The NIT battle between the Oklahoma State Cowboys (19-14) and the FGCU Eagles (23-11) will be played at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Oklahoma State opened as a 12.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 161 points. Action starts at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPN2.
FGCU Eagles vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys Free Preview
The last time the Eagles played, they were beaten by the Lipscomb Bisons, 108-96. With 37 points on 10-for-19 shooting, Zach Johnson was the top scorer from either team. Lipscomb had a free throw rate of 0.653 (above their season average of 0.284). FGCU, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.3 (above their season average of 32.0).
The Cowboys are trying to rebound after their 82-68 loss to the No. 9 Kansas Jayhawks in their last contest. Jeffrey Carroll led Oklahoma State in scoring with 17 points on 6-for-14 shooting. Kansas had an effective field goal percentage of 0.632 (above their season average of 0.577). Oklahoma State, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 43.9 (above their season average of 34.0).
FGCU figures to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Eagles rank 45th in offensive efficiency, while Oklahoma State ranks 185th in defensive efficiency.
Both of these teams have a tendency to go under the O/U total. Games involving FGCU have gone under 62.5 percent of the time, while 66.7 percent of Oklahoma State games have finished under. The Eagles have the superior straight up (SU) record (23-11 vs. 19-14), but the Cowboys hold the significant advantage against the spread (ATS) (15-15 vs. 5-3).
Jeffrey Carroll has been superb over the last five games for Oklahoma State, averaging 15.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
FGCU Eagles vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys Odds Prediction
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Oklahoma State, ATS Winner – FGCU, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Eagles average 15.4 assists per game, which ranks 58th in the nation. The Cowboys rank 128th in assists allowed per game (13.2).
- Oklahoma State ranks 67th in three pointers allowed per game (20.1) while FGCU ranks 233rd (23.4).
- The Eagles rank 48th in rebounds allowed per game (32.4) while the Cowboys rank 168th (35.2).
- Oklahoma State averages 6.6 steals per game, which ranks 97th in the nation. FGCU ranks 195th in steals allowed per game (7.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cowboys’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.6, up from 3.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 90.0 points per game (8.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 81.2 points per game (9.6 above their season average).
- The Cowboys’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.6, up from 3.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 90.0 points per game (8.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 81.2 points per game (9.6 above their season average).