Picks for 3/23/25
College Basketball
2:40 PM EST
Rotation # 857-858
Baylor/Duke Over 143.5 (win)
Baylor did an outstanding job defeating a more physically gifted and experienced Mississippi State team. Duke dominated their 16-seed matchup. The first thing that will stick out is the Blue Devils’ massive height advantage over the Bears. Cooper Flagg could have a monster statistical game, and Kon Knueppel’s ability to switch from a guard to a forward could also allow him to have a big game. Baylor isn’t a good defensive-rebounding team, so Duke should get their fair share of second-chance attempts. The threat of Duke scoring inside will leave the three-point line open. The one thing that can keep Baylor in the game is their ability to play solid offense, as they can score from anywhere on the court. VJ Edgecombe will look to continue his hot streak from the second half of the game against Mississippi State. The Bears have multiple guards that are more than capable of heating up behind the three-line. Look for both teams to do enough to make this a high-scoring game. Take the Over.
College Basketball
7:10 PM EST
Rotation # 870
Maryland -7.5 over Colorado State (loss)
Colorado State is an experienced program, but I question its ability to create enough second-chance opportunities to get by a program like Maryland. The Rams are not particularly good at protecting the ball or turning opponents over. They are not a team that will beat you on the fast break, and when they get to the foul line, they often struggle. Maryland protects the ball well and plays top-level offense and defense. The Terps are the team that will create more possessions as they play with pace and should win on the boards. One glaring weakness Maryland has is its lack of a bench. It shouldn’t get them in trouble in this matchup, but it could very well if they advance to tougher competition next weekend. Derik Queen is too big and strong and should help send his team to the Sweet Sixteen. Take Maryland.
College Basketball
8:40 PM EST
Rotation # 863
New Mexico +7.5 over Michigan State (loss)
The New Mexico Lobos were our March Madness Underdog Pick and have the tools to shock the Spartans. It’s hard to feel confident going up against a Tom Izzo team that blew through the BIG 10 schedule, but New Mexico has the size, speed, and experience not to be rattled and to compete on the glass. Donovan Dent is a tremendous player who spaces out the floor well and is an outstanding shooter. Nelly Junior Joseph can stand his ground and protect the rim. It’s hard to call New Mexico a mid-major school as it plays in a challenging conference. Richard Pitino Jr is a good coach with the coaching gene in his blood. Michigan State has all the tools to get to the final four, but their one big flaw is their lack of three-point shooting. Look for the Lobo guards to force turnovers to give them a few extra possessions to keep the game interesting. Look for a tight battle with the Lobos staying inside of the number. Take New Mexico.