In its last neutral-court game amid high stakes, Utah collapsed and squandered an 11-point lead in a game it had dominated against Oregon in the Pac-12 Tournament. The loss effectively knocked the Utes out of NCAA Tournament consideration. But they have turned things around in the NIT, with three impressive wins, including a 67-58 upset of top-seeded Saint Mary's. Utah's backcourt has played well, but look for the front-court strength of David Collette and Tyler Rawson to be the difference Tuesday against and athletic and rising Western Kentucky club.

Western Kentucky has made a surprise NIT run with wins over power-five schools in Boston College, USC and Oklahoma State. Yet, Tuesday's stage at Madison Square Garden is a high-level environment for a neutral-court game. Look for Utah’s experience in big games to take over. Grab the Utes.

Utah is trending Under. Western Kentucky is treading water on totals. Dont’ be misled. The Hilltoppers have rung up 79, 79 and 92 points in their NIT outings. Coach Rick Stansbury is working his sixth NIT and will have the team cranked for more bursts of scoring. Though the Utes generally hang in the 60s, they slapped 95 points on LSU in the tournament and reached 84 in a late regular-season game. They, too, are capable of hitting big numbers. For offensive efficiency in the Pomeroy Ratings, WKU ranks 33rd, Utah 58th.

The Utes looked awfully impressive in their Wednesday overtime NIT quarterfinals road victory at St. Mary's. It shouldn't have come as a surprise since they racked up 11 Pac-12 wins during the regular season. While the Hilltoppers looked sharp against Oklahoma State last time out, the edge favors Utah. My simulations show the Utes winning this contest by three possessions 67 percent of the time. Take Utah.