And then there were 32. Over half of the field announced less than a week ago has been eliminated. This is a round where coaching takes over. The coaches who’ve prepared their teams for two games this week should do well. A lot of great matchups today and here’s my thoughts (against the spread) for round 3 or the first part of the round of 32 in order of tipoff:
Butler vs. Marquette
A rematch from Maui where Butler won on a 3 point heave at the buzzer. This is gonna beat a tight game through out as both are good defensive teams. I think Marquette will win with big plays again coming from Vander Blue.
ATS Play: Marquette -2.5
Colorado State vs. Louisville
Louisville is rolling right now and Colorado State just won’t be ready for their pressure. I look for the Cardinals to easily advance to the Sweet 16.
ATS Play: Louisville -10.5
Memphis vs. Michigan State
Memphis is going to have a tough time handling Sparty down low. I think Michigan State pounds it on the block and gets the win.
ATS Play: Michigan State -5.5
VCU vs. Michigan
This could be the game of the day. VCU destroyed Akron while Michigan handled the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State in their openers. Trey Burke is a great player and will be challenged with VCU’s havoc. I think this will be a fast paced back and forth game. I’ll take Burke to lead his team to the next round.
ATS Play: Michigan -3
Wichita State vs. Gonzaga
Gonzaga seemed nervous in round 1 barely surviving to beat 16 seed Southern. Wichita State was impressive in dispatching Pitt. The Shockers struggled defending a big guy down low and that could pose problems in this game as well. I think Kelly Olynik has a big game for Gonzaga and they advance but it’s gonna be close.
ATS Play: Wichita State +6.5
Harvard vs. Arizona
Harvard pulled off the upset over the overrated New Mexico Lobos. They play a good Arizona team that when it’s playing well is easily a top 10 team. Their inconsistency poses a problem but I look for them to push the pace in this one and pull away from Harvard.
ATS Play: Arizona -10
Oregon vs. St. Louis
A really good matchup here. Both teams are hot having won their conference tournament championships last weekend. I look for St. Louis to control tempo but Oregon control the boards. This one goes down to the final minute so take the points.
ATS Play: Oregon +3.5
California vs. Syracuse
Cal can shoot which poses problems for the zone the Orange will throw at them. The Orange has the most impressive first game in the tournament simply blowing out Montana. I think this line is inflated and say take Cal as they could pull the outright upset.
ATS Play: California +7.5
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