NCAAB Preview
Day games
Texas is 7-2 in first round games last nine years, with both losses coming as an 8-seed; lowest seed they won as was a 7. Longhorns are 3-4 in last seven games, 4-10 vs top 40 teams- they make only 32.7% behind arc. Cincinnati won seven of its last nine games, losing 50-44 to Louisville in ugly Big East title game. Cincinnati is 6-2 vs top 30 teams, with 56-55 win over Oklahoma in only game vs Big X foe. Four of top seven guys for Texas are freshmen. Big East teams are 12-15-1 against spread when number is less than 4 points; Big X teams are 16-6-1. Over last three years, underdogs are 10-2 vs spread in 6-11 games.
NC State won four of last five games to sneak into field for first time in seven years; they're 5-10 vs top 60 teams.Since '03, ACC teams seeded #6 or worse are still 10-8 SU. San Diego State is back in tourney despite losing four starters from LY's Sweet 16 team; Aztecs started year 18-2, but went 8-5 in last 13 games, with four wins by 3 or less points, or in OT. Over last three years, underdogs are 10-2 vs spread in 6-11 games. ACC favorites of less than 5 points are 7-9 vs spread in non-conference games; MWC underdogs of 4 or less points are 4-8. Since 2003, MWC teams are 8-15 SU in this round, but 4-3 the last two years.
Creighton is a great offensive team; Alabama excels on defense. Bluejays won their last seven games, with four of seven by 2 or less points or in OT. Alabama is 8-8 in its last 16 games after 13-3 start; Mitchell is out for the Tide, which hurts its defense. Tide is 2-6 vs top 40 teams, with both wins way back in November. MVC teams are 12-3 vs spread when number is 3 or less points; SEC teams are 13-9. Bluejays make 42.5% on the arc, 55.5% inside it; they've won 14 road/neutral court games. This game opened at Creighton -2, but now they're +2. Alabama won by 10 over Wichita State, best team in MVC, back in November.
Over last three years, ACC underdogs are 4-3 vs spread in first round; from '03-'08, all 30 ACC entrants were favored in first round. Underdogs are 7-1 SU in 7-10 games last two years, with only fave that won BYU in double OT over Florida two years ago; Gators won 11 games in a row when they allowed less than 70 points, lost last seven in row when they allowed more than 70. Virginia has good defense thats been hurt by Sene being injured; they're 3-5 in last eight games. Florida lost four of its last five games, with two losses to Kentucky. SEC favorites of less than 5 points are 10-4 vs spread; ACC dogs of less than 5 points are 8-12.
Over last six years, #3 seeds are 15-9 vs spread in first round games, as gap has widened between haves/have-nots (11-13 in prior six tourneys). Florida State is first team in 16 years to win four games in same season against UNC/Duke (4-1); they also went 0-2 vs Ivy League teams, as its guards can be erratic. St Bonaventure is in tourney for first time in over decade; they lost to Saint Louis by 24, Temple by 6 in its two games vs top 40 teams- they're 0-2 vs ACC teams, losing to Virginia Tech by 9, NC State by a hoop. ACC favorites of 7 or less points are 10-15 vs spread; Atlantic 14 underdogs of 7 or less points are 20-19-1.
Georgetown lost badly to Ohio U/VCU in first round last two years, so they have monkey to get off back; Hoyas are #5 team in eFG% defense, #1 against 3-pointers (26.6%). Belmont won its last 14 games, against inferior competition; they're 0-4 in NCAAs last six years, losing by 34-25-1-14 points. Atlantic Sun teams are 0-9 in NCAAs last nine seasons, 2-4 vs spread in last six, losing last three years by 10-29-14 points. This game opened at 6.5, was quickly bet down to 3.5. Big East favorites of 5 or less points are 13-14 vs spread. Belmont lost by point at Duke, by 16 at Memphis, their only two games vs top 60 opponents.
Health of Henson's left hand/wrist is primary concern for Tar Heel club that could beat Vermont if they showed up hung over; North Carolina is 2-3-1 vs spread in last six first round games, winning by 28-4-21-39-43-15 points. Vermont held Lamar to 33% in easy win Wednesday, league's first NCAA win since Catamounts upset Syracuse in '05. America East teams are 0-6 in this round last six years, 2-4 vs spread, with last five losses all by 19+ points. ACC favorites of 15+ points are 11-11 against spread this season. Vermont lost to Saint Louis by 19, to Harvard by 7; also lost to South Florida by a hoop and Iona by 1, so they compete.
Norfolk State played Marquette twice at beginning of season, losing by 31 in first meeting, by hoop in rematch; Missouri only plays seven guys and three of them were nursing bumps/bruises at Big 12 tourney last weekend. MEAC teams are 1-9 in NCAA games last nine years (4-6 vs spread), with only win a play-in game; they lost last three years by 38-27-42 points. Mizzou only plays seven guys, but five are seniors; they are #1 in offensive efficiency, making 39.5% behind arc, 56.9% inside it. Norfolk beat Drexel before Dragons got hot, their only win in five games against top 100 teams, with losses by 31-3-13-32 points.
Night games
Interesting contrast with Memphis being much more athletic than much more experienced Saint Louis team led by skilled tactician Majerus, who has stellar record in first round games but hasn't been in tourney in nine years. Since 2003, Atlantic 14 underdogs are 5-7 vs spread in first round of NCAAs; Memphis won five of last six first round games, but is 1-4-1 vs spread as first round favorite. Conference USA favorites of 5 or less points are 11-13 vs spread. Atlantic 14 underdogs of 5 or less points are 12-13-1. Billikens lost to New Mexico by 4 in only game vs top 50 foe; their wins in Anaheim tourney were against teams that had bad years.
Since 2008, double digit favorite from ACC are 5-1 vs spread in opening round; Duke lost two of last three games, getting beat by Florida State in ACC tourney- their last four wins are all by 8 or less points. Lehigh lost both its game vs top 50 teams this season by nine points each. Kelly is a question mark for Blue Devils, who won't need him here, but will in next game. Duke won/covered last three first round games, winning by 42-29-24 points. Patriot League teams are 0-5 in NCAAs since Bucknell won back-back first round games in 2005-06, losing last five years by 10-15-13-16-29 points, but since 2003, they're 6-2 vs spread in this round.
Young Ohio U (no seniors who play) won eight of last nine games, force turnovers on 26.7% of possessions (#2 in country); they lost 77-72 to Louisville back in November, so big stage shouldn't awe them. Michigan won seven of its last nine games- they get 36% of their points on 3's, but Bobcats defend arc well, allowing opponents to make just 30.3% behind arc. MAC teams ars surprisingly bad 1-7 in first round last eight years, but they covered four of last five, losing games by 3-13-13-13 points. Four of Michigan's top six guys are freshmen/sophs; they covered five of last seven games as a favorite.
WCC teams are 10-5 in this round since 2003, despite being underdog in 11 of 15 games; St Mary's was held to 60 or less points in five games it lost this season, scoring 67+ points in 24 of 27 wins. Gaels' defensive ace Holt is expected back here; St Mary's hasn't played in 10 days since OT win over Gonzaga in WCC title game. Boilermakers turn ball over less than any team in country, 13.5% of time. Big Dozen teams are 10-9 vs spread in games where spread is 3 or less points. WCC teams are 7-5-1. Since 2005, Big Dozen teams seeded #8 or lower are 6-10 SU in first round. Purdue is 3-9 vs top 50 teams (Gaels are #44).
NEC teams are 2-9 in NCAAs since 2003; both wins coming in play-in games, but they've covered six of last seven first round games, with five of last seven first round losses by 15 or less points. LIU is 20-2 in last 22 games since starting season 5-6; they're adept at getting to foul line, scoring 25.5% of points from there. Blackbirds make 36.8% behind arc, but Michigan State holds opponents to 29.2% on arc. Since 2004, Izzo is 2-6 vs spread in first round games; Big Dozen double digit favorites are 5-6 in first round. This season, Big Dozen favorites of 15+ points are 14-9-1 vs spread. LIU lost by 16-8 in two games vs top 100 foes.
Xavier was 7-0 when it had big brawl with crosstown rival Cincinnati and had several players suspended; they're 14-12 since then, but did win three of last four games, losing to Bonnies in A-14 semifinals. ESPN's Bob Valvano suggested Monday that Xavier is underachieving team that is finally hitting its stride, while Notre Dame overachieved this season and has finally hit a wall; since 2003, Irish are 3-2 in this round, but 1-4 vs spread, winning by 1-18-13 points. Atlantic 14 underdogs of 5 or less points are 13-14-1 vs spread; Big East favorites of 5 points or less are also 13-14. Irish are 2-3 in last five games, including loss to St John's.
South Florida is a dominant defensive team that crushed Cal Wednesday, leading 36-13 at half; Bulls won 14 of last 20 games after 7-7 start- they held last 11 opponents under 60 points. Temple is 13-2 last 15 games, but first round lost to UMass in A-14 tourney is red flag, especially as Dunphy's postseason history isn't pretty- his long NCAA drought was ended LY, with 66-64 win over Penn State, before double OT loss to a real good San Diego State team in 2nd round. Owls beat Villanova by 11 in only game vs Big East foe- they won all five OT games they played this season. Temple makes 40.2% of its shots behind arc.
Since 2003, Horizon League underdogs are 16-9 vs spread in NCAAs, as Butler covered seven of eight last two years in advancing to Final Fours both years. Detroit is better than average 15-seed; McCallum is an NBA player who is at Detroit because his dad is the coach; Titans are 15-3 in last 18 games after 7-10 start, with Indiana transfer Holman providing beef off bench. Kansas is 3-6 as opening round favorite last nine years, failing to cover last three years in wins by 19-16-10 points. Titans make only 29.5% behind arc; they lost to Notre Dame by 6, Alabama by 8 in only two games they played against top 50 teams.
Other Tournament
Northwestern is 4-5 in its last nine true road games, but won last two, at Penn State/Iowa. Washington won 11 of its last 14 games; they've won last six home games, winning by 13-2-28-8-9-10 points.
Armadillosports.com
NCAA Previews & Picks: Friday's East Region Action
By Covers.com
No. 6 Cincinnati Bearcats vs. No. 11 Texas Longhorns (+2, 129.5)
THE STORY: Cincinnati is doing its best to be remembered for more than just an early-December brawl with cross-town rival Xavier. Coming off their most successful Big East season, the sixth-seeded Bearcats open the NCAA tournament with a Round of 64 matchup against 11th-seeded Texas in Nashville. The Bearcats, who lost to Louisville in the Big East tournament championship game, have reached the NCAA tournament in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2004-2005. The Longhorns, on the other hand, were one of the last teams to receive an at-large bid, which extended their streak to 14 straight NCAA tournament appearances. The winner will face either No. 3 seed Florida State or 14th-seeded St. Bonaventure on Sunday.
Pick: Cincinnati
No. 3 Florida State Seminoles vs. No. 14 Bonaventure Bonnies (+6, 129.5)
THE STORY: After winning its first-ever ACC tournament title, third-seeded Florida State begins what it hopes is a deep NCAA tournament run in the Round of 64 against 14th-seeded St. Bonaventure in Nashville. This is the school-record fourth straight NCAA tournament appearance for the Seminoles, who advanced to the Sweet 16 last season for the first time since 1993. St. Bonaventure, meanwhile, is making its sixth NCAA tournament appearance and first since 2000 after winning the Atlantic-10 tournament for the first time. The winner faces either sixth-seeded Cincinnati or No. 11 seed Texas on Sunday.
Pick: St. Bonaventure
NCAA Previews & Picks: Friday's South Region Action
By Covers.com
No. 2 Duke Blue Devils vs. No. 15 Lehigh Mountain Hawks (+12, 148)
THE STORY: Duke earned a No. 2 seed after reaching the semifinals of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, suffering a narrow defeat against tourney champ Florida State despite the absence of injured forward Ryan Kelly. No. 15 seed Lehigh comes in riding an eight-game winning streak, capped by an 82-77 victory over Bucknell in the finals of the Patriot League tourney. Both teams played games against Michigan State and St. John's this season, with the Mountain Hawks losing to both on the road by single digits and the Blue Devils posting a pair of close victories, one on a neutral court and one at home.
Pick: Duke
No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. No. 10 Xavier Musketeers (+2.5, 124.5)
THE STORY: No. 7 seed Notre Dame rebounded from a rough start to finish third in the Big East during the regular season, following with a trip to the semifinals of the conference tourney. Xavier, though considered one of the country's most disappointing teams, quietly played its way back into the NCAA tournament field with a solid 12-7 finish that included a run to the Atlantic 10 tournament final. The 10th-seeded Musketeers defeated Cincinnati and Georgia by double digits earlier this season, while the Fighting Irish lost to both. Notre Dame leads the all-time series with Xavier, 15-3, including an 83-71 win when the schools last met in the first round of the 2001 NCAA tournament.
Pick: Notre Dame
NCAA Previews & Picks: Friday's Midwest Region Action
By Covers.com
No. 6 San Diego State Aztecs vs. No. 11 North Carolina State Wolfpack (-2.5, 137)
THE STORY: After sitting on the NCAA tournament bubble for several weeks, the 11th-seeded Wolfpack are riding a wave of momentum heading into their second-round matchup with sixth seeded San Diego State. The Wolfpack have won four of their last five games and gave North Carolina a scare before losing 69-67 in the ACC semifinals. San Diego State, which shared the Mountain West regular-season title, returns to the NCAA tournament for the third straight year. The teams share one common opponent in Elon from the Southern Conference. San Diego State won 81-55, and North Carolina State won 82-67. The winner will play the winner of third-seeded Georgetown and 14th-seeded Belmont on Sunday in a third-round game.
Pick: San Diego State
No. 8 Creighton Bluejays vs. No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide (-1.5, 132)
THE STORY: It might be difficult to find a first-round game with opponents as different as eighth-seeded Creighton and ninth-seeded Alabama. Creighton has built its season around an offense that averages 80 points per game and is among the NCAA leaders in field goal percentage (50.9) and 3-point percentage (42.5). Alabama has constructed its success around its defense. The Crimson Tide allow only 58.1 points and has limited opponents to 38.8 percent shooting from the field. Each teams ability to play to its preferred tempo will determine who advances to the next round.
Pick: Alabama
No. 3 Georgetown Hoyas vs. No. 14 Belmont Bears (+3.5, 133.5)
THE STORY: No. 14 seed Belmont boasts a high-powered offense that averages 81.5 points, but the Bruins figure to be tested by third-seeded Georgetown’s tenacious defense, which allows an average of just 59.2 points. Belmont defeated Florida Gulf Coast to earn the program’s fifth Atlantic Sun Tournament championship in seven years, while Georgetown lost 72-70 in double overtime to Cincinnati in the Big East tournament quarterfinals. The game is a rematch of the first round of the 2007 NCAA tournament, when Georgetown beat the 15th-seeded Bruins 80-55.
Pick: Georgetown
No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. No. 16 Vermont Catamounts (+16.5, 145)
THE STORY: North Carolina, the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Regional, will be the heavy favorite when it plays Vermont in the second round of the NCAA tournament. The Tar Heels are coming off a loss to Florida State in the ACC tournament final and may be without a key piece of their team as forward John Henson is listed as questionable with an injured left wrist. North Carolina has a definite home-court advantage with a 5-0 mark in three previous NCAA tournament appearances in Greensboro and is 29-1 in NCAA games played in its home state. Vermont has won 15 of its last 16 games, but has not beaten the Tar Heels in three previous tries.
Preview: North Carolina
No. 5 Michigan Wolverines vs. No. 13 Ohio Bobcats (+5.5, 124)
THE STORY: Michigan has made the NCAA tournament in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1996, coming in as the No. 4 seed in the Midwest Regional after being an eighth seed a year ago. The Wolverines will get a challenge in the Round of 64 from Ohio, which has won eight of its last nine games to reach the NCAAs for the second time in three seasons. Michigan is a balanced offensive team, and allows only 61.4 points per contest. Ohio, which upset Georgetown in the 2010 tournament as a No. 14 seed, has scored more than 80 points nine times. Michigan has beaten the Bobcats in all three meetings, the last in 1971.
Pick: Ohio
No. 7 St. Mary's Gaels vs. No. 10 Purdue Boilermakers (+1, 140.5)
THE STORY: Seventh-seeded Saint Mary’s takes on No. 10 seed Purdue in a Round of 64 matchup between the West Coast Conference regular season and tournament champions and the sixth-place team from the Big Ten. The Gaels — who beat Gonzaga in the WCC final to earn an automatic bid — are making their fourth NCAA tournament appearance in eight years but have never been seeded higher than eighth. The Boilermakers are going dancing for the sixth straight season and have won their first game in the tournament 13 consecutive times. Saint Mary’s advanced to the Sweet 16 as a No. 10 seed when it last appeared in 2010.
Pick: St. Mary's
No. Temple Owls vs. No. 12 South Florida Bulls (+2.5, 121.5)
THE STORY: Fifth-seeded Temple makes its 30th appearance in the NCAA tournament, fully rested after losing in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 tournament. The Owls have been a solid offensive team, averaging 76.2 points, but they will get quite a challenge from athletic, defensive-minded South Florida in the second round of the Midwest Regional. The 12th-seeded Bulls, who dominated California in the first round Wednesday, are allowing less than 57 points per contest. The two teams have never met, but Temple will join South Florida in the Big East next season.
Pick: South Florida
No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks vs. No. 15 Detroit Titans (+14.5, 142.5)
THE STORY: The Big 12 regular season champions were denied a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, but second-seeded Kansas has to like where it’s starting things off if recent history is any indicator. The Jayhawks open play in the Round of 64 against No. 15 seed Detroit in Omaha, Neb., which just happens to be where they played in the opening rounds of their 2008 national championship season. Kansas is led by National Player of the Year candidate Thomas Robinson (17.9 points, 11.8 rebounds). Detroit is in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1999 after making a surprise run to the Horizon League tournament title as the No. 3 seed.
Pick: Kansas
NCAA Previews & Picks: Friday's West Region Action
By Covers.com
No. 7 Florida Gators vs. No. 10 Virginia Cavaliers (+3.5, 121)
THE STORY: Opposing styles will clash when seventh seeded Florida and its dynamic backcourt take on grind-it-out Virginia in a second-round game in the West Regional in Omaha. Both teams have stumbled into the postseason. The Cavaliers are making their first appearance in the NCAA tournament since 2007, when they advanced to the second round. It's Virginia's 17th appearance, and the Cavaliers are looking for their third trip to the Final Four (1981, 1984). The Gators have made three Final Fours and won two national titles under coach Billy Donovan, who is 25-9 in the NCAA tournament. The teams have met once before when Virginia beat Florida in the semifinals of the 1992 NIT.
Pick: Virginia
No. 2 Missouri Tigers vs. No. 15 Norfolk State Spartans (+21, 144.5)
THE STORY: Denied a No. 1 seed despite winning the Big 12 tournament and sent to the West region rather than playing in the Midwest region in nearby St. Louis, second seeded Missouri opens its quest for its first trip to the Final Four against MEAC tournament champion Norfolk State in Omaha, Neb. The Spartans, meanwhile, have already reached a milestone by making the NCAA tournament field for the first time. Missouri is in the tournament for the fourth consecutive year and the 25th overall but has never advanced past the Elite Eight. It will mark the first meeting between the teams.
Pick: Missouri
No. 8 Memphis Tigers vs. No. 9 Saint Louis Billikens (+3, 129.5)
THE STORY: Once considered a bubble team, Memphis worked its way up to a No. 8 seed in the West Regional by rolling through its last seven games by an average of 22.7 points, including an 83-57 rout of Marshall in the Conference USA title game. Ninth-seeded Saint Louis, a former league rival of the Tigers, finished second in the Atlantic 10 during the regular season before suffering a 71-64 loss to Xavier in the semifinals of the A-10 tournament. The Tigers own a 32-25 lead in the all-time series, but the teams have not met since the Billikens left Conference USA after the 2004-05 season.
Pick: Saint Louis
No. 1 Michigan State Spartans vs. LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds (+12, 154.5)
THE STORY: Top-seeded Michigan State split the Big Ten's regular season crown and followed with a run to the conference tournament title, capped by a 68-64 victory over rival Ohio State on Sunday. LIU Brooklyn roars into the Round of 64 game after claiming the Northeast Conference title in the regular season and crushing Robert Morris 90-73 in Wednesday's tournament final. Penn State was the teams' lone common opponent, with the Spartans topping the Nittany Lions at home 77-57 and the Blackbirds suffering a 77-68 defeat on the road in November. Michigan State and Brooklyn will meet for the first time since 1941 in the West Regional.
Pick: LIU Brooklyn
Friday Afternoon Games
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com
The Friday afternoon card in the NCAA Tournament involves four teams seeded in the top three in their respective regions, including number one seed North Carolina in Greensboro. The day starts with a pair of 6/11 matchups, as three of the four teams come from BCS conferences. We'll begin in Nashville with an intriguing contest between Big East and Big 12 schools.
[11] Texas vs. [6] Cincinnati (-2, 129)
The Longhorns likely clinched an at-large berth after knocking off Iowa State in the Big 12 tournament, as Texas looks to pull off a minor upset of Cincinnati. The Bearcats fell short in the Big East championship to Louisville, but Cincinnati was able to knock off Syracuse and Marquette as underdogs in back-to-back games. Mick Cronin's team finished the season pretty hot against the number by cashing six of the last seven games, including three times as a favorite of two points or less. Texas compiled a 10-17-1 ATS record this season, but put together a 5-3 ATS mark as an underdog. The three biggest wins this season by the Longhorns came at home against Kansas State, Iowa State, and Temple, while covering twice as a favorite.
[11] N.C. State (-2½, 137) vs. [6] San Diego State
The Aztecs look to make another run in the tournament after making the Sweet 16 last March as San Diego State takes on a solid N.C. State squad. The Wolfpack solidified an at-large berth with a pair of wins in the ACC Tournament, including an outright underdog victory over Virginia in the quarterfinals. N.C. State closed the season at 5-0-1 ATS, even though four of those covers came in the 'dog role. San Diego State went 26-7, which included a 12-5 mark inside of Mountain West play. The Aztecs put up a 5-8 ATS record down the stretch, but Steve Fisher's club cashed seven of 10 times as underdogs this season.
[9] Alabama (- 1½, 132½) vs. [8] Creighton
The Blue Jays wrapped up the Missouri Valley tournament title over Illinois State in overtime, the seventh consecutive win for Creighton as it plays Alabama in Greensboro. The Crimson Tide closed SEC play with victories in seven of their final 10 regular season contests, while coming up short in the conference tournament against Florida. Alabama didn't beat a conference foe that is currently in the tournament field, even though the Tide knocked off Wichita State, Purdue, and VCU in non-conference play. Creighton started the season on fire at 8-2 ATS, but the Jays stumbled to a 2-8 ATS finish, as seven of those losses came as favorites.
[10] Virginia vs. [7] Florida (-3½, 121½)
The Cavaliers didn't play down the stretch by losing five of their last eight games, as UVA will be tested immediately against Florida. The Gators lost to Kentucky for the third time this season in the SEC Tournament semifinals, while posting a 1-5 ATS record in their final six contests. Florida made it all the way to the Elite Eight last season before losing to Butler in overtime, as the Gators are looking to make it out of the first weekend in consecutive tournaments for the first time since 2006 and 2007 (the championship years). Billy Donovan's team won just four of 10 games against tournament teams, with the victories coming against Alabama twice, Florida State, and Vanderbilt. The Cavs began the season at 14-1, but the only quality win came at home over Michigan. Virginia cashed the 'under' in 19 of 26 games, while four of its previous five contests sailed 'over' the total.
[14] St. Bonaventure vs. [3] Florida State (-6, 130½)
The Seminoles made headlines last weekend by knocking off Duke and North Carolina en route to their first ACC tournament title. FSU's task won't be easy in their opener against St. Bonaventure, who went an incredible run to claim the Atlantic 10 championship with a convincing victory over Xavier. The Bonnies cashed seven of eight games down the stretch, but St. Bonnie's put together a 2-6 ATS record in the last eight contests as an underdog. FSU is riding a 7-1 'over' run despite its defensive prowess, while covering five consecutive games after a 1-6 ATS stretch. Under Leonard Hamilton, the 'Noles are 2-3 SU/ATS in the tournament, with both victories coming in last season's Sweet 16 run.
[14] Belmont vs. [3] Georgetown (-4, 133½)
The Hoyas are looking for their first NCAA Tournament since 2008 as Georgetown takes on upset-minded Belmont. The Bears won the Atlantic Sun championship, while riding a 14-game winning streak headed into the Big Dance. Belmont failed to cover all three games in the A-Sun tournament as double-digit favorites, as the Bears finished the season at 2-5 ATS in lined contests. Georgetown is coming off a loss in the Big East tournament to Cincinnati, as the Hoyas went 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS off a defeat this season.
[16] Vermont vs. [1] North Carolina (-15½, 144½)
North Carolina still received a top seed despite losing the ACC championship to Florida State, as the Tar Heels battle Vermont. The Catamounts knocked off Lamar in the first round on Wednesday, 71-59 as 1 ½-point underdogs. UVM is running through a stretch of 15 victories in the last 16 games, while claiming the America East championship. UNC cashed in 11 of 20 contests as double-digit favorites, as the Tar Heels went 4-2 ATS in the 10-16 pointspread range.
[15] Norfolk State vs. [2] Missouri (-21½, 144)
Missouri finished off its tenure in the Big 12 with a conference championship, while putting up a 30-win season. The Tigers take on the champions of the MEAC, as Norfolk State compiled a 25-9 mark, including seven straight victories down the stretch. Mizzou has cashed the 'over' in nine consecutive games, while Frank Haith's club averaged 80 points per game. The Tigers took care of business as a heavy favorite, going 8-3 ATS when laying at least 9 ½ points. The Spartans cashed five of six lined games this season, while the most impressive cover came as 22-point underdogs to Marquette in a 59-57 defeat in November.
NCAA Betting Preview Xavier vs. Notre Dame
Sportspic.com
Xavier was a preseason Top-25 team and a dark horse Final Four club back in November but disappointed this season. Notre Dame was supposed to be rebuilding after losing almost every key player off last year’s Top-10 team but surprised in 2011-12. Now these two private religious schools collide on Friday night with the Irish as 2.5-point favorites on BOVADA NCAA Tournament odds and there will be live betting available (9:45 p.m. ET tip on CBS).
The Musketeers (21-12) looked like a Top-10 team in starting 8-0 – however, that eighth win saw an ugly brawl against Cincinnati that resulted in suspensions and derailed Xavier for a while. In fact, the Musketeers were just 10-11 in the next 21 games before winning three of four to close the regular season – losing to St. Bonaventure in the Atlantic 10 Tournament final but sneaking into the Big Dance as an at-large. What Xavier does have is a terrific veteran backcourt led by of Tu Holloway (17 points per game, 5.1 assists per game) and junior Mark Lyons (15.5 points per game, 2.7 assists per game). And the Musketeers have a matchup problem for most teams in 7-foot center Kenny Frease. He has been playing his best ball of late, averaging 13.1 points and 7.7 rebounds over the last seven games.
Notre Dame (22-11) was a No. 2 seed last year in the NCAA Tournament after finishing second in the Big East and this was supposed to be a rebuilding year after losing four senior starters. Then the Irish lost their top returning player, Tim Abromaitis, to a knee injury after he played just two games. Forward Jack Cooley stepped up to be the main guy, averaging 12.5 ppg, 9.2 rpg and shooting better than 62 percent from the field. But this is a team effort as six players average between 6.9 and 12.5 points. Still, the Irish struggle to score and are not a good rebounding team, so Frease could have his way inside. Notre Dame’s young starting backcourt of Jerian Grant and Eric Atkins will have to play extremely well for the Irish to advance.
Xavier has much better depth than the Irish, so any Notre Dame foul issues will be a problem for the Irish. But Notre Dame also takes care of the ball as well as any team. Both teams are good defensively. The Irish held foes to 40.8 percent field goal accuracy, while opponents are shooting just under 40 percent against Xavier for the season and just over 30 percent from the 3-point line. Notre Dame was just 2-for-17 from long range in its Big East Tournament loss to Louisville.
For comparison’s sake, Xavier beat Cincinnati in that brawl game 76-53. Notre Dame lost at Cincinnati 71-55. Both teams also played Gonzaga. The Irish lost 73-53 at the Zags. And Gonzaga won 72-65 at Xavier.
NCAA Betting Preview Georgetown vs. Belmont
Sportspic.com
The Georgetown Hoyas have been a massive disappointment in the past two NCAA Tournaments, losing to double-digits seeds. And on Friday afternoon in the Midwest Region in Columbus, Ohio, the third-seeded Hoyas are only 4-point favorites over No. 14 Belmont on BOVADA's NCAA basketball odds
Belmont (26-2) was the Atlantic Sun regular-season and tournament champion and enters on a 14-game winning streak. The Bruins are one of the nation’s better offensive teams, ranking No. 4 in points per game (81.5), fifth in assists (17.4), eighth in scoring margin (+14.2), 17th in field-goal percentage (48.4), 12th in 3-pointers per game (8.7) and 42nd in 3-point percentage (37.7). Six players average at least eight points, led by junior guard Kerron Johnson at 14.1 ppg – he was the Atlantic Sun Tournament MVP.
The Bruins have played two ranked teams this season, both to start the year. They lost 77-76 at Duke in the season opener and then 97-81 at Memphis. Those are the only two NCAA Tournament teams that Belmont has faced. This is Belmont’s fifth NCAA Tournament appearance and it has never won a game – the Bruins lost 72-58 to Wisconsin in the first round a year ago.
Georgetown (23-8) was supposed to take a step back, it was thought this season, but finished fourth in the Big East. It’s a very young team but is led by senior guard Jason Clark (14.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 47.8 FG%), junior forward Hollis Thompson (13.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 47.8 FG%) and senior center Henry Sims (11.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.4 apg). One worry for the Hoyas is their recent NCAA Tournament history. In 2010 they lost 97-83 to No. 14 Ohio and last year fell 74-56 to No. 11 Virginia Commonwealth. But most of the main players from those two Georgetown teams are gone – Clark and Sims had much lesser roles, for example.
This will be a matchup of contrasting styles. The Bruins are up-tempo and have an explosive offense against Georgetown’s rugged defense -- 13th in the nation in points allowed per game, first in opponent 3-point field goal percentage.
NCAA Betting Preview Ohio vs. Michigan
Sportspic.com
The 13th-seeded Ohio Bobcats are rolling into Friday’s Midwest Region game in Nashville against No. 4 seed Michigan, and Ohio U. knows full well how to beat a high seed like the Wolverines. However, Michigan is a 5.5-point favorite on BOVADA's NCAA basketball odds
The Bobcats (27-7) opened the season winning 12 of their first 13 games and the only loss was by five points at then-No. 7 Louisville, which would end up being the Big East Tournament champion. Ohio then was a bit inconsistent around midseason, but it closed by winning nine of 10, including beating Mid-American Conference No. 1 overall seed Akron twice, including in the conference tournament final. Ohio has a player who could play on any BCS team in guard D.J. Cooper, the MAC Tournament MVP who averages 14.6 points, 5.7 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Other than Louisville, the Bobcats played two other NCAA Tournament teams, beating Lamar and UNC-Asheville.
Michigan (24-9) shared the Big Ten regular-season championship – the Wolverines hadn’t won or shared the Big Ten crown in more than two decades. However, UM struggled in the Big Ten Tournament, squeaking by Minnesota in overtime and then getting crushed by Ohio State. Michigan is one of the smallest teams in the tournament, often having four guards on the floor. They are led by freshman Trey Burke, who had his worst game of the season in the loss to OSU, and Tim Hardaway Jr.
Michigan lives and dies by the 3-point shot and is terrible on the boards. Ohio held opponents to just 28.7 percent from behind the arc (12th in the country) and led the MAC in offensive rebounding. The Bobcats will try and push the tempo and force Michigan into turnovers. This is the first meeting between the schools since 1971. Ohio U is back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2010, when it upset No. 3 seed Georgetown 97-83 behind 23 points from Cooper, then a freshman. UM is in the tournament for the second year in a row – it crushed Tennessee in the first round last year before falling in a two-point game to No. 1 Duke.
These two teams do have a common opponent in Oakland (Mich.) University. Ohio beat the Grizzlies 84-82 on Dec. 7. Three days later, Michigan beat Oakland 90-80. Both were Oakland home games.
Friday's Late-Night Action
By David Schwab
VegasInsider.com
This year’s NCAA Men’s Tournament’s second round wraps up Friday with four matchups. There are two late games in the Midwest Region and one in both the South and West Regions. The following is a brief preview of each game along with a few facts and figures to help handicap the games.
Midwest Region
No 2. Kansas Jayhawks (27-6) vs. No. 15 Detroit Titans (22-13)
Kansas has been opened as a 14-point favorite for this game with the total line set at 143. KU worked its way to a two seed in this tournament with a 9-1 straight-up record down the stretch with the only loss coming to Baylor (72-81) in the semifinals of the Big 12 Tournament as a 6½-point favorite. The Jayhawks are 16-15-1 against the spread overall and 8-9-1 ATS on the road. They are 2-4 ATS in their last six games and the total has gone ‘over’ in three of their last five.
The big two of Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor are combining for 35.2 points a game with Robinson pulling down a team-high 11.8 rebounds and Taylor leading the team in assists with 4.8. Kansas is averaging 75 points a game while shooting 48.5 percent from the field.
Detroit earned a spot in this tournament with an impressive run in the Horizon League Tournament including a 70-50 rout of Valparaiso as a two-point underdog in the championship game. The Titans are 12-19-1 ATS overall but have covered in their last three games. The total has gone ‘over’ in six of their last eight games.
No. 5 Temple Owls (24-7) vs. No. 12 South Florida Bulls (21-13)
The Owls won the Atlantic 10 regular season title with a 13-3 SU record in conference play, but they bowed-out of this year’s tournament with a 77-71 loss to Massachusetts as 7½-point favorites. Temple is 17-14 ATS this season but 1-4 ATS in its last five games. The total has gone ‘over’ in six of its last nine games. The Owls opened as three-point favorites in this matchup with the total line set at 122.
South Florida has already notched a win in this tournament with a stunning 65-54 victory over California as a three-point underdog in a first-round play-in game on Wednesday. The Bulls are now 17-14 ATS overall and a profitable 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games. The total has stayed ‘under’ in nine of those games.
West Region
No. 1 Michigan State Spartans (27-7) vs. No. 16 LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds
It has been nothing but No. 1’s for Michigan State this season with a share of the Big Ten regular season title, a rousing 68-64 win over Ohio State as a 2½-point underdog to win the conference tournament, and a one-seed in this tournament. The Spartans come in with 4-2 ATS in their last six games and are a very profitable 21-10 ATS overall. The total has stayed ‘under’ in five of their last seven games.
Michigan State is averaging 72.3 points a game and shooting 47.6 percent from the field. It remains one of the better rebounding teams in the nation with an average of 38.2 a game. Draymond Green has been a force this season with 16.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists a game.
The Blackbirds come into this matchup as prohibitive 19½-point underdogs, but 11-1 SU in their last 12 games. They covered the spread in all three games of their games that had a posted line with two staying ‘under’ the total. LIU Brooklyn punched its ticket to the dance with a 90-73 victory over Robert Morris as a one-point underdog to claim the Northeast Conference Tournament title.
South Region
No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (22-11) vs. No. 10 Xavier Musketeers (21-12)
It has been a roller-coaster ride for the Fighting Irish down the stretch with a nine-game winning streak that was followed by a sketchy 2-3 SU run in their last five games. Notre Dame is 12-13-2 ATS on the year and a 1-4 ATS in its last five games. The total has stayed ‘under’ in four of its last six games. The Irish have been opened as 2½-point favorites in this contest with the total set at 124.
Xavier was stunned by St. Bonaventure 67-56 as a 3½-point favorite in the Atlantic 10 tournament finals to drop to 11-18-2 ATS overall and a costly 1-7-1 ATS in its last nine games. The total has stayed ‘under’ in four of its last six games and has gone 17-14 overall. The Musketeers are 8-9 SU on the road this season and 5-11-1 ATS.