On Thursday, a Conference USA battle will take place in the NIT between Louisiana Tech and Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers had the best regular-season record in the league but did not get support from oddsmakers for the conference tournament. In fact, Louisiana Tech was co-favorite with NCAA Tournament participant North Texas. Expect the Bulldogs to execute better in half-court sets and get the win.

No. 4 Louisiana Tech vs. No. 3 Western Kentucky in NIT quarterfinal from Texas. The Hilltoppers seem to be the very popular pick all over the place, including from our Larry Hartstein. I totally get it as they will have the best player on the floor in future NBA draftee Charles Bassey. However, I think the loss of rugged power forward Carson Williams -- he's pursuing an NFL career -- will hurt against a big, physical Tech team. These Conference USA schools split two close games in Kentucky this season and Williams averaged 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in them. “We’re a different team now without Carson,” WKU coach Rich Stansbury said. “We’ll miss his ability to give us some good physical depth in there against those two or three big guys (Louisiana Tech has)."

Louisiana Tech is a strong defensive team, but let's not give the Bulldogs too much credit for beating an Ole Miss team minus two starters, including point guard Devontae Shuler. These conference rivals split two meetings in the regular season, but it's clear the Hilltoppers have a higher ceiling. They beat Alabama and Memphis and lost a close one to West Virginia. Look for Western Kentucky to improve to 27-9 ATS in its last 36 as an underdog.