Record 66-60
It's now time for the postseason and it's various tournaments. That's right, there is value in some of these other tournaments and we're going to show you where it can be found. It's important when handicapping the NCAA tournament to not consider the seeds. There are some short lines that don't match their games so don't automatically take the favorite because they are that much lower in the seed rank. The NIT also features some interesting trends as some teams just don't give a crap and will play like it. That makes the over a good bet depending on the situation. Here's the picks for the next few days, as I will be in Vegas enjoying the fruits of a long season.
Tuesday 3/19
Maryland/Niagara Over 144.5
Niagara's regular season championship got them a berth into the NIT as they travel to Maryland to take on the Terrapins. Niagara is one of the most potent teams in the country as they have had no problems putting up 70 points or more in their games. The Purple Eagles have had trouble playing defense on the road against teams with solid offenses allowing 89 to Notre Dame, 83 to Iona and 102 to Oregon State. The Terps will certainly be disappointed to be playing in the NIT after having a resume that some thought was NCAA tournament worthy. Because of this, I can see them having some fun and playing a little looser then usual. The Terps have the offense capable of scoring especially at home where they have put up 68, 72, 83 and 69 in their last four games. This one is going to be played in the 70's and thusly over the total.
Wednesday 3/20
Western Michigan Pick vs. North Dakota State
We drop down to the CBI for North Dakota State at Western Michigan. The Broncos lost to Ohio to end their MAC tournament chances. They have defended homecourt well recently outside of a March 5th loss to Ball State 89-85. They are a deep team with four players who put up 10 points per game led by Shayne Whittington and his 13 PPG. The Bison lost a tough Summit League Conference championship to their rival South Dakota State. Taylor Braun was outdueled by Nate Wolters. This is a team that has lost four of their last six road games. I'll take the home team who is playing good basketball and will have more motivation to be there.
Long Beach State/Baylor Over 143.5
A pair of disappointed teams take the court on Wednesday as Baylor hosts Long Beach State. The Bears underperformed on their way to an 18-14 record on the season. They have had some tough losses as of late which helped keep them out of the tournament. Baylor has scored 70 points or more in three straight and five of their last seven games as they like to push the pace of the action. Long Beach State also likes to do so as they've scored at least 70 in eight of their last 10 road games. They've also struggled on the defensive end away from home having given up at least 71 in every road game but two which came early on in the season. This one will be a high scoring affair as neither team really wants to be in the NIT.
Thursday 3/21
South Dakota State +11 vs. Michigan
The Wolverines limped to the finish of the season losing two of their last three games. Their defense has let them down as of late giving up at least 65 points in four straight and five of their last six games. They can't let down against the Jackrabbits who have experience being Giant Killers. This is a team that has already won at the Pit beating New Mexico 70-65 back on December 22nd. They are led by Nate Wolters and Jordan Dykstra who are underrated offensively. If Michigan can't find more offense from someone other then Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway III then they won't be dancing for very long. I think this is going to be a closer game then the 4-13 matchups usually are.
Friday 3/22
Wisconsin -5 vs. Ole Miss
The Badgers are one of the most underrated teams in the country, but are coming in off a 50-43 loss to Ohio State. Now they get Ole Miss who won the SEC by beating Florida. The Rebels were firmly on the bubble so the motivation was there to get that victory. This is the country's first look at Marshall Henderson who is a character on and off the court. He leads the way offensively and is helped out by Murphy Holloway as well. Wisconsin's defense shouldn't have too much of an issue clamping down on Ole Miss who heavily relies on Henderson and Holloway for most of their offense. The guard chucks up almost 11 three's per game. We like the Badgers to win this one easily.
Florida Gulf Coast +13 vs. Georgetown
Usually the Atlantic Sun champion is fodder for their bigger conference teams. The Eagles are no such team especially since they have a win over Miami back on November 13th. Granted the Hurricanes were not at full strength, but they still won the game by 12. This is a team that has also seen VCU, Duke, St. John's and Iowa State so they won't be afraid by the Hoyas. Sherwood Brown and Bernard Thompson are a fantastic backcourt and are pretty efficient scorers too shooting around 47% from the field. Georgetown has had a terrible recent history in the tournament and has also proven that they can go through scoring droughts. If this game is close then it will creep into the player's heads how much they've struggled in the Field of 68.
NCAAB Terrapins Purple Eagles Broncos Bison 49ers Bears Jackrabbits Wolverines Badgers Rebels Eagles Hoyas