NIT 2012: Updated Bracket and Schedule for March 18

As the NCAA Tournament wraps up its first week of play, the NIT Tournament will continue to give fans some great games between several exciting teams.

Sunday is no exception, with three fantastic second-round matchups on the schedule to look forward to.

No. 1 seed Washington are through to the third round after their victory over No. 4 Northwestern on Friday. No. 5 UMass is also into the third round after their impressive win over No. 1 Seton Hall on Saturday. 

Who will join these two teams in the third round of the NIT? Let's look at today's schedule and make some predictions.

For the full NIT bracket, click here.

MATCHUP	DATE, TIME	NETWORK
No. 3 Drexel vs. No. 7 UNI	March 18, 11 a.m. ET	ESPN
No. 4 Nevada vs. No. 8 Bucknell	March 18, 3 p.m. ET	ESPNU
No. 3 Oregon vs. No. 7 Iowa	March 18, 5 p.m. ET	ESPNU
No. 1 Tennessee vs. No. 4 Middle Tennessee	March 19, 7 p.m. ET	ESPN
No. 2 Miami vs. No. 6 Minnesota	March 19, 9 p.m. ET	ESPN
No. 3 Stanford vs. No. 7 Illinois State	March 19, 11:30 p.m. ET	ESPN2

Predictions for March 18 Games

Drexel had a real case to be in the NCAA Tournament after an impressive season in the CAA. They are on a mission to dominate the NIT and prove they belonged in the Big Dance all along. Their high-scoring offense and strong rebounding abilities will carry them pass an inferior Northern Iowa team.

Bucknell is a quality team but the athleticism and depth of the Nevada Wolfpack will be too much for them to handle. Expect the WAC school to progress.

Oregon has been disrespected this season because of the overall weakness of the Pac-12 conference, but they are a solid team. The Ducks' strong guard depth and up-tempo style of play will be too much for the Hawkeyes to overcome in this game.

Follow @NicholasGoss35