Wichita State Shockers vs Oklahoma State Cowboys Pick – 3/18/2025

The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) kicks off with an intriguing first-round game between the Wichita State Shockers and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Set for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the game will take place at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Both teams are eager to extend their seasons and make a deep run in the tournament.

Wichita State Shockers vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys Game Preview

Wichita State enters the NIT with a 19-14 record, having finished eighth in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The Shockers experienced a mid-season surge with six consecutive wins in February but stumbled towards the end, losing three of their final four regular-season games. In the AAC tournament, they secured a victory over South Florida before falling to Memphis in the quarterfinals.

Offensively, the Shockers average 73.8 points per game, shooting 44.9% from the field. They are led by guard Xavier Bell, who contributes 14.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. Forward Corey Washington adds 13.5 points and 7.4 rebounds, while Justin Hill provides 10.5 points and 2.9 assists. Defensively, Wichita State allows 72.6 points per game and excels in rebounding, ranking 45th nationally with 38.5 boards per game.

Oklahoma State, with a 15-17 record, had a challenging season in the Big 12 Conference, finishing tied for 12th place. The Cowboys struggled down the stretch, losing six of their last nine games, including a significant defeat to Cincinnati in the first round of the Big 12 tournament.

The Cowboys average 72.6 points per game, shooting 42.6% from the field. Their leading scorer is forward Abou Ousmane, who averages 12.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Guard Bryce Thompson also contributes 12.2 points, while Marchelus Avery adds 11.4 points and 4.3 rebounds. Defensively, Oklahoma State allows 76.5 points per game and ranks 28th nationally with 8.9 steals per game.

Betting Insights

As of the latest reports, Oklahoma State is favored by 5.5 points, with an over/under set at 155.5 points. The Cowboys have a strong home record of 12-3, while the Shockers are 5-6 on the road. Notably, Wichita State has covered the spread in 10 of its last 13 games, indicating their ability to perform well against expectations.

Key betting trends include:

• Wichita State has won four of its last five road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Oklahoma State has lost 16 of its last 18 Tuesday games.
• Each of Wichita State's last 10 night games have produced a total of 152 or fewer points.
• Sixteen of Oklahoma State's last 17 games against AAC opponents have produced a total of 148 or fewer points.

Wichita State Shockers vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys Prediction

This game presents a compelling matchup between two teams with contrasting recent performances. Wichita State's resilience on the road and their ability to cover the spread make them a formidable opponent. Their balanced scoring and strong rebounding could exploit Oklahoma State's defensive vulnerabilities.

On the other hand, Oklahoma State's home-court advantage and defensive prowess, particularly in generating turnovers, cannot be overlooked. However, their recent struggles and inconsistency raise concerns about their ability to secure a decisive victory.

Considering these factors, the prediction leans towards Wichita State covering the spread. While Oklahoma State may have the edge at home, the Shockers' recent form and betting trends suggest they will keep the game competitive. Therefore, the pick is Wichita State +5.5.