UC Riverside basketball had a historic season, marking its debut in postseason tournaments. However, there was a dramatic twist when the school inadvertently accepted invitations to two separate tournaments—the NIT and the CBI—causing widespread confusion.

With strong performances throughout the season, including an overall record of 21-11, UC Riverside seemed well positioned but was caught off guard when it discovered its selection into the NIT after already agreeing to participate in the CBI. This marred what should have been a time of excitement for the team.

Quotes from Key Figures:
“UC Riverside was not informed by the NIT that they were going to be selected,” said a source close to the program. After learning about their selection through social media, they decided to withdraw from the CBI to focus their efforts on the NIT, acknowledging its prestige.

The mix-up also impacted South Alabama, which had been offered a spot in the NIT, leading to frustration from their coach, who labeled the situation as unprofessional.

Conclusion:
Despite the chaos, UC Riverside’s successful season is underscored by its acceptance and invitation to the NIT, showing promising growth for the team’s future.