Mar
NCAA tournament picks: Best bets for the Elite Eight
By Jon Wilner
This might be as close as we’ve come to having all four No. 1 seeds in the Final Four. Never have they all made it, and I’m not sure they’ve all made the Elite Eight as betting favorites.
But that’s what we’re looking at this weekend.
I wouldn’t bet all four games, but I’ll play them here for fun.
Point spreads based on opening lines set by the Las Vegas Sports Consultants.
Sweet 16: 2-2
Total: 11-11.
Louisville (plus-5) vs. North Carolina: I’ve been on the Louisville train for three rounds now (including my 25-star pick of the year against Tennessee), and the Cardinals have covered every time. But I’m off them today. I’ll probably regret it, but I like UNC. The Heels play Louisville’s style and do it with better players and with Tyler Hansbrough. Gimme: North Carolina.
Xavier (plus-8.5) vs. UCLA: The line has been bet down to six in some casinos, and you can understand why: The Bruins have looked vulnerable. But the Elite Eight is their stage, and it’s tough to see 1) Xavier stopping Kevin Love down the stetch and 2) Xavier scoring on the UCLA defense in the final minutes. Gimme: UCLA.
Davidson (plus-10.5) vs. Kansas: I thought Davidson’s ride would end against Wisconsin, but I’m sure it ends here — the question is by how much. My guess is that the game will be close until there are eight or 10 minutes left and then it’ll get out of hand (quickly). Gimme: Kansas.
Texas (plus-2.5) vs. Memphis: Best bet for the best game of the weekend. Great backcourt matchups featuring three first round picks. Both teams like to play fast and above the rim. I can’t help but think that Memphis’ woeful free throw shooting will catch up to the Tigers at some point. Gimme: Texas.
Source : www.mercextra.com
