NIT 2012 Schedule: Predictions for Magical MSG Final Four

Madison Square Garden will welcome four of the hungriest teams in the nation as the NIT Final Four kicks off, and we have predictions on what is about to go down. 

Four teams with hopes of championship glory will suit up and play in one of the most storied arenas in hoop history.

Consider this a grand precursor to a weekend that features the NCAA Tournament. It's title time in college basketball and there are sure to be high-flying antics to keep us captivated all night long. 

Here are the games, predictions and where you can catch all the action. 

No. 5 UMass vs. No. 3 Stanford - Tuesday, March 27th, 7:00 p.m. ET - ESPN2/ESPN3 

UMass can hold their heads high no matter what happens on Tuesday night. They have had to contend with a trying schedule and even met up with a sneaky hot Drexel team that was supposed to land at MSG. 

Instead, the Minutemen came from behind to pull off a stirring win, one in which Chaz Williams dropped 20 points. 

The fact is UMass is far too soft on defense and is allowing 72.4 points per game. Stanford comes in as the hottest team in the tournament. 

Josh Owens is a seasoned big man that will dominate the paint in what should be a Cardinal win. 

Prediction: Stanford 78, UMass 73

No. 6 Minnesota vs. No. 1 Washington - Tuesday, March 27th, 9:00 p.m. ET - ESPN2/ESPN3

Here is a game that will highlight just how dominate Washington can be. Since being snubbed by the NCAA Tournament, the Huskies have done everything in their power to salvage the season. A title would do just that. 

The Gophers have a great defense but will face a backcourt that is simply too much for them to handle. Tony Wroten and Terrence Ross will own the show and prove Washington are truly the big dogs in the NIT.  

Prediction: Washington 74, Minnesota 68

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