I thought about not doing a preview for NIT games, but the big sports junkie I am decided to so I can learn more about different teams. Alabama opened as a 18.5 point favorite, but has recently dropped to 16 today.
Norfolk St is a good team that got upset in their tournament final against NC Central, who plays in the First Four game tonight. Norfolk St ranks 45th in 3 point % and 32nd in FT %. What hurts this is turnovers, as they rank in the low 314th in turnovers per game and 292nd in offensive efficiency. They have 3 different players who have made 45+ threes this season They play a very uptempo style with a small lineup similar to Auburn. Their 14.8 turnovers per game can be misleading as they play very fast.
Alabama tends to have trouble against those teams. Norfolk St is outmatched in this game however. Alabama is too big, athletic, and long to expect Norfolk St to win this game. One thing that is concerning is the lack of success 1 seeds have in this tournament. If Alabama were to lose this game, Avery may not be allowed back into the gym again. I think Bama wins this game handily, and Avery will get to coach another game. For now.....
Alabama 83-64
Norfolk St is a good team that got upset in their tournament final against NC Central, who plays in the First Four game tonight. Norfolk St ranks 45th in 3 point % and 32nd in FT %. What hurts this is turnovers, as they rank in the low 314th in turnovers per game and 292nd in offensive efficiency. They have 3 different players who have made 45+ threes this season They play a very uptempo style with a small lineup similar to Auburn. Their 14.8 turnovers per game can be misleading as they play very fast.
Alabama tends to have trouble against those teams. Norfolk St is outmatched in this game however. Alabama is too big, athletic, and long to expect Norfolk St to win this game. One thing that is concerning is the lack of success 1 seeds have in this tournament. If Alabama were to lose this game, Avery may not be allowed back into the gym again. I think Bama wins this game handily, and Avery will get to coach another game. For now.....
Alabama 83-64
