2024 NIT Tournament Projections, Predictions, and Picks

Check out BetQL's Picks for the 2024 NIT Tournament

College basketball fans, March Madness is here, but real die hard fans are here to make money on the NIT!

The BetQL crew is back to dissect the field and bring you our favorite picks to dominate the NIT and build your bankroll. We'll analyze the hottest teams, the undervalued squads with a chip on their shoulder, and the matchups with the most upset potential. Buckle up and get ready to cash in on our NIT projections with BetQL's expert picks and insights!

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2024 NIT Picks - Tuesday March 19th

Check out our favorite picks for the opening day of the NIT Tournament. Remember this is just our picks, predictions and projections for our favorite games. For a pick on every single game grab a BetQL subscription.

Pick: North Texas +2.5

This NIT matchup is intriguing. While LSU holds the home-court advantage, their recent struggles against the spread are concerning. Their 1-5 record in the last 6 games, with the lone win against a struggling Vanderbilt team, raises red flags.

On the other hand, North Texas enters the game with momentum. Not only are they the reigning NIT champions hungry to defend their title, but they also boast a strong record against the spread. Considering LSU's home struggles and North Texas' defensive prowess (ranked 73rd in KenPom), taking the Mean Green with the 2.5-point cushion feels like a solid bet.

Pick: South Florida +5

South Florida has been a thorn in the side of favorites this season, boasting an impressive 8-2-1 record against the spread as an underdog. They've also been comfortable on the road recently, going 5-2-1 against the spread in their last eight away games. Central Florida might be favored at home, but USF's success against the spread as underdogs and their recent road experience makes them an attractive pick with the +5 cushion.

Pick: Kansas State +6

In the upcoming NIT matchup between Kansas State and Iowa, the Wildcats present a intriguing upset opportunity. While Iowa holds the home-court advantage, their struggles against the spread are a major concern. They've been inconsistent at best, going a dismal 7-12-1 against the spread at home and only slightly better as favorites overall (7-9-1).

Kansas State, on the other hand, travels well. They boast a solid 8-6 record against the spread on the road this season, proving they can win outside their own gym. And let's not forget their roster. They have the reigning NIT champion and MVP, Tylor Perry. With recent victories over teams like Texas, Iowa State, and BYU we have a feeling they can contend with Iowa.

Considering Iowa's home woes and Kansas State's recent success, taking the Wildcats with the +6 spread offers a solid value bet.

Pick: Indiana State -7

The Indiana State Sycamores look primed to make a statement in the NIT with a convincing win over SMU. Here's why taking Indiana State -7 is an attractive option:

  • Motivated by March Madness Snub: Fueled by the disappointment of being snubbed from the NCAA Tournament, Indiana State will have a rowdy home crowd behind them, eager to see their team make a deep NIT run.
  • Home Court Dominance: The Sycamores are a force to be reckoned with at home, boasting a stellar 15-2 record this season. They've also been reliable against the spread at home, going 11-5-1.
  • SMU's Struggles: Conversely, SMU enters the game on a cold streak. They've lost 4 of their last 5 games and haven't been able to cover the spread in their last 3 road contests.

Indiana State's home-court advantage, combined with SMU's recent struggles, means Indiana State should see a comfortable win. Covering the -7 spread seems well within reach.

Pick: Loyola +4.5

Loyola Chicago looks like a great value bet against Bradley in this NIT matchup. Here's why you might want to consider them with the points and even the moneyline.

First, Loyola boasts a dominant recent record against Bradley, winning 6 out of their last 7 meetings dating back to 2020. This familiarity and past success could translate to a confident performance on the road.

Second, Loyola has proven they can travel and win. Their 8-4 record against the spread on the road this season showcases their ability to overcome away-game challenges.

Finally, Loyola thrives as an underdog. They're 5-2 against the spread in such situations, demonstrating their capability to rise to the occasion when doubted.

While Bradley's third-place finish in the Missouri Valley is commendable, Loyola's overall strength and historical dominance over the Braves make them a tempting pick. Taking Loyola with the points (+4.5) offers a safety net – they'll still cover the spread even if they lose by a narrow margin. But if you're feeling bold, the moneyline should also hit.

Pick: Over 145.5 Total Points

An offensive explosion could be brewing in the NIT matchup between Appalachian State and Wake Forest, making the over 145.5 total points a very tempting bet.

Appalachian State isn't afraid to light up the scoreboard, averaging a solid 77 points per game this season. Even in non-conference matchups, they averaged a respectable 72.5 points. On the other side, Wake Forest has a penchant for high-scoring affairs, with a whopping 60% of their games going over the total points line. Wake averages 78 points per game so we may see a back and forth affair in the opening round of the NIT.

With both teams capable of putting up points, the stage is set for an offensive battle. The pace of play is also a key factor. If this game turns into a fast-paced track meet, the total points could soar even higher.

2024 NIT Odds - To Win the NIT Championship

Below are the 2024 NIT odds to win the Championship, provided by FanDuel Sportsbook

Team

Odds

Wake Forest

+600

Ohio State

+700

Villanova

+750

Indiana State

+900

Cincinnati

+900

Seton Hall

+1000

Butler

+1200

Utah

+1400

Iowa

+1600

Virginia Tech

+2000

Princeton

+2200

Providence

+2600

UNLV

+2900

Bradley

+3500

UCF

+3500

North Texas

+4500

Kansas State

+4500

Georgia

+5000

Xavier

+5000

San Francisco

+5500

LSU

+5500

VCU

+6500

Boston College

+6500

South Florida

+10000

Minnesota

+10000

UC Irvine

+10000

SMU

+10000

Loyola Chicago

+13000

Richmond

+13000

App State

+13000

Cornell

+25000

St Joes

+25000

2024 NIT Projections

The NIT field is starting to take shape, with several Power Five programs already projected to receive automatic bids based on their NET rankings. Wake Forest, UCF, Villanova, Ohio State, and Providence are all in the mix thanks to strong regular seasons. However, teams like Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Iowa, Washington, and Utah will be hoping for a strong showing in their conference tournaments to potentially boost their NET and secure a coveted NCAA tournament bid.

With conference tournaments wrapping up soon, the final picture for the NIT will become clearer, offering intriguing matchups for college basketball fans.

What is the NIT Tournament?

The NIT Tournament, officially known as the National Invitation Tournament, is a postseason men's college basketball tournament run by the NCAA. It features 32 teams that didn't make the cut for the more prestigious NCAA Tournament, also known as March Madness.

Founded in 1938, the NIT holds a special place in college basketball history. While not as widely recognized as March Madness, it gives deserving teams a chance to extend their season and compete for a national title. Traditionally, the Final Four is played at Madison Square Garden in New York City, adding to the tournament's unique atmosphere.

What is the Difference Between Tournaments?

The NIT and NCAA Tournaments offer exciting postseason basketball, but they cater to different purposes. The NCAA Tournament reigns supreme in terms of prestige. Winning it secures a team's place in college basketball history and ignites national attention. Selection for the NCAA Tournament is highly competitive, with a 68-team bracket chosen based on a committee's evaluation of a team's entire season. Earning a bid is a testament to a program's excellence.

The NIT offers a valuable consolation prize for teams that narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament. Traditionally, conference champions who didn't make the cut received automatic bids to the NIT. Recent changes also guarantee spots for specific conferences regardless of record. While the NIT doesn't garner the same level of media frenzy as March Madness, it allows deserving teams to extend their season, compete for a national title, and potentially create their own Cinderella story.

How Does the NIT Tournament Pick their Teams?

Picking teams for the NIT Tournament has a new look in 2024. Gone are the days of automatic bids for conference champions who miss the NCAA Tournament. Instead, the NIT prioritizes teams from the prestigious "Power Six" conferences (ACC, Big Ten, etc.) by awarding the top two teams in the NET rankings (a computer ranking system) from each conference an automatic NIT bid, as long as they don't make the NCAA Tournament. These lucky 12 also get to host a first-round game.

For the remaining 20 spots, a committee steps in. They evaluate teams based on their record, strength of schedule, conference tournament performance, and that same NET ranking. This means strong teams from smaller conferences can still get a shot. Interestingly, the committee prioritizes the "first four out" of the NCAA Tournament – those teams that just missed the cut – potentially even giving them hosting rights for the first round. This revamped selection process aims for a more balanced NIT field, featuring a mix of Power Six powerhouses and deserving programs from across the college basketball landscape.

Where is the Tournament Hosted?

The first round games are happening on campuses across the United States, so there isn't one central location to catch the action. But if you're interested in the later rounds, things change! This year, the semifinals and championship game are moving away from their usual spot at Madison Square Garden. Instead, they'll be held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, hosted by Butler University. Mark your calendars for April 2nd and 4th, 2024, to see who emerges victorious in the NIT!

Which Team has Won the Most NIT Championships?

The St. John's Red Storm men's basketball team has won the most National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championships, with a total of six titles. St. John's won its first NIT championship in 1943, and subsequently won titles in 1944, 1959, 1965, 1971, and 1989.

In addition to St. John's, several other college basketball teams have won multiple NIT championships. The City College of New York (CCNY) won the first two NIT tournaments in 1938 and 1939, and also won a third championship in 1950. The Bradley Braves have also won three NIT titles, in 1957, 1960, and 1982. The Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, and Virginia Cavaliers have each won two NIT championships.

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