I tried to fade the Sycamores in the semifinals, but their array of weapons proved too much for Utah in a 10-point victory. This game won't be nearly as high-scoring. But despite Seton Hall's strong defense, Indiana State should be able to generate enough open 3-pointers. We're getting a little value because of the Pirates' easier path to the championship game. Look for the home crowd to make a difference, too, as the Sycamores cover.

One constant for Indiana State during the NIT has been their offensive excellence. They can play from behind as they did against SMU and Cincinnati, and they can hold off runs as they did from Minnesota and Utah. Seton Hall had problems with the Sycamores type of offense in particular against St. Johns. Look for Indiana State to complete their NIT title and get the win over the Pirates.

If the old axiom “good backcourts win titles” works, the Pirates are well-positioned, as their three-pronged perimeter of Kadary Richmond (15.6 ppg), Dre Davis (14.9 ppg), and Al Amir-Dawes (14.7 ppg) has been leading the charge all season and into the NIT, with Dawes in position to win MOP of the NIT after scoring at a 21 pg clip in the tourney. Rest assured that the Pirates, who won five times on the Big East trail this season, and are already 2-0 at Hinkle this season (also beat Butler on its home floor February 24), not to mention beating (convincingly so) UCcnn at the Rock in January, are not going to be spooked by the high-scoring and well-supported Sycamores. Play Hall (NIT at Indianapolis)