Conference USA takes center stage in the NIT championship game when North Texas and UAB meet for the fourth time this season on Thursday in Las Vegas.

Second-seeded North Texas (30-7) and the fourth-seeded Blazers (29-9) are each seeking their first NIT title after semifinal victories on Tuesday. The Mean Green knocked off fellow second-seed Wisconsin 56-54 before UAB pulled out an 88-86 overtime win against unseeded Utah Valley later that night.

UAB lost to North Texas twice during the regular season before a 76-69 win in the semifinals of the Conference USA tournament on March 10. UAB lost in the final to Florida Atlantic, which went on to make its first Final Four appearance in the NCAA Tournament.