2024 NIT Tournament Projections, Predictions, and Picks

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 NIT best bets for today to build up 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 Tournament Picks - Thursday April 4th

This is it! The Championship game of the NIT Tournament! Check out below to see who our NIT expert thinks will lock up the trophy tonight.

Pick: Seton Hall ML (+136, DraftKings)
Showdown in Indy! It's all on the line tonight in the NIT championship game as the #1 seeds, Seton Hall and Indiana State, finally clash at Hinkle Fieldhouse. While Indiana State might have the home-court advantage (being on Butler's campus), I'm predicting an upset with Seton Hall taking home the trophy.

Seton Hall's NIT run might be a case of March Madness misfortune. After a strong season that arguably deserved an NCAA Tournament bid, the Pirates are dominating the NIT. Their defense has been a force since the St. Joe's opener, holding opponents to under 68 points in every game. However, tonight presents a new challenge: Indiana State's explosive offense, which has surpassed 100 points twice in the NIT.

In any matchup, I tend to favor a Power Five team with a strong defense over a mid-major with a high-powered offense. Seton Hall fits the bill perfectly. They're battle-tested, having played on the road in tough environments against top competition. They've proven their ability to score and limit even the best offenses.

Indiana State will undoubtedly be fired up for this championship game. However, their recent wins might raise some questions. They edged out Cincinnati with some questionable calls down the stretch, and their victory over Utah came in a game with a strong home-court advantage for the Sycamores. Utah was awful on the road all year so that outcome came as no surprise.

Tonight, Seton Hall looks to set the tone with a stifling defense, forcing Indiana State out of their comfort zone for the first time in the NIT. Even with a supportive home crowd, the Pirates aim to disrupt the Sycamores' rhythm and take control of the game.

2024 NIT Tournament Projections

Here is my analysis of the 2024 NIT field, I will take a look at a few teams with some real betting value. By diving into their strengths, recent performance, and potential matchups, I highlight opportunities to capitalize on teams that might be undervalued. I am here to provide insights on squads that could make a deep run in the tournament, and could return you some real cold hard cash if you are able to get your bets in.

Indiana State Sycamores +900

Don't underestimate the fiery motivation of the Indiana State Sycamores at +900 odds to win the 2024 NIT. Feeling disrespected after their NCAA snub, they have a chip on their shoulder and a point to prove. The NIT hinges on teams truly wanting to win, and Indiana State is chomping at the bit. While their bracket positioning puts them in the crosshairs against teams like Minnesota, Loyola Chicago, and Cincinnati, their strong play (including the best 2-point shooting percentage in college hoops) can't be ignored. This team has the talent and the hunger to make a deep run and potentially claim the NIT title.

Cincinnati Bearcats +900

While Cincinnati isn't the underdog play of the NIT, their +900 odds offer value considering their talent and home-court advantage. This Bearcats squad, fresh off a solid showing in their first year with the Big 12, boasts experience in the NIT, reaching the quarterfinals last year. Their path starts manageable with San Francisco in the first round, followed by either Bradley or Loyola. The key will be their motivation – can they recapture the hunger that propelled them deep in the 2023 NIT? If their home crowd energizes them and they stay focused, Cincinnati has the firepower to make a serious run at the title.

Iowa Hawkeyes +1600

At +1600 odds, Iowa presents a sleeper pick in the NIT tournament. With a fascinating mix of experience and strong coaching. This veteran team, known for its focus on fundamentals, thrives under the guidance of a legendary head coach – a crucial asset in tournament play. Their home crowd promises a raucous atmosphere, further boosting their morale. While motivation can be a question mark for power conference teams in the NIT, accepting the invite suggests a spark of desire. If they can maintain focus and capitalize on their home-court advantage, Iowa has the potential to surprise with a deep run and a possible championship title. This combination of talent, experience, coaching, and home-court advantage makes them a solid value bet for a fun underdog story.

UNLV Runnin' Rebels +2900

Unveiling a potential Cinderella story, UNLV boasts +2900 odds that mask their true threat. Nicknamed the "Runnin' Rebs" for their fast-paced style, they closed the season on a scorching run, beating several Mountain West teams that secured NCAA bids. This momentum, coupled with a favorable bracket position, positions them for a surprise run. Their first hurdle is the winner of Boston College and Providence, potentially followed by a clash with the top overall seed, Seton Hall. While Seton Hall might have the ranking, history shows they haven't consistently delivered in tournaments. UNLV's hunger and recent dominance over similar opponents could propel them past these perceived powerhouses. With a chip on their shoulder and a potent offense, the Runnin' Rebs are a captivating underdog with a legitimate shot at the NIT title.

North Texas Mean Green +4500

Believe it or not, the reigning NIT champions, the North Texas Mean Green, are sitting at a whopping +4500 to win it all again! This is an incredible value opportunity you can't ignore. Sure, they moved to a tougher conference (American) this year, but they held their own and even a loss to a decent FAU team in the conference tourney shouldn't overshadow their potential. While they did lose their head coach, his replacement is a familiar face, Ross Hodge– the lead assistant who already understands and implements a similar style. North Texas has transformed from a defensive-focused team to a more balanced one with improved scoring. They've proven they can win the NIT, and with these odds, a $10 wager on the Mean Green to repeat is a bet worth making!

South Florida Bulls +10000

Forget Cinderella, South Florida at +10000 odds is the ultimate underdog story waiting to be written. Consistently underestimated throughout this season, they have continued to deliver wins. The Bulls have earned the title of "most disrespected team." in college basketball in my book. They even held the nation's longest winning streak at one point! Sure, a hot UAB team knocked them out of the AAC tournament, but that just fuels their fire for the NIT. First-year coach Abdur-Rahim has breathed new life into the program, and you can bet he's eager to make a statement in his debut season. The disrespect may continue, but South Florida thrives on proving doubters wrong. With these astronomical odds, a wager on the Bulls is the ultimate value play for a potential championship run. This could be the biggest upset of the NIT, and you won't want to miss out on the chance to ride with the Bulls!

This is my favorite bet and I will be holding a ticket for the South Florida Bulls to win the 2024 NIT Tournament.

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!

2024 NIT Schedule

The 2024 National Invitation Tournament began Tuesday, March 19.

The semifinals and championship will be played at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on April 2 and 4. Here's the schedule:

• First round games are March 19-20
• Second round games are March 23-24
• The quarterfinal games are March 26-27
• The 2024 NIT semifinals are at 7 p.m. (ESPN) and 9:30 p.m. (ESPN2) on April 2
• The 2024 NIT championship game is at 7 p.m. ET on April 4 on ESPN

The Best Sportsbooks to bet the 2024 NIT Tournament

• FanDuel: Known for its user-friendly app and a large selection of betting options, including the NIT.
• DraftKings: Offers competitive odds and a variety of promotions, making it a popular choice for NIT bets.
• BetRivers: Features a strong mobile platform and is known for offering profit boosts, which can be helpful for NIT wagers.
• Caesars: Boasts a loyalty program that rewards frequent bettors and might offer specific NIT bonuses.

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