Expert prediction
NIT First Round: Navy vs Wake Forest Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 18)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Navy makes the NIT for the first time since 1962.
- The Demon Deacons make their third postseason appearance in five seasons.
- This marks the 10th all-time matchup between the two squads.
The second half of the NIT first round will begin on March 18 with a matchup featuring the Navy Midshipmen and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Wednesday evening. The former stands tall as the solid favorite, having motivation to win as they ended a long postseason drought.
How to Watch
- When: Wednesday, March 18, 7 pm ET
- Where: LJVM Coliseum, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- How to Watch: ESPNU
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navy | -110 | -10 | O148.5 |
| Wake Forest | -110 | +10 | U148.5 |
Game Preview
The Midshipmen (26-7) are playing in their first postseason game since the 1998 NCAA Tournament and is in the NIT for just the second time (1962). They almost went undefeated in league play but lost to Boston University in the semifinals of the conference tournament. Aidan Kehoe was named to the Patriot League All-Tournament Team, producing 16 points and 9.5 rebounds in two games and shot 72.2%. Meanwhile, Austin Benigni won the Patriot League Player of the Year Award after putting up numbers of 18 points, 4.3 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game.
The Demon Deacons (17-16) underwhelmed throughout the course of league play, getting one of the lower seeds in the ACC Tournament. They took down Virginia Tech in the first round but later lost to Clemson in the second round of the conference tourney. Juke Harris led the Demon Deacons in scoring as he logged 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting while adding a team-high four assists, two rebounds and a steal against the Tigers. Tre’Von Spillers registered his third double-double of the season against Clemson, finishing the game with 15 points and a season-best 12 rebounds.
Navy vs Wake Forest Head-to-Head
The two programs have had nine meetings in their history, and the result is 5-4 for the Demon Deacons. The last matchup was in January 2002 when Wake Forest won 87-65 on the road.
Navy vs Wake Forest Predictions
The winner will play the victors between Illinois State and Kent State in the second round of the NIT. The Demon Deacons do have the quality to keep up with the Midshipmen, especially while having homecourt advantage. However, the Midshipmen are enjoying their best season in decades and will look to continue their remarkable run for as long as possible. Our betting pick here is the Midshipmen to defend a 10-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Navy Midshipmen -10
NCAAB
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