WUNDERDOG
5* Phi (POD)
5* Phi -1.5
5* Buf (POD)
5* Buf -1.5
5* NJ (POD)
5* NJ -1.5
5* NYR
5* WAS
The Duke's Sports
Washington Under (142) for 2.5 Units
Both of these teams have their stretches of higher scoring games but are coached well enough to know that defense is vital in tournament basketball. Washington is 8-17 O/U in non-conference play, and Marquette is 0-4 O/U as a neutral favorite. Marquette is a dangerous 3 point shooting team hitting at a 41% clip; however,Washington guards the perimeter well at allowing just 31% and force teams to work multiple passes to for open looks. Marquette is similar in their defensive approach. And both teams are difficult to transition on in fast breaks. We'll look for the pace of this game to slow in a defensive battle.
Ron Raymond
Northern Iowa +1
Bob Balfe
Tennessee -3
This match-up will showcase two teams that have major chips on their shoulders. San Diego State felt that they were left out of last years tournament and will want to prove that they belong to be a contender. The two major problems with the Aztecs is that they are horrible from the foul line and can't shoot well from beyond the arc. Coming off of a horrible loss to Kentucky, Tennesee is virtually getting zero respect as the early favorite as most teams from the SEC do. Most of the country wrote them off already. Big mistake. The Vols have the superior athleticism and talent on the floor and, quite honestly, lucked out playing a team that is not explosive on offense at all. Take Tennessee.
Mike Lineback
Orlando -2.5
Orlando playing b2b & 4 in 5, but schedule not as taxing as it looks. Team has been home since 3/6, except for make-up game in Washington. Outside of Charlotte slip, Magic have made quick work of last 4 opponents. Hence, minutes played not as exhausting. And playing 5 of L6 games at home, with a short trip to Miami doesn't hurt either. Plus, worth noting, Orlando spread their playing minutes around, with a deep and talented rotation. Only two players logged more than 30 minutes last night (Barnes & Lewis), and 8 players played 20+ minutes, with Brandon Bass playing 15.36 minutes. Not to mention, Orlando are playing their best basketball of season. They have won 8 of L9, 22 of L28, won every quarter vs. San Antonio last night, & beat Miami by 16 in last meeting. Bottom line: Orlando have better players, more offensive skill, a deeper rotation & play better defense. In addition, believe Magic are focused tonight, given Miami may be their first round opponent in the playoffs. Take Orlando.
Tony George
Marquette -1.5
Many have Marquette in the Elite 8 in their brackets, and while I am unsure they can go that deep, I am sure they can cover this number tonight. Big East versus Pac 10 in general is a mismatch. I hear alot about Washington being a scoring machine, but they face an oppoenet that is 6th in the nation in 3 point %, and a team who plays good defense allowing 64 ppg and they hit the boards hard and have good guards. Marquette also hits 75% of their free throws. Washington did play a Big East team this season and lost to Georgetown on a nuetral court. They also played Texas Tech from the Big 12 and lost that game. Better conference, battle tested and off a bitter loss to GT in the Big east Finals, look for a rest Marqette team to play better and win by 6-8 points. Play 1 Unit on Marquette.
Nick "BookieKiller" Parsons
8* Tennessee
For a number of different reasons I believe the value in this contest is on Tennessee.
The Aztecs went 25-8, and 11-5 in the Mountain West Conference; they beat UNLV in the finals to take the tournament title.
One major thing working against San Diego State today is experience; this will be the first time any of these players have gone to the "Big Dance".
SDSU plays an eight man rotation, and is led by 6'7" freshman Kawhi Leonard (12.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 16 double-doubles). Leonard joins 6'8" Billy White (11.2, 4.4) and 6'9" Malcolm Thomas (11.0, 7.8) on the front line, a group that can match the Vols' front line of 6'7" J.P. Prince, 6'9" Wayne Chism, and 6'10" Brian Williams.
On the other side of the court: The Aztecs are a deep team and the every single one of the Vol's will have to be on top of his game; everyone, from Bobby Maze at point to Wayne Chism inside, will be ready to play great defense.
And that's something that the Volunteers have done well all year; defend and rebound.
Bottom line: I believe that the bottom line though comes down to experience; not only has most of the Tennessee roster been to March Madness before, we're led by three seniors - the Aztecs have only one senior after graduating four starters from last year's team, and start two freshmen.
This will not be an easy game, and the Vols will have to be extremely focused to win tonight; the "one game at a time" slogan could not be more true in this case; “We believe everything happened for a reason,” said Maze of his teams up-and-down season. “Emmanuel Negedu and the situation was difficult for all of us because he was like our brother. But he’s still with us now. And he’s one of the reasons why we are inspired to win this thing.”
Tennessee in a close one!
Wayne Root
Billionaire - UTEP
Billionaire - San Diego St
Millionaire - New Mexico
No Limit - Washington
Tim Trushel
Tennessee
Larry Ness
Insider - New Mexico
KELSO
50 Units San Diego St +3.5
10 Units N Mexico -8.5
3 Units UTEP +2
3 Units Washington +1.5
3 Units Georgetown -13.5
Power Play Wins
Georgetown -13
Ron Raymond
Washington +1.5
King Creole
2* Tennessee -3.5
2* Marquette -1.5
1* Northern Iowa +1
Charlie
500* 2 Parlay
Marquette vs Washington Over 140
Georgetown vs Ohio U. Over 139
30* Georgetown -13
20* San Diego St +3'
20* Northern Iowa +1
10* New Mexico -8
Denver -13 Free Play