West (1-0 on Straights, 1-0 on Futures):
9:45 PM EST (3/19) – CA Baptist @ Kansas – CA Baptist +14.5 (-118) ✅
Coming into this contest, CA Baptist has the 37th ranked defensive efficiency in the country and a roster loaded with seasoned veterans, four of them being above 6 ’10”. Kansas yields 16.4% of scores to second chances, while CA Baptist scores 18.1% of its buckets on second chance opportunities. Having only played one ranked opponent this year in BYU, CA Baptist will surely be put to the test by Darryn Peterson and the Jayhawks. With that being said, a 14-point spread still seems fairly generous for this matchup.
7:10 PM EST (3/27) – St. John’s @ Duke – St. John’s +6.5 (-110)
Following their buzzer beater to knock off Bill Self and his Jayhawks, Rick Pitino and the Johnnies are slated to face the Duke Blue Devils. In ranked games this year, Duke is 6 and 8 against the spread. This season as underdogs, St. John’s is 3-1 against the spread. With five turnovers in his last two games respectively, Cameron Boozer will need to make some adjustments before facing one of the nation’s top defenses. Back to back strong outings from Zuby Ejiofor and Bryce Hopkins will also position St. John’s for a strong Sweet Sixteen performance.
7:30 PM EST (3/26) – Iowa @ Nebraska – Iowa ML (+112)
This Hawkeyes group, headed by NBA hopeful Bennett Stirz, has led for almost 70 of the 80 minutes they’ve played this tournament. A dominant performance against Clemson followed by a statement win over #1 seeded Florida has earned Iowa the “Cinderella” moniker, yet this team plays like the P4 powerhouse it is. Nebraska narrowly avoided elimination on a rim-out halfcourt buzzer beater from Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner. As such, I find it increasingly likely that Nebraska is out of figurative bullets.
St. John’s to the Sweet Sixteen (-125) ✅
Having witnessed the Johnnies in action at the Big East tournament, I see no possibility of a first round exit for Rick Pitino and St. John’s. Following their first round square-off with Northern Iowa, the Red Storm will play the winner of CA Baptist vs. Kansas. Though both teams are formidable opponents, both lack the grit, intensity and spirit that this St. John’s group possesses. If you need any more convincing, during the course of his illustrious career, head coach Rick Pitino has made the Sweet Sixteen seven times and won the National Championship twice.
Houston to win the Championship (+690)
Coming off back to back 30+ point wins, the Cougars pose a massive threat to any opponent. Headed into Thursday’s contest against a young Illinois squad, Houston possesses a great advantage: experience. Houston’s core of Emmanuel Sharp, Joseph Tugler, and Milos Uzan have already reached a national championship. With freshmen Chris Cenac Jr. and Kingston Flemings joining in the fray, the Cougars are sure to make a deep run at this year’s trophy.
Jamey T. (0-0 on Straights, 0-0 on Futures)
10:10 PM EST (3/27) – Tennessee @ Iowa State – Iowa State -4.5 (-192)
Two teams with polar opposite identities clash in this Sweet Sixteen matchup as Iowa State looks to impose its will against a hot Tennessee squad. The Volunteers enter battle-tested out of the SEC, while the Cyclones have quietly built momentum behind one of the most disruptive defenses in the country. The main question is if Tennessee will be able to generate enough offense against a team that thrives on their defensive ability.
Point guard Tamin Lipsey will need to step up with the absence of Cyclones’ leading scorer Joshua Jefferson. Lipsey’s on-ball pressure and ability to control tempo helps set the tone — he’ll be imperative down the stretch.
The Cyclones’ physical perimeter defense is built to make every possession difficult. If Iowa State can force Tennessee out of rhythm and cause discomfort I believe they’ll have the edge. I like the Cyclones to find a way to advance here.
7:30 PM EST (3/26) – Iowa @ Nebraska – Iowa +1.5 (+110)
Two B1G teams that know each other all too well find themselves in a meeting in the Sweet Sixteen.
The Iowa Hawkeyes are coming off an emotional win over No. 1 seed Florida and look to continue their Cinderella run in a bout with the Cornhuskers Thursday. Nebraska themselves are riding high off a last second win over Vanderbilt, but it’s to be seen if they have what it takes to take down the giant slayers.
The importance of having an elite, veteran ball handler like Bennett Stirtz in March can’t be overstated. His ability to create shots at all levels and high basketball IQ give Iowa a significant advantage. The Hawkeyes stifled a high-powered Gators team with their methodically slow pace of play. A typical small lead against this Iowa team feels almost insurmountable with their style of play. I like the Hawkeyes to keep their dream run alive and take this one in Houston.
Michigan to the Final Four (-150)
It’s simple: Michigan is two wins away from a trip to Indianapolis. They need to continue relying on their physical style of play and production from their bigs to keep dancing. They drew a soft Alabama team that will come down to earth and really feel the loss in production Aden Holloway provides.
I believe the Wolverines are battle tested and will not struggle with Nate Oats’ fast-paced Alabama offense. Looking forward, if Iowa State is without Joshua Jefferson yet again in the Elite Eight, I don’t think there is a way they can compete with the Wolverines’ star-power. I like Michigan to ride on the backs of their veterans and punch their ticket to the Final Four.
Rocco Peruso (0-1 on Straights, 1-0 on Futures)
12:40 PM EST (3/20) – Akron @ Texas Tech – Akron +8.5 (-126) ❌
Arkansas to the Sweet Sixteen (-125) ✅
10:05 PM EST (3/26) Illinois V. Houston – Houston -1.5, (-140)
Arkansas to the Final Four (+800)
This Arkansas offense can score with anyone. They are second in the nation in scoring and have several athletes who can contribute from all three levels. If Arkansas can get past Arizona, I see them carrying the momentum deeper into the tournament. While Acuff struggles on defense, coach John Calipari’s upperclassman bigs and wing defender Billy Richmond have their star guard’s blind side. The addition of freshman Meleek Thomas has been an X-Factor for the Razorbacks and Coach Cal has groomed this squad into a resilient, athletic and versatile team capable of dancing with anyone.
