Members of the University of Colorado men’s basketball team have been enjoying themselves in New York City, but tonight they’ll have to get down to business when they take on Alabama in the National Invitation Tournament, with the goal of making it to Thursday’s championship game against either Washington State or Wichita State (Denver Post). “[CU] is very explosive and [has] some very explosive scores,” says Alabama coach Anthony Grant, who nevertheless is confident his team will win (WSFA).

But that fortitude is matched by CU, whose senior players started the season with a new coaching staff and a championship goal (Daily Camera). “Our society, at least basketball-wise, has always put an emphasis on making the NCAA tournament and being a part of March Madness,” says CU senior Javon Coney (ESPN). “But for us to be one of the few teams left, in both the NCAA and NIT tournaments, is extremely great for us…not a lot of teams are still playing.”