2 picks from proven data driven predictive model for tonight's NCAA Basketball slate. Odds according to BetSaracen from Saracen Casino Resort.
North Texas ML (-125)
North Texas Mean Green is set to outshine Wisconsin Badgers in tonight's NIT Semifinals, taking advantage of their superior efficiency in both offense and defense.
Buckle up, sports fans! Tonight's NIT Semifinals clash between North Texas Mean Green and Wisconsin Badgers is undoubtedly going to be a thrilling battle. But when the dust settles, it's North Texas who's got the edge and will be moving on to the NIT Finals. Here's why.
Both teams have been known to play at a slow pace, with North Texas taking it to the extreme, playing more than a full possession slower than any other team in the nation. Meanwhile, Wisconsin ranks 343rd in possessions per game. However, slow and steady isn't always a bad thing, especially when it comes to defense.
North Texas crushes it in the defensive department, ranking ninth in the nation in points allowed per possession, while Wisconsin lags behind at 74th. This Mean Green defensive prowess is going to put the clamps on the Badgers' offense, which hasn't been particularly impressive. Although Wisconsin leads the nation in fewest turnovers per possession on offense, they rank just 231st in points scored on a per-possession basis on the road. To make matters worse, they're shooting a paltry 65.9% from the free throw line, which puts them at 323rd.
The Badgers' lack of offensive production can also be traced back to their issues on the glass. They grab a rebound on just 20.3% of their possessions, ranking 332nd in the nation in terms of percentage of misses that result in a rebound. On top of that, they're 302nd in total rebound rate. In contrast, the Mean Green ranks 39th among the 363 Division I teams in road rebound rate. When on the road, they're snatching rebounds 33% of the time, which is the 15th-highest percentage in the nation. Talk about cleaning up the glass!
North Texas' top rebounder, Abou Ousmane, has missed the last two games, but that doesn't seem to be slowing them down. Moulaye Sissoko has stepped up in a big way, averaging just 2.2 points and 2.1 rebounds per game this season but putting up a monster performance against Oklahoma State with 12 points and 15 rebounds. That's the kind of hustle and energy that will make a difference in tonight's matchup.
On the offensive side of the ball, North Texas has the best scorer on the floor in Tylor Perry, who's averaging 17.3 points and 2.1 assists per game on a scorching 41.9% from beyond the arc. As a team, the Mean Green ranks 57th in the nation in road 3-point shooting percentage at 35.7%. If Perry heats up from deep, it's going to be lights out for Wisconsin.
Given North Texas' advantage on the boards and their more efficient defense, it's hard to see Wisconsin keeping up, especially considering their scoring struggles. The Badgers have scored 70 points or fewer in regulation in 19 of their 22 games since the new year, which doesn't bode well for them going up against the Mean Green's lockdown defense.
So, there you have it. North Texas Mean Green is primed to take down Wisconsin Badgers in tonight's NIT Semifinals, powered by their superior efficiency on both ends of the court. Get ready for a gritty, hard-fought battle that will ultimately see the Mean Green emerge victorious and advance to the NIT Final. Don't sleep on this team, they've got what it takes to go all the way.
UAB/Utah Valley o151.5 (-115)
Tonight's NCAA showdown between UAB and Utah Valley promises to be an action-packed, high-scoring affair that's perfect for the over bettors.
In what's shaping up to be an exhilarating match, the UAB Blazers are set to face off against the Utah Valley Wolverines in the NIT Final Four, taking place in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena. With both teams boasting fast-paced offenses and a penchant for putting points on the board, this game is sure to bring the heat and have fans on the edge of their seats.
Let's break down the key factors that are pointing towards an offensive explosion in tonight's game.
First off, we have the UAB Blazers, who have been nothing short of dominant in their tournament run so far. Their leading scorer, Jordan Walker, has been averaging 22.5 points per game, and while he's seen a slight dip in scoring during the tournament, his teammates KJ Buffen and Eric Gaines have picked up the slack, contributing to the team's high-scoring victories over Southern Miss, Morehead State, and Vanderbilt. UAB's KenPom rating of 44 overall, 52 on offense, and 32 on defense showcases their ability to play an efficient and fast-paced game.
On the other side of the court, the unseeded Utah Valley Wolverines have defied expectations, tearing through the first three rounds with impressive wins over New Mexico, Colorado, and Cincinnati. Led by Justin Harmon, who's been averaging 13.9 points per game and dropped a whopping 32 points in their first game, the Wolverines have proven that they're no pushovers. Add in a solid performance from Trey Woodbury, who notched a 25-point game in the second round, and you have a team that's hungry for more. Their KenPom rating of 64 overall, 117 on offense, and 30 on defense further highlights their strong defensive play and potential for offensive fireworks.
Both UAB and Utah Valley have showcased their defensive prowess in the tournament thus far, holding all opponents to under 70 points. However, when it comes to tonight's game, their fast tempos and high-powered offenses are likely to take center stage. With UAB's efficient offensive play and Utah Valley's scrappy determination, there will be no shortage of scoring opportunities for both teams.
As Gen Z and Millennial sports fans, we thrive on fast-paced, high-scoring games that deliver on excitement and betting potential. Tonight's match between UAB and Utah Valley is shaping up to be just that—an adrenaline-fueled, high-scoring rollercoaster ride that will have bettors and fans alike glued to their screens.
For those looking to place some action on tonight's game, the over seems like a solid choice, considering the fast tempos and high-scoring potential of both UAB and Utah Valley. While nothing in sports betting is ever a sure thing, this matchup has all the ingredients for an offensive explosion that will have fans talking long after the final buzzer sounds.
So, buckle up and get ready for a thrilling NCAA showdown between the UAB Blazers and the Utah Valley Wolverines. With both teams eager to prove themselves on the big stage and their potent offenses ready to light up the scoreboard, tonight's game is set to be a high-octane shootout that you won't want to miss.
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