NIT 2012 Brackets: Why Washington Should Root for an Oregon Win on Sunday

When the Washington Huskies' bubble was burst and they were forced to play in the NIT as consolation, their season seemed all but over.

Even if they were to make a run to the NIT championship, the season would seem like a disappointment, especially after winning the Pac-12 regular season title.

But once the NIT bracket was revealed, there was a glimmer of hope for the Dawgs.

Something to look forward to.

Something to make this post-season worth while.

Something that would get them some necessary revenge—a revenge that no one thought was possible until next year.

That something, of course, is a matchup with the Oregon Ducks. The same Oregon Ducks that beat Washington by 25 points back in February, a loss that really hurt UW's tournament chances.

That loss—a loss that evened the season series at one apiece after Washington beat Oregon at Hec Ed earlier in the year—was embarrassing for the Huskies.

They played quite possibly their worst game of the season, and it's likely no Washington or Oregon fan forgets it.

So, when Oregon and Iowa square off on Sunday for a chance to play Washington in the NIT quarterfinals, and Washington fans are wondering who to root for, just look at it this way.

With nothing on the season to lose, would you rather play a random Big Ten team? Or would you rather play a fierce rival with a chance for redemption on the line?

I know it means rooting for Oregon for just one game, but the answer is clear. And the potential result is more than worth it.

What's more, Husky fans want to see one more brilliant game from Tony Wroten and Terrence Ross before they make the tough decision on whether or not to go to the NBA. They are much more likely to see a memorable performance if Wroten and Ross have a reason to get up for the game.

With Oregon, they'll have that reason. 

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