NIT Tournament: Favorites to Capture Crown Following Kentucky's Elimination

In one of the most stunning upsets in NCAA history, Robert Morris defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 59-57 during the first time of the NIT. As a result, the field has been slimmed down by a No. 1 seed in the NIT.

So who are the favorites to win the crown with Kentucky eliminated?

Entering the National Invitation Tournament, the Wildcats were viewed as the favorites to win it all. Unfortunately, Kentucky ran into head coach John Calipari's hometown team.

It wasn't easy, but Robert Morris managed to knock off the winningest school in NCAA history.

Since then, the field has been busted wide open. The power has shifted and new favorites have emerged at the NIT.

So who is in the driver's seat at the NIT?

Alabama Crimson Tide

With the Kentucky Wildcats eliminated, the Alabama Crimson Tide are one of three No. 1 seeds remaining in the NIT. Their blend of smothering team defense and stellar offensive production from guard Trevor Releford is a primary reason why they're also a favorite to win the crowd.

Even with a tough Stanford squad up next, the Crimson Tide are one of most promising teams left in the field.

Releford is an offensive terror, averaging 15.2 points on a slash line of .483/.423/.824. More importantly, he's one of the nation's most feared clutch performers.

Releford's game winning three against Georgia on Mar. 9 was just the latest chapter in his late-game heroics.

Complementing his scoring is the nation's 22nd ranked scoring defense. With the Crimson Tide holding opponents below 60 points, they should be in any game.

We all know what will transpire during the closing moments.

Maryland Terrapins

The Maryland Terrapins are the definition of a boom-or-bust team. They've experienced tremendous highs with their combination of Dezmine Wells and Alex Len, but they've also fallen well short of their previous expectations.

Even still, they're an undeniable favorite in the 2013 NIT.

Statistically speaking, Maryland is the best rebounding team in the nation. They crash the boards on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor, both creating and limiting second chance scoring opportunities.

That is the basis for their candidacy as an NIT favorite.

The Terrapins will work the ball inside, both through the post and off of the dribble. One way or another, they will find their way to the rim and find a way to outscore the opposition.

Unless Alex Len forgets to show up, they should make a run through the tournament.

Virginia Cavaliers

The Virginia Cavaliers are an elite defensive team with an exhilarating scorer. Much like the Alabama Crimson Tide, they'll rely heavily upon their star and smother opponents on D.

The pressure is now on Joe Harris and the nation's fourth-ranked scoring defense.

Thus far in 2012-13, the Cavaliers are holding opponents to 55.2 points per game. They're holding opponents to 38.6 percent shooting from the floor and do an excellent job of limiting ball movement.

On the other end, Harris has been the model of efficiency.

Thus far, Harris is averaging 16.7 points on a slash line of .474/.431/.754. Fortunately for the Cavaliers, Akil Mitchell has stepped up alongside Harris with averages of 13.3 points and 9.0 rebounds.

During UVA's NIT first round victory over Norfolk St., Mitchell posted 15 points and 11 rebounds. They'll need more of that to win throughout.

Expect Mitchell and Harris to step up and provide the necessary offense to complement a superb defensive unit.