Best of 2014: MBB Tournament Debut

It was a special year for UNO in 2014 with countless events, achievements, special guest visits and national recognitions for students, faculty, staff and alumni.

The UNO Men's Basketball team competed in its first Division I postseason matchup in the 2014 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament on Wednesday, March 19. After winning their first round vs. North Dakota, the Mavericks advanced to the second round of the tournament.

Omaha Invited to CollegeInsider.com Tournament

March 2014

The Omaha men’s basketball team has been tapped to host a first-round game in the 2014 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament, it was announced Tuesday. Omaha’s matchup remains unknown, as the full tournament bracket will be announced the evening of Sunday, March 16.

“We are thrilled that we have the chance host a CIT game at Ralston Arena and provide a postseason opportunity for our men’s basketball program,” Director of Athletics Trev Alberts said. “Particularly for our seniors – three of whom stayed and two of whom came knowing postseason opportunities might not be available for a transitioning school – this is a way to honor their commitment to UNO and see their careers close on a high note. We are optimistic about making a run in the CIT and are excited for strong fan support at Ralston that week.”

Omaha’s first-round CIT game will be played at Ralston Arena at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18 or Wednesday, March 19. The Mavericks, who finished with a regular-season record of 16-14 (5-9 Summit League), will make their first postseason appearance since beginning the reclassification to Division I in 2011-12.

“This CIT bid is a reward for the dedication and achievement of our student-athletes and coaches,” Senior Associate Athletic Director Josh White said. “Our athletic department has rallied around the men’s basketball program, and the hard work of Coach Hansen and his staff is evident with the success of the team this season and this invitation to continue playing into the month of March.”

Omaha is the first transitional school to be offered an at-large bid to the CIT in the tournament’s six-year history.

“The opportunity for us to play in the postseason is a testament to the hard work of our players and coaching staff, as well as the strong support of our administration through this transition,” head coach Derrin Hansen. “Not many transitional teams have played in this tournament, and we are honored to be selected at-large for one of the 32 spots in the field. Our program has grown in its last three seasons, and playing in the postseason will help us continue to build our profile nationally.”