FORT COLLINS, Colo. – For the fifth time in its history, The University of New Mexico has been selected as a part of the 16-team field that will make up the 2018 Preseason WNIT. This will be the 25th edition of the Preseason WNIT and the November event features a three-game guarantee for all teams, with first-round matchups and the bracket to be announced later this spring. All games are hosted by participating schools, with the championship game televised on CBS Sports Network.
The 2018 Preseason NIT field includes: Auburn (SEC), Delaware (Colonial), Hartford (America East), Iowa State (Big 12), Marquette (Big East), Miami (ACC), Montana State (Big Sky), Morgan State (Mid-Eastern), New Mexico (Mountain West), Niagara (Metro Atlantic), Nicholls State (Southland), Northern Illinois (Mid-American), Northern Iowa (Missouri Valley), Stephen F. Austin (Southland), Texas State (Sun Belt) and Yale (Ivy).
This is the first time in the Preseason WNIT for nine programs: Auburn, Iowa State, Miami, Montana State, Morgan State, Niagara, Nicholls State, Texas State and Yale. It’s the second time around for Marquette and Northern Iowa, with Hartford, Northern Illinois and Stephen F. Austin playing for the third time. Delaware is in the mix for the fourth time, and this will mark the fifth WNIT for New Mexico.
Last year the Lobos went 25-11 and finished the year in the third round of the WNIT. UNM’s 25 wins are tied for the most of any other team in the field (Stephen F. Austin also won 25 last year).
“After a quarter of a century, we have a lot of high-achieving teams that have had an opportunity to play in the Preseason WNIT. We look forward to seeing some fresh faces as well as others who know this is a terrific way to kick off the season,” said Renee Carlson, Executive Director of the WNIT. “Fans of the women’s game will see which teams are prepared for a run to the postseason.”
In 2017, eventual Final Four participant Louisville won the Preseason WNIT, slipping past Oregon (which ended up reaching the NCAA Elite Eight). In 2016, Notre Dame claimed the Preseason WNIT with a core of players who keyed the Fighting Irish’s run to the 2018 NCAA Championship.
Women’s Basketball to Play in Preseason WNIT
