Saint Joseph’s finished third at 13-5 in the Atlantic 10 conference, and they ended up 24-11 on the season with 20 covers while staying under 22 times. They travel to New Mexico (25-10) tonight for the NIT Quarterfinals, and they're getting 11 points from a team that is basically the same but faster. Saint Joseph's is playing their best ball of the season, winning and covering their last nine of 10 games. They won their first two NIT games as an underdog. New Mexico has lost four of its last eight. Contrasting styles meet tonight, with New Mexico averaging 81.5 points a game and Saint Joseph's allowing only 69.8. Saint Joseph plus the points.
We must take a deep breath when alloting double digits in a second-tier postseason tournament game. Yet there are several reasons for comfort in doing so. New Mexico has rung up wins of 24 and 25 points in the NIT with sizable, enthusiastic crowds. The Lobos are awarded a third home game, and the atmosphere favors them. The elements could work against St. Joseph's, playing at high elevation in its third straight NIT roadie. The Hawks have spent more than a week out west, far away from home. They spent considerable energy rallying from a deep deficit to nip California on Sunday. New Mexico stands 16-3 straight-up at home, with the majority of wins by 10-plus points. Another one is there for the taking.
