Dayton vs. Toledo Prediction and Odds for NIT Opening Round (Rockets Set to Launch)

While all eyes are on the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, there's plenty of money to be made in the NIT as well. We've got a first round matchup between two teams who could win the whole thing today as the 23-10 No.1 Dayton Flyers and 26-7 No. 8 Toledo Rockets at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Dayton was cruising in the Atlantic-10 Tournament against eventual champion Richmond before losing point guard Malachi Smith to injury. The Flyers offense couldn't overcome the loss and they were narrowly defeated.

Toledo, meanwhile, won six in a row before an upset loss to Akron, who went on to win the MAC Tournament.

Tonight's matchup is a home game for the Rockets, where they went 13-1 this year. Can they keep their season alive with another strong performance at the Savage Arena or will the Flyers take out their frustrations on the home team?

Let's check out the odds over at WynnBET to find some value in this NIT Opening Round matchup:

Dayton vs Toledo Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Dayton +1.5 (-110)
• Toledo -1.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Dayton: +105
• Toledo: -125

Total:

• 143 (Over -110/Under -110)

Dayton vs. Toledo Prediction and Pick

Malachi Smith is a steadying force for the Flyers offense. He's their best shooter while leading the team in assists and steals, so his absence looms large.

Dayton is a team I thought could make a run in the NCAA Tournament if they won the Atlantic-10, but now I see them bowing out in the first round of the NIT. Their defense is really struggling, ranking in the 23rd percentile in rating over their last five. That's bad news against a Toledo offense that's in the 100th percentile in offensive rating during the same time span.

The Rockets are elite at preventing turnovers and can score from anywhere. Guard Ryan Rollins averages 19 points per game and should have his way, especially with Smith hobbled. They've got a rebounding advantage, a shooting advantage, a free throw advantage, and based on recent play, a defensive advantage as well.

Toledo has been one of the best bets in college basketball this season and I see no reason to shy away from them now. They're 22-8 against the spread on the year and I think they'll take advantage of a depleted Flyers squad to make it 23-8.

Pick: Toledo -1.5 (-110)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.

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