Published Apr 1, 5:59pm ET by
Keith McCarthy - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Apr 1, 5:59pm ET
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Illinois State and Auburn face off in the NIT Semifinals with a trip to the Finals on the line. The Tigers are proving their doubters wrong after barely missing the tourney. The Redbirds are seeking an upset.
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| Auburn Tigers | -300 |
| Illinois State Redbirds | +240 |
Illinois State is the biggest surprise in the NIT Semifinals, upsetting Dayton in their most recent game. They had the last week to prepare for this clash against Auburn. The Redbirds rank 94th in KenPom, facing an uphill battle against the 40th-ranked Tigers. They'll lean on a capable defense to make up for an offense that can be inconsistent. Leading-scorer Chase Walker will need to be at his best for Illinois State to have a shot.
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Auburn missed the NCAA tournament after losing 16 games against one of the nation's top schedules. Their was an argument for them to make it based on the metrics, but their 17-16 record just wasn't enough. Now 20-16 in the NIT Semifinals, the Tigers are proving to doubters that they may have had what it takes to have been an tourney team. Instead, they'll set their eyes on winning the NIT with a trip to the Finals on the line.
The Redbirds and Tigers meet in what should be an intriguing NIT semifinal game. Illinois State and their stringent defense cannot be overlooked, but they face an uphill battle against Auburn in this game. Expect a low-scoring, physical matchup, with the Tigers eventually pulling away offensively to win and make the finals.
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Pick
Auburn Tigers (-300)
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