It's official: the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide have another statue to construct after very nearly topping the No. 4 Wichita State Shockers for the 2011 NIT championship. The Tide fell just short, 66-57, with their furious comeback in the final minutes working contrary to the goals of the average comeback as the Shockers pulled away.
Still, SEC! Alabama faithful repped hard in Madison Square Garden, chanting "ROLL TIDE" with vigor even when the team gave up an early lead and started to struggle with Wichita State's shooting.
Tony Mitchell and JaMychal Green led the Tide in scoring, with Mitchell putting up a double-double. Wichita State drilled seven three-pointers in the game, though three of those were at the very end. Graham Hatch and J.T. Turley scored 12 each, powering the Shockers to their first-ever national tourney title of any sort.
For more on this game, Bama fans should join Roll Bama Roll, and Wichita State should roll up on Mid Major Madness.