1938 — The Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association started the National Invitational Tournament one year before the NCAA tournament began. Temple University won the inaugural six-team tournament, which was held in Madison Square Garden in New York City.

1947 — N.C. State makes its first NIT appearance under coach Everett Case. The Wolfpack defeated St. John’s before losing to Kentucky in the semifinals. The Pack defeated West Virginia in the consolation final to take third place in the tournament.

1975 — One year after winning the NCAA Championship, N.C. State declines an invitation to the NIT. N.C. State star David Thompson refers to the NIT as “a loser’s tournament.”

1978 — The Wolfpack loses to Texas in the NIT final. The second-place finish is the best of N.C. State’s NIT history.

1997 to 2000 — N.C. State makes four straight NIT appearances under coach Herb Sendek. The Wolfpack’s highest finish during that period was fourth in the 2000 tournament.

2007 — State accepts its 11th NIT bid. This is the first NIT appearance for N.C. State since 2000. The Pack will play West Virginia tonight for a spot in the NIT semifinals in Madison Square Garden.