NIT Tournament Semifinals

West Virginia (25-9) vs. Mississippi State (21-13)

7:00 pm Eastern

ESPN 2

SBG Global Opening Line: Mississippi State - 1, Total 145

Article Courtesy of SBG Global Sportsbook

West Virginia is making its second trip in three weeks to New York after playing in the Big East tournament. "Playing at Madison Square Garden is a big deal," sophomore guard Alex Ruoff said. "Because we've played here before, we're not going to be star-struck." The line is holding steady at 1, so it is no surprise that SBG Global reports the public is split on the decision.

West Virginia ranks fourth in the country in 3 pointers putting in almost 11 per game.  "Everybody talks about how good he is offensively (West Virginia coach Beilein), but he doesn't get enough credit for his defense," Mississippi State coach Rick Stansbury said. "That defense is very unique in itself. Everybody calls it a 1-3-1, but only he knows what it really is. I have watched film, but I have no clue what it is yet."

Mississippi State is a 1.5 point favorite with a total of 146 at SBG Global.

West Virginia is looking to win its first NIT title since 1942. The Mountaineers last made the semifinals in 1981.  West Virginia is led by Frank Young who is averaging 24.3 points in three NIT games.

Mississippi State is playing in the NIT for the first time in school history.  The Bulldogs are young with nine freshmen or sophomores on the team. Mississippi State is led by sophomore guard Jamont Gordon, who leads the team with 16.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. "He's the whole package," West Virginia coach Beilein said. "He's a do-everything player. The other guys know their roles so well and they get the ball to the right guy at the right time."

The Mountaineers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 neutral site games. The Mountaineers are 36-17-1 ATS in their last 54 non-conference games. The Mountaineers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. the SEC. The Mountaineers are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog.

The Bulldogs are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games as a favorite. The Bulldogs are 21-8 ATS in their last 29 non-conference games. The Bulldogs are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall.

The Over is 7-0-1 in the Mountaineers last 8 neutral site games. The Over is 7-1 in the Mountaineers last 8 neutral site games as an underdog. The Over is 6-1 in the Mountaineers last 7 overall. The Over is 8-2-1 in the Mountaineers last 11 non-conference games. The Over is 26-12 in the Mountaineers last 38 games as an underdog. The Over is 6-0 in the Bulldogs last 6 neutral site games as a favorite. The Over is 6-0 in the Bulldogs last 6 overall.

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