NIT 2012: Northwestern Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies Preview and Prediction

The second round of the 2012 NCAA National Invitation Tournament is set to get underway on Friday with what is perhaps the most interesting matchup of the tourney thus far. Only 16 teams remain and the action is certain to heat up.

As you can see on the official NIT website's updated bracket, there were plenty of upsets in the first round. The No. 1 overall seed Washington Huskies will look to avoid anything of the sort in the NIT's Sweet 16 as they take on the No. 4 seed Northwestern Wildcats in Seattle on Friday night.

Here is the television information for Friday's NIT action, as well as everything you need to know for Friday's lone contest between NCAA tournament bubble teams Washington and Northwestern.

Where: Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle

When: Friday, March 16 at 10 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPNU/ESPN3

Betting Line: Washington (-5.5)

Northwestern Key Injuries (According to USA Today)

Out: G Tre Demps (shoulder)

Questionable: C Luka Mirkovic (ankle)

Washington Key Injuries (According to USA Today)

Out: G Scott Suggs (toe)

Northwestern Player to Watch: F John Shurna

There is no question that senior forward John Shurna is the go-to guy for the Northwestern Wildcats, just as he has been since his sophomore season.

Shurna has done a little bit of everything for Northwestern this year as he leads the team in scoring with a shade under 20 points per game, rebounding with 5.4 per contest and blocked shots with 1.7.

On top of that, the 6'9" big man is second on the team in assists and third in steals. Perhaps most impressively, though, he leads the Wildcats in three-point shooting by a wide margin as he has hit 90 on the season and has done so at a sparkling 43 percent clip.

Northwestern had a disappointing season as they failed to realize their promise, but Shurna was better than ever and will be key if the Wildcats are going to upset the Huskies.

Washington Player to Watch: G Tony Wroten

The Washington Huskies are the most talented team not in the NCAA tournament this season.

One player in particular who has shined all season long is freshman guard Tony Wroten. Not only did the 6'5" shooting guard lead the team in scoring with 16.4 points per game, but he also pitched in five rebounds, nearly four assists and two steals per game. He is a stat-stuffer in every sense of the word.

He isn't the greatest shooter as he only connected on nine three-point attempts this season, but Wroten is supremely athletic and can wreak havoc by getting to the basket.

While Northwestern is technically sound, the Wildcats don't seem to have the athletes necessary to match up with a player like Wroten.

If he plays his game, gets into the lane and gets to the free-throw line, then Washington will be in great shape.

Prediction

Washington 77, Northwestern 68