Expert prediction
NIT First Round: Wyoming vs Wichita State Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 17)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Cowboys return to the NIT after last appearing in 2003.
- The Shockers are back in the NIT for the 15th time in program history.
- This marks the 14th all-time meeting between the two programs.
An intriguing matchup will happen in the first round of the 2026 NIT when the Wichita State Shockers host the Wyoming Cowboys. The matchup shows favor towards the Shockers, who has the talent to potentially make a deep run in the annual tournament.
How to Watch
- When: Tuesday, March 17, 7 pm ET
- Where: Charles Koch Arena, Wichita, Kansas
- How to Watch: ESPNU
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | -110 | +5.5 | O147.5 |
| Wichita State | -110 | -5.5 | U147.5 |
Game Preview
The Shockers (22-11) cannot be underestimated as a team that can go far in the NIT. They reached the championship game of the American Tournament before falling to USF. Wichita State is one of the top offensive rebounding teams in the country at 14.8 per game, ranking fourth nationally. The Shockers are led by Kenyon Giles at 19.2 points per game, earning All-American Conference honors and was the league’s Newcomer of the Year. Karon Boyd was Third-Team All-Conference at 10.8 points per game with 5.9 rebounds, while Will Berg was the league’s Sixth Man of the Year with averages of 8.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.
The Cowboys (18-14) find themselves back in the NIT after being absent from it since 2003. They suffered an early exit in the Mountain West Tournament but performed well enough to get an invitation to the NIT. Wyoming is led in scoring this season by Leland Walker at 13.7 points per game, good for 10th in the Mountain West. Meanwhile, Nasir (Naz) Meyer adds 12.8 points per game and adds 4.8 rebounds per game, which ranks second on the team.
Wyoming vs Wichita State Head-to-Head
The two programs have had 13 meetings in their history, and the result is 10-3 for the Shockers. The last matchup was in November 2007 when Wichita State secured a 75-63 win at home.
Wyoming vs Wichita State Predictions
The winner of Tuesday’s contest will head to the Round of 16 against either Oklahoma State or Davidson. Wichita State enjoyed a strong campaign as a team not afraid to be physical, crashing the glass at will. This presents a tall task for the Cowboys to achieve in the matchup, needing to be active in the rebounding department to pull off an upset on the road. Our betting pick here is the Shockers to cover a 5.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Wichita State Shockers -5.5
NCAAB
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