Thursday, May 24th, 2012
Time: 7PM ET TV: ESPN
It will be Big 12 versus Big 10 in the NIT Final, as the Baylor Bears will face the Penn St Nittany Lions at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Baylor reached the final after an explosive second half performance against San Diego St. The Bears outscored the Aztecs 41-28 in the final stanza to pull away with the 14-point victory. Baylor shot 52% from the field and 50% from three in their victory over a senior laden San Diego St team that is very good defensively. Penn St earned a trip to the finals off an impressive 1st half performance against Notre Dame. Penn St jumped off to a 31-18 first half lead and never looked back. The Irish were ice cold from the field hitting on only 34% from the field. Luke Harangody and Kyle McAlarney combined for just 9-29 from the field for Notre Dame. Despite their 8 point victory the Nittany Lions were just 2-15 from the three point line. The LVSC send out has the Baylor Bears a 3-point favorite with the over under coming in at 136. The early money has been on Baylor as the Bears currently sit as 4-point favorite. There has been early play on over the total as the over under currently is lined at 138. Baylor has been red hot offensively in the NIT hitting on over 50% from the field in all of their NIT tournament games. Second half bettors should take note that Baylor averages 6 more points in the second half than the first half and Penn St’s defenses allows 4 ½ more points in the final stanza. Penn St defensively was able to slow down the high-powered offenses of Florida and Notre Dame in back to back games. The Baylor Bears seniors stood out in their victory over Notre Dame as seniors Curtis Jerrells, LaceDarious Dunn and Kevin Rogers combined for 62 of Baylor’s 72 points against Notre Dame. Baylor’s speed and athleticism will be a big challenge for Penn St’s defense.
Trend: Baylor is 12-4 ATS in their past 16 games on a Neutral Court
Tags: baylor versus penn st preview, march madness, nit college basketball
