Picks for 3/12/25
NOON EST
Rotation # 648
Georgia Tech -1 over Virginia (win)
Virginia had a sudden coaching change close to the start of the season and never blossomed into a quality program. Basketball has been way down in Virginia as both ACC schools have underperformed. Georgia Tech had its bump in the road with injuries, but key backups stepped up, and in terms of head-to-head, the Yellowjackets are the better program. Virginia doesn’t have the offense needed to play at a slower pace. Defense can only take you so far. It’s hard to see where the Cavs will get extra possessions as they are not good at forcing turnovers, can’t generate a fastbreak, and are a lousy rebounding team. The Yellowjackets should win on the glass and do just enough to advance. Baye Ndongo will be too much around the rim, and Lance Terry will be the best guard on the court. Take Georgia Tech.
College Basketball
12:30 EST
Rotation # 656
Iowa State -8.5 over Cincinnati (win)
The Cyclones are a little bigger, stronger, and more experienced. Cincinnati won a snoozer against Oklahoma State yesterday but could suffer fatigue in the game’s later stages after playing on such a quick turnaround. The Cyclones got good news this morning, as Keshon Gilbert will play. The Cyclones would be wise to wear the Bearcats down with pace, as Cincinnati is not used to playing at a rapid tempo. Iowa State needs to take advantage of a Bearcats team that is poor at defensive rebounding. More possessions tend to lead to more points. The Cyclones will look to crash the boards with big men Dishon Jackson, Joshua Jefferson, and Brandton Chatfield. The Bearcats’ biggest weakness is their inability to score points at the foul line. Look for the Cyclones to open up a big lead and not look back. Take Iowa State.