NIT Bracket 2012: Miami Hurricanes Will Take On Valparaiso Cruaders

The 2012 NIT Bracket was released Sunday evening, and the Miami Hurricanes (19-12) earned a No. 2 seed and will take on the No. 7 seed Valparaiso Crusaders (22-11) on Wednesday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. on ESPNU.

Coach Jim Larranaga and his team are no doubt disappointed they were left out of the NCAA Tournament, but a strong showing in the NIT would still be a rewarding conclusion to Larranaga's first year at the helm in Coral Gables. This is the second consecutive NIT appearance for the Hurricanes, and the third in the past four years. Miami reached the NIT quarterfinals a year ago before losing to Alabama.

Valparaiso, despite an up-and-down season, was the Horizon League regular season champ, defeating quality opponents such as Cleveland State, Butler and Detroit during the year. First-year head coach Bryce Drew has an experienced squad that could give the Hurricanes trouble.

For more on the 2012 NIT, visit this StoryStream. For more on the Hurricanes, visit The Seventh Floor Crew.