INDIANAPOLIS - The IUPUI basketball team will be hosting a 2007 MasterCard National Invitation Tournament watch party at Harry & Izzy’s (153 S. Illinois St.) on Sunday evening at 8:00 p.m.. The 32-team field for this year’s NIT will be announced live on ESPN2 and ESPNU at 9:00 p.m. (EST) Sunday, March 16.

"Announcing the field live on ESPN2 and ESPNU adds to the excitement of getting a bid to the NIT," NIT selection committee chair C.M. Newton said in a press release. "It gives an opportunity for the student-athletes, coaches and fans to share in the fun of it all."

IUPUI (26-7) closed the year with a school record 26 wins and was the runner-up of The Summit League Tournament. Led by Summit League Player of the Year George Hill, the Jaguars were a perfect 15-0 at home in 2007 and are currently ranked No. 14 in the CollegeInsider.com’s Mid-Major Top 25. In addition, head coach Ron Hunter’s team collected wins over top 60 RPI teams UMass and Oral Roberts. The Jaguars currently boast an RPI of 76, according to RealTimeRPI.com.

"We’ve had a special season and we look forward to continuing to showcase our program in the postseason," Hunter said. "Our kids deserve the opportunity to play deeper into March."

ESPN will provide television coverage of the MasterCard NIT, which is played regionally for the first three rounds and then culminates in New York City on March 27 at Madison Square Garden, the tournament’s home since 1938.

The Jaguars have garnered interest from both the NIT and College Basketball Invitational (CBI) this postseason.