FREE
Stephen Nover Free NCAA Tourney Pick
(NCAAB) Indiana vs. Wichita State,
Point Spread: -5.50 | -105.00 Wichita State (Home)
Result: Loss
Point Spread: -5.50 | -105.00 Wichita State (Home)
Result: Loss
Wichita State isn't getting the publicity it received last season when it went 35-1 and earned a No. 1 seed. A loss to Illinois State in the semifinals of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament certainly didn't enhance the stature of the Shockers.
But that defeat also sets up a nice kill spot for Wichita State in this matchup. The Shockers are still excellent - 93 victories the past three seasons and arguably the best backcourt trio in the country with Fred VonVleet, Ron Baker and Tekele Cotton. They should have been seeded higher by a couple of spots while Indiana is lucky to even be at the Big Dance.
I consider the Hoosiers bogus. They are 5-9 in their last 14 games. Their victories during this span have all been versus Big Ten bottom feeders: Rutgers (twice), Northwestern, Minnesota and Michigan. Indiana finished tied for seventh in the Big Ten. The Hooisers didn't do anything in the conference tournament either winning just one game.
The Hooisers have failed to cover the last four times they've played an opponent above .500. They don't have a senior on the roster. Next year could be Indiana's time. Not this season.
Since Wichita State wasn't as dominant as last year, some may have a perception the Shockers aren't that good. Wrong. The MVC was stronger this year. There is no Cleanthony Early this season, but the guard play and defense remain top-notch for Wichita State. The Shockers are close to being where they were last season ranking 15th in adjusted defensive efficiency, eighth in turnover percentage and 33rd in opponent offensive rebound percentage.
The Shockers are 13-4 ATS in their last 17 neutral site games and 6-1 ATS during their last seven NCAA Tournament matchups. VanVleet, Baker and Cotton are either juniors or seniors. They provide the playmaking and experienced guard play needed to advance in the tournament.
Bottom line is the Shockers are a high quality team that is underpriced and underseeded facing a big name opponent that is overrated. There is enough of a class difference that Indiana could play a strong game - far from a given - and still not be able to cover this number.
(Editor's note: Long-time pro Stephen Nover is enjoying one of his finest basketball seasons. Stephen heads into the opening of the NCAA Tournament having cashed 24 of his past 36 premium college basketball plays for 67 percent!)
But that defeat also sets up a nice kill spot for Wichita State in this matchup. The Shockers are still excellent - 93 victories the past three seasons and arguably the best backcourt trio in the country with Fred VonVleet, Ron Baker and Tekele Cotton. They should have been seeded higher by a couple of spots while Indiana is lucky to even be at the Big Dance.
I consider the Hoosiers bogus. They are 5-9 in their last 14 games. Their victories during this span have all been versus Big Ten bottom feeders: Rutgers (twice), Northwestern, Minnesota and Michigan. Indiana finished tied for seventh in the Big Ten. The Hooisers didn't do anything in the conference tournament either winning just one game.
The Hooisers have failed to cover the last four times they've played an opponent above .500. They don't have a senior on the roster. Next year could be Indiana's time. Not this season.
Since Wichita State wasn't as dominant as last year, some may have a perception the Shockers aren't that good. Wrong. The MVC was stronger this year. There is no Cleanthony Early this season, but the guard play and defense remain top-notch for Wichita State. The Shockers are close to being where they were last season ranking 15th in adjusted defensive efficiency, eighth in turnover percentage and 33rd in opponent offensive rebound percentage.
The Shockers are 13-4 ATS in their last 17 neutral site games and 6-1 ATS during their last seven NCAA Tournament matchups. VanVleet, Baker and Cotton are either juniors or seniors. They provide the playmaking and experienced guard play needed to advance in the tournament.
Bottom line is the Shockers are a high quality team that is underpriced and underseeded facing a big name opponent that is overrated. There is enough of a class difference that Indiana could play a strong game - far from a given - and still not be able to cover this number.
(Editor's note: Long-time pro Stephen Nover is enjoying one of his finest basketball seasons. Stephen heads into the opening of the NCAA Tournament having cashed 24 of his past 36 premium college basketball plays for 67 percent!)
