NIT 2012 Bracket: Bold Predictions for an Exciting Final Four

The 2012 NIT is going to feature an all Pac-12 final. This is will be a small measure of redemption for the conference that had a down year, and only got two teams into the Big Dance. 

But, this isn't about the Pac-12.

This is about the NIT, which has whittled its way down to just four teams. Here is a taste of what you can expect from the Final Four action. 

Terrence Ross Will Go for at Least 25

Ross is putting together a tremendous NIT, and that will continue in the Huskies' semifinals matchup with Minnesota. 

Ross averaged 16.3 points a game on the season, and he has easily topped that number in each of the Huskies' three NIT games. He's gone for 23, 32 and 24 points thus far, putting up solid numbers while being efficient, shooting 50 percent from the field. 

When Ross is shooting well, he is impossible to defend. He has the athleticism to beat his defender off the dribble if they crowd him to stop the outside shot.

Ross will use this to dismantle the Golden Gophers. 

Sean Carter Will Snag at Least 10 Rebounds

If UMass is going to beat Stanford, they have to win the battle of the boards. This is something the team is well-equipped to do. 

The Minutemen finished 13th in nation in rebounding. Stanford is no slouch on the boards either, coming in ranked 50th. Despite that ranking, UMass will outclass them on the boards, because Carter won't have it any other way. 

The senior forward has a knack for coming up big in these kinds of situations.

For example, the Minutemen faced a similar situation in their first NIT game as they faced No. 1 seed Seton Hall. The team needed to beat Seton Hall on the boards, and they did, 38-34, thanks in large part to Carter's team-high 11 boards. 

All Pac-12 Final

Unfortunately for the Minutemen, Carter's double-digit effort on the boards will not be enough.

UMass will lose to Stanford 72-68.

The Cardinals are playing some fantastic defense, coming off of a game where they held Nevada to 36.8 percent shooting from the field.

That is bad news for UMass.

The team already struggles with their field-goal percentage, finishing the regular season ranked 179th in field goal percentage. 

Stanford will get the big stops when they need them and will advance.

On the other side, the Huskies have too much firepower for Minnesota.

As we already discussed, Terrence Ross will have a big game, opening up things for his teammates, and force the Gophers out of their comfort zone. 

Minnesota likes to keep the score down, and the Huskies like to push the pace. Minnesota will not be able to accomplish that with Ross pouring in points at will.

Huskies win 79-69.