NIT 2012: Most Important Player from Each Team in Tonight's Games

After today's two college basketball games, the NIT will be down to its Final Four, and it doesn't get much more exciting than that. 

Here's a look at the key players who will need to perform for each team booking a trip to the semifinals at Madison Square Garden.


Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: LaRon Dendy

The Blue Raiders' 6'9" senior forward leads the team in points with 14.7 per game.

However, Middle Tennessee scores over 70 points per game, which they get from many different options, so it's not just Dendy's ability to score that makes him so important.

Dendy also leads the team in rebounding (7.2) and blocks (1.5), and is third in assists (2.1). His ability to fill up the stat sheet has been instrumental for the Blue Raiders so far, and he will have to continue carrying this team if he wants to go to New York.


Minnesota Golden Gophers: Rodney Williams

Williams carried Minnesota all season after the Golden Gophers lost Trevor Mbakwe, so it's not surprise to Williams' put the team on his shoulders in the NIT as well.

In Minnesota's two tournament games, Williams has averaged 21 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game. He was forced to play all 40 minutes during their first-round win against La Salle.

On the season, the athletically gifted junior is averaging 11.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per contest.

He's a box-score stuffer, but he provides highlight reels too. 

Sorry, Brandon Ubel.


Nevada Wolf Pack: Deonte Burton

As a Washington Husky fan, I know all too well how good and how clutch Burton can be. Against the Huskies in December, the sophomore guard absolutely carried Nevada with 31 points, six rebounds and six assists.

He averages 14.8 points and 4.3 assists per game and is the engine that makes this team go.

In the Nevada's loss to Louisiana Tech in the WAC Tournament, the Wolf Pack were heavily favored, but Burton had an off game (five points on 2-for-10 shooting) and Louisiana Tech was able to pull off the upset.

As long as he avoids a down game, Burton will lead the Wolf Pack to New York.


Stanford Cardinal: Aaron Bright

Freshman Chasson Randle is Stanford's leading scorer, but Bright has recently been providing that all-important scoring punch off the bench for the Cardinal.

In Stanford's two NIT wins, Bright has hit seven three-pointers and averaged 23 points per game, including a 29-point effort against Illinois State.

If Bright continues hitting at his current pace, things really open up for Randle and also for Stanford's big man, Josh Owens. And if that happens, Stanford becomes a very good and a very dangerous team.