Expert prediction
NIT Second Round: Illinois State vs Wake Forest Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 22)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Redbirds blew past Kent State in the Round of 32.
- The Demon Deacons took down Navy in the first round.
- This marks the second all-time matchup between the two squads.
The latter portion of the NIT second round will begin on March 22 with a matchup featuring the Illinois State Redbirds and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Sunday afternoon. The latter stands tall as the solid favorite, having motivation to win as they try to make a deep tournament run.
How to Watch
- When: Sunday, March 22, 4:30 pm ET
- Where: LJVM Coliseum, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- How to Watch: ESPN2
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois State | -107 | +8 | O152.5 |
| Wake Forest | -113 | -8 | U152.5 |
Game Preview
The Redbirds (21-12) make their way to the second round of the NIT after blowing out Kent Stare in the first rounds. They led 45-25 at halftime, a deficit that the Golden Flashes never recovered from. Landon Wolf scored a career-high 24 points for the Redbirds, 18 of which came in the first half. Meanwhile, Chase Walker scored in double-digits, scoring 19 points, 10 of which came in the first half.
The Demon Deacons (18-16) have made noise in the NIT, stunning Navy in the first round of the tournament. Juke Harris led the Deacs in scoring as he finished the game with 26 points on 7-of-13 shooting, while also going 9-for-10 from the line. The star guard also logged six rebounds and a steal while leading the team with five assists. Tre’Von Spillers ended the game with a near double-double as he totaled 14 points and nine rebounds on an effective 7-for-9 shooting.
Navy vs Wake Forest Head-to-Head
The two programs have had one meeting in their history, and the result is 1-0 for the Demon Deacons. The last matchup was in January 176 when Wake Forest won 81-79 on the road.
Navy vs Wake Forest Predictions
The winner of this matchup will play the victor of Dayton vs. UNCW in the quarterfinals of the NIT. A spot in the quarterfinals is on the line for two teams looking to collect silverware, making this game an intriguing for both squads needing another big performance from their respective stars. Our betting pick here is the Demon Deacons to defend an 8-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Wake Forest Demon Deacons -8
NCAAB
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