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  • NIT preview and pick

    7pm ET
    2004 NIT Semifinals
    Rutgers vs Iowa State

    We'll go with the covering machine that is the Iowa St Cyclones tonight when they take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

    Rutgers of the Big East are 19-12 SU this season but are just 5-5 ATS through their last ten games. They have reached the semifinals of the NIT for the first time since 1978 following victories over Temple as well as Big East rivals West Virginia and Villanova. Although they covered last time out against the Wildcats, Rutgers has not covered consecutive games since mid-February.

    These Cyclones are not the same team that struggled to an 8-10 record in the Big 12. They have covered five straight games, nine of their last ten overall and have stepped up their defense throughout the tournament in allowing just 65 points per game.

    Iowa State enters tonight's game with a 20-12 overall record for the season. They punched their ticket to the Big Apple with a 77-69 victory over Marquette on Thursday night when they held the Golden Eagles to 39.3% FG's. Marquette came in leading Conference USA in 3-point shooting but were allowed few open looks by Iowa St and shot just 9 of 27 for the game. That effort continued a great run as the Cyclones have defended the perimeter with such intensity in the NIT that only 19% of 3-point attempts against them have hit their mark.

    While the Cyclones overall ATS record of 17-12 (.586) is respectable, it's worth noting that they are 9-4 (.692) this season as a favorite and 16-8 (.667) against teams with a winning record.

    ISU freshman guard Curtis Stinson made a name for himself on New York City's playgrounds and can't wait to finally play on the famed Madison Square Garden court.

    "I watched a lot of players play there," Bronx native Stinson said. "My friends played there all the time. I never got the chance. This is my time to finally get on the court. I'm ready to go home. It'll feel so good to play at home."

    ISU coach Wayne Morgan is also very excited at the opportunity for his team to play in the Big Apple tonight. The Brooklyn native played high school basketball in the New York area and coached for several years in the state including time as an assistant at Syracuse.

    Rutgers are 1-5 ATS the last three seasons in all neutral court games while Iowa St are 5-3.

    Recommended Play: Iowa St -2.5
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