Dayton vs. Belmont Prediction and Odds: Expect Points in ESPN Events Invitational Championship Game

The Dayton Flyers shocked the college basketball world when they upset the No. 4 ranked Kansas on Friday, beating them 74-73 on a last-second buzzer beater. It was their first win against a top-five opponent since 1984. The victory awarded them a spot in the ESPN Events Invitational championship game.

Dayton will try to keep its momentum alive today, when it takes on the Belmont Bruins in an unlikely meeting in the ESPN Events Invitational Championship. With teams like Miami, Kansas and Alabama in the tournament, not many people would have predicted the championship game to be a matchup between Dayton and Belmont.

Here's a look at the odds for today's championship game via WynnBET.

Dayton vs. Belmont Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• Dayton +3 (-115)
• Belmont -3 (-105)

Moneyline:

• Dayton +135
• Belmont -160

Total:

• 142 (Over -110/Under -110)

Dayton vs. Belmont Prediction and Pick

It might be surprising to find the team that just upset Kansas set as a three-point underdog, but don't let recency bias play into your decision. Belmont is projected to be one of the top mid-major programs in college basketball this season, and it has a chance to firmly establish that belief today.

With that being said, I'm looking at the total in today's game instead of the spread. Both teams have been much better offensively this season than defensively, and I expect that to result in a high-scoring affair.

Belmont ranks 61st in the country in effective field goal percentage, and Dayton ranks not too far behind them at 84th. Meanwhile, both teams rank in the bottom third of the country in opponent effective field goal percentage, with Belmont rankings 204th and Dayton ranking 213th.

The Bruins also play at a fast pace of play, which should aid the OVER. They rank 61st in field goal attempts per game and 72nd in possessions per game. Expect a lot of points in today's championship game.

Pick: OVER 142