The Loyola Chicago Ramblers (22-11) are set to face the San Jose State Spartans (15-19) in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the Provident Credit Union Event Center in San Jose, California. Under the guidance of fourth-year head coach Drew Valentine, the Ramblers finished their season with a 22-11 overall record and a 12-6 mark in the Atlantic 10 Conference, securing a fourth-place finish. They average 73.5 points per game while allowing 68.6, resulting in a positive scoring margin of 4.9 points. Offensively, they shoot 45.8% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc. However, free-throw shooting has been a weakness, with a 66.3% success rate. The team averages 31.8 rebounds per game. The Spartans concluded their season with a 15-19 record, including a 7-13 tally in the Mountain West Conference, placing them eighth. They score an average of 72.2 points per game but concede 73.3, leading to a slight negative scoring margin. The team shoots 44.6% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range, with a respectable 74% free-throw percentage. Rebounding has been a challenge, as they average 30.6 boards per game. Loyola Chicago has been in strong form, winning eight of their last ten games and covering the spread in nine of those contests. In contrast, San Jose State has struggled, losing seven of their last ten games and posting a 5-5 record against the spread during that span. Take Loyola here on Wednesday.

The Furman Paladins (25-9) are set to face the North Texas Mean Green (24-8) in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at The Super Pit in Denton, Texas. The Paladins concluded their season with a 25-9 record, finishing 11-7 in the Southern Conference (SoCon). They reached the SoCon Championship game but fell to Wofford 92-85. Furman boasts a potent offense, averaging 77.6 points per game on 45.7% shooting, including 36.7% from three-point range. Defensively, they allow 69.7 points per game, holding opponents to 41.9% shooting. The Mean Green posted a 24-8 record, with a 14-4 mark in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). They were eliminated by UAB in the AAC semifinals, losing 66-56. North Texas is renowned for its stifling defense, ranking third nationally by allowing just 59.3 points per game. Offensively, they average 68.5 points per game, shooting 45.5% from the field and 36.2% from beyond the arc. This matchup contrasts Furman's dynamic offense against North Texas's formidable defense. Too many points for me to pass on here on Wednesday. Take Furman.

The Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers (22-12) are set to face the American University Eagles (22-12) in the NCAA Tournament's First Four on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Donny Lind, the Mountaineers clinched the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) title by defeating Iona 63-49. They have won nine of their last 11 games, including four straight, showcasing a strong finish to their season. The Eagles, guided by second-year head coach Duane Simpkins, secured the Patriot League championship with a decisive 74-52 victory over Navy. They have won eight of their last 10 games, including four consecutive wins, demonstrating strong form entering the tournament. Mount St. Mary's is led by Dola Adebayo who leads the team with 13.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, shooting 51.9% from the field. American University's top scorer is Matt Rogers with 17.0 points per game, along with 5.6 rebounds, shooting an impressive 55.6% from the field. This First Four matchup features two teams with identical records and recent championship victories. American's experience and continuity, coupled with their defensive strengths, position them favorably. However, Mount St. Mary's momentum and balanced scoring could challenge the Eagles, suggesting a closely contested game. For me, I'm sticking with the UNDER here on Wednesday.

The Xavier Musketeers (21-11) will face the Texas Longhorns (19-15) in the NCAA Tournament's First Four on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. The winner will advance to the first round in the Midwest Region to play against Illinois on Friday. Xavier concluded the regular season with a seven-game winning streak before falling to Marquette, 89-87, in the Big East quarterfinals. Texas secured their fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament bid after defeating Vanderbilt and Texas A&M in the Southeastern Conference tournament. They were eliminated by Tennessee in the quarterfinals. Xavier is led by Zach Freemantle who leads the team with 17.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Texas is led by Tre Johnson, SEC Freshman of the Year, leading the team with 19.8 points per game. This First Four matchup features two teams with contrasting seasons. Xavier's strong finish in the Big East and offensive prowess positions them favorably. However, Texas's resilience in the SEC tournament and the scoring ability of Tre Johnson suggest a competitive contest. Take Xavier here on Wednesday.