Here’s a quick look at some of the other top teams joining the Mustangs in the NIT:
| Team | Seed |
|---|---|
| Dayton | 1 |
| UC Irvine | 1 |
| San Francisco | 1 |
| Oklahoma State | 2 |
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, the excitement builds. With only four power conference teams participating and several high-major programs declining invitations, this year’s NIT feels especially open for mid-major teams like SMU to show what they can do. Fans are hopeful that this may be the year the Mustangs reclaim some of their past glory and turn their season into a success story.
The NIT promises thrilling basketball action, and with each game, the team hopes to build confidence and teamwork for future seasons. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for the Mustangs as they begin their journey in this year’s NIT!
