BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -- WKU has been chosen as one of three sites to host the consolation rounds of the 25th Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off.  Seeded fifth in the 16-team field, the Hilltoppers just missed advancing to New York for the "First Four" after dropping a hard-fought 71-60 decision at third-seeded LSU on Tuesday night.  Hofstra and TCU are the other two consolation round sites. 

This marks the first time in 23 years that WKU has hosted a Preseason NIT game.  In 1986, after a first round win at Notre Dame, the Hilltoppers hosted TCU, winning 96-90. 

WKU will host a pair of doubleheaders on Monday and Tuesday, November 23-24 at E.A. Diddle Arena.  Coastal Carolina, Indiana State, and Cal State Northridge will travel to Bowling Green to join the Hilltoppers for the four-team pod.  Unlike the opening rounds, however, all four games are predetermined. 

Indiana State and Coastal Carolina will open up play on Monday at 4:30 PM with WKU and Cal State Northridge playing at 7:00 PM.  On Tuesday, Coastal Carolina and Cal State Northridge will play the first game at 4:30 PM with WKU and Indiana State closing out the event with a 7:00 PM tip.  All times are Central. 

Monday will be the first-ever meeting between the Matadors of Cal State Northridge and WKU.  On Tuesday, WKU and Indiana State will meet on the hardwood for the fifth time, but the first in 67 years.  The Toppers lead the all-time series 3-1 with the last meeting coming on February 16, 1942. 

NIT ticket prices are $16 for Red Towel and Chairback seats, $12 for Reserved Bleachers, and $4 for students.  All WKU season ticket holders will have until Friday at 5:00 PM to renew the same seats they currently have for the season.  Tickets will be sold as books only for both days.  Single session tickets will be sold only on Monday and Tuesday. 

For season ticket holders who have a men's basketball parking permit, those permits will be honored both days.  To order tickets, call the WKU Ticket Office at 270-745-5222. 

SCHEDULE
Monday, November 23
Coastal Carolina vs. Indiana State, 4:30 PM
WKU vs. Cal State Northridge, 7:00 PM

Tuesday, November 24
Coastal Carolina vs. Cal State Northridge, 4:30 PM
WKU vs. Indiana State, 7:00 PM