(photo: University of Iowa Athletics)
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Season Record: 261-191-6
3/21 Second Round Card:
Iowa 1H -2.5 & o148 : The Hawkeyes looked really impressive early in their opening round game with Grand Canyon. If you remember, we cashed in on a 1H play. We are going to do so again today. We know Iowa loves a hot start, and this will be Oregon’s first tournament action following their first round cancellation due to VCU having to bow out from Covid issues. The bright lights caused many 1H unders to hit in the first round of this tournament, so I believe Oregon will come out a little shaky just like most ball clubs did. I also love the over here due to the outside shooting ability from both teams, and also both teams inability to guard the 3 point line.
Score Prediction: Iowa 80 – Oregon 76 (1H: Iowa 38 – Oregon 32)
Gonzaga / OU u155 : We are going back to the well here as well. There is a lot of value in fading the public’s desire to bet Gonzaga overs. Obviously they are going to get their points, but will OU without Harmon? Also, I expect Lon to really slow this game down. He has no prayer to stay competitive in a track meet. I lean Gonzaga on the spread, but I did not feel confident laying the 14.5.
Score Prediction: Gonzaga 80 – OU 65
UCLA -4.5 : I am not sure what the hell Texas did in their 2H against ACU, but you cannot lose to a 14 seed that shot 29.9% from the field and 16.7% from distance. UCLA won’t make that mistake. Why? Mick Cronin. Mick is lightyears better than Shaka and will take advantage of ACU’s ability to score. Johnny Juzang is having a big time tournament and I expect this to continue. UCLA will finish off the Cinderalla run for ACU tonight.
Score Prediction: UCLA 70 – ACU 62
Creighton -4.5 : I really like this spot for Creighton. As you know, I have a Sweet 16 future out with them. I knew this matchup was coming as well. Had Ohio beating UVA all of the way. I expect a big night from Chris Bishop. He has more athleticism than anyone that the Bobcats can bring to the table. Look for Zegarowski and Ballock to have eyes on him all night for a backdoor lob. This could be a game for a while, but Creighton will cover after Ohio is forced to foul late.
Score Prediction: Creighton 78 – Ohio 70
LSU +6 : This team is hot, hot, hot right now. Cannot believe we were able to grab this number. Hopefully, it has not slid back down to the 5.5 – 5 area by the time you read this.. but I like LSU all of the way to +4. I think Michigan will find it really hard to guard Trendon Watford in this game. He is a matchup nightmare for their personnel. If Thomas and Smart have big games, LSU could even win this one..
Score Prediction: Michigan 74 – LSU 72
FSU ML -120 : The Pac 12 is getting a lot of love right now. Maybe rightfully so. However, I love the matchup nightmare that FSU presents to Colorado tonight. The length and versatility of FSU could cause problems for Battey down low, and McKinley Wright will be guarding a backcourt with 5+ inches on him across the board. FSU is the more athletic team, and the better coached team. Leonard Hamilton gets the Seminoles back to the Sweet 16.
Score Prediction: FSU 72 – Colorado 67
Alabama 1H -3.5 & -6 : I am very, very confident in the Tide today. The reason? The three point line. If Alabama gets hot from deep, which they normally do, Maryland has no prayer of keeping this remotely close. They are dreadful from three point line as a ball club. Also, Maryland was lucky to make it out of the first round alive when you take a deep dive into the box score. They got outrebounded 18 to 2 on the offensive glass! Alabama is too good, and will take advantage of the things that UConn could not.
Score Prediction: Alabama 75 – Maryland 62 (1H: Alabama 36 – Maryland 28)
Kansas +2 : Do not sleep on Bill Self this time of the year. While this is not one of his most talented teams, there are still pieces present to beat Southern Cal. Especially, with the news that Jalen Wilson was joining the Jayhawks in Indianapolis. I had Southern Cal advancing in this game without him, but he is the difference maker for me. I think McCormick and Wilson as a tandem can compete with the Mobley brothers, and I give an edge to the Jayhawks in the backcourt. Bill Self will join Jay Wright in the Sweet 16 in “down years”
Score Prediction: Kansas 68 – USC 65
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