The Cardinal players did not want to play in the NIT. However, now it seems they have something to prove after winning their first two games of the tournament. Mississippi State is one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the country, which does not bode well against a Louisville club that ranks 17th in field-goal defense. Lay the points with the favorite Tuesday.

Louisville opened the NIT as a mere 7.5-point favorite over Northern Kentucky after its players’ vote to skip the tournament was overruled. But Louisville’s apparent devotion is reflected in its improved defense and points to an Under. Mississippi State shoots twos (55.2 percent) far better than threes (31.5). The Cardinals’ big men allow little daylight for attempting deuces, and their likely use of a zone defense should put a lid on scoring.

Mississippi State comes off a big 78-77 win at Baylor Sunday night making it four straight covers for them. They're playing well and embracing the NIT while it could be understood if Louisville felt it beneath them. Louisville is about 2-points better on a neutral court and lets call the Louisville home court edge worth 4.5-points in part because MSU has only three road wins all season. I'm on Louisville.