Under The Radar Postseason News, Notes and Highlighted Games – Friday, March 18

While the NCAA Tournament kicked off in earnest last night, there were still 4 other teams that were in action last night – Valparaiso, Florida State, Grand Canyon and Jackson State.

– Since the CIT only fielded 26 out of a possible 32 teams this year, this meant that of the 13 first-round winners, 3 teams would receive byes into the quarterfinal round. We learned that those three teams were Texas-Arlington, UC-Irvine and Columbia.

– In the NIT last night, Valpo defeated Florida State 81-69. Alec Peters led the way for the Crusaders with 26 points and 9 rebounds. Valpo also tied a pair of school records with 28 wins in their season and 2 postseason wins; they will host either Georgia or St. Mary’s on Tuesday.

– The Team of the People won again at home – this time over Jackson State 64-54. Despite trailing by 6 at halftime, the Lopes were led by Josh Braun’s 18 points and Grandy Glaze’s 11 rebounds. Their next opponent has yet to be determined.

– Two more head coaches were added to the coaching change carousel – Western Kentucky’s Ray Harper and Wright State’s Billy Donlon. Donlon is the bigger surprise here – Wright State has had some solid seasons in the Horizon League under his watch, but they have failed in 3 tries to get the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

NIT

(3) VIRGINIA TECH AT (2) BYU (9:30 PM, ESPNU) – Only one game is scheduled for tonight – Virginia Tech is coming off of an overtime nailbiter against Princeton; BYU had a relatively easier win at home against UAB. Virginia Tech hasn’t been nearly as formidable away from home this season, although they still managed to win a notable road game at Georgia Tech earlier in the season.