George Mason to play FIU in first round of NIT Season Tip-Off

We have known for awhile that George Mason will be playing in the 16-team field preseason NIT and that they would be in the same pod as Virginia Tech.  The school confirmed today however that they will playing Florida International in the first round, with the winner advancing on to play Virginia Tech. The Patriots will be a #5 seed and two victories in Blacksburg will advance them to the semifinals in New York City at Madison Square Garden in late November.  

The first round games are from November 14-16 at Virginia Tech's campus at the Cassell Coliseum.  The preseason NIT represents one of the better early tournaments to kick off the college hoops season and gives the Patriots some great tests early on.  A chance to see George Mason battling it out at Madison Square Garden will be an early season treat for fans and hopefully a great resume builder for March.

Full bracket here

Florida International has struggled under head coach Isiah Thomas but he is starting to bring in some talented recruits.  The team could be on the up but hopefully they won't give the Patriots too much trouble so fans can see a George Mason vs Virginia Tech battle. The last time the Patriots played two ACC teams during the regular season was during the '03-'04 season when they lost to both Maryland and UNC.

Click here for more on what we know so far for next season's schedule