NIT 2015: Updated Bracket, Schedule and Predictions Heading into Semifinals

The NIT is often an afterthought in the vast American sporting landscape due to its second-tier status in relation to the NCAA tournament, but for college basketball junkies clinging to every last bit of action as the season comes to a close, it certainly provides much-needed entertainment. 

Of course, there are still times where the tournament forces its way into the national conversation.

Top-seeded Old Dominion brought some extra attention to the 2015 NIT in the third round. Trey Freeman—using the on-court NIT logo as a launching pad—sank a three-point buzzer-beater on Wednesday that sent No. 3 Murray State crashing out of the tournament in spectacular fashion, to the tune of a 72-69 final score.

While some may still fail to see the point of the NIT, its moments like these help remind why the tournament carries on. These final games mean everything for departing seniors and can serve as inspiration for programs looking to eventually force their way into the NCAA tournament.

Four remaining teams, three total games, two rounds, one eventual champion. The tournament heads to storied Madison Square Garden in New York City for its final stages. Here's an updated look at the schedule for the tournament, complete with predictions.


Bracket

An updated 2015 NIT bracket can be found at CBS Sports.

Schedule, Predictions

Date	Round	Matchup	Time (ET)	TV	Location	Predicted Winner
March 31	Semifinals	No. 1 Temple vs. No. 2 Miami (Fla.)	7 p.m.	ESPN	Madison Square Garden, New York City	Miami
March 31	Semifinals	No. 1 Old Dominion vs. No. 2 Stanford	9 p.m.	ESPN	Madison Square Garden, New York City	Stanford
April 2	Finals	TBD vs. TBD	9 p.m.	ESPN	Madison Square Garden, New York City	Stanford

While the likes of Temple and Old Dominion may eternally feel wronged by being considered two of the first four teams out of the 2015 NCAA tournament, it appears the NIT bracket committee got everything right as far as their seedings are concerned. 

The NIT's Final Four is all No. 1 and 2 seeds, which should make for some compelling matchups in the coming days. 

Of the four squads to survive the quarterfinals, Temple had by far the most comfortable result, defeating Louisiana Tech by a score of 77-59.

Zach Gibson/Associated Press

Quenton DeCosey led the Owls in that contest, posting 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field and bringing down 11 boards for good measure. The Owls have outdone themselves offensively this tournament, outpacing their season average of 64.8 points per game in all three of their NIT contests thus far. 

Miami has been far less consistent than Temple, needing a furious comeback to down Richmond 63-61 in the quarterfinals. Star guard Sheldon McClellan took over down the stretch for the 'Canes, scoring 16 points and hitting key shots in the final moments, inspired play that drew praise from the likes of John Lucas:

Miami coach Jim Larranaga praised his squad's resilience after the win.

"We've been in this situation so many times this year," he said, according to The Associated Press, via the Sun-Sentinel. "Our second game was at Florida and we were down 15 in the second half and we came back and won."

It was a huge bounce-back game for McClellan, who scored all of two points in Miami's round-of-16 win over Alabama. The Hurricanes haven't been at their best all tournament long, but if McClellan can stay locked into the higher register of play he found against the Spiders, Miami has a strong chance of taking this tournament.

Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Stanford head coach Johnny Dawkins is letting his star seniors lead the way in this tournament. Chasson Randle and Anthony Brown played a combined 77 minutes in Stanford's 78-75 quarterfinal win over Vanderbilt. Brown blew up for 26 points and eight rebounds, while Randle chipped in with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists.

Brown certainly turned heads with his performance against the Commodores, but Randle could prove to be the more dangerous player as he chases Stanford's all-time scoring record. He needs just 11 points to overtake Todd Lichti, per John Reid of the San Jose Mercury News.

"I don't think anybody can guard me, in my head," Randle said after the win over Vandy, per Reid. "I come into every game focused. I'm always thinking attack and trying to stay aggressive. I have a lot of confidence in myself."

Don't expect coach Dawkins to rein any of his players in as Randle chases history and the team chases an NIT win.

Jason Hirschfeld/Associated Press

The Monarchs of Old Dominion will have to find some way to refocus after their breathtaking win over Murray State. They will likely need Freeman more than anyone to be in top form against Stanford, as the team needed all of his 25 points on Wednesday to beat the Racers. He's been no stranger to hero ball as of late, scoring at least 20 points in six of his last nine games.

Of course, Old Dominion did prove to be a tough draw even without Freeman's contributions. The 22-year-old junior, hampered by an ankle injury, played just 12 minutes and was held scoreless in ODU's second-round win over Illinois State.

It's an encouraging sign, no doubt, but the Monarchs have had the advantage so far in this tournament of playing their games in front of a home crowd, where they are 21-0 this season. They likely won't have that same boost playing for the Big Apple crowds, so look for them to fall against the Cardinal on March 31.