Expert prediction
NIT First Round: Saint Joseph’s vs Colorado State Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 18)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Hawks make their third consecutive NIT appearance, 19th overall.
- The Rams appear in the NIT for the 11th time in program history.
- This marks the first all-time meeting between the two programs.
The March 18 schedule has a great matchup in the late hours with the NIT progressing through its first round as the Saint Joseph’s Hawks duel with the Colorado State Rams. The hosts stand tall as slight favorites for the win, displaying the quality they have that can make this first-round contest an intriguing one.
How to Watch
- When: Wednesday, March 18, 11 pm ET
- Where: Moby Arena, Fort Collins, Colorado
- How to Watch: ESPNU
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Joseph’s | -110 | +6 | O143.5 |
| Colorado State | -110 | -6 | U143.5 |
Game Preview
The Hawks (22-11) exceeded expectations this season as they are back as an NIT squad for the third straight year. Justice Ajogbor earned co-Defensive Player of the Year accolades, while also being named to the All-Defensive Team and the All-Academic Team. Derek Simpson garnered First Team recognition, Jaiden Glover-Toscano is on the Second Team, Austin Williford picked up All-Rookie honors, while Steve Donahue won the A-10 Coach of the Year Award. In his last five games, Ajogbor is averaging 13.2 points per game on an eye-popping 28-for-35 (80.0 percent) shooting.
The Rams (21-12) performed at a solid level this season, enough to earn an invitation to the NIT. They dealt with a 71-62 loss to San Diego State in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West Championship. Colorado State shoots the ball well at all levels of the floor, being ninth nationally in three-point shooting at 39.1 percent. Brandon Rechsteiner leads a balanced offense for the squad, averaging 12.2 points per game. Kyle Jorgensen comes next with 11.9 points, while Carey Booth and Josh Pascarelli are netting 10.7 and 10.2 points per game.
Saint Joseph’s vs Colorado State Head-to-Head
The two programs are facing each other for the first time in their respective histories.
Saint Joseph’s vs Colorado State Predictions
The winner will face either Cal or UIC in the Second Round of the NIT on either March 21 or 22. Both squads boast talent that racked up many awards and recognition for their efforts throughout the regular season. Colorado State played against multiple high-quality teams, presenting a chance for them to reach the second round of the NIT. Our betting pick here is for the Cowboys to defend a 7-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Colorado State Rams -6
NCAAB
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