CNOTES 2024 - 2025 COLLEGE BASKETBALL NEWS-BEST BETS-OPINIONS THRU THE CHAMPIONSHIP !
- Thread starter Cnotes53
- Start date
- Sep 10, 2018
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NCAAB
Tuesday, March 18
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Trend Report
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Kent State vs St. Bonaventure
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Kent State's last 19 games on the road
Kent State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Bonaventure
St. Bonaventure is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
St. Bonaventure is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Kent State
Jacksonville State vs Georgia Tech
Jacksonville State is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
Jacksonville State is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Georgia Tech is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Georgia Tech is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Chattanooga vs Middle Tennessee
Chattanooga is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Chattanooga is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Middle Tennessee is 19-4 SU in its last 23 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Middle Tennessee's last 9 games at home
Wichita State vs Oklahoma State
Wichita State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Wichita State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma State's last 5 games when playing Wichita State
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Oklahoma State's last 9 games at home
Saint Louis vs Arkansas State
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Saint Louis's last 11 games on the road
Saint Louis is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Arkansas State is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
Arkansas State is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Cal State-Northridge vs Stanford
Cal State-Northridge is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cal State-Northridge's last 5 games on the road
Stanford is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Stanford is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
UC Riverside vs Santa Clara
The total has gone OVER in 5 of UC Riverside's last 6 games on the road
Santa Clara is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Santa Clara's last 8 games at home
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Tuesday, March 18
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Trend Report
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Kent State vs St. Bonaventure
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Kent State's last 19 games on the road
Kent State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Bonaventure
St. Bonaventure is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
St. Bonaventure is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Kent State
Jacksonville State vs Georgia Tech
Jacksonville State is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
Jacksonville State is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Georgia Tech is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Georgia Tech is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Chattanooga vs Middle Tennessee
Chattanooga is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Chattanooga is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Middle Tennessee is 19-4 SU in its last 23 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Middle Tennessee's last 9 games at home
Wichita State vs Oklahoma State
Wichita State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Wichita State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma State's last 5 games when playing Wichita State
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Oklahoma State's last 9 games at home
Saint Louis vs Arkansas State
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Saint Louis's last 11 games on the road
Saint Louis is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Arkansas State is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
Arkansas State is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Cal State-Northridge vs Stanford
Cal State-Northridge is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cal State-Northridge's last 5 games on the road
Stanford is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Stanford is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
UC Riverside vs Santa Clara
The total has gone OVER in 5 of UC Riverside's last 6 games on the road
Santa Clara is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Santa Clara's last 8 games at home
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Tuesday, March 18
| Game | Time(ET) | Pick | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| SFPA at ALST | 06:40 PM | ALST -3.5 U 138.0 | +500 +500 |
| KENT at SBON | 07:00 PM | KENT +4.5 U 137.0 | +500 +500 |
| JVST at GT | 07:00 PM | GT -6.5 U 141.0 | +500 +500 |
| CHAT at MTU | 08:00 PM | CHAT +2.0 U 153.0 | +500 +500 |
| WICH at OKST | 09:00 PM | WICH +6.5 U 154.0 | +500 +500 |
| SLU at ARST | 09:00 PM | ARST -6.0 U 154.5 | +500 +500 |
| UNC at SDSU | 09:10 PM | SDSU +4.5 U 142.5 | +500 +500 |
| UCRV at SCU | 11:00 PM | SCU -9.5 O 157.5 | +500 +500 |
| CSN at STAN | 11:00 PM | CSN +7.0 O 156.0 | +500 +500 |
NCAA COLLEGE HOOPS BEST BETS !
03/18/2025...................5 - 8 - 0....................38.46%...................- 19.00
03/16/2025...................4 - 6 - 0....................40.00%...................- 13.00
03/15/2025.................12 - 11 - 1.................52.19%...................- 0.50
03/14/2025.................22 - 10 - 1.................68.75%...................+ 55.00
03/13/2025.................15 - 14 - 0.................51.72%....................- 2.00
03/12/2025.................16 - 18 - 0.................47.05%....................- 19.00
03/11/2025.................15 - 15 - 0..................50.00%....................- 7,50
03/10/2025.................12 - 5 - 0....................70.58%....................+ 32.50
03/09/2025.................20 - 20 - 1.................50.00%.....................- 10.00
03/08/2025.................16 - 19 - 0.................45.71%.....................- 24.50
03/07/2025.................15 - 13 - 1.................53.57%.....................+ 3.50
03/06/2025.................18 - 16 - 2.................52.94%......................+ 2.00
03/05/2025....................7 - 8 - 0.................46.66%......................- 9.00
03/04/2025..................5 - 10 - 0.................33.33%.....................- 30.00
03/03/2025....................3 - 9 - 0.................25.00%......................- 34.50
03/02/2025....................4 - 5 - 0.................44.44%......................- 7.50
03/01/2025.................34 - 25 - 0.................57.62%......................+ 32.50
TOTALS:...................223 - 212 - 3.................51.26%......................- 51.00
03/18/2025...................5 - 8 - 0....................38.46%...................- 19.00
03/16/2025...................4 - 6 - 0....................40.00%...................- 13.00
03/15/2025.................12 - 11 - 1.................52.19%...................- 0.50
03/14/2025.................22 - 10 - 1.................68.75%...................+ 55.00
03/13/2025.................15 - 14 - 0.................51.72%....................- 2.00
03/12/2025.................16 - 18 - 0.................47.05%....................- 19.00
03/11/2025.................15 - 15 - 0..................50.00%....................- 7,50
03/10/2025.................12 - 5 - 0....................70.58%....................+ 32.50
03/09/2025.................20 - 20 - 1.................50.00%.....................- 10.00
03/08/2025.................16 - 19 - 0.................45.71%.....................- 24.50
03/07/2025.................15 - 13 - 1.................53.57%.....................+ 3.50
03/06/2025.................18 - 16 - 2.................52.94%......................+ 2.00
03/05/2025....................7 - 8 - 0.................46.66%......................- 9.00
03/04/2025..................5 - 10 - 0.................33.33%.....................- 30.00
03/03/2025....................3 - 9 - 0.................25.00%......................- 34.50
03/02/2025....................4 - 5 - 0.................44.44%......................- 7.50
03/01/2025.................34 - 25 - 0.................57.62%......................+ 32.50
TOTALS:...................223 - 212 - 3.................51.26%......................- 51.00
Wednesday’s 6-pack:
Favorites to win the NCAA Tournament:
+350— Florida
+360— Duke
+400— Auburn
+600— Houston
+1200— Alabama
+1400— Tennessee
Quote of the Day
“Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t. It’s that simple. That’s the pitch. If you want me to recruit, that’s the recruiting pitch. Pittsburgh Steelers. If you want to be part of it, so be it. If you don’t, no skin off my back.”
Steelers’ Cameron Heyward, talking about Aaron Rodgers possibly joining the Steelers
Wednesday’s quiz
Which two teams played a 6-overtlme game in the 2009 Big East tournament?
Tuesday’s quiz
Joe Maddon was the Chicago Cubs’ manager when they won the 2016 World Series.
Monday’s quiz
Michigan State has had only two basketball coaches since 1976.
********************************************
Hornets scored layup off a length-of-court pass with 0:01 left for the win.
Saint Francis led 39-34 at half; they were 10-14 on foul line, Alabama State 1-4.
Alabama State was +9 in turnovers (15-6); they play #1-seed Auburn Thursday.
— Dodgers 4, Cubs 1
Cubs led 1-0 after 4 innings, but Imanaga left after 4 scoreless IP (69 PT)
Dodgers scored three runs in the fifth inning.
Yamamoto allowed 4 baserunners, one run in five IP (72 PT).
Ohtani was 2-5 with two runs scored.
Mookie Betts (illness), Freddie Freeman (ribs) sat game out.
— Darian DeVries is the new basketball coach at Indiana; he leaves West Virginia after only one season at West Virginia, where his team was 19-13, 10-10 in Big X games. Before that, DeVries was 150-55 at Drake, 79-33 in conference games.
Tucker DeVries is the coach’s son, a very good player; he hurt his shoulder this year and played in only eight games. If he gets the extra year of eligibility from the NCAA, he figures to follow his father to Bloomington.
Next season, West Virginia will have its fourth coach in four years.
— Over the last four years, Cal-Irvine is 58-16 in Big West games during the regular season, but they’re only 2-4 in Big West tournament games, with the losses coming to four different teams.
For mid-majors, Champ Week is the big thing. Irvine has won 20+ games 10 of the last 13 years, but made the NCAA’s only twice- they upset Kansas State in a 2019 tournament game.
— Iona fired basketball coach Tobin Anderson after only two years on the job; Iona was 17-17 this year, 12-8 in MAAC games. Gaels didn’t make the NCAA’s in either of Anderson’s seasons with the Gaels; they made it in six of seven tournaments before that, but this seems like a very quick decision.
Three years ago, Anderson was coach at Fairleigh Dickinson when they upset Purdue in only the second-ever upset by a #16-seed in the NCAA Tournament.
— Famous birthdays, March 19:
Ursula Andress, 89
Glenn Close, 78
Pat Leahy, 74
Scott May, 71
Mike Norris, 70
Bruce Willis, 70
Rick Mirer, 55
Andre Miller, 49
Casey Jacobsen, 44
Clayton Kershaw, 37
EJ Manuel, 35
Nico Collins, 26
— Word of the Day– Democracy- a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.
We’re lucky to live in a democracy; it needs to stay that way.
— Kansas Jayhawks are a 7-seed in this year’s tournament, the first time since 2000 that Kansas was seeded lower than 4th in the NCAA’s.
— Michigan Wolverines were 12-1 in conference games this season that were decided by 4 or fewer points. Coach Dusty May led Florida Atlantic to the Final Four two years ago; he appears to be a keeper for the Wolverines.
— Cincinnati Bengals signed WR’s Ja’Marr Chase to a 5-year, $161M contract, WR Tee Higgins to a 4-year, $115M deal.
Bengals are 40-27 the last four years, losing the Super Bowl after the 2021 season.
— Baltimore Ravens signed QB Cooper Rush to back up Lamar Jackson; Rush was 9-5 in 14 starts for Dallas, over his seven seasons there.
— Houston Texans/Washington Commanders made a pretty big trade:
Washington gets:
OT Laremy Tunsil
4th round pick in next month’s draft
Houston gets:
3rd and 7th round picks in next month’s draft.
2nd and 4th round picks in the 2026 draft.
— Texas Rangers signed P Patrick Corbin to replace Jon Gray, who broke his wrist when he was hit by a comebacker last week. 35-year old Corbin pitched for Washington the last six years, going 6-13, 5.62 in 32 starts last season.
— Marlins OF Jesus Sanchez hurt his oblique, is out for four weeks; he hit 18 homers, stole 16 bases for Miami last season.
— Looks like the ball-strike instant replay thing will become a rule in 2026; it will be fascinating to see how teams use the new rule.
During a Bronx-Toronto exhibition game Monday, someone challenged the first pitch of the game, and they lost that challenge. Teams only get two challenges a game and you lose the challenge if you’re wrong, so if this had been a regular season game, it would’ve been an awful mistake.
Why are you challenging the first freakin’ pitch of the game?
Once this season starts and then is no more challenge system (for this year), will umpires call more strikes? It’ll be interesting to follow.
Favorites to win the NCAA Tournament:
+350— Florida
+360— Duke
+400— Auburn
+600— Houston
+1200— Alabama
+1400— Tennessee
Quote of the Day
“Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t. It’s that simple. That’s the pitch. If you want me to recruit, that’s the recruiting pitch. Pittsburgh Steelers. If you want to be part of it, so be it. If you don’t, no skin off my back.”
Steelers’ Cameron Heyward, talking about Aaron Rodgers possibly joining the Steelers
Wednesday’s quiz
Which two teams played a 6-overtlme game in the 2009 Big East tournament?
Tuesday’s quiz
Joe Maddon was the Chicago Cubs’ manager when they won the 2016 World Series.
Monday’s quiz
Michigan State has had only two basketball coaches since 1976.
********************************************
Wednesday’s Den: Mid-week musings……..
— Alabama State 70, Saint Francis 68Hornets scored layup off a length-of-court pass with 0:01 left for the win.
Saint Francis led 39-34 at half; they were 10-14 on foul line, Alabama State 1-4.
Alabama State was +9 in turnovers (15-6); they play #1-seed Auburn Thursday.
— Dodgers 4, Cubs 1
Cubs led 1-0 after 4 innings, but Imanaga left after 4 scoreless IP (69 PT)
Dodgers scored three runs in the fifth inning.
Yamamoto allowed 4 baserunners, one run in five IP (72 PT).
Ohtani was 2-5 with two runs scored.
Mookie Betts (illness), Freddie Freeman (ribs) sat game out.
— Darian DeVries is the new basketball coach at Indiana; he leaves West Virginia after only one season at West Virginia, where his team was 19-13, 10-10 in Big X games. Before that, DeVries was 150-55 at Drake, 79-33 in conference games.
Tucker DeVries is the coach’s son, a very good player; he hurt his shoulder this year and played in only eight games. If he gets the extra year of eligibility from the NCAA, he figures to follow his father to Bloomington.
Next season, West Virginia will have its fourth coach in four years.
— Over the last four years, Cal-Irvine is 58-16 in Big West games during the regular season, but they’re only 2-4 in Big West tournament games, with the losses coming to four different teams.
For mid-majors, Champ Week is the big thing. Irvine has won 20+ games 10 of the last 13 years, but made the NCAA’s only twice- they upset Kansas State in a 2019 tournament game.
— Iona fired basketball coach Tobin Anderson after only two years on the job; Iona was 17-17 this year, 12-8 in MAAC games. Gaels didn’t make the NCAA’s in either of Anderson’s seasons with the Gaels; they made it in six of seven tournaments before that, but this seems like a very quick decision.
Three years ago, Anderson was coach at Fairleigh Dickinson when they upset Purdue in only the second-ever upset by a #16-seed in the NCAA Tournament.
— Famous birthdays, March 19:
Ursula Andress, 89
Glenn Close, 78
Pat Leahy, 74
Scott May, 71
Mike Norris, 70
Bruce Willis, 70
Rick Mirer, 55
Andre Miller, 49
Casey Jacobsen, 44
Clayton Kershaw, 37
EJ Manuel, 35
Nico Collins, 26
— Word of the Day– Democracy- a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.
We’re lucky to live in a democracy; it needs to stay that way.
— Kansas Jayhawks are a 7-seed in this year’s tournament, the first time since 2000 that Kansas was seeded lower than 4th in the NCAA’s.
— Michigan Wolverines were 12-1 in conference games this season that were decided by 4 or fewer points. Coach Dusty May led Florida Atlantic to the Final Four two years ago; he appears to be a keeper for the Wolverines.
— Cincinnati Bengals signed WR’s Ja’Marr Chase to a 5-year, $161M contract, WR Tee Higgins to a 4-year, $115M deal.
Bengals are 40-27 the last four years, losing the Super Bowl after the 2021 season.
— Baltimore Ravens signed QB Cooper Rush to back up Lamar Jackson; Rush was 9-5 in 14 starts for Dallas, over his seven seasons there.
— Houston Texans/Washington Commanders made a pretty big trade:
Washington gets:
OT Laremy Tunsil
4th round pick in next month’s draft
Houston gets:
3rd and 7th round picks in next month’s draft.
2nd and 4th round picks in the 2026 draft.
— Texas Rangers signed P Patrick Corbin to replace Jon Gray, who broke his wrist when he was hit by a comebacker last week. 35-year old Corbin pitched for Washington the last six years, going 6-13, 5.62 in 32 starts last season.
— Marlins OF Jesus Sanchez hurt his oblique, is out for four weeks; he hit 18 homers, stole 16 bases for Miami last season.
— Looks like the ball-strike instant replay thing will become a rule in 2026; it will be fascinating to see how teams use the new rule.
During a Bronx-Toronto exhibition game Monday, someone challenged the first pitch of the game, and they lost that challenge. Teams only get two challenges a game and you lose the challenge if you’re wrong, so if this had been a regular season game, it would’ve been an awful mistake.
Why are you challenging the first freakin’ pitch of the game?
Once this season starts and then is no more challenge system (for this year), will umpires call more strikes? It’ll be interesting to follow.
- Sep 10, 2018
- 18,182
- 20
- 38
NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up
Wednesday, March 19
NCAA Tournament
Wednesday’s games
Mt St Mary’s vs American (-2.5) (@ Dayton, OH)
Mt St Mary’s (22-12, 15-8- T4)
KenPom rating: 250
Tempo: 170
Experience: 240
Continuity: 174
Mt St Mary’s won 11 of its last 14 games.
Mountaineers won last four games, giving up 53.5 ppg.
Mt St Mary’s split couple of games vs Patriot League teams TY.
Mountaineers are turning ball over 21.7% of time (#359)
Mt St Mary’s is in NCAA’s for first time since 2021.
American (22-12, 16-5- T1)
KenPom rating: 237
Tempo: 349
Experience: 50
Continuity: 1
American won four in row, 15 of last 18 games.
Eagles gave up 60.5 ppg in those last four wins.
American gets 37.4% of points on 3’s (#46)
Opponents are shooting 53.1% inside the arc (#269)
American hasn’t played since last Wednesday.
Eagles are in NCAA’s for first time since 2014.
MAAC is the #25 league in the country; Patriot League is #27.
Texas vs Xavier (-2.5) (@ Dayton, OH)
Texas (19-15, 8-13- T13)
KenPom rating: 44
Tempo: 172
Experience: 21
Continuity: 288
Texas lost eight of its last 12 games.
Longhorns tied for 13th in a 16-team league.
Three of their last seven games (3-4) went to overtime
Longhorns are 9-15 vs top 100 teams.
Texas is 11-2 in non-league games (non-league schedule #349)
Last three years, Longhorns were 5-3 in NCAA Tournament
Xavier (21-11, 13-8- T4)
KenPom rating: 43
Tempo: 74
Experience: 2
Continuity: 236
Xavier should have home crowd edge, with game in Ohio.
Musketeers won seven of its last eight games.
Xavier is 8-3 in non-conference games (non-conf schedule #213)
Musketeers are shooting 38.8% on arc (#6)
Xavier is #14 team in country on defensive boards.
Musketeers are in NCAA’s for only 2nd time in last six years.
Xavier made the Sweet 16 two years ago.
Texas beat Xavier 83-71 in Sweet 16 two years ago.
SEC is the best league this year; Big East is #4 league
Armadillo's Write-Up
Wednesday, March 19
NCAA Tournament
Wednesday’s games
Mt St Mary’s vs American (-2.5) (@ Dayton, OH)
Mt St Mary’s (22-12, 15-8- T4)
KenPom rating: 250
Tempo: 170
Experience: 240
Continuity: 174
Mt St Mary’s won 11 of its last 14 games.
Mountaineers won last four games, giving up 53.5 ppg.
Mt St Mary’s split couple of games vs Patriot League teams TY.
Mountaineers are turning ball over 21.7% of time (#359)
Mt St Mary’s is in NCAA’s for first time since 2021.
American (22-12, 16-5- T1)
KenPom rating: 237
Tempo: 349
Experience: 50
Continuity: 1
American won four in row, 15 of last 18 games.
Eagles gave up 60.5 ppg in those last four wins.
American gets 37.4% of points on 3’s (#46)
Opponents are shooting 53.1% inside the arc (#269)
American hasn’t played since last Wednesday.
Eagles are in NCAA’s for first time since 2014.
MAAC is the #25 league in the country; Patriot League is #27.
Texas vs Xavier (-2.5) (@ Dayton, OH)
Texas (19-15, 8-13- T13)
KenPom rating: 44
Tempo: 172
Experience: 21
Continuity: 288
Texas lost eight of its last 12 games.
Longhorns tied for 13th in a 16-team league.
Three of their last seven games (3-4) went to overtime
Longhorns are 9-15 vs top 100 teams.
Texas is 11-2 in non-league games (non-league schedule #349)
Last three years, Longhorns were 5-3 in NCAA Tournament
Xavier (21-11, 13-8- T4)
KenPom rating: 43
Tempo: 74
Experience: 2
Continuity: 236
Xavier should have home crowd edge, with game in Ohio.
Musketeers won seven of its last eight games.
Xavier is 8-3 in non-conference games (non-conf schedule #213)
Musketeers are shooting 38.8% on arc (#6)
Xavier is #14 team in country on defensive boards.
Musketeers are in NCAA’s for only 2nd time in last six years.
Xavier made the Sweet 16 two years ago.
Texas beat Xavier 83-71 in Sweet 16 two years ago.
SEC is the best league this year; Big East is #4 league
- Sep 10, 2018
- 18,182
- 20
- 38
When, or if they add today's first four matchups, I'll post it.
NCAAB
Wednesday, March 19
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Trend Report
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Dayton vs Florida Atlantic
Dayton is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Dayton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida Atlantic's last 5 games at home
Florida Atlantic is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Samford vs George Mason
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Samford's last 9 games on the road
Samford is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
George Mason is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of George Mason's last 6 games at home
UAB vs Saint Joseph's
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of UAB's last 5 games on the road
UAB is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Saint Joseph's is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Saint Joseph's is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Furman vs North Texas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Furman's last 6 games on the road
Furman is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
North Texas is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of North Texas's last 11 games at home
North Alabama vs Bradley
Bradley is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Bradley's last 6 games at home
Northern Iowa vs Southern Methodist
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Northern Iowa's last 7 games on the road
Northern Iowa is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Southern Methodist's last 6 games at home
Southern Methodist is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games at home
Northern Colorado vs UC Irvine
Northern Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Northern Colorado is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
UC Irvine is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of UC Irvine's last 6 games at home
Utah Valley vs San Francisco
Utah Valley is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Utah Valley's last 13 games on the road
San Francisco is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 9 games at home
Loyola-Chicago vs San Jose State
Loyola-Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Loyola-Chicago is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
San Jose State is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Jose State's last 6 games at home
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NCAAB
Wednesday, March 19
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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Dayton vs Florida Atlantic
Dayton is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Dayton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida Atlantic's last 5 games at home
Florida Atlantic is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Samford vs George Mason
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Samford's last 9 games on the road
Samford is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
George Mason is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of George Mason's last 6 games at home
UAB vs Saint Joseph's
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of UAB's last 5 games on the road
UAB is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Saint Joseph's is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Saint Joseph's is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Furman vs North Texas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Furman's last 6 games on the road
Furman is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
North Texas is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of North Texas's last 11 games at home
North Alabama vs Bradley
Bradley is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Bradley's last 6 games at home
Northern Iowa vs Southern Methodist
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Northern Iowa's last 7 games on the road
Northern Iowa is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Southern Methodist's last 6 games at home
Southern Methodist is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games at home
Northern Colorado vs UC Irvine
Northern Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Northern Colorado is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
UC Irvine is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of UC Irvine's last 6 games at home
Utah Valley vs San Francisco
Utah Valley is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Utah Valley's last 13 games on the road
San Francisco is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 9 games at home
Loyola-Chicago vs San Jose State
Loyola-Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Loyola-Chicago is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
San Jose State is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Jose State's last 6 games at home
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, March 19
| Game | Time(ET) | Pick | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSM at AMER | 06:40 PM | AMER -2.5 | +500 |
| DAY at FAU | 07:00 PM | FAU -1.0 U 153.0 | +500 +500 |
| UAB at JOES | 07:00 PM | JOES -5.0 U 159.0 | +500 +500 |
| SAM at GMU | 07:00 PM | SAM +8.0 O 149.0 | +500 +500 |
| FUR at UNT | 08:00 PM | FUR +8.0 O 131.5 | +500 +500 |
| UNA at BRAD | 08:00 PM | BRAD -4.5 U 146.0 | +500 +500 |
| UNI at SMU | 09:00 PM | UNI +10.0 U 148.5 | +500 +500 |
| XAV at TEX | 09:10 PM | XAV -3.0 | +500 |
| UNCO at UCI | 10:00 PM | UNCO +7.0 O 152.5 | +500 +500 |
| UVU at SF | 11:00 PM | SF -8.5 O 145.5 | +500 +500 |
| L-IL at SJSU | 11:00 PM | L-IL -3.5 O 142.0 | +500 +500 |
- Sep 10, 2018
- 18,182
- 20
- 38
NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up
Thursday, March 20
Thursday’s games
afternoon games
Creighton vs Louisville (-2.5) (@ Lexington, KY)
Creighton (24-10, 15-5. 2nd)
KenPom rating: 37
Tempo: 192
Experience: 38
Continuity: 88
Creighton won four of its last five games.
Last four years, Bluejays are 4-0 in first round games.
Creighton is 7-4 in non-conference games (#46 NC SOS)
Bluejays get 37.6% of their points on 3’s (#45)
Creighton is 6-8 vs top 50 opponents.
This is 2nd time in last 10 NCAA’s that Creighton is lower than an 8-seed
Louisville (27-7, 18-2. T2)
KenPom rating: 23
Tempo: 90
Experience: 5
Continuity: 352
Louisville won 21 of its last 23 games.
Cardinals are in NCAAs for first time since 2019
Louisville is 5-6 vs top 50 opponents.
46.1% of Cardinals’ shots are 3’s (#19) (33%, #216)
Last three years, ACC teams are 11-4 ATS in first round.
Kelsey was 0-4 in first round games, at Winthrop/Charleston.
Big East is #4 league, ACC the #5 league
Last six years, underdogs are 20-4 ATS in 8-9 games.
High Point vs Purdue (-7.5) (@ Providence,, RI)
High Point (29-5, 14-2. 1st)
KenPom rating: 84
Tempo: 222
Experience: 67
Continuity: 49
High Point won its last 14 games SU.
Panthers are in March Madness for first time.
High Point is 1-0 vs top 100 teams (76-71 North Texas)
Panthers are 10-3 in non-league games (beat UAB, North Texas)
High Point has #12 eFG% offense in country.
Last eight years, Big South teams are 1-7 ATS in first round games.
Purdue (22-11, 13-7, T4)
KenPom rating: 19
Tempo: 297
Experience: 186
Continuity: 41
Purdue lost six of its last nine games.
Boilers are 8-3 in non-conference games.
Purdue has #16 eFG% offense in country.
Opponents are shooting 56.4% inside arc (#350)
Purdue is 5-2 ATS in last seven first round games.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-8-1 ATS in first round games.
Big South is the #17 league this year, Big 18 #2.
Last six years, underdogs are 16-8 ATS in 4-13 first round games.
Montana vs Wisconsin (-16.5) (@ Denver)
Montana (22-9, 15-3- T1)
KenPom rating: 157
Tempo: 193
Experience: 46
Continuity: 238
Montana won 14 of its last 15 games.
Grizzlies are 4-6 in non-conference Division I games.
Montana is 0-4 vs top 100 teams, losing by 31-35-12-4 points.
Grizzlies have #13 eFG% offense in country.
Montana is in NCAA’s for first time since 2019
Since 2007, Big Sky teams are 0-17 SU/3-13-1 ATS in first round
Wisconsin (26-9, 13-7. T4)
KenPom rating: 13
Tempo: 152
Experience: 45
Continuity: 90
Wisconsin is 5-4 in its last nine games.
Badgers lost Big 18 tourney final Sunday.
Badgers are 7-0 vs teams ranked outside top 100.
Opponents are shooting 46.8% inside arc (#34)
Wisconsin is 4-2 ATS in last six first round games.
Badgers beat Big Sky’s Montana State 79-67 November 12th.
Big Sky is #22 league, Big 18 is #2 league
Last five years, #3-seeds are 13-7 ATS in first round.
SIU-Edwardsville vs Houston (-28.5) (@ Wichita, KS)
SIU-E (22-11, 13-7, 2nd)
KenPom rating: 217
Tempo: 261
Experience: 226
Continuity: 159
SIU-E won eight of its last 11 games.
Cougars are in March Madness for the first time.
SIU-E is 0-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 19-32 points.
Cougars are 4-4 in non-conference Division I games.
Cougars have #38 eFG% defense in country, #271 eFG% offense.
Last four years, OVC teams are 1-3 ATS in first round games.
Houston (30-4, 19-1. 1st)
KenPom rating: 3
Tempo: 360
Experience: 40
Continuity: 8
Houston won its last thirteen games.
Cougars are 4-1 ATS in last five first round games.
Houston has #4 eFG% defense in country.
Cougars are forcing turnovers 21.7% of time (#17)
Houston is shooting 39.8% on the arc (#4)
Cougars are 6-0 vs teams ranked outside top 100.
OVC is the #28 league this year, Big X #3.
Last four years, #1-seeds are 9-7 ATS in first round games.
Alabama State vs Auburn (@ Dayton, OH)
Alabama State (20-15, 12-6- T4)
KenPom rating: 275
Tempo: 142
Experience: 210
Continuity: 30
Alabama State won its last seven games.
Hornets are 4-9 in non-conference games.
ASU is shooting 45.6% inside arc (#340)
Hornets are #225 team on defensive boards.
ASU was down 6 with 10:00 left Tuesday, rallied to win, 70-68.
Hornets played two guys 30:00+ in Tuesday’s win.
Auburn (28-5, 15-3. 1st)
KenPom rating: 4
Tempo: 154
Experience: 25
Continuity: 40
Auburn lost three of last four games, after a 27-2 start.
Tigers are 11-1 SU in non-conference games.
Auburn has #11 eFG% defense in country.
Tigers are shooting 56.1% inside arc.
Auburn got upset in first round LY, as a #4-seed, by Yale.
Since 1997, Tigers are 7-1 SU in first round games.
Last year, Auburn beat Alabama State 82-62.
Tigers led that game 46-25 at halftime.
Since 2022, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in this round.
Since 2013, SWAC teams are 4-3 ATS in this round.
SEC is #1 league in country, SWAC is #32
McNeese State vs Clemson (-7.5) (@ Providence, RI)
McNeese State (27-6, 19-1, 1st)
KenPom rating: 59
Tempo: 283
Experience: 28
Continuity: 129
McNeese State won 22 of its last 23 games.
Cowboys are 1-4 vs top 100 teams (losses by 8-4-7-3 points)
Cowboys’ best win: 68-61 vs #72 North Texas
McNeese forces turnovers 21.6% of time (#18)
McNeese is #259 team on defensive boards.
Cowboys were in NCAA’s LY, first time since 2002 (L86-65 Gonzaga)
McNeese coach Wade went to Clemson, was a basketball manager.
Clemson (27-6, 18-2. T2)
KenPom rating: 18
Tempo: 327
Experience: 8
Continuity: 89
Clemson won 15 of its last 17 games.
Tigers are in NCAA’s for 4th time in last seven years.
Clemson was in Elite 8 last year as a #6-seed.
Tigers are forcing turnovers 20.1% of time (#42)
Clemson has #64 eFG% offense.
Tigers are 8-3 in non-conference games (2/3 losses in OT)
Southland is #21 league, ACC #5 league
Southland teams are 5-3 ATS in last eight first round games.
Last five years, underdogs are 11-9 ATS in 5-12 games.
VCU vs BYU (-3.5) (@ Denver)
VCU (28-6, 15-3. T1)
KenPom rating: 30
Tempo: 241
Experience: 37
Continuity: 52
VCU won 18 of its last 20 games.
Rams won A-15 tournament Sunday; quick turnaround.
VCU is 9-3 in non-conference games.
Rams are 5-3 against top 100 teams.
VCU has the #1 eFG% defense in country.
Rams are in NCAA for third time in five years.
VCU lost last four first round games (last win, 2016)
BYU (24-9, 14-6. T3)
KenPom rating: 33
Tempo: 34
Experience: 79
Continuity: 77
BYU won nine of its last ten games.
Cougars are 9-2 in non-conference games.
BYU has #7 eFG% offense in country.
Cougars are #28 team in country on defensive boards.
BYU is in NCAA’s for third time in five years.
Cougars lost last five first round games (last win, 2011).
A-15 is the #8 league this year, Big X #3 league.
Last six years, underdogs are 15-9 ATS in 6-11 games.
Georgia vs Gonzaga (-5.5) (@ Wichita, KS)
Georgia (20-12, 8-10. T9th)
KenPom rating: 34
Tempo: 221
Experience: 151
Continuity: 218
Georgia won four of its last five games.
Dawgs are in NCAA’s for first time since 2015.
Last time Georgia won an NCAA game? 2002, as an 8-seed.
Dawgs are 11-1 outside the SEC this season.
Georgia is 6-12 vs opponents in top 50.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round games.
Coach White was 4-0 in first round games at Florida.
Gonzaga (25-8, 14-4. 2nd)
KenPom rating: 9
Tempo: 46
Experience: 10
Continuity: 4
Gonzaga won 11 of its last 13 games.
Zags have been in the Sweet 16 nine years in a row.
Gonzaga is 4-6 vs top 50 teams this season.
Zags are 2-8 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Gonzaga is shooting 57.8% inside arc (#10)
Since 2010, Zags are 8-6 ATS in first round games.
SEC is the #1 league, WCC is #7 league.
Last six years, underdogs are 20-4 ATS in 8-9 games.
Night games
Wofford vs Tennessee (-18.5) (@ Lexington, KY)
Wofford (19-15, 10-8. 6th)
KenPom rating: 120
Tempo: 333
Experience: 107
Continuity: 11
Wofford is in NCAA’s for first time since 2019.
Terriers are 4-7 in non-conference games.
Wofford is 0-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 9-51 points.
Terriers are a top 20 rebounding team in country.
Wofford has only three losses by more than 12 points.
Last six years, SoCon teams are 5-1 ATS in this round.
Tennessee (27-7, 12-6. 4th)
KenPom rating: 5
Tempo: 346
Experience: 14
Continuity: 161
Tennessee won 10 of its last 13 games.
Vols lost final of SEC tourney Sunday afternoon.
Tennessee is 13-0 outside the SEC this season.
Vols have #2 eFG% defense in the country.
Tennessee is 10-0 vs teams outside top 100 (nine wins by 15+)
Since 2018, Vols are 2-4 ATS in first round games.
SEC is the #1 league, SoCon the #13 league
Last three years, #2-seeds are 8-4 ATS in this round.
Arkansas vs Kansas (-4.5) (@ Providence, RI)
Arkansas (20-13, 8-10. T9th)
KenPom rating: 40
Tempo: 68
Experience: 221
Continuity: 327
Arkansas won five of its last seven games.
Hogs are 11-2 outside the SEC.
Arkansas is 8-11 vs top 50 opponents.
Hogs have #60 eFG% defense in country.
Since 2004, Calipari is 15-2 SU in first round games.
Since 2015, Hogs are 5-1 in first round games.
Kansas (21-12, 11-9. 6th)
KenPom rating: 21
Tempo: 113
Experience: 1
Continuity: 100
Kansas is 7-8 in its last fifteen games.
Jayhawks are 9-2 outside the Big X.
Opponents are shooting 46.1% inside arc (#18)
Jayhawks have #15 eFG% defense in country.
Kansas won its last 17 first round games, but as higher seeds.
Jayhawks are #7-seed, first time since 2000 they’re seeded lower than #4.
SEC is the #1 league this year, Big X is #3 league.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
Since 2019, Big X teams are 21-11 ATS in first round.
Yale vs Texas A&M (-3.5) (@ Denver)
Yale (22-7, 13-1. 1st)
KenPom rating: 73
Tempo: 183
Experience: 194
Continuity: 48
Yale won 16 of its last 17 games.
Bulldogs won Ivy League title game Sunday at home.
Yale is 7-6 outside the Ivy League.
Bulldogs are 1-2 vs top 100 teams (best win: 74-58 vs #99 Akron)
Yale is #22 team in country on defensive boards.
Since 2010, Ivy League teams are 10-3 ATS in first round games.
Texas A&M (22-10, 11-7. 5th)
KenPom rating: 273
Tempo: 142
Experience: 210
Continuity: 30
Texas A&M lost five of its last seven games.
Aggies are in NCAA’s for third year in a row (1-1 first round)
Texas A&M has #317 eFG% offense in country.
Aggies are the #1 team in country on offensive boards.
Opponents are shooting 46.5% inside arc (#27)
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
SEC is #1 league, Ivy League is #14 league.
Last six years, underdogs are 16-8 ATS in 4-13 first round games.
Drake vs Missouri (-6.5) (@ Dayton, OH)
Drake (30-3, 17-3. 1st)
KenPom rating: 58
Tempo: 364
Experience: 358
Continuity: 339
Drake won 18 of its last 19 games.
Bulldogs have four starters who won a lot at the D2 level.
Drake is 11-0 outside the MVC (NC SOS #253)
Bulldogs are forcing turnovers 22.1% of time (#10)
Drake is 4-1 against top 100 opponents.
Bulldogs made NCAAs last two years (lost 63-56/66-61)
Missouri (22-11, 10-8. T6th)
KenPom rating: 15
Tempo: 121
Experience: 35
Continuity: 224
Missouri lost five of its last seven games.
Tigers are 11-2 outside the SEC.
Missouri is 12-1 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Tigers are getting 23.2% of points on foul line (#17)
Missouri is shooting 56.7% inside the arc (#20)
Tigers were 9-24/0-18 LY; big jump this year.
SEC is the #1 league this year, MVC is the #11 league.
Last six years, underdogs are 15-9 ATS in 6-11 games.
Utah State vs UCLA (-5.5) (@ Lexington, KY)
Utah State (26-7, 15-5. 3rd)
KenPom rating: 52
Tempo: 159
Experience: 95
Continuity: 174
Utah State lost three of its last five games.
Aggies are 10-1 outside the Mountain West
Utah State is 10-7 vs teams ranked in top 100.
Aggies are shooting 57.7% inside the arc (#12)
USU is in NCAA’s for 4th time in five years, under four different coaches.
Last 20 years, Aggies are 1-9 in first round games.
UCLA (22-10, 13-7. T4)
KenPom rating: 273
Tempo: 142
Experience: 210
Continuity: 30
UCLA split its last eight games.
Bruins are 9-2 outside the Big 18 (NC SOS #312).
Under Cronin, UCLA is 3-0 in first round games.
Bruins are forcing turnovers 22.8% of time (#7)
This is UCLA’s 6th game east of the Mississippi since February 11.
Last three years, Big 18 teams were 13-8-1 ATS in first round.
Big 18 is #2 league in country; Mountain West is #6.
Since 2019, Mountain West teams are 3-14 SU/2-15 ATS in first round.
Omaha vs St John’s (-18.5) (@ Providence, RI)
Omaha (22-12, 13-3. 1st)
KenPom rating: 156
Tempo: 145
Experience: 167
Continuity: 91
Omaha won its last six games, scoring 84.2 ppg.
Mavericks are 4-9 outside Summit League (NC SOS #155)
Omaha is 0-4 vs top 100 teams (3 losses by 11 or less points)
Opponents are shooting 53.5% inside arc (#283)
Omaha has #69 eFG% offense in country.
Last three years, Summit teams lost in first round, by 9-23-17 points.
St John’s (30-4, 18-2. 1st)
KenPom rating: 11
Tempo: 49
Experience: 68
Continuity: 275
St John’s won nine in row, 19 of last 20 games.
Red Storm just won Big East tourney for first time since 2000.
St John’s hasn’t won a game in NCAA’s since 2000.
Red Storm forces turnovers 21.9% of time (#13)
St John’s has #19 eFG% defense in country.
Red Storm is in NCAA’s for first time since 2019.
Big East is the #4 league this year, Summit is the #16 league.
Last three years, #2-seeds are 8-4 ATS in first round games.
Cal-San Diego vs Michigan (-2.5) (@ Denver)
Cal-San Diego (30-4, 18-2. 1st)
KenPom rating: 36
Tempo: 271
Experience: 295
Continuity: 115
Cal-San Diego won its last fifteen games.
Tritons are 8-2 outside the Big West.
Cal-San Diego is in NCAA’s, in first year they’re eligible.
Tritons are forcing turnovers 23.3% of time (#2)
Opponents are shooting 46.2% inside arc (#20)
Tritons aren’t deep (#335 bench minutes); Denver is in high altitude.
Michigan (25-9, 14-6. T2nd)
KenPom rating: 25
Tempo: 65
Experience: 78
Continuity: 262
Michigan is 11-4 in its last fifteen games.
Wolverines won Big 18 tournament Sunday afternoon.
Michigan is 8-3 in non-conference games.
Wolverines are shooting 57.7% inside arc (#11)
Michigan has #17 eFG% defense in country.
Wolverines are in NCAA’s for first time since 2022.
Big 18 is #2 league in country; Big West is #12 league
Last ten years, Big West teams are 7-3 ATS in first round.
Last five years, underdogs are 11-9 ATS in 5-12 games.
NC-Wilmington vs Texas Tech (-15.5) (@ Wichita, KS)
NC-Wilmington (27-7, 14-2. 2nd)
KenPom rating: 105
Tempo: 285
Experience: 42
Continuity: 169
UNCW won 15 of its last 17 games.
Seahawks are 8-3 outside the CAA (losses by 18-13-5)
UNCW lost 84-66 at Kansas, its only game vs a team in top 150
Seahawks haven’t played a game in nine days.
Seahawks are in NCAA’s for first time since 2017.
Last 11 years, CAA teams are 0-11 SU/5-6 ATS in first round
Last five years, CAA teams are 0-5 ATS in first round.
Texas Tech (25-8, 15-5. 2nd)
KenPom rating: 7
Tempo: 281
Experience: 39
Continuity: 145
Texas Tech won four of its last five games.
Red Raiders are 9-0 vs teams ranked outside top 100.
Texas Tech has #30 eFG% in the country.
Red Raiders are getting 38% of points on 3’s (#41)
Texas Tech is 9-2 outside the Big X.
Red Raiders are in NCAA’s for 6th time in seven years (4-1 in first round)
Big X is the #3 league this year, CAA is the #18 league.
Last five years, #3-seeds are 13-7 ATS in first round.
Armadillo's Write-Up
Thursday, March 20
Thursday’s games
afternoon games
Creighton vs Louisville (-2.5) (@ Lexington, KY)
Creighton (24-10, 15-5. 2nd)
KenPom rating: 37
Tempo: 192
Experience: 38
Continuity: 88
Creighton won four of its last five games.
Last four years, Bluejays are 4-0 in first round games.
Creighton is 7-4 in non-conference games (#46 NC SOS)
Bluejays get 37.6% of their points on 3’s (#45)
Creighton is 6-8 vs top 50 opponents.
This is 2nd time in last 10 NCAA’s that Creighton is lower than an 8-seed
Louisville (27-7, 18-2. T2)
KenPom rating: 23
Tempo: 90
Experience: 5
Continuity: 352
Louisville won 21 of its last 23 games.
Cardinals are in NCAAs for first time since 2019
Louisville is 5-6 vs top 50 opponents.
46.1% of Cardinals’ shots are 3’s (#19) (33%, #216)
Last three years, ACC teams are 11-4 ATS in first round.
Kelsey was 0-4 in first round games, at Winthrop/Charleston.
Big East is #4 league, ACC the #5 league
Last six years, underdogs are 20-4 ATS in 8-9 games.
High Point vs Purdue (-7.5) (@ Providence,, RI)
High Point (29-5, 14-2. 1st)
KenPom rating: 84
Tempo: 222
Experience: 67
Continuity: 49
High Point won its last 14 games SU.
Panthers are in March Madness for first time.
High Point is 1-0 vs top 100 teams (76-71 North Texas)
Panthers are 10-3 in non-league games (beat UAB, North Texas)
High Point has #12 eFG% offense in country.
Last eight years, Big South teams are 1-7 ATS in first round games.
Purdue (22-11, 13-7, T4)
KenPom rating: 19
Tempo: 297
Experience: 186
Continuity: 41
Purdue lost six of its last nine games.
Boilers are 8-3 in non-conference games.
Purdue has #16 eFG% offense in country.
Opponents are shooting 56.4% inside arc (#350)
Purdue is 5-2 ATS in last seven first round games.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-8-1 ATS in first round games.
Big South is the #17 league this year, Big 18 #2.
Last six years, underdogs are 16-8 ATS in 4-13 first round games.
Montana vs Wisconsin (-16.5) (@ Denver)
Montana (22-9, 15-3- T1)
KenPom rating: 157
Tempo: 193
Experience: 46
Continuity: 238
Montana won 14 of its last 15 games.
Grizzlies are 4-6 in non-conference Division I games.
Montana is 0-4 vs top 100 teams, losing by 31-35-12-4 points.
Grizzlies have #13 eFG% offense in country.
Montana is in NCAA’s for first time since 2019
Since 2007, Big Sky teams are 0-17 SU/3-13-1 ATS in first round
Wisconsin (26-9, 13-7. T4)
KenPom rating: 13
Tempo: 152
Experience: 45
Continuity: 90
Wisconsin is 5-4 in its last nine games.
Badgers lost Big 18 tourney final Sunday.
Badgers are 7-0 vs teams ranked outside top 100.
Opponents are shooting 46.8% inside arc (#34)
Wisconsin is 4-2 ATS in last six first round games.
Badgers beat Big Sky’s Montana State 79-67 November 12th.
Big Sky is #22 league, Big 18 is #2 league
Last five years, #3-seeds are 13-7 ATS in first round.
SIU-Edwardsville vs Houston (-28.5) (@ Wichita, KS)
SIU-E (22-11, 13-7, 2nd)
KenPom rating: 217
Tempo: 261
Experience: 226
Continuity: 159
SIU-E won eight of its last 11 games.
Cougars are in March Madness for the first time.
SIU-E is 0-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 19-32 points.
Cougars are 4-4 in non-conference Division I games.
Cougars have #38 eFG% defense in country, #271 eFG% offense.
Last four years, OVC teams are 1-3 ATS in first round games.
Houston (30-4, 19-1. 1st)
KenPom rating: 3
Tempo: 360
Experience: 40
Continuity: 8
Houston won its last thirteen games.
Cougars are 4-1 ATS in last five first round games.
Houston has #4 eFG% defense in country.
Cougars are forcing turnovers 21.7% of time (#17)
Houston is shooting 39.8% on the arc (#4)
Cougars are 6-0 vs teams ranked outside top 100.
OVC is the #28 league this year, Big X #3.
Last four years, #1-seeds are 9-7 ATS in first round games.
Alabama State vs Auburn (@ Dayton, OH)
Alabama State (20-15, 12-6- T4)
KenPom rating: 275
Tempo: 142
Experience: 210
Continuity: 30
Alabama State won its last seven games.
Hornets are 4-9 in non-conference games.
ASU is shooting 45.6% inside arc (#340)
Hornets are #225 team on defensive boards.
ASU was down 6 with 10:00 left Tuesday, rallied to win, 70-68.
Hornets played two guys 30:00+ in Tuesday’s win.
Auburn (28-5, 15-3. 1st)
KenPom rating: 4
Tempo: 154
Experience: 25
Continuity: 40
Auburn lost three of last four games, after a 27-2 start.
Tigers are 11-1 SU in non-conference games.
Auburn has #11 eFG% defense in country.
Tigers are shooting 56.1% inside arc.
Auburn got upset in first round LY, as a #4-seed, by Yale.
Since 1997, Tigers are 7-1 SU in first round games.
Last year, Auburn beat Alabama State 82-62.
Tigers led that game 46-25 at halftime.
Since 2022, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in this round.
Since 2013, SWAC teams are 4-3 ATS in this round.
SEC is #1 league in country, SWAC is #32
McNeese State vs Clemson (-7.5) (@ Providence, RI)
McNeese State (27-6, 19-1, 1st)
KenPom rating: 59
Tempo: 283
Experience: 28
Continuity: 129
McNeese State won 22 of its last 23 games.
Cowboys are 1-4 vs top 100 teams (losses by 8-4-7-3 points)
Cowboys’ best win: 68-61 vs #72 North Texas
McNeese forces turnovers 21.6% of time (#18)
McNeese is #259 team on defensive boards.
Cowboys were in NCAA’s LY, first time since 2002 (L86-65 Gonzaga)
McNeese coach Wade went to Clemson, was a basketball manager.
Clemson (27-6, 18-2. T2)
KenPom rating: 18
Tempo: 327
Experience: 8
Continuity: 89
Clemson won 15 of its last 17 games.
Tigers are in NCAA’s for 4th time in last seven years.
Clemson was in Elite 8 last year as a #6-seed.
Tigers are forcing turnovers 20.1% of time (#42)
Clemson has #64 eFG% offense.
Tigers are 8-3 in non-conference games (2/3 losses in OT)
Southland is #21 league, ACC #5 league
Southland teams are 5-3 ATS in last eight first round games.
Last five years, underdogs are 11-9 ATS in 5-12 games.
VCU vs BYU (-3.5) (@ Denver)
VCU (28-6, 15-3. T1)
KenPom rating: 30
Tempo: 241
Experience: 37
Continuity: 52
VCU won 18 of its last 20 games.
Rams won A-15 tournament Sunday; quick turnaround.
VCU is 9-3 in non-conference games.
Rams are 5-3 against top 100 teams.
VCU has the #1 eFG% defense in country.
Rams are in NCAA for third time in five years.
VCU lost last four first round games (last win, 2016)
BYU (24-9, 14-6. T3)
KenPom rating: 33
Tempo: 34
Experience: 79
Continuity: 77
BYU won nine of its last ten games.
Cougars are 9-2 in non-conference games.
BYU has #7 eFG% offense in country.
Cougars are #28 team in country on defensive boards.
BYU is in NCAA’s for third time in five years.
Cougars lost last five first round games (last win, 2011).
A-15 is the #8 league this year, Big X #3 league.
Last six years, underdogs are 15-9 ATS in 6-11 games.
Georgia vs Gonzaga (-5.5) (@ Wichita, KS)
Georgia (20-12, 8-10. T9th)
KenPom rating: 34
Tempo: 221
Experience: 151
Continuity: 218
Georgia won four of its last five games.
Dawgs are in NCAA’s for first time since 2015.
Last time Georgia won an NCAA game? 2002, as an 8-seed.
Dawgs are 11-1 outside the SEC this season.
Georgia is 6-12 vs opponents in top 50.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round games.
Coach White was 4-0 in first round games at Florida.
Gonzaga (25-8, 14-4. 2nd)
KenPom rating: 9
Tempo: 46
Experience: 10
Continuity: 4
Gonzaga won 11 of its last 13 games.
Zags have been in the Sweet 16 nine years in a row.
Gonzaga is 4-6 vs top 50 teams this season.
Zags are 2-8 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Gonzaga is shooting 57.8% inside arc (#10)
Since 2010, Zags are 8-6 ATS in first round games.
SEC is the #1 league, WCC is #7 league.
Last six years, underdogs are 20-4 ATS in 8-9 games.
Night games
Wofford vs Tennessee (-18.5) (@ Lexington, KY)
Wofford (19-15, 10-8. 6th)
KenPom rating: 120
Tempo: 333
Experience: 107
Continuity: 11
Wofford is in NCAA’s for first time since 2019.
Terriers are 4-7 in non-conference games.
Wofford is 0-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 9-51 points.
Terriers are a top 20 rebounding team in country.
Wofford has only three losses by more than 12 points.
Last six years, SoCon teams are 5-1 ATS in this round.
Tennessee (27-7, 12-6. 4th)
KenPom rating: 5
Tempo: 346
Experience: 14
Continuity: 161
Tennessee won 10 of its last 13 games.
Vols lost final of SEC tourney Sunday afternoon.
Tennessee is 13-0 outside the SEC this season.
Vols have #2 eFG% defense in the country.
Tennessee is 10-0 vs teams outside top 100 (nine wins by 15+)
Since 2018, Vols are 2-4 ATS in first round games.
SEC is the #1 league, SoCon the #13 league
Last three years, #2-seeds are 8-4 ATS in this round.
Arkansas vs Kansas (-4.5) (@ Providence, RI)
Arkansas (20-13, 8-10. T9th)
KenPom rating: 40
Tempo: 68
Experience: 221
Continuity: 327
Arkansas won five of its last seven games.
Hogs are 11-2 outside the SEC.
Arkansas is 8-11 vs top 50 opponents.
Hogs have #60 eFG% defense in country.
Since 2004, Calipari is 15-2 SU in first round games.
Since 2015, Hogs are 5-1 in first round games.
Kansas (21-12, 11-9. 6th)
KenPom rating: 21
Tempo: 113
Experience: 1
Continuity: 100
Kansas is 7-8 in its last fifteen games.
Jayhawks are 9-2 outside the Big X.
Opponents are shooting 46.1% inside arc (#18)
Jayhawks have #15 eFG% defense in country.
Kansas won its last 17 first round games, but as higher seeds.
Jayhawks are #7-seed, first time since 2000 they’re seeded lower than #4.
SEC is the #1 league this year, Big X is #3 league.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
Since 2019, Big X teams are 21-11 ATS in first round.
Yale vs Texas A&M (-3.5) (@ Denver)
Yale (22-7, 13-1. 1st)
KenPom rating: 73
Tempo: 183
Experience: 194
Continuity: 48
Yale won 16 of its last 17 games.
Bulldogs won Ivy League title game Sunday at home.
Yale is 7-6 outside the Ivy League.
Bulldogs are 1-2 vs top 100 teams (best win: 74-58 vs #99 Akron)
Yale is #22 team in country on defensive boards.
Since 2010, Ivy League teams are 10-3 ATS in first round games.
Texas A&M (22-10, 11-7. 5th)
KenPom rating: 273
Tempo: 142
Experience: 210
Continuity: 30
Texas A&M lost five of its last seven games.
Aggies are in NCAA’s for third year in a row (1-1 first round)
Texas A&M has #317 eFG% offense in country.
Aggies are the #1 team in country on offensive boards.
Opponents are shooting 46.5% inside arc (#27)
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
SEC is #1 league, Ivy League is #14 league.
Last six years, underdogs are 16-8 ATS in 4-13 first round games.
Drake vs Missouri (-6.5) (@ Dayton, OH)
Drake (30-3, 17-3. 1st)
KenPom rating: 58
Tempo: 364
Experience: 358
Continuity: 339
Drake won 18 of its last 19 games.
Bulldogs have four starters who won a lot at the D2 level.
Drake is 11-0 outside the MVC (NC SOS #253)
Bulldogs are forcing turnovers 22.1% of time (#10)
Drake is 4-1 against top 100 opponents.
Bulldogs made NCAAs last two years (lost 63-56/66-61)
Missouri (22-11, 10-8. T6th)
KenPom rating: 15
Tempo: 121
Experience: 35
Continuity: 224
Missouri lost five of its last seven games.
Tigers are 11-2 outside the SEC.
Missouri is 12-1 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Tigers are getting 23.2% of points on foul line (#17)
Missouri is shooting 56.7% inside the arc (#20)
Tigers were 9-24/0-18 LY; big jump this year.
SEC is the #1 league this year, MVC is the #11 league.
Last six years, underdogs are 15-9 ATS in 6-11 games.
Utah State vs UCLA (-5.5) (@ Lexington, KY)
Utah State (26-7, 15-5. 3rd)
KenPom rating: 52
Tempo: 159
Experience: 95
Continuity: 174
Utah State lost three of its last five games.
Aggies are 10-1 outside the Mountain West
Utah State is 10-7 vs teams ranked in top 100.
Aggies are shooting 57.7% inside the arc (#12)
USU is in NCAA’s for 4th time in five years, under four different coaches.
Last 20 years, Aggies are 1-9 in first round games.
UCLA (22-10, 13-7. T4)
KenPom rating: 273
Tempo: 142
Experience: 210
Continuity: 30
UCLA split its last eight games.
Bruins are 9-2 outside the Big 18 (NC SOS #312).
Under Cronin, UCLA is 3-0 in first round games.
Bruins are forcing turnovers 22.8% of time (#7)
This is UCLA’s 6th game east of the Mississippi since February 11.
Last three years, Big 18 teams were 13-8-1 ATS in first round.
Big 18 is #2 league in country; Mountain West is #6.
Since 2019, Mountain West teams are 3-14 SU/2-15 ATS in first round.
Omaha vs St John’s (-18.5) (@ Providence, RI)
Omaha (22-12, 13-3. 1st)
KenPom rating: 156
Tempo: 145
Experience: 167
Continuity: 91
Omaha won its last six games, scoring 84.2 ppg.
Mavericks are 4-9 outside Summit League (NC SOS #155)
Omaha is 0-4 vs top 100 teams (3 losses by 11 or less points)
Opponents are shooting 53.5% inside arc (#283)
Omaha has #69 eFG% offense in country.
Last three years, Summit teams lost in first round, by 9-23-17 points.
St John’s (30-4, 18-2. 1st)
KenPom rating: 11
Tempo: 49
Experience: 68
Continuity: 275
St John’s won nine in row, 19 of last 20 games.
Red Storm just won Big East tourney for first time since 2000.
St John’s hasn’t won a game in NCAA’s since 2000.
Red Storm forces turnovers 21.9% of time (#13)
St John’s has #19 eFG% defense in country.
Red Storm is in NCAA’s for first time since 2019.
Big East is the #4 league this year, Summit is the #16 league.
Last three years, #2-seeds are 8-4 ATS in first round games.
Cal-San Diego vs Michigan (-2.5) (@ Denver)
Cal-San Diego (30-4, 18-2. 1st)
KenPom rating: 36
Tempo: 271
Experience: 295
Continuity: 115
Cal-San Diego won its last fifteen games.
Tritons are 8-2 outside the Big West.
Cal-San Diego is in NCAA’s, in first year they’re eligible.
Tritons are forcing turnovers 23.3% of time (#2)
Opponents are shooting 46.2% inside arc (#20)
Tritons aren’t deep (#335 bench minutes); Denver is in high altitude.
Michigan (25-9, 14-6. T2nd)
KenPom rating: 25
Tempo: 65
Experience: 78
Continuity: 262
Michigan is 11-4 in its last fifteen games.
Wolverines won Big 18 tournament Sunday afternoon.
Michigan is 8-3 in non-conference games.
Wolverines are shooting 57.7% inside arc (#11)
Michigan has #17 eFG% defense in country.
Wolverines are in NCAA’s for first time since 2022.
Big 18 is #2 league in country; Big West is #12 league
Last ten years, Big West teams are 7-3 ATS in first round.
Last five years, underdogs are 11-9 ATS in 5-12 games.
NC-Wilmington vs Texas Tech (-15.5) (@ Wichita, KS)
NC-Wilmington (27-7, 14-2. 2nd)
KenPom rating: 105
Tempo: 285
Experience: 42
Continuity: 169
UNCW won 15 of its last 17 games.
Seahawks are 8-3 outside the CAA (losses by 18-13-5)
UNCW lost 84-66 at Kansas, its only game vs a team in top 150
Seahawks haven’t played a game in nine days.
Seahawks are in NCAA’s for first time since 2017.
Last 11 years, CAA teams are 0-11 SU/5-6 ATS in first round
Last five years, CAA teams are 0-5 ATS in first round.
Texas Tech (25-8, 15-5. 2nd)
KenPom rating: 7
Tempo: 281
Experience: 39
Continuity: 145
Texas Tech won four of its last five games.
Red Raiders are 9-0 vs teams ranked outside top 100.
Texas Tech has #30 eFG% in the country.
Red Raiders are getting 38% of points on 3’s (#41)
Texas Tech is 9-2 outside the Big X.
Red Raiders are in NCAA’s for 6th time in seven years (4-1 in first round)
Big X is the #3 league this year, CAA is the #18 league.
Last five years, #3-seeds are 13-7 ATS in first round.
NCAA COLLEGE HOOPS BEST BETS !
03/19/2025...................8 - 6 - 1....................57.14%...................+ 7.00
03/18/2025...................5 - 8 - 0....................38.46%...................- 19.00
03/16/2025...................4 - 6 - 0....................40.00%...................- 13.00
03/15/2025.................12 - 11 - 1.................52.19%...................- 0.50
03/14/2025.................22 - 10 - 1.................68.75%...................+ 55.00
03/13/2025.................15 - 14 - 0.................51.72%....................- 2.00
03/12/2025.................16 - 18 - 0.................47.05%....................- 19.00
03/11/2025.................15 - 15 - 0..................50.00%....................- 7,50
03/10/2025.................12 - 5 - 0....................70.58%....................+ 32.50
03/09/2025.................20 - 20 - 1.................50.00%.....................- 10.00
03/08/2025.................16 - 19 - 0.................45.71%.....................- 24.50
03/07/2025.................15 - 13 - 1.................53.57%.....................+ 3.50
03/06/2025.................18 - 16 - 2.................52.94%......................+ 2.00
03/05/2025....................7 - 8 - 0.................46.66%......................- 9.00
03/04/2025..................5 - 10 - 0.................33.33%.....................- 30.00
03/03/2025....................3 - 9 - 0.................25.00%......................- 34.50
03/02/2025....................4 - 5 - 0.................44.44%......................- 7.50
03/01/2025.................34 - 25 - 0.................57.62%......................+ 32.50
TOTALS:...................231 - 218 - 3.................51.44%......................- 44.00
03/19/2025...................8 - 6 - 1....................57.14%...................+ 7.00
03/18/2025...................5 - 8 - 0....................38.46%...................- 19.00
03/16/2025...................4 - 6 - 0....................40.00%...................- 13.00
03/15/2025.................12 - 11 - 1.................52.19%...................- 0.50
03/14/2025.................22 - 10 - 1.................68.75%...................+ 55.00
03/13/2025.................15 - 14 - 0.................51.72%....................- 2.00
03/12/2025.................16 - 18 - 0.................47.05%....................- 19.00
03/11/2025.................15 - 15 - 0..................50.00%....................- 7,50
03/10/2025.................12 - 5 - 0....................70.58%....................+ 32.50
03/09/2025.................20 - 20 - 1.................50.00%.....................- 10.00
03/08/2025.................16 - 19 - 0.................45.71%.....................- 24.50
03/07/2025.................15 - 13 - 1.................53.57%.....................+ 3.50
03/06/2025.................18 - 16 - 2.................52.94%......................+ 2.00
03/05/2025....................7 - 8 - 0.................46.66%......................- 9.00
03/04/2025..................5 - 10 - 0.................33.33%.....................- 30.00
03/03/2025....................3 - 9 - 0.................25.00%......................- 34.50
03/02/2025....................4 - 5 - 0.................44.44%......................- 7.50
03/01/2025.................34 - 25 - 0.................57.62%......................+ 32.50
TOTALS:...................231 - 218 - 3.................51.44%......................- 44.00
- Sep 10, 2018
- 18,182
- 20
- 38
Armadillo Sports
Thursday’s 6-pack:
NFL teams with most defensive holding/illegal contact penalties
(since 2023):
26— Lions
23— Jets, Titans
22— Falcons
19— Ravens, Cowboys, Dolphins
18— Texans, Giants, Buccaneers
17— Bills, Broncos, Colts
Quote of the Day
“It definitely is difficult. It obviously sucks because you feel like you’ve proven everything you’ve needed to. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it’s quite enough….…It’s kind of a lose-lose going to Norfolk.”
Orioles IF Coby Mayo, after being sent to AAA this week
Thursday’s quiz
What team did Michael Jordan finish his NBA career with?
Wednesday’s quiz
Syracuse beat UConn 127-117 in a six-overtlme game in the 2009 Big East tournament; they won again the next night, also in overtime.
Tuesday’s quiz
Joe Maddon was the Chicago Cubs’ manager when they won the 2016 World Series.
********************************************************
Thursday’s Den: Random stuff as we wait for March Madness today…….
— Xavier 85, Texas 80
Longhorns led by 10 with 12:31 left to play.
Xavier shot 12-25 on the arc.
Xavier had home crowd edge, with game in Ohio.
Musketeers advance to play Illinois next.
— Mt St Mary’s 83, American 72
Mt St Mary’s shot 70% inside the arc.
Mountaineers led 48-38 at halftime.
American was 13-35 on the arc, 14-22 inside arc.
Mt St Mary’s advances to play Duke Friday.
— Famous birthdays, March 20th:
Hal Linden, 95
Pat Riley, 80
Rick Langford, 73
Steve McCatty, 71
Amy Aquino, 69
Spike Lee, 68
Holly Hunter, 67
Mookie Blaylock, 58
Jose Tena, 24
Taj Bradley, 24
— I’m in a fantasy baseball league, a dynasty league, so you keep your players from year to year, if you want to. This is the 21st year of our league.
Been watching lot of YouTube shows about fantasy baseball; in one mock draft, out of the first 43 players drafted, only one of them was on my team. I’m like, good grief my team isn’t going to have a good year. The geniuses on this show hate my players.
Lot of those geniuses tend to overvalue younger players, and guys who had great years last year. We’ll see what happens; my team is usually pretty good, more wins than losses, would be nice to the championship one of these years. We’ll see what happens.
— 6am games baseball from Japan are a BAD IDEA; what about out in Las Vegas— what poor bastards have to work in the sportsbook at 2am-3am, taking bets on these games? Casinos are open 24/7, but sportsbooks aren’t, unless something is going on.
Obviously MLB somehow made a boatload of $$$ on those two games, or else they wouldn’t do it, but market the sport better in this country.
— When the NBA expands in the next few years, they need to put a team back in Seattle. NBA screwed Seattle when they pulled the SuperSonics out of there in 2008; the city supported the team very well, they just wouldn’t build a new arena that wasn’t needed.
17 years later, Seattle has a new arena; they have an NHL team now, and hopefully soon, the NBA will be back there. Las Vegas would probably get the other expansion team.
— The ball/strike instant replay challenge system continues to be interesting to follow; they’ve done it in AAA the last three years. It’ll probably become a major league rule next year.
Last year, there were an average of 3.9 pitches/game challenged, with 51% of the calls being overturned by instant replay.
Quick look at the first round of the NIT:
— Chattanooga 109, Middle Tennessee 103, 3OT
93-possession game; kid on MTSU scored 31 points and he didn’t start.
Both teams shot over 64% inside the arc; fun game to watch.
— Dayton 86, FAU 79
Dayton’s arena hosts the play-in games for the NCAA’s, so they can’t host NIT games.
Dayton shot 65.4% inside arc, scored 1.26 points/possession.
5-10 G Bennett scored 30 points, had one assist; his job was to shoot.
— UAB 69, St Joe’s 65
Blazers outscored St Joe’s 13-4 over the last 4:12 of this game.
UAB was 21-54 inside the arc, 4-14 on arc; unusual in this day and age.
— How do you handicap NIT games? I don’t; everyone is disappointed to be there, impossible to tell who is still motivated to play ball. After you see these first round games, you can evaluate and make decisions, but first round games, 48-72 hours after the NCAA brackets come out?
No thank you.
— Jacksonville State 81, Georgia Tech 64
Take this game; how does a team from Conference USA go to an ACC gym and crush their hosts? Gamecocks never trailed, shot 15-30 on the arc, won easily. Go figure.
— Arkansas State 103, Saint Louis 78
Red Wolves scored 1.36 points/possession against a team whose eFG% defense was still in the top 100, even after this debacle. Arkansas State had a week since they lost in Sun Belt tourney, Billkens had three days. Maybe that is something to keep track of.
— Cal-Irvine 82, Northern Colorado 72
Northern Colorado led this game by 9 early in second half.
Few years ago, I met Irvine coach Russell Turner at an AAU tournament in Las Vegas; he’s a good guy and a very good coach. Last three years, Anteaters are 76-28; would be fun to see them make a run and get to the NIT Final Four. Irvine has the #16 eFG% defense in country.
— Favorites went 11-5 ATS in the first round of the NIT
Thursday’s 6-pack:
NFL teams with most defensive holding/illegal contact penalties
(since 2023):
26— Lions
23— Jets, Titans
22— Falcons
19— Ravens, Cowboys, Dolphins
18— Texans, Giants, Buccaneers
17— Bills, Broncos, Colts
Quote of the Day
“It definitely is difficult. It obviously sucks because you feel like you’ve proven everything you’ve needed to. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it’s quite enough….…It’s kind of a lose-lose going to Norfolk.”
Orioles IF Coby Mayo, after being sent to AAA this week
Thursday’s quiz
What team did Michael Jordan finish his NBA career with?
Wednesday’s quiz
Syracuse beat UConn 127-117 in a six-overtlme game in the 2009 Big East tournament; they won again the next night, also in overtime.
Tuesday’s quiz
Joe Maddon was the Chicago Cubs’ manager when they won the 2016 World Series.
********************************************************
Thursday’s Den: Random stuff as we wait for March Madness today…….
— Xavier 85, Texas 80
Longhorns led by 10 with 12:31 left to play.
Xavier shot 12-25 on the arc.
Xavier had home crowd edge, with game in Ohio.
Musketeers advance to play Illinois next.
— Mt St Mary’s 83, American 72
Mt St Mary’s shot 70% inside the arc.
Mountaineers led 48-38 at halftime.
American was 13-35 on the arc, 14-22 inside arc.
Mt St Mary’s advances to play Duke Friday.
— Famous birthdays, March 20th:
Hal Linden, 95
Pat Riley, 80
Rick Langford, 73
Steve McCatty, 71
Amy Aquino, 69
Spike Lee, 68
Holly Hunter, 67
Mookie Blaylock, 58
Jose Tena, 24
Taj Bradley, 24
— I’m in a fantasy baseball league, a dynasty league, so you keep your players from year to year, if you want to. This is the 21st year of our league.
Been watching lot of YouTube shows about fantasy baseball; in one mock draft, out of the first 43 players drafted, only one of them was on my team. I’m like, good grief my team isn’t going to have a good year. The geniuses on this show hate my players.
Lot of those geniuses tend to overvalue younger players, and guys who had great years last year. We’ll see what happens; my team is usually pretty good, more wins than losses, would be nice to the championship one of these years. We’ll see what happens.
— 6am games baseball from Japan are a BAD IDEA; what about out in Las Vegas— what poor bastards have to work in the sportsbook at 2am-3am, taking bets on these games? Casinos are open 24/7, but sportsbooks aren’t, unless something is going on.
Obviously MLB somehow made a boatload of $$$ on those two games, or else they wouldn’t do it, but market the sport better in this country.
— When the NBA expands in the next few years, they need to put a team back in Seattle. NBA screwed Seattle when they pulled the SuperSonics out of there in 2008; the city supported the team very well, they just wouldn’t build a new arena that wasn’t needed.
17 years later, Seattle has a new arena; they have an NHL team now, and hopefully soon, the NBA will be back there. Las Vegas would probably get the other expansion team.
— The ball/strike instant replay challenge system continues to be interesting to follow; they’ve done it in AAA the last three years. It’ll probably become a major league rule next year.
Last year, there were an average of 3.9 pitches/game challenged, with 51% of the calls being overturned by instant replay.
Quick look at the first round of the NIT:
— Chattanooga 109, Middle Tennessee 103, 3OT
93-possession game; kid on MTSU scored 31 points and he didn’t start.
Both teams shot over 64% inside the arc; fun game to watch.
— Dayton 86, FAU 79
Dayton’s arena hosts the play-in games for the NCAA’s, so they can’t host NIT games.
Dayton shot 65.4% inside arc, scored 1.26 points/possession.
5-10 G Bennett scored 30 points, had one assist; his job was to shoot.
— UAB 69, St Joe’s 65
Blazers outscored St Joe’s 13-4 over the last 4:12 of this game.
UAB was 21-54 inside the arc, 4-14 on arc; unusual in this day and age.
— How do you handicap NIT games? I don’t; everyone is disappointed to be there, impossible to tell who is still motivated to play ball. After you see these first round games, you can evaluate and make decisions, but first round games, 48-72 hours after the NCAA brackets come out?
No thank you.
— Jacksonville State 81, Georgia Tech 64
Take this game; how does a team from Conference USA go to an ACC gym and crush their hosts? Gamecocks never trailed, shot 15-30 on the arc, won easily. Go figure.
— Arkansas State 103, Saint Louis 78
Red Wolves scored 1.36 points/possession against a team whose eFG% defense was still in the top 100, even after this debacle. Arkansas State had a week since they lost in Sun Belt tourney, Billkens had three days. Maybe that is something to keep track of.
— Cal-Irvine 82, Northern Colorado 72
Northern Colorado led this game by 9 early in second half.
Few years ago, I met Irvine coach Russell Turner at an AAU tournament in Las Vegas; he’s a good guy and a very good coach. Last three years, Anteaters are 76-28; would be fun to see them make a run and get to the NIT Final Four. Irvine has the #16 eFG% defense in country.
— Favorites went 11-5 ATS in the first round of the NIT
- Sep 10, 2018
- 18,182
- 20
- 38
NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up
Friday, March 21
Friday’s games
afternoon games
Baylor vs Mississippi State (-1.5) (@ Raleigh, NC)
Baylor (19-14, 10-10. T7th)
KenPom rating: 29
Tempo: 320
Experience: 29
Continuity: 222
Baylor lost five of its last eight games.
Bears are 7-3 in non-league games, 1-1 vs SEC squads.
Baylor is #254 team on defensive boards.
Bears haven’t played in eight days.
Baylor won its last six first round NCAA games.
#9-seed is Bears’ worst in NCAA’s since 2019.
Mississippi State (21-12, 8-10. T9th)
KenPom rating: 32
Tempo: 124
Experience: 77
Continuity: 128
Miss State lost five of its last seven games.
Bulldogs are 12-1 in non-conference games (#149 NC SOS)
Miss State is shooting 55.2% inside arc (#43), 31.4% on arc (#297)
Bulldogs haven’t played in eight days.
Miss State is in NCAA’s for third year in a row.
Bulldogs haven’t won an NCAA Tournament game since 2008 (0-5)
SEC is the #1 league, Big X is the #3 league
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
Since 2019, Big X teams are 21-11 ATS in this round.
Robert Morris vs Alabama (-23.5) (@ Cleveland)
Robert Morris (26-8, 15-5. 1st)
KenPom rating: 138
Tempo: 140
Experience: 237
Continuity: 309
Robert Morris won 10 in a row, 16 of last 17 games.
Colonials are 7-5 in non-league games (NC SOS #351)
Robert Morris hasn’t played a game in ten days.
Colonials are #33 team in country on offensive boards.
Robert Morris turns ball over 18.5% of time (#272)
Colonials are in NCAA’s for first time since 2015.
Alabama (25-8, 13-5. 3rd)
KenPom rating: 6
Tempo: 1
Experience: 9
Continuity: 109
Alabama is 4-5 in its last nine games.
Crimson Tide is shooting 59.7% inside the arc (#4)
Alabama is 4-0 vs teams outside top 100 (3 wins by 23+ points)
Crimson Tide has #50 eFG% defense in country.
Alabama plays fastest tempo of any team in country.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
SEC is the #1 league, Horizon is #19 league
Last three years, Horizon teams are 5-0 ATS in NCAA’s
Last three years, #2-seeds are 8-4 ATS in this round.
Lipscomb vs Iowa State (-14.5) (@ Milwaukee)
Lipscomb (25-9, 14-4. T1st)
KenPom rating: 82
Tempo: 257
Experience: 33
Continuity: 127
Lipscomb has won six in row, 11 of last 12 games.
Bisons haven’t played in 12 days.
Bisons are 0-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 16-29 points.
Lipscomb is shooting 56.7% inside arc (#21)
Bisons get 38.1% of their points on 3’s (#37)
Lipscomb is in NCAA’s for first time since 2018.
Iowa State (24-9, 13-7. 5th)
KenPom rating: 273
Tempo: 142
Experience: 210
Continuity: 30
Iowa State PG Gilbert is hurt, is done for the tournament.
Cyclones are 3-4 in their last seven games.
Iowa State forces turnovers 21.8% of time (#14)
Cyclones are shooting 55.1% onside arc (#45)
Iowa State is 19-3 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Cyclones are in NCAA’s for 4th year in row, made Sweet 16 two of last three years.
Last four years, ASUN teams are 1-3 ATS in this round.
Since 2019, Big X teams are 21-11 ATS in this round.
Last five years, #3-seeds are 13-7 ATS in first round.
Big X is #3 league in country; ASUN is #24.
Memphis vs Colorado State (-1.5) (@ Seattle)
Memphis (29-5, 16-2. 1st)
KenPom rating: 50
Tempo: 27
Experience: 6
Continuity: 314
Memphis has won eight in row, 16 of last 17 games.
Tigers are 10-3 in non-conference games.
Memphis is 8-3 vs teams ranked in top 100
Tigers are #301 team on defensive boards.
Memphis doesn’t shoot lot of 3’s, but they’re making 38% of them (#19)
Last six years under Hardaway, Tigers are 1-2 in NCAA games.
Colorado State (22-13, 13-7, T4)
KenPom rating: 44
Tempo: 251
Experience: 64
Continuity: 181
CSU won its last ten games.
Rams are only 6-5 in non-conference games.
CSU is 12-7 vs opponents in top 100.
Rams have #24 eFG% offense in country.
CSU is #16 team on defensive boards.
Rams are in NCAA’s for third time in last four years.
Rams lost last two first round games (last win, 2013)
Last five years, underdogs are 11-9 ATS in 5-12 games.
Since 2019, Mountain West teams are 3-15 SU/2-16 ATS in this round
Since 2017, AAC teams are 7-8 ATS in this round.
AAC is the #10 league this year, Mountain West #6.
Vanderbilt vs Saint Mary’s (-4.5) (@ Cleveland)
Vanderbilt (20-12, 8-10. T9th)
KenPom rating: 48
Tempo: 63
Experience: 66
Continuity: 348
Vandy lost three in row, 8 of last 12 games.
Commodores are 12-1 in non-league games (NC sked #343)
Vandy is 6-11 vs opponents in top 50.
Opponents are shooting 36.9% on arc (#337)
Vandy forces turnovers 20% of time (#47)
Commodores are in NCAAs for first time since 2017.
Saint Mary’s (28-5, 17-1. 1st)
KenPom rating: 22
Tempo: 359
Experience: 199
Continuity: 81
Saint Mary’s is 8-1 in last nine games, 18-2 in last 20.
Gaels haven’t played in ten days (2 games/last 20 days)
Saint Mary’s has #14 eFG% defense in country.
Gaels are #2 team in country on offensive boards.
Saint Mary’s is 11-5 vs teams ranked in top 100.
Since 2017, Gaels are 3-2 in first round games.
SEC is the #1 league, WCC is #7.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
Ole Miss vs North Carolina (-1.5) (@ Milwaukee)
Ole Miss (22-11, 10-8. T6th)
KenPom rating: 26
Tempo: 130
Experience: 3
Continuity: 136
Ole Miss is 3-5 in its last eight games.
Rebels are 11-2 in non-league games (#196)
Ole Miss is 11-11 vs opponents in top 50.
Rebels are forcing turnovers 20.5% of time (#33)
Ole Miss is in NCAA’s for first time since 2019
Coach Beard is 5-0 in first round, for three different schools.
North Carolina (22-13, 13-7, T4)
KenPom rating: 33
Tempo: 34
Experience: 79
Continuity: 77
UNC is 8-2 in its last 10 games (both losses vs Duke)
Tar Heels are 7-5 in non-conference games.
UNC is 2-5 vs top 100 teams in non-conference games.
Tar Heels are shooting 54.9% inside arc (#49)
UNC is #54 team in country on defensive boards.
Tar Heels were in Sweet 16 LY, in Final Four in 2022
ACC is the #5 league this year, SEC is the #1 league.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
Last three years, ACC teams are 11-4 ATS in this round.
Grand Canyon vs Maryland (-10.5) (@ Seattle)
Grand Canyon (26-7, 13-3. 2nd)
KenPom rating: 92
Tempo: 15
Experience: 44
Continuity: 28
Grand Canyon won 15 of its last 17 games.
Antelopes are 10-4 out of conference (NC SOS #274)
Grand Canyon is 1-2 vs top 100 teams (beat #79 Stanford)
Antelopes have #26 eFG% defense in country.
Grand Canyon get 24% of points on foul line (#9)
Antelopes are in NCAAs for 4th time in five years (1-2 in 1st round)
Maryland (25-8, 14-6. T2nd)
KenPom rating: 11
Tempo: 57
Experience: 98
Continuity: 237
Maryland won 12 of its last 15 games.
Terps are 10-1 out of conference (NC sked #359)
Maryland is 17-1 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Terps have #27 eFG% defense in country.
Maryland forces turnovers 20.2% of time (#38)
Terps are in NCAA’s for 4th time in last six tourneys.
Big 18 is #2 league, WAC is #15 league.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-7 ATS in this round.
Last five years, WAC teams are 2-3 SU/5-0 ATS in this round.
Norfolk State vs Florida (-29.5) (@ Raleigh, NC)
Norfolk State (24-10, 11-3. T1st)
KenPom rating: 180
Tempo: 226
Experience: 102
Continuity: 99
Norfolk State won 11 of its last 13 games.
Spartans are 7-7 in non-league D-I games.
NSU is 0-4 vs top 100 teams, losing by 7-18-25-15 points.
Spartans are #336 team on defensive boards.
Norfolk State is shooting 54.5% inside arc (#57)
Spartans are in NCAA’s for first time since 2022.
Last four years, Norfolk State is 94-38
Florida (30-4, 14-4. 2nd)
KenPom rating: 2
Tempo: 59
Experience: 62
Continuity: 44
Florida won six in row, 12 of last 13 games.
Gators are 13-0 out of conference (NC sked #231)
Florida is 9-0 vs teams ranked outside top 100.
Gators have #6 eFG% defense in country.
Florida is #8 team on offensive boards.
Since 2011, Gators are 8-1 in first round games.
SEC is the #1 league, MEAC the #29 league.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in this round.
MEAC teams are 0-6 ATS in last six non-play-in games.
night games
Troy vs Kentucky (-11.5) (@ Milwaukee)
Troy (23-10, 13-5. T1st)
KenPom rating: 93
Tempo: 230
Experience: 298
Continuity: 10
Troy won its last six games, scoring 79.3 ppg.
Trojans haven’t played in 11 days.
Troy is 6-4 out of conference (3 losses by 16+ points)
Trojans have #31 eFG% defense in country.
Troy turns ball over 19.9% of time (#333)
Trojans are in NCAAs for first time since 2017.
Kentucky (22-11, 108. T6th)
KenPom rating: 16
Tempo: 23
Experience: 7
Continuity: 355
Kentucky is 7-4 in its last 11 games.
Wildcats are 10-0 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Kentucky is 11-2 outside the SEC (lost to Clemson/Ohio State)
Wildcats have #21 eFG% offense in country.
Kentucky is #25 team on defensive boards.
Last three years, Wildcats were 1-2 in first round games.
SEC is the #1 league, Sun Belt is #20 league
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in this round.
Since 2021, Sun Belt teams are 4-0 ATS in this round.
New Mexico vs Marquette (-3.5) (@ Cleveland)
New Mexico (26-7, 17-3. 1st)
KenPom rating: 43
Tempo: 4
Experience: 57
Continuity: 71
New Mexico is 4-3 in its last seven games.
Lobos are 8-3 outside the Mountain West.
New Mexico is 13-5 vs top 100 opponents.
Lobos force turnovers 20.5% of time (#34)
New Mexico is #21 team on defensive boards.
Last year was Lobos’ first NCAA tourney since 2014
New Mexico hasn’t won an NCAA game since 2012.
Marquette (23-10, 13-7, T4th)
KenPom rating: 28
Tempo: 155
Experience: 115
Continuity: 12
Marquette is 5-7 in its last 12 games.
Eagles are 9-2 outside the Big East.
Marquette is is 7-8 vs top 50 opponents.
Eagles force turnovers 21.5% of time (#20)
Marquette is shooting 54.9% inside arc (#48)
Eagles won in first round last 2 years, made Sweet 16 LY.
Big East is the #5 league this year, Mountain West #6.
Since 2019, Mountain West teams are 3-15 SU/2-16 ATS in this round
Last three years, Big East teams are 9-5 ATS in first round.
Akron vs Arizona (-14.5) (@ Seattle)
Akron (28-6, 17-1. 1st)
KenPom rating: 97
Tempo: 16
Experience: 245
Continuity: 250
Akron is 21-1 since New Year’s Day.
Zips were only 5-5 outside the MAC.
Akron is 0-3 vs top 100 teams, losing by 16-5-19 points.
Zips have #31 eFG% offense in country.
Akron gets 38.1% of its points on 3’s (#40)
Akron is in NCAA’s for third time in four years.
Zips lost last two first round games, by 17-4 points.
Arizona (22-12, 14-6. T3rd)
KenPom rating: 14
Tempo: 55
Experience: 30
Continuity: 150
Arizona is 5-6 in last 11 games, after a 17-6 start.
Wildcats were 6-5 in non-conference games (NC SOS #49)
Arizona is 15-2 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Wildcats are shooting 55.1% inside arc (#44), 32.4% on arc (#247)
Opponents are shooting 47.2% inside arc (#43)
Under Lloyd, Wildcats are 2-1 in first round (wins by 20-17 points).
Big X is #3 league; MAC is #23 league
Since 2017, MAC teams are 6-2 ATS in this round.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-7 ATS in this round.
Oklahoma vs UConn (-5.5) (@ Raleigh, NC)
Oklahoma (20-13, 6-12. T13th)
KenPom rating: 38
Tempo: 106
Experience: 74
Continuity: 243
Oklahoma split last eight games, after a 4-10 skid.
Sooners are 13-0 outside the SEC (NC sked #323)
Oklahoma is 9-12 vs top 50 opponents.
Sooners have #38 eFG% offense in country.
Oklahoma is #277 team on defensive boards.
Sooners are in NCAA’s for first time since 2021.
UConn (23-10, 14-6. 3rd)
KenPom rating: 35
Tempo: 343
Experience: 178
Continuity: 103
UConn won the last two national championships.
Huskies won five of their last six games.
UConn is 8-3 outside the Big East.
Huskies are 7-6 vs top 50 opponents.
UConn is shooting 57.3% inside arc (#16)
Opponents are shooting 46% inside arc (#16)
Big East is the #5 league this year, SEC is #1 league.
Last three years, Big East teams are 9-5 ATS in first round.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in this round.
Bryant vs Michigan State (-18.5) (@ Cleveland)
Bryant (23-11, 14-2. 1st)
KenPom rating: 311
Tempo: 201
Experience: 349
Continuity: 228
Bryant was 17-2 in America East; they’re 4-9 outside it.
6 of Bryant’s 9 non-league losses were by 8 or fewer points.
Bulldogs are 0-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 22-46 points.
Bulldogs have #44 eFG% defense in country.
Bryant is #54 team in country on offensive boards.
Bulldogs lost play-in game 93-82 to Wright State, in 2022.
Michigan State (27-6, 17-3. 1st)
KenPom rating: 8
Tempo: 144
Experience: 214
Continuity: 85
MSU won eight of its last nine games.
Spartans are 9-2 in non-league games.
MSU is 8-0 vs teams outside top 100 (six wins by 17+)
Spartans have #13 eFG% defense in country.
MSU is #8 team in country on defensive boards.
Spartans won 10 of last 12 first round games.
Last six years, America East teams are 4-2 ATS in this round.
America East is #26 league, Big 18 is #2 league.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-7 ATS in this round.
Liberty vs Oregon (-6.5) (@ Seattle)
Liberty (28-6, 13-5. 1st)
KenPom rating: 60
Tempo: 285
Experience: 143
Continuity: 51
Liberty won 11 of its last 12 games.
Flames are 9-1 outside C-USA, in D-I games.
Liberty won 66-64 at Seattle back on November 9th.
Flames have #8 eFG% defense in country.
Liberty is shooting 57.7% inside arc (#14)
Flames are 2-0 vs top 100 teams (K-State/McNeese)
Flames are in NCAAs for first time since 2021.
Oregon (24-9, 12-9. T7th)
KenPom rating: 33
Tempo: 151
Experience: 31
Continuity: 134
Oregon won eight of its last nine games.
Ducks are 11-0 in non-conference games.
Oregon played #69 non-conference sked, unusual for Big 18 team
Ducks are 16-2 vs teams outside the top 50
Oregon won an 8-team tourney in Las Vegas in November.
Ducks won their last eight first round games.
C-USA is #9 league, Big 18 is #2 league.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-7 ATS in this round.
Since 2015, C-USA teams are 6-3 ATS in this round.
Armadillo's Write-Up
Friday, March 21
Friday’s games
afternoon games
Baylor vs Mississippi State (-1.5) (@ Raleigh, NC)
Baylor (19-14, 10-10. T7th)
KenPom rating: 29
Tempo: 320
Experience: 29
Continuity: 222
Baylor lost five of its last eight games.
Bears are 7-3 in non-league games, 1-1 vs SEC squads.
Baylor is #254 team on defensive boards.
Bears haven’t played in eight days.
Baylor won its last six first round NCAA games.
#9-seed is Bears’ worst in NCAA’s since 2019.
Mississippi State (21-12, 8-10. T9th)
KenPom rating: 32
Tempo: 124
Experience: 77
Continuity: 128
Miss State lost five of its last seven games.
Bulldogs are 12-1 in non-conference games (#149 NC SOS)
Miss State is shooting 55.2% inside arc (#43), 31.4% on arc (#297)
Bulldogs haven’t played in eight days.
Miss State is in NCAA’s for third year in a row.
Bulldogs haven’t won an NCAA Tournament game since 2008 (0-5)
SEC is the #1 league, Big X is the #3 league
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
Since 2019, Big X teams are 21-11 ATS in this round.
Robert Morris vs Alabama (-23.5) (@ Cleveland)
Robert Morris (26-8, 15-5. 1st)
KenPom rating: 138
Tempo: 140
Experience: 237
Continuity: 309
Robert Morris won 10 in a row, 16 of last 17 games.
Colonials are 7-5 in non-league games (NC SOS #351)
Robert Morris hasn’t played a game in ten days.
Colonials are #33 team in country on offensive boards.
Robert Morris turns ball over 18.5% of time (#272)
Colonials are in NCAA’s for first time since 2015.
Alabama (25-8, 13-5. 3rd)
KenPom rating: 6
Tempo: 1
Experience: 9
Continuity: 109
Alabama is 4-5 in its last nine games.
Crimson Tide is shooting 59.7% inside the arc (#4)
Alabama is 4-0 vs teams outside top 100 (3 wins by 23+ points)
Crimson Tide has #50 eFG% defense in country.
Alabama plays fastest tempo of any team in country.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
SEC is the #1 league, Horizon is #19 league
Last three years, Horizon teams are 5-0 ATS in NCAA’s
Last three years, #2-seeds are 8-4 ATS in this round.
Lipscomb vs Iowa State (-14.5) (@ Milwaukee)
Lipscomb (25-9, 14-4. T1st)
KenPom rating: 82
Tempo: 257
Experience: 33
Continuity: 127
Lipscomb has won six in row, 11 of last 12 games.
Bisons haven’t played in 12 days.
Bisons are 0-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 16-29 points.
Lipscomb is shooting 56.7% inside arc (#21)
Bisons get 38.1% of their points on 3’s (#37)
Lipscomb is in NCAA’s for first time since 2018.
Iowa State (24-9, 13-7. 5th)
KenPom rating: 273
Tempo: 142
Experience: 210
Continuity: 30
Iowa State PG Gilbert is hurt, is done for the tournament.
Cyclones are 3-4 in their last seven games.
Iowa State forces turnovers 21.8% of time (#14)
Cyclones are shooting 55.1% onside arc (#45)
Iowa State is 19-3 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Cyclones are in NCAA’s for 4th year in row, made Sweet 16 two of last three years.
Last four years, ASUN teams are 1-3 ATS in this round.
Since 2019, Big X teams are 21-11 ATS in this round.
Last five years, #3-seeds are 13-7 ATS in first round.
Big X is #3 league in country; ASUN is #24.
Memphis vs Colorado State (-1.5) (@ Seattle)
Memphis (29-5, 16-2. 1st)
KenPom rating: 50
Tempo: 27
Experience: 6
Continuity: 314
Memphis has won eight in row, 16 of last 17 games.
Tigers are 10-3 in non-conference games.
Memphis is 8-3 vs teams ranked in top 100
Tigers are #301 team on defensive boards.
Memphis doesn’t shoot lot of 3’s, but they’re making 38% of them (#19)
Last six years under Hardaway, Tigers are 1-2 in NCAA games.
Colorado State (22-13, 13-7, T4)
KenPom rating: 44
Tempo: 251
Experience: 64
Continuity: 181
CSU won its last ten games.
Rams are only 6-5 in non-conference games.
CSU is 12-7 vs opponents in top 100.
Rams have #24 eFG% offense in country.
CSU is #16 team on defensive boards.
Rams are in NCAA’s for third time in last four years.
Rams lost last two first round games (last win, 2013)
Last five years, underdogs are 11-9 ATS in 5-12 games.
Since 2019, Mountain West teams are 3-15 SU/2-16 ATS in this round
Since 2017, AAC teams are 7-8 ATS in this round.
AAC is the #10 league this year, Mountain West #6.
Vanderbilt vs Saint Mary’s (-4.5) (@ Cleveland)
Vanderbilt (20-12, 8-10. T9th)
KenPom rating: 48
Tempo: 63
Experience: 66
Continuity: 348
Vandy lost three in row, 8 of last 12 games.
Commodores are 12-1 in non-league games (NC sked #343)
Vandy is 6-11 vs opponents in top 50.
Opponents are shooting 36.9% on arc (#337)
Vandy forces turnovers 20% of time (#47)
Commodores are in NCAAs for first time since 2017.
Saint Mary’s (28-5, 17-1. 1st)
KenPom rating: 22
Tempo: 359
Experience: 199
Continuity: 81
Saint Mary’s is 8-1 in last nine games, 18-2 in last 20.
Gaels haven’t played in ten days (2 games/last 20 days)
Saint Mary’s has #14 eFG% defense in country.
Gaels are #2 team in country on offensive boards.
Saint Mary’s is 11-5 vs teams ranked in top 100.
Since 2017, Gaels are 3-2 in first round games.
SEC is the #1 league, WCC is #7.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
Ole Miss vs North Carolina (-1.5) (@ Milwaukee)
Ole Miss (22-11, 10-8. T6th)
KenPom rating: 26
Tempo: 130
Experience: 3
Continuity: 136
Ole Miss is 3-5 in its last eight games.
Rebels are 11-2 in non-league games (#196)
Ole Miss is 11-11 vs opponents in top 50.
Rebels are forcing turnovers 20.5% of time (#33)
Ole Miss is in NCAA’s for first time since 2019
Coach Beard is 5-0 in first round, for three different schools.
North Carolina (22-13, 13-7, T4)
KenPom rating: 33
Tempo: 34
Experience: 79
Continuity: 77
UNC is 8-2 in its last 10 games (both losses vs Duke)
Tar Heels are 7-5 in non-conference games.
UNC is 2-5 vs top 100 teams in non-conference games.
Tar Heels are shooting 54.9% inside arc (#49)
UNC is #54 team in country on defensive boards.
Tar Heels were in Sweet 16 LY, in Final Four in 2022
ACC is the #5 league this year, SEC is the #1 league.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
Last three years, ACC teams are 11-4 ATS in this round.
Grand Canyon vs Maryland (-10.5) (@ Seattle)
Grand Canyon (26-7, 13-3. 2nd)
KenPom rating: 92
Tempo: 15
Experience: 44
Continuity: 28
Grand Canyon won 15 of its last 17 games.
Antelopes are 10-4 out of conference (NC SOS #274)
Grand Canyon is 1-2 vs top 100 teams (beat #79 Stanford)
Antelopes have #26 eFG% defense in country.
Grand Canyon get 24% of points on foul line (#9)
Antelopes are in NCAAs for 4th time in five years (1-2 in 1st round)
Maryland (25-8, 14-6. T2nd)
KenPom rating: 11
Tempo: 57
Experience: 98
Continuity: 237
Maryland won 12 of its last 15 games.
Terps are 10-1 out of conference (NC sked #359)
Maryland is 17-1 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Terps have #27 eFG% defense in country.
Maryland forces turnovers 20.2% of time (#38)
Terps are in NCAA’s for 4th time in last six tourneys.
Big 18 is #2 league, WAC is #15 league.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-7 ATS in this round.
Last five years, WAC teams are 2-3 SU/5-0 ATS in this round.
Norfolk State vs Florida (-29.5) (@ Raleigh, NC)
Norfolk State (24-10, 11-3. T1st)
KenPom rating: 180
Tempo: 226
Experience: 102
Continuity: 99
Norfolk State won 11 of its last 13 games.
Spartans are 7-7 in non-league D-I games.
NSU is 0-4 vs top 100 teams, losing by 7-18-25-15 points.
Spartans are #336 team on defensive boards.
Norfolk State is shooting 54.5% inside arc (#57)
Spartans are in NCAA’s for first time since 2022.
Last four years, Norfolk State is 94-38
Florida (30-4, 14-4. 2nd)
KenPom rating: 2
Tempo: 59
Experience: 62
Continuity: 44
Florida won six in row, 12 of last 13 games.
Gators are 13-0 out of conference (NC sked #231)
Florida is 9-0 vs teams ranked outside top 100.
Gators have #6 eFG% defense in country.
Florida is #8 team on offensive boards.
Since 2011, Gators are 8-1 in first round games.
SEC is the #1 league, MEAC the #29 league.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in this round.
MEAC teams are 0-6 ATS in last six non-play-in games.
night games
Troy vs Kentucky (-11.5) (@ Milwaukee)
Troy (23-10, 13-5. T1st)
KenPom rating: 93
Tempo: 230
Experience: 298
Continuity: 10
Troy won its last six games, scoring 79.3 ppg.
Trojans haven’t played in 11 days.
Troy is 6-4 out of conference (3 losses by 16+ points)
Trojans have #31 eFG% defense in country.
Troy turns ball over 19.9% of time (#333)
Trojans are in NCAAs for first time since 2017.
Kentucky (22-11, 108. T6th)
KenPom rating: 16
Tempo: 23
Experience: 7
Continuity: 355
Kentucky is 7-4 in its last 11 games.
Wildcats are 10-0 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Kentucky is 11-2 outside the SEC (lost to Clemson/Ohio State)
Wildcats have #21 eFG% offense in country.
Kentucky is #25 team on defensive boards.
Last three years, Wildcats were 1-2 in first round games.
SEC is the #1 league, Sun Belt is #20 league
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in this round.
Since 2021, Sun Belt teams are 4-0 ATS in this round.
New Mexico vs Marquette (-3.5) (@ Cleveland)
New Mexico (26-7, 17-3. 1st)
KenPom rating: 43
Tempo: 4
Experience: 57
Continuity: 71
New Mexico is 4-3 in its last seven games.
Lobos are 8-3 outside the Mountain West.
New Mexico is 13-5 vs top 100 opponents.
Lobos force turnovers 20.5% of time (#34)
New Mexico is #21 team on defensive boards.
Last year was Lobos’ first NCAA tourney since 2014
New Mexico hasn’t won an NCAA game since 2012.
Marquette (23-10, 13-7, T4th)
KenPom rating: 28
Tempo: 155
Experience: 115
Continuity: 12
Marquette is 5-7 in its last 12 games.
Eagles are 9-2 outside the Big East.
Marquette is is 7-8 vs top 50 opponents.
Eagles force turnovers 21.5% of time (#20)
Marquette is shooting 54.9% inside arc (#48)
Eagles won in first round last 2 years, made Sweet 16 LY.
Big East is the #5 league this year, Mountain West #6.
Since 2019, Mountain West teams are 3-15 SU/2-16 ATS in this round
Last three years, Big East teams are 9-5 ATS in first round.
Akron vs Arizona (-14.5) (@ Seattle)
Akron (28-6, 17-1. 1st)
KenPom rating: 97
Tempo: 16
Experience: 245
Continuity: 250
Akron is 21-1 since New Year’s Day.
Zips were only 5-5 outside the MAC.
Akron is 0-3 vs top 100 teams, losing by 16-5-19 points.
Zips have #31 eFG% offense in country.
Akron gets 38.1% of its points on 3’s (#40)
Akron is in NCAA’s for third time in four years.
Zips lost last two first round games, by 17-4 points.
Arizona (22-12, 14-6. T3rd)
KenPom rating: 14
Tempo: 55
Experience: 30
Continuity: 150
Arizona is 5-6 in last 11 games, after a 17-6 start.
Wildcats were 6-5 in non-conference games (NC SOS #49)
Arizona is 15-2 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Wildcats are shooting 55.1% inside arc (#44), 32.4% on arc (#247)
Opponents are shooting 47.2% inside arc (#43)
Under Lloyd, Wildcats are 2-1 in first round (wins by 20-17 points).
Big X is #3 league; MAC is #23 league
Since 2017, MAC teams are 6-2 ATS in this round.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-7 ATS in this round.
Oklahoma vs UConn (-5.5) (@ Raleigh, NC)
Oklahoma (20-13, 6-12. T13th)
KenPom rating: 38
Tempo: 106
Experience: 74
Continuity: 243
Oklahoma split last eight games, after a 4-10 skid.
Sooners are 13-0 outside the SEC (NC sked #323)
Oklahoma is 9-12 vs top 50 opponents.
Sooners have #38 eFG% offense in country.
Oklahoma is #277 team on defensive boards.
Sooners are in NCAA’s for first time since 2021.
UConn (23-10, 14-6. 3rd)
KenPom rating: 35
Tempo: 343
Experience: 178
Continuity: 103
UConn won the last two national championships.
Huskies won five of their last six games.
UConn is 8-3 outside the Big East.
Huskies are 7-6 vs top 50 opponents.
UConn is shooting 57.3% inside arc (#16)
Opponents are shooting 46% inside arc (#16)
Big East is the #5 league this year, SEC is #1 league.
Last three years, Big East teams are 9-5 ATS in first round.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in this round.
Bryant vs Michigan State (-18.5) (@ Cleveland)
Bryant (23-11, 14-2. 1st)
KenPom rating: 311
Tempo: 201
Experience: 349
Continuity: 228
Bryant was 17-2 in America East; they’re 4-9 outside it.
6 of Bryant’s 9 non-league losses were by 8 or fewer points.
Bulldogs are 0-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 22-46 points.
Bulldogs have #44 eFG% defense in country.
Bryant is #54 team in country on offensive boards.
Bulldogs lost play-in game 93-82 to Wright State, in 2022.
Michigan State (27-6, 17-3. 1st)
KenPom rating: 8
Tempo: 144
Experience: 214
Continuity: 85
MSU won eight of its last nine games.
Spartans are 9-2 in non-league games.
MSU is 8-0 vs teams outside top 100 (six wins by 17+)
Spartans have #13 eFG% defense in country.
MSU is #8 team in country on defensive boards.
Spartans won 10 of last 12 first round games.
Last six years, America East teams are 4-2 ATS in this round.
America East is #26 league, Big 18 is #2 league.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-7 ATS in this round.
Liberty vs Oregon (-6.5) (@ Seattle)
Liberty (28-6, 13-5. 1st)
KenPom rating: 60
Tempo: 285
Experience: 143
Continuity: 51
Liberty won 11 of its last 12 games.
Flames are 9-1 outside C-USA, in D-I games.
Liberty won 66-64 at Seattle back on November 9th.
Flames have #8 eFG% defense in country.
Liberty is shooting 57.7% inside arc (#14)
Flames are 2-0 vs top 100 teams (K-State/McNeese)
Flames are in NCAAs for first time since 2021.
Oregon (24-9, 12-9. T7th)
KenPom rating: 33
Tempo: 151
Experience: 31
Continuity: 134
Oregon won eight of its last nine games.
Ducks are 11-0 in non-conference games.
Oregon played #69 non-conference sked, unusual for Big 18 team
Ducks are 16-2 vs teams outside the top 50
Oregon won an 8-team tourney in Las Vegas in November.
Ducks won their last eight first round games.
C-USA is #9 league, Big 18 is #2 league.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-7 ATS in this round.
Since 2015, C-USA teams are 6-3 ATS in this round.
DAY BEST BETS !
Thursday, March 20
| Game | Time(ET) | Pick | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| CREI at LOU | 12:15 PM | CREI +3.0 U 144.5 | +500 +500 |
| HP at PUR | 12:40 PM | HP +8.0 O 152.5 | +500 +500 |
| MONT at WIS | 01:30 PM | WIS -16.5 O 152.0 | +500 +500 |
| SIUE at HOU | 02:00 PM | HOU -28.5 U 126.5 | +500 +500 |
| ALST at AUB | 02:50 PM | ALST +32.5 U 149.5 | +500 +500 |
| MCNS at CLEM | 03:15 PM | MCNS +7.5 O 134.0 | +500 +500 |
| VCU at BYU | 04:05 PM | VCU +2.5 O 146.5 | +500 +500 |
| UGA at GONZ | 04:35 PM | UGA +6.0 U 151.5 | +500 +500 |
| WOF at TENN | 06:50 PM | TENN -18.5 O 133.5 | +500 +500 |
| YALE at TXAM | 07:25 PM | YALE +7.5 | +500 |
| USU at UCLA | 09:25 PM | UCLA -5.5 | +500 |
| NEOM at SJU | 09:45 PM | O 148.0 | +500 |
EVENING BEST BETS !
| ARK at KU | 07:10 PM | ARK +5.0 O 146.5 | +500 +500 |
| YALE at TXAM | 07:25 PM | YALE +7.5 U 140.0 | +500 +500 |
| DRKE at MIZZ | 07:35 PM | DRKE +6.0 O 132.0 | +500 +500 |
| USU at UCLA | 09:25 PM | UCLA -5.5 O 144.5 | +500 +500 |
| NEOM at SJU | 09:45 PM | SJU -18.5 O 148.0 | +500 +500 |
| UCSD at MICH | 10:00 PM | UCSD +2.0 U 143.0 | +500 +500 |
| UNCW at TTU | 10:10 PM | TTU -15.0 U 143.5 | +500 +500 |
NCAA COLLEGE HOOPS BEST BETS !
03/20/2025...............11 - 14 - 0....................44,99%..................- 22.00
03/19/2025...................8 - 6 - 1....................57.14%...................+ 7.00
03/18/2025...................5 - 8 - 0....................38.46%...................- 19.00
03/16/2025...................4 - 6 - 0....................40.00%...................- 13.00
03/15/2025.................12 - 11 - 1.................52.19%...................- 0.50
03/14/2025.................22 - 10 - 1.................68.75%...................+ 55.00
03/13/2025.................15 - 14 - 0.................51.72%....................- 2.00
03/12/2025.................16 - 18 - 0.................47.05%....................- 19.00
03/11/2025.................15 - 15 - 0..................50.00%....................- 7,50
03/10/2025.................12 - 5 - 0....................70.58%....................+ 32.50
03/09/2025.................20 - 20 - 1.................50.00%.....................- 10.00
03/08/2025.................16 - 19 - 0.................45.71%.....................- 24.50
03/07/2025.................15 - 13 - 1.................53.57%.....................+ 3.50
03/06/2025.................18 - 16 - 2.................52.94%......................+ 2.00
03/05/2025....................7 - 8 - 0.................46.66%......................- 9.00
03/04/2025..................5 - 10 - 0.................33.33%.....................- 30.00
03/03/2025....................3 - 9 - 0.................25.00%......................- 34.50
03/02/2025....................4 - 5 - 0.................44.44%......................- 7.50
03/01/2025.................34 - 25 - 0.................57.62%......................+ 32.50
TOTALS:...................242 - 232 - 3.................51.05%......................- 66.00
03/20/2025...............11 - 14 - 0....................44,99%..................- 22.00
03/19/2025...................8 - 6 - 1....................57.14%...................+ 7.00
03/18/2025...................5 - 8 - 0....................38.46%...................- 19.00
03/16/2025...................4 - 6 - 0....................40.00%...................- 13.00
03/15/2025.................12 - 11 - 1.................52.19%...................- 0.50
03/14/2025.................22 - 10 - 1.................68.75%...................+ 55.00
03/13/2025.................15 - 14 - 0.................51.72%....................- 2.00
03/12/2025.................16 - 18 - 0.................47.05%....................- 19.00
03/11/2025.................15 - 15 - 0..................50.00%....................- 7,50
03/10/2025.................12 - 5 - 0....................70.58%....................+ 32.50
03/09/2025.................20 - 20 - 1.................50.00%.....................- 10.00
03/08/2025.................16 - 19 - 0.................45.71%.....................- 24.50
03/07/2025.................15 - 13 - 1.................53.57%.....................+ 3.50
03/06/2025.................18 - 16 - 2.................52.94%......................+ 2.00
03/05/2025....................7 - 8 - 0.................46.66%......................- 9.00
03/04/2025..................5 - 10 - 0.................33.33%.....................- 30.00
03/03/2025....................3 - 9 - 0.................25.00%......................- 34.50
03/02/2025....................4 - 5 - 0.................44.44%......................- 7.50
03/01/2025.................34 - 25 - 0.................57.62%......................+ 32.50
TOTALS:...................242 - 232 - 3.................51.05%......................- 66.00
Friday’s 6-pack:
How six best teams in continuity did this year:
1) Towson— 22-11, lost 2nd round CAA tournament
2) American— lost play-in game Wednesday
3) Fort Wayne— 19-13, lost 1st round Horizon tournament
4) Gonzaga— won first first round game Thursday
5) Texas A&M— won first first round game Thursday
6) Notre Dame— 15-18, lost 2nd round ACC tournament
Quote of the Day
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t expect this, I expected exactly this. I expected [my players] to compete. I brought winners with me. That’s what I brought. I guess my superpower is finding winners, finding tough kids and believing in them. So I kind of expected this. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t……..I know I try to be humble in other words. But man, I believe in these kids.”
Drake coach Ben McCollum
Friday’s quiz
In the movie The Natural, what famous actor played the manager of the New York Knights?
Thursday’s quiz
Michael Jordan finished his NBA career with the Washington Wizards.
Wednesday’s quiz
Syracuse beat UConn 127-117 in a six-overtlme game in the 2009 Big East tournament; they won again the next night, also in overtime.
***************************************
Back in 1978, Warren Beatty starred in a movie, Heaven Can Wait; he played a QB for the Rams (Joe Pendleton) who got hit by a truck while riding his bicycle. An over-anxious angel sent his body to heaven but he hadn’t died in the accident, but by the time they realized this, it was too late. His body had to stay in heaven.
Buck Henry played the angel; James Mason was his supervisor. When the supervisor asked the angel to research when Joe Pendleton was supposed to die, the angel looked it up and came back with a sheepish look on his face.
“March 20, 2025”
In real life, Warren Beatty turns 88 on March 30th.
— McNeese State 69, Clemson 67
McNeese led 40-16 early in the second half.
Brandon Murray scored 21 for McNeese; he didn’t start.
McNeese coach Will Wade was a student manager in college……at Clemson.
Last 5+ years, #12-seeds are 9-12 SU vs #5-seeds.
— Purdue 75, High Point 63
Purdue out-rebounded the Panthers, 45-24.
Junior G Smith scored 20 points, had 6 assists, played all 40:00.
Purdue-McNeese State should be fun to watch Saturday.
Purdue is 6-2 ATS in last eight first round games.
— BYU 80, VCU 71
VCU was 15-38 on arc, only 4-6 on foul line, a bad combination.
BYU shot 58.8% inside the arc
BYU has the #6 eFG% offense in the country.
Cougars have won 10 of their last 11 games.
— Wisconsin 85, Montana 66
Wisconsin shot 72.7% inside the arc.
Badgers out-rebounded Montana, 41-29.
Big Sky teams haven’t won an NCAA game since Montana, in 2006.
BYU-Wisconsin will be one of the better games Saturday.
— Creighton 89, Louisville 75
Bluejays shot 11-24 on arc, scored 1.27 points/possession.
Creighton was 14-21 on foul line, Louisville 7-8.
6-5 senior Neal scored 29 points, had 12 rebounds, 6 assists.
Creighton wins its fifth straight first round game.
— Auburn 83, Alabama State 63
Auburn led 32-31, ended first half on a 9-0 run.
Auburn was only 18-32 on foul line, Alabama State 11-19.
Tigers were 11-35 on the arc, 16-25 inside the arc.
Last five years, #1-seeds are 17-3 SU/10-10 ATS in 2nd round.
— Gonzaga 89, Georgia 68
Zags raced out to an early 27-3 lead.
Gonzaga shot 12-20 on the arc.
Zags are 24-0 in games decided by 9+ points, 2-8 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Georgia finished 20-13; this was their first NCAA Tournament since 2015.
— Houston 78, SIU-Edwardsville 40
#1-seed Houston led 52-24 at halftime.
Underdog SIU-E shot 2-24 on the arc.
Houston is 5-1 ATS in last six first round games.
Houston-Gonzaga is an interesting game on Saturday.
— Famous birthdays, March 21st
Tom Flores, 88
Manny Sanguillén, 81
Gary Oldman, 67
Matthew Broderick, 63
Shawon Dunston, 62
Scott Williams, 57
Tony Horne, 49
Carlos Carrasco, 38
Frankie Montas, 32
Sebastian Joseph-Day, 30
A’Shawn Robinson, 30
Nick Mullens, 30
— Drake 67, Missouri 57
Drake has four starters who were playing D2 basketball last year.
Drake has won 19 of its last 20 games.
Missouri shot only 33.3% from the floor.
Bulldogs had two starters play 40:00; no one else played more than 25:00.
— Michigan 68, Cal-San Diego 65
Michigan led 41-27 at halftime.
Tritons led 65-63, but didn’t score in last 2:29.
Michigan survived going 11-20 on foul line.
Wolverines play Texas A&M Saturday.
— Texas Tech 82, NC-Wilmington 72
Red Raiders led only 38-34 at halftime.
Tech shot 13-46 on arc, 14-23 inside arc.
First time in six years a CAA team covered in NCAA’s.
Texas Tech-Drake Sunday; the two head coaches are good friends.
— Arkansas 79, Kansas 72
Arkansas led by 11 early in second half.
Kansas led by 3 with 3:10 left in game.
Arkansas was +6 in turnovers (16-10)
Razorbacks have won six of their last eight games.
— Texas A&M 80, Yale 71
Just third win in last eight games for Texas A&M.
Aggies led 40-29 at halftime.
Texas A&M shot 71.4% inside the arc.
6-9 junior Payne had 25 points, 10 boards; he didn’t start.
— Tennessee 77, Wofford 62
Stress-free win for Vols, who shot 61.5% inside arc.
Senior G Lanier scored 29 points, shot 6-13 on arc.
Under Barnes, Tennessee is 3-2 in second round games.
SoCon teams are 1-3 SU/2-2 ATS so far this week.
— UCLA 72, Utah State 47
Stress-free win for Bruins, who led by 12 at halftime.
UCLA shot 10-24 on arc, scored 1.22 points/possession.
Mountain West is 2-17 ATS in its last 19 first round games.
UCLA-Tennessee Sunday should be quite the defensive struggle.
— St John’s 83, Omaha 53
St John’s shot 14-37 on arc, tied for most 3’s they made in a game this year.
3:07 into the game, Omaha led 7-0; Johnnies led 33-28 at halftime.
Omaha shot 5-36 on the arc.
St John’s-Arkansas should be the featured game Sunday.
How six best teams in continuity did this year:
1) Towson— 22-11, lost 2nd round CAA tournament
2) American— lost play-in game Wednesday
3) Fort Wayne— 19-13, lost 1st round Horizon tournament
4) Gonzaga— won first first round game Thursday
5) Texas A&M— won first first round game Thursday
6) Notre Dame— 15-18, lost 2nd round ACC tournament
Quote of the Day
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t expect this, I expected exactly this. I expected [my players] to compete. I brought winners with me. That’s what I brought. I guess my superpower is finding winners, finding tough kids and believing in them. So I kind of expected this. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t……..I know I try to be humble in other words. But man, I believe in these kids.”
Drake coach Ben McCollum
Friday’s quiz
In the movie The Natural, what famous actor played the manager of the New York Knights?
Thursday’s quiz
Michael Jordan finished his NBA career with the Washington Wizards.
Wednesday’s quiz
Syracuse beat UConn 127-117 in a six-overtlme game in the 2009 Big East tournament; they won again the next night, also in overtime.
***************************************
Friday’s Den: Wrapping up the first day of March Madness…..
Thursday was March 20, 2025, which reminded me of something………Back in 1978, Warren Beatty starred in a movie, Heaven Can Wait; he played a QB for the Rams (Joe Pendleton) who got hit by a truck while riding his bicycle. An over-anxious angel sent his body to heaven but he hadn’t died in the accident, but by the time they realized this, it was too late. His body had to stay in heaven.
Buck Henry played the angel; James Mason was his supervisor. When the supervisor asked the angel to research when Joe Pendleton was supposed to die, the angel looked it up and came back with a sheepish look on his face.
“March 20, 2025”
In real life, Warren Beatty turns 88 on March 30th.
— McNeese State 69, Clemson 67
McNeese led 40-16 early in the second half.
Brandon Murray scored 21 for McNeese; he didn’t start.
McNeese coach Will Wade was a student manager in college……at Clemson.
Last 5+ years, #12-seeds are 9-12 SU vs #5-seeds.
— Purdue 75, High Point 63
Purdue out-rebounded the Panthers, 45-24.
Junior G Smith scored 20 points, had 6 assists, played all 40:00.
Purdue-McNeese State should be fun to watch Saturday.
Purdue is 6-2 ATS in last eight first round games.
— BYU 80, VCU 71
VCU was 15-38 on arc, only 4-6 on foul line, a bad combination.
BYU shot 58.8% inside the arc
BYU has the #6 eFG% offense in the country.
Cougars have won 10 of their last 11 games.
— Wisconsin 85, Montana 66
Wisconsin shot 72.7% inside the arc.
Badgers out-rebounded Montana, 41-29.
Big Sky teams haven’t won an NCAA game since Montana, in 2006.
BYU-Wisconsin will be one of the better games Saturday.
— Creighton 89, Louisville 75
Bluejays shot 11-24 on arc, scored 1.27 points/possession.
Creighton was 14-21 on foul line, Louisville 7-8.
6-5 senior Neal scored 29 points, had 12 rebounds, 6 assists.
Creighton wins its fifth straight first round game.
— Auburn 83, Alabama State 63
Auburn led 32-31, ended first half on a 9-0 run.
Auburn was only 18-32 on foul line, Alabama State 11-19.
Tigers were 11-35 on the arc, 16-25 inside the arc.
Last five years, #1-seeds are 17-3 SU/10-10 ATS in 2nd round.
— Gonzaga 89, Georgia 68
Zags raced out to an early 27-3 lead.
Gonzaga shot 12-20 on the arc.
Zags are 24-0 in games decided by 9+ points, 2-8 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Georgia finished 20-13; this was their first NCAA Tournament since 2015.
— Houston 78, SIU-Edwardsville 40
#1-seed Houston led 52-24 at halftime.
Underdog SIU-E shot 2-24 on the arc.
Houston is 5-1 ATS in last six first round games.
Houston-Gonzaga is an interesting game on Saturday.
— Famous birthdays, March 21st
Tom Flores, 88
Manny Sanguillén, 81
Gary Oldman, 67
Matthew Broderick, 63
Shawon Dunston, 62
Scott Williams, 57
Tony Horne, 49
Carlos Carrasco, 38
Frankie Montas, 32
Sebastian Joseph-Day, 30
A’Shawn Robinson, 30
Nick Mullens, 30
— Drake 67, Missouri 57
Drake has four starters who were playing D2 basketball last year.
Drake has won 19 of its last 20 games.
Missouri shot only 33.3% from the floor.
Bulldogs had two starters play 40:00; no one else played more than 25:00.
— Michigan 68, Cal-San Diego 65
Michigan led 41-27 at halftime.
Tritons led 65-63, but didn’t score in last 2:29.
Michigan survived going 11-20 on foul line.
Wolverines play Texas A&M Saturday.
— Texas Tech 82, NC-Wilmington 72
Red Raiders led only 38-34 at halftime.
Tech shot 13-46 on arc, 14-23 inside arc.
First time in six years a CAA team covered in NCAA’s.
Texas Tech-Drake Sunday; the two head coaches are good friends.
— Arkansas 79, Kansas 72
Arkansas led by 11 early in second half.
Kansas led by 3 with 3:10 left in game.
Arkansas was +6 in turnovers (16-10)
Razorbacks have won six of their last eight games.
— Texas A&M 80, Yale 71
Just third win in last eight games for Texas A&M.
Aggies led 40-29 at halftime.
Texas A&M shot 71.4% inside the arc.
6-9 junior Payne had 25 points, 10 boards; he didn’t start.
— Tennessee 77, Wofford 62
Stress-free win for Vols, who shot 61.5% inside arc.
Senior G Lanier scored 29 points, shot 6-13 on arc.
Under Barnes, Tennessee is 3-2 in second round games.
SoCon teams are 1-3 SU/2-2 ATS so far this week.
— UCLA 72, Utah State 47
Stress-free win for Bruins, who led by 12 at halftime.
UCLA shot 10-24 on arc, scored 1.22 points/possession.
Mountain West is 2-17 ATS in its last 19 first round games.
UCLA-Tennessee Sunday should be quite the defensive struggle.
— St John’s 83, Omaha 53
St John’s shot 14-37 on arc, tied for most 3’s they made in a game this year.
3:07 into the game, Omaha led 7-0; Johnnies led 33-28 at halftime.
Omaha shot 5-36 on the arc.
St John’s-Arkansas should be the featured game Sunday.
NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up
Friday, March 21
Friday’s games
afternoon games
Baylor vs Mississippi State (-1.5) (@ Raleigh, NC)
Baylor (19-14, 10-10. T7th)
KenPom rating: 29
Tempo: 320
Experience: 29
Continuity: 222
Baylor lost five of its last eight games.
Bears are 7-3 in non-league games, 1-1 vs SEC squads.
Baylor is #254 team on defensive boards.
Bears haven’t played in eight days.
Baylor won its last six first round NCAA games.
#9-seed is Bears’ worst in NCAA’s since 2019.
Mississippi State (21-12, 8-10. T9th)
KenPom rating: 32
Tempo: 124
Experience: 77
Continuity: 128
Miss State lost five of its last seven games.
Bulldogs are 12-1 in non-conference games (#149 NC SOS)
Miss State is shooting 55.2% inside arc (#43), 31.4% on arc (#297)
Bulldogs haven’t played in eight days.
Miss State is in NCAA’s for third year in a row.
Bulldogs haven’t won an NCAA Tournament game since 2008 (0-5)
SEC is the #1 league, Big X is the #3 league
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
Since 2019, Big X teams are 21-11 ATS in this round.
Robert Morris vs Alabama (-23.5) (@ Cleveland)
Robert Morris (26-8, 15-5. 1st)
KenPom rating: 138
Tempo: 140
Experience: 237
Continuity: 309
Robert Morris won 10 in a row, 16 of last 17 games.
Colonials are 7-5 in non-league games (NC SOS #351)
Robert Morris hasn’t played a game in ten days.
Colonials are #33 team in country on offensive boards.
Robert Morris turns ball over 18.5% of time (#272)
Colonials are in NCAA’s for first time since 2015.
Alabama (25-8, 13-5. 3rd)
KenPom rating: 6
Tempo: 1
Experience: 9
Continuity: 109
Alabama is 4-5 in its last nine games.
Crimson Tide is shooting 59.7% inside the arc (#4)
Alabama is 4-0 vs teams outside top 100 (3 wins by 23+ points)
Crimson Tide has #50 eFG% defense in country.
Alabama plays fastest tempo of any team in country.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
SEC is the #1 league, Horizon is #19 league
Last three years, Horizon teams are 5-0 ATS in NCAA’s
Last three years, #2-seeds are 8-4 ATS in this round.
Lipscomb vs Iowa State (-14.5) (@ Milwaukee)
Lipscomb (25-9, 14-4. T1st)
KenPom rating: 82
Tempo: 257
Experience: 33
Continuity: 127
Lipscomb has won six in row, 11 of last 12 games.
Bisons haven’t played in 12 days.
Bisons are 0-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 16-29 points.
Lipscomb is shooting 56.7% inside arc (#21)
Bisons get 38.1% of their points on 3’s (#37)
Lipscomb is in NCAA’s for first time since 2018.
Iowa State (24-9, 13-7. 5th)
KenPom rating: 273
Tempo: 142
Experience: 210
Continuity: 30
Iowa State PG Gilbert is hurt, is done for the tournament.
Cyclones are 3-4 in their last seven games.
Iowa State forces turnovers 21.8% of time (#14)
Cyclones are shooting 55.1% onside arc (#45)
Iowa State is 19-3 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Cyclones are in NCAA’s for 4th year in row, made Sweet 16 two of last three years.
Last four years, ASUN teams are 1-3 ATS in this round.
Since 2019, Big X teams are 21-11 ATS in this round.
Last five years, #3-seeds are 13-7 ATS in first round.
Big X is #3 league in country; ASUN is #24.
Memphis vs Colorado State (-1.5) (@ Seattle)
Memphis (29-5, 16-2. 1st)
KenPom rating: 50
Tempo: 27
Experience: 6
Continuity: 314
Memphis has won eight in row, 16 of last 17 games.
Tigers are 10-3 in non-conference games.
Memphis is 8-3 vs teams ranked in top 100
Tigers are #301 team on defensive boards.
Memphis doesn’t shoot lot of 3’s, but they’re making 38% of them (#19)
Last six years under Hardaway, Tigers are 1-2 in NCAA games.
Colorado State (22-13, 13-7, T4)
KenPom rating: 44
Tempo: 251
Experience: 64
Continuity: 181
CSU won its last ten games.
Rams are only 6-5 in non-conference games.
CSU is 12-7 vs opponents in top 100.
Rams have #24 eFG% offense in country.
CSU is #16 team on defensive boards.
Rams are in NCAA’s for third time in last four years.
Rams lost last two first round games (last win, 2013)
Last five years, underdogs are 11-9 ATS in 5-12 games.
Since 2019, Mountain West teams are 3-15 SU/2-16 ATS in this round
Since 2017, AAC teams are 7-8 ATS in this round.
AAC is the #10 league this year, Mountain West #6.
Vanderbilt vs Saint Mary’s (-4.5) (@ Cleveland)
Vanderbilt (20-12, 8-10. T9th)
KenPom rating: 48
Tempo: 63
Experience: 66
Continuity: 348
Vandy lost three in row, 8 of last 12 games.
Commodores are 12-1 in non-league games (NC sked #343)
Vandy is 6-11 vs opponents in top 50.
Opponents are shooting 36.9% on arc (#337)
Vandy forces turnovers 20% of time (#47)
Commodores are in NCAAs for first time since 2017.
Saint Mary’s (28-5, 17-1. 1st)
KenPom rating: 22
Tempo: 359
Experience: 199
Continuity: 81
Saint Mary’s is 8-1 in last nine games, 18-2 in last 20.
Gaels haven’t played in ten days (2 games/last 20 days)
Saint Mary’s has #14 eFG% defense in country.
Gaels are #2 team in country on offensive boards.
Saint Mary’s is 11-5 vs teams ranked in top 100.
Since 2017, Gaels are 3-2 in first round games.
SEC is the #1 league, WCC is #7.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
Ole Miss vs North Carolina (-1.5) (@ Milwaukee)
Ole Miss (22-11, 10-8. T6th)
KenPom rating: 26
Tempo: 130
Experience: 3
Continuity: 136
Ole Miss is 3-5 in its last eight games.
Rebels are 11-2 in non-league games (#196)
Ole Miss is 11-11 vs opponents in top 50.
Rebels are forcing turnovers 20.5% of time (#33)
Ole Miss is in NCAA’s for first time since 2019
Coach Beard is 5-0 in first round, for three different schools.
North Carolina (22-13, 13-7, T4)
KenPom rating: 33
Tempo: 34
Experience: 79
Continuity: 77
UNC is 8-2 in its last 10 games (both losses vs Duke)
Tar Heels are 7-5 in non-conference games.
UNC is 2-5 vs top 100 teams in non-conference games.
Tar Heels are shooting 54.9% inside arc (#49)
UNC is #54 team in country on defensive boards.
Tar Heels were in Sweet 16 LY, in Final Four in 2022
ACC is the #5 league this year, SEC is the #1 league.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
Last three years, ACC teams are 11-4 ATS in this round.
Grand Canyon vs Maryland (-10.5) (@ Seattle)
Grand Canyon (26-7, 13-3. 2nd)
KenPom rating: 92
Tempo: 15
Experience: 44
Continuity: 28
Grand Canyon won 15 of its last 17 games.
Antelopes are 10-4 out of conference (NC SOS #274)
Grand Canyon is 1-2 vs top 100 teams (beat #79 Stanford)
Antelopes have #26 eFG% defense in country.
Grand Canyon get 24% of points on foul line (#9)
Antelopes are in NCAAs for 4th time in five years (1-2 in 1st round)
Maryland (25-8, 14-6. T2nd)
KenPom rating: 11
Tempo: 57
Experience: 98
Continuity: 237
Maryland won 12 of its last 15 games.
Terps are 10-1 out of conference (NC sked #359)
Maryland is 17-1 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Terps have #27 eFG% defense in country.
Maryland forces turnovers 20.2% of time (#38)
Terps are in NCAA’s for 4th time in last six tourneys.
Big 18 is #2 league, WAC is #15 league.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-7 ATS in this round.
Last five years, WAC teams are 2-3 SU/5-0 ATS in this round.
Norfolk State vs Florida (-29.5) (@ Raleigh, NC)
Norfolk State (24-10, 11-3. T1st)
KenPom rating: 180
Tempo: 226
Experience: 102
Continuity: 99
Norfolk State won 11 of its last 13 games.
Spartans are 7-7 in non-league D-I games.
NSU is 0-4 vs top 100 teams, losing by 7-18-25-15 points.
Spartans are #336 team on defensive boards.
Norfolk State is shooting 54.5% inside arc (#57)
Spartans are in NCAA’s for first time since 2022.
Last four years, Norfolk State is 94-38
Florida (30-4, 14-4. 2nd)
KenPom rating: 2
Tempo: 59
Experience: 62
Continuity: 44
Florida won six in row, 12 of last 13 games.
Gators are 13-0 out of conference (NC sked #231)
Florida is 9-0 vs teams ranked outside top 100.
Gators have #6 eFG% defense in country.
Florida is #8 team on offensive boards.
Since 2011, Gators are 8-1 in first round games.
SEC is the #1 league, MEAC the #29 league.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in this round.
MEAC teams are 0-6 ATS in last six non-play-in games.
night games
Troy vs Kentucky (-11.5) (@ Milwaukee)
Troy (23-10, 13-5. T1st)
KenPom rating: 93
Tempo: 230
Experience: 298
Continuity: 10
Troy won its last six games, scoring 79.3 ppg.
Trojans haven’t played in 11 days.
Troy is 6-4 out of conference (3 losses by 16+ points)
Trojans have #31 eFG% defense in country.
Troy turns ball over 19.9% of time (#333)
Trojans are in NCAAs for first time since 2017.
Kentucky (22-11, 108. T6th)
KenPom rating: 16
Tempo: 23
Experience: 7
Continuity: 355
Kentucky is 7-4 in its last 11 games.
Wildcats are 10-0 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Kentucky is 11-2 outside the SEC (lost to Clemson/Ohio State)
Wildcats have #21 eFG% offense in country.
Kentucky is #25 team on defensive boards.
Last three years, Wildcats were 1-2 in first round games.
SEC is the #1 league, Sun Belt is #20 league
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in this round.
Since 2021, Sun Belt teams are 4-0 ATS in this round.
New Mexico vs Marquette (-3.5) (@ Cleveland)
New Mexico (26-7, 17-3. 1st)
KenPom rating: 43
Tempo: 4
Experience: 57
Continuity: 71
New Mexico is 4-3 in its last seven games.
Lobos are 8-3 outside the Mountain West.
New Mexico is 13-5 vs top 100 opponents.
Lobos force turnovers 20.5% of time (#34)
New Mexico is #21 team on defensive boards.
Last year was Lobos’ first NCAA tourney since 2014
New Mexico hasn’t won an NCAA game since 2012.
Marquette (23-10, 13-7, T4th)
KenPom rating: 28
Tempo: 155
Experience: 115
Continuity: 12
Marquette is 5-7 in its last 12 games.
Eagles are 9-2 outside the Big East.
Marquette is is 7-8 vs top 50 opponents.
Eagles force turnovers 21.5% of time (#20)
Marquette is shooting 54.9% inside arc (#48)
Eagles won in first round last 2 years, made Sweet 16 LY.
Big East is the #5 league this year, Mountain West #6.
Since 2019, Mountain West teams are 3-15 SU/2-16 ATS in this round
Last three years, Big East teams are 9-5 ATS in first round.
Akron vs Arizona (-14.5) (@ Seattle)
Akron (28-6, 17-1. 1st)
KenPom rating: 97
Tempo: 16
Experience: 245
Continuity: 250
Akron is 21-1 since New Year’s Day.
Zips were only 5-5 outside the MAC.
Akron is 0-3 vs top 100 teams, losing by 16-5-19 points.
Zips have #31 eFG% offense in country.
Akron gets 38.1% of its points on 3’s (#40)
Akron is in NCAA’s for third time in four years.
Zips lost last two first round games, by 17-4 points.
Arizona (22-12, 14-6. T3rd)
KenPom rating: 14
Tempo: 55
Experience: 30
Continuity: 150
Arizona is 5-6 in last 11 games, after a 17-6 start.
Wildcats were 6-5 in non-conference games (NC SOS #49)
Arizona is 15-2 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Wildcats are shooting 55.1% inside arc (#44), 32.4% on arc (#247)
Opponents are shooting 47.2% inside arc (#43)
Under Lloyd, Wildcats are 2-1 in first round (wins by 20-17 points).
Big X is #3 league; MAC is #23 league
Since 2017, MAC teams are 6-2 ATS in this round.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-7 ATS in this round.
Oklahoma vs UConn (-5.5) (@ Raleigh, NC)
Oklahoma (20-13, 6-12. T13th)
KenPom rating: 38
Tempo: 106
Experience: 74
Continuity: 243
Oklahoma split last eight games, after a 4-10 skid.
Sooners are 13-0 outside the SEC (NC sked #323)
Oklahoma is 9-12 vs top 50 opponents.
Sooners have #38 eFG% offense in country.
Oklahoma is #277 team on defensive boards.
Sooners are in NCAA’s for first time since 2021.
UConn (23-10, 14-6. 3rd)
KenPom rating: 35
Tempo: 343
Experience: 178
Continuity: 103
UConn won the last two national championships.
Huskies won five of their last six games.
UConn is 8-3 outside the Big East.
Huskies are 7-6 vs top 50 opponents.
UConn is shooting 57.3% inside arc (#16)
Opponents are shooting 46% inside arc (#16)
Big East is the #5 league this year, SEC is #1 league.
Last three years, Big East teams are 9-5 ATS in first round.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in this round.
Bryant vs Michigan State (-18.5) (@ Cleveland)
Bryant (23-11, 14-2. 1st)
KenPom rating: 311
Tempo: 201
Experience: 349
Continuity: 228
Bryant was 17-2 in America East; they’re 4-9 outside it.
6 of Bryant’s 9 non-league losses were by 8 or fewer points.
Bulldogs are 0-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 22-46 points.
Bulldogs have #44 eFG% defense in country.
Bryant is #54 team in country on offensive boards.
Bulldogs lost play-in game 93-82 to Wright State, in 2022.
Michigan State (27-6, 17-3. 1st)
KenPom rating: 8
Tempo: 144
Experience: 214
Continuity: 85
MSU won eight of its last nine games.
Spartans are 9-2 in non-league games.
MSU is 8-0 vs teams outside top 100 (six wins by 17+)
Spartans have #13 eFG% defense in country.
MSU is #8 team in country on defensive boards.
Spartans won 10 of last 12 first round games.
Last six years, America East teams are 4-2 ATS in this round.
America East is #26 league, Big 18 is #2 league.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-7 ATS in this round.
Liberty vs Oregon (-6.5) (@ Seattle)
Liberty (28-6, 13-5. 1st)
KenPom rating: 60
Tempo: 285
Experience: 143
Continuity: 51
Liberty won 11 of its last 12 games.
Flames are 9-1 outside C-USA, in D-I games.
Liberty won 66-64 at Seattle back on November 9th.
Flames have #8 eFG% defense in country.
Liberty is shooting 57.7% inside arc (#14)
Flames are 2-0 vs top 100 teams (K-State/McNeese)
Flames are in NCAAs for first time since 2021.
Oregon (24-9, 12-9. T7th)
KenPom rating: 33
Tempo: 151
Experience: 31
Continuity: 134
Oregon won eight of its last nine games.
Ducks are 11-0 in non-conference games.
Oregon played #69 non-conference sked, unusual for Big 18 team
Ducks are 16-2 vs teams outside the top 50
Oregon won an 8-team tourney in Las Vegas in November.
Ducks won their last eight first round games.
C-USA is #9 league, Big 18 is #2 league.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-7 ATS in this round.
Since 2015, C-USA teams are 6-3 ATS in this round.
Armadillo's Write-Up
Friday, March 21
Friday’s games
afternoon games
Baylor vs Mississippi State (-1.5) (@ Raleigh, NC)
Baylor (19-14, 10-10. T7th)
KenPom rating: 29
Tempo: 320
Experience: 29
Continuity: 222
Baylor lost five of its last eight games.
Bears are 7-3 in non-league games, 1-1 vs SEC squads.
Baylor is #254 team on defensive boards.
Bears haven’t played in eight days.
Baylor won its last six first round NCAA games.
#9-seed is Bears’ worst in NCAA’s since 2019.
Mississippi State (21-12, 8-10. T9th)
KenPom rating: 32
Tempo: 124
Experience: 77
Continuity: 128
Miss State lost five of its last seven games.
Bulldogs are 12-1 in non-conference games (#149 NC SOS)
Miss State is shooting 55.2% inside arc (#43), 31.4% on arc (#297)
Bulldogs haven’t played in eight days.
Miss State is in NCAA’s for third year in a row.
Bulldogs haven’t won an NCAA Tournament game since 2008 (0-5)
SEC is the #1 league, Big X is the #3 league
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
Since 2019, Big X teams are 21-11 ATS in this round.
Robert Morris vs Alabama (-23.5) (@ Cleveland)
Robert Morris (26-8, 15-5. 1st)
KenPom rating: 138
Tempo: 140
Experience: 237
Continuity: 309
Robert Morris won 10 in a row, 16 of last 17 games.
Colonials are 7-5 in non-league games (NC SOS #351)
Robert Morris hasn’t played a game in ten days.
Colonials are #33 team in country on offensive boards.
Robert Morris turns ball over 18.5% of time (#272)
Colonials are in NCAA’s for first time since 2015.
Alabama (25-8, 13-5. 3rd)
KenPom rating: 6
Tempo: 1
Experience: 9
Continuity: 109
Alabama is 4-5 in its last nine games.
Crimson Tide is shooting 59.7% inside the arc (#4)
Alabama is 4-0 vs teams outside top 100 (3 wins by 23+ points)
Crimson Tide has #50 eFG% defense in country.
Alabama plays fastest tempo of any team in country.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
SEC is the #1 league, Horizon is #19 league
Last three years, Horizon teams are 5-0 ATS in NCAA’s
Last three years, #2-seeds are 8-4 ATS in this round.
Lipscomb vs Iowa State (-14.5) (@ Milwaukee)
Lipscomb (25-9, 14-4. T1st)
KenPom rating: 82
Tempo: 257
Experience: 33
Continuity: 127
Lipscomb has won six in row, 11 of last 12 games.
Bisons haven’t played in 12 days.
Bisons are 0-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 16-29 points.
Lipscomb is shooting 56.7% inside arc (#21)
Bisons get 38.1% of their points on 3’s (#37)
Lipscomb is in NCAA’s for first time since 2018.
Iowa State (24-9, 13-7. 5th)
KenPom rating: 273
Tempo: 142
Experience: 210
Continuity: 30
Iowa State PG Gilbert is hurt, is done for the tournament.
Cyclones are 3-4 in their last seven games.
Iowa State forces turnovers 21.8% of time (#14)
Cyclones are shooting 55.1% onside arc (#45)
Iowa State is 19-3 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Cyclones are in NCAA’s for 4th year in row, made Sweet 16 two of last three years.
Last four years, ASUN teams are 1-3 ATS in this round.
Since 2019, Big X teams are 21-11 ATS in this round.
Last five years, #3-seeds are 13-7 ATS in first round.
Big X is #3 league in country; ASUN is #24.
Memphis vs Colorado State (-1.5) (@ Seattle)
Memphis (29-5, 16-2. 1st)
KenPom rating: 50
Tempo: 27
Experience: 6
Continuity: 314
Memphis has won eight in row, 16 of last 17 games.
Tigers are 10-3 in non-conference games.
Memphis is 8-3 vs teams ranked in top 100
Tigers are #301 team on defensive boards.
Memphis doesn’t shoot lot of 3’s, but they’re making 38% of them (#19)
Last six years under Hardaway, Tigers are 1-2 in NCAA games.
Colorado State (22-13, 13-7, T4)
KenPom rating: 44
Tempo: 251
Experience: 64
Continuity: 181
CSU won its last ten games.
Rams are only 6-5 in non-conference games.
CSU is 12-7 vs opponents in top 100.
Rams have #24 eFG% offense in country.
CSU is #16 team on defensive boards.
Rams are in NCAA’s for third time in last four years.
Rams lost last two first round games (last win, 2013)
Last five years, underdogs are 11-9 ATS in 5-12 games.
Since 2019, Mountain West teams are 3-15 SU/2-16 ATS in this round
Since 2017, AAC teams are 7-8 ATS in this round.
AAC is the #10 league this year, Mountain West #6.
Vanderbilt vs Saint Mary’s (-4.5) (@ Cleveland)
Vanderbilt (20-12, 8-10. T9th)
KenPom rating: 48
Tempo: 63
Experience: 66
Continuity: 348
Vandy lost three in row, 8 of last 12 games.
Commodores are 12-1 in non-league games (NC sked #343)
Vandy is 6-11 vs opponents in top 50.
Opponents are shooting 36.9% on arc (#337)
Vandy forces turnovers 20% of time (#47)
Commodores are in NCAAs for first time since 2017.
Saint Mary’s (28-5, 17-1. 1st)
KenPom rating: 22
Tempo: 359
Experience: 199
Continuity: 81
Saint Mary’s is 8-1 in last nine games, 18-2 in last 20.
Gaels haven’t played in ten days (2 games/last 20 days)
Saint Mary’s has #14 eFG% defense in country.
Gaels are #2 team in country on offensive boards.
Saint Mary’s is 11-5 vs teams ranked in top 100.
Since 2017, Gaels are 3-2 in first round games.
SEC is the #1 league, WCC is #7.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
Ole Miss vs North Carolina (-1.5) (@ Milwaukee)
Ole Miss (22-11, 10-8. T6th)
KenPom rating: 26
Tempo: 130
Experience: 3
Continuity: 136
Ole Miss is 3-5 in its last eight games.
Rebels are 11-2 in non-league games (#196)
Ole Miss is 11-11 vs opponents in top 50.
Rebels are forcing turnovers 20.5% of time (#33)
Ole Miss is in NCAA’s for first time since 2019
Coach Beard is 5-0 in first round, for three different schools.
North Carolina (22-13, 13-7, T4)
KenPom rating: 33
Tempo: 34
Experience: 79
Continuity: 77
UNC is 8-2 in its last 10 games (both losses vs Duke)
Tar Heels are 7-5 in non-conference games.
UNC is 2-5 vs top 100 teams in non-conference games.
Tar Heels are shooting 54.9% inside arc (#49)
UNC is #54 team in country on defensive boards.
Tar Heels were in Sweet 16 LY, in Final Four in 2022
ACC is the #5 league this year, SEC is the #1 league.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in first round.
Last three years, ACC teams are 11-4 ATS in this round.
Grand Canyon vs Maryland (-10.5) (@ Seattle)
Grand Canyon (26-7, 13-3. 2nd)
KenPom rating: 92
Tempo: 15
Experience: 44
Continuity: 28
Grand Canyon won 15 of its last 17 games.
Antelopes are 10-4 out of conference (NC SOS #274)
Grand Canyon is 1-2 vs top 100 teams (beat #79 Stanford)
Antelopes have #26 eFG% defense in country.
Grand Canyon get 24% of points on foul line (#9)
Antelopes are in NCAAs for 4th time in five years (1-2 in 1st round)
Maryland (25-8, 14-6. T2nd)
KenPom rating: 11
Tempo: 57
Experience: 98
Continuity: 237
Maryland won 12 of its last 15 games.
Terps are 10-1 out of conference (NC sked #359)
Maryland is 17-1 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Terps have #27 eFG% defense in country.
Maryland forces turnovers 20.2% of time (#38)
Terps are in NCAA’s for 4th time in last six tourneys.
Big 18 is #2 league, WAC is #15 league.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-7 ATS in this round.
Last five years, WAC teams are 2-3 SU/5-0 ATS in this round.
Norfolk State vs Florida (-29.5) (@ Raleigh, NC)
Norfolk State (24-10, 11-3. T1st)
KenPom rating: 180
Tempo: 226
Experience: 102
Continuity: 99
Norfolk State won 11 of its last 13 games.
Spartans are 7-7 in non-league D-I games.
NSU is 0-4 vs top 100 teams, losing by 7-18-25-15 points.
Spartans are #336 team on defensive boards.
Norfolk State is shooting 54.5% inside arc (#57)
Spartans are in NCAA’s for first time since 2022.
Last four years, Norfolk State is 94-38
Florida (30-4, 14-4. 2nd)
KenPom rating: 2
Tempo: 59
Experience: 62
Continuity: 44
Florida won six in row, 12 of last 13 games.
Gators are 13-0 out of conference (NC sked #231)
Florida is 9-0 vs teams ranked outside top 100.
Gators have #6 eFG% defense in country.
Florida is #8 team on offensive boards.
Since 2011, Gators are 8-1 in first round games.
SEC is the #1 league, MEAC the #29 league.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in this round.
MEAC teams are 0-6 ATS in last six non-play-in games.
night games
Troy vs Kentucky (-11.5) (@ Milwaukee)
Troy (23-10, 13-5. T1st)
KenPom rating: 93
Tempo: 230
Experience: 298
Continuity: 10
Troy won its last six games, scoring 79.3 ppg.
Trojans haven’t played in 11 days.
Troy is 6-4 out of conference (3 losses by 16+ points)
Trojans have #31 eFG% defense in country.
Troy turns ball over 19.9% of time (#333)
Trojans are in NCAAs for first time since 2017.
Kentucky (22-11, 108. T6th)
KenPom rating: 16
Tempo: 23
Experience: 7
Continuity: 355
Kentucky is 7-4 in its last 11 games.
Wildcats are 10-0 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Kentucky is 11-2 outside the SEC (lost to Clemson/Ohio State)
Wildcats have #21 eFG% offense in country.
Kentucky is #25 team on defensive boards.
Last three years, Wildcats were 1-2 in first round games.
SEC is the #1 league, Sun Belt is #20 league
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in this round.
Since 2021, Sun Belt teams are 4-0 ATS in this round.
New Mexico vs Marquette (-3.5) (@ Cleveland)
New Mexico (26-7, 17-3. 1st)
KenPom rating: 43
Tempo: 4
Experience: 57
Continuity: 71
New Mexico is 4-3 in its last seven games.
Lobos are 8-3 outside the Mountain West.
New Mexico is 13-5 vs top 100 opponents.
Lobos force turnovers 20.5% of time (#34)
New Mexico is #21 team on defensive boards.
Last year was Lobos’ first NCAA tourney since 2014
New Mexico hasn’t won an NCAA game since 2012.
Marquette (23-10, 13-7, T4th)
KenPom rating: 28
Tempo: 155
Experience: 115
Continuity: 12
Marquette is 5-7 in its last 12 games.
Eagles are 9-2 outside the Big East.
Marquette is is 7-8 vs top 50 opponents.
Eagles force turnovers 21.5% of time (#20)
Marquette is shooting 54.9% inside arc (#48)
Eagles won in first round last 2 years, made Sweet 16 LY.
Big East is the #5 league this year, Mountain West #6.
Since 2019, Mountain West teams are 3-15 SU/2-16 ATS in this round
Last three years, Big East teams are 9-5 ATS in first round.
Akron vs Arizona (-14.5) (@ Seattle)
Akron (28-6, 17-1. 1st)
KenPom rating: 97
Tempo: 16
Experience: 245
Continuity: 250
Akron is 21-1 since New Year’s Day.
Zips were only 5-5 outside the MAC.
Akron is 0-3 vs top 100 teams, losing by 16-5-19 points.
Zips have #31 eFG% offense in country.
Akron gets 38.1% of its points on 3’s (#40)
Akron is in NCAA’s for third time in four years.
Zips lost last two first round games, by 17-4 points.
Arizona (22-12, 14-6. T3rd)
KenPom rating: 14
Tempo: 55
Experience: 30
Continuity: 150
Arizona is 5-6 in last 11 games, after a 17-6 start.
Wildcats were 6-5 in non-conference games (NC SOS #49)
Arizona is 15-2 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
Wildcats are shooting 55.1% inside arc (#44), 32.4% on arc (#247)
Opponents are shooting 47.2% inside arc (#43)
Under Lloyd, Wildcats are 2-1 in first round (wins by 20-17 points).
Big X is #3 league; MAC is #23 league
Since 2017, MAC teams are 6-2 ATS in this round.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-7 ATS in this round.
Oklahoma vs UConn (-5.5) (@ Raleigh, NC)
Oklahoma (20-13, 6-12. T13th)
KenPom rating: 38
Tempo: 106
Experience: 74
Continuity: 243
Oklahoma split last eight games, after a 4-10 skid.
Sooners are 13-0 outside the SEC (NC sked #323)
Oklahoma is 9-12 vs top 50 opponents.
Sooners have #38 eFG% offense in country.
Oklahoma is #277 team on defensive boards.
Sooners are in NCAA’s for first time since 2021.
UConn (23-10, 14-6. 3rd)
KenPom rating: 35
Tempo: 343
Experience: 178
Continuity: 103
UConn won the last two national championships.
Huskies won five of their last six games.
UConn is 8-3 outside the Big East.
Huskies are 7-6 vs top 50 opponents.
UConn is shooting 57.3% inside arc (#16)
Opponents are shooting 46% inside arc (#16)
Big East is the #5 league this year, SEC is #1 league.
Last three years, Big East teams are 9-5 ATS in first round.
Last three years, SEC teams are 9-12 ATS in this round.
Bryant vs Michigan State (-18.5) (@ Cleveland)
Bryant (23-11, 14-2. 1st)
KenPom rating: 311
Tempo: 201
Experience: 349
Continuity: 228
Bryant was 17-2 in America East; they’re 4-9 outside it.
6 of Bryant’s 9 non-league losses were by 8 or fewer points.
Bulldogs are 0-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 22-46 points.
Bulldogs have #44 eFG% defense in country.
Bryant is #54 team in country on offensive boards.
Bulldogs lost play-in game 93-82 to Wright State, in 2022.
Michigan State (27-6, 17-3. 1st)
KenPom rating: 8
Tempo: 144
Experience: 214
Continuity: 85
MSU won eight of its last nine games.
Spartans are 9-2 in non-league games.
MSU is 8-0 vs teams outside top 100 (six wins by 17+)
Spartans have #13 eFG% defense in country.
MSU is #8 team in country on defensive boards.
Spartans won 10 of last 12 first round games.
Last six years, America East teams are 4-2 ATS in this round.
America East is #26 league, Big 18 is #2 league.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-7 ATS in this round.
Liberty vs Oregon (-6.5) (@ Seattle)
Liberty (28-6, 13-5. 1st)
KenPom rating: 60
Tempo: 285
Experience: 143
Continuity: 51
Liberty won 11 of its last 12 games.
Flames are 9-1 outside C-USA, in D-I games.
Liberty won 66-64 at Seattle back on November 9th.
Flames have #8 eFG% defense in country.
Liberty is shooting 57.7% inside arc (#14)
Flames are 2-0 vs top 100 teams (K-State/McNeese)
Flames are in NCAAs for first time since 2021.
Oregon (24-9, 12-9. T7th)
KenPom rating: 33
Tempo: 151
Experience: 31
Continuity: 134
Oregon won eight of its last nine games.
Ducks are 11-0 in non-conference games.
Oregon played #69 non-conference sked, unusual for Big 18 team
Ducks are 16-2 vs teams outside the top 50
Oregon won an 8-team tourney in Las Vegas in November.
Ducks won their last eight first round games.
C-USA is #9 league, Big 18 is #2 league.
Last three years, Big 18 teams are 13-7 ATS in this round.
Since 2015, C-USA teams are 6-3 ATS in this round.
