Blog

College Basketball

3:30 PM EST

Rotation #822

Auburn -7.5 over South Carolina (win)

South Carolina has improved tremendously under head coach Lamont Paris, but this same team lost to Auburn by 40 points just one month ago. Auburn does everything well and will play top-level offense and defense for 40 minutes. South Carolina could be a better offensive team, and they need more ability to create turnovers on defense. Auburn should win the rebounding battle and protect the basketball better. Vegas made the Tigers a large favorite because they will get more meaningful possessions. The Tigers are a deep team that can go to their bench for steady production and make foul shots with the cover on the line. The Tigers have an upside at 20/1 to cut down the nets in April. The SEC is loaded this year, and I don’t doubt the winner will come out of this conference. Bruce Pearl is an outstanding coach, and forward Johni Broome has the strength to give the defense nightmares. Take Auburn.

 

College Basketball

5:30 PM EST

Rotation #839

St. John’s +9.5 over UCONN (win)

I wouldn’t say I like wagering on big favorites or underdogs, but in today’s case, I believe St. John’s can hang around with the Huskies. The Red Storm has one of the best coaches in Rick Pitino and is a veteran program. UConn played a weak schedule and non-conference schedule. I am not saying they do not deserve the #2 team in the country, but their numbers are inflated compared to most other teams in the top 25. The Huskies beat St. John’s twice, but the Red Storm made it dangerously close on the road at Gampel Pavilion. The Huskies starters are some of the best in the nation, but their bench could be their downfall later this month. Joel Soriano is a player who can get the Huskies in foul trouble because of his size. Look for the Red Storm to keep it close. Take St. John’s.

 

College Basketball

7:00 PM EST

Rotation #823

Texas A&M +4.5 over Kentucky  (win)

Texas A&M is a veteran team led by head coach Buzz Williams. The Aggies are the best offensive rebounders in the country and will look to use their athletic ability to intimidate Kentucky. The Wildcats will allow teams to go on runs as their defense needs work. The Wildcats have more blue-chip recruits, and John Calipari is one of the best minds in basketball, but the Aggies have already beaten the Wildcats this year and won’t be afraid. The Aggies have a respectable defense and played tougher competiton this year. Wade Taylor is a difference-maker and will bring his best game to keep this game close. Take Texas A&M.

 

College Basketball

9:00 PM EST

Rotation #814

Nebraska -4.5 over Indiana (win)

Indiana was fortunate to get past Penn State. The Nittany Lions had so many easy buckets that did not fall yesterday. Nebraska is a superior team that will exploit the Hoosier’s lack of three-point ability. The Hoosiers have a weak bench and can’t shoot foul shots. The Cornhuskers are a deeper team and will take advantage of the Hoosier’s tired legs. Rienk Mast and Brice Williams were two critical pieces acquired to reach the next level. The Cornhuskers can score from anywhere on the court and should get a double-digit win to advance to the next round. Take Nebraska

 

College Basketball

9:30 PM EST

Rotation #826

Alabama -3.5 over Florida (loss)

Alabama and Florida are similar in that they have elite offenses and defenses that will get them beaten at some point in the tournament. While it’s true either team can get red-hot with their shooting, the Crimson Tide played a much more demanding schedule and are the better overall team. Bama shoots the three a little better and has the superior bench. Tonight’s game will have a lot of fouls due to the aggressive nature of each offense. The Crimson Tide can knock down foul shots better, and their deep rotation gives them a huge advantage. Look for Mark Sears to be the best player on the court. Take Alabama.