PPP
4 Texas
4 Tennessee
3 Notre Dame
2 George Mason
4 Arizona
3 Hampton
2 Texas AM
2 Ohio St
2 Kansas
5 Purdue
3 Xavier
3 UNLV
Big Al
At 9:55 pm, our selection is on the Syracuse Orange minus the points over Indiana State. The Orange fall into a 57-32 ATS system of mine which plays on certain teams in the 1st round of the Tournament off a loss in their previous game, while the Sycamores fall into a negative 41-84 ATS system of mine that fades certain teams off upset wins (Indy State upended Missouri St. 60-56, as 5.5-point dogs in their last game). The Sycamores' run to the MVC Title was largely on the heels of their defense, as they held each of their 3 opponents to under 40% FG shooting. Indiana State's defense is ranked 61st in efficiency, but Syracuse's defense is even better (16th), and the Orange rank #1 in Blocks, #9 in steals, and #24 in 3-point defense. Moreover, Syracuse balances a great defense with a great offense (ranking 18th in efficiency), while Indiana State's offense is pedestrian (171st), and hurt largely by a high commission of turnovers (ranking 246th). That certainly doesn't bode well against Syracuse's tough defenders. Lay the points.
At 7:25 pm, our selection is on the Xavier Musketeers over Marquette. The Golden Eagles certainly don't have many of the characteristics I look for when handicapping tournament games. Marquette was poor in 3-point FG defense (ranking 15th of 16 teams in the Big East, and 271st in the nation) and 14th (out of 16 Big East teams) in scoring defense. The Golden Eagles also lack a pure post presence, and will suffer greatly on the boards vs. the Musketeers, whose bigs include 7-footer Kenny Frease and 6'8", 235 lb Jamel McLean. Before losing to Dayton by a single point in the Atlantic 10 Tourney, Xavier had won nine straight, and 16 of 17. Look for the Musketeers to resume their winning ways today.
At 9:20 pm, our selection is on the UNLV Rebels minus the points over Illinois. The Rebels' defense has been stifling all season, and allows just 89.9 points per 100 possessions (17th in the country). Moreover, they protect the ball, ranking 16th in not allowing steals. The Illini stumbled down the stretch, and haven't won back to back games since early January! They've been installed as a small underdog here, yet have only won 1 game all season as an underdog (at Minnesota on Feb 10). UNLV was 24-8 this season and seven of its 8 losses came to NCAA Tourney teams (like BYU, Louisville and San Diego St). In stark contrast is Illinois' resume, which contains losses to such teams as Illinois-Chicago, Indiana, and Northwestern. UNLV is much better than most people realize. Take the Rebels.
EZWinners
Va Comm
Oakland
Arizona
BIG AL
Tennessee
George Mason
Notre Dame
Texas A&M
Arizona
Syracuse
UNLV
Xavier
Georgetown
Purdue
Orlando Magic
Kelso
50 Units Notre Dame
5 Units Oakland
5 Units George Mason
5 Units Hampton
5 Units North Carolina
Helmut
Georgetown Under 134.5
Kansas Over 136.5
UNLV Over 135
ATS LOCK CLUB
6 Units UNLV -2.5
5 Units Villanova -1
5 Units Washington -5.5
4 Units Oakland +10.5
4 Units Xavier -2.5
TEXAS SPORTS WIRE
5* Arizona -5.5
4* George Mason +1
3* Notre Dame -5.5
Wayne Root
Millionaire - Florida St
Billionaire - Georgia
No Limit - Akron
Pinnacle - Illinois
Perfect Play - Villanova
Insider Info - Texas
SPORTS BANK
400 Villanova
Teddy Covers
Big Ticket: N Carolina
Michigan
Memphis
Nuggets
Bucks
Executive
300 Xavier
250 Arizona
250 Texas A&M
250 Georgia
Kelso
50 Units Notre Dame
5 Units Oakland
5 Units George Mason
5 Units Hampton
5 Units North Carolina
Added
25 Units Washington Huskies - 5.5
OC Dooley
2 Units Memphis +5.5
Last season not only did Arizona's 25-year run of NCAA Tournament appearances end, they even failed to make the NIT postseason draw. Of the 68 teams that made this year's Big Dance draw Arizona ranked way down at #61 in overall experience and NONE of their starters has ever participated in an NCAA Tournament tilt. Considering that Memphis also has one of college basketball's younger overall rosters, these two teams are similar in overall experience which makes TAKING the generous points the way to go. Just like today's opponent, Memphis used to dominate in the NCAA Tournament with a grand total of 13 victories under former head coach John Calipari. With the excellent recruiter at the helm, Memphis showcased eventual NBA lottery picks in Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans. Under the watch of Calipari Memphis won an amazing 64 consecutive games against conference competition. Even though the Tigers are no longer automatic with young Josh Pastnor running the program, it should be noted that he used to both play-and-coach for his ALMA MATER (Arizona) which adds some intrigue to this matchup. Memphis is 7-0 ATS the last two years when off an underdog outright upset victory which is just what the Tigers were able to pull off in the Conference USA Championship game this past Saturday as a 5'-point puppy even though playing on the home floor of Texas-El Paso. There was controversy surrounding the at-large pick of Alabama Birmingham from Conference USA and the Blazers went down early in resounding fashion. It is safe to say that not only is Memphis playing for themselves this afternoon, but also for their entire conference who needs some good news
Rob Veno
20* Georgetown Over
Fairway Jay
Arizona
Alatex
15* VCU
Tim Trushell
20* Magic Under
Mavericks
Villanova
Indiana St