Only 48 teams remain to compete for a National Championship as we saw 16 eliminated yesterday. Just brutal offense yesterday. That’s been the theme all season, teams have trouble getting the ball in the basket. Hopefully the plays gets better as we go along in the tournament. Here’s how I see today going in the 2013 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in order of tipoff:
-Albany vs. Duke
Duke got knocked off in their first game last year so they’re out to erase that memory. I think they should win comfortably but don’t expect Albany to get destroyed in this game.
ATS Play: Albany +18
-Ole Miss vs. Wisconsin
It’s been a rough postseason for the SEC and doesn’t look to get any better here. Wisco is a tough matchup for Ole Miss. I think the Badgers frustrate the Rebels and send Marshall Henderson home.
ATS Play: Wisconsin -6
-Temple vs. NC State
I’m more of a believer in NC State but neither of these teams are consistent. I’d say take the points in games like this.
ATS Play: Temple +4.5
-Pacific vs. Miami (FL)
Miami is now on the big stage and rolling from the ACC Championship they claimed last Sunday. I think they’re gonna come out to prove the doubters wrong.
ATS Play: Miami -13
-Cincinnati vs. Creighton
This matchup reminds me a lot of Creighton’s first tournament game last year against Alabama. It’ll be a tight game that’ll go down to the wire. I think the Jays win but it could be on a last second shot from Doug McDermott.
ATS Play: Cincinnati +3.5
-La Salle vs. Kansas State
Kansas State has some good wins this season but the A-10’s been good this year as well. I think La Salle challenges K-State but falls short.
ATS Play: La Salle +5.5
-James Madison vs. Indiana
The Hoosiers will run JMU out of the gym I think. I don’t see this being close.
ATS Play: Indiana -21.5
-Colorado vs. Illinois
The Pac-12 has had a good postseason so far. I think Colorado’s D will get Illinois off the three point line and the Buffs will advance.
ATS Play: Colorado +1
-Florida Gulf Coast vs. Georgetown
Georgetown shouldn’t have a problem winning but I don’t see them blowing FGCU out.
ATS Play: Florida Gulf Coast +13.5
-Iona vs. Ohio State
Ohio State is a good team that’s been tested all season. Iona is gonna come out and try to out score them but the Buckeyes have a defense that will slow that down. The Bucks win but I can see a backdoor cover from Iona.
ATS Play: Iona +14
-Villanova vs. North Carolina
I think UNC will push the pace and Nova just won’t be able to get buckets to keep up. This is a good matchup but I see Carolina pulling away.
ATS Play: North Carolina -4
-Northwestern State vs. Florida
This could be an entertaining game. Northwestern State can put up points and the Gators can also. Florida will pull away but I’d be hesitant to give 20 points to a team that can score like Northwestern State.
ATS Play: Northwestern State +20.5
-Oklahoma vs. San Diego State
The toughest game today I think. I’m taking the Aztecs because Steve Fisher did well against Lon Kruger when Kruger was at UNLV.
ATS Play: San Diego State -3
-Iowa State vs. Notre Dame
This is a tough one to predict as well. Iowa State hasn’t been great away from home. Notre Dame made it through the Big East and should be able to handle the up tempo style of Iowa State.
ATS Play: Notre Dame -1
-Western Kentucky vs. Kansas
Kansas got past their three game losing streak and is playing great. I think they’ll pull away and cover barely.
ATS Play: Kansas -20.5
-Minnesota vs. UCLA
Minnesota is one of the most talented teams in the country. They’ve been the most disappointing team in the country. UCLA doesn’t matchup well against the Gophers. UCLA is going to have to be accurate with their shooting because I don’t see them getting a lot of second shots. Gophers advance.
ATS Play: Minnesota -3
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