NIT Semifinal Free Pick

Brigham Young Cougars (147.5) vs Valparaiso Crusaders (-2.5) New York City

The BYU Cougars take on the Valparaiso Crusaders in The NIT Semifinals in Madison Square Garden. BYU beat UAB, Virginia Tech and Creighton all at home going 2-1 against the spread. Valpo beat Texas Southern, Florida St and Saint Mary’s all at home also going 2-1 against the spread. In the NIT both teams are 2-1 on the OVER/UNDER.

These 2 teams have much different styles and will try to impose their will on each other. BYU is one of the best offensive teams in the country averaging 88 points a game. Valpo is one of the best defensive teams in the country giving up only 62 points a game. BYU will try their best to speed up the pace and VCU will do everything in their power to make this a half court game, using up the entire shot clock and limiting possessions. This game is going to come down to tempo and BYU will do everything in their power to not play Valpo’s style but it’s going to be really hard to do. Valpo made the West Coast Conference most efficient offensive team look like a high school team last week winning 60-44 by slowing the game to a crawl and forcing the Gaels into bad shots. If you combine the bright lights of New York City and the nerves of playing in Madison Square Garden we’ll take the defensive team to impose their will on BYU. The Pick: Valparaiso -2.5 and a bonus pick of UNDER 147.5

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