The NIT quarterfinals get underway Tuesday night in New Orleans. Wednesday’s second day of NIT action features the University of Alabama Birmingham Blazers vs. the Vanderbilt Commodores. The point spread at BetMGM has Vanderbilt favored by 1.5 points and an over/under of 153.5 points. Bettors should review the lines and game info for UAB-Vanderbilt, and keep up to date with OddsShopper for expert news and analysis as the game approaches. Premium members can access the best college basketball odds and betting resources.
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NIT Odds: UAB-Vanderbilt NIT Quarterfinals
UAB enters the game as a slight underdog after defeating Southern Mississippi and Morehead State to reach the NIT round of eight. The Blazers had a 27-9 overall record this year and went 14-6 in Conference USA. Their conference record was good for third place in the league. However, the success was not enough to earn the Blazers an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Vanderbilt overcame Toledo and Michigan to get to the NIT quarterfinals. Their 22-14 overall record was not strong enough to overcome an 11-7 mark in the SEC in what was a down year for the conference. They were ousted in semifinals of the SEC tournament at the hands of Texas A&M. Had the Commodores won one more game they may have stood a shot to make the “Big Dance.”
The Commodores were especially strong toward the end of the SEC schedule, and were responsible for knocking the University of Kentucky Wildcats out of the SEC tournament. The Wildcats went on to make the NCAA Tournament while Vanderbilt did not. Their absence drew the lament of Kentucky head coach John Calipari.
“Who is it that’s hanging there? Who is it that’s not getting in? I feel bad for Vandy and their team. They played great at the end of the year…I have no idea. But I feel bad for them.”
Vanderbilt will look to make a statement in this one. The UAB-Vanderbilt NIT quarterfinals matchup could have a bit of added significance for both teams whose fanbases are in the south. Although the NIT was traditionally played at New York’s Madison Square Garden, New Orleans hosts the runner-up tournament this time around.
OddsShopper’s experts have covered Tuesday night’s CBI and NIT action and are preparing analysis and the best college basketball bets and odds for this UAB-Vanderbilt showdown.
