March College Basketball Report
Brad Diamond Sports
Butler
How many of our colleagues had the Bulldogs going this far? I sure did not, but my friends in the Midwest probably caught the “Dog” fever early and have been riding Fido all the way to their home state for the big event. Hats go off to 33-year old coach Brad Stevens (88-14) who has rekindled the Bulldogs fortunes with their first FINAL FOUR trip since 1962. Write-it-down, the BULLDOGS CAN WIN THE DREAM. The early number on my chart last night had Butler (-1), a slight favorite over Michigan State. No matter what happens later this week, it has been a record season for Butler, one that their fans and “backers” will not forget.
Current NCAA Lines to win:
DUKE 3/2
West Virginia 9/5
Michigan State 3/1
BUTLER 3/1
CBI Tournament
Tonight is the CBI championship game between St. Louis and Virginia Commonwealth. For those sports-betting enthusiasts, there is a 17-2 angle in this game. Try to find the corresponding fundamentals to make it a real deal and a solid play. As far as the tourney, this is the best of three series. Yes, College Basketball has it all now, marketing packages for everyone, including ESPN and friends. I know, I know it ' s never about the money.
NIT Tournament (MSG)
Dayton versus Ole Miss (-1) and North Carolina battles Rhode Island (-1) in the annual “other” tourney up in New York on Tuesday night. To this handicapper the most surprising unit, has to be the Rebels, who I thought had a legit outside shot at winning the SEC and entering the March Madness brackets. But, it was wholly difficult for the unit (24-10) from Oxford to survive the Kentucky and Tennessee strangle hold on the conference. Next year, there should be a major up-tick for the Rebels. By the way, has anyone noticed there are two A-10 teams in the FINAL FOUR?
College Insiders Tournament
Pacific (+5, +6) plays at Missouri State in the Championship Game this evening. What a great game to see? This is clearly another case of sports-betting carrying a network, tournament and the overall psychology of the March insert. Who needs this bracket? Okay, we want to create a post season format for those clubs who ALMOST made it to the BIG DANCE. But, really, who cares?
Temple
The Owls finished the season winning the A-10 tournament down in Atlantic City, but came up very short in the battle with Cornell in the Big Dance. As we told you within our handicap, coach Donahue knew how “Dunph” coaches and runs his substitutions. Also, it was obvious Cornell was the more effective club from deep, while playing with poise and floor intelligence. It was the 12th straight time Dunphy has lost in game #1 of the NCAA ' s (Penn and Temple) and with graduation losses of guards Guzman and Brooks, can this club maintain their status?
Seton Hall
After a short stint at Iona, the coaching strengths of HC Kenny Willard will finally be forged on the national stage. When Willard took over MAAC unit Iona, the Gaels had been frozen in the RPI bottom ten. Iona was one of our key “play on” teams this year. With a young group of talent, look for the Pirates of Seton Hall to flourish next season under Willard who loves to pressure the floor.
Iowa
Caught lighting in the bottle with Philly hoop guru Fran McCaffery (112-51) leaving MAAC unit Siena. McCaffery has outstanding hoop roots and will make his stay in Ames a rewarding experience for the school and their “backers.” The firing of former coach Lickliter (10-22) was not unexpected as he had a monumental task of replacing Steve Alford who is at New Mexico. One item you can book, look for McCaffery to move this club to an up tempo offense in 2010. See you on the recruiting trails, Franny!
Kansas State
After losing out to Butler, the Wildcats of Kansas State will have much to contemplate in the off-season. However, graduation will not hurt this school as just one key scorer will be leaving out of the top seven on the roster. Coach Russell is a “Mad Dog” that will drive this school to many dances under his direction.
West Virginia
WOW! “Huggy Bear” gets back to the Big Dance! All those restaurant owners in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas are in step with Bob Huggins making the grade this March. His old friends, recruiting haunts (among other establishments) go deep around the Steel City. The 73-66 win over Kentucky bordered on miraculous when considering the Mounties were injured, missed 11 fouls shots, while the ‘Cats missed 13. Oh, Kentucky out rebounded West Virginia 51-36. What won the deal for West Virginia.? An “Incredible” perimeter defense, that shutdown Kentucky on a 4-32 from three.