MTSU vs. UNC Wilmington Prediction and Odds for CBI Championship Game (Take the Under in Tight Matchup)

We'll crown a champion in the College Basketball Invitational today as the No. 2-seeded Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders take on the No. 9-seeded UNC Wilmington Seahawks at 5:00 PM EST.

Both teams have covered the spread in all three tournament games and have been among the best bets in college basketball this year. Middle Tennessee State is a ridiculous 11-2-1 against the spread (ATS) over their last 14 while the Seahawks are 7-1 ATS in their last eight.

These teams haven't played since 2016, but each features an experienced roster anxious to end the season with a trophy.

Can UNC Wilmington stay strong as underdogs and keep it close or will the Blue Raiders notch a commanding victory?

Let's check out the odds over at WynnBET to find some value in this College Basketball Invitational Championship Game:

MTSU vs UNC Wilmington Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• MTSU: -5 (-110)
• UNC Wilmington: +5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• MTSU: -215
• UNC Wilmington: +175

Total:

• 135 (Over -110/Under -110)

MTSU vs UNC Wilmington Prediction and Pick

I love feisty underdogs and the Seahawks are among the feistiest. In their last 15 games as an underdog, UNC Wilmington is 13-2 ATS and 12-3 outright. Yes, that's not a typo. The Seahawks have straight up won 12 of the last 15 games they've been an underdog in. That's absolutely insane.

Unfortunately for them and my heart, Middle Tennessee pretty much always covers the spread as a favorite. They're 16-3-1 ATS as a favorite this year, which is equally ridiculous. This championship game should be incredible - the immovable object vs the unstoppable force, who ya got?

The Seahawks should control the turnover battle and have been shooting the lights out, ranking in the 94th percentile in three-point shooting percentage over their last five. But the Blue Raiders have been shooting well too and have a much stronger defense than UNC Wilmington. I can't bring myself to bet against a team that always finds a way as an underdog though, so I'll be looking to the total instead.

As consistent as both teams have been against the spread, they've been extremely consistent on the total as well. The under is 8-1 in Middle Tennessee State's last nine as a favorite and 6-1 in the Seahawks' last seven as an underdog.

Both teams are comfortable playing at a slow pace and in a championship game, I expect a patient level of play. Give me the under in what should be a thrilling affair.

Pick: Under 135 (-110)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.