Northern Iowa vs. Texas

The Northern Iowa Panthers stunned Wichita State in the MVC semifinals, and went on to sneak past Evansville for the MVC crown, and automatic tourney bid. They bring a six game winning streak into their tourney opener with Texas. Texas should get a huge lift with the return of Cameron Ridley to the line up today. Texas was 7-2 in the nine games he played before a foot injury, and he is a bull inside at 6-9 285 lbs., and talented, and averaged nearly a double-double before his injury. Texas improved a lot in his absence, but his presence is going to impact this game on both ends. I think Texas is the better team, even without him, but truly advantaged both mentally and physically with him contributing. The Longhorns should get by in the opening round. Play on Texas on the moneyline.