Shut out of the NCAA tournament, the men's basketball team delivered a memorable consolation prize: an NIT championship. Led by sophomore guard and tournament Most Outstanding Player Aaron Bright, the Cardinal beat Cleveland State, Illinois State, Nevada and Massachusetts en route to the final, where they routed Minnesota, 75-51.
The Cardinal's 26 wins were the most since reaching the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament in 2008. And the championship may give the squad momentum heading into next season, says Bright. "I think we are going to use this experience for next year and making a run at March Madness."
