5-4-0 +18.50 units yesterday..
So many games, some to be played with no fans as we know, and I'm sure I'll find myself getting a little crazy with the wagering today. It should be interesting to see how players/teams perform to an empty arena, does talent take over or do the underdogs rise up with no added pressure to playing to a packed house, likely one where their fans are the minority. I'll say one thing about the NCAA Tournament - I'm sensing that it is going to get cancelled, but, to me, if that is even a lean in the minds of the NCAA, just do it already. To have these kids play their conference tournaments, only to come back in a day and cancel the Big Dance, seems like an added cruelty to them that isn't fair. Just rip off the bandaid, don't peel it back slowly.
Big East Conference
Creighton -5.5 -110 (22 units)
Not long ago, Saint Johns waxed Creighton in Lou Carneseca Hall. Literally, everything the Red Storm put up, went through the nets. Now, back at it in Saint Johns other home turf, the Mecca. These teams are complete polar opposites - Creighton is very team oriented, they pass the ball well, don't turn it over, and play solid individual and team defense. Saint Johns is very playground style. Chaotic. I don't think St Johns will have any home turf advantage playing in an empty MSG, in fact, I think it has negative implications. How do you carry momentum if the home crowd isn't there to help you carry it? Creighton is far too good and too consistent for Saint Johns, and to me, the 5.5 number is a gift
MAC Conference
Akron -3.5 -110 (22 units)
Played in Ohio, but, again, no fans will be present. Akron hasn't looked the team they were earlier in the year when many were throwing out the idea of an automatic bid. That ship has sailed, but they are still the best team in the conference and they should get their ship back on course. A lot of shoulds in there, which I never like to rely on, but I think the better team laying a FG and a hook is a solid play.
Atlantic 10 Conference
Virginia Commonwealth-Massachusetts over 136 -112 (22.4 units)
ACC Conference
Clemson-Florida State under 132.5 -110 (27.5 units)
The Tigers haven't allowed an opponent to score more than 70 points in 12 straight games. FSU steps in as the # 1 seed, which is new territory for them, now seemingly as the hunted. Not a good place to be for many, and I think that holds true for the Seminoles, at least in this early tip and first game of the tournament for them. I see a defensive battle, or maybe some offensive sluggish, whatever you want to call it. Winner gets to 67, loser several points behind