Expert prediction
NIT First Round: UNC Wilmington vs Yale Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 17)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Seahawks will make their 12th postseason appearance in program history.
- The Bulldogs qualified for their third NIT appearance.
- This marks the first all-time matchup between the two squads.
The first round of the 2026 NIT progresses as the UNC Wilmington Seahawks take on the Yale Bulldogs on March 17. The latter comes out as the slight favorite, presenting a matchup that provides intrigue for mid-major basketball fans across the country.
How to Watch
- When: Tuesday, March 17, 7 pm ET
- Where: John J. Lee Amphitheater, New Haven, Connecticut
- How to Watch: ESPN+
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNC Wilmington | -110 | +4.5 | O147.5 |
| Yale | -110 | -4.5 | U147.5 |
Game Preview
The Seahawks (26-6) won their conference’s regular-season title before falling in the CAA Quarterfinals to the ninth-seeded Campbell Fighting Camels. The defeat ended the Seahawks’ bid for a second-straight NCAA Tournament appearance. Seven Seahawks averaged better than seven points, highlighted by a trio of Seahawks in double-digits: Patrick Wessler (13.8), Christian May (13.6) and Nolan Hodge (11.6). Wessler even averaged a double-double over the last eight games with 10.5 boards per game, presenting himself as an interior threat.
The Bulldogs (24-6) won the Ivy League regular season championship for the second-straight year, and third time in four years. However, they missed out on the NCAA Tournament after losing to Penn in the conference championship game. Yale ranks third in the nation in three-point percentage (40.0), and 11th in assist/turnover ratio (1.76). The Bulldogs are also first in the Ivy League in team field goal percentage (49.6), and three-point field goal percentage (40.0). Nick Townsend ranks ninth in the league in scoring (16.4 ppg), third in rebounding (7.4 rpg), first in three-point field goal percentage (47.3), and second in assists (4.3 apg).
UNC Wilmington vs Yale Head-to-Head
This marks the first matchup between UNC Wilmington and Yale throughout their respective histories.
UNC Wilmington vs Yale Predictions
The winner of the matchup will face off against the winner of Dayton vs. Bradley in the Second Round on either March 21 or 22. Yale suffered heartbreak as its NCAA Tournament aspirations came crashing down. With that frustration in mind, it would be logical to see the Bulldogs come out strong and attempt a deep run in the NIT. Our betting pick here is the Bulldogs to defend a 4.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Yale Bulldogs -4.5
NCAAB
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