Belmont Thrives Against NIT in High-Stakes Clash
One day after coach Casey Alexander accepted Kansas State job, Belmont men's basketball elected to not participate in the NIT.
The 2025-26 Belmont Bruins men's basketball season is officially over after an announcement by the school March 14 that the Bruins will not participate in the National Invitation Tournament. Bruins coach Casey Alexander officially accepted a job with Kansas State on March 13. Alexander led Belmont to a 26-6 (16-4 MVC) record that ended with a 100-79 loss to Drake in the quarterfinals of the MVC tournament.
Belmont released the following statement regarding their men's basketball team: "In light of recent developments, Belmont University men's basketball has elected not to participate in the Postseason NIT. We appreciate the meaningful dialogue and consideration postseason tournament committees have extended Belmont throughout the year. " Alexander, 53, coached Belmont for seven seasons and went 166-60 with three regular-season conference titles, one conference tournament title and an appearance in the 2022 NIT.
Belmont won the 2020 OVC Tournament title but the NCAA Tournament was canceled because of COVID-19. Alexander coached at Stetson (2011-13) and Lipscomb (2013-19). He has a 303-180 record in 15 years as a men's basketball coach.
Kansas State announced on March 13 that Alexander has signed a five-year contract with the Wildcats. Alexnader will earn $3. 3 million in his first year, which will increase to $3.