The 2013 NIT bracket is beginning to take shape. We are at the midpoint of the action, leading up to the quarterfinals round that will determine who goes to Madison Square Garden to compete in the semifinals.
Upsets are to be expected in the coming days, but ultimately some of the top teams will likely rise up and put themselves in position to take home the title.
Let's take a quick look at which teams we are projecting to reach the final four of the tournament after winning their respective regions.
The second-seed Baylor Bears have, on the surface, the easiest route to the NIT semifinals at Madison Square Garden. They won't rely on that to get where they want to go, though, especially after almost being eliminated in the second round.
Although they only barely escaped third-seed Arizona State, Baylor has an athletically superior squad to both Providence and Robert Morris.
Brigham Young toppled sixth-seed Washington in the opening round of the NIT. They aren't going to stop there, either. If you are hoping for a Mercer upset over the Cougars, you'll likely be disappointed.
Despite Mercer's impressive play and upset-minded attack, the Cougars are a very well-rounded and solid offensive team that averaged the 18th most points per game in the country.
They can score with anyone in the country and will prove it by working their way through Region Two and into the semifinals.
Alabama may be the favorite to earn Region Three's place at Madison Square Garden. But, single elimination tournaments hinge on the ability to be versatile and to get hot at the right time.
Maryland showed that it is both of those things after making adjustments to overcome struggles against third-seed Denver in the second round.
The Crimson Tide certainly poses a stronger challenge defensively than Denver. Maryland's big men and their streaky quick-strike shooting, though, will carry them to victory in a slight upset over Bama, propelling them to the semifinals.
The Virginia Cavaliers have been hit or miss this season, winning some big games but also losing some games they should have won. Playing down to the competition is a problem they will have to overcome if they plan to advance past St. Johns and take on Iowa in the quarterfinals.
The Cavaliers' defense will be the key to their advancement to the final four of the tournament. They will also rely heavily on the scoring of Joe Harris to keep their up-and-down offense on track.
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