Let's take a quick look at NIT quarterfinal action. The winners of these games go onto the semifinals at Madison Square Garden next Monday. All the games are probably televised on ESPN2 and can be seen online at ESPN3.com.
Tuesday, March 22
Kent St. Golden Flashes at Colorado Buffaloes, 6 PM PT/9 PM ET
Pick: Colorado. Kent State's strong three point shooting defense should keep them in the game with Colorado's efficient offense, but Colorado should be able to gain extra possessions by using their size to take advantage of Kent State's poor rebounding. Plus they're at home, and it's not easy playing in Boulder.
Wednesday, March 23
Charleston Cougars at Wichita St. Shockers 4 PM PT/7 PM ET
Pick: Wichita State. Charleston is an awful rebounding team, and their defense is merely average. That won't be enough against a fairly solid Shocker squad that is good all-around.
Miami Hurricanes at Alabama Crimson Tide, 6 PM PT/9 PM ET
Pick: Alabama. The Tide aren't a great offensive team, but their defense should be enough to shut down Miami at home to move them to the Final Four...of the NIT.
Northwestern Wildcats at Washington St. Cougars, 8 PM PT/11 PM ET
Pick: Wazzu. Homecourt should make all the difference for the more balanced Cougars, who should be able to pick apart a horrible Northwestern defense while holding their own elsewhere.