Bells will be ringing in the NIT

Cheap Shot of the Basketball Postseason had early two contenders on the opening night of the NIT. Seton Hall's Herb Pope (Aliquippa High School product) punched a Texas Tech player in the groin twice in as many possessions Tuesday night, leading to his ejection and helping Seton Hall make the decision to fire coach Bobby Gonzalez easier.

There also was Jackson State's Phillip Williams punching Mississippi State's Dee Bost in the groin and getting ejected.

By the way, Washington's Ray Natili was officiating the Seton Hall-Texas Tech game. Natili also officiated the ACC tournament championship game Sunday.