For those in need of a college basketball fix leading up to Saturday's start to the Final Four, Minnesota and Stanford will square off on Thursday night in the finals of the NIT Championship. The game will be played at Madison Square Garden, and the Golden Gophers will look to defeat a Pac-12 opponent for the second time is as many games.
Minnesota paved its way to the finals after earning a six seed in its quarter of the bracket, while Stanford moved along after receiving a three seed.
The Cardinal finished the regular season 21-11 and 10-8 in Pac-12 play, narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament field. A win would give them their second NIT crown in school history.
And while it's not quite the same as what Kentucky, Louisville, Ohio State and Kansas are still playing for, a win would make a major impact on each program leading into next season.
Game Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
TV Coverage: ESPN, ESPN3
-- For more on the NIT, be sure to check out our NCAA basketball hub. A full bracket is also right here. For more on the NIT, please check out SB Nation Philly for all your needs.