The message was sent last night by all 4 winners. The more physical teams, the teams that play the better ''D'', win. Indiana's high flying offense was shackled by the Syracuse zone. Miami's uber talented experienced sharpshooters couldn't buy a basket and Marquette must have had something to do with it. Marquette bullied them, both physically and mentally. I haven't seen the 'Canes so inept offensively all year.
Wichita St., Ohio St., same same.
I think it sets a tone for tonight as well, you should take note.
Oregon has been turnover prone their first 2 game and now they play the most impressive "band of thieves" I've seen in awhile, the Louisville Cardinals. Bad problem to have against this team. 10 points may sound like alot, but the Ducks are likely to have more TO's than FG'S late in the first half (sound familiar Hoosier fans?) and how many easy transition baskets will Louisville turn those into? Alot more than the 5 it will take to cover the spread imo. Way too much speed, athleticism, and overall skill here. Louisville doesn't just want to win, they want to crush you. Less than a 2 hour drive for rabid Cardinal fans will have west coast ORE swearing it's a true home game for the Cards.
LOU -10, -115
I have seen the Florida Gators at their best defensively. Pity the opponent when they lock it down. When I first saw F.G.C.U., I thought my credit union had gotten into the basketball business. And I live in Florida. Boy was I wrong. You have my respect Florida Gulf. You got that when you dismantled Big East powerhouse Georgetown. Unfortunately, after another fine win, you meet an instate opponent with an attitude and knowing they have been there and done that with Coach Donovan. I always like good teams that lose in their conference tourneys and Florida is no exception. All the well deserved attention for FGCU has done nothing but put another bullet in the "Gator Gun." I think Billy Donvan is going to be as fired up for this game as he was in their back to back championship games a few years ago. Once again, he has the talent to back it up. And the ''defense.''
GATORS -13
Both Mich St. and Duke lost in their conference tourneys, something's gotta' give. And something will. While Mason Plumlee is a very good player, and by far the most ''physical'' player on Duke, the rest of the team is soft, like Indiana. Duke has to make alot shots from long range to win this game, and certainly they are capable. So were Miami and Indiana. Sparty's bullish defense and physicality will prove too much for the "finesse laden" Dookies.
MICH ST. +2
Jeff Withey must have watched alot of Anthony Davis last year, he's playing like him. He and his Jayhawk defense woke up in the 2nd half and smothered what had been an excellent shooting UNC team. Michigan certainly has talent, you know the names, offensively skilled, but short of McGary, who has been a pleasant surprise, they too are soft.The most physical player on Michigan must now go head to head against Mr. Withey. Withey may not be the most physical player, but he's tall, long, smart, and most importantly, has great shot blocking instincts. Sorry Wolverine fans-
Jayhawks -1.5
I have plays to win the NCAA title on Kansas and Mich. St. made prior to the start of the ''big dance," both at +1500.(I also had MIA
). Being already vested in these 2 teams keeps my wager down a bit on those 2 particular games. Louisville and Florida however have received full betting shares
.
As always, good luck to all!
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