NC Wilmington Seahawks vs VMI Keydets Point Spread Picks

This is a CBI battle in Daytona, Florida. VMI is all about running-and-gunning, shooting a ton of three-pointers. But you need some defense in tournament play and this team doesn't have it, second-to-last in the Southern Conference in points surrendered (79.2 ppg), sixth in field goal shooting defense. They were also last in the conference in rebounding margin at minus-3.6. VMI is 9-21 ATS away from home after a game with 5 or fewer offensive rebounds. NC Wilmington is on an 18-5 spread run, 12-5 versus winning teams. NC Wilmington was the regular-season champs in the Colonial Athletic Association with a 15-3 mark with a fine defense, second in points allowed. The Seahawks are 52-32 ATS away from home against teams that shoot 37% or better from long range, plus 16-7 ATS versus opponents who attempt 21+ treys per contest. And NC Wilmington is 52-33 ATS in all tournament games. Play NC Wilmington.

The VMI Keydets are a school that certainly does not have a top basketball program. They have reinvented themselves to play at a frenetic pace, shooting a lot of three-pointers. The players love the system because it is all about shooting the ball and squeezing off as many shots as they can. They scored 124 points in their last game, and have 12 players that all get at least eight minutes per game. They try to overcome their weaknesses and turn them into strengths by wearing out their opponents. The Seahawks depend on six players for the most part, and their stamina is going to be challenged, especially late in the game where I expect VMI to emerge the winner. Play VMI on the moneyline.