The set-up: Mississippi State earned an auto bid despite getting ousted in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament. Liberty was 14-2 in A-Sun Conference play and also earned an auto bid after winning the conference tournament. Mississippi State averages 117.4 points per 100 possessions, while allowing 96.7 points per 100 possessions. The Liberty Flames average 110.6 points per 100 possessions, while allowing 99.7 points per 100 possessions.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Liberty is 4-1 ATS in its last five vs. good offensive teams which score 77 plus points per contest, while Mississippi State is just 3-13 ATS in its last 16 after scoring 75 points or more in two straight games. Grab the points and expect a competitive battle.

9* play