NEW YORK--- For the first time in its 70-year history, the 32-team field for the 2007

 MasterCard National Invitation Tournament will be announced live on ESPN2 and ESPNU at 9:00 p.m. (EST) Sunday, March 11.

The NIT Selection Committee, chaired by Basketball Hall of Fame member, C.M. Newton, will meet in Indianapolis this week.   In addition to Newton, the NIT Selection Committee includes another Basketball Hall of Famer Dean Smith, along with Rudy Davalos, Don DeVoe, Gene Keady, Reggie Minton, Jack Powers and Carroll Williams.

“Announcing the field live on ESPN2 and ESPNU adds to the excitement of getting a bid to the NIT,” said Newton. “It gives an opportunity for the student-athletes, coaches and fans to share in the fun of it all.”

ESPN will provide television coverage of the MasterCard NIT,  which  is played regionally for the first three rounds and then culminates in New York City on March 27 at Madison Square Garden, the tournament’s home since 1938.

The following is the MasterCard NIT/ESPN Broadcast Schedule:

First Round:

Tuesday, March 13

7 pm ESPNU

7 pm ESPN2

9 pm ESPNU

9:30 pm ESPN

11 pm ESPNU

Wednesday, March 14

7 pm ESPN

7 pm ESPN2

7 pm ESPNU

9 pm ESPNU

11 pm ESPNU

11:59 pm ESPN2

Second Round:

Thursday, March 15

7 pm ESPNU

11:59 pm ESPN2

Friday, March 16

9:30 pm ESPNU

Saturday, March 17

11 am ESPN

Monday, March 19

7 pm ESPN

7 pm ESPNU

9 pm ESPN

9 pm ESPNU

 Quarterfinals:

Tuesday, March 20

7 pm ESPN

9 pm ESPN

Wednesday, March 21

7 pm ESPN2

9 pm ESPN2

 Semifinal Games at Madison Square Garden:

Tuesday, March 27

7 pm ESPN2

9 pm ESPN2

Championship Game at Madison Square Garden:

Thursday, March 29

7 pm ESPN

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