North Texas vs Oklahoma State Odds
| North Texas Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4 -110 | 121 -110o / -110u | +165 |
| Oklahoma State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4 -110 | 121 -110o / -110u | -185 |
Oklahoma State hosts North Texas on Tuesday night in an NIT quarterfinal matchup with a trip to Las Vegas on the line.
The Cowboys have defeated Youngstown State and Eastern Washington during this NIT run to enter this contest with a 20-15 record.
Meanwhile, the Mean Green will have to hit the road for the first time in this tournament after downing both Alcorn State and Sam Houston at home in the previous rounds.
If you like defensive basketball, this is the perfect game for you as points should be at a premium.
North Texas Mean Green
Since coach Grant McCasland arrived in Denton, Texas, you could always count on his squad to be very good on the defensive end of the floor.
This year is no different.
Coming into this contest, North Texas ranks in the top 25, according to Bart Torvik, in multiple categories, including AdjD (24th), EFG% (8th) and opponents’ 2-point (8th) and 3-point shooting (20th).
This is also the same team that's 74th in forcing turnovers.
The defense has been on display in the NIT so far, with the Mean Green holding their opponents to just 54 points per game in the two victories.
On offense, North Texas is led by Conference USA Player of the Year Tylor Perry, who has averaged 22 points, 6.5 rebounds and four assists per game in the two wins in this tournament.
He’ll need to stay hot to lead his team to the semifinals.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Just like its opponents, Oklahoma State also brings an excellent defense to the party under coach Mike Boynton Jr.
On the season, the Cowboys are in the top 15 in AdjD (11th), EFG% (13th) and defending 2-pointers (10th), while just sitting outside the top 50 in opponents’ 3-point% (54th).
Meanwhile, the Pokes also led the Big 12 in blocks at 4.9 per game.
It has also been impressive what Boynton has done to motivate his team after missing out on the NCAA tournament. A victory in this one would be the first time the program has ever advanced to the final four of the NIT.
The offense flows through guard John-Michael Wright, who leads the team in scoring (15.3 PPG) and assists (2.7 APG). He also chips in with 4.3 rebounds and 3.74 steals per game, and he’ll be needed everywhere in order to survive and advance.
North Texas vs Oklahoma State Betting Pick
In a game between two great defenses, my initial thought was a look towards the under. But Oklahoma State does play at a higher tempo at times.
However, I do see value on the side.
With that said, I’m going to back North Texas on the spread of +5, which I would play to +4.
Ultimately, it comes down to which offense you trust more in this spot, and most of the advanced metrics point to the visitors.
The Mean Green are better offensively in AdjO and EFG% and do rank 50th in the country in 3-point%. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are outside the top 125 in all of those categories.
Another key advantage for the visitors is how well they shoot at the charity stripe, hovering around 75% as a team. Oklahoma State is outside the top 250 at the free-throw line, which could come into play in a very physical, defensive battle.
This is also a Pokes team that has failed to cover any of their last five at home. I’ll take my chances that North Texas can stay within the number.
