NORTHWESTERN EARNS SECOND STRAIGHT NIT BID

From Nick Brilowski

For the first time in school history, Northwestern has earned postseason appearances in consecutive seasons. The Wildcats picked up a No. 7 seed in the National Invitation Tournament and will play at second-seeded Rhode Island Wednesday evening. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. Central with ESPNU providing live television coverage.

The winner of the match will face the winner of the game between third-seeded Wichita State and sixth-seeded Nevada on a date to be determined.

It is the fifth NIT appearance for the Wildcats. Northwestern (20-13, 7-11 Big Ten) also participated in the tournament in 1983, 1994, 1999 and 2009.

It will be the second all-time meeting between the Wildcats and the Rams. Rhode Island won the only previous matchup 91-87 Dec. 28, 1966, incidentally at Madison Square Garden in New York, the current host of NIT semifinals and championship game.

Rhode Island brings a 23-9 record into Wednesday's matchup. A member of the Atlantic 10 Conference, the Rams tied for fifth place with a 9-7 record and fell to eventual tournament champion Temple 57-44 in the semifinal round.

Senior guard Keith Cothran leads URI with an average of 14.6 points per game, while senior forward Lamonte Ulmer contributes 11.8 points and a team-high 7.3 rebounds per contest.

Northwestern fans interested in seating the Wildcats' section should check NUsports.com Monday morning for more information. Tickets will be on sale to the general public at Ticketmaster.com beginning at 9 a.m. Central time Monday.