Record: 63-57
Michigan State -4.5 vs. Iowa
The Hawkeyes can play their way into the NCAA tournament if they keep winning in the Big 10 tournament. Michigan State stands in their way, fully rested and ready to go. They beat Iowa 62-59 on January 10th on the road and have improved since then. The Spartans righted the ship after their three game losing streak by beating Wisconsin by 15 and Northwestern by 10. I think the Spartans send Iowa home as it's just not a good matchup for the Hawkeyes.
UMass +5 vs. Temple
The Minutemen also have a chance to make the tournament if they can win another game or two in the Atlantic Ten tournament. UMass lost to Temple by one point at home 83-82 back on February 16th. The Minutemen shot 47% in the loss, but they have the size and athleticism to bottle up the Owls. They knocked Temple out of the conference tournament last year and will be playing with more at stake in this one. I think they keep momentum going and keep it close, if not win the game against Temple.
Tennessee ML vs. Alabama
Notice a theme so far in the wagers? We're backing teams that need to keep winning to help themselves get better standing in March. Alabama got the bye in the SEC tournament and will be taking on Tennessee on Friday. The Crimson Tide lost three of their last five and is entering the game coming off an unimpressive three point win over Georgia at home. The Volunteers on the other side have won three straight and nine of their last ten games to put themselves on the committee's radar. UT beat Alabama 54-53 on January 26th, losing to the Tide back on January 12th 68-65 on the road. I'll take the Vols to keep up their hot play.
NCAAB Spartans Hawkeyes Minutemen Owls Volunteers Crimson Tide