UK making plans for NIT

By: Steve Moss

Updated: Mon 8:53 AM, Mar 16, 2009

UK's chances of earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament seemingly died on Saturday, when the Cats fell at Florida, 60-53. Billy Gillispie's squad now must run the table at the SEC Tournament to secure the automatic bid to the big dance, or perhaps, make it to the championship game and hope the selection comittee gives the Cats another look. In the meantime, UK is quietly making plans to host an NIT game.

UK's chances of earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament seemingly died on Saturday, when the Cats fell at Florida, 60-53. Billy Gillispie's squad now must run the table at the SEC Tournament to secure the automatic bid to the big dance, or perhaps, make it to the championship game and hope the selection comittee gives the Cats another look. In the meantime, UK is quietly making plans to host an NIT game.

With the boys Sweet 16 in town the same week, the Cats would have to play at Memorial Colseum, if they want to host a first-round game.

UK athletics director Mitch Barnhart told ESPN.com that he's prepared to accept an invitation to the NIT. Barnhart also hinted that his team was prepared to host an opening round game.

UK is planning for the Cats to host next Tuesday, March 17. There's a possibility that the Wildcats would play on Wednesday. The women's team also is preparing for a WNIT bid and likely would host an opener as well. While the school would love to host a men's/women's doubleheader, that likely isn't going to happen. The women would play on Thursday, March 19.

Wildcat fans for years have clamored about the possibility of seeing the men play at the Coliseum. While I'm sure no one wanted to see the Cats in the NIT, this still would be a unique setting for a UK game and it still would be a difficult ticket to obtain.

Those are the highlights... Stay tuned.

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