March 7, 2012

Golden Eagles to play in CIT for second straight season

For the first time in school history, Tennessee Tech will play in the postseason in back-to-back years.

Full field announced Sunday

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – For the first time in school history, Tennessee Tech will play in the postseason in back-to-back years.

The Golden Eagles have accepted an invitation to compete in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament, known as the CIT, and will play a road game next week. Tech is awaiting details on when and where it will play.

If the Golden Eagles advance beyond the first round of the tournament, they will secure their second consecutive 20-win season.

Tech played in the CIT a season ago, falling in the opening round at Western Michigan.

The postseason berth is the sixth in school history and will mark the second time Tech has played in the CIT. The Golden Eagles have also played in the NCAA Tournament twice and twice in the NIT, where they made their most successful run, winning three games and advancing to the quarterfinals in 2002.

“So many teams in the country are putting their uniforms away right now,” said first-year head coach Steve Payne. “It’s a tremendous honor to be playing in any postseason event. The CIT is a terrific tournament for mid-majors, and it’s a tournament we can compete in and win. It’s always good when you’re playing in the spring.”

The CIT pairings will be officially announced Sunday after the NCAA Tournament Selection Show. First-round games will be held March 13-15 with second-round games to follow on March 16-18. Quarterfinals will be held March 20-21 with semifinals March 23-24 and the championship game on March 28.

All six rounds are played at on-campus sites.

“We are honored to represent the Ohio Valley Conference in postseason play,” said Tech Athletics Director Mark Wilson. “This is a great opportunity for our program to continue playing and will give us an opportunity to pursue a championship.”

This year marks the fourth annual edition of the CIT. The tournament features 24 teams.

Tech finished 19-13 overall and 9-7 in OVC play, advancing to the semifinals of the league tournament.

Check TTUSports.com for more information as it becomes available.