Matt’s Mind: ATS Thoughts for the NCAA Tournament Elite 8

 

Pretty much every bracket is busted by now.  We’re to the games now that all 347 D-1 teams wanted to be playing in at the start of the season.  Win the Elite 8 and you punch your ticket to Atlanta for the Final Four and one win away from 40 minutes to a national championship.  Here are my thoughts on the Elite 8 matchups in the 2013 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament:

Syracuse vs. Marquette
The Eagles beat the Orange in their lone Big East matchup this season so the ‘Cuse are out for revenge. Marquette has been finding ways to win at the end while Syracuse has jumped out to leads and kept them. Both teams have great coaches. I like both of them a lot and would love to see Buzz Williams make it farther but I don’t see it.
ATS Play: Syracuse -5

Wichita State vs. Ohio State
I’m a fan of the Missouri Valley. I think it’s underrated every season. I think it would stack up well against the SEC this year. Ohio State is a solid club but have been inconsistent in the tournament. They’ve advanced behind three pointers in the final seconds of their last two games. I think this is going to a great game and I see it as a toss-up. I’d like to see the MWC get a Final Four team but have the Buckeyes in my bracket advancing.
ATS Play: Wichita State +4.5

Duke vs. Louisville
This is a rematch from the Bahamas. Duke took out a depleted Louisville squad for the title. I’ve been impressed with Duke’s defense so far in the tournament. They are really playing well but Louisville has looked awesome. I think revenge factors in for the Cardinals and they march on to Atlanta.
ATS Play: Louisville -3.5

Michigan vs. Florida
Michigan had a great win knocking out Kansas while Florida crushed the Cinderella Florida Gulf Coast to get here. Florida was the top team in power ratings for weeks before dropping down the last month of the season. They look like they’ve returned to form. Michigan was super impressive in the early part of the season. I really thought they were a title contender then and got bumped around in the Big Ten some but Trey Burke is playing great. This should be the best game to watch of the Elite 8. I like the Gators to advance.
ATS Play: Florida -2.5

 

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