Utah Valley Wolverines vs UAB Blazers 3/28/23 – On Tuesday evening, the Utah Valley Wolverines 28-8 meet the UAB Blazers 28-9 in the semifinals of the NIT Tournament on neutral court territory. Before that matchup, Utah Valley defeated New Mexico, Colorado and Cincinnati to advance while UAB has defeated Southern Mississippi, Morehead State and Vanderbilt on their way there as well. However, according to NCAAB betting lines, UAB Blazers are the favorite to advance to the next round.
Utah Valley Wolverines vs UAB Blazers
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 9:30 PM ET
Location: Orleans Arena
TV: ESP2
Utah Valley Wolverines vs UAB Blazers Betting Odds
Utah Valley
Moneyline: +120
Spread: +2.5 (-112)
Total: 151.5 over (-110)
UAB
Moneyline: -140
Spread: -2.5 (-108)
Total: 151.5 under (-110)
Utah Valley Wolverines vs UAB Blazers Analysis
Utah Valley Wolverines have become accustomed to playing as the underdog in two out of their three NIT games. Utah Valley had come from behind to defeat New Mexico and Colorado as underdogs in the opening two rounds, then came out as a small 1.5-point favorite against Cincinnati in the quarterfinals on Wednesday night 74-68. The Wolverines have now won seven of their last eight games dating back to the regular season, with only one loss coming in the semifinals of the conference tournament against Stephen F. Austin. Furthermore, the Wolverines have covered the spread in three straight contests. Ken Pomeroy’s ratings have Utah Valley ranked 65th in DI and they are 2-2 on neutral courts, including their loss to Southern Utah in the WAC tournament. Utah Valley has scored more than 80 points three times this season and their average scoring margin is 76.7, placing them 61st nationally; their conceding average stands at 67.8 points per game at 108th.
The UAB Blazers are playing with confidence after posting three convincing wins in the NIT. They defeated Southern Mississippi and Morehead State by double digits, and were considered two-point underdogs against Vanderbilt on Wednesday night. Although UAB narrowly lost to FAU in the C-USA championship game, their record now stands at 9-1 over their last ten games. The Blazers have won five of their six playoff games, placing them 43rd nationally according to Ken Pomeroy’s ratings. UAB is 4-2 on neutral courts this year with victories over Rice and North Texas during the conference tourney. UAB averages 82.2 points per game this year – good enough for ninth in the NIT; their defense has been their greatest strength thus far; limiting opponents to an average of 71 points, placing them 206th overall.
Utah Valley Wolverines vs UAB Blazers Against the Spread
Wolverines are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Tuesday games. Under is 6-1 in Wolverines last 7 Tuesday games. Wolverines are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above 0.600. The Wolverines are 22-5 ATS in their last 27 games overall. Over is 4-1 in Wolverines last 5 neutral site games.
Under is 4-0 in Blazers last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above 0.600. The Blazers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Blazers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above 0.600. Blazers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 4-1 in Blazers last 5 games following a straight up win.
Utah Valley Wolverines vs UAB Blazers Free Pick
Utah Valley Wolverines have been impressive, but UAB has been dominating in the NIT. UAB boasts a superior offensive team while their defense has been at its best during this tournament – making them hard to beat. Unfortunately for Utah Valley, their last four games have yielded an average of 74 points which won’t do any favors against such an impressive UAB unit. NCAAB betting picks are in favor of the UAB Blazers to win this game and cover the spread.
Free Pick: UAB Blazers -2.5 (-108)
