CSU Bakersfield vs. UT-Arlington Pick
Can No. 8 Cal-State Bakersfield continue its surprising run through the NIT Tournament when it takes on No. 6 Texas-Arlington in the quarterfinals at 9PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Texas-Arlington is favored at home in this game, as the Mavericks are getting odds of -6.5 points against Bakersfield. The over/under total for this game is listed at 143.5 points. This game will be played from College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.
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Bakersfield has managed wins at Cal (73-66) and Colorado State (81-63) to reach the quarterfinals. The Roadrunners are now 4-4 against the spread on the season, covering in both NIT wins. Bakersfield is averaging 69.4 points per game on the season while allowing just 63.5. Jaylin Airington is leading the team with 14.5 points per game while Damiyne Durham and Dedrick Basile each put up over 12 points per game.
Arlington is coming off an 85-69 win over Akron in the second round of the NIT. The Mavericks also beat 105-89 BYU in the opening round. They have won eight of their last 10 games to get to 27-8 on the season. They also are 18-11 against the spread this season while going 7-2-1 ATS at home. UTA is averaging 77.4 points per game on offense this season while allowing 70.3. At home, the Mavericks are putting up 83.6 points per contest.
Arlington is eager to play a home game for a chance to reach the NIT semifinals. The Mavericks have been very good at home against better competition than Bakersfield. The Roadrunners will struggle to put up an offensive total that can match what the Mavericks do at home. The spread is somewhat large, but I like Arlington to stay tough at home.
NIT TOURNAMENT PREDICTION: TEXAS-ARLINGTON -6.5