The upcoming NIT quarterfinal features top seed New Mexico facing off against unseeded Saint Joseph's. New Mexico, boasting a 24-10 record, has been dominant at home with a 16-3 record at the Pit, including two significant postseason victories. In contrast, Saint Joseph's, under first-year coach Steve Donahue, enters the matchup as the only unseeded team left in the tournament after impressive road wins this season. This clash marks the first meeting between the two since 1999, stirring interest in their contrasting playoff journeys.

By the Numbers
  • New Mexico has won consecutive NIT games by over 20 points, a program first.
  • Saint Joseph's is 6-0 in games decided by three points or fewer this season.
State of Play
  • New Mexico expects a strong home crowd to bolster their performance.
  • Saint Joseph's has shown resilience, coming back from a 19-point deficit to win against California.
What's Next

The winner of this matchup will advance to the NIT semifinals in Indianapolis, facing the victor of the Wichita State vs. Tulsa game. New Mexico aims to secure its first semifinal appearance since 2001, while Saint Joseph's seeks to capitalize on its momentum in the tournament.

Bottom Line

This game presents a classic matchup of home-court advantage versus a determined underdog; New Mexico's dominance may face a test against Saint Joseph's tenacity. Bettors should consider both teams' recent performances and historical context as they prepare for an exciting quarterfinal showdown.