NIT Preview: Washington State vs. Wichita State Predictions

Written by Jake Thompson
Tuesday, 29 March 2011 21:52

It’s time for score predictions in the NIT game between Washington State and Wichita State.

Tonight’s NIT semifinal game between the Washington State Cougars (27-8) and the Wichita State Shockers (22-12) is next up in another edition of our final score predictions.  The two teams will battle it out to take on the winner of the Alabama/Colorado clash for the right to be called 2011 NIT Champion, and the game between Wichita State and Washington State will be played on a neutral court at Madison Square Garden in New York.  Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM and you can catch the NIT action on the ESPN2 channel.

The Cougars have advanced to the NIT semifinal by besting Long Beach State (85-74), Oklahoma State (74-64), and Northwestern (69-66), while the Shockers have made their way here with wins over Nebraska (76-49), Virginia Tech (79-76), and Charleston (82-75).  Washington State has struggled a bit away from home this season (8-8) while Wichita State has been much stronger when forced to travel (13-4).  Las Vegas has Wichita State as a small favorite currently and our final score predictions will let everyone know if they deserve the honor.

Both rosters figure to be at full strength after Washington State forward DeAngelo Casto (12.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG) was reinstated after originally being suspended due to a marijuana-related issue.  Wichita State guard Toure’ Murry (9.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.4 APG) is listed as probable for tonight’s NIT game because of an illness.

Washington State’s offense has been solid all year and the Cougars come into tonight’s clash averaging 73.7 points per game on the season.  That being said, the Cougars have shot horribly on the road this season and their averages of 67.5 points per game on 40.9% shooting from the field are a cause for concern against an active Wichita State defense that gives up just 62.4 points per game on 41.2% shooting.  The Cougars have been poor rebounders this year and that will be another issue against a Wichita State squad that dominates on the boards.

The Shockers scored 72.6 points per game on the season and don’t suffer from the same shooting woes as Washington State when on the road.  Wichita State scores 71.6 points per game on 47.6% shooting when away from home and the Shockers will try to exploit a Cougar defense that allows 67.2 points per game on.  Washington State does an excellent job at guarding the perimeter and that could be a big equalizer since Wichita State has some good shooters from long range. 

Ultimately, the Shockers’ ability to dominate in the rebounding category will be the difference maker and I’m calling for Wichita State to move on to the NIT final.  Washington State simply hasn’t shot well enough on the road to warrant serious consideration in this game and I think Wichita State will be able to win comfortably with a 7-8 point win margin.

Wichita State 76
Washington State 69