My goal was to get at least 5 of the 8 Sweet 16 games right.\u00a0 While, the disappointing Thursday performance didn’t help, I still have a shot – if I can go 4-0 today.\u00a0 Here goes…<\/p>\n
Tennessee has looked fantastic<\/em> this tournament in winning 3 games rather handily.\u00a0 But, they beat an Iowa team that was taking on water, a UMass team that was grossly overseeded, and a Mercer team that was just happy to be still playing two days after shocking the Dukies.\u00a0 The Wolverines have looked just as impressive and have played the toughest team either had to face in Texas.\u00a0 That being said, it is hard not to be tantalized by the incredible talent on this Tennessee roster.\u00a0 Jarnell Stokes has been – by far – the best player in this tournament so far, and Jordan McRae is a star as well.\u00a0 Plus, with the emergence of Josh Richardson and the steady presence of Jeronne Maymon (they seem to have cornered the market on “J” names) give this team some depth beyond their two studs.\u00a0 Talentwise, I like Tennessee A LOT more than I like Michigan, and if they switched coaches, I think this Tennessee team might be a 10-point favorite.\u00a0 But, coaching is so important this time of year and Beilein is just such a better coach.\u00a0 So, with 5 days to prepare, I have to go against my original leaning and give the points, but I’m not all that confident about it. The other early game is another one that is tough to get a read on, but for different reasons.\u00a0 Iowa State was a legit title contender (in my eyes) before the Georges Niang injury, but now they probably don’t have the depth or balance to win the whole thing (which is very unfortunate).\u00a0 That being said, they played a good UNC team on Sunday with Niang and took care of business.\u00a0 Dustin Hogue filled in admirably, and Melvin Ejim and Deandre Kane were stellar – as usual.\u00a0 So, how much does it hurt them?\u00a0 The difference may be in the fact that UNC only had a day to prepare for a Niang-less Cyclone team, while UConn now has 5 days.\u00a0 In this really interesting battle between two heady coaches who are really good friends and both institute a lot of pro sets, there is one thing that is probably the reason this line is skewed – Madison Square Garden is going to be rocking with Huskie fans.\u00a0 In a vaccuum, there is no way UConn should only be getting 2 points against ISU even with Niang, but the line is saying something, and I think that something is that MSG is a big advantage for a team that has won 7 Big East tournament titles and one NIT in that very building.\u00a0 I’m shaky on this one, too, but gimme Shabazz and the Huskies in the Big Apple. I have trouble remember a better pair of games tipping off around the same time in my entire life.\u00a0 This is the most that can possibly be at stake with two games at the same time (later rounds are all played with staggered start times), and these two games are phenomenal!\u00a0 This one in Indy might be the most anticipated college hoops game of the year so far, as two BITTER BITTER BITTER rivals face off with their seasons on the line.\u00a0 Add in two coaches that despise one another and two fanbases at each other’s throats, and you’ve got yourselves ridiculous drama.\u00a0 Plus, it’s the defending national champion against the preseason #1, who just knocked off a 35-0 team to get here.\u00a0 Buckle your seatbelts, it’s gonna get GOOD.\u00a0 Or not…\u00a0 I think it might not be close.\u00a0 I have watched UK a lot this year, and they just aren’t nearly as good as they were against Wichita, and I have very little confidence that they will play that well – even against their arch-rivals – tonight.\u00a0 This is my favorite pick of the round. And, finally, the 8th game of the round and it is another game that is so tough to read.\u00a0 Michigan State is playing up to their potential – that is, one of the odds-on favorites to cut down the nets in Dallas next week.\u00a0 But, UVA is playing incredibly well and cannot be overlooked.\u00a0 The Cavs play relentless defense that can rattle anyone.\u00a0 The Spartans need a solid game from point guard, Keith Appling, who has\u00a0been struggling lately (and may be battling numerous injuries).\u00a0 On paper, MSU has more talent and experience, but the question remains how healthy they are.\u00a0 It is tough to know, but one thing that we should all remember is that Tom Izzo teams are built for March, and while injuries can derail even the best of plans, I am not ready to say it ends here.\u00a0 Gimme Sparty here and I’ll lay the 2. My goal was to get at least 5 of the 8 Sweet 16 games right.\u00a0 While, the disappointing Thursday performance didn’t help, I still have a shot – if I can go 4-0 today.\u00a0 Here goes… Indianapolis, IN – Friday, … Continue reading
\nThe Pick:\u00a0 Michigan -3 (*)<\/strong><\/p>\nNew York, NY – Friday, 7:27 – Connecticut vs Iowa State (-2)<\/h2>\n
\nThe Pick:\u00a0 Connecticut +2 (*)<\/strong><\/p>\nIndianapolis, IN – Friday, 9:45 – Kentucky vs Louisville (-4.5)<\/h2>\n
\nThe Pick:\u00a0 Louisville -4.5 (****)<\/strong><\/p>\nNew York, NY – Friday, 9:57 – Michigan State vs Virginia (+2)<\/h2>\n
\nThe Pick:\u00a0 Michigan State -2 (**)<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"