Deep down South, college hoops is alive and well as the NIT quarterfinals tips-off in a game between SEC member Mississippi State (20-13) and ACC member Florida State (22-12) from Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville, Miss., at 7 p.m. ET. At stake is a trip to New York City to play in the NIT final four at Madison Square Garden.
Having secured their sixth 20-win season under coach Rick Stansbury, the Bulldogs have made their way to this year's NIT Quarterfinals by claiming double-figure home triumphs over Mississippi Valley State (82-63) and Bradley (101-72) last week. In NIT action thus far, the Bulldogs all-SEC tandem of Jamont Gordon and Charles Rhodes are both averaging 19.0 points per NIT contest while combining for 30-of-46 field-goal shooting between them. Gordon is also averaging 9.0 assists and 7.5 rebounds in postseason tournament action, while Rhodes is contributing 6.0 boards and 5.0 blocks per game in addition to shooting 68 percent from the field during NIT play.
Guided by fifth-year head coach Leonard Hamilton, the Seminoles of Florida State finished in a tie for eighth place (with Clemson) in the ACC standings with a 7-9 league mark. Having prevailed in five of its last six decisions, FSU has advanced to Tuesday's North region championship game of the MasterCard NIT by registering twin-digit home victories over Toledo (77-61) and Michigan (87-66) last week. The Seminoles are paced by senior forward Al Thornton, Flu’s All-ACC First-Team selection and ACC Player of the Year runner-up who is leading the team in scoring (19.8 ppg), rebounding (7.2 rpg), steals (50) and blocks (38). Sophomore guard Toney Douglas, a former transfer from Auburn, is averaging 12.7 points per game for the Seminoles.
Oddsmakers like the Bulldogs chances playing in the friendly confines of their home court in Humphrey Coliseum, a venue known in SEC circles as a very difficult place to play. MSU has been installed a -5.0 favorite with a 151 total.
Point-Spreads.com pick: Florida State +5.0
