Northern Iowa vs. BYU Prediction and Odds for NIT Second Round (Back Panthers to Cool Down Cougars)

The NIT is in full effect right now. We're into the second round and Northern Iowa and BYU will face off tonight. The Cougars get to play at home, but they were only 6-7 ATS as the home team this season. The Panthers were 5-7-1 ATS on the road this year. With a date in the next round on the line, which teams will break out of their trend and get the win?

Here are the odds for the matchup via WynnBET.

Northern Iowa vs. BYU Odds, Spread and Total

Spread: 

• Northern Iowa: +6 (-110)
• BYU: -6 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Northern Iowa: +205
• BYU: -255

Total:

• 149.5 (Over: -110/Under: -110)

Northern Iowa vs. BYU Prediction and Pick

BYU is coming off a great win against Long Beach State, winning by over 20 points. The Cougars are one of the more balanced teams in the tournament, but the Panthers will push the limit of BYU's defense today.

Outside of two losses to Loyola Chicago -- who made the NCAA tournament -- the Panthers are on a hot streak right now. The Panthers have won 11 out of 13 games. Their offense is top 100 in nearly every offensive category and shoots nearly 80% from the free throw line as a team. If this game is close, I'll trust the Panthers to knock down shots and keep this game from getting out of hand.

BYU will have the advantage on the boards. The Cougars have the fourth-best opponent offensive rebounding rate in the country. If BYU can keep that up, then all the pressure will be on Northern Iowa to make shots.

Even knowing that, I'll take the Panthers and their red-hot offense to keep them competitive.

Lean: Northern Iowa +6 (-110)

You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.