NIT 2012 Bracket: Predictions for Second Round's Best Games

After a thrilling first round that featured two overtime games, plenty of upsets and teams playing hard to prove they deserved an NCAA tournament bid, the NIT has been whittled down to 16 teams. The second round will be played this weekend, starting on Friday night.

Let's take a look at some of the most exciting matchups the round has to offer. For a complete look at the bracket and game times, click here.

Washington vs. Northwestern

No trio in the tournament is better than Tony Wroten, Terrence Ross and C.J. Wilcox. They truly deserved a berth in the big dance after winning the Pac-12 regular-season title, but were able to overcome the disappointment to defeat UT-Arlington.

Northwestern only has itself to blame after fading down the stretch, which means their NCAA drought continues for at least one more season. The Wildcats' biggest problem has been the lack of a third scoring threat behind John Shurna and Drew Crawford.

That said, this game will be decided by Northwestern's defense. The Wildcats have been inconsistent all year on that end, but they will need to make some big shots if they are going to pull off the upset.

Prediction: Washington 68, Northwestern 64

Drexel vs. Northern Iowa

Drexel picked up the most impressive victory of Round 1, blowing out Central Florida. The Dragons played with a chip on their shoulder after watching the selection committee pick Iona instead of them. With Frantz Massenat running the point so well, they can beat anybody.

College basketball fans will remember Northern Iowa from knocking off heavily favored Kansas two years ago. Most of the players from that team are gone, but the Panthers have rebuilt and once again look like a threat.

Prior to the tournament, I picked Drexel to win it all because of the motivation factor. The Dragons are out to make a statement and should roll past Northern Iowa.

Prediction: Drexel 74, Northern Iowa 62

Tennessee vs. Middle Tennessee

Any time there's an in-state clash during a postseason tournament, the intensity goes way up. No team wants to lose any game, of course, but dropping a bragging-rights game is even worse. So the level of play should be tremendous on Monday night.

Trae Golden leads the way for the Volunteers. If they are going to run the table, he needs to play like a superstar. There are some games when he looks unstoppable, but there are others where it doesn't seem like he gets mentally engaged. Tennessee needs more consistency from him.

Middle Tennessee doesn't have nearly as much star power, but the Blue Raiders do have a more complete team. The inside-outside combo of LaRon Dendy and Marcos Knight give them a perfect base, and everybody else plays their role really well. Don't be surprised if the underdog Blue Raiders pull it out.

Prediction: Middle Tennessee 67, Tennessee 66