South Florida should have been in the tournament instead of FAU, that is why they want to win this NIT tournament, to show the committee they made a big mistake. This team has the motivation in this spot and are the better team on both sides of the ball and they will have the sold out home court behind them in this one. USF's defense can also force some empty trips for VCU down the court. VCU are a good defensive team that will put up a fight but Mack sees USF pulling away at the end of the game to win by 4 to 5 points and cover the spread.

VCU are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games against an opponent in the American Athletic Conference. South Florida are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games. South Florida are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games at home.

Best bet: lay the points with South Florida.