College Basketball Betting Picks Today: Best Bets for Tuesday, March 17 2026 Postseason action resumes on Tuesday as the opening round of the NIT begins, featuring three intriguing matchups. Here are the top betting picks for the day, based on team strengths, matchups, and statistical trends. The Liberty Flames face the George Mason Patriots in a game where Liberty’s offensive firepower could be a key factor. The Flames rank fifth nationally in field goal percentage inside the arc and sixth beyond it, with a second-highest effective field goal percentage. Their ability to shoot efficiently and minimize turnovers makes them a tough team to stop. However, Liberty’s defense is a concern, ranking 268th in adjusted efficiency. The Flames’ strategy of limiting free-throw attempts (15th nationally) could neutralize George Mason’s strength in scoring from the line, as the Patriots rely heavily on foul shots for 22% of their points. Liberty’s interior defense, holding opponents to 51% on two-point attempts, also aligns well with George Mason’s low three-point accuracy. These factors make Liberty a strong contender to keep the game close, supporting a +5.5 point spread bet. In the Wyoming vs. Wichita State matchup, the under is the favored bet. Wichita State’s defense ranks 64th in adjusted efficiency, excelling at forcing opponents into difficult shots (under 48% on two-pointers and under 31% on three-pointers). However, the Shockers struggle with free-throw shooting, making just 69% of attempts (305th nationally). Wyoming, which ranks 83rd in adjusted efficiency, benefits from a strong offensive game plan, including a solid free-throw percentage (82nd) and efficient two-point shooting (86th).#liberty_flames #george_mason_patriots #wyoming #wichita_state #stephen_f_austin
Liberty vs George Mason Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's NIT Game The 2026 NIT tips off on Tuesday as the Liberty Flames face the George Mason Patriots in the first round of the tournament. Both teams are known for their deliberate pace and emphasis on efficiency over high-scoring offense, which has led to a prediction of a low-scoring game. Analysts expect the Under 144.5 total points to be the best bet in this matchup, as the slow tempo of both teams will likely limit possessions and scoring opportunities. Liberty has struggled in recent weeks, dropping four of its last six games despite a strong regular season. Meanwhile, George Mason has shown resilience, defeating Saint Louis in their final regular-season game. The Patriots hold a slight edge with home-court advantage and a stronger record against quality opponents. Their performance in the Atlantic 10 tournament, where they lost to St. Bonaventure in a low-scoring game, supports the idea that this matchup will be tightly contested. Statistically, both teams rank among the slowest in the nation, with KenPom’s tempo metric placing them in the bottom third. George Mason allows just 67.5 points per game, while Liberty averages 70.4 points, making them two of the most defensive-minded squads in the country. Their tendency to control the ball and minimize turnovers further reduces the likelihood of high-scoring outcomes. The betting lines reflect this low-scoring outlook. The Over/Under is set at 144.5, with both teams offering -110 odds for either side. George Mason is favored to win the game, with a -200 moneyline compared to Liberty’s +165. The spread also favors the Patriots, who are -4.5 with -110 odds, while Liberty is +4.5 at the same price. A key factor in the Patriots’ favor is their strong home performance.#eaglebank_arena #atlantic_10_tournament #nit #liberty_flames #george_mason_patriots
