The Huskies and Ducks would be lying to you if they said they wanted to play in the NIT. But, neither Pac-12 power made the Dance this season so both accepted invitations to the consolation tournament, and both are taking that opportunity seriously.
Here's a little spin around the interwebs to give you a snapshot of what's being written on this game.
Washington Huskies:
Husky Men's Basketball Blog | Terrence Ross vows UW will be ready to play | Seattle Times Newspaper
Percy Allen interviews Washington's Terrance Ross on their upcoming trip to the NIT. If there's one thing that's clear, it's that the Huskies are not taking this lightly.
Husky Men's Basketball Blog | Darnell Gant on NIT: "We have to win this" | Seattle Times Newspaper
UW's Darnell Gant on the trip to the NIT: "We're the No. 1 seed now so we have to handle our business."
Husky Men's Basketball Blog | Tony Wroten says UW treating NIT "like it's the national championship"
Tony Wroten, Jr: "We did this to ourselves. We just got to look forward to the next game and try to win the NIT."
Well, if they insist: Huskies Launch NIT Play | UW Basketball
Steve Rudman of SportsPressNW takes a look at UW's first round draw in the NIT. He points out: "The Mavericks won the Southland Conference regular-season title and the NIT automatic bid with a 15-1 record, but lost 92-72 in the semifinals of the league tournament to McNeese State. UT Arlington is led by LaMarcus Reed, a 6-foot-5 senior forward (17.8 ppg). His 569 points this season are the fourth-highest in school history. He averaged 20.0 ppg in the conference tournament last week."
Video and full audio: Lorenzo Romar’s Monday press conference | UW Huskies Insider - The News Tribune
In this video, Ryan Divish of the TNT shares Husky Coach Lorenzo Romar's thoughts on the disappointment fading, a test of maturity for his team, the idea of competing, the team’s free throw struggles, what he expects to see in the first 10 minutes of Tuesday’s game, what he’s seen from Texas-Arlington, thoughts on the Pac-12 going forward into next season, Colorado’s ability to defend in the tournament, added motivation for his team, Tony Wroten since the loss to OSU, and the Huskies' defensive issues.
Audio: Tony Wroten discusses the OSU disappointment, criticism from fans and moving forward -
Ryan Divish of the TNT shares and interview with Tony Wroten, as he talked about playing the NIT, the tough loss to Oregon State, his disappointment, the criticism from fans and the idea of being a competitor.
Audio: Terrence Ross and Darnell Gant discuss the NIT and moving forward | UW Huskies Insider -
Ryan Divish shares more thoughts from Husky players.
Oregon Ducks:
Ducks turn focus to LSU in NIT matchup | Statesman Journal | statesmanjournal.com
"Obviously it’s a letdown not making (the NCAA tournament), but we kind of knew after that Colorado game that it was gonna be tough for us to make it," senior guard Devoe Joseph said Monday. "So I think the guys are ready to take advantage of what we have left."
Oregon Ducks Men's basketball team opens up the 2012 NIT at home - Autzen Zoo -
The Autzen Zoo preview's Oregon's upcoming NIT game against LSU.
NIT not the NCAA, but not bad either - Oregon Ducks - CBSSports.com RapidReports
Coach Dana Altman said he's still disappointed Oregon didn't make the NCAA tournament, "but I'm sure there are 31 teams (in the NIT) that feel the same way. But when you look at the field, there are a lot of big schools, lot of competitive programs. We know we'll have our work cut for us."
Joseph on Pac-12 letdown: 'I think the pressure got to us' | Sports | KCBY CBS 11 - News, Weather and Sports - Coos Bay - North Bend, OR
Oregon Guard Davoe Joseph said of playing LSU in the NIT, "This is a good opportunity to keep playing and keep doing what we were doing. I think the pressure got to us in that tournament (Pac-12)."
George Schroeder: No madness but plenty of progress for Oregon basketball
"We should have won the game," Altman says of the loss to Colorado. "We didn’t. It hurts."
NIT not the NCAA, but not bad either - Oregon Ducks - CBSSports.com RapidReports
Coach Dana Altman said he's still disappointed Oregon didn't make the NCAA tournament, "but I'm sure there are 31 teams (in the NIT) that feel the same way. But when you look at the field, there are a lot of big schools, lot of competitive programs. We know we'll have our work cut for us."
You can click here to find the full NIT bracket. For all news and information regarding the NIT and the NCAA Tournament, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated college hoops hub.
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