Early Sports Betting News and Notes For the NIT

Joe Duffy (www.OffshoreInsiders.com)

While so much focus is on the Big Dance, the true sharpies focus just as much if not more on the NIT Tournament.  Often there are more opportunities because much like in the minor football bowls, elite sports betting experts take advantage of certain teams playing in a huge game for them against foes that are playing in a consolation tournament.

Of course we will take a look at the personnel match-ups, wait until the private and public databases, strengths of schedule and power ratings are updated through the Sunday finals, latest odds and match-ups.

But here are some major bullet points of great interest to pointspread players for NIT match-ups.

South Alabama-Syracuse

Syracuse has made no bones about it: they won’t exactly be fired up as they believe they should be in the NCAAs. Even head coach Jim Boeheim said, “It will be difficult for (the players) to get geared up” for the NIT.

The Orangemen made first round exits of the NCAA Tournament each of the last two appearances.

San Diego State-Missouri State

Often a team misses an at large bid to the big prize because they struggled down the stretch.  Such is not the case for the Aztecs who enter this game winning 8-of-11. Missouri State played their worst against the best, going 1-7 against the top competition on their schedule.

Air Force-Austin Peay

Air Force enters ice cold, having lost four straight.  No team went from likely in to out quicker than the Falcons and will face a challenge of regrouping.

Utah State-Michigan

Playing against a bigger conference foe won’t intimidate the Aggies. They went 6-4 against teams that made NCAA tournament, though none from BCS conferences. It’s Utah State’s eight straight tournament appearance, so the bright lights will not be a factor.

Toledo-Florida State

Florida State is 27-5 home SU the last two years. Toledo was just 5-12 SU outside the MAC. All 12 of FSU’s losses were to teams in the RPI Top 50 so they have feasted on non-elite teams.

NC State-Drexel

Though Drexel is widely considered the top snub, mid-major teams rarely look at the NIT as something as kissing their sister.  Instead, they could be the proverbial team with a chip on their shoulder.  They get an NC State team that should be tired after their near miraculous run in the ACC Finals fell short. State does not have a lot of depth and their players logged significant minutes.

Vermont-Kansas State

Sharp players will keep a close eye on any signs over the next couple of days as to whether the Wildcats disappointment will be a rallying cry or deflating heartbreak. If it’s an “us against the world,” look out.  They are the first team in the modern era from a major conference to win at least 20 games, including 10 in their conference, but have to settle for the NIT.

Joe Duffy’s sports betting selections are at www.GodsTips.com.  During his days as legendary handicapper “JD of the ACC”, he developed the moniker of Mr. March for his 18 hour work days that have resulted in unprecedented college basketball postseason winning.