College Basketball Betting News and Notes Friday, March 25

Friday's Sweet 16 Action
By Sportsbook.ag

IOWA ST CYCLONES (23-11) vs. VIRGINIA CAVALIERS (28-7)

Sportsbook.ag Line: Virginia -5.5, Total: 141

No. 1 seed Virginia returns to the Sweet Sixteen for the second time in three seasons as it looks to outlast No. 4 seed Iowa State and move on to the Elite Eight.

Virginia (18-15 ATS) will be aiming to get past the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 1995 when they play Iowa State (17-13-1 ATS) on Friday night in Chicago. Coach Tony Bennett’s Cavaliers have lost the previous two seasons to Michigan State, and were a No. 1 seed in 2014 as well when bowing out in the Sweet Sixteen.

Iowa State is also returning to the Sweet Sixteen for the second time in three seasons. They bowed out to eventual 2014 National Champion Connecticut before getting upset by No. 14 seed UAB in their first game in last season’s tournament. Coach Steve Prohm is in his first season at the helm of the Cyclones and was 1-1 in the NCAA Tournament as coach of Murray State before winning Iowa State’s first two games last week.

The Cyclones advanced by beating No. 13 Iona in the first round (94-81, ISU -6.5) and No. 12 Arkansas-Little Rock last Saturday (78-61, ISU -6). Prior to that, Iowa State had closed out their regular season in mediocre fashion (5-6 SU, 5-6 ATS). That said, the Cyclones have covered their last four contests.

Iowa State has fared well in neutral sites (5-2 SU, 5-2 ATS) but has struggled as an underdog at 1-6 SU (4-3 ATS). Coach Prohm will have plenty of time to prepare for Virginia’s vaunted pack-line defense, and the Cyclones are 12-5 SU (9-6-1) on 3+ days rest this season.

Since dropping three games in mid-January to non-NCAA Tournament teams, Virginia has closed the season 15-3 (11-7 ATS). The Cavaliers dropped the ACC title game to North Carolina (61-57, UVA +2.5) but rebounded to crush Hampton in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament (81-45, UVA -23), and then dismissed Butler (77-69, UVA -8.5). The Cavaliers will also be well rested to face Iowa State’s potent offense in this contrast of styles, as Virginia is 12-4 (8-7 ATS) on 3+ days rest. Virginia has been excellent on neutral site courts this season (8-1 SU, 6-3 ATS) and is 25-14 (16-13 ATS) as a favorite.

In total trends, the UNDER is 12-3 in Virginia’s last 15 games and 10-3 in Iowa State’s last 13 games in neutral sites. This will be the third highest total (141) of the season for Virginia, and the Cavaliers are 2-0 SU (0-2 ATS) with the OVER at 1-1 with a total of 140+.

Iowa State can fill it up on offense (82.1 PPG, 13th NCAA), which should make this game a treat to watch with contrasting styles. The Cyclones lead the country in field goals made per game (31.2), as they don’t rely on the charity stripe or an inflated pace of play (73.6 possessions per game, 73rd NCAA) to bolster their scoring totals. If Iowa State loses their efficiency, though, Virginia’s slowest-in-the-nation pace (60.2 possessions per game) will make things awfully uncomfortable for the Cyclones. Iowa State hasn’t played anyone (outside of two games against Oklahoma State) where the final total was under 130, as Friday’s pregame total of 141 is the lowest of the season for Iowa State.

The Cyclones had little success against the Big 12’s best defensive team, West Virginia (0-2 SU, 0-2 ATS), but the Mountaineers play a much different style of defense than Virginia does. Iowa State excelled against the best half-court defensive team they played this season, going to Cincinnati and beating the Bearcats 81-79 in December.

The Cyclones are led by senior F Georges Niang (20.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.3 APG), who’s had a marvelous tournament thus far (28 PPG, 53.7% FG, 50% 3PT). A third straight 28-point outing will be a lot to ask of Niang against Virginia’s defense, but playing through the crafty forward is a great way to take pressure off of G Monte Morris (13.9 PPG, 6.9 APG). If any point guard in the country is poised enough to extend possessions against the Cavaliers, it’s Morris - the nation’s leader in assist-to-turnover ratio two straight seasons.

G Matt Thomas (10.9 PPG, 43% 3PT) is one of five double-figure scorers for the Cyclones, but he’s upped his all-around play in the tournament (15 PPG, 5 RPG, 3.5 APG) while staying steady as Iowa State’s main three-point threat (46.7 3PT, 3.5 3PM). Thomas and F Abdel Nader (13.2 PPG) will be key secondary sources of perimeter production that Iowa State will need if Virginia is able to compromise Niang’s otherworldly production thus far.

If the game is close down the stretch, F Jameel McKay (11.3 PPG, 9 RPG, 1.8 BPG) could become a liability. Iowa State’s biggest defensive asset, McKay went 0-6 FT against Arkansas-Little Rock and shot at only a 53.5% mark on the season from the stripe.

Virginia was somewhat shaky on defense in their win over Butler last Sunday, allowing the Bulldogs to shoot 46.3% FG and 46.7% 3PT. It was the Cavaliers offense (55.8% FG; 73% in the 2nd half) that led them into the Sweet Sixteen. Coach Bennett went with four guards around standout F Anthony Gill (13.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG) in the second half to match Butler’s size, and the results speak for themselves. This could be a similar lineup Bennett rolls out whenever Iowa State’s McKay isn’t on the floor.

Gill has been phenomenal in Virginia’s two NCAA Tournament games, putting up 19 points in each (68.2% FG), and McKay will be the only Cyclone defender who has the chops to slow him down.

Virginia’s MVP this season, though, has been ACC player of the year Malcolm Brogdon (18.6 PPG, 47% FG, 40% 3PT). The 6-foot-5 senior guard is strong enough to guard four positions on the floor, take it to the hoop on offense and finish in traffic. Brogdon put up a well-rounded 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists while going 8-14 in the win over Butler.

While much is rightfully talked about Virginia’s defense (59.5 PPG), they do a great job keeping opponents off the glass (28.2 RPG, 1st NCAA) and – as mentioned earlier – play at the slowest pace in all of Division 1. Delving deeper, though, the Cavaliers can be vulnerable to a team patient enough to work for good shots, and that describes Iowa State as well as any team in the country. Virgina’s defensive shooting numbers aren’t as elite as their totals (166th NCAA in 3PT % defense, 78th NCAA in FG% defense) and they don’t force a ton of turnovers (11.2 TO, 247th NCAA).

Conversely, Virginia’s offense is much better than the totals would lead you to believe (1.16 points per possession, 15th NCAA) and Iowa State’s defense is easily vulnerable in many areas (74.7 PPG allowed, 244th NCAA). Virginia could very well jump on Iowa State’s leaky defense early on and make it very tough for the Cyclones to make a comeback.

WISCONSIN BADGERS (22-12) vs. NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (23-11)

Sportsbook.ag Line: Notre Dame -1, Total: 131.5

#7 Wisconsin will be going for a third straight Elite 8 appearance when the team faces #6 Notre Dame on Friday.

The Badgers are coming off of a buzzer-beating 66-63 victory over #2 Xavier on Sunday and they have now won-and-covered in each of their two tournament games. Wisconsin has been thriving on the defensive end of the floor, holding each of its past two opponents to under 43% shooting from the field. If the Badgers can put forth a similar effort defensively on Friday then they’ll like their chances of advancing to the Elite Eight on Sunday.

The Fighting Irish, however, are a very good offensive team and will be welcoming the challenge of remaining efficient against a tough Badgers team. Notre Dame defeated #14 Stephen F. Austin 76-75 on a tip-in at the buzzer on Sunday and has now shot 58% or better from the field in each of the past two contests.

The Fighting Irish have only faced the Badgers once since 1997 and Notre Dame won-and-covered in that game. One trend that is working in Wisconsin’s favor is the fact that the team is 14-3 ATS when playing away from home after forcing an opponent to commit eight or less turnovers over the past three seasons. Notre Dame also happens to be 0-6 ATS away from home after two or more consecutive wins this season.

Wisconsin was down as many as nine points late in the second half, but the team was able to rally back against Xavier. The Badgers’ defense has been the big story this tournament, but they would not be playing in this game if it weren’t for G Bronson Koenig (13.3 PPG). With the Badgers down three in the final minute of regulation, Koenig hit a deep three to tie the game at 63-63. On the next trip down for Xavier, G Zak Showalter (7.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.0 SPG) drew a charge that ultimately gave the Badgers the ball back with two seconds left. Head Coach Greg Gard designed a brilliant play from there and it ended with Koenig hitting a game winning, step-back three from the corner.

Wisconsin must now shift its attention to Notre Dame, though. The team will need both Koenig and Showalter to come up big in this one. Koenig is going to need to continue to bury shots for this team. The Fighting Irish are a very good team offensively and the Badgers can’t afford to continue to shoot the ball the way they have been.

Showalter, meanwhile, will likely need to guard Demetrius Jackson in this game and it’s crucial that the Wisconsin guard finds a way to contain him.

F Nigel Hayes (15.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.1 SPG) desperately needs to get it going for the Badgers in this one. Hayes is by far the most talented player on this Wisconsin team, but he is just 5-for-27 from the field in the tournament. Hayes is a guy that is capable of going off for 25 or more on any given night and the Badgers need him to find his stroke against the Fighting Irish.

One guy that can always be relied on is F Ethan Happ (12.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.8 SPG), though. Happ is averaging 16.5 PPG and 8.0 RPG in the tournament and he is a handful to guard around the basket. If he can find a way to get Zach Auguste in foul trouble then the Badgers should be able to advance.

The Fighting Irish were extremely close to being upset by Stephen F. Austin, but they were able to escape with a tip-in shot with just under two seconds remaining in the game. Notre Dame will need to be a lot better against a feisty Wisconsin team on Friday.

One guy that should be able to dominate this game is C Zach Auguste (14.3 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 1.1 BPG). Auguste has been a monster for Notre Dame in this tournament, averaging 13.0 PPG, 13.5 RPG and 2.0 BPG in 29.0 MPG. He has a very unique blend of size and athleticism and should give the Badgers a lot of trouble around the basket. He will need to avoid foul trouble or Notre Dame will have a lot of issues on both ends of the floor.

G Demetrius Jackson (15.5 PPG, 4.7 APG, 1.2 SPG) will also need to have a big game for the Fighting Irish on Friday. Jackson is a lot quicker than most of the Badgers’ guards, so he should be able to get to the rim pretty easily in this game. It’d be a major plus for the team if he can knock down some shots from the outside as well. He was 2-for-3 from three against the Lumberjacks on Sunday, but he was just 4-for-18 from the outside in the four games before that.

G Steve Vasturia (11.6 PPG) is a guy that needs to be a lot better for Notre Dame moving forward. He’s just 6-for-22 from the field in this tournament and the Fighting Irish are counting on him to regain his stroke on Friday. The team is much more beatable when he is not playing well offensively.

F V.J. Beachem (11.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG) might just be the x-factor for Notre Dame in this one, though. Beachem is 15-for-30 from the outside over the past five games and Notre Dame is extremely tough to beat when he gets it going from deep.

GONZAGA BULLDOGS (28-7) vs. SYRACUSE ORANGE (21-13)

Sportsbook.ag Line: Gonzaga -4, Total: 135

#11 Gonzaga and #10 Syracuse clash on Friday night and whoever wins will be the only double-digit seeded team to reach the Elite Eight.

The Bulldogs are on fire heading into this meeting with the Orange, as they have now won seven straight games and they have covered in six of those contests. Gonzaga defeated #6 Seton Hall 68-52 as a two-point favorite in the first round of the tournament and followed it up with an 82-59 victory as a one-point favorite over #3 Utah in the second round. The Bulldogs have been outstanding on both sides of the ball, as they have now shot 55% or better from the field in two of the past three contests and they have held their opponents to under 43% shooting in two straight.

Syracuse has played very solid basketball in the tournament as well. The Orange defeated #7 Dayton 70-51 as one-point favorites in the first round and then knocked off #15 Middle Tennessee State 75-50 as six-point favorites in the second round. The team’s defense has been outstanding so far, holding each of its first two opponents to less than 33% shooting from the field.

Syracuse and Gonzaga have met just once since 1997 and the Orange won-and-covered in that game. One thing the Bulldogs will feel good about heading into this game is that the Orange are just 5-14 ATS after having won two of their past three games this season. Syracuse is, however, an impressive 8-1 ATS after allowing 55 points or less in two straight games over the past three seasons.

Gonzaga has been on a tear throughout the tournament and C Domantas Sabonis (17.5 PPG, 11.7 RPG) is a huge reason for that. In two tournament games, Sabonis is averaging 20.0 PPG, 13.0 RPG and 1.5 BPG for the Bulldogs. He was absolutely dominant against Jakob Poeltl and Utah in the second round, going 8-for-12 from the floor and even knocking down his only attempt from three. Syracuse’s zone may make it a big tough for Sabonis to get the touches he normally does, but one thing he’ll be able to do against them is rebound. If he crashes the boards hard and avoids foul trouble then he should get plenty of second chance opportunities on Friday.

F Kyle Wiltjer (20.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG), meanwhile, will need to get hot in this one. The zone should play right into his strengths, as all he’ll need to do is find a few spots to pull up from. Wiltjer was 7-for-10 from the field and 3-for-4 from the outside against Utah, so he should be feeling confident heading into this game. It is, however, important that he really digs in on the defensive end in this one.

As is seemingly always the case for Gonzaga, the x-factors in this game will likely be Gs Josh Perkins (10.2 PPG, 4.0 APG, 1.2 SPG) and Eric McClellan (10.9 PPG). The two of them should get plenty of open looks against this Syracuse defense and will just need to make good decisions with the basketball on Friday. If they can move the ball quickly then they should find spaces in the Orange zone and both guys have been hitting shots lately. The two of them combined for 32 points against Utah and a similar performance on Friday would likely mean that Gonzaga is advancing to the Elite Eight.

Syracuse is on fire coming into this game, but the team has not yet faced anybody that is nearly as good as Gonzaga. The Bulldogs are an extremely big team and that means that guys like C DaJuan Coleman (5.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG) and F Tyler Roberson (9.0 PPG, 8.4 RPG) will need to be ready to play in this one. Coleman is a big body that will likely be tasked with keeping Sabonis off of the glass in this one. That is not going to be easy, but if he is badly beaten in that regard then Syracuse will not be advancing in this one.

Roberson should be able to help Coleman on the boards. He’s averaging 13.5 RPG through two tournament games and will need to carry that over into Friday’s matchup.

Offensively, the Orange are going to need big performances from Gs Trevor Cooney (12.8 PPG), Michael Gbinije (17.8 PPG, 4.4 APG, 4.1 RPG, 2.0 SPG) and Malachi Richardson (13.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.2 SPG).

Cooney is this team’s veteran leader and also happens to be the most dangerous outside shooter Syracuse has. He has shot it well throughout the tournament, going 6-for-12 from the outside in the opening rounds. If he can continue to be efficient from the outside then it’ll really help his team moving forward.

Gbinije is the most talented player on this roster. He had 23 points on 10-for-14 shooting against Middle Tennessee State and will need to come ready to score in this game as well. The Bulldogs are weakest in their backcourt, so Gbinije should find some success here on Friday.

Syracuse does need Malachi Richardson to be more consistent. After scoring 21 points on 5-for-12 shooting in the first round, Richardson had just four points on 1-for-7 shooting against the Blue Raiders. He is a very versatile scorer, but if he has an off night on Friday then it’ll be tough for the Orange to advance.

INDIANA HOOSIERS (27-7) vs. NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS (30-6)

Sportsbook.ag Line: North Carolina -5.5, Total: 158.5

Bluebloods #1 North Carolina and #5 Indiana meet in the Sweet Sixteen in Philadelphia on Friday night.

The Tar Heels have been comfortable thus far in the NCAA Tournament, with an 85-66 win over #9 Providence on Saturday as 11.5-point favorites. UNC shot an impressive 52.5% from the field, and grabbed 42 rebounds compared to Providence’s 24.

Indiana, meanwhile, defeated #4 Kentucky on Saturday by a score of 73-67 as 3.5-point underdogs. The Hoosiers shot 48.1% from the field and held a dangerous Kentucky squad to just 42.1% shooting.

Since 1997, Indiana is 4-0 ATS and 3-1 SU against North Carolina. Working in UNC’s favor is that Indiana is just 11-22 ATS after games in which they covered the spread in the past two seasons. Indiana is, however, 20-10 ATS when playing just their second game in eight days over the past two seasons.

North Carolina has been dominant in March Madness, and will need to keep up the good play against a tough opponent in Indiana. F Brice Johnson (16.8 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 61.9% FG) is UNC’s key player, and he has lived up to the hype through his team’s first two games in the tournament, averaging 19.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and 5.0 BPG. How young Indiana big man Thomas Bryant can handle Johnson down low will go a long way in determining the outcome of this matchup.

F Justin Jackson (12.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG) has also had a solid tournament, and could be an x-factor for Roy Williams’ squad. Jackson is a very good defender on the perimeter and he’s also capable of hitting outside shots when called upon.

F Isaiah Hicks (9.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 61.5% FG), ACC Sixth Man of the Year, has also enjoyed a great start to the tournament, averaging 12.5 PPG and 5.5 RPG on 9-for-12 shooting.

Senior G Marcus Paige (12.0 PPG, 3.7 APG, 1.2 SPG) has struggled from the field this season, shooting just 38.9%, but if he regains his form from two seasons ago, the Tar Heels will have to like their chances to advance to the Elite Eight.

Big Ten champions Indiana are a force on the offensive end of the court, averaging 82.3 PPG (11th in NCAA) on 50.1% shooting from the field (3rd in NCAA). G Yogi Ferrell (17.1 PPG, 5.6 APG, 41.9% 3FG) is Indiana’s best player, and his double-double of 20 points and 10 assists paced the Hoosiers in their first round matchup against Chattanooga. With 18 points, four assists, and five rebounds against Kentucky, he proved that he can put up big numbers against top competition, and he will not shy away from the UNC defense.

F Troy Williams (13.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG) is a versatile option for Tom Crean’s squad, and C Thomas Bryant (11.9 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 68.9% FG) is a force in the post. Indiana’s best players will need to show up, and if they are to get a win the likes of F Max Bielfeldt (8.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 44.1% 3FG) and G Nick Zeisloft (6.7 PPG, 42.5% 3FG) will need to shoot well from three-point range.

Sweet 16 - Friday Early Tips
By Tony Mejia
VegasInsider.com

#1 Virginia (-5, 141) vs. #4 Iowa State

There is a drastic contrast in styles here, so expect a tug of war for control of the tempo. Iowa State was forced to replace Fred Hoiberg with Steve Prohm when he left for the Bulls, but have still averaged 82.1 points per game, ranking tops in the Big 12 in scoring. For the fourth straight season, the Cyclones are currently among the top 15 teams in the country in that department. The Cavaliers play the slowest pace in D-I and rank second in the nation in points allowed, the fifth straight year they’ve been in the top-five in that department under Tony Bennett. For Virginia to play its ideal game, it must stay out of foul trouble and limit Georges Niang’s impact.

Niang, a talented senior forward was named a Second-Team All-American by the USBWA and has been the centerpiece for the Cyclones in recent years, often serving as point forward, bullying his way into the paint with his ability to put the ball on the floor at 6-8, while possessing a nice touch from the perimeter as well. Virginia has dealt with talented, versatile players throughout the ACC, so seeing how the team attacks Niang defensively will be this game’s top attraction. Iowa State has plenty of others who can hurt you, starting with junior point guard Monte Morris, whose 6.9 assists to 1.6 turnovers again ranks among the best ratios in the country, which means wings Matt Thomas, Abdel Nader and sixth man Deonte Burton often get open looks. Thomas is a 43 percent shooter. Burton has a 46 percent clip off the bench.

Virginia’s leader is First Team All-American Malcolm Brogdon, a physically strong shooting guard who can defend just about anyone and will likely see some time on Niang. He averages a team-best 18.6 points, ranks second in assists and shoots 89 percent from the 3-point line and 40 percent from 3-point range. Backcourt mate London Perrantes, a stifling defender and heady floor general, shoots nearly 48 percent from beyond the arc. Anthony Gill is the primary post threat and will have to do his part against Niang. He's averaged 13.6 points and 6.2 rebounds, but the play alongside him and behind him from Mike Tobey, Isaiah Wilkins and Evan Nolte has been spotty. They do have a size edge on Cyclones enforcer Jameel McKay.

Expect the 3-ball to play a huge role here, since Virginia’s presence is almost certain to ensure fewer possessions than the Cyclones are typically used to unless they’re able to get out early and dictate, forcing catch-up mode. The Cavaliers have only played three games that have gone ‘over’ the posted total since Jan. 30, a span of 15 contests. Virginia is 11-2 SU in games that have surpassed the posted total, but are just 6-7 ATS. Conversely, Iowa State is 7-1 in games where 141 points or fewer have been scored, covering the number in six of those. UVA rolled over Hampton 81-45 and held off Butler 77-69 to advance to this spot, going 1-1 ATS. Iowa State has covered in both of its wins, beating Iona 94-81 and Little Rock 78-61 to reach the Sweet 16.

#6 Notre Dame (-1, 131.5) vs. #7 Wisconsin

Two Midwest-based teams that entered these NCAAs as wild cards will battle for a spot in the Elite Eight, looking to make it back-to-back memorable seasons. While most remember Bo Ryan-led Wisconsin defeating Kentucky and making it to last April’s Championship game, it’s not as easy to recall that the Fighting Irish nearly took down the undefeated ‘Cats in the Elite Eight. Although they graduated current Knicks guard Jerian Grant and Trail Blazers wing Pat Connaughton, the team that won the ACC Tournament a year ago returned a lot of talent. In that sense, they were better off than the Badgers, who lost first-round picks Frank Kaminsky (Hornets) and Sam Dekker (Rockets) in addition to other key role players. That both teams find themselves in this situation after seasons where they’ve suffered double-digit seasons ties them together in terms of resiliency and an ability to rise up when it matters most.

Notre Dame held off Michigan in the first round and survived 76-75 against Stephen F. Austin on a tip-in by little-used reserve freshman forward Rex Pflueger, coming back from a five-point deficit inside the game’s final 1:35. Wisconsin got a buzzer-beater from guard Bronson Koenig, who eliminated second-seeded Xavier 66-63 with perhaps the shot of the tournament, a buzzer-beater out of the corner he knew was good the moment he left his hands. The Badgers survived Pittsburgh 47-43 in the first round and are 2-0 in these NCAAs as an underdog, which means they likely don’t mind being in that role here.

Veterans Nigel Hayes, Koenig, Zak Showalter and Vitto Brown, all supporting players during last year's run to the Final Four, have combined with freshman Ethan Happ to keep the Badgers in this mix despite being the most inexperienced Badgers team Ryan brought into a season since taking over in '01. After ups and downs, he stepped down midseason to give assistant Greg Gard an opportunity to keep the job, which he has nicely managed to accomplish. Meanwhile, this is the first time the Fighting Irish have reached the Sweet 16 in consecutive seasons, so head coach Mike Brey has no doubt he has a special group. Point guard Demetrius Jackson is the top current pro prospect in this matchup, but he's got plenty of talent around him, starting with senior forward Zach Auguste, one of a handful of guys in the country averaging a double-double (14.3 ppg, 10.9 rpg). Juniors V.J. Beachem and Steve Vasturia are joined by sophomre Bonzie Colson as others averaging double-figures in scoring for Notre Dame.

Although the Irish have a reputation as a higher-scoring team and the Badgers are often chastised for their plodding style, the teams were only separated by one possession on average this season, ranking among the last 20 teams in the country in pace. The 'under' has prevailed in 10 of Wisconsin's last 11 games, but also in seven of Notre Dame's last 10.

Sweet 16 - Friday Late Tips
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com

#11 Gonzaga (-4, 135) vs. #10 Syracuse

The two lowest seeds remaining in the NCAA tournament hook up in the Windy City as both of these stellar programs look to advance to the Elite Eight. Gonzaga (28-7 SU, 17-15-1 ATS) finished as the regular season co-champions in the West Coast Conference along with St. Mary’s, but Mark Few’s team wrapped up its 18th consecutive NCAA tournament berth by winning the WCC tournament.

The Bulldogs cruised to a pair of victories in the first two rounds of the Big Dance against Seton Hall and Utah. In the opening round win over the Big East tournament champions, Gonzaga cruised to a 68-52 triumph as two-point favorites. Forward Domantas Sabonis (son of Blazers’ legend Arvydas) led the Bulldogs with a 20-point, 16-rebound performance, while Gonzaga limited Seton Hall to 32% shooting from the floor to win their tournament opener for the eighth straight season.

Gonzaga proved that the Seton Hall blowout was no fluke as the Bulldogs crushed Utah in the second round, 82-59 as 1½-point favorites. The ‘Zags jumped out to a 15-point halftime lead and never looked back as Gonzaga shot a scorching 56% from the floor. Gonzaga extended its winning streak to seven, while covering each time during this hot streak.

Syracuse (21-13 SU, 18-15 ATS) overcame a late season three-game losing streak, which included a one-and-done exit in the ACC tournament against Pittsburgh. The Orange pulled away in the second half of a 70-51 rout of Dayton in the opening round, outscoring the Flyers in the second half, 40-23, in spite of shooting 40% from the floor. Jim Boeheim’s squad outrebounded Dayton, 45-27, including a game-high 18 boards pulled down by Tyler Roberson.

In the round of 32, Syracuse avoided second-seed Michigan State after the Spartans were upset by Middle Tennessee State. The Orange took advantage of facing the 15th-seed Blue Raiders by ripping the Conference USA tournament champions, 75-50 to easily cash as six-point favorites. Syracuse used another big second half to advance to the Sweet 16, outscoring MTSU, 44-23, while shooting 55% from the floor.

VegasInsider.com handicapper Joe Nelson believes that this game will be decided defending the triple, “One thing Gonzaga does have in the backcourt is size and the effective field goal rate vs. the Bulldogs is among the best in the nation, with very strong numbers against the 3-point shooting for opposing teams. Given that Syracuse is reliant on the 3-point shot more than any other remaining team in the tournament other than Oklahoma that may prove to be a key factor as over 37 percent of the scoring from the Orange comes from beyond the arc. The biggest issue in facing Syracuse is mastering the 2-3 zone defense and the length that the Orange possesses.”

Since winning the national championship in 2003, Syracuse owns a 2-3 record in its last five Sweet 16 appearances. In 2013, the Orange crushed Indiana in the regional semifinals, 61-50 as five-point underdogs. Gonzaga is playing in its third Sweet 16 since 2009, as the Bulldogs rolled past UCLA last March in this round, 74-62 as 8½-point favorites.

#5 Indiana vs. #1 North Carolina (-5½, 158½)

Two legendary programs that played for the 1981 National Championship at the Spectrum in Philadelphia meet in the Sweet 16 round 35 years later in the City of Brotherly Love. One season after getting knocked out in the regional semifinals, North Carolina (30-6 SU, 17-18-1 ATS) looks to reach its seventh Elite 8 under Roy Williams. Meanwhile, Indiana (27-7 SU, 19-15 ATS) hasn’t qualified for the Elite 8 since reaching the National Championship game in 2002.

The Tar Heels cruised to an ACC regular season title at 14-4, while grabbing the ACC tournament championship, including victories over Sweet 16 participants Notre Dame and Virginia. UNC picked up a pair of double-digit wins in each of its first two NCAA tournament victories over Florida Gulf Coast and Providence to extend their winning streak to seven since late February. In the round of 32 victory over Providence, the Tar Heels outscored the Friars in the second half by 15 points to capture an 85-66 win as 11-point favorites.

The Hoosiers won the regular season championship in the loaded Big 10, but dropped their opening game of the conference tournament in the final seconds to Michigan. Indiana regrouped in the NCAA tournament by crushing public underdog Chattanooga in the first round, 99-74 to cash as 11-point favorites. Yogi Ferrell led IU with 20 points and 10 assists, while the Hoosiers torched the Moccasins by shooting 65% from the floor. Tom Crean’s club broke away late from Kentucky in the second round, 73-67 as 3½-point underdogs to improve to 5-1 SU/ATS in the last six games and advance to the Sweet 16.

Nelson breaks down some of the key factors for this matchup, “Indiana finished the season with some of the best shooting numbers in the nation and this is a team with many options including four regulars that shoot over 41 percent from 3-point range. Turnovers have been the big weakness for Indiana as incredibly the conference champions had the worst turnover rate in the Big Ten. Creating turnovers is not a strong suit of the North Carolina defense and in that regard, this matchup should be reasonable for the Hoosiers despite the great talent and top seeding of the Tar Heels.”

The long distance game will be important for each team, according to Nelson. “North Carolina was actually the worst 3-point shooting team in the ACC, but this is a team that continues to take a fair amount of 3-point shots, attempting 35 in the first two rounds and making just 31 percent, exactly the team’s season average. Against Kentucky, Thomas Bryant was Indiana’s key player scoring 19 and converting all six 2-point field goal attempts while also getting to the line several times. Bryant will have a much tougher matchup in this game and the success of the Hoosiers is more likely to hinge on the outside shooters with North Carolina’s 3-point defense also being an area of weakness,” Nelson says.

North Carolina sits at 4/1 odds to grab the National Championship at Sportsbook.ag, while listed at 5/7 odds (Bet $1.40 to win $1.00) to advance to the Final Four. Indiana is the second-favorite to come out the East region at 3/1 odds, while sitting at 20/1 to win the program’s first title since 1987.

Indiana vs. North Carolina Betting Preview
By Covers.com

No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers vs. No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (+4, 135)

Two of the most successful programs in college basketball history meet when top-seeded North Carolina takes on No. 5 seed Indiana in the East Regional semifinals of the NCAA Tournament on Friday in Philadelphia. The Tar Heels, who have won seven straight contests, are tied with Indiana and Duke for third at five national titles and each boasts the tools to make it six.

North Carolina has rolled to double-digit victories over FGCU and Providence in the first two rounds after winning the ACC regular-season and tournament titles with versatile senior forward Brice Johnson leading a deep, balanced lineup. “I probably think we’ve played our best basketball the entire season in the last couple of weeks,” Tar Heels coach Roy Williams told reporters. Indiana, which won the Big Ten regular-season title and knocked off Kentucky in the regional quarterfinals Saturday, got better as the season went along with senior point guard Yogi Ferrell as the catalyst. The Hoosiers have leaned on their offense all season (82.5 points), but coach Tom Crean told reporters he knows North Carolina will be difficult to outscore because “they keep bringing a wave of guys at you.”

LINE HISTORY: The books opened the no. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels at -6.5 and the public jumped all over Indiana at that value. The books dropped the line to -5.5 by Monday morning and that's where it's been ever since. The total opened at 160 and was dropped to 158.5 on Wednesday afternoon. Check out the complete line history here.

ABOUT INDIANA (27-7, 19-15 ATS, 16-18 O/U): Ferrell recorded 38 points, 14 assists and three turnovers over the last two games while playing an average of 36 minutes. Ferrell, who has 1,961 career points, will need continued production inside from center Thomas Bryant (19 points versus Kentucky, 68.9 percent shooting overall) and forward Troy Williams (13 points, team-high 5.9 rebounds this season). The Hoosiers’ depth is a bit in question with the status of guard Robert Johnson (ankle) and forward Juwan Morgan (shoulder) uncertain.

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (30-6, 17-18-1 ATS, 18-18 O/U): Johnson, who is four rebounds shy of becoming the eighth Tar Heel to reach 1,000 in his career, averages a double-double (16.8 points, 10.5 boards) while shooting 61.9 percent from the field. Johnson is a constant while the rest of a deep lineup has taken turns stepping up and senior point guard Marcus Paige (12.0 points) is a key for the Tar Heels after draining 5-of-12 from beyond the arc in the first two rounds. Guard Joel Berry II (12.8) and forward Justin Jackson (12.1) also average in double figures.

TRENDS:

* Hoosiers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games.
* Tar Heels are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 neutral site games.
* Hoosiers are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
* Over is 6-1 in Tar Heels last 7 non-conference games.

Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame Betting Preview
By Covers.com

No. 7 Wisconsin Badgers vs. No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-1, 131.5)

Considering their NCAA Tournament fortunes appeared bleak at best following poor efforts in their respective conference tournaments two weeks ago, it might be appropriate to suggest fate has shined favorably on Notre Dame and Wisconsin recently. A pair of schools coming off dramatic last-second wins last weekend will vie for the right to advance to the Elite Eight on Friday when the Fighting Irish and Badgers square off in a Sweet 16 matchup in Philadelphia.

Notre Dame opened the ACC tournament by rallying from a 16-point second-half deficit to defeat Duke in overtime, only to get pounded 78-47 by North Carolina in the semifinals. The sixth-seeded Fighting Irish haven't lost their flair for the dramatic at the Big Dance, however, digging out of a 12-point hole to beat Michigan before getting a tip-in from freshman Rex Pflueger with 1.5 seconds left to hold off a second-round upset bid from Stephen F. Austin. Wisconsin turned in a listless offensive effort in a 12-point loss to Nebraska in the second round of the Big Ten tournament, then survived the lowest-scoring effort by a winning team in the NCAA Tournament since 2003 in a 47-43 first-round victory over Pittsburgh. Bronson Koenig kept the seventh-seeded Badgers' dream of making three straight Final Fours alive in their next time out, hitting two 3-pointers in the final 11.7 seconds - including the game-winner as time expired - to send No. 2 seed Xavier home with a 66-63 loss.

LINE HISTORY: The higher seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish opened as one-point favorite and the spread hasn't moved an inch all week. The total opened at 129.5 and has been bet up a full two points to 131.5.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "Of Friday's four Sweet 16 games, the Notre Dame/Wisconsin matchup is projected to be the closest. The other three all have a clear favorite (UNC, UVA, Gonzaga) but the Irish/Badgers line, currently Notre Dame -1 at most shops, suggests a game which could go either way. Check out the complete line history here.

With victories against Pittsburgh, a team which defeated ND in the reg. season, and Xavier, the Badgers have arguably been more impressive than Notre Dame. The Irish recorded comeback victories against Michigan, a team Wisconsin defeated in the regular season, and also against #15th seeded SF Austin. Indeed, they're fortunate to even be here. That may have some scratching their heads a little about why the Irish are the slight favorites." - Covers Expert Ben Burns.

ABOUT WISCONSIN (22-12, 18-16 ATS, 14-20 O/U): Defense, specifically keeping the opponent's leading scorer in check, has been key for the Badgers through two NCAA Tournament games; Wisconsin held Pittsburgh's Michael Young nearly 10 points below his 15.7 average and Xavier's Trevon Bluiett to eight points below his usual 15.1-point standard. Koenig (13.3 points) ended a three-game slide in which he totaled 21 points on 7-of-32 from the field by scoring 20 on 6-of-15 shooting - including 6-of-12 beyond the arc - versus the Musketeers. The same cannot be said for leading scorer Nigel Hayes (16.3 points), who has missed all 17 of his 3-point attempts and is a combined 7-of-42 from the floor over his last three outings.

ABOUT NOTRE DAME (23-11, 15-16-1 ATS, 16-16 O/U): Zach Auguste (14.3 points, 10.9 boards) became the 13th Fighting Irish to reach 800 career rebounds Sunday and has posted 10 double-doubles over his last 14 outings, averaging 15.3 points and 12.1 boards over that span. The 6-10 senior forward is shooting 70.5 percent from the field in seven career NCAA Tournament games and has a chance to break Bill Walton's tournament record (68.6) if is able to maintain his current percentage on nine or more attempts. V.J. Beachem (11.6 points) is coming off his worst shooting effort (6-for-13) since Notre Dame's postseason run began, but he is still averaging 15.8 points on 21-of-39 from the field - including 13-of-25 from long-range - over that four-game stretch.

TRENDS:

* Badgers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 NCAA Tournament games.
* Fighting Irish are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 vs. Big Ten.
* Under is 10-1 in Badgers last 11 overall.
* Under is 8-1 in Fighting Irish last 9 games following a ATS loss.

Iowa St. vs. Virginia Betting Preview
By Covers.com

No. 4 Iowa St. Cyclones vs. No. 1 Virginia Cavaliers (-5, 141)

It will be a contrast in styles when No. 1 seed Virginia puts its shutdown defense up against No. 4 seed Iowa State's high-powered attack in an NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 matchup in Chicago on Friday. The Cavaliers, who are seeking their first visit to the Elite Eight since 1995, own the second-ranked scoring defense (59.5) in the country, while the Cyclones have the third-best offensive output (82.1) among remaining tournament teams.

They are hoping to reach a regional final for the first time in 16 years and after averaging 86 points in first- and second-round wins - are poised to impose their style of play on the top team in the Midwest Region. "It's obviously going to be a toughness battle," Iowa State forward Georges Niang, who has scored 28 points in both tournament games, told reporters. "Who's going to be tougher? Who's going to really will their team to a win? That's what it comes down to." The Cavaliers had some issues imposing their will against Butler in the second round before a solid stretch run lifted them to a 77-69 victory. Anthony Gill remained a rock for Virginia as the senior forward posted his second straight 19-point effort and hauled in a game-high eight rebounds.

LINE HISTORY: Top seed Virginia opened as 5.5-point favorites over Iowa St. but the line was quickly adjusted down to -5. The total began the week at 141 and hasn't moved. Check out the complete line history here.

ABOUT IOWA STATE (23-11, 17-13-1 ATS, 14-16-1 O/U): Guard Matt Thomas has taken a liking to tournament play, averaging 15 points while making 7-of-15 3-pointers through the first two rounds. The junior, who has one turnover in 77 minutes in those two games, is 12-of-24 from beyond the arc in six career contests in the Big Dance. Niang is winding up a stellar career with a flourish, producing double digits in made field goals in a career-high three consecutive games.

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA (28-7, 18-14-1 ATS, 13-20 O/U): The second-round win allowed ACC Player of the Year Malcolm Brogdon (22 points) to put forth perhaps the best of his seven career tournament games, and the only one in which he has shot better than 50 percent from the field (8-of-14). The Cavaliers have also been getting great production off the bench from big man Mike Tobey, who has made 9-of-11 shots, grabbed eight rebounds and blocked three shots in 24 total minutes of tournament play. Guard Marial Shayok added 12 points versus Butler and has three double-digit efforts in his last four games after producing a total of four in his previous 29 affairs.

TRENDS:

* Cyclones are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Cavaliers are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
* Over is 5-1 in Cyclones last 6 vs. Atlantic Coast.
* Under is 12-3 in Cavaliers last 15 overall.

Gonzaga vs. Syracuse Betting Preview
By Covers.com

No. 11 Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. No. 10 Syracuse Orange (+4, 135)

Syracuse and Gonzaga are two of the most surprising teams in the Sweet 16, but they also have been two of the most impressive teams through the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. The 10th-seeded Orange and the 11th-seeded Bulldogs eye another strong effort - and a spot in the Elite 8 - when they clash in Friday's nightcap in Chicago.

The earlier contest in the Windy City pits top-seeded Virginia against No. 4 seed Iowa State, but the region's two Cinderella squads have generated as much (if not more) buzz for their dominant play in the tournament's opening weekend. Syracuse rolled past Dayton by 19 points and Middle Tennessee by 25, while Gonzaga topped Seton Hall by 16 before knocking off Utah in a 23-point affair. Each team is led by a sweet-shooting senior, as Michael Gbinije paces the Orange in scoring (17.8) and 3-pointers (90), while Kyle Wiltjer does the same for the Bulldogs (20.4, 86). In the front court, Domantas Sabonis has been a force for Gonzaga, although Syracuse's Tyler Roberson and Tyler Lydon also have enjoyed terrific tournaments to this point.

LINE HISTORY: The books opened this game with Gonzaga as 4.5-point favorites over Syracuse but the public bet the line down to Gonzaga -4. The total opened at 135.5 and dropped slightly to 135. Check out the complete line history here.

ABOUT GONZAGA (28-7, 17-15-1 ATS, 17-16 O/U): Sabonis (19 points, 10 rebounds), Wiltjer (17 points) and Eric McClellan (22 points) all shot at least 66 percent in the win over Utah while combining to go 6-of-7 from 3-point range. Those three average double-digit points, as does freshman Josh Perkins (10.2), who is 1-of-8 from beyond the arc in the NCAAs but likely will be needed to knock down shots over the Syracuse 2-3 zone. With seven straight wins, however, Bulldogs coach Mark Few does not want the recent success to go to his players' heads, saying this week: "We don't want them patted on the back. I like them playing with an edge and desperation and maybe not feeling that good about themselves."

ABOUT SYRACUSE (21-13, 18-15 ATS, 17-16 O/U): After shooting a season-high 55.1 percent against Middle Tennessee, Jim Boeheim knows that his team is playing some of its best basketball at the right time of the season. “I think we just have to make sure we understand that there’s a lot to be done, a lot can be done, a lot of good things can happen and we have to focus on that, the next game and not really look backward,” Boeheim told reporters. “There will be time to look backward, some day.” In the meantime, the veteran coach needs continued solid production from Gbinije (23 points on 10-of-14 shooting last game), Roberson (averaging 11 points and 13.5 rebounds in the tournament) and Lydon (14 points and seven rebounds in both games so far).

TRENDS:

* Bulldogs are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
* Orange are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Under is 5-0 in Bulldogs last 5 vs. Atlantic Coast.
* Under is 6-1 in Orange last 7 NCAA Tournament games

NCAAB: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com

Iowa State vs Virginia

Two schools with contrasting styles go at it in the Midwest Region with 4th-seed Iowa State (23-11, 17-13-1 ATS) attemting to upend #1-seed Virginia Cavaliers (28-7, 18-14-1 ATS).

The Cyclones no slouches on offense lead by Georges Niang (20.2) along with five other players in double digits have netted 82.1 per/game on the season, 86.0 PPG in two NCAA Tournament games hitting 52.9% of their shots, 48.8% from outside. On the other side, the Cavaliers great at protecting their own basket have allowed a stingy 59.5 points/game on the year, 57.0 PPG in the first two rounds holding opponents to 38.2% from the field, 29.4% from long range.

Bovada.lv has giving defensive minded Virginia the nod, opening Cavaliers -5.0 point favorites.

When handicapping this contest, a few betting numbers to ponder. The #4 seed facing a #1 seed in the Sweet-Sixteen and getting 6.0 or less points are good bets. In the last ten such instances the #4 is 7-3 against the betting line. However, Iowa State has not been a peg to hang your hat recently in an underdog roll, Cyclones have lost six consecutive games taking points (3-3 ATS). On the other side, Virginia finds itself in a sweet betting spot. The Cavaliers has been money in the bank recently laying -5.5 or less points posting a sparkling 8-1 record against the betting line.