NIT South Region Second Round Breakdown

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#1 Clemson vs #4 Ole Miss

Clemson struggled to pull away in their first round NIT victory over East Tennessee State while Ole Miss beat Appalachian State soundly. These teams are pretty evenly matched as much of their scoring is spread out amongst a host of players ( Clemson has 5 players averaging in double figures, Ole Miss has 4 ) and possess solid big men and guards alike. The difference in this one could be free throw shooting in what should be a tight game. Clemson shoots 58.4% from the line as a team which is good for 333rd in the nation. On the other hand, Ole Miss shoots a solid 70.1% from the stripe. Clemson also isn't spectacular at home going going 4-4 in their last 8 games and with students out for spring break, there doesn't figure to be a huge home court advantage. Ole Miss is playing too well right now to drop this one.

Ole Miss 71 Clemson 68

#2 Syracuse vs #6 San Diego State

If Syracuse had played a better opponent in the first round, I would have surely picked Syracuse to lose. As is, they almost dropped one to a struggling South Alabama team and it's concerning how poor their defense and rebounding were. They gave up 11 offensive boards, got outrebounded, and let the Jaguards shoot 13-30 from behind the arc before USA faltered late. San Diego State picked up a very impressive road win over Missouri State in the opening round and have the weapons offensively to actually keep a late lead over Syracuse. If South Alabama was able to more than hold their own on the inside, San Diego State should do even better with big men Jerome Habel and Mohamed Abukar leading the way. Former Mountain West POY Brandon Heath poured in 26 points against Missouri State and needs to have another big game for the Aztecs to beat Syracuse in the Carrier Dome. It should be noted that I was very, very impressed with the crowd that turned out for Syracuse's win over South Alabama considering the students weren't on campus at the time. The place should be rocking again, but I think San Diego State has enough to get it done.

San Diego State 78 Syracuse 74