University of Richmond Athletics
Men's Basketball Returns To NIT
03/16/2003 | Men's Basketball
March 16, 2003
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - The University of Richmond men's basketball team earned its third consecutive berth to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) today, and will begin play at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19 against Providence in the Robins Center.
The Spiders (15-13) and Friars (16-13) have met three times in their history, with Richmond holding a 2-1 advantage in the series. Providence defeated Richmond, 84-55, earlier this season (Dec. 19) in Providence.
This year's NIT tournament marks the Spiders' 13th all-time bid to the post-season, where they have recorded a 12-12 record. Last season, the Spiders advanced to the NIT quarterfinals before falling to Syracuse, 62-46, before a capacity crowd at the Robins Center. Richmond defeated Wagner (74-67 OT), Montana State (63-48) and Minnesota (67-66) last winter.
Richmond is 6-6 in six NIT appearances. Providence will be playing in its 17th NIT, having won the tournament in 1961 and 1963. This marks their first trip since 1999. They hold a 28-16 all-time mark.
The Spiders are one of three Atlantic 10 teams to advance to the 2003 NIT, as Temple and Rhode Island also qualified. Richmond posted a 3-2 record against other teams in the NIT field this season: Rhode Island (1-0), Temple (1-1), Alabama-Birmingham (1-0) and Providence (0-1).
Tickets for the Spiders' home game against the Friars are $15 for premium and $10 for the remaining seats. Richmond students will be admitted free of charge, compliments of the athletic department, by showing a valid student ID. Call 1-877-SPIDER-1 for tickets.
