North Texas, which traditionally subscribes to a cautious, patient offense, has turned into Alabama. The Mean Green have tallied at least 71 points in their past seven outings. The defense has tagged along, allowing that number and more in four of the past five. Seton Hall's elimination game in the Big East Tournament resulted in 163. Its NIT opener wound up with 147, albeit in overtime. Mostly, the Mean Green have gone all run 'n' gun compared to the version a year ago in their quest for a second straight NIT crown.

North Texas went on the road a few days ago and beat an LSU team that played very well down the stretch of the season. Seton Hall didn't close the season super strong and I question their motivation in this one relative to North Texas. North Texas won the NIT last year and they exhibited their motivation to win again by going all out against LSU. I expect a similar performance on Saturday. North Texas plays great defense and when they get hot beyond the arc, they are tough to beat. Seton Hall doesn't have the firepower to be a two possession favorite.