In what has become a near annual tradition, the Alabama Crimson Tide will once again participate in the NIT for the chance to play in a few more meaningless games. This will be the third time in four years under Avery Johnson, but the first time the Tide will host their opening match-up in Coleman Coliseum. In fact, the top-seeded Tide will host each game they play until the semifinals, which will be played in Madison Square Garden, provided that they make it that far.
Alabama’s opening opponent will be the 8th-seeded Norfolk State Spartans (21-13, 14-2 MEAC), who received an automatic bid due to their regular season MEAC championship.