So here it is, the battle for the NIT Championship at Madison Square Garden. The game will be on ESPN at 4 PM PT/7 PM ET. Let's take a look at both teams.
Ken Pomeroy says ... 108th best offense, 7th best defense. Plays at one of the slowest tempos in college basketball. Great two point defense, solid three point defense. Force a lot of turnovers, steals and blocks.
The weaknesses with Bama are terrible outside shooting from behind the three point line. Also struggle at getting to the free throw line. Turnover prone squad as well.
SB Nation community: Roll Bama Roll
Ken Pomeroy says ... 30th best offense, 46th best defense, one of the slowest tempos in college basketball. Great rebounding team, particularly on the defensive end. This team is great at shooting and defensing shots, with a strong field goal offense and defense, particularly on two pointers, as well as solid free throw shooting. Solid eight man rotation, with no player averaging more than 26 minutes. Good passing team, putting up assists on an average of 60% of their made field goals. One of the most experienced teams in college basketball.
The weaknesses for Wichita St. are they don't get to the line and they don't force turnovers. Also, an average three point defense.
Prediction: Wichita State has too many strengths, they're defensively sound (which does not bode well for Bama's turgid offense), and they play at Alabama's pace. They should be able to capture their first NIT title Thursday night.