The Iowa Hawkeyes hope to close out the basketball season as NIT champions when they take on Baylor this (Thursday) evening in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. The Hawkeyes are 25-12 and advanced to the title game with a 71-60 victory over Maryland in Tuesday night’s semifinal round. They take on a Baylor team that is 22-14 and posted a 76-70 win over BYU on Tuesday night. Iowa coach Fran McCaffery says a victory would be a great way to cap off the season.

Sophomore forward Aaron White says after missing out on the NCAA Tournament the Hawkeyes have made the most out of this opportunity. Freshman guard Mike Gessell says the Hawks are playing their best basketball of the season. It will be the final game in the Hawkeye career of Eric May and he would like to go out with a victory.

A victory would give Iowa its first NIT title. Baylor is is trying to become the first Big 12 team to win the tournament. Pre-game coverage on KJAN begins at 7-p.m., with the tipoff at 8.