And just when I thought all was lost, the meaningless 3-pointer to save the day came swooshing through the basket as time expired on a running jumper from Jon Diebler.
Purdue 65.
The Buckeyes cover as 6-point dogs (Betjamaica), even though they trailed by seven points with just four seconds left with no hope of actually winning the game outright.
Thanks for playing to the final whistle, Diebler.
For anyone with money on the Boilers, you felt the equivocal pain to my elation on Sunday. And believe me, I’ve been on that side plenty too. But this is what March is all about isn’t it?
Joy. Suffering. Buzzer beaters. Action.
The lines are out for the NCAA tournament and you’ve probably been scoping them out for the better part the day. By now, you’ve narrowed down at least a couple of your favorite plays to start things off and judging by some line moves, have even started laying some money down.
A few that jumped out at me are: Northern Iowa +8 (vs. Purdue), OK State +2.5 (vs.
Let me know your thoughts on early plays you’re liking.
If you need action before Thursday…
Look to the tennis courts. The men’s and women’s tours are at Indian Wells this week where we should see some top tennis.
It’s not a grand slam, but all the biggest names are there – minus the Williams sisters (don’t ask if you don’t know the story about why) – and there is some big value. There are also some afternoon matchups if you need daylight action to get you primed for Thursday.
We have a serious hotty match Monday when Ana Ivanovic (-380) faces Gisela Dulko (+340).
Rangers flying
I hate to admit it, but the Rangers are looking great since Sean Avery joined the team. The infamous pest scored two nice power play goals on Sunday and drew some penalties in a win over the Flyers.
The Rangers look like they could be a good bet down the final stretch as they cling to the No. 7 playoff spot in the East by two points.
Hot Pens
Somebody must’ve told the Penguins they weren’t going to make the playoffs because they got to winning in a big way. They’ve won eight of their last 10 games and the two losses came in a shootout. They’re now in fifth in the East but only three points out of ninth, so they need to stay sizzling.
Oddsmakers haven’t quite caught up to the Pens yet though because they’ve been -110 or better in six of their last 10.
Good luck with the Madness. I’ll be blogging throughout the tourney.