20* Nevada/Stanford NIT PLAY OF THE DAY on Nevada +7

Nevada vs. Stanford, 03/21/2012 21:00 EDT, Score: 56 - 84

Point Spread: +6½/-110 Nevada

Sportsbook: DSI

Result: Loss

The Nevada Wolf Pack are showing great value tonight as a 7-point underdog to the Stanford Cardinal. This team has not been getting much respect all season despite their 28-6 record. I believe they have a great chance of winning this game outright, let alone covering seven points.

Nevada was definitely a sleeper coming into the season as they returned five starters from last year. This experienced bunch would love nothing more than a trip to Madison Square Garden to play in the NIT semifinals, which is what's at stake tonight.

Nevada has looked like a team on a mission in their first two NIT games. They won at Oral Robers 68-59 as a 6.5-point underdog, then took care of a very good Bucknell team 75-67 at home as a 3.5-point favorite. They now face a Stanford team that was shaky last round in their 92-88 home victory over Illinois State as a 8.5-point favorite.

Nevada is a perfect 9-0 ATS as a road underdog this season. The Wolf Pack are actually outscoring their opposition 73.9 to 67.8 in this spot. Nevada is 9-0 ATS in road games after 3 straight games where opponent grabbed 31 or less rebounds since 1997. Stanford is in home games after a combined score of 155 points or more over the last 3 seasons. These three trends make for a perfect 24-0 system backing the Wolf Pack. Bet Nevada Wednesday.