With the March Madness tournament on hiatus until Thursday, the NIT Tournament gives bettors their college basketball fix for this Wednesday, March 27th.
Here are my college basketball expert picks of the day:
Jump To Picks
Pick 1: UNLV +6.5 vs Seton Hall
Matchup: UNLV vs Seton Hall
Our computer picks love the Runnin' Rebels to cover against Seton Hall tonight. UNLV play at one of the most methodical paces in the country. Crucially, they protect the basketball, and defend like demons.
The entire starting five scores in double figures, allowing UNLV to break down defenses in different ways. Freshman guard Dedan Thomas is a three-level scorer who can break down even the toughest defenses.
TOUGH shot from Dedan Thomas Jr.😤
— UNLV Men's Basketball (@TheRunninRebels) March 25, 2024
📺: ESPNU pic.twitter.com/D0jM0uc3UN
On top of that UNLV does an excellent job of chasing shooters off the three-point line, ranking 66th in three-point defense in the nation. I like UNLV to control the tempo in the second-half and at the very least cover the spread.
Pick 2: VCU +8 vs Utah
Matchup: VCU vs Utah
VCU have held each of their last six opponents under 65 points. The Rams have held opponents to 40% shooting on the year, and only 31% from deep.
Ryan Odom's team may not force turnovers like the Rams teams' of old, but they are just as adept as keeping their opponent away from the basket. VCU swarms teams with their athleticism, and they have more than enough depth to compete deep into the NIT Tournament.
Sitting 43rd in KenPom's defensive efficiency, these Rams can compete with anyone in the nation. Utah's offense isn't particularly effective at scoring from deep, and they are one of the worst free-throwing shooting teams in the nation. This game should be close throughout. I like the value on VCU to win outright at +275.
