Tuesday's NIT Tip Sheet
By Brian Edwards
Bettors don’t have to wait until Thursday to get down on some college hoops action. In fact, the family of networks has gamblers hooked up with games galore Tuesday night. Let’s take a look at several of the televised tilts.
**Davidson at South Carolina**
--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened South Carolina (21-9 straight up, 10-13-2 against the spread) as a four-point favorite with a total of 150.
--Davidson (26-7 SU, 12-16-2 ATS) missed out on the Big Dance just one year after making a magical run to the Elite Eight. The Wildcats lost at home to Butler on BracketBuster Saturday which basically ended their at-large hopes, and then they went out of the So-Con Tournament in the semifinals by losing to the College of Charleston for the second time this year.
--Bob McKillop’s team is led by one of the nation’s premier players in junior guard Stephen Curry. The son of Del Curry, one of the most prolific 3-point shooters in Va. Tech history, Stephen led the nation in scoring this season with a 28.6 points per game scoring average. He also averages 5.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game.
--Darrin Horn’s team has an outstanding point guard of its own in senior Devan Downey, who was the SEC’s third-leading scorer (19.9 PPG). Downey is also third in the conference in assists with 4.5 dimes per game and led the SEC in steals with 3.0 per contest.
--Along with Auburn, South Carolina is the first team in SEC history to win 10 league games during the regular season and still be left out of the NCAA Tournament. The Gamecocks sealed their fate by losing 82-68 to Mississippi St. in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals as 2 ½-point favorites.
--Both of these squads have burning up the pockets of their backers in recent weeks. Davidson is currently in the midst of a 1-6-1 ATS slide, while USC has limped to a 2-6-1 ATS mark down the stretch.
--South Carolina leads the SEC in scoring, averaging 78.7 points per game.
--Davidson went 3-1 ATS in four games as an underdog this season. Meanwhile, USC has compiled a 3-3-2 spread record in eight spots as a single-digit favorite.
--South Carolina won 16 of its 18 home games this season. However, the ‘Cocks posted an abysmal 4-8-1 spread record in Columbia.
--The ‘under’ is 17-12 overall for Davidson. On the flip side, the ‘over’ is 13-10-1 overall for South Carolina.
--ESPN2 will provide television coverage at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.
**Alabama-Birmingham at Notre Dame**
--LVSC opened Notre Dame (18-14 SU, 9-17 ATS) as a seven-point favorite with a total of 150. As of early this morning, most books had the Irish as 5 ½-point ‘chalk.’
--UAB (22-11 SU, 14-18 ATS) lost 70-67 to Tulsa in Friday’s C-USA Tournament semifinals. The Blazers were sent packing as 1 ½-point favorites.
--Notre Dame beat Rutgers 61-50 as a 10 ½-point favorite in Tuesday’s opening round of the Big East Tournament at MSG. But the Irish’s NCAA Tournament dreams ended Wednesday when West Virginia collected a 74-62 victory as a six-point favorite. Luke Harangody had 27 points and eight rebounds in the losing effort.
--Mike Brey’s team has a 12-3 SU record and a 4-6 ATS mark at home in the Joyce Center.
--UAB is just 4-8 ATS in 12 underdog spots this year.
--Notre Dame has watched the ‘under’ cash in six consecutive games and eight of its last nine. The ‘under’ is 14-11 overall for the Irish, 7-2 in their home games.
--ESPN2 will have the telecast at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.
**UNLV at Kentucky**
--LVSC opened Kentucky (20-13 SU, 13-14-1 ATS) as a seven-point favorite with a total of 134.
--With Kentucky’s high-school version of the Sweet 16 scheduled for Rupp Arena, UK will host this game at Memorial Coliseum. The Wildcats haven’t played at this venue since 1976.
--Kentucky’s performance in the NIT might determine the future of second-year head coach Billy Gillispie. The ‘Cats have lost nine of their last 13 games and didn’t hear their named called on Selection Sunday for the first time since 1991. They snapped a four-game losing streak by beating Ole Miss in the first round of the SEC Tournament, only to lose to LSU in the quarterfinals.
--UNLV (21-10 SU, 12-16 ATS) looked like an NCAA Tournament team early in the year, especially when it went into Louisville and captured a 56-55 win without leading scorer Wink Adams (14.3 PPG) in the lineup. However, the Rebels lost four of their last six games, including an opening-round loss to San Diego St. in the first round of the Mountain West Conference tournament in Vegas at the Thomas & Mack Center.
--UNLV has lost six in a row ATS. With that said, we should note that Lon Kruger’s team has a 4-2 spread record in six games as an underdog this year.
--The ‘under’ is 15-13 overall for UK. Totals have been a wash for UNLV (14-14), but the ‘under’ has cashed in three of its last four games.
--Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
--VCU’s Anthony Grant might have multiple job offers waiting on him when his Rams get beat in the NCAA Tournament. He could be a candidate at Alabama, Georgia and Virginia. Those three jobs are already open, but the Miami job could also appeal to Grant. In recent days, multiple reports have linked UM coach Frank Haith to the openings at both ‘Bama and UGA. Those rumors gained even more fuel as the Hurricanes were forced to go on the road for the first two rounds of the NIT because their home court is rented out for other events. Grant is from Miami and is a recruiting force throughout Dade County. He was the catalyst in Florida’s recruitment of South Florida players like Udonis Haslem, Brent Wright and Major Parker when serving on Billy Donovan’s staff.
--To add interest to the NIT, the event should gravitate to interesting storylines, right? So why aren’t Va. Tech and Davidson on the same side of the bracket, if not playing each other in the first round? Stephen Curry wanted to play for Va. Tech, but the school his Dad attended didn’t offer him a scholarship. Wouldn’t it have been nice to see Curry light Seth Greenberg’s team up?
--The four No. 1 seeds in the NIT are Auburn, Florida, San Diego St. and Creighton.
--Vanderbilt declined an invitation to the CBI Tournament.
Editor's note: Brian Edwards has picks galore available for both the NIT and NCAA Tournaments. In addition, you can purchase his entire bracket for your office pool now!
vegasinsider.com
What bettors need to know: NCAA Tourney play-in game
By DAVID JONES
Alabama State Hornets vs. Morehead State Eagles (-3.5, 130) at Dayton, Ohio
While cynics may refer to this play-in game as a contest to become a sacrificial lamb for overall No. 1 tourney seed Louisville, there is a nice opportunity to break down a couple of squads that bookmakers aren’t too familiar with.
Alabama State:
Alabama State will be the fourth team from the Southwestern Athletic Conference to appear in this game since its inception in 2001. This ties the SWAC with the MEAC for the most conference appearances in the play-in game. A stat that isn't exactly a ringing endorsement for the competition the Hornets beat to get here.
A veteran team
Alabama State (22-9) brings an experienced squad to Dayton. Four of the five starters are seniors. This should aid head coach Lewis Jackson's on-the-fly preparations for Morehead State. The floor general for the Hornets is senior point guard Brandon Brooks, who leads the club in scoring, assists and steals. His backcourt mate, senior Andrew Hayles, has connected on 69 shots from beyond the arc while averaging 13.6 points per game. In the paint, the Hornets have a member of the all-name team: 7-foot-1 senior center Chief Kickingstallionsims (85 blocks) is a disruptive force in the frontcourt.
Shot selection and defense
The field goal percentage numbers for this club on both sides of the ball state a great deal about how Alabama State reached this game. On offense, the Hornets shoot over 47 percent from the field while holding their opponents to under 40 percent shooting. The combination of a disciplined offense and tough defense will provide a unique challenge for the Eagles to prepare for. While the Hornets shoot well from the field, their poor free throw shooting (63.7 percent) could prove to be fatal in the closing minutes of a game.
Close but no cigar
The Hornets were competitive in three matchups against the SEC in December. In road games against Mississippi State, Auburn, and Mississippi, Alabama State lost each game by only single figures.
Morehead State:
In the hoops crazy state of Kentucky, Morehead State (19-15, 18-12 ATS) usually gets lost in the shuffle behind Kentucky and Louisville. However, in a case of up being down and vice versa, the Eagles are in the NCAA field for the first time since 1984 while the Wildcats are out of the tourney after a run of 17 consecutive appearances.
Owning the glass
Rebounding has played a huge role for the champions of the Ohio Valley Conference this season. The Eagles out-rebound their foes by an average of eight boards per game. Sophomore forward Kenneth Faried is third in the nation with 12.8 rebounds per game and he’s one of four Morehead starters who average double figures in scoring.
Looking ahead?
Morehead State head coach Donnie Tyndall's response to the question was predictable. Will his team be looking ahead to a meeting with Louisville? A team that embarrassed the Eagles by 38 points way back in November.
"We have a tough challenge ahead of us against a good Alabama State team," Tyndall said. "We're going to have to play very, very well in order to have a chance to advance. We won't look ahead. We won't worry about Louisville for one second. Our focus will be on Alabama State."
It will be a tough sell for the players and fans. The Eagles have a chance to shock the world; an opportunity against one of the heavyweights in the Bluegrass State. Louisville is the elephant in the room. The No. 16 seeds have had 96 cracks at the No. 1 seeds in the NCAA tournament. David has yet to beat Goliath.
Points will be at a premium in Tuesday's play-in game. In addition to the solid defenses of both squads, nerves are likely to affect some shots as well. In a grind-it-out contest, the Eagles use motivation of facing the mighty Cardinals to their advantage and hold off the Hornets.
Final score prediction:
Morehead State 64, Alabama State 60
KENT ST (19 - 14) at OAKLAND (22 - 12)
Top Trends for this game.
KENT ST is 11-20 ATS (-11.0 Units) in all games this season.
KENT ST is 11-20 ATS (-11.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
KENT ST is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
KENT ST is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in non-conference games this season.
KENT ST is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KENT ST is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
RIDER (19 - 12) at LIBERTY (22 - 11)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
ALABAMA ST (22 - 9) vs. MOREHEAD ST (19 - 15)
Top Trends for this game.
MOREHEAD ST is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MOREHEAD ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
MOREHEAD ST is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
DAVIDSON (26 - 7) at S CAROLINA (21 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
DAVIDSON is 58-36 ATS (+18.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 58-36 ATS (+18.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 28-11 ATS (+15.9 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 28-11 ATS (+15.9 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 20-5 ATS (+14.5 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games after allowing 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
RHODE ISLAND (22 - 10) at NIAGARA (26 - 8)
Top Trends for this game.
RHODE ISLAND is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
NIAGARA is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games this season.
NIAGARA is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
NIAGARA is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
NIAGARA is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
NIAGARA is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
RHODE ISLAND is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
GEORGE MASON (22 - 10) at PENN ST (22 - 11)
Top Trends for this game.
PENN ST is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
UAB (22 - 11) at NOTRE DAME (18 - 14)
Top Trends for this game.
UAB is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
NOTRE DAME is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) after a conference game this season.
NOTRE DAME is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
UNLV (21 - 10) at KENTUCKY (20 - 13)
Top Trends for this game.
UNLV is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) after scoring 60 points or less this season.
UNLV is 59-39 ATS (+16.1 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
UNLV is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
UNLV is 40-25 ATS (+12.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
UNLV is 68-45 ATS (+18.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
NEBRASKA (18 - 12) at NEW MEXICO (21 - 11)
Top Trends for this game.
NEBRASKA is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
NEBRASKA is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW MEXICO is 38-23 ATS (+12.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW MEXICO is 38-23 ATS (+12.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW MEXICO is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
NEW MEXICO is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW MEXICO is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
WEBER ST (21 - 9) at SAN DIEGO ST (23 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
WEBER ST is 18-10 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all games this season.
WEBER ST is 18-10 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
WEBER ST is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
WEBER ST is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in road games this season.
WEBER ST is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in road lined games this season.
WEBER ST is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after a conference game this season.
WEBER ST is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
WEBER ST is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WEBER ST is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO ST is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) after scoring 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
WASHINGTON ST (17 - 15) at ST MARYS-CA (26 - 6)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON ST is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) after scoring 60 points or less this season.
ST MARYS-CA is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
ST MARYS-CA is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
NORTHEASTERN (18 - 12) at WYOMING (19 - 13)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
UTEP (19 - 12) at NEVADA (21 - 12)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
THE CITADEL (20 - 12) at OLD DOMINION (21 - 10)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
DAVIDSON vs. SOUTH CAROLINA
Davidson is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Davidson is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
South Carolina is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
South Carolina is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games at home
KENT STATE vs. OAKLAND
Kent State is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Kent State's last 7 games
No trends available
RHODE ISLAND vs. NIAGARA
Rhode Island is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Rhode Island is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
Niagara is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Niagara is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
RIDER vs. LIBERTY
Rider is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Rider is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
No trends available
ALABAMA STATE vs. MOREHEAD STATE
No trends available
Morehead State is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Morehead State is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games
GEORGE MASON vs. PENN STATE
George Mason is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
George Mason is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Penn State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Penn State's last 6 games
NORTHEASTERN vs. WYOMING
Northeastern is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
Northeastern is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Wyoming is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Wyoming's last 5 games
UAB vs. NOTRE DAME
UAB is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
UAB is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
Notre Dame is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Notre Dame is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
UNLV vs. KENTUCKY
UNLV is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
UNLV is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games
Kentucky is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Kentucky is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games at home
NEBRASKA vs. NEW MEXICO
Nebraska is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nebraska's last 5 games on the road
New Mexico is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
New Mexico is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
WEBER STATE vs. SAN DIEGO STATE
Weber State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Weber State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Diego State is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
San Diego State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
TEXAS EL PASO vs. NEVADA
Texas El Paso is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas El Paso's last 9 games
Nevada is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Texas El Paso
Nevada is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Texas El Paso
WASHINGTON STATE vs. SAINT MARY'S
Washington State is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Washington State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Saint Mary's is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Saint Mary's is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Tips and Trends
Play-In Game: Alabama St. vs. #17 Morehead St.
Alabama State: The Hornets are a well-balanced team that is strong on the outside and the inside, and they will be making their first NCAA tournament appearance since losing to Duke in 2004. Andrew Hayles made three straight 3-pointers and scored a game-high 17 points to help Alabama State beat Jackson State 65-58 in the SWAC title game on Saturday while 7-foot center Grlenntys Chief Kickingstallionsims patrols the middle. “We have good athletes,” Alabama State coach Lewis Jackson said. “However if we don’t get anything on the break, we have guys we go to around the basket.”
Alabama State is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games overall.
The UNDER is 3-1 in Alabama State's last 4 lined games.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 61 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)
Morehead State (-3.5, O/U 129.5): The Eagles are appearing in their first NCAA tournament game since 1984 and hope to make the most of it by advancing to face Louisville on Friday. Morehead faced the Cardinals in the second round 25 years ago after knocking off North Carolina A&T in the first round. “I have a great deal of passion and pride about Morehead State,” Morehead State coach Donnie Tyndall said. “I feel that everyone in town and at the university feels that they are part of this.”
Morehead State is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 games overall.
The UNDER is 3-1 in Morehead State's last 4 games overall.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 64
NCAAB Today
Play-in game
Alabama State just won SWAC title Saturday, while Morehead State is rested team, having won OVC title a week before. ASU lost three games vs SEC teams, by 4-5-9 points, so they have some ability, playing slow pace- they're a solid defensive team (6th in US in effective FG%), but play from a league that rarely wins non-league games. Morehead was 0-6 after losing 72-71 to Grambling of SWAC Nov 29; they also lost four in row to end regular season, but recovered in OVC tourney, winning final in double overtime after being down 7 at the half. Dayton is neutral site, but not too far from Morehead, KY.
NIT games
Davidson is 6-4 outside Southern Conference, beating West Virginia on neutral court; they played lot of good teams, now face a South Carolina that got upset in first game of SEC tourney. Gamecocks lost 82-80 in OT at Charleston, beat Wofford by 17, in games vs SoCon opponents.
Rhode Island is 11-4 in last 15 games; they lost last two games by total of five points. Rams won five of last seven road games- they shoot well, play lot of high scoring games. Niagara lost MAAC final on Siena's home court- they're 12-2 in last 14 games- they beat St Bonaventure of A-14 by 18 points on road Dec 23.
George Mason hasn't played since losing 71-50 to VCU nine days ago in CAA tourney, which snapped Patriots' six-game win streak. Penn State is disappointed not to be in NCAAs, but their non-league schedule was built to save the coach's job, not to impress the committee. Lions are 2-0 vs CAA teams this season, beating Wm&Mary by 14, Towson by 24.
UAB lost 70-67 to Tulsa Friday; Notre Dame lost to West Virginia in Big East tournament Wednesday. Blazers are 1-2 vs Big East teams this season, losing by 20 at Louisville, 7 at Cincinnati, beating South Florida in OT by a point. Irish went 2-3 in last five games (beat St John's and Rutgers)- they covered two of last eight games as a favorite.
UNLV lost at home to San Diego State Thursday; Kentucky got smoked in SEC tourney by LSU Friday. Rebels have point guard who looks for his shot first, second, then maybe to pass- they won at Louisville 56-55 Dec 31, when PG Adams didn't play. This game isn't in Rupp Arena-- they have HS state tourney there. Kentucky lost five of last six games.
New Mexico, Nebraska both fell flat in first conference tournament tilt; Huskers lost four of last six games- they won 62-50 at TCU of MWC Nov 19. Lobos lost 86-78 at Texas Tech of Big 12 Dec 20- their loss to Wyoming in conference tourney their snapped five-game winning streak. Huskers beat Creighton at home, Lobos lost to Bluejays in Omaha.
San Diego State lost MWC title game by a hoop late Saturday vs Utah; Aztecs play great defense, are hosting Weber State squad that lost home game to Montana State in Big Sky tournament. Weber lost at BYU by 30 points, Utah by 10 in its MWC games- they're 12-1 in their last 13 games. San Diego State won by 11 at Northern Colorado of Big Sky.
Washington State plays well together, will be tough out for disappointed St Mary's club that deserves to be in NCAAs; Mills isn't 100% yet. not sure what Gaels' mental state is, playing cohesive Pac-10 foe. Wazzu is 4-2 in last six games- they lost by 22 at home to Gonzaga, a team that beat St Mary's three times. Gaels won by five at Oregon Dec 17 (-3).
CBA tournament
Long road trip for Northeastern team that lost five of its last six games; they play good defense but struggle to score (average 53 ppg in last three games)- Huskies are just 6-5 out of the CAA. Wyoming upset the Lobos in MWC tourney; they're 5-3 in last eight games- they went 5-3 at home in conference play, and 8-3 in non-league games vs D-I teams.
Nevada lost at home to Utah State in WAC title game Saturday; they've lost seven home games this season. UTEP beat St Mary's, split pair vs New Mexico State of WAC; they're 8-4 in last dozen games- they lost in OT in C-USA tourney, to Houston. Nevada won five of last six games; three of their last four losses were by three or less points.
College Insider tournament
Kent State lost to Buffalo in MAC tourney; their last six games were all decided by six or less points- they're 6-7 in non-league games. Oakland led for 39:00 against North Dakota State in Summit title game, lost by a hoop at end- they have terrific junior point guard, senior F who shoots 42% from floor. Grizzlies beat Toledo of MAC by 9, EMichigan by 13.
Liberty beat Virginia, lost just 80-75 at Clemson, so they're pretty good at 22-11, with younger Curry leading team that makes 39% of its treys. Rider lost in double OT in MAAC semis vs Niagara; they haven't been on court in nine days, which helps, but they're 6-5 outside the MAAC, not the greatest record. Broncs won four of their last five games.
NIT Opening Round Research
By Indiancowboy
Rhode Island vs. Niagara
RI lost to Duquesne in the first round of the Atlantic Tournament and now has to hit the road to face Metro Beast Niagara. RI did beat Charlotte, Umass and Northeastern on the road earlier this year and I have them as a top 80 team hitting the road to face a top 70 team in Niagara. Niagara if you rememeber had a similar game against Illinois State and defeated them, Murray State, Drexel on the road and Buffalo on the road. I lean on Niagara here as I think they get up for this game as compared to Rhode Island who does not.
Davidson vs. South Carolina
Davidson is a top 75 team hitting the road to face a top 65 SEC team in SC. SC lost to eventual champ Miss. State and did defeat the likes of Ole Miss, Florida, Vandy, Kentucky all at home. In the NIT quite a few favorites end up covering in the first few rounds and I would not be surprised to see SC get it done here over a Davidson team that I think is just weak overall this year as some of the players they lost from last year really affected this team's play.
Rider vs. Liberty
Rider is one of my favorite teams. This team is a beast. Liberty is a good looking 22-11 team but Rider lost in double-overtime to a Niagara team and very well could have won the Metro. Rider is ranked in the top 175 and came on strong while Liberty is ranked in the top 200. Remember though, Liberty did beat Virginia on the road this year, this team beat George Mason in overtime at home, shoots 72% from the line and I can see this either way although I have Rider at a 45% chance at winning this game outright and catching points at that.
UAB vs. Notre Dame
Notre Dame needs to be real careful here. For starters, over 70% favor ND. Second of all, UAB is a very athletic team similar ot some of the teams they play in the Big East. You can compare UAB to a Georgetown for example and it would make sense. Both teams are in the tpo 40 and Gtown only lost to ND by 6 on the road. UAB has some road skill as they beat Arizona on the road, competitive against Butler and I would not be a bit surprised if UAB gets inside the number or even has a shot at winning this game Outright late in the game with Vaden.
Northeastern vs. Wyoming
This game is very interesting. Wyoming was so bad in the regular season, yet, they finished the year at 19-13. In fact, I'm willing to bet that Wyoming is one of the happiest teams in the league to be playing in the NIT as this team is just excited to be playing. Give them some credit, they ended the year 7-9 in conference play. They did beat Colorado State and Air Force on the road, and beat UNLV, TCU and San Diego State at home. NE lost to Towson in the first round a bit of a shocker as they were coming off a loss to ODU at home but still lacked focus. This team did beat Wright State, Drexel, VCU, ODU, Indiana and Providence all on the road. I actually think NE is better on the road than at home and they have slayed some big guns on the road, so I can respect that. I wouldn't be surprised to see NE win this one outright, plus 65% riding Wyoming which is not a good sign for Wyoming backers.
UNLV vs. Kentucky
At this point, how do you trust Kentucky basketball at its current state? This team just is not cosistent enough and I think the faithful will give their coach two more years and more than ever now I bet you they appreciate Tubby Smith. With very little recruiting potential, Tubby rides up to Minnesota and does extremely well in a tougher conference and is going to go Dancing far more than a Kentucky school that is able to recruit a lot more. I hope the Kentucky Athletic folks are feeling like fools right now. They are. Kentucky did lose to the regular season SEC champs again in the conference tournament, lost to UGA, Ole Miss and SC all at home. I mention SC and Ole Miss as they are the same power ranking as UNLV who comes to visit. UNLV lost a shocker to San Diego State at home but you have to respect a team that beat Louisville and BYU on the road. Yes, this team beat Louisville on the road. UNLV gets up for the big games and lays down some for the mediocre game. This is a big setting for them so the 7 points is nice here, but I've seen this team lose focus as well such as losing to San Diego State by 14 at home and Wyoming by 9 on the road. Nevertheless, the points look nice here with the Rebels.
Nebraska vs. New Mexico
Quite a lot of love here for Nebraska. The public favors it to a tune greater than 60%. Keep in mind that Nebraska has a sour taste in its mouth after losing by 16 to Baylor on the road. I just don't see why the public loves this mediocre team. Remember, Nebraska was decent at home, but this is a road game. Nebraska doesn't score a lot of points at that so the 7 to 8 points you might get here is irrelevant given that when this team loses, when this team loses on the road, this team loses by double-digits. Take a look at the loss to Missouri by 23, Kansas by 17 on the road and Oklahoma by 11. New Mexico comes off a shocking loss to Wyoming in the first round. This is the same team that had defeated Utah, San Diego State, BYU all at home as well. But, New Mexico is a young team. It is tough to trust them laying the points. I lean on them but no thanks as I've seen them collapse a spread before. I can see this either way.