March Madness Is Wild: Sweet 16 Gambling Preview
The first two days of March Madness are the best time of the year. If you did it right, you just got off a 4 day bender of games, gambling, and booze, and you should probably contact someone from the outside world because they might think you’re dead. Now, it’s time to sober up, square up with your bookie, and prepare for our Sweet 16 matchups.
(5) Kentucky vs. (9) Kansas State
Kentucky has an easy path to the Final Four due to Arizona and Virginia both being knocked out, and there is no doubt in my mind that they will make it there. All year Kentucky has underperformed, but they’ve seemed to have put it together and have formed that all-important identity as team lately. I’m hammering Kentucky -6.
(7) Texas A&M vs. (3) Michigan
The Aggies looked great on Sunday in a dominant win against UNC, but Michigan is still riding the high of beating Houston on a miracle buzzer beater. 60 percent of the public is on Texas A&M +3 which sketches me out a bit, but there is no doubt in my mind that this is going to be a close game. Ride the Aggies.
(11) Loyola Chicago vs. (7) Nevada
I absolutely love this game. This is a battle of two scrappy teams that have ruined thousands of people’s brackets, but one team has the slight edge. I’m on Loyola Chicago strictly because of Sister Jean and the God factor. Ramblers +1.5 is the pick.
(4) Gonzaga vs. (9) Florida State
Florida State came back like Tiger Woods against Xavier on Sunday, but I don’t think they will have enough gas to beat Gonzaga on Thursday. The spread is laying 5.5 points in favors of the Zags, and I don’t think the Seminoles will have the fire power to cover. Ride the Zags -5.5.
Friday
(5) West Virginia vs. (1) Villanova
West Virginia drubbed Marshall and Murray State, but Villanova was the most complete team in the country all year long. But, if UVA is any indication, the regular season doesn’t really mean dick. Villanova has a reputation of choking in March, and I like the Mountaineers to keep this one close. Ride West Virginia +5.5 and maybe sprinkle a little something on their money line.
(3) Texas Tech vs. (2) Purdue
Unfortunately, Purdue lost Isaac Haas to a fractured elbow in the opening round, which completely kills their hopes of cutting down the nets in this tournament. Yet, I still think Purdue will advance to the Elite 8 because of how deep their roster is. Ride the Boilermakers -1.
(11) Syracuse vs. (2) Duke
The Syracuse Orange are caring a ton of momentum after they ruined the game of basketball and knocked off actual good teams with the daunting 2-3 zone. Duke plays the same zone but has real talent. It’s probably not worth the risk, but ride the Orange +11.5 on Friday and hope they make this the ugliest game of the weekend. Long live the 2-3 zone.
(5) Clemson vs. (1) Kansas
Clemson just terminated Auburn’s program. I’m pretty sure War Damn Eagle and Bruce Pearl are no longer allowed within 500 yards of a basketball court after that embarrassment. Clemson is playing with house money right now. I think they will stay hot and compete with Kansas. Clemson +4.5 is the pick, but I think Kansas will pull this one out late.
Futures To Win The National Championship
Gonzaga – Killian Tillie and the rest of the Zags are poised to make a title run this year and have great value at +800. It’s a Steph Curry pull up from half, but it just might fall.
Kentucky – I LOVE the Wildcats right now. They have a clear path to the Final Four and are really starting to find themselves as a team. Ride John Calipari and Kentucky to the promised land at +700 and buy yourself some JUUL pods.
Duke – The Blue Devils are +400 to win the big dance, and that’s amazing value for a team as talented as they are. Shoot your shot with Duke.
Well, those are the picks. Follow me on Twitter @ConesDeal to keep up to date with everything March Madness. Let’s stack this paper..
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