The highest-seeded Memphis Tigers look to proceed their postseason run once they tackle the second-seeded Boise State Broncos in a 2021 NIT quarterfinal matchup on Thursday. With the first-round win over fourth-seeded Dayton, the Tigers (17-8, 11-4) have now made seven consecutive journeys to the NIT during which they received no less than one sport (1998, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2010, 2019 and 2021). The Broncos (19-8, 14-6), who had all 5 starters rating in double figures within the win over SMU, completed simply 1 ½ video games behind first-place San Diego State within the Mountain West standings. Whoever wins Thursday’s sport will advance to the semifinals and is assured two extra video games within the NIT with both an look within the championship or comfort sport.

The sport from UNT coliseum in Denton, Texas, is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET. Memphis is averaging 72.1 factors per sport, whereas Boise State averages 76.2. The Tigers are 4.5-point favorites within the newest Boise State vs. Memphis odds from William Hill Sportsbook, whereas the over-under for whole factors scored is ready at 143. Earlier than making any Memphis vs. Boise State picks, try the faculty basketball predictions from the SportsLine Projection Mannequin.

The SportsLine Projection Mannequin simulates each Division I school basketball sport 10,000 instances. Over the previous four-plus years, the proprietary laptop mannequin has generated a powerful revenue of over $2,200 for $100 gamers on its top-rated school basketball picks in opposition to the unfold. Anybody who has adopted it has seen large returns.

Now, the mannequin has set its sights on Memphis vs. Boise State within the NIT 2021. You’ll be able to head to SportsLine to see its picks. Listed below are a number of school basketball odds and tendencies for Boise State vs. Memphis:

• Boise State vs. Memphis unfold: Memphis -4.5
• Boise State vs. Memphis over-under: 143 factors
• Boise State vs. Memphis cash line: Boise State +175, Memphis -210
• BSU: Held opponents to fewer than 60 factors in 9 video games this season
• MEM: Shot 58.6 % (17 of 29) within the second half of its win over Dayton

Why Memphis can cowl 

Sophomore guard Boogie Ellis has made his presence felt on the Tigers’ offense, scoring in double figures 13 instances this season. Ellis is averaging 9.9 factors, two rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 steals per sport. He scored a career-high 27 factors in opposition to seventh-ranked Houston within the AAC Event semifinals and was named to the all-tournament crew. Ellis was named the AAC Sixth Man of the Yr and was named to the convention’s weekly honor roll twice this season. As a freshman in 2019-20, he began 27 of 31 video games and averaged eight factors and three.3 rebounds.

One other sophomore making a big effect on offense is ahead D.J. Jeffries, who’s averaging 9.6 factors, 5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and one steal per sport. He has additionally registered 17 blocks this yr. He logged 18 factors, a career-high 11 rebounds and a fourth consecutive sport with three steals in opposition to Tulane on Dec. 16. As a freshman final yr, he began 13 video games and averaged 10.8 factors and 4.3 rebounds earlier than being sidelined in the beginning of February with a knee harm.

Why Boise State can cowl

The Broncos snapped a four-game shedding streak within the first-round win over SMU. Senior guard Derrick Alston Jr., who scored 13 factors within the victory, leads Boise State in scoring at 17.3 factors per sport. He’s additionally averaging 3.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 0.7 steals per sport. He’s connecting on 44.6 % of his subject targets, together with 38.7 % from 3-point vary, and 86.7 % from the free throw line. He began 27 video games and was named an All-Mountain West first crew choice by the coaches and media.

Senior ahead Abu Kigab, who has began 25 video games, is just not anticipated to play after struggling a shoulder harm. He’s averaging 11.8 factors, 5.4 rebounds, two assists, 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks per sport. Choosing up the slack on offense is junior guard Marcus Shaver Jr., who’s coming off a 13-point efficiency in opposition to SMU. Shaver averages 10.6 factors, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 steals per sport. He’s flattening 82.6 % of his free throws.

How one can make Boise State vs. Memphis picks

The mannequin is leaning below on the overall, projecting the groups to mix for 141 factors. It has additionally generated an against-the-spread choose that cashes in over 60 % of simulations. You’ll be able to solely see the choose at SportsLine.

So who wins Boise State vs. Memphis? And which facet of the unfold hits over 60 % of the time? Go to SportsLine proper now to see which facet of the unfold it’s essential to bounce on, all from the pc mannequin that has crushed its school basketball picks.