Thursday's NIT Final features the Indiana State Sycamores and the Seton Hall Pirates, and we have our best Indiana State vs. Seton Hall prediction and pick based on the most competitive college basketball odds.
The Indiana State Sycamores (32-6) and Seton Hall Pirates (24-12) take center stage for Thursday's NIT championship bout, with the Sycamores, according to our best sports betting sites, as the 3.5-point favorites (-110). The game tips off at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, live from the legendary Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind.
The Pirates are coming off a sweet 84-67 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs in the NIT Final Four. But now they've got their work cut out for them against the Sycamores, who showed some serious scoring chops by dropping a cool 100 points in their semifinal showdown against the Utah Utes.
To accompany our Indiana Sta te vs. Seton Hall player props, here is our best Indiana State vs. Seton Hall prediction and expert pick (odds via our best March Madness betting sites; Pick confidence is based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
Indiana State vs. Seton Hall prediction
Best odds: -102 via FanDuel
There's an obvious argument to be made that both the Sycamores and Pirates should have been selected to the NCAA Tournament. However, both programs have made the most of their postseason with dominant NIT performances en route to the title game.
Seton Hall hasn't been challenged since its first-round OT win over Saint Joseph's while averaging an 18-point win over its last three games. But Indiana State is an entirely different animal. With Robbie Avila leading the way, the Sycamores rank 12th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency, according to KenPom. They haven't struggle d against high major programs and hung 80 on March Madness odds contender Alabama.
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The catalyst for the Sycamores' offensive success under coach Josh Schertz has been Avila. The goggle-wearing big man leads Indiana State in points per game (17.5) and is second in both rebounds (6.6) and assists (4.0). He's been a dominant force during the NIT, too. He's averaging 18.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists through four games. Avila has also put up at least 22 points in his last two outings against Utah and Cincinnati.
Even though this Pirates defense is talented, it should struggle to slow down Avila due to his versatility. Seton Hall gave up the fourth-most 3-pointers per game in Big East play (8.3), and Avila shoots 39.6% from deep. His combo of size and skill will stretch the Pirates' defense thin.
We also love the value at -102 via FanDuel. Those odds imply a 50.49% probability he hits the Over on this prop, according to our odds calculator, with a $10 wager resulting in a $9.80 profit.
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Indiana State (1) vs. Seton Hall (1) game info
- When: Thursday, April 4
- Tip-off: 7 p.m. ET
- Where: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind.
- How to watch: ESPN
- Favorite: Indiana State -3.5 (-105 via bet365)
Indiana State vs. Seton Hall odds
Indiana State vs. Seton Hall spread & Over/Under analysis
The Sycamores opened as a 2.5-point favorite through our best sports betting apps after their 100-90 win over Utah in the NIT semifinal. The line has since shifted further in Indiana State's direction with Avila and Co. now the 3.5-point favorites. The Sycamores are 22-14-1 against the spread in 2023-24 and 3-1 in t he NIT. Seton Hall has struggled ATS at 17-19, but the school 3-1 in the NIT.
The total opened at 158.5 and remains there, but we could see it moving to as high as 160.5 given the Sycamores' offensive prowess. Indiana State is 22-15 to the Over in 2023-24 and 5-1 in its last six outings. However, Seton Hall is just 18-17-1 and has hit the Over in two straight and six of its last nine.
Indiana State-Seton Hall prediction made Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. ET.
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