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11/18 Starting Five Write-Up

(photo: UAB Blazers)

I will do my best to provide *at least* a daily three ball of picks for all of you snipers out there. The goal is a 2-1 night, with some 3-0’s sprinkled occasionally. I recommend you play them individually .. however, never be scared of a little three ball parlay! 20/21 Season: 58%

Season Record: 19-19-1

11/18 Starting Five:

Davidson Pick’Em

St. Bonaventure -4

UAB -1.5

ECU +13

FIU Pick’Em

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Davidson Pick’Em : Davidson has a history of excelling in tournament play. Bob McKillop is always able to get the best out of his players in this setting. I really love the outside shooting from Davidson this season. 19 of 37 from distance on the year. Foster Loyer is going to be a key contributor to the Wildcats. The Michigan State transfer brings a calming presence to any offense, and is a deadly shooter from distance. Also, he brings clutch free throw making to the fold – which you love to have in tournament play. I really love the defense we have seen early on from Davidson as well. San Francisco is a high-level offense, and Davidson held them to 65 points and forced 18 turnovers. Davidson has size in the interior that New Mexico cannot match as well. If Davidson wins the glass and the three point line, they pull out a W here.

Score Prediction: Davidson 68 – New Mexico 64

Bonnies -4 : There are reports that Osun Osunniyi will miss the opener of the Charleston Classic. The line has dropped from -6.5 to -4. This moved from not a play for me, to a play. Yes, they will greatly miss the shot blocking extraordinaire, but this is a veteran Bonnies team that is used to Osun playing limited minutes. He tends to get in foul trouble quite often. Pitt transfer, Abdoul Karim Coulibaly, is a huge difference maker this year. He is a serviceable fill-in for when Osun is injured or in foul trouble. Bonnies squeak out a close one.

Score Prediction: Bonnies 69 – Boise State 63

UAB -1.5 : Play of the Night. Put your mortgage on this. You can see where the line is heading after this opened last night. Luckily, we got it in when we did. Andy Kennedy will come into Columbia and give old friend, Frank Martin, a beat down. This is guaranteed to be a double digit win for the Blazers. I don’t even need to dive into the reasons why. Would take forever. Just trust me. Book it.

Score Prediction: UAB 77 – South Carolina 68

ECU +13 : Too many points for me. ECU is bringing everyone back this season other than Jaylen Gardner. To supplement his loss, the Pirates added two SEC bigs to the fold that I really love. Alonzo Frink from my Gamecocks, and Vance Jackson from Arkansas. Jackson should have gotten more minutes for the Razorbacks last season in my opinion. I think he has a big year in C-USA. Too much turnover on the Oklahoma roster for them to be laying this number in their first decent test of the season. This game stays tight in a tournament setting down in Myrtle Beach.

Score Prediction: OU 75 – ECU 68

FIU Pick’Em : Noticed sharp movement on this one this morning. Line opened up at +2 last night, and was at a Pick’Em when we locked in this morning. It appears it is still running. I am seeing -1.5 on my book. This young and athletic team will cause a ton of problems for Ball State. Love this match-up for the Panthers, but love the sharp money and line movement more.

Score Prediction: FIU 73 – Ball State 69

Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!

11/17 Three Ball Write-Up

(photo: Springfield News Leader)

Season Record: 18-18

11/17 Three Ball:

Texas A&M CC -2

Saint Joes +1

Missouri State -4

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Texas A&M CC -2 : What can I say? I’m an island boy! The Islanders were impressive yesterday on the defensive end, and on the glass. The shots just weren’t dropping. They are coming into today facing a Denver team that is on their third game in three days. It is also an early tip, so even more reason to believe that the Pioneers will have sea legs. Denver has also struggled to rebound this season. They gave up 12 offensive rebounds to IUPUI. That is inexplicable. The Islanders win this game on the glass.

Score Prediction: Texas A&M CC 70 – Denver 62

Saint Joes +1 : This line is screaming Hawks. Drexel is coming off of an NCAA Tournament appearance, and Saint Joes has been in the depths of their program in recent years. However, I think that Saint Joes has pieces to be competitive this season. Taylor Funk is an absolute weapon. A 6’8 wing that can kill you on the perimeter and in the post. Also, a decent rebounder. He will lead the charge, but is supplemented by two other pieces that I really love. Jordan Hall is a 6’7 guard that garnered NBA interest after his A-10 All-Rooke Team selection. Double-double threat on a nightly basis, and is also an exceptional passer. Lastly, the Hawks secured a post presence in Vanderbilt transfer, Ejike Obinna. This 6’10 senior is averaging 14.5 & 10.5 in this young season. Hawks get a big home win!

Score Prediction: Saint Joes 75 – Drexel 70

Missouri State -4 : Beat the line movement when we got this one out last night. Seeing -5.5 now. I love this team to make some serious noise in The Valley this season. Isiaih Mobley is an elite scorer at the mid-major level. He leads the attack, along with running mate Gaige Prim. Prim is an absolute ox on both ends of the floor. 19.5ppg & 14.5rpg in this early season. He will prove to be a huge problem for a Sam Houston team that is lacking in size in the post. Watch out for Donovan Clay as well. I really love this transfer from Valpo. Kid has game.

Score Prediction: Missouri State 76 – Sam Houston 68

Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!

11/16 Starting Five Write-Up

(photo: Lincoln Journal Star)

Season Record: 15-12

11/12 Starting Five:

Texas A&M CC -2

Nebraska -3

Georgia State +8

Chicago State +33

Nevada ML -120

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Texas A&M CC -2 : Pure fade of IUPUI here. I believe them to be one of the worst teams in America this season. The Islanders also have some decent talent on the roster. They are shooting 77% from the line this season, and were only down 38-34 at the half to Texas A&M a few nights ago. This is not a road game. Neutral site in San Antonio. Give me the Islanders.

Score Prediction: Texas A&M CC 68 – IUPUI 62

Nebraska -3 : Unfortunately for my Jays .. this is my play of the night. Nebraska fans are coming into this game smelling blood in the water knowing that their instate rival is due to have a down season. The Cornhuskers have also welcomed in a true five-star talent in Bryce McGowens to the fold. The original FSU commit, decided to head to Lincoln to team up with his brother, Trey. He grew up local to me, so I know this kid is the real deal. Already averaging 27ppg in this young season. People may point to the Western Illinois loss as a cause for concern, but I do not buy it. It was the first game mixing in new pieces, and they were without their enforcers down low. Eduardo Andre and Lat Mayen are back, and I think they will get the best of Kalkbrenner. I hate to say it, but feel this may get ugly behind a feisty home crowd.

Score Prediction: Nebraska 80 – Creighton 65

Georgia State +8 : I absolutely love the guard play from this team. They are deadly from behind the arc (38% on 21 makes in 2 games), and can really get in your face with their pressure defense. They also have speed to kill. Richmond’s defensive efficiency has been very poor this season. Utah State hung 85 on them the other day. I also love the Georgia State TTO of 71, but feel there is more value in getting the points. There will be no way for the Spiders to stop Georgia State from scoring in this one. Close battle, and a live dog. May have an upset special here.

Score Prediction: Richmond 76 – Georgia State 74

Chicago State +33 : I don’t blame you if you do not want to take this play. I don’t want to either. However, I think there is considerable value. It is just too high. Chicago State has improved from worst team in the country, to just really bad. Loyola has dropped from a Sweet 16 caliber team, to a potential tournament team. Yet, the line sits one point off from the same matchup a year ago. I believe this line should be around 27. I’ll take a shot on this crazy number. Plus, this is an inner city battle. Hopefully, Chicago State will fight til the end. Please don’t Samford me.

Score Prediction: Loyola Chicago 84 – Chicago State 56

Nevada ML -120 : This was a non-play for me until I received word that AJ Bramah is back in the lineup tonight. He is the biggest transfer portal acquisition that nobody is talking about. Santa Clara should struggle to keep him in check, while also getting out to Sherfield and Cambridge. Washington and Baker’s length should cause trouble for Vrankic, and Alford’s guys get a huge road win. Sorry Broncos. We will always have Friday night.

Score Prediction: Nevada 76 – Santa Clara 72

Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!

11/15 Mega Monday Write-Up:

(photo: BGSU Athletics)

Season Record: 12-8

11/15 Mega Card:

Bowling Green +16

Marquette +8

Penn State -4

Buffalo Pick’Em

San Diego +3.5

Providence +6

Samford +20

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Bowling Green +16 : The Buckeyes are having a slow start to the season, and I do not believe it is a fluke. They will struggle to reach the heights of last year’s team in my opinion. CJ Walker was a very underrated floor general, and Duane Washington bailed them out with his ability to create his own shot countless times. They are missing their elite guard play this season. Still a good team, but the number tonight is reflective of last year’s Buckeyes. Not this season’s. Daeqwon Plowden is an absolute star for the Falcons, and he is already out to a hot start in his 5th year. I love the transfer portal acquisitions of Myron Gordon and Gabe O’Neal as well. They will be very productive pieces this season, and are already contributing. Bowling Green keeps this one around 10.

Score Prediction: Ohio State 77 – Bowling Green 67

Marquette +8 : This is Shaka Smart’s first massive home game in charge of the Golden Eagles. Fiserv Forum is going to be JUMPING. The Illini will still be without Kofi Cockburn due to suspension, and I think that this leaves the door cracked for a potential upset here. Darryl Morsell is quickly turning into one of the best weapons in the country in the early part of this season. He is already arguably the best on-ball defender in the country, but now he is filling it up to go along with the defense. Justin Lewis is also one of the best wings in the country that you probably have not heard of yet. 6’7, and can do it all. Double-Double threat on a nightly basis, and a lengthy defender. I like the Golden Eagles to keep this between one and two possessions for the entirety of this one. The defensive pressure will really bother the Illini. Curbelo is a nice player, but he is very loose with the ball against tight pressure defense. Potential upset alert.

Score Prediction: Illinois 72 – Marquette 68

Penn State -4 : I had this line at 6.5, so I will take it here. Penn State looked great in a season opening win over a decent Youngstown State team. They assisted on 16 of 31 made baskets, and the transfers really seemed to mesh in well. They also got this done with Myles Dread scoring 0 points in his new role as a starting guard for the Nittany Lions. That will quickly change. This guy has hit big triple, after big triple, during his time in State College. UMass showed in the Yale game that they had no interest in fixing their defense in the offseason, and the offense will be on a decline this season after the departures of Tre Mitchell and Carl Pierre. Penn State wins comfortably.

Score Prediction: Penn State 79 – UMass 69

Buffalo Pick’Em : Continuing to ride with my guys. If Josh Mballa stays out of foul trouble, this will be a comfortable win. We will always have our king, Jeenathan Williams, to bail us out in the event that he doesn’t.

Score Prediction: Buffalo 74 – North Texas 68

San Diego +3.5 : This is starting to feel a lotttt like Santa Clara vs Stanford from Friday night to me. However, this game will be on the road. Cal does not have a great home court advantage, so this does not bother me a ton. San Diego has a great crop of transfers that have quickly come together to get this team out to a 2-0 start (including a big time win at Nevada). Jase Townsend has scored the ball well to start this season, and Terrell Brown will continue to have a strong start in the post for the Toreros. Cal will struggle this season without Matt Bradley. There is nobody to handle that scoring load. Toreros in an “upset” win.

Score Prediction: San Diego 64 – Cal 61

Providence +6 : This team is scrappy and athletic. The type of team a Badger team normally struggles against. They are forcing 16.5 turnovers to start the season, and will be flying around and trapping again tonight. This team really improved in the offseason I believe. Even with the departure of Duke. I love the addition of Al Durham from Indiana. This seems to be a perfect fit for him, and he is out hot to start the year. Justin Minaya is also a sneaky good piece coming off of the bench. He was a do-it-all guy in the Frank Martin starting lineup for many years in Columbia, and now he is providing this production off of the bench for the Friars. With all of the turnover in Madison, I really love this play. Friars pull out a close one.

Score Prediction: Providence 65 – Wisconsin 64

Samford +20 : Ques Glover will prove to be in an instant impact transfer for the Bulldogs. I always thought he was very productive every time he got into the game for Mike White and the Gators. Jacob Tryon is also back this season for Samford. He is a 6’11 stretch forward that always proves to be a problem for defenses to figure out. Look out for freshman, Wesley Cardet Jr., this season as well. A guard with nice size, and can fill it up. San Francisco is a great mid-major program and they will not struggle to get this win, but we will sneak under this number.

Score Prediction: San Francisco 80 – Samford 65

Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!

11/12 Starting Five Write-Up

(photo: Busting Brackets)

Season Record: 4-5

11/12 Starting Five:

Minnesota +3

Furman +9

Santa Clara +4

SMU +8

UCLA -4

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Minnesota +3 : The wrong team is favored here. I have this as Minnesota -2.5, so I love getting the points. I love the group of transfers the Gophers brought in. Battle will be a star in the Big 10 this season. They are efficient and really shoot the basketball well. Their size will not hurt them against a Western Kentucky team that is learning their way without Charles Bassey. WKU really struggled from the line, and turned the ball over quite a bit against Alabama State. I think this is a “Remember Last Year?” trap from Vegas. Minnesota wins outright.

Score Prediction: Minnesota 73 – WKU 69

Furman +9: Simply too many points. The Paladins are bringing experienced guard play to the YUM! Center. Mike Bothwell is a bucket. That could cause issues for a Louisville team that I think will struggle to score again this season. Noah Locke was a good addition, but I do not love the make-up of this team. Also, Furman has been successful in keeping these Power 5 games close in recent years. Bob Richey is an excellent coach that will continue to get looks to move-up in the ranks. Take the Paladins.

Score Prediction: Louisville 70 – Furman 65

Santa Clara +4: Upset Alert!!!! Is it though?? Not really. That is why the line is where it is. Santa Clara is simply the better basketball team. Josip Vrankic dropped a cool 29/8/5 on a decent Cal State Fullerton team the other night. That is just an elite stat line at the collegiate level. This team is poised, rarely turn the ball over, and shoot lights out. The Broncos win outright.

Score Prediction: Santa Clara 69 – Stanford 64

SMU +8: Too many points for this scrappy bunch with elite guard play. Davis, Nutall, Bandoumel, and Weathers could each give you a 20 piece McNugget on a given night. I also love the additions of Tristan Clark and Marcus Weathers to help defend and rebound behind this group of guards. Oregon is a great team and get the win, but the Mustangs keep it close. Guards, Guards, Guards.

Score Prediction: Oregon 76 – SMU 73

UCLA -4: I am not buying the Villanova hype. What has changed? Seemingly nothing in my opinion. The only difference? They lost their best player to the league. It appears Gillespie has lost a step from his knee injury, and I believe the UCLA guards will run circles around him. Myles Johnson had a productive career in Piscataway, and will fill in serviceably for Riley tonight. I have this game at -6.5 to -7, and I would have taken it there. I think UCLA wins this game by 10 points or so. Villanova will run into the same problem as last year with not being able to score with offensively elite teams. Especially, early in the season. Also, this may be a sleepy game for the Wildcats. 11:30pm ET start.

Score Prediction: UCLA 72 – Villanova 62

Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!

11/11 Three Ball Write-Up

(photo: Seattle Times)

Season Record: 3-3

11/11 Three Ball:

Northern Iowa -3 (-120)

Merrimack -2

Washington -14.5

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Northern Iowa -3 : There should be a bad taste in the mouth of the Panthers after their opening season defeat. They were abysmal from the field and from distance, however they won the free throw and turnover battle. AJ Green is a 20+ppg type of weapon, and his 1-14 nights will be few and far between. UNI has everyone back in what is supposed to be a bounce back year with AJ Green back in the fold from his injury. Ben Jacobson will get this corrected, and the Panthers walk away with an important home win.

Score Prediction: UNI 68 – Vermont 62

Merrimack -2: Merrimack returns every single contributor from last year’s team. Jordan Minor is a really productive big, and he is surrounded by versatile combo guards. They picked up their pace-per-play last season, and they really impressed in their opener. This is NJIT’s first game of the season and they are going to have to find a way to evolve after the absence of Zach Cooks. He was the entirety of their offense many times last season. I will always side with experience vs inexperience. Even if it kills me (piss off Trevor Keels).

Score Prediction: Merrimack 71 – NJIT 66

Washington -14.5: I have seen some sharp money coming in on NAU … but .. I DON’T CARE. The Huskies are going to absolutely throttle the Lumberjacks tonight. I really love the crop of transfers they brought in. Terrell Brown Jr., Emmitt Matthews Jr., and Daejon Davis are instant impact players. Terrell is a scorer – Emmitt can do it all – Daejon is one of the most underrated PG’s in the country. Much like UNI, the Huskies have a bad taste in their mouth after a season opening upset. While the Huskies lost, the box score shows it was an anomaly. Washington outrebounded NIU 27-4. 27-4! They also won the free throw and turnover battle by a wide margin. Wondering how they lost this game? NIU was 21-48 from the field, and Washington was 20-75. They got up 27 more shots, and did not equal the total of makes. That will obviously improve. Also, NAU got absolutely crushed by Arizona on opening night. It was never competitive. It will be more of the same tonight. Book it.

Score Prediction: Washington 85 – NAU 62

Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!

11/10 Three Ball Write-Up

(photo: Detroit News)

Season Record: 1-2-0

11/10 Three Ball:

Buffalo +13

Detroit Mercy +5

New Mexico Pick’Em

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Buffalo +13 : This one may get scary at times, but hold on for a wild ride. Yes, Michigan will no doubt be in the mix for title contention this season.. but this is a scrappy Buffalo team that returns a lot of key veteran contributors. Jeenathan Williams and Josh Mballa are energizer bunnies at both ends of the court. They bring exceptional production to go along with that energy. I also love what Segu brings in the backcourt. Michigan gets the dub, no doubt .. but the Bulls keep it within the number.

Score Prediction: Michigan 75 – Buffalo 65

Detroit Mercy +5 : Antoine Davis, Antoine Davis, Antoine Davis. This man can straight fill it up. After turning down NBA interest, he is back for his senior season. I think we get an easy 25 piece tonight from him. He is not the reason I love this play though. Noah Waterman is a DANGEROUS piece that nobody is seemingly talking about. He is a 6’11 G/F combo that can face you, or have his back to the basket. Last season, he shot 52.8% from distance on 4.8 attempts per game!!! That is ELITE level shooting, and it is scary coming from a 6’11 wing. There is seemingly not a Cowboy defender that can handle this type of weapon. I also love the addition of D.J. Harvey from Vanderbilt. He will take some of the pressure off of Davis in the backcourt. The Titans win outright here.

Score Prediction: Detroit Mercy 75 – Wyoming 72

New Mexico Pick’Em: After a tough season for the Lobos, I think they get back to their winning ways under new head coach, Richard Patino. The Pit will be rocking tonight with fans back in attendance for Patino’s first game in charge, and I think that will play a big factor here in getting the Lobos over the edge. Jay Allen-Tovar is a nice post piece that the team added who has been excelling in the preseason. I am also excited to see what Jamal Mashburn Jr. does while teaming back up with Patino. Lobos get it done tonight.

Score Prediction: New Mexico 71 – FAU 66

Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!

11/9 Three Ball Write-Up

(photo: UTRockets.com)

Season Record: 0-0-0

11/9 Three Ball:

Southern Illinois -5 (-120)

Toledo -4

UK +3.5

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Southern Illinois -5 : It feels good starting the season with our Salukis doesn’t it?! Happy as hell to have one of my mid-major darlings in a good spot to kick off our night. I really love the 5 points here at Arkansas Little Rock Marcus Domask will be making his return to the lineup tonight after battling injuries for the majority of last season. He definitely should be listed in any “Mid-Major All-American” list if he picks up where he left off from his freshman season. He is a do-it-all 6’6 forward that you will enjoy watching tonight. The exceptional guard play from Lance Jones and Ben Harvey will also be returning this season. In addition to Harvey and Jones, the Salukis have added Ben Coupet Jr. to the mix. A transfer from Little Rock. He is banged up, but expected to play in what will prove to be a revenge game for the way the Little Rock season ended last year.

Score Prediction: Southern Illinois 71 – Arkansas Little Rock 62

Toledo -4 : I really believe Vegas has missed the mark here with this number. I have this closer to a 10-12 point victory for the Rockets. Maybe they are seeing something that I am not, but I trust Tod Kowalczyk to have the guys ready to go tonight. I believe this will truly be a breakout season for 6’4 Guard – Ryan Rollins. He averaged 13.7 ppg as a freshman, while surrendering control of the offense and a lot of looks to the ball dominant – Marreon Jackson. Jackson is gone this season and I believe that will open up the floor for Rollins, Millner, Dennis, and Shumate. Valpo will really miss Donovan Clay (Missouri State transfer) this season in my opinion. This will be a down year for newly named Beacons.

Score Prediction: Toledo 75 – Valpo 64

UK +3.5: I was waiting for this number, and finally got it. It will probably be between 3-4 by the time you are reading this. I like it from 3 and up. There is simply too much love being given to Duke for Paolo Banchero. I am sure that he will make a name for himself in this upcoming season, but that doesn’t mean that it happens tonight under the bright lights of MSG. The impact the UK transfers will make is not being appreciated by national pundits as of yet, but they soon will know. Kellan Grady, Sahvir Wheeler and Oscar Tshiebwe have been major impact players at the highest level. This experience will be useful against a Duke team that will rely on their freshman two-headed monster of Banchero and Griffin. I also love TyTy Washington as a back-up point for Wheeler. He will be able to bring the same pace, and the UK offense should not lose a step when Wheeler is resting. **Added bonus is CJ Fredrick is healthy enough to play a few minutes to hit a big shot. That is what he does.**

Score Prediction: UK 76 – Duke 74

Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!

4/5 NCAA Championship Card

(photo: The Slipper Still Fits)

Bittersweet to be putting in the last plays of the season. Thank you to everyone who has followed along with me in the first year of this account. You have made it one of my favorite college basketball seasons of my life. Can’t wait to keep this rolling for years to come!

Season Record: 284-209-6

4/5 NCAA Championship Card – Main Plays:

Gonzaga -4 / o158.5 : This is Gonzaga’s time. The perfect season .. the Suggs miracle .. everything has led up to this moment. The model program that Mark Few has built will finally have it’s One Shining Moment. Baylor is a very, VERY, good basketball team. However, Gonzaga is great. They are historic. The biggest reason? They are unselfish. There is not a single bad shot taken from this bunch. The individual star power always takes the backseat to finding an open teammate. The assists will rack up in this high paced affair tonight. The biggest edge for Gonzaga will be with Drew Timme. He is well on his way to winning the Most Outstanding Player award, and will take advantage of mismatches in the post with Vital and others all night long. He will make a living at the free throw line. The backcourt will also get theirs, and Gonzaga will pull away in the end with late free throws. It is finally coming home Zags nation!

Score Prediction: Gonzaga 85 – Baylor 78

4/5 NCAA Championship – Player Props:

Drew Timme o21.5 points: Timme has eclipsed this number in each of the last four rounds, and that will not stop tonight. As mentioned earlier, I think he will get to the line much like he did against OU.

Corey Kispert o22 pts/reb: Kispert had a very quiet 15 points against UCLA. It was a poor shooting night from him, and he was very passive. I look for him to get more involved on the offensive side tonight. Also, he is averaging close to 7 rebounds in his last three games. I like this number a lot. Hopefully, late free throws can push us across if close at the end.

Davion Mitchell o21 pts/ast: Davion is one of the best passers in America. The 11/0 ast/turnover ratio against Houston was not a fluke. Davion also assisted at a high rate in the Wisconsin and Arkansas wins. The pace should be very similar to those tonight. He is averaging close to his season ppg total of 14ppg in the tournament, so I am thinking we get a 16-8 type of night.

Jared Butler o20 pts/ast: I think Butler is going for 20+ tonight, so I will gladly take this prop with assists included. Not much else to say.

4/5 NCAA Championship Fun Sprinkles:

Most Points in the Game: Drew Timme +170 – The power of the stache

First Points in the Game: Davion Mitchell +450 – Gonzaga has lost the tip in their last three games, and Baylor has won their last three tips. Going with the odds that Baylor wins the tip, and picking the man who has the ball in his hands most often.

First Made Three in the Game: Jared Butler +300 – Butler is 4-1 on making the first three for Baylor in this tournament. The Zags have had a mixed bunch. I’ll take the sprinkle on these odds.

3/30 NCAA Tournament Elite 8 Card

(photo: azcentral.com)

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Season Record: 277-202-6

3/30 Elite 8 Card:

Gonzaga 1H -5 / Gonzaga -8 / 1H u72 : This will be Gonzaga’s toughest test yet. Will it matter though? The simple answer is no. The Trojans have been very impressive this tournament, and have handled their opponents easily. However, there are shooting metrics in their favor, and against their opponents, that are due for regression tonight. USC was 268th in the country in three pointers made entering the tournament, and have shot 10-17 from distance in each of their last two games. That is simply not sustainable for a team who showed all season that they cannot get it done from the outside. Also, the Southern Cal defense is good.. maybe even elite.. but KU and Oregon shooting 29 and 37% from the field is still a trend that will not continue tonight. Beyond my predicted regressions, this Gonzaga team is one of the best teams we have seen in the college game. Maybe ever. It is ok to say that. They are undefeated, and have only won one game by single digits. They are the #1 team in America in adjusted offensive efficiency by a wide margin, and have a pesky defense that will continuously turn you over. With the Mobley’s clogging the paint, this will be a big game for Kispert, Ayayi and Suggs from deep. Don’t overthink this. Zags easy.

Score Prediction: Gonzaga 82 – Southern Cal 69 (1H: Gonzaga 38 – Southern Cal 30)

Michigan 1H -3.5 / Michigan -6 / u137 : This will be a slow and methodical beat down served up by Juwan Howard. He has certainly got the best from the Michigan bigs this season, and they will be put to great use tonight. UCLA is severely undersized without Jalen Hill, and this is going to be a longggg night for Cody Riley and Mac Etienne. Hunter Dickinson, Brandon Johns, Franz Wagner and Austin Davis will force Mick Cronin’s hand and pull him out if his beloved 4 guard lineup if he wants to keep this within single digits. That still may not be enough. The Wolverines should dominate the offensive glass and points in the paint by a wide, wide margin. Beyond that, Michigan has assisted on 60 of 83 made baskets in the tournament. This is an efficient offense that has seemingly survived the Livers absence. Lastly, the Michigan defense will be the difference maker in this game. They rank Top 50 nationally in adjusted efficiency, and put on a clinic last outing against an FSU team that many were picking to upset them. Both teams sit outside of the Top 250 in pace, so we should easily go under as well.

Score Prediction: Michigan 69 – UCLA 60 (1H: Michigan 34 – UCLA 27)