North Texas vs Wisconsin Odds
| North Texas Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -110 | 114.5 -110o / -110u | -125 |
| Wisconsin Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -110 | 114.5 -110o / -110u | +105 |
Tipping off the semifinals of the NIT, Wisconsin battles North Texas in Las Vegas on Tuesday night.
The Badgers, who earned their spot with wins over Bradley, Liberty and Oregon, enter the game with a 20-14 record.
Meanwhile, the Mean Green are one of two Conference USA programs remaining in the tournament. They knocked off Alcorn State, Sam Houston and Oklahoma State to get to this semifinal matchup.
If you like defense, this could be the perfect game for you, as both squads like to grind out results. However, I do see plenty of betting value on this NIT contest.
North Texas Mean Green
Prior to coach Grant McCasland’s arrival, North Texas had never won a postseason game. But after the victory over the Cowboys, the program now has 10 wins in postseason play.
The DNA of the program under McCasland has been a stout defense, and this team is no different.
On the year, the Mean Green rank inside the top 25 in multiple defensive categories, according to Bart Torvik, including AdjD (22nd), EFG% (6th) and opponents’ 2-point (8th) and 3-point% (16th).
This has been on display in the NIT as well, as the Mean Green are holding opponents to an average of just 54.3 points per game in regulation. The Pokes couldn’t even break 60 points in a game that went to overtime.
On the offensive end of the floor, everything runs through C-USA Player of the Year Tylor Perry, who leads the team with 17.3 points per game. He has averaged 22.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game in the NIT.
Wisconsin Badgers
After missing out on the NCAA tournament for the first time under coach Greg Gard, the Badgers have overcome the disappointment with a deep run in the NIT.
This is the first trip to the semifinals of this tournament in program history, and Wisconsin has a great shot at claiming a trophy.
For the Badgers, they are also stronger defensively than on the offensive end of the floor. Gard’s squad is in the top 60 in AdjD (24th), rebounding (43rd) and 3-point defense (59th).
Wisconsin has a well-balanced attack on offense, led by the seven-footer Steven Crowl (12.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG). There are three other Badgers who average double figures in scoring, and they will need all of them to be firing against a tough North Texas defense.
North Texas vs Wisconsin Betting Pick
Looking at the odds for this game, I do like North Texas as a side, but I feel there is better betting value in the player props market due to a key injury.
My best bet is for Wisconsin’s Tyler Wahl to go over his rebound total of 5.5 at -140, which I would play to 7.5.
One key factor for this bet is the fact that the Mean Green will be without their starting big man Abou Ousmane, who led the team in rebounding and blocks.
It has forced North Texas to play with a smaller lineup, which should give Wahl more opportunities on the glass in a game that should feature a lot of missed shots.
This is also the same player that has gone over this total in 10 of his last 12 games.
Meanwhile, Wahl has averaged 7.3 rebounds during this same stretch, and I like his chances of hitting his average again.
