2026 NIT Tournament: Scores, Bracket & Key Dates

Dayton defeated UNC Wilmington 80-61 in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) on Saturday, advancing to the quarterfinals. Guard De’Shayne Montgomery led the Flyers with 20 points.

The victory, played at the University of Dayton Arena, sets up a quarterfinal matchup against the winner of Sunday’s game between No. 1 seed Wake Forest and No. 4 seed Illinois State. Dayton improved to [record unavailable] on the season with the win.

UNC Wilmington kept the game competitive early, but Dayton pulled away in the second half, outscoring the Seahawks. The Flyers’ strong offensive performance was bolstered by efficient shooting and rebounding, according to reports.

Elsewhere in the NIT, No. 2 seed Nevada defeated Liberty 73-63 in the Auburn Region, fueled by 15 points from Elijah Price. Nevada will await the outcome of Sunday’s Auburn versus Seattle U contest.

This year’s NIT features a limited number of power conference teams, with only Auburn, Cal, Wake Forest, and Oklahoma State participating. Several programs, including Seton Hall, Virginia Tech, Belmont, and San Diego State, declined invitations to the tournament after being excluded from the NCAA Tournament.

The NIT quarterfinals are scheduled for March 24-25, followed by the semifinals on April 2 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The championship game will be held on April 5 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, too in Indianapolis. All games in the first three rounds are being played at the home arena of the higher-seeded team.

In the Albuquerque Region, Fresh Mexico defeated Sam Houston 107-83 and Cal beat UIC 91-73 in first-round action. George Washington upset No. 4 Utah Valley 79-78. Those teams will play in the second round on Sunday.

The Tulsa Region will witness Tulsa face UNLV and Oklahoma State play Wichita State on Sunday. Tulsa defeated Stephen F. Austin 89-84 in overtime, while Oklahoma State beat Davidson 84-80. Wichita State topped Wyoming 74-70 and UNLV defeated UC Irvine 75-72.