Look, I know that the NIT is an afterthought.  I realize that any tournament where a Ronaldo Balkman-led squad can repeat as champions isnt much of a newsworthy item this time of year (unless you go to Southern Miss…NITchampsburg…seriously?) but really, USA Today, do you really need to make it this obvious? (they have since changed it, probably after several angry emails from Oxford)

It seems that the country’s “national paper”, in preparation for tonights epic NIT semifinal match-up between Ohio State and Ole Miss, may have failed to do a little fact checking and research prior to posting.  Copy and pasting with total disregard for human life after the jump:

Mississippi figures to provide a challenge to an Ohio State team that plays solid defense as the Rebels have four players who have scoring averages in double figures. Senior forward Charles Rhodes leads the way with 17.5 points a game, followed by junior guard Jamont Gordon (17.1), sophomore guard Barry Stewart (11.7) and sophomore guard Ben Hansbrough (10.2).

You see, Jamont Gordon, Charles Rhodes, Stewart, and gene pool loser young Hansbrough play for Mississippi State.  Completely different school, completely different team.  Just for reference, and for the benefit of any USA Today agate and staff writers that may be reading, this is Mississippi State…it is located here…this guy used to castrate bulls and also coach there…this is Ole Miss…it is located here…this guy sold Hummers and also coached there.  I know its confusing at times and even less important because most people in Mississippi like to read books with lots of pictures and only use the internet to find racially charged message boards and nutria recipes…but still.

For an actual story on the team from Mississippi that is playing in the NIT,  go here.  We think the facts are correct, but who has time to check these days.