The Navy Midshipmen will play their first postseason tournament game since 1998 when they visit the Wake Forest Demon Deacons tonight. Catch this NIT contest on ESPNU at 7:00 p.m. ET.
The Midshipmen might find themselves outgunned here, but my Navy vs. Wake Forest predictions expect their defense to step up en route to a cover.
Read on for my full analysis of this first-round clash in my free college basketball picks for Wednesday, March 18.
Navy vs Wake Forest prediction
Who will win Navy vs Wake Forest?
Wake Forest: The Midshipmen were running away with the Patriot League before a disappointing loss in the conference tournament, and they’ll be disappointed that they didn’t make March Madness. But while Navy may be a bit underrated coming into this game, they’re nowhere near the level of Wake Forest, and this would be a stunning upset on the road. The Demon Deacons should ease their way to a comfortable first-round win.
Navy vs Wake Forest best bet: Navy +12 (-115)
Navy had won 14 in a row and gone 13-1 against the spread in that span before suffering an upset loss to Boston University. There’s some talent on the Midshipmen, as they have both the Patriot League Player of the Year (Austin Benigni) and Defensive Player of the Year (Aidan Kehoe).
Wake Forest hasn’t been a double-digit favorite since their non-conference schedule and went 3-4 ATS with spreads that large. The Demon Deacons score only 78.8 ppg and shoot 45.0% from the field, not numbers that lend themselves to blowout wins. I like Navy to cover this number.
COVERS INTEL: Navy holds opponents to just 29.8% from deep and allows only 14.3 free throw attempts per game.
Navy vs Wake Forest same-game parlay
Navy will stay in this contest in large part due to its approach to the game. Not only are the Midshipmen one of the best scoring defenses in the country, allowing a paltry 63.8 ppg, but they keep the speed of the game down, focusing on their half-court offense. Combine a slow pace with solid defense and little scoring punch on Navy’s side, and we have a recipe for the Under to hit in this game.
Navy vs Wake Forest SGP
- Navy +12
- Under 148.5
Our beyond the arc SGP: Navy defense is out in full force
For those looking to take a riskier approach to this game, I like combining bets on Navy to cover and Wake Forest to win outright. It’s hard to see the more talented, more experienced Demon Deacons actually losing this game at home, while the Navy defense should keep the Wake Forest offense in check and leave this game close enough to make the score look respectable.
Navy vs Wake Forest SGP
- Navy +11.5
- Under 148.5
- Wake Forest team total Under 38.5 — 1H
- Wake Forest moneyline
Navy vs Wake Forest odds
- Spread: Navy +10 | Wake Forest -10
- Moneyline: Navy +450 | Wake Forest -600
- Over/Under: Over 148.5 | Under 148.5
Navy vs Wake Forest betting trend to know
Navy is 13-2 ATS in its last 15 games overall. Find more college basketball betting trends for Navy vs. Wake Forest.
How to watch Navy vs Wake Forest
| Location | LJVM Coliseum, Winston-Salem, NC |
| Date | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPNU |
Navy vs Wake Forest key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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