Last year YSU’s men’s team received an automatic bid to the NIT because they were regular season champions. It was a great night for the basketball program as YSU hosted Oklahoma State in the first round. It won’t happen this year as the NIT has eliminated the automatic bids for mid-major regular season champions. The major six conferences will receive two automatic bids and will be offered the option to host the opening games. Just another widening of the gap between power conferences and mid-majors.