While the Colorado Buffaloes believe they are embracing an opportunity in the NIT, the same certainly can be said of Norfolk State.
When the teams collide at the CU Events Center Monday night (7 p.m., ESPN2) for a second-round battle, it might be the Spartans who carry the bigger chip on their collective shoulders. CU coach Tad Boyle has coached at places like Jacksonville State and Northern Colorado before landing in Boulder. And every time those teams were offered an opportunity to take a shot at a power-conference program, it always added fuel to the motivational fires.
"I know what it's like being on the other side of that, and it's a lot easier getting your guys geared up for these games," Boyle said.