The NCAA has some serious explaining to do after an embarrassing mistake involving the University of South Alabama Men's Basketball team.

South Alabama coach Richie Riley explained the situation to AL.com, too. Riley said the Jaguars were offered a spot for NIT on Sunday night at 9:30 p.m. South Alabama ended up getting the invite because UC Riverside, who had received the invite first, had to decline to play in the College Basketball Invitation.

In need of a team to take UC Riverside’s spot, South Alabama was brought in, but the Highlanders were able to get out of their CBI obligation and were available for the NIT. Because of that, the NCAA had to make a second call about an hour later to the Jaguars to inform them they were no longer invited.

Another new NIT selection process announced in October by the NCAA will distribute 16 bids to "exempt" teams meeting certain criteria related to conference affiliation and advanced metrics. It marks the second year in a row that criteria for NIT access has changed as the event seeks to solidify its place in an evolving postseason landscape.

After not being included in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, some figured that West Virginia would participate in either the College Basketball Crown or the NIT to close out its season. The two tournament fields were announced within the last twelve hours,