T.M. Selection: Cal-Irvine.

The Anteaters impressed me with their comeback win against a solid North Texas team. They were down by 15 in first half of that game and then outscored the Mean Green 60 to 43 the rest of the way. Cal Irvine is solid defensively and will give Chattanooga trouble here. The Mocs just have not faced a defense with this caliber and it will be reflected in the way this game plays out as Chattanooga will struggle to make enough shots to keep up. The Anteaters also should hold a rebounding edge in this match-up based on what these teams have displayed this season. Last but not least, the Mocs defense is not a strength. Helped by the schedule to make it this far in the tournament, things become real tough for Chattanooga here and their defense (a weakness) will not be able to get enough stops here as UC Irvine earns the NIT Championship

T.M. Prediction: 79-68 Cal-Irvine