The University of Florida men’s basketball team has been invited to the MasterCard National Invitational Tournament and will host San Diego State on Wednesday at 9 p.m. (ESPN2) at the O’Connell Center.

"We're extremely happy with the opportunity we have to continue our season in the NIT,” said University of Florida head coach Billy Donovan. “We look forward to continuing to develop and grow as a team."

The Gators (21-11) are the No. 2 seed in their quarter of the bracket, while San Diego State (20-12) is the No. 7 seed.

The two teams have only met once before with San Diego State taking a 63-62 decision on Dec. 21, 1985 in Las Vegas.

Should Florida advance, it would take on the winner of the game between Creighton and Rhode Island, to be played in Omaha on Tuesday night.

The Gator Ticket Office will accept ticket orders for Rounds 1 and 2, until 5:00 p.m. Monday, March 17.  Second round ticket orders will only be filled if the University of Florida advances.

All tickets must be picked up at Will Call, located at Gate 1 of the O’Connell Center, beginning Wednesday, March 19.  Office hours will be from 8:30 a.m. until tip off.  Tickets must be picked up by the season ticket holder, who must present a photo ID at the time of pick-up.

General public fans may order tickets on Monday between 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. by walking up in person to the Gator Ticket Office, or calling it at (352) 384-3261 or (877) 428-6742.

University of Florida students will be admitted FREE with their valid Gator1 ID card and will need to enter the O’Connell Center through Gate 3.  No reservations are needed prior to these post-season NIT events and seating is first-come, first-in line at Gate 3.  Students may begin lining up at 1 p.m. the day of the game.

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