Cincinnati Basketball: Live coverage as the Bearcats meet Virginia Tech in NIT first round

Stay tuned for live coverage as the Bearcats take on former conference rival Virginia Tech in the NIT first round tonight at Fifth Third Arena! You can watch the matchup on ESPN2 and fuboTV!

Midway through the first half, Landers Nolley II knocked down a pair of jumpers to take a 23-21 lead over his former program before the Hokies responded with a 12-6 run to regain the lead.

Virginia Tech took a 33-29 lead into halftime as Grant Basile scored a game-high 12 points on 4/5 shooting from the field. David DeJulius led the Bearcats with seven points and four rebounds.

Despite struggling to shoot from outside, Cincinnati remained within striking distance and should have a chance to pull out a win. There were 10 ties and eight lead changes in the first half.

Cincinnati Basketball: Live coverage as the Bearcats meet Virginia Tech in NIT first round

• Date: Wednesday, March 15 at 9:00 PM
• Location: Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati
• TV Broadcast: ESPN2 and fuboTV
• Series History: Virginia Tech leads 18-12

After finishing the regular season with a 15-3 record at home, the Bearcats opened as 5.5-point favorites over Virginia Tech with the over/under set at 151.5 total points according to WynnBET.

Both programs are looking to create momentum by competing for a tournament championship, which could be a major benefit for players that are expected to take on a larger role next year.

Even though the AAC Tournament came to a disappointing conclusion, Wes Miller’s team opted to accept an invitation to the NIT and will compete in the annual event for the first time since 2010.

Players to keep an eye on in the first round matchup include Bearcats senior duo David DeJulius and Landers Nolley II, plus Virginia Tech frontcourt mates Grant Basile and Justyn Mutts.