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NCAA Basketball: 2018 NIT Season Tip-Off preview and predictions

By TJ Miller

OKLAHOMA CITY - MARCH 20: A detail of a NCAA logo decal is seen at center court as the Kansas State Wildcats play against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Ford Center on March 20, 2010 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY - MARCH 20: A detail of a NCAA logo decal is seen at center court as the Kansas State Wildcats play against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Ford Center on March 20, 2010 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – DECEMBER 27: Head coach Steve Wojciechowski of the Marquette Golden Eagles reacts to an officials call during the first half of a game against the Xavier Musketeers at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on December 27, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – DECEMBER 27: Head coach Steve Wojciechowski of the Marquette Golden Eagles reacts to an officials call during the first half of a game against the Xavier Musketeers at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on December 27, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Predictions

Game 1:

Wednesday, November 21st, 2018

5:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2

Tennessee 70 – Louisville 57

These are two well coached teams who aren’t afraid to mix it up. Tennessee has a more experienced group and will look to set the tone early. The Cardinals, on the other hand, are a bit of a wildcard. They’ll need to jump out to an early lead if the want to pull off a win in this one. Louisville did prevail the last time these schools met in 2008, a 79-60 victory in the sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

Game 2:

Wednesday, November 21st, 2018

7:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2

Kansas 89 – Marquette 82

Although it’s possible this one ends up a low scoring affair, don’t count on it. Both teams have shot the 3 ball with frequency so far and this matchup could have stretches of trading blow for blow. Something to watch for is if Marquette goes small in an effort to force Azubuike from the paint. Kansas has a significant size advantage but might lack some quickness to keep up with the shooter’s of Marquette. This one is must-watch TV.

3rd place game:

Friday, November 23rd, 2018

7:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2

Marquette 83 – Louisville 78

It’s far from a guarantee these two will meet for the 3rd place on Friday, but if they do it’s one heck of a “consolation” game. Both team has very versatile bigs but Howard could prove the difference maker for the Golden Eagles. Going 0-2 in New York would be a disappointment for either team even if there’s no “bad losses” to be had in this tournament.

Finals:

Friday, November 23rd, 2018

9:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2

Tennessee 77 Kansas 69

This would arguably be the best matchup of the week should it happen. Grant Williams and Kyle Alexander vs Dedric Lawson and Udoka Azubuike would be a treat for viewers. This also feels like a game Admiral Schofield could explode after somewhat of a slow start. With Kansas still solidifying roles and figuring out how to gel, it’s easiest to trust Tennessee in this one.

Next. Battle 4 Atlantis Preview. dark

Regardless if how it all shakes down, these four games highlight some of November’s finest.

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