**New Mexico vs VCU Draws Eyes in NIT First Round Showdown**
Key Takeaways:
- New Mexico faces VCU in the first round of the 2024 National Invitation Tournament (NIT)
- The game is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, at the Siegel Center in Richmond, VA
- Interest spikes as fans follow high-profile postseason storylines
Richmond, VA — The matchup “new mexico vs vcu” is trending widely as the two programs prepare to face off in the first round of the 2024 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) on Wednesday, March 20. The game, hosted at the Siegel Center in Richmond, Virginia, pits the New Mexico Lobos (22-10) against the VCU Rams (22-13) in a high-stakes postseason contest.
Postseason Spotlight on Two Resurgent Programs
Both New Mexico and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) are coming off solid regular seasons but fell short of making the NCAA Tournament. The Lobos, led by head coach Richard Pitino, reached the semifinals of the Mountain West Conference tournament but suffered a key loss to San Diego State. Meanwhile, VCU, under head coach Ryan Odom, made a deep run in the Atlantic 10 Tournament before falling to eventual champion Duquesne.
Wednesday’s game gives both programs a chance to extend their season and continue building momentum. The matchup is drawing heavy national interest due to both schools’ rich basketball traditions and strong rosters filled with dynamic scorers and experienced leadership.
How Both Teams Reached the NIT
The NIT selection committee announced the 32-team field on March 17, the same night as the NCAA bracket reveal. New Mexico earned a No. 2 seed in its region after finishing with a 22-10 record and several quality wins, including victories over Nevada and Boise State. VCU, finishing third in the A-10, received an at-large bid and enters the game as a No. 3 seed.
The Lobos are powered by guard Jamal Mashburn Jr., while VCU counters with the star play of Max Shulga and experienced post presence Toibu Lawal. Both teams play up-tempo styles, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive postseason clash.
Fan Interest, Tournament Implications, and National Broadcast
The NIT game will be broadcast on ESPN2 at 9 PM ET, drawing attention from college basketball fans looking for competitive games outside the NCAA Tournament. A win would allow either New Mexico or VCU to advance to the NIT quarterfinals, with a chance to reach the championship at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
With New Mexico hoping to reclaim its place among college basketball’s notable mid-majors and VCU aiming for postseason consistency, the matchup holds long-term significance for program development, coaching narratives, and recruiting visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is new mexico vs vcu trending?
A: The teams are meeting in the first round of the NIT, a major postseason tournament, drawing significant fan and media attention.
Q: What happens next?
A: The winner of Wednesday night’s game advances to the NIT quarterfinals scheduled later this week.
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