TOM STRYKER’S FREE BASKETBALL SELECTION SATURDAY, MARCH 27TH
#631 MISSISSIPPI ST (+1) over Louisiana Tech at 3 PM EST
Off that stunning 68-67 victory over Richmond in the NIT’s Elite Eight, Mississippi State will advance to the Championship Game with another solid effort against a solid Louisiana Tech squad. The Bulldogs enter this NIT Final Four battle off a huge seven-point win over the Hilltoppers and they’ll have problems matched up against this SEC powerhouse. Let’s break down the numbers.
In the NIT, Final Four teams that are matched up against an opponent that owns a team won/loss percentage of .685 or better hold a solid 22-11 ATS record. If our “play on” side is facing a foe that scoots in off a blowout win of six points or more, this technical situation jets to a stunning 16-3-3 ATS. That bodes well for head coach Ben Howland and Mississippi State.
Respect is certainly given to a Louisiana Tech team that holds a powerful 19-5 SU and 18-5 ATS mark in its last 24 games. However, when matched up against an opponent from the SEC Conference, the Bulldogs hold a woeful 4-17 SU record in their last 21 tries. Also, in the NIT Final Four, teams that are matched up against an opponent that arrives off a pointspread loss own a soft 7-11 SU and 6-11-1 ATS record including 1-5 SU and 0-6 ATS if their foe holds a team won/loss percentage less than .640.
Coach Howland’s boys have outrebounded 25 of 31 teams this season and they’ll lean on their tenacious defense to help them reach the NIT Championship Game. Take Mississippi State. Thanks and best of luck, Tom.
TOM’S 23-4 ATS NCAA SWEET 16 ELITE BEST BET
On a blistering 7-1 ATS hardwood run, Stryker is going after one NCAA Tournament wager that will bring home the bacon. A sensational 23-4 ATS angle supports this key release along with one nearly perfect 8-1 ATS Big Dance system. Grab Tom’s NCAA Sweet 16 Elite Best Bet for $30.