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1961 NIT Basketball Tournament

The 1961 National Invitation Tournament was held at Madison Square Garden, New York City. The number of teams remained at 12. The tournament was a single game elimination format. In the championship game the Providence Friars coached by Joe Mullaney, defeated the Saint Louis Billikens to claim their first NIT title. Vin Ernst of Providence was named he tournament MVP.

1961 NIT Mens Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Gardens

SeedTeamSeason W-LConferenceCoach
1 Colorado State17-9Mountain States Conference
2 Niagara16-5Independent
3 Memphis20-3Independent
4 Dayton20-9Independent
5 Temple20-8Middle Atlantic Conference
6 Holy Cross21-5Independent
7 Providence24-5Independent
8 Saint Louis21-9Missouri Valley Conference
9 Miami (FL)20-7Independent
10 DePaul17-8Independent
11 Detroit18-9Independent
12 Army17-7Independent

  First Round NIT Quarterfinals NIT Semifinals NIT Championship
                                     
1  Colorado State Bye
   
  1   Colorado State 53  
  8   Saint Louis 59  
8   Saint Louis 58
9  Miami (FL) 56  
  8   Saint Louis 67  
  4   Dayton 60  
5  Temple 79  
12  Army 66  
  5   Temple 60
  4  Dayton 62  
 
4  Dayton Bye  
  8  Saint Louis 59
  7  Providence 62
6  Holy Cross 86  
11  Detroit 82  
  6  Holy Cross 81
  3  Memphis 69  
     
3  Memphis Bye  
  6  Holy Cross 83
  7  Providence 90  
7  Providence 73  
10  DePaul 67  
  7  Providence 71
  2  Niagara 68  
     
2  Niagara Bye