That’s right!!!   Shaka Smart has led his Longhorns to a title – just probably not the title they were looking for.

That’s because the Texas Longhorns managed to win 5 straight games to take the NIT in New York tonight – they were able to beat Lipscomb 81-66.  I am sure that both teams would have preferred to make the NCAA Tournament – but they really both had a great postseason to get to the NIT Final.

Lipscomb really had an impressive run if you realize that just to get to New York, they had to win three road games against Davidson, UNC-Greensboro, North Carolina State, and then beat Wichita State in the semi-finals.  It is tough to win road games – especially in a post-season environment.

Texas’ path was a little easier – since they did get to play their games at home.  They were able to take down South Dakota State, Xavier and Colorado in front of their home fans before heading to Madison Square Garder to knock off fellow Big 12 team TCU.  In the Final, the Longhorns went on a 20-5 run to end the first half with a 14 point lead, and they never looked back.

As for Marshall, they won the CIT by beating Green Bay 90-70.  Green Bay had jumped out to an early 13 point lead in the first half, but Marshall had managed to take the lead by the end of the half – and then poured it on in the second half.

In the only other remaining tournament, the CBI will be decided in game three between South Florida and DePaul – that’s right.  The CBI finishes their championship at the campus sites – with a best of 3 series.   South Florida won on their home court 63-61 to take game 1, and DePaul needed overtime to pull out game 2 at home 100-96.  DePaul is lucky enough to be the team that gets to host game 3 on Friday night in the winner takes all game 3.

Saturday is almost here – can’t wait for what should be a fantastic final four!!!!!!