Friday's ACC action
By Chris David
The ACC Tournament continues on Friday with four quarterfinal battles from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. North Carolina’s quest for its third consecutive and 17th overall title starts on Friday. The Tarheels have been installed as minus-175 favorites (Bet $175 to win $100) to claim the conference crown at Sportsbook.com, with Duke (+300), Florida State (+400) and Wake Forest (+500) listed as the next choices.
Let’s take a closer look at Friday’s early contests.
**No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 8 Virginia Tech**
All the talk out of Chapel Hill in the past couple days has been about the ACC Player of the Year, Ty Lawson. The point guard has a sprained toe and his status is listed as “questionable” for Friday. With or without Lawson, UNC is expected to be a double-digit favorite.
Oddsmakers at Las Vegas Sports Consultants have opened the Tar Heels as 14-point favorites against Virginia Tech, while the total is hovering around 159 points.
The Hokies advanced to the quarterfinals on Thursday by stifling Miami, Fl. 65-47 as 3 ½-point underdogs. V-Tech didn’t exactly play its best game of the season, but it’s safe to say that the Hurricanes played their worst. Miami shot 34 percent from the field and its best player, Jack McClinton, was handcuffed to just nine points.
Seth Greenberg’s team won the battle on the boards (32-21) and also connected on 19-of-23 (83%) from the free throw stripe. Malcolm Delaney couldn’t buy a shot (1-of-10) from the outside but he led the Hokies with 17 points on 14 free throws. A.D. Vassallo added 14 points and eight boards for V-Tech.
The victory was a bit surprising for V-Tech, considering the team had gone 3-7 both straight up and against the spread in their last 10 games prior to the tournament. The Hokies are still considered a bubble team but a victory against UNC would help their cause.
North Carolina and V-Tech squared off only once this year and Roy Williams’ troops captured an 86-78 decision in Blacksburg on Mar. 4. The Hokies covered the number as 9 ½-point home underdogs. Neither team shot well (40%) from the floor, yet the combined 164 points slipped ‘over’ the closing total of 161. The first half went ‘under’ but the 86 points posted in the final 20 helped cash the second-half ‘over’ and game ‘over’ as well. Lawson scored 22 points and had five assists in the victory.
The meeting prior to this recent showdown happened last year in the semifinals of the ACC Tournament and it was a tight affair. North Carolina nipped Virginia Tech 68-66 on a Tyler Hansbrough jumper in a game they trailed the entire way. The Hokies covered as 10 ½-point underdogs in the loss and now stand at 4-1 against the spread in their last five versus UNC.
The last time the top-seed in the ACC Tournament lost in the first round was in 1997, when Duke was stopped by N.C. State, 66-60. Since then, the majority of victories by No. 1 have been by double digits.
ESPN2 will provide national coverage of this game at 12:00 p.m. EDT.
**No. 4 Florida State vs. No. 12 Georgia Tech**
Can Georgia Tech catch lightning in a bottle again? The Yellow Jackets, playing in their hometown of Atlanta, upset Clemson 86-81 on Thursday as nine-point underdogs. G-Tech shot a blistering 55 percent form the field and got huge efforts from Lewis Clinch (32 points) and Gani Lawai (20 points, 14 rebounds).
Can Paul Hewitt’s club pull off another upset in front of their fans on Friday? If the Jackets shoot a high percentage, then it’s probable but that will be tough to do against a rested Florida State squad that is ranked first in the conference in points allowed (64.5) and field goal percentage defense (38.6).
The Seminoles have a big frontcourt and average 5.8 blocks per game, which is ranked 11th nationally. Solomon Alabi is the enforcer in the middle, leading the team in rebounds and blocks.
Including Thursday’s win, Georgia Tech has only three wins against ACC opponents this year. The Yellow Jackets have been playing better heading into the tournament, defeating Miami 78-68 on Mar. 4 and just losing a 67-66 nail-biter to Boston College on Mar. 7.
The Seminoles closed the regular season by winning seven of their last 10 games. All three losses came on the road and two were less than five points each.
FSU stopped Georgia Tech 62-58 on Feb. 5 during the regular season but failed to cover as a nine-point home favorite. Close calls have been common between this pair. The last eight meetings have been decided by single digits.
Perhaps that’s why the oddsmakers have made FSU as short five-point favorite. The total from LVSC opened at 134 and the ‘under’ is on a 3-0 run in this series.
National coverage of this battle will be televised on ESPN2 at 2:20 p.m. EDT.
vegasinsider.com
Big Ten Quarterfinals
By Judd Hall
The marathon known as Championship Week rolls on at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis with the Big Ten Tournament. We’ll get to see the upper tier of the conference play on Friday as they take on teams that found a way through the opening round. Will there be any upsets on the hardwood? Let’s break down the action.
Michigan State Spartans vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers
--Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed the Spartans as eight-point favorites with a total of 124.
--Minnesota (21-9 straight up, 11-13-1 against the spread) lives to fight another day thanks to taking down the Wildcats as a two-point “chalk” on Thursday, 66-53. Devon Bostick was the Golden Gophers’ lone standout with 11 points against Northwestern. Ralph Sampson III only had nine points, but blocked five shots.
--Michigan State (25-5 SU, 15-11-1 ATS) enters the tournament with a full head of steam and a five-game winning streak…covering the number in three of those tilts.
--Tom Izzo has made it pretty well known that he believes that his Spartans deserve a No. 1 seed in the big dance. While they’re one of the better teams in the country, the only way they’ll get a top spot is if they dominate this tournament. Michigan State hasn’t won the Big Ten Tournament since 2000.
--The Gophers have almost certainly secured their spot in the field of 65. Yet a victory here against MSU will punch their tickets.
--While Minnesota needs this win to eliminate any chance of missing the party, it’s going to be a tall order. The Spartans have won nine of the last 10 games between these foes, covering the spread in six of those meetings.
--The ‘under’ is on a 5-1 run when the Spartans and Minnesota get together.
--Michigan State is 18-2 SU and 8-6-1 ATS when they’re favored against Big Ten programs.
--You can watch this game at 12:00 p.m. EDT on EDT. The winner will get to take on either Ohio State or Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
--LVSC has opened Wisconsin (19-11 SU, 12-15-1 ATS) as a four-point favorite with a small total of 117.
--The Badgers were supposed to be one of the top teams in the league this season and certainly played to expectation by winning their first three conference games. Yet Bo Ryan’s squad wound up dropping six straight matches to close out January. Wisky found its stride once the calendar turned to February as they’ve gone 7-2 SU and 5-4 ATS to close out the regular season.
--Wisky could have issues in making the NCAA Tournament, but ESPN.com’s Joe Lunardi has them listed as a No. 9 seed in the field. One thing the Badgers can hang their hat on is that Michigan State was the only team in the league that had a better second half to the year, going 8-1.
--Ohio State (20-9 SU, 14-11 ATS) finished of its regular season campaign on a positive with a 3-1 SU and 2-2 ATS record down the stretch. The Buckeyes nearly blew a 12-point in their season finale against Northwestern, but still managed to win 52-47 last Sunday. While the victory improved its overall mark, OSU failed to cover as a 5 ½-point home “chalk.”
--The Buckeyes are concerned with Dallas Lauderdale’s health right now. The big forward suffered a sprained shoulder against the Wildcats on March 8. Thad Motta expects him to play, which will no doubt help Evan Turner and B.J. Mullens with rebounding against a Badger squad that pulls in 31.2 boards per game.
--Wisconsin has held court over the Bucks in the recent head-to-head battles with a 7-3 SU and 5-5 ATS mark. The ‘under’ has cashed in four straight games between these two squads.
--Even though Ohio State hasn’t fared well against the Badgers overall, they did beat them 66-49 as a two-point favorite in the 2007 Big Ten Tournament.
--The Badgers are just 2-4 ATS in their last six conference games, with the ‘under’ going 5-1 in that time.
--Tip-off is schedule for 2:30 p.m. EDT with ESPN handling the broadcasting duties.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Michigan Wolverines
--LVSC has tabbed Illinois (23-8 SU, ) as a two-point favorite with a total coming in at 117.
--The Wolverines are coming into this contest fresh off of a 73-45 thrashing of Iowa as five-point favorites on Thursday. Michigan (20-12 SU, 16-10 ATS) never gave the Hawkeyes a chance in this matchup as they shot 59 percent from the field, compared to 33 percent that its opponents hit.
--Manny Harris scored 18 points and four turnovers for the Maize and Blue, while DeShawn Sims logged 27 points in the win.
--You can bet that the Illini are ready to prove themselves in this contest after dropping their last two games of the regular season. Illinois’ latest defeat coming against the Nittany Lions as a one-point road “chalk” on March 6, 64-63. Demetri McCamey came away with 16 points and seven helpers in the loss.
--Michigan shouldn’t be a stranger to being listed as a pup since that’s what they’ve been in 10 of its league games. The Wolverines haven’t done well on outright wins as they’re 2-8 SU. However, John Beilein’s crew is on a 4-2 ATS run in this spot.
--These teams split the season series with home team cover the spread in each contest.
--The ‘over’ is 5-1-1 in the Wolverines’ last seven fixtures. Meanwhile, the Illini have seen the ‘over’ go 3-1 recently.
--Big Ten Network will broadcast this clash starting at 6:30 p.m. EDT.
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Big East tournament: Quarterfinals preview and picks
By JASON LOGAN
All games being played at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Louisville Cardinals vs. Providence Friars (+9.5, 147)
The Friars were shaking in their sneakers for the first half of Wednesday's game with DePaul. They let the upstart Blue Demons control the tempo for most of the game until DePaul ran out of steam following an emotional opening round win.
Providence won't have that luxury against the top-seeded Cardinals. Coach Rick Pitino has stressed the importance of not trying to match the Friars' pace. Providence likes to push the basketball for quick looks, like the ones that led to 51 second-half points Wednesday.
Louisville will impose their pace on the Friars, especially on the defensive end. Pitino's trademark pressure will cause an already up-tempo opponent to play at a careless pace. Providence averages more than 14 turnovers while the Cards thrive on mistakes, forcing more than 15 turnovers per game.
The Friars coughed the ball up 22 times during a 94-67 loss to Louisville in mid February. Providence actually led in the second half of that game but fell apart once the Cardinals start pressing.
Final score prediction: Louisville 82, Providence 68
Villanova Wildcats vs. Marquette Golden Eagles (+2.5, 149)
No Big East team was better in the second half of conference than Villanova. The Wildcats have lost just twice since January 24 including a one-sided win over Marquette. The Wildcats trumped the Golden Eagles 102-84 behind a monster game from Scottie Reynolds.
Villanova's backcourt of Reynolds, Dwayne Anderson and Corey combo Fisher and Stokes can match the speed and skill of Marquette's talented guards. But it's center Dante Cunningham who will make the biggest difference in this quarterfinal showdown.
Cunningham was recently named the Big East's Most Improved Player after averaging 16 points and seven rebounds in conference play. He won't have much between him and the basket with the Eagles frontcourt about as intimidating as a sugar bowl full of puppies. Cunningham scored a total 31 points in two games versus Marquette this season. If he can avoid foul trouble, the 6-foot-9 senior should add to that total.
Final score prediction: Villanova 86, Marquette 82
Pittsburgh Panthers vs. West Virginia Mountaineers (+4, 136)
The rest of the Big East is in big trouble. West Virginia marksman Alex Rouff is feeling it.
The incredibly streaky senior dropped 25 points on the Fighting Irish Wednesday, pushing the Mountaineers into the quarterfinals and a third Backyard Brawl this season. When Ruoff is on his game, he's the best pure shooter in the conference.
But when he's off, like the regular season finale against Louisville, he drags the team along with him. The Mountaineers counted on the 6-foot-6 guard for almost 19 percent of their shots this season, that includes more than 34 percent of the team's 3-point attempts.
Ruoff was on track for a huge day when WVU played Pitt last. He scored 17 points in 24 minutes but was limited by foul trouble and eventually went over the limit in a 70-59 defeat in the Petersen Events Center.
West Virginia matches up well against the Panthers talented first five. Da'Sean Butler did a good job defending DeJuan Blair in their previous meeting. The two big bodies beat up on each other for a combined nine fouls. Forward Devin Ebanks is stepping up and will have a size advantage on Pitt's Sam Young.
Final score prediction: West Virginia 68, Pittsburgh 67
Connecticut Huskies vs. Syracuse Orange (+3.5, 145.5)
Syracuse's frontcourt had one of its best games of the season against Seton Hall Wednesday.
Arinze Onuaku scored 15 points and started some second-half dramatics with an excessive celebration following a block on Pirates thug John Garcia. That led to a hard foul on the other end of the floor, which sparked a 17-3 Orange run.
Cuse's forwards won't have the same success against UConn in the quarterfinals. Onuaku scored just four points versus the Huskies and their tower of shot-swatting power, Hasheem Thabeet, back in February. Thabeet blocked seven shots while pulling down 16 rebounds.
The Orange will rely on its perimeter game, which is hit-and-miss this season. Syracuse knocked down 9-of-18 from outside against Seton Hall but most of those were uncontested by a defeated Pirates defense. Cuse averaged 36 percent shooting from 3-point range during conference play but hit just 5-of-18 in its only meeting with the Huskies this season.
Final score prediction: Connecticut 71, Syracuse 65
North Carolina guard Lawson may miss ACC opener
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -North Carolina point guard Ty Lawson did some conditioning work and shot free throws prior to the team's departure for the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, but his playing status remains in doubt.
School spokesman Steve Kirschner said it's possible that Lawson won't play when the top-seeded Tar Heels face Virginia Tech on Friday. But Kirschner said Lawson's status won't be known until officials see how his swollen right big toe feels before the game.
The speedy junior was honored as the ACC player of the year Tuesday after guiding top-ranked North Carolina to the league's regular-season championship despite an 0-2 start in the conference.
Lawson played through the injury in Sunday's win over Duke. On Tuesday, North Carolina coach Roy Williams said Lawson's toe was badly swollen.
Big 10 Conference Tournament - Quarterfinals - Indianapolis, IN
MINNESOTA vs. MICHIGAN ST, 12:00 PM ET ESPN
MINNESOTA: 2-9 ATS in tournament games
MICHIGAN ST: 14-7 Under off SU win
OHIO ST vs. WISCONSIN, 2:30 PM ET ESPN
OHIO ST: 16-6 ATS in tournament games
WISCONSIN: 22-8 Under off ATS win
MICHIGAN vs. ILLINOIS, 6:30 PM ET Big 10
MICHIGAN: 6-0 Under Away playing with same season revenge
ILLINOIS: 14-5 Under as favorite
PENN ST vs. PURDUE, 9:00 PM ET Big 10
PENN ST: 8-1 Under vs. Purdue
PURDUE: 9-0 ATS off DD loss
Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament - Quarterfinals - Atlanta, GA
VIRGINIA TECH vs. N CAROLINA, 12:00 PM ET ESPN2
VIRGINIA TECH: 17-6 ATS as neutral court underdog
N CAROLINA: 8-16 ATS Off SU win
GEORGIA TECH vs. FLORIDA ST, 2:20 PM ET ESPN2
GEORGIA TECH: 22-12 Over vs. conference
FLORIDA ST: 11-4 ATS vs. conference
SEC Tournament - Quarterfinals - Tampa, FL
KENTUCKY vs. LSU, 1:00 PM ET
KENTUCKY: 46-27 ATS when the line is +3 to -3
LSU: 1-8 ATS off DD road loss
MISSISSIPPI ST vs. S CAROLINA, 3:20 PM ET
MISSISSIPPI ST: 13-4 Over in March
S CAROLINA: 6-0 ATS on neutral court
Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament - Semifinals - Atlantic City, NJ
TEMPLE vs. XAVIER, 6:30 PM ET
TEMPLE: 25-9 ATS vs. conference
XAVIER: 0-2 ATS L2 tournament semifinals
Big East Conference Tournament - Semifinals - New York, NY
VILLANOVA vs. LOUISVILLE, 7:00 PM ET ESPN
VILLANOVA: 19-7 Under as an underdog
LOUISVILLE: 13-5 ATS vs. conference
Big 12 Conference Tournament - Semifinals - Oklahoma City, OK
BAYLOR vs. TEXAS, 7:00 PM ET
BAYLOR: 7-0 Over Away revenging road loss
TEXAS: 5-12 ATS vs. conference
MAC Tournament - Semifinals - Cleveland, OH
(TC) BUFFALO vs. BALL ST, 7:30 PM ET
BUFFALO: 12-3 Under as favorite
BALL ST: 3-0 ATS vs. Buffalo
** Write-In Game
E WASHINGTON at ST MARYS-CA, 10:00 PM ET
E WASHINGTON: 19-8 Under after scoring 65pts or less BB games
ST MARYS-CA: 5-1 Under off DD conference loss
Patriot League Tournament - Championship Game
HOLY CROSS at AMERICAN, 4:45 PM ET ESPN2
HOLY CROSS: 5-1 ATS in road games
AMERICAN: 2-7 ATS off 3+ road games
** (TC) Denotes Time Change
NCAAB Today
Notes on the best of today's games.
Big 11 tournament (Indianapolis)
Minnesota failed to cover last seven tries as an underdog; favorite is 8-2 vs spread in its last ten games. Gophers lost twice to Michigan State this year, 70-58 at home (-1), 76-47 on road (-9). Spartans won eight of last nine games, winning last five (four of five by 8+ points). Spartans won their first game in this event the last three years by 12-5-7 points.
Wisconsin won seven of last nine games, holding all nine opponents to 61 or less points; they're 10-3 in this event the last five years, winning it twice, taking four of last five first round games (wins by 14-11-13-17). Ohio State (+6) shot 55% but turned ball over 19 times in 55-50 loss at Madison Feb 14; Buckeyes won three of their last four games.
Michigan shot 59% in easy win Thursday, their fifth win in last seven games; Wolverines covered four of last five tries as underdog, Illinois is 3-5 vs spread in last eight tries as favorite. Home side won both in series this year; Michigan won 74-64, ten days before they lost 66-51 at Illini. Illinois is 10-1 in its first Big 11 tourney game the last eleven years.
Home side won both Penn State-Purdue games; Lions won 67-64 Jan 6 at home (+3), then lost 61-47 at Purdue Feb 11 (+9). State won five of last seven games, but is 3-5-1 in last nine tries as underdog. Five of their last seven games were decided by five or less points. Purdue lost three of last four games, covered three of last eight as a Big 11 favorite.
ACC tournament (Atlanta)
Both teams shot under 40% from the floor in Wake Forest's 65-63 win at Maryland March 3 (-1.5), a game Terps led by 7 at half, but Deacons outrebounded them by 19. Wake won last four games, covered last three they covered five of last six tries as a favorite. Deacons are 2-3 in its first ACC tournament game the last five seasons.
Boston College (+6) beat Duke at home 80-74 Feb 15, after being down five at half; Eagles covered just one of last five as underdog, are 3-4 SU in last seven games- four of their last six losses are by 10+ pts. Duke is 4-1 in last five games; they covered three of last four as a favorite- they won their first ACC tournament game in 10 of the last 11 seasons.
SEC tournament (St Pete)
LSU (+4) won 73-70 at Kentucky Feb 28; Patterson had 28, Meeks had 24 but rest of Wildcats had just 18 points (UK was 3-14 from the arc). Tigers lost last two games after 13-1 run put them in top 25. Kentucky lost four of last five games; they forced 18 turnovers Thursday in win vs Ole Miss, but made just 1-10 beyond arc. LSU is 1-4 last five as a fave.
Mississippi State (-3) beat South Carolina 75-70 on Feb 18; Gamecocks' starting guards were 11-31 from floor. State won last three games by 9-2 19 points- they're 4-3 as an SEC underdog this season. Carolina is 5-3-1 as SEC favorite; they split last six games after 6-1 run in middle part of season. Four of SC's last five tourney games were won by 4 or less pts.
Alabama won five of last six games, is suddenly hot; they won 70-67 at Tennessee five days ago (+13). Tide held Vols to 38% from floor, 7-25 from arc and Tennessee missed 12 of 22 at foul line. Bama covered five in row as an underdog. Tennessee won three of last four games but won only one game in this event the last three years (69-67 vs So Car LY).
Auburn won eight of last nine games (9-0 vs spread); they lost 68-65 at home to Florida Jan 14 (+3), going just 10-21 at line, 5-27 on arc. Tigers are 0-3 in this event the last three years. Florida is 1-6 on road since the win at Auburn; they won last two games, allowing 53-58 points. Tigers' only loss in last nine games was 79-72 setback at first-place LSU.
Conference USA tournament (Memphis)
UAB (+4) lost 75-74 in Tulsa Jan 28, after leading by four at half- they pulled out OT win yesterday, getting tying trey with 0:06 left to get to OT, where they won on shot with 0:01 left. Blazers are 9-2 in their last 11 games. Tulsa won last five games (3-0-1 vs spread in last four); they made 10-18 from arc, held Rice to 36% from floor in 73-51 win.
Atlantic 14 tournament (Atlantic City)
Xavier (-8) beat Temple 83-74 Feb 5, making 11-18 from arc, shooting 52% from floor; Musketeers won four of last five games, but are 3-6 vs spread in last nine games as a favorite. Temple won three in row, eight of last ten games; they're 0-4 vs spread in last four games as an underdog. Temple is 1-5 last six times they allowed more than 65 points.
Dayton beat Duquesne twice this year, 78-69 (+1) on road, making 58% from floor but turning ball over 23 times, then 74-61 (-6) at home Mar 7, holding Dukes to 39% from floor, 5-25 from arc. Dukes covered three of last four as an underdog, won four of last six SU. Dayton won three of last four games, covered four of last six tries as an A-14 favorite.
Big East tournament (NYC)
Louisville (+2) won 61-60 at Villanova Jan 10, shooting 3-25 from arc in game they led 34-26 at half; both teams shot under 39% in game. Cards won last eight games, covered six of last seven as favorite. Villanova was up 16 at half yesterday, blew lead, then won on layup at buzzer for its sixth win in last seven games- they're 4-1 in last five tries as underdog.
Not sure how Syracuse will react after 6-OT marathon last night, when PG Flynn played 67 minutes (34 pts, 11 assists, six steals); Orangemen (-3) beat West Virginia 74-59 Feb 4, holding WVa to 35.8% from floor, 7-27 from arc. Mountaineers upset arch-rival Pitt last night- they could be little flat here, too. Syracuse won, covered their last six games.
Big 12 tournament (Oklahoma City)
Oklahoma State won seven of last eight games (8-0 vs spread) after win vs rival Sooners Thursday; OSU (even) lost 97-95 at home vs Missouri Jan 21, in game where both teams took 30+ FTs. Tigers were only high seed to win yesterday- they covered seven of last nine as favorite. OSU is playing third day in row- they're 5-3 vs spread as Big 12 underdog.
MAC tournament (Cleveland)
Bowling Green is 11-3 in last 14 games, covering six of its last seven as a favorite; road team won both their games vs Akron this year, with Zips winning 62-52 (+2.5) Jan 17, then losing 50-46 at home March 1 (-11). Akron made 12-24 from arc in win vs Miami, after being 12-37 from arc in wild comeback vs Toledo Tuesday. Zips are 4-1 in last five as a dog.
Mountain West tournament (Las Vegas)
BYU beat San Diego State twice this year, 77-71 at home (-7), shooting 56% from floor, then 69-59 on road (even) in game that Aztecs led 33-20 at half. Cougars won five in row, 10 of its last 11 games (10-1 vs spread) they covered last seven games as favorite (if you take out the Air Force games). Aztecs won last four games, allowing 54 ppg in last three.
Pac-10 tournament (Staples Center)
Washington beat Arizona State twice this year, 84-71 in Tempe Jan 31 (+6.5), then 73-70 in OT at home Feb 26 (-4). Huskies won five in row, eight of last nine games- they covered one of last four as favorite; ASU is 7-3 in last ten games, with two of three losses in OT. Sun Devils are 5-3 in last eight tries as dog- they beat rival Arizona for 3rd time Thursday.
UCLA beat USC twice this season, 64-60 at Galen Center Jan 11 (-2), 76-60 in Westwood Feb 4 (-9); Bruins won last five games, covered last four- they're 8-4 vs spread in last dozen tries as a favorite. Trojans won last three games by 14-16-4 points; they're 2-4 in last six as an underdog. Athletic USC outrebounded Cal 51-25 in tight 79-75 win last night.
Pac-10 Semifinals
By Brad Young
**Arizona State (4) versus Washington (1)**
-There is no overnight line or total on this Pac-10 semifinal contest. FOX Sports Net will provide coverage of this contest beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET from Staples Center.
-Arizona State (23-8 straight up, 17-10 against the spread) knocked off Arizona for the third time this season after Thursday’s victory as a four-point ‘chalk,’ 68-56. The combined 124 points failed to eclipse the 131 ½-point closing total.
-The Sun Devils broke open a close game by outscoring the Wildcats in the second half, 36-22. Arizona State finished the game by shooting 52 percent from the field (25-of-48). Pac-10 Player of the Year James Harden led the charge with 27 points and eight rebounds, while Jeff Pendergraph added10 and nine.
-The Sun Devils are now 9-5 SU and 10-4 ATS on the road, winning those affairs by an average score of 72-60.
-Washington (25-7 SU, 17-10 ATS) advanced to the Pac-10 Tournament semifinals after cruising past Stanford Thursday as a six-point favorite, 85-73. The combined 158 points went ‘over’ the 150-point closing total.
-The Huskies won the rebounding battle, 44-35, while shooting 46 percent (30-of-65) from the field and 56 percent (5-of-9) from behind the arc. Center Jon Brockman accounted for 20 points and eight rebounds in the victory, while Isaiah Thomas contributed 14 and nine.
-Washington sports a 7-6 SU and 8-4 ATS ledger when playing away from home.
-The Huskies went 2-0 SU and 1-0-1 ATS this season versus Arizona State after winning January 31 as a 5 ½-point road underdog, 84-71, and February 26 in overtime as a three-point home ‘chalk,’ 73-70. The ‘over’ cashed each time.
**Southern Cal (6) versus UCLA (2)**
-There is no overnight line or total on this contest, but tipoff is slated for 11:30 p.m. ET from Staples Center.
-Southern Cal (19-12 SU, 15-14 ATS) held off California in quarterfinal action Thursday as a two-point ‘chalk,’ 79-75. The combined 154 points easily eclipsed the 136-point closing total.
-The Trojans jumped out to a 15-point halftime advantage, 42-27, before holding on for the win. USC dominated the Golden Bears on the boards, 51-25, while shooting 43 percent (29-of-68) from the field. Taj Gibson stepped up with 21 points and 16 rebounds in the victory, while DeMar DeRozan added 17 and 11.
-The Trojans are now 4-10 SU and 7-7 ATS on the road. Staples Center is just 1.2 miles from the USC campus.
-UCLA (25-7 SU, 16-14 ATS) knocked off Washington State Thursday night as an eight-point favorite, 64-53. The combined 117 points went ‘under’ the 122-point closing total.
-The Bruins jumped out to a 12-point halftime advantage, 33-21, and finished the contest by shooting 40 percent (19-of-48) from the field and 43 percent (6-of-14) from behind the arc. Darren Collison led the charge with 15 points and five assists in the victory, while Nikola Dragovic contributed 12 and six rebounds.
-UCLA sports an 8-4 SU and 6-6 ATS road record.
-The Bruins were 2-0 SU and ATS this season versus USC after winning Jan. 11 as a three-point road ‘chalk,’ 64-60, and Feb. 4 as an 8 ½-point home favorite, 76-60.
vegasinsider.com
MINNESOTA (22 - 9) vs. MICHIGAN ST (25 - 5) - 3/13/2009, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) when playing with one or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MICHIGAN ST is 4-1 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
MICHIGAN ST is 5-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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OHIO ST (20 - 9) vs. WISCONSIN (19 - 11) - 3/13/2009, 2:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OHIO ST is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
OHIO ST is 3-2 against the spread versus WISCONSIN over the last 3 seasons
WISCONSIN is 3-2 straight up against OHIO ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MICHIGAN (20 - 12) vs. ILLINOIS (23 - 8) - 3/13/2009, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ILLINOIS is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when the total is 119.5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ILLINOIS is 3-3 against the spread versus MICHIGAN over the last 3 seasons
ILLINOIS is 3-3 straight up against MICHIGAN over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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PENN ST (22 - 10) vs. PURDUE (22 - 9) - 3/13/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PURDUE is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
PURDUE is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
PURDUE is 45-67 ATS (-28.7 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
PURDUE is 59-87 ATS (-36.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
PURDUE is 4-2 against the spread versus PENN ST over the last 3 seasons
PURDUE is 5-1 straight up against PENN ST over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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VIRGINIA TECH (18 - 13) vs. N CAROLINA (27 - 3) - 3/13/2009, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N CAROLINA is 30-19 ATS (+9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in road games when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
VIRGINIA TECH is 4-1 against the spread versus N CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
N CAROLINA is 3-2 straight up against VIRGINIA TECH over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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GEORGIA TECH (12 - 18) vs. FLORIDA ST (23 - 8) - 3/13/2009, 2:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGIA TECH is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) after allowing 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGIA TECH is 8-15 ATS (-8.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
FLORIDA ST is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in all games this season.
FLORIDA ST is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in all lined games this season.
FLORIDA ST is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 this season.
FLORIDA ST is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) against conference opponents this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
GEORGIA TECH is 3-1 against the spread versus FLORIDA ST over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA ST is 2-2 straight up against GEORGIA TECH over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MARYLAND (19 - 12) vs. WAKE FOREST (24 - 5) - 3/13/2009, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
WAKE FOREST is 2-2 against the spread versus MARYLAND over the last 3 seasons
MARYLAND is 3-1 straight up against WAKE FOREST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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BOSTON COLLEGE (22 - 10) vs. DUKE (25 - 6) - 3/13/2009, 9:20 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DUKE is 2-2 against the spread versus BOSTON COLLEGE over the last 3 seasons
DUKE is 3-1 straight up against BOSTON COLLEGE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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KENTUCKY (20 - 12) vs. LSU (25 - 6) - 3/13/2009, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LSU is 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 since 1997.
KENTUCKY is 72-50 ATS (+17.0 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
KENTUCKY is 79-53 ATS (+20.7 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
KENTUCKY is 59-39 ATS (+16.1 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
LSU is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LSU is 2-1 against the spread versus KENTUCKY over the last 3 seasons
KENTUCKY is 2-1 straight up against LSU over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MISSISSIPPI ST (19 - 12) vs. S CAROLINA (21 - 8) - 3/13/2009, 3:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
S CAROLINA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 2 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 2 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
MISSISSIPPI ST is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
S CAROLINA is 38-59 ATS (-26.9 Units) after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
MISSISSIPPI ST is 2-1 against the spread versus S CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
MISSISSIPPI ST is 2-1 straight up against S CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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FLORIDA (23 - 9) vs. AUBURN (21 - 10) - 3/13/2009, 9:50 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 3-0 against the spread versus AUBURN over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 3-0 straight up against AUBURN over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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HOUSTON (21 - 10) vs. MEMPHIS (29 - 3) - 3/13/2009, 4:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 4-3 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 7-0 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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UAB (22 - 10) vs. TULSA (23 - 9) - 3/13/2009, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UAB is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 2 seasons.
UAB is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 2 seasons.
UAB is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
TULSA is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
UAB is 3-1 against the spread versus TULSA over the last 3 seasons
TULSA is 2-2 straight up against UAB over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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TEMPLE (20 - 11) vs. XAVIER (25 - 6) - 3/13/2009, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEMPLE is 20-35 ATS (-18.5 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.
XAVIER is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
XAVIER is 69-43 ATS (+21.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
TEMPLE is 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 25-9 ATS (+15.1 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TEMPLE is 2-0 against the spread versus XAVIER over the last 3 seasons
XAVIER is 2-1 straight up against TEMPLE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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DUQUESNE (20 - 11) vs. DAYTON (26 - 6) - 3/13/2009, 8:50 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DAYTON is 2-2 against the spread versus DUQUESNE over the last 3 seasons
DAYTON is 2-2 straight up against DUQUESNE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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VILLANOVA (26 - 6) vs. LOUISVILLE (26 - 5) - 3/13/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOUISVILLE is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) against conference opponents this season.
LOUISVILLE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after a conference game this season.
LOUISVILLE is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival this season.
LOUISVILLE is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
LOUISVILLE is 19-36 ATS (-20.6 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
LOUISVILLE is 19-36 ATS (-20.6 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOUISVILLE is 3-0 against the spread versus VILLANOVA over the last 3 seasons
LOUISVILLE is 2-1 straight up against VILLANOVA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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W VIRGINIA (23 - 10) vs. SYRACUSE (25 - 8) - 3/13/2009, 9:20 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SYRACUSE is 1-1 against the spread versus W VIRGINIA over the last 3 seasons
SYRACUSE is 1-1 straight up against W VIRGINIA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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BAYLOR (19 - 13) vs. TEXAS (22 - 10) - 3/13/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BAYLOR is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) against conference opponents this season.
BAYLOR is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) after a conference game this season.
BAYLOR is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) against conference opponents this season.
TEXAS is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 4-3 against the spread versus BAYLOR over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS is 7-0 straight up against BAYLOR over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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OKLAHOMA ST (22 - 10) vs. MISSOURI (26 - 6) - 3/13/2009, 9:20 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
MISSOURI is 2-1 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA ST over the last 3 seasons
MISSOURI is 2-1 straight up against OKLAHOMA ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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BUFFALO (20 - 10) vs. BALL ST (14 - 16) - 3/13/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BALL ST is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) against conference opponents this season.
BUFFALO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
BALL ST is 3-0 against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
BALL ST is 3-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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UC-SANTA BARBARA (16 - 14) vs. CS-NORTHRIDGE (15 - 13) - 3/13/2009, 8:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 4-2 against the spread versus CS-NORTHRIDGE over the last 3 seasons
CS-NORTHRIDGE is 3-3 straight up against UC-SANTA BARBARA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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PACIFIC (18 - 11) vs. LONG BEACH ST (15 - 14) - 3/13/2009, 11:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
LONG BEACH ST is 4-1 against the spread versus PACIFIC over the last 3 seasons
LONG BEACH ST is 4-2 straight up against PACIFIC over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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SAN DIEGO ST (22 - 8) vs. BYU (25 - 6) - 3/13/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BYU is 42-28 ATS (+11.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
BYU is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BYU is 40-73 ATS (-40.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO ST is 4-3 against the spread versus BYU over the last 3 seasons
BYU is 5-2 straight up against SAN DIEGO ST over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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WYOMING (19 - 12) vs. UTAH (22 - 9) - 3/13/2009, 11:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
WYOMING is 4-2 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 3-3 straight up against WYOMING over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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E WASHINGTON (12 - 17) at ST MARYS-CA (25 - 6) - 3/13/2009, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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HOLY CROSS (18 - 13) at AMERICAN (23 - 7) - 3/13/2009, 4:45 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
HOLY CROSS is 5-3 straight up against AMERICAN over the last 3 seasons
Conference Tournament Thoughts
By Indiancowboy
Big 10:
Minnesota vs. Michigan State
Over 80% in consensus are riding the coattails of Michigan State over Minnesota today. This game is held in Indianapolis. This team beat Minnesota on the road by 14 and crushed them even more at home by nearly 30. I just don't think Minny has the ability to keep up with State as it relates to scoring but it is tough to go with the public on a game that backs State to a tune of nearly 80%.
Ohio State vs. Wisconsin
This is Ohio State's first action in the tournament. They come into the tourney winners of 3 of their last 4 defeating Penn State at home by 14, losing to Purdue by 25 on the road, beating Iowa State by 2 on the road and beating Northwestern by 5 at home. This team lost to Wisconsin by 5 on the road earlier this year and to Wisconsin's credit, they closed the season strong winning 7 of their last 9 conference games with their only losses being on the road to Michigan State who they lost to by 11 and Minnesota. A lean on Wisconsin given how strong they have been playing coming into the tournament.
Michigan vs. Illinois
More of the public is on Michigan than I thought - around 40%. Michigan did rout Iowa in their last game - but that was Iowa. Illinois does come into this game struggling a bit losing to Penn State by 1 on the road despite having revenge and losing to Michigan State at home by 8. This team lost to Michigan by 10 on the road only to come back home and defeat them by 15. It would be easy to take Illinois as the favorite here but Michigan has been playing stronger of late and I can see them making the upset as Jim B's team is a great dog usually in tourney time.
Penn State vs. Purdue
Penn State is no stranger to Purdue having defeated this team by 3 at home and then losing by 14 on the road. Purdue comes into this game losing at home to Northwestern and losing to Michigan State on the road desipte being leading that game at the half. The public is splid dead even on this game and again, it is tough to say as Purdue comes off back to back conference losses and will be itching to play better but Penn State lost to this team by just 14 on the road last time out and a bit of revenge and neutral footing could make the difference here.
Big 12:
Baylor vs. Texas
Baylor is starting over with a clean state as they defeated Nebraska and Kansas. They were an ease for the cover in both games frankly and even when Kansas came back and took the lead, Baylor still continued to play strong. This team has not had much luck with Texas losing by 6 at home and by 16 on the road earlier this year. Texas has played decent of late including taking Kansas to the limit on the road, but has struggled of late including barely getting by Kansas State in the first round - although Kansas State is a very good team. A small lean on Baylor here as they had trouble with Kansas throughout the year and was still able to overcome that in Oklahoma City.
Atlantic 10:
Temple vs. Xavier
Temple rolled through St. Josephs and now has to face Xavier after losing to them by 9 on the road. Xavier made easy work of St. Louis by defeating them by 18 as these games are held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. I thiink Temple will take Xavier to the limit here and it might be a decent fade considering 75% of the public is also riding Xavier.
Duquesne vs. Dayton
Duquesne beat Umass by 10 and Rhode Island by 4 earlier this year which brings them to this contest against Dayton. Remember, Dayton is a defensive team and the Dukes have struggled losing by 9 at home and 13 on the road. I actually lean on the public fav here in Dayton.
Ball State vs. Buffalo
Buffalo beat Kent State by 3 after losing to them on the road in OT and prior to that beating Kent State at home. They face a Ball State team who they actually lost to by a bucket earlier this year. This game is being held in Quicken Loans Arena in Ohio. I like the points as well, espececially since the total is just 112.5 but Buffalo is a top 120 team and Ball State is a top 300 team. However, it seems Ball State is more focused for tourney time. A small lean on the dog here.