NIT 2014: Schedule, Bracket Predictions and More for Round 2 Action

No Madness here, but plenty of quality basketball fans won't want to miss as the 2014 NIT tournament heads into Round 2.

Sure, all of the teams are undoubtedly scoffing at the selection committee in hindsight—No. 9 Colorado went out and got blasted in Round 2 of the NCAA tournament 77-48—but each team that feels slighted can take out its aggression and pick up a neat consolation prize in the process.

Over the course of the next three days, Round 2 of the NIT is sure to captivate those fans that give it the time of day.

Date	Matchup	Time (ET)	TV	Predicted Winner
Friday, March 21	(8) Robert Morris vs. (5) Belmont	9:30 p.m.	ESPNU	Robert Morris
Saturday, March 22	(3) Louisiana Tech vs. (2) Georgia	11 a.m.	ESPN	Georgia
Sunday, March 23	(2) Illinois vs. (3) Clemson	11 a.m.	ESPN	Clemson
Sunday, March 23	(4) Saint Mary's vs. (1) Minnesota	3 p.m.	ESPN2	Minnesota
Sunday, March 23	(3) Southern Miss. vs. (2) Missouri	5 p.m.	ESPNU	Southern Miss.
Monday, March 24	(4) Georgetown vs. (1) Florida State	7 p.m.	ESPN	Florida State
Monday, March 24	(6) LSU vs. (1) SMU	9 p.m.	ESPN	SMU
Monday, March 24	(3) Arkansas vs. (2) California	11 p.m.	ESPN2	California

Matchups to Watch

(3) Louisiana Tech vs. (2) Georgia

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At 20-13 and just 12-6 in the SEC, the Georgia Bulldogs did not live up to expectations this year, but they quietly have the offensive firepower behind sophomore Charles Mann (13.9 points per game) to compete with any team in the NIT.

This was on full display in Round 1, where Georgia took down Vermont 63-56 thanks in large part to Mann's 29 points.

Now flip to the other side—Louisiana Tech was a sexy sleeper pick in the Big Dance before narrowly missing out on a bid. The Bulldogs are coming off a thrilling win over Iona thanks to a layup by Kenneth Smith with 2.2 seconds left. After the game, he spoke about his big play, according to the Associated Press via the Boston Herald: "I just crashed the board and it came our way. Luckily we were able to win this game."

In a showdown between two teams that may have been able to make noise in the Big Dance, something will have to give. In the end, it will be Georgia's stellar defense that surrenders just 66.4 points per game that shuts down a Louisiana Tech offense with inflated numbers, having run wild on C-USA.

Prediction: Georgia 64, Louisiana Tech 55

(4) Georgetown vs. (1) Florida State

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Chalk this up as two big programs certainly not too accustomed to NIT ball.

Officially, these two made up 50 percent of the first four out, as noted by Brian Hamilton of Sports Illustrated:

Florida State was one missed opportunity away from the Big Dance, as a loss to Virginia in the ACC tournament sealed its fate. To be fair, not many teams beat the Cavaliers all season. 

The heartbreak hurts a bit more for Georgetown, owner of impressive wins over the likes of Michigan State, Creighton, VCU and Kansas State.

For those that enjoy defensive battles between sound teams, look no further than this matchup. The Seminoles allow just 65.5 points per game and average a superb 5.4 blocks per game, which are great figures considering they came in ACC play.

Against a rather stagnant Georgetown offense that relies solely on D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera (17.4 points per game) for the bulk of its production, the Seminoles will be able to ride their sound defense to a comfortable victory.

Prediction: Florida State 68, Georgetown 60