Every year there are great spots in the NIT featuring favorites who are overpriced because they are off disappointing seasons and suffer letdowns in their first round game.

This matchup is a perfect example.

Xavier dropped six of its last seven games, including an overtime loss to Butler in the Big East Tournament. The result is no NCAA Tournament bid for the Musketeers. That's a huge disappointment for Xavier.

Cleveland State doesn't feel that way about competing in the NIT. The Vikings are anxious to show their wares. They are a solid team that shared the Horizon League regular season title. The Vikings, though, were upset in the league tournament by eventual champion Wright State.

The Vikings average 75.6 points. Xavier's defense collapsed, giving up an average of 83.4 points during the last seven games.

Xavier has been terrible as a favorite and when playing at home. The Musketeers are 3-10 ATS as chalk and 2-9 ATS in their past 11 home contests.