CSUN Matadors vs Stanford Cardinal Pick – 3/18/2025

The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) kicks off with an intriguing first-round game between the Cal State Northridge Matadors and the Stanford Cardinal. Set for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time at Maples Pavilion, this game features two teams eager to extend their seasons. Stanford, boasting a strong home record, faces a Northridge squad that has demonstrated resilience on the road.

Cal State Northridge Matadors vs. Stanford Cardinal Game Preview

Cal State Northridge enters the NIT with a 22-10 overall record, including a 14-6 mark in Big West Conference play. The Matadors' season concluded with a quarterfinal loss to UC Santa Barbara in the Big West tournament. Despite this setback, Northridge has shown offensive prowess, averaging 80.6 points per game on 46.8% shooting from the field. Key contributors include Marcus Adams Jr., who leads the team with 16.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, and Keonte Jones, who adds 13 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.

Stanford, representing the ACC, holds a 20-13 record, with an 11-9 conference tally. The Cardinal's ACC tournament run ended in the quarterfinals against Louisville. Stanford's offense averages 73 points per game, shooting 43.4% from the field. Center Maxime Raynaud is a standout, averaging a double-double with 20.1 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Guard Oziyah Sellers contributes 13.6 points per game, while Jaylen Blakes adds 12.9 points and leads the team with 4.7 assists per game.

Betting Insights

As of the latest reports, Stanford is favored by 6.5 points, with an over/under set at 154.5 points. Bettors should consider the following factors:

• Home Court Advantage: Stanford boasts an impressive 16-2 record at Maples Pavilion, indicating a strong home performance.
• Recent Performance: The Cardinal have lost three of their last four games, raising questions about their current form.
• Offensive Efficiency: Northridge's high-scoring offense, averaging 80.6 points per game, could challenge Stanford's defense, which allows 70.6 points per game.

Cal State Northridge Matadors vs. Stanford Cardinal Prediction

This game presents a compelling matchup between Stanford's home dominance and Northridge's potent offense. While Stanford's home record is formidable, their recent struggles and Northridge's scoring ability suggest a closer contest than the spread indicates. Considering these factors, taking Cal State Northridge to cover the +6.5 spread appears to be a prudent choice for bettors seeking value in this NIT first-round game.

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