George Mason Men’s Basketball Secures Back-to-Back NIT Appearances FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason University men’s basketball team has been awarded a spot in the 2026 National Invitation Tournament, marking its second consecutive postseason berth. The Patriots will kick off the tournament with a Tuesday night matchup against Liberty, set for 6 p.m. on ESPN2. Tickets for the game, which will take place in Fairfax, are priced at $25 and will be available starting March 16. George Mason students will receive complimentary admission to the event. This marks the sixth time in program history that the Patriots have qualified for the NIT, with the past two seasons seeing them secure consecutive bids. The team’s recent success follows a postseason run in 2025, where they advanced to the NIT Second Round after their first victory in the event since 2004. The achievement also signifies the first time since the 2007-09 season that George Mason has made back-to-back postseason appearances, whether in the NCAA or NIT. Liberty, the team’s opponent, claimed the 2026 Conference USA regular season title with a 25-7 overall record and a 17-3 mark in conference play. The Flames and Patriots have a storied history, having faced each other nine times previously. George Mason holds a 6-3 edge in the series, with the most recent meeting occurring on December 10, 2011, in Fairfax. The Patriots emerged victorious in that game with an 84-54 score. The upcoming matchup represents a significant milestone for both programs, highlighting the competitive nature of collegiate basketball and the growing prominence of George Mason in postseason play.#ncaa #george_mason_university #liberty #nit #fairfax
