Monmouth University’s men’s basketball team has earned a number one seed in the upcoming National Invitational Tournament. MU opens the 32-team NIT on Wednesday night at home against Bucknell at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN3 and the Shore Sports Network.

Monmouth was one of four top seeds chosen, joining St. Bonaventure, South Carolina and Valparaiso. The Hawks earned the NIT bid after finishing as MAAC regular season champions with a 17-3 record in the league and 27-7 overall. Bucknell finished 17-13 and won the Patriot League regular season.

MU concluded the regular season/MAAC Tournament with 27 wins, a program single-season record and the second most in the nation. The Hawks secured the program’s first regular season title since 2005 and made its first conference title game since 2006. Monmouth defeated five high-major programs and snagged 17 road/neutral site victories and 13 true road wins, both to lead the nation.

The Blue and White picked up three major awards through the MAAC this season, including King Rice notching his first Coach of the Year accolade. Justin Robinson (Lake Katrine, NY/Kingston) was a unanimous All-MAAC First Team selection and the Player of the Year, while Micah Seaborn (Fort Worth, TX/Prime Prep Academy) picked up All-MAAC Third Team and All-Rookie honors while also being named Conference Rookie of the Year.

Monmouth hosts Bucknell on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. in The MAC, and with a win, will play the winner of #4 George Washington and #5 Hofstra.

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