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Expert prediction

NIT First Round: Davidson vs Oklahoma State Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 17)

  • Richard Pereira
  • Mar 17, 2026 at 3:39 PM EDT

Pick rationale

Analysis & key factors

  • The Wildcats made their 10th NIT in program history, their first since 2021.
  • The Cowboys appear in the NIT for the 15th time in program history.
  • This marks the first all-time meeting between the two programs.

The March 17 schedule is loaded with tournament matchups as the NIT will be present with a game between the Davidson Wildcats and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The hosts stand tall as solid favorites for the win, displaying the quality they have that can make this first-round contest an intriguing one.

How to Watch

  • When: Tuesday, March 17, 8 pm ET
  • Where: Gallagher-Iba Arena, Stillwater, Oklahoma
  • How to Watch: ESPN2

NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines

TeamOddsSpreadTotals
Davidson-115+7O153.5
Oklahoma State-105-7U153.5

Game Preview

The Wildcats (20-13) exceeded expectations this season as they are back as a postseason squad. Davidson had the best scoring defense across the A-10 during conference play (67.4 PPG) and the second best throughout the entire regular season (67.6 PPG). The ‘Cats are 15-2 this season when holding an opponent to 65 points or less. Roberts Blums (12.1 ppg) has come off the bench in all 31 games, while Josh Scovens (11.1 ppg) is the team’s top rebounder at 4.3 per contest.

The Cowboys (19-14) performed at a solid level this season, enough to earn an invitation to the NIT. During conference play, Oklahoma State ranked fourth in the league in scoring offense (78.6 PPG) and last in scoring defense (85.6 PPG). Anthony Roy is showcasing strong form as the team’s top scorer with 17.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Parsa Fallah presents himself as a double-double threat with 14.7 points and six rebounds per contest.

Davidson vs Oklahoma State Head-to-Head

The two programs are facing each other for the first time in their respective histories.

Davidson vs Oklahoma State Predictions

A win would set up a matchup on Saturday or Sunday in the second round against either Wichita State or Wyoming. Davidson impressed with its defense throughout league play while Oklahoma State shines with its offense. It will be a battle of styles throughout the first-round matchup as the gap in talent will reveal itself in this game. Our betting pick here is for the Cowboys to defend a 7-point spread.

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