Sunday March 28, 2010 (1-1)

Baylor/Duke UNDER 139.5 L

We’re switching it up here.  Sides haven’t been working so here come the totals.  These teams have played fantastic defense recently and that shouldn’t stop here.  One concern is this should be a close game and hence fouls could be a plenty at the end.  Still, we think this game ends in the 60s for each side.  On a side note, we like Baylor +4.5.

Tennessee/Michigan State OVER 136 W

UT will look to play fast and State will look to slow it down, again.  However, the last two games State tried slowing down fast paced teams the scores were 70-67 (NMSU) and 85-83 (Maryland).  Without Lucas State has been efiicient on offense and continue to slam the offensive boards.  We see this game in the 70s, surprising as that may seem.

Saturday March 27, 2010 (0-2)

K-State -4 vs. Butler L

The Wildcats are big and have great guard play.  They've played great in the tourney so far and appear to have a clear path to the Championship game as they are the highest remaining on that side of the bracket.  All due respect to Butler, but this has been a nice story and that's all it will be.  This is for a shot to play in the Final Four.  K-State last lost 5 games all year, 3 of them to Kansas.  No one is stopping them right now.  

Kentucky -4 vs. West Virginia L

Yep, we like both teams called Wildcats today.  This team is young and is playing loose and confident.  They haven't really been tested in the tourney yet with wins by 30, 29 and 17.  This team just looks like a Final Four team.  WVU leading scorer De'Sean Butler injured his right hand against Washington on Thursday.  He says it'll be fine but there's no way he would say that he's hurt.  We look for John Wall to take over down the stretch and the Wildcats to head to Indy.

Friday March 26, 2010 (1-3)

Thunder +1 vs. Lakers W

The Lakers have won 8 in a row and their last 12 overall against the Thunder.  So why OKC?  Because Nick has a man crush on Durant and thinks that this could be lucky 13 for the Thunder.  Since the last time these two teams met on Dec 22, OKC is 30-13 which is half-game better than LA.  This game will have a playoff feel and we look for the Thunder to build off their solid win against Houston.  And Kobe raped a chic.

Northern Iowa +1 vs. Michigan State L

TState burned us last week, but we’ll take a shot at them again.  This week they are playing a team that can actually rebound.  State is beat up and we know now that No. Iowa can nail the clutch three.  At this point in the season we think No. Iowa is the better team, and thats not just because they beat Kansas.  State will not get all the offensive rebounds they got against Maryland on Sunday.

St. Mary’s +4.5 vs. Baylor L

St. Mary’s rode Samham in the first two rounds and will not be able to do such this week.  Baylor will have the size to control Samham and for that reason everyone is taking Baylor.  Also, the site is just 3 hours from the Baylor campus.  The cards are certainly stacked against St. Mary’s.  However, people are really discounting  their point guards.  Nova was just as fast and talented at the guard position as Baylor however Mary’s controlled them.  The little white kid that looks like a chipmunk schooled Nova.  Recall the play where he fell down, continued his dribble, got up and nailed a 3.  These guys are legit.  We have bounced back and forth on this game but have decided to take the dog.

Ohio State -5 vs. Tennessee L

Look at the Big 10!  The SEC was weak all year, but we knew the Volunteers were talented.  Both these teasm play great defense, and we think that will frustrate Tennessee more than OSU.  OSU is used to pesky Big 10 defenses.  Evan Turner is going to be a top 3 NBA pick and can take over the game at any time.  UT has been playing some ugly games and will finally fall.  Look for a low scoring grind out victory from the Buckeyes.

Thursday March 25, 2010 (2-1)

Syracuse -6 vs. Butler L

Butler is simply outmatched here.  We are worried the spread is falling.  Is it because of the Salt Lake altitude?  Who knows.  Butler appears to have been good against solid teams but look closer;  their victory over Xavier came on a last second shot and their victory over Ohio State was with Evan Turner out.  Syracuse may not shoot as well as they have in the first 2 rounds due to the site change, but they are clearly more athletic and longer.  If they shut down Howard and Heyward Syracuse rolls by 15+.

Kansas State -4.5 vs. Xavier W

Kansas States guard play is fantastic.  Xavier’s Crawford is very good as well but outside of him Xavier doesn’t impress us that much.  With the Jayhawks out, K-State looks to win it all.

WVU/Washington UNDER 141 W

Washington wants to run, the Mountaineers want to slow it down.  New Mexico was dumb in trying to run with UW.  WVU will play smart basketball and slowwww this one down.  UW has not faced a defense as annoying as WVU.  We like this game to finish in the 60s on both sides.

Sunday March 21, 2010 (1-2)

Maryland -1 vs. Michigan State L Ouch

Tom Izzo is a stud, but Gary Williams is no slouch.  The Terps have 3 senior starters and Vasquez is an NBA prospect at the guard position.  It scares me betting against State, but we believe this is the Terps year as Vasquez came back for this very reason.  Terps will use a lot of press and up-tempo on offense.  Michigan State will try to slow the game down.  Whoever can establish the tempo will win.  We like the Terps.

California +6 vs. Duke L

Cal is just the team to upset Duke.  Athletic and long, Duke’s white boys will have their hands full.  Randall is a stud and way quicker than any of the Duke defenders.  Duke hates quick guards, see the Miami game this year, Maryand game (2nd), and Villanova last year in the tourney.  We think Cal has a shot at pulling the upset.

Cornell +4.5 vs. Wisconsin W

We knew Cornell could crush Ivy league teams and hit lots of threes.  We knew all this from statistics.  What we didn’t know was just how good they are/  After being able to finally see them on TV, we realized not only can they hit the 3 better tahn anybody, but they have excellent big men.  They dominated a good Temple team and we think they upset Wisconsin.  More upsets to come.

Saturday March 20, 2010 (2-2)

St. Marys +4.5 vs. Villanova W

Villanova has struggled at the tail end of the season, however we thought they would turn things around in the tourney. Instead they struggled mightily against Robert Morris.  St. Marys surprised us by dominating Richmond.  We knew they could shoot the three, but wow, they controlled the Spiders in that 2nd half.  If they can get a short lead they can turn it big real fast cause they have multiple guys who can nail the three.  Their offensive efficiency according to Ken Pom is real high.  We like them to upset Nova here.

New Mexico +2.5 vs. Washington L

Let me get this straight, an 11 seed Pac-10 school is favored over the 3rd seed?  UNMs star is probable, so we should be okay there.  Overall this team is solid and has good depth.  UW is very athletic, but UNM has proven they can win close games.  This should be a close game and despite the level of opponent, that is what UNM does; win close games. 

BYU +5 vs. Kansas State L

Jimmer Fredette is the man.  He can absolutely dominate the game and can score in a number of ways.  Florida coach Billy Donovan called him the best guard they've played all year.  Apparently he also played pick up games in New York prisons.  Seriously.  We're not betting against him.

Northern Iowa +12 vs. Kansas W

These are just way too many points.  We've seen dogs cover left and right and Northern Iowa should be able to keep this one close.  They love to slow it down as they allowed the second fewest points in NCAA this year.

Friday March 19, 2010 (4-3)

New Mexico State +13.5 vs. Michigan State W

Tom Izzo is no stranger to the Big Dance.  NMSU is.  Izzo will have his team ready to roll and are likely to get past the Aggies.  However, we think this is way too many points.  Follow our picks and you can see we love NMSU.  This team has 5 players who average double digits, they have good size and they can nail the three.  If this team is down, they have all the making  for a backdoor cover.  State will try to slow the game down, but NMSU will make their shots and keep this game interesting.  The deciding factor will be NMSUs sorry defense.  Will they step up?

Cal PICK vs. Louisville W

Cal is underrated, athletic, and have a solid coach.  Louisville is inconsistent and Rick Pitino is a fag.  So much for the Big East kicking ass in this tourney.  Cal has a quick point guard that we really like, and think the weak Pac-10 surprises...again.  (F*** you Marquette).

Purdue -4 vs. Siena W

No Robbie Hummel so everyone is betting against this team.  They still have Johnson and Moore, and they just got embarassed by Minnesota.  Purdue has a lot to prove so we get MAXIMUM effort and focus from them here.  Siena is great and has 4 double digit scorers.  One of those however is doubtful.  We like Siena and wouldnt be surprised with an upset, but we get great value with this line as everyone is down on Purdue.

Utah State +3 vs. Texas A&M L

The WAC is legit.  Texas A&M has been solid all year, but we think Utah has better balance all around.  They also have a lot more to prove, and this is a 5/12 game.  We say the 12th seed moves on and faces Purdue.

Temple -3.5 vs. Cornell L

Temple took a very good A-10 by storm.  Cornell was the class of the Ivy League.  Exactly.  Cornell stepped up in class a coupple times and lost to Syracuse and Set Hall.  Temple has proved its worth and we get them as a very small favorite because the public loves the big red.  Sorry Cornell, but the Ivy league does not do well in the tourney.  That trend will continue.

Maryland/Houston OVER 156.5 W

Both teams score close to 80 ppg and are cruising over the total recently.  Houston is 6-2 to the over is their last 8, the Terps are 5-1 to the over their last six.  This game should be a high scoring up and down affair.

Wisconsin -10 vs. Wofford L

Wofford could be a live dog here.  Get it...woof woof!  OK, bad joke.  This game has a serious size mismatch.  Wisconsin is one of the best rebounding teams in the country and Wofford doesn't start a single player over 6'-6".  Size matters.  The Badgers have it and will wear out the Terriers.

Thursday March 18, 2010 (2-3)

BYU -4.5 vs. Florida W

Bdougs Take:

BYU has been TERRIBLE in the tournament.  Why bet on them now?  Because we are crazy and these white mormons are sick of losing.  This is their best team in the past few years so we think this is finally their time to move onto the 2nd round.  They are going up against a decent Florida team, but they lack depth.  Cougs finally move on.

Richmond -1.5 vs. St. Marys L

Bdougs Take:

Richmond is a great team flying under the radar.  St.Marys finally beat Gonzaga and made it to the tourney.  Their “bad ass” center is fake tough, and they have a young point guard.  Richmond on the other hand has one of the best point guards in the nation.  We really think this Richmond team can make a run.

Nicks Take:

Another team that the general betting public doesn't know.  Richmond is a team that could make some noise in the tournament.  St. Mary's made the tourney by winning the conference tournament and finally beating their biggest rival, Gonzaga.  They may be a little overvalued after that win, and also may be a little overconfident as well.  Richmond was tested early in the year with non-conference wins against Florida, Mississippi State and Mizzou and took Wake Forest to overtime on the road.  Lay the points.

Marquette -1 vs. Washington L  Thanks for maintaining that 15 pt lead!

Bdougs Take:

Experienced and tough versus young and weak.  Washington is athletic but they are undisciplined.  Marquette knows how to win close games.  Big East versus a weak Pac-10 and only a 1 point line?  We’ll bite.  The only PAC-10 team we’ll bet on is Cal.

Nicks Take:

Big East is the toughest conference in the country and we saw last year two final four teams as well as four teams in the Elite Eight.  Pac-10 had a down year and only sent two teams to the tourney.  Last year, Villanova played UCLA and absolutely destroyed them showing the difference in the two conferences.  Marquette is a really good team that should win this game.  The only thing that scares us is that the game is in San Jose which is clearly favoring the Huskies here.

Northern Iowa +1.5 vs. UNLV W

Missouri Valley Conference in the house!!!  N. Iowa won the regular season title and conference championship.  UNLV has struggled against slow it down physical teams this year, as evidenced by two losses to Utah.  Northern Iowa is not as physical as Utah, but their styles are similar.  8/9 matchups are usually a coin flip anyway but we think that since no one has heard of them that they're being disrespected.  They went 28-4 for crying out loud!

Georgetown -13 vs. Ohio L

As we said earlier, the Big East is the best conference in basketball and we expect multiple teams to advance to the Sweet 16 and beyond.  The Hoyas made a nice run in the Big East tournament before losing in the championship game to West Virginia.  We saw a similar thing happen last year with Syracuse making a run in the Big East tourney and parlaying that into a nice NCAA tournament run.  The Hoyas are young and not very deep, but they just seem to surprise us every time we watch them.  The Bobcats are terrible on the road (5-9) and were not really tested at all this year besides a 25 point beatdown at the hands of the Pitt Panthers.  What conference does Pitt play in?  That's right...Big East.  Lay the chalk.

Tuesday March 16, 2010 (0-1)

Indiana State +8 @ Saint Louis L One pointer!

Ahh, the CBI Tourney!  Something tells us Indiana State is happier to be in this tournament than St. Louis.  The Billikens made a small run in their tourney while Indian State fell short in the first game versus a solid Illinois State team.  We have followed Indiana State and since they lost their two started guards they struggled offensively but really stuck together as a team and pulled through.  They got those 2 back in the final 2 games but they were not as cohesive.  With a couple weeks under their belt we think they get it back together.  The Billikens play great D, but we don’t think they’re excited to play in this one.

Sunday March 14, 2010 (1-1)

Minnesota +4 vs. Ohio State L Ass beating!

Lets see, Minnesota is on the bubble and playing for their tournament lives.  They have been on fire.  Ohio State is already in the tournament and has struggled against Michigan and Illinois.  This is an easy pick, you gotta side with the dog or nothing.  Matchup wise OSU is certainly better and you are getting great value with 4 due to the Gophers playing out of their mind.  Was their smashing of Purdue a fluke?  We’ll see.  I think Tubby has this team extremely motivated, while OSU is going through the motions.

Mississippi State +7.5 vs. Kentucky W

I think Kentucky is the number 1 team in the country.  But, could they lay down and let another SEC team into the tourney?  Hey, Gonzaga did it against St. Marys.  The Bulldogs are clearly on the bubble and will be playing ‘balls to the wall’.  Kentucky has a 1 seed wrapped up.  See the theme here?  We’re taking chances with the desperate dogs over the better, but perhaps complacent teams.

Saturday March 13, 2010 (2-2)

Boston U +5.5 vs. Vermont L

America East Conference Final!  Woot woot!  BU is one of the hotter teams in the country right now, winning 6 in a row.  Yes this game is a home game for Vermont, but BU hasn’t lost since a 1 point defeat on their home court....by Vermont.  Revenge, and of course the big dance are in the Terriers sights.  Plus, we are from New England.....when it comes to crunch time we’ll take thugs from Boston over hippies from Vermont.

NMSU +10 vs. Utah State W

Check out our March 4th pick.  We had NMSU as our darkhorse to steal the WAC tourney, and here they are with a chance to take it.  They just took out UNR on their home court!  This team is extremely talented and well balanced.  Our one concern with them is defense, and they really stepped it up against San Jose and UNR, holding UNR to 79 after allowing them to score 100 in their regular season finale.  Utah State is the best team in the conference for sure.  In a finals game however, we’re not sure they are double digits better than another solid WAC team.  Utah State just crushed LA Tech, but LA Tech has been a different team down the home stretch and that didn’t surprise us.  NMSU steps up their defensive effort and makes this one close.

K-State +6 vs. Kansas L

Its tough to beat a team 3 times in a season.  Its even tougher to beat a rival 3 times in one season.  This is K-States biggest game of the season.  Kansas has had a target on its back all season and stood strong.  Still, we’ll take our chances with K-State as this is their chance to steal a 2 seed in the big dance.

Miami +11 vs. Duke W

Duke, duke!  We love to hate them.  But seriously, we think Miami can stick within this number.  Miami is playing to get in the tourney, and Duke has a top 4 seed all locked up.  Duke beat the Hurricans in Miami, but allowed them to shoot over 50% from the field.  Neutral court, we’ll take the big dog.

Friday March 12, 2010 (1-2)

Akron -4 vs. Western Michigan L

The Zips are one of the best in the MAC (thats not saying much), and should be excited after an overtime thriller versus EMU.  Western Michigan is coming off a victory over a fraudulent team in Central Michigan.  Step up in class, and Akron beat the Broncos in Michigan.  If this were the regular season we might take WMU for the revenge factor, but not in the tournaments!

Pacers +10 @ Celtics L

The Celtics just got their asses handed to them at home by the Grizz and struggled mightily against the Wizards.  They are just 17-18 after their 23-5 start and are just not that good of a team this year.  They always have trouble with the Pacers as they are just 1-5 ATS versus Indiana in their last 6.  This seems like too many points.

Trailblazers -2 @ Kings W

The Blazers have won the last five against the Kings, including the game in Portland on Tuesday, 88-81.  Every game counts now for the Blazers as they're fighting for playoff positioning.  Brandon Roy was not happy with the way that his team played on Tuesday, even though they won.  They followed that up with an impressive showing last night against Golden State.  We expect the same today.

Thur. March 11, 2010 (3-1)

San Diego State -10 vs. Colorado State L

San Diego State will be extremely motivated in the Mountain West Conference Tourney.  The Aztecs are a great team but they are considered 4th best in the conference.  They NEES to win this tournament to get in the dance.  They’ve won 6 of their last 7 and Colorado State has been pretty poor down the stretch.  SDSU will be meeting UNM in the next round.

LA Tech -4.5 vs. Fresno State W

LA Tech stumbled down the stretch, but they get Gibson back and should be motivated to seek revenge on Fresno State.  Its tourney time so everyone starts from scratch.  Gibson and Rolle get this team going.

NMSU/San Jose State OVER 158 W

As much as we want to take NMSU -4, we do think this could be a close game and NMSU does not play defense.  They split their regular season matchup, but NMSU held a decent lead in both 1st halves.  NMSU can score at will and in their two regular season matchups they let San Jose State hit 3-pointers at a rate of 48 and 60%.  Their lowest scoring matchup was 176.

Georgia PICK vs. Arkansas W

We’re 2-0 betting on Georgia this year and we like ‘em again..a lot.  Arkansas finished the regular season on an 0-5 streak while Georgia went 2-3.  Couple that with Arkansas beating Georgia in Athens and we really like this game.  Georgia had a 15 point lead at half and blew the game!  They have some kitchen cleaning to do.  SEC beatdown!....(we’ll take a 1 point victory).

Wed. March 10, 2010 (3-1)

Oregon +1 vs. Washington State W

Washington State is not the team they were in past years.  We have no idea why they are favored here.

Wyoming -1.5 vs. Air Force L

Air Force really sucks.  Wyoming sucks a tad less.

SF-Austin -2.5 vs. Texas-Arlington W

SF-Austin is the better team, and this line seems a tad short.

OK-State -7 vs. Oklahoma W

Much better team, period.  OU has struggled mightily down the home stretch and really needs Blake Griffin back!  OK-State needs to improve their seeding and will use this initial Big 12 tourney game as a start.

Tues. March 9, 2010 (1-0)

St. Bonaventure -1.5 vs. Duquesne W

The Bonnies have a special place in our heart.  Why?  Because we had them as a Game of the Year pick a couple years ago and they delivered big.  They are nothing special, but they are solid at home and outplayed Duquesne in both matchups this year.  Bonnies advance to the second round.

Mon. March 8, 2010

No lines posted as of 715am and I gotta go to work!  We will take Old Dominion up to -6 vs. William & Mary.

Sun. March 7, 2010 (2-3)

MTSU -2 vs. Denver L

We’ll go against Denver again.  Denver played a late game that got delayed due to the prior game going to OT.  Their game ended around 1am Eastern time.  MTSU got a first round bye and enter this game fresh and ready to roll.  Plus we think they are the better team.  Denver is only good at home.

VCU +2 vs. Old Dominion L (Overtime Loss!)

Two great teams but we think VCU takes down top seeded OD.  Based on their matchups this year it looks like VCU is the better team.  Neutral court in both universities home city so no advantage there.

William and Mary +6 vs. Northeastern W

We have followed Northeastern and really like the way they play.  Their entire team is a bunch of athletic Europeans.  Whats the problem with the Euros?  Toughness, and it will show in Tournament time.  Northeastern does not win by great margin over other CAA opponents and we especially don’t like them favored by 6 over a 21 win team playing in their home state.

Northern Illinois +8.5 @ Eastern Michigan W

Someone please tell me why Eastern Michigan should be favored by 8 points over anyone, even NIU?  This line is dumb.

Ball State +5 vs. Ohio L (Overtime Loss!)

Now you have to tell us why Ohio is favored by 5 on the road.

Sat. March 6, 2010 (1-4)

Iona PICK over Niagara L

MAAC Tourney.  Iona has beaten Niagra twice this season and are at a Pick price?  Seems very odd, but we will bite.  Niagara is just overrated based on what they did the last couple years.  This years team is not special.

CS-Northridge +3.5 vs. Pacific L

Just got ourselves a feeling on this one.  Final home game for the Matadors, and versus a conference powerhouse with a short line.  Like the dog.

FAU -4 vs. South Alabama L

FAU got hot towards the home stretch but fell on their faces with three straight losses to end the season.  Well this is tourney time so fresh start and coach should have this team ready.  South Alabama is good at home.  Outside of home we dont care for them.

St. Peters -1 vs. Rider L

Two even teams who split their matchups this year.  We like St. Peters because they outrebounded Rider in both games.  We like rebounds.

FIU +10.5 vs. Denver W

This should be the line if the game were in Denver, where Denver rocks.  Well this is a nuetral game at Arkansas, where Denver has not played well.  Shorter trip for FIU, and they have nothing to lose!  Denver gets a narrow victory.

Thurs. March 4, 2010 (0-1)

New Mexico State +6.5 @ Nevada L (12 missed Free Throws Uggghh!!)

At the beginning of the season we vastly overrated Nevada-Reno based on studs Arman Johnson and Luke Babbit.  They lost their coach and that has clearly messed with this team.  They are still overrated on the market.  NMSU is underrated.  This team is so hot right now and flying well under the radar.  This is a very athletic young team which struggled early on but is now clicking on all cylinders.  NMSU is my pick to win the WAC Tourney.  Yeah, I said it and I am a big LA Tech fan.  NMSU has beat them twice!  Remember our rule about a team seeking revenge on a conference opponent who has beat them on their home court?  Nevada beat NMSU in January after the Aggies had a big win over Utah State.  No letdown factor here and Nevada has their Senior Night next game.  Like the dog.

Wed. March 3, 2010 (3-1)

St. Louis +3.5 vs. Temple L

What the hell is a Billiken?  Not sure, but we like them on their Senior Night to upset a ranked team.  The Billikens are a very sound team and will look to get a big victory here before the start of their Conference Tourney.  The Billikens are 15-2 at home and Temple hasn’t been blowing teams out of the water.  Conference Game.  Senior Night.  Home underdog.

Texas A&M -6 vs. Oklahoma State W

OK State upset Kansas on their home court and thats what everybody will be talking about here.  Too bad for them they have to travel to south Texas to face an equally hot team on Senior Night.  This will be a very tough game for OK State to get up for.  They’re still partying, and they have not been that impressive on the road.  Aggies roll.

Cavaliers -10.5 @ Nets W

The worst team in the league against the best.  These teams have played 3 teams so far this year, with Cleveland winning by 10, 9 and 7 respectively, with New Jersey covering each time.  It's always tough laying this many points with a road team, but we've been pretty successful betting against the Nets this year.  There is no one on the Nets that can guard LeBron, and the crowd should actually be cheering for him since there's a really good chance that the Nets go after King James in the off-season.  We'll take our chances laying the points.

Knicks -3.5 vs. Pistons W

The Pistons are coming off an emotional game against the Celtics last night and the Knicks have had a day to ponder the butt whooping they got at the hands of LeBron and the Cavs on Monday.  We expect a strong effort from the Knicks, who have won two out of three against Detroit so far this year and will be looking to bounce back from the debacle the other night.  Short home fav seems like the way to lean.

Tues. March 2, 2010 (1-1)

Iowa State +5.5 vs. Missouri W

Mizzou may be playing in the big dance, but Iowa State will not.  That does not mean they have nothing to play for.  This is Senior Night, and they have played tough down the stretch.  In their last 5 games they are 1-4 but their biggest loss was by 5 points.  They played the Tigers tough in their first matchup so they should be confident.

Marshall -1 vs. UTEP L

HUGE Conference-USA game here.  Both these teams are on fire and appear to be even.  As such, we will side with the home team on Senior Night.