NIT 2013: Predicting Region 3's Second-Round Clashes

The NIT tournament has always been an opportunity for teams that missed out on the NCAA tournament to prove their worth.

It's also been a chance for smaller schools to receive some recognition on a grander stage.

Second-round action tips off on Thursday in the NIT tournament, beginning with No. 3 seed Denver taking on No. 2 seed Maryland in Region 3.

Here's a look at how I see Region 3's second-round matchups going down in the 2013 NIT tournament.

Denver (3) vs. Maryland (2)

There are several reasons to go with Denver here, but my argument outweighs them (nose turned up, peacocking).

Based on stats, you would pick Denver. The Pioneers rank 13th in field-goal percentage, 27th in offensive efficiency and 38th in defensive efficiency. 

However, keep in mind that the Pioneers played in the WAC this season, while Maryland played in the ACC. Going by rankings alone in this case is not the best way to break down the matchup.

Look at what Maryland has done down the stretch and it's a reason why I like the Terrapins in the NIT tournament.

Maryland has won three of its last four games, including a victory over Duke and a three-point loss to North Carolina. The Terrapins also have two legit difference-makers in sophomore Dez Wells and sophomore center Alex Len (Len could be a top-10 pick in the 2013 NBA draft).

Wells, who has averaged 13.1 points on 53 percent shooting this season, went off for 30 points against Duke. Len, who is averaging 11.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks, went for 10 and eight against Duke and 20 and seven against UNC.

Also, Maryland ranks in the top 40 in field-goal percentage, 11th in opponents' field-goal percentage and sixth in rebounding rate, despite playing in a much tougher conference than Denver.

Rebounding is where the Terrapins can really hurt the Pioneers. Maryland ranks 29th in offensive rebounding rate, while Denver ranks 253rd in defensive rebounding rate.

When I look at the Terrapins, I see a team that was capable of more this season. While they probably wouldn't have fared very well if they made it to the NCAA tournament, I could see them making a deep run in the NIT tournament.

That starts with a second-round victory over Denver.

Alabama (1) vs. Stanford (4)

Alabama's rebounding is a concern (ranked 234th in defensive rebounding rate), but I like the Crimson Tide in other areas to make up for that.

I expect the Crimson Tide to win this game with their defense. They rank 43rd in defensive efficiency, and they've been even better in that category lately.

While Alabama went 3-4 to close the regular season, it's worth noting that two of those losses came to Florida and one came to Ole Miss (and we all know what Ole Miss did to Florida in the SEC championship game). The Crimson Tide were in the game through the first half of both contests against the Gators (which is, indeed, an accomplishment) and they lost by four points to Ole Miss.

Also, while the Crimson Tide rank 194th in field-goal percentage and 184th in offensive efficiency, they've been better in both areas recently. That includes shooting 45 percent against Florida on March 16.

Stanford just narrowly beat Stephen F. Austin in the first round. I see that as a precursor to an exit in the second round.

Don't forget to print out your bracket and follow along with the live bracket. Follow all the exciting NCAA tournament action with March Madness Live.

All stats via ESPN.com and TeamRankings.com.