NIT SECOND ROUND
ARKANSAS STATE @ NORTH TEXAS (NT -3.5, 137.5)
NORTH TEXAS ML
North Texas won its first round game rather easily beating Furman, 75-64. The Mean Green have one of the best defenses in the country. North Texas hasn't allowed more than 67 points in a single game since Jan. 5th and that was to AAC winner Memphis.
North Texas ranks 3rd in the nation in scoring defense allowing just 59.5 points per game. The team has tons of NIT experience. This is the Mean Green's fourth straight trip. They won the NIT just two years ago.
Arkansas State is a team that relied on its advantages in rebounding and turnovers to go 25-10 this season. The problem today is that those advantages won't be there. North Texas is a strong rebounding team and they don't turn the ball over. North Texas went 18-1 SU at home this season. I like them to get another home win tonight.
SAINT MARY'S vs. ALABAMA (ALA -5.5, 149.5)
ALABAMA -5.5
This one will be a huge clash of styles. Alabama plays at the fastest pace in the country. Saint Mary's ranks 358th in possessions per game. The Gaels are also one of the best defensive teams in America allowing 60.8 points per game - 5th nationally.
Saint Mary's plays very slow and methodical on offense. The problem with that is they are going to have to hit their shots because Alabama will grab rebounds and immediately get into transition. That is going to allow the Tide to control the tempo today. Grant Nelson will play more minutes today and Saint Mary's just won't be able to keep up.
NCAA TOURNAMENT
OREGON vs. ARIZONA (ARI -4, 152.5)
OREGON +4
Arizona ran Akron out of the gym in Round 1 winning 93-65. Oregon had an easy time in its first round game beating Liberty 81-52. Now, the two former Pac-12 rivals will meet tonight with a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line.
Since 2014, Arizona is 5-15-1 ATS in NCAA tournament games. The Wildcats are the least profitable ATS team in the tournament over that time period. Dana Altman coached teams are strong underdog candidates in NCAA tournament games. Altman's teams are 13-6-1 ATS overall when an underdog and 10-3-1 ATS when playing in the tournament as a dog of 3 or more points.
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