ANALYSIS: North Texas will be without a key player this evening, Abou Ousmane, who hasn’t played since 3/15. Without Ousmane down-low, the Mean Green will rely even more on their three ball and could struggle rebounding the ball inside as well. Wisconsin has played their best ball in NIT and have been guarding the perimeter well all season, allowing 31.7 percent. The Badgers have not shot the three well but have been shooting it very effectively from the floor, 52.3 percent, and the free-throw line, 84.6 percent, over their last three games. Wisconsin also protects the ball very well, turning it over 6.7 times during that span as well. The loss of Ousmane could be crucial to the outcome of tonight’s contest. I’m on Wisconsin.

ANALYSIS: Creighton has been very good on both sides of the ball. San Diego State is not going to blow a team away with their offense. The Aztecs are going to try and win the game with their defense first then capitalize on offense. They have the 4th best defense in terms of efficiency and guard the perimeter very well. San Diego State has been the better rebounding team, especially on the offensive glass over each teams last three games. The Blue Jays might have the taller players but the Aztecs are the more athletic team. I’m on San Diego State.

ANALYSIS: Kansas State relies heavily on their two main players in Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell, and rightfully so. Those two combined for 88 minutes in their last game against Michigan State. Florida Atlantic is the much deeper team and have a good rotation with their guards to keep them fresh. The Wildcats have been the more efficient team offensively over their last three games but the Owls have shown that they also belong in this spot. Florida Atlantic does rely on the three but their also very efficient from the floor. Kansas State will want to push the pace to win this game from the floor but Florida Atlantic is able to defend that very well, 11th best in the nation. The Owls are the better rebounding team as well, averaging 12 more rebounds than the Wildcats over each teams last three games. I'm on Florida Atlantic.

ANALYSIS: In terms of efficiency, Gonzaga is number one in offense and UCLA is number two in defense. This will be a clash of styles while the Bulldogs will want to play fast and the Bruins want a slow, grind it out game. There are some questions if UCLA’s Adem Bona and David Singleton will play, as they’re listed as questionable. Each player plays significant rolls on defensive and will be needed to contain Drew Timme inside and the other offensive weapons for Gonzaga on the perimeter. The Bruins are the better free three shooting team and are able to generate steals with their defense while also protecting the ball on offense. As always, I’m willing to back the better defensive team in March. I’m on UCLA.

ANALYSIS: Texas is a much deeper team than Xavier. The Musketeers really only play six players for most of the game, especially without Zach Freemantle who hasn’t played since 1/28. Xavier shoots the three very well at 55.4 percent on the season but have shot 26.8 percent over their last three games. The Longhorns have the guard play to contain the perimeter, making shots difficult. Texas had a poor shooting performance against Penn State, so there may be progression from beyond the arc. They’re also the better free throw shooting team over each teams last three games, 77.4 percent to 62.7 percent. The Longhorns have the 10th best defense in terms of efficiency and I’m willing to back the better defense in March. I’m on Texas.