Stanford vs. BYU: 2018 NIT first round preview and prediction

In the first round of the NIT, how will the Stanford Cardinal fare against the BYU Cougars? Both teams are poised to potentially make a run at the title.

Network: ESPNU

Date: March 14th, 2018

Location: Maples Pavillion (Stanford, CA)

How have the Cougars been playing lately?

Falling one game shy of an automatic NCAA tournament berth, the Cougars have a lot to play for in the year’s NIT. The 2018 BYU Cougars have proven they can play with the big boys by beating St. Mary’s prior to playing for the West Coast Conference title. The Cougars have won six of their last nine outings by an average of eight points.

How have the Cardinal been playing lately?

Prior to losing a tough game in Sin City to Lavar Ball University, the Cardinal had won five out of six, including a win at Arizona State. The Cardinal downfall in their season-ending loss to UCLA was because of the immaculate performance of Aaron Holiday and their inability to defend the three-point line. BYU doesn’t have their own Aaron Holiday, but it is possible that the Cougars could shoot 44% from the 3-point line if the Cardinals fail to defend.

Key Player to Watch: Reid Travis

The 6-8 forward is a consistent as consistent comes. The Minneapolis native has been a double-double machine that most notably put up twenty-three points and ten rebounds against an Arizona frontcourt that includes DeAndre Ayton. Reid Travis consistency is not something to be taken for granted and will be vital to the Cardinal success in the first round.

Next: Ranking the 68 teams in the 2018 NCAA Tournament

BYU barely got into this event but will bring back the team’s entire roster for next year. Standford will do the same, making this one of the more hard-fought games. There’s a good amount at stake, will the winner gaining more experience for next season.

Prediction: Stanford, 76 – BYU, 72