Northern Iowa Panthers vs SMU Mustangs Pick – 3/19/2025

The Northern Iowa Panthers are set to face the SMU Mustangs in the opening round of the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 9:00 PM Eastern Time. This matchup at Moody Coliseum in Dallas, Texas, features two teams with contrasting styles and aspirations for a deep postseason run.

Northern Iowa Panthers vs. SMU Mustangs Game Preview

The SMU Mustangs (23-10) enter the NIT as a top seed, reflecting their strong season in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Under first-year head coach Andy Enfield, the Mustangs have demonstrated a balanced and potent offense, averaging 80 points per game, placing them among the nation's top 40 scoring teams. Their proficiency from beyond the arc is notable, with a 37.6% three-point shooting percentage, ranking them 24th nationally. Guard Boopie Miller leads the team with 13.2 points per game, while Chuck Harris contributes significantly with 2.2 made three-pointers per game.

On the other hand, the Northern Iowa Panthers (20-12) are making their third appearance in the NIT, aiming to advance beyond the second round for the first time. The Panthers' offense is spearheaded by senior forward Tytan Anderson, who averages 15.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Center Jacob Huston adds 11.7 points per game, with guards Trey Campbell and Ben Schweiger contributing 11.2 and 10 points per game, respectively. Collectively, these four players account for nearly two-thirds of Northern Iowa's 73.6 points per game.

Betting Insights

As of the latest available information, the betting lines for this matchup are as follows:

• Point Spread: SMU favored by 10.5 points
• Over/Under Total: 145.5 points

These lines suggest expectations of a moderately high-scoring game, with SMU projected to win by a significant margin. Bettors should consider the following factors:

• SMU's Offensive Efficiency: The Mustangs' balanced scoring and high shooting percentages make them a formidable opponent.
• Northern Iowa's Defensive Capabilities: The Panthers rank 44th nationally in points allowed per game, which could help them keep the game closer than the spread suggests.
• Recent Performance Trends: Both teams have experienced recent losses, with SMU falling to Clemson in the ACC tournament and Northern Iowa losing to Valparaiso in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament.

Northern Iowa Panthers vs. SMU Mustangs Prediction

Considering the statistical profiles and recent performances of both teams, SMU's offensive depth and home-court advantage position them as the favorites in this contest. Their ability to score efficiently from both inside and beyond the arc presents a significant challenge for Northern Iowa's defense.

However, Northern Iowa's disciplined defense and the scoring prowess of Tytan Anderson could keep the game competitive, especially if they can control the tempo and limit SMU's three-point opportunities.

Given these factors, the prediction for this game is:

• Point Spread: SMU to cover the -10.5 spread
• Over/Under: Under 145.5 points

While SMU is expected to secure the victory, Northern Iowa's defensive efforts may keep the total points below the projected over/under line. Bettors should monitor any late-breaking news or line movements leading up to the game to make informed decisions.

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