Indiana State vs. Cincinnati prediction: Robbie Avila’s star still shining in NIT

Multiple times each week, The Gaming Juice’s resident action seeker, Brad Evans, will attempt to blast the ‘books with his favorite selections on sides, totals, props, teasers or parlays. As always, fade or follow Brad’s picks — fading is encouraged — but that’s up to you.

Sledgehammer Special — Indiana State -2.5 (-110, MGM)

Milk Chamberlain. Cream Abdul-Jabbar. Larry Nerd.

The nicknames attributed to Robbie Avila crack smiles on even the most stoic faces. Though somewhat clunky in his movements, Avila’s stylish eyewear, impactful all-around skills and persistent three-point barrages are no laughing matter. The guy can play. And the artful team assembled around him has everyone in Terre Haute buzzing.

Yes, Indiana State, in somewhat controversial fashion, was denied a NCAA Tournament berth, but its exile to the NIT was a saving grace. Why? Because we’ve received more glorious Sycamore action and, most importantly, more betting opportunities.

In unmistakably the biggest non-conference game to be played at the Hulman Center in decades, the 10,000-plus that’ll be crammed inside it on Tuesday are sure to raise decibels.

The pesky Platanus Occidentalis (the scientific name for the Sycamore) is the best statistical offense in the country. Indiana State ranks No. 2 in effective field-goal percentage offense this month, converting an otherworldly 64.9% inside the arc and 38.5% outside of it. Its assertive at-the-rim attacks, spacing and crisp ball movement extend defenses to the brink.

Avila deservedly attracts the admirers, but Isaiah Swope, Ryan Conwell, Jayson Kent and Julian Larry are equally brilliant in their offensive execution, whether rocking rims or flicking net-splashing strikes from outside.

Statistically, Cincinnati is the Sycamores’ toughest opponent to date. Wes Miller’s group is a top-25 BartTorvik team this month, slotting at No. 152 in effective field-goal percentage offense and No. 55 in effective field-goal percentage defense. The Bearcats’ length is impactful in corralling rebounds, bodying up in the post and forcing opponent mistakes. Over their last eight games, they’ve coaxed a turnover on 19.7% of enemy possessions.

Conversely, Cincinnati hasn’t faced a team of the offensive caliber of Indiana State this season. If Josh Schertz’s squad wins the battle of the boards and feeds off the home crowd's energy, it will advance just up the road to the NIT Final Four in Indianapolis. Avila and the Sycamores’ scoring firepower is just too overwhelming.

Don the goggles.

Season record: 27-27, +5.45 units

BONUS TIME — 2-leg ML: Indiana State, Ohio State (+101, MGM)