Alabama and Arkansas were both selected to the 2019 NIT field as the only two SEC teams in the tournament.
The Crimson Tide were the second team out of the 2019 NCAA Tournament, as their recent victory over Ole Miss wasn’t enough to overcome a few of the teams in front of them.
Meanwhile, the Razorbacks were able to get back to 8-10 in conference play after losing six straight at one point.
Here’s how the NIT bracket sets up for both teams:
UPPER RIGHT
- No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 8 Norfolk State (Mar. 20, 7 p.m. EST)
- No. 4 Colorado vs. No. 5 Dayton (Mar. 19, 11 p.m. EST)
- No. 3 Xavier vs. No. 6 Toledo (Mar. 20, 7 p.m. EST)
- No. 2 Texas vs. No. 7 South Dakota State (Mar. 19, 9 p.m. EST)
LOWER LEFT
- No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 8 Saint Francis PA (Mar. 19, 7 p.m. EST)
- No. 4 Providence vs. No. 5 Arkansas (Mar. 19, 9 p.m. EST)
- No. 3 Furman vs. No. 6 Wichita State (Mar. 20, 7 p.m. EST)
- No. 2 Clemson vs. No. 7 Wright State (Mar. 19, 7 p.m. EST)
Obviously, what stands out for Alabama is that it would face former head coach Anthony Grant in the second round should both teams advance.
As for the Hogs, they won’t have an easy test at Providence but could be in for a rematch with Indiana in the second round.
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