The University of Idaho basketball team is one of 16 selected for the 2013 Preseason Women's National Invitation Tournament this November.

“It shows the level of respect we're getting around the country,” said coach Jon Newlee, whose young team won the 2012-13 Western Athletic Conference title and advanced to the first round of the NCAA Tournament against eventual champion Connecticut. “They like to pick those up-and-coming teams – teams that are on the rise, or the teams that have accomplished a lot.”

Joining the Vandals in the tournament are Georgia State, Gonzaga, IPFW, Louisville, Loyola Chicago, LSU, Mount St. Mary's, North Carolina A&T, Oklahoma, Quinnipiac, Saint Joseph's, Stephen F. Austin, Stetson, Tennessee-Martin, and Wichita State.

The tournament begins with first-round games on Nov. 8, second round action Nov. 10-11, and the semifinal games Nov. 14. The championship game is Nov. 17. All schools are guaranteed three games so those that lose in the first two rounds will play consolation games Nov. 15-16. Participating schools will serve as the hosts. The championship will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network.

“We're thrilled to be in the preseason NIT and the respect that it is showing us,” Newlee said. “You're in a national tournament to start off the season. It's a great way to start the year.”