Central Florida has a number of factors going that I like. This NIT matchup is a big deal for the Knights, who were picked to finish eighth in the 11-team American Athletic Conference. Instead, Central Florida went 21-11 and 11-7 in league in Johnny Dawkins first year as coach.

Dawkins is familar with Colorado having coached the previous eight seasons for Stanford, Pac-12 rivals of Colorado. The Buffaloes knows far less about Central Florida.

The Buffaloes aren't that excited about playing in the NIT having postseason play seven consecutive seasons, including going to the NCAA Tournament in four of those years. The Buffaloes also may not have their full focus getting to spend some of their spring break in Florida.

The Knights led the nation in defensive field goal percentage holding foes to 36.2 percent shooting. A big factor is 7-foot-6 Tacko Fall. He was the AAC's Defensive Player of the Year. Colorado hasn't seen anyone who cand defend the rim like Fall.