NIT'S NEGOTIATING, BUT NOT WITH KNICK.(SPORTS)

Byline: TIM WILKIN Staff writer

ALBANY Knickerbocker Arena general manager Rick Linio said he has had absolutely no contact with anyone concerning the possibility of the National Invitation Tournament playing its semifinal and final rounds in Albany.

A report by the Associated Press said Thursday the NIT was negotiating a new contract with the college basketball tournament's current home Madison Square Garden for next year. The AP reported that sources close to the situation said the primary competition for Madison Square Garden was the Knick.

Linio, contacted in his office late Thursday afternoon, said that was not true.

``There …