Kentucky -4.5 v West Virginia
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How Sweet it is...
At 32-20-1 (and stealing all the money in every pool as Butler continues to rack up points), the Maniac will continue to steadfastly make all his gambling-inclined readers a paycheck.
Tonight's games have a lot to live up to if they want to compete with last night's slate. As a die-hard X fan, I must admit that oddly, for the first time this decade, I am not feeling hurtful pangs at the Muskies tourney exit. That game, quite simply, was a magical as anything I can remember as a Xavier fan. And the Muskies have been in some pretty great ones in the past five years (sadly, many of them on the short end of a Greg Oden uncalled flagrant foul...now THAT one I haven't let go of yet.)
OK, on to the picks:
Ohio State -4.5 v. Tennessee: The Vols have played well so far in the tourney, and play an aggressive, tempo-pushing style that could goad the already-thin Buckeyes into some disastrous foul trouble problems. That said, the Vols have been playing a little over their skis for the past few months and are a clear quality level below Ohio State. Oh, and the Buckeyes have Evan Turner and you don't.
This tournament is setting up nicely for a John Wall/Evan Turner National Championship that would be simply fantastic. Gimme the Bucks laying the 5.
Michigan State -1 v. Northern Iowa: All week long I have been hearing these experts saying that Northern Iowa is actually a better team than Sparty and that this isn't even an "upset" when the Panthers win. Um. No they aren't. Seriously, I LOVED that game against Kansas and Ali's Knockout punch. But Michigan State is superiorly athletic and much quicker. They are the favorite, even without Kalin Lucas. With Lucas? Gimme Sparty and Izzo's March Magic with ease, without him? I still like Izz with the saavy in a nailbiter.
St. Mary's v Baylor -5: St. Mary's has played as well an anyone this side of Kentucky in the NCAA Tourney so far, and Omar Samhan is on the list with Jordan Crawford as most dazzling individual performer to this point. That said, Baylor os a terrible matchup for St. Mary's. Baylor has the best backcourt left in the tournament (other than maybe Kentucky) and boast a team full of long, quick athletes, highlighted by one of the best interior defenders in the country, Ekpe Udoh. Factor in that tonight is a virtual HOME GAME for the Bears, and it starts to look like the night's second tightest point spread should have been even wider. Gime Baylor laying the five.
Duke -8.5 v Purdue: Purdue has fought valiantly to make the Sweet 16. That run ends tonight at the hands of the most overlooked team in the country, ironically, the Duke Blue Devils. Use the google search bar on the top of the site and look for my column on LAST years HOME GAME Purdue had against Duke. That was at HOME with a healthy Robbie Hummel against a Duke team that still thought Greg Paulus was a better PG option than John Scheyer. Purdue is tough enough to hang around but has no shot of beating Duke tonight. I never put guarantees on games. I guarantee Duke wins tonight. No doubt. I'll even lay the eight.
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Tonight's games have a lot to live up to if they want to compete with last night's slate. As a die-hard X fan, I must admit that oddly, for the first time this decade, I am not feeling hurtful pangs at the Muskies tourney exit. That game, quite simply, was a magical as anything I can remember as a Xavier fan. And the Muskies have been in some pretty great ones in the past five years (sadly, many of them on the short end of a Greg Oden uncalled flagrant foul...now THAT one I haven't let go of yet.)
OK, on to the picks:
Ohio State -4.5 v. Tennessee: The Vols have played well so far in the tourney, and play an aggressive, tempo-pushing style that could goad the already-thin Buckeyes into some disastrous foul trouble problems. That said, the Vols have been playing a little over their skis for the past few months and are a clear quality level below Ohio State. Oh, and the Buckeyes have Evan Turner and you don't.
This tournament is setting up nicely for a John Wall/Evan Turner National Championship that would be simply fantastic. Gimme the Bucks laying the 5.
Michigan State -1 v. Northern Iowa: All week long I have been hearing these experts saying that Northern Iowa is actually a better team than Sparty and that this isn't even an "upset" when the Panthers win. Um. No they aren't. Seriously, I LOVED that game against Kansas and Ali's Knockout punch. But Michigan State is superiorly athletic and much quicker. They are the favorite, even without Kalin Lucas. With Lucas? Gimme Sparty and Izzo's March Magic with ease, without him? I still like Izz with the saavy in a nailbiter.
St. Mary's v Baylor -5: St. Mary's has played as well an anyone this side of Kentucky in the NCAA Tourney so far, and Omar Samhan is on the list with Jordan Crawford as most dazzling individual performer to this point. That said, Baylor os a terrible matchup for St. Mary's. Baylor has the best backcourt left in the tournament (other than maybe Kentucky) and boast a team full of long, quick athletes, highlighted by one of the best interior defenders in the country, Ekpe Udoh. Factor in that tonight is a virtual HOME GAME for the Bears, and it starts to look like the night's second tightest point spread should have been even wider. Gime Baylor laying the five.
Duke -8.5 v Purdue: Purdue has fought valiantly to make the Sweet 16. That run ends tonight at the hands of the most overlooked team in the country, ironically, the Duke Blue Devils. Use the google search bar on the top of the site and look for my column on LAST years HOME GAME Purdue had against Duke. That was at HOME with a healthy Robbie Hummel against a Duke team that still thought Greg Paulus was a better PG option than John Scheyer. Purdue is tough enough to hang around but has no shot of beating Duke tonight. I never put guarantees on games. I guarantee Duke wins tonight. No doubt. I'll even lay the eight.
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The Maniac is 32-20-1 for the entire NCAA Tournament
For more brilliant predictions, opinions and senseless drivel,
visit: MarchManiacs.com
For more brilliant predictions, opinions and senseless drivel,
visit: MarchManiacs.com
Maniac's Greatest Hits
Ah, the highs and lows of March Madness. It seems only fair that the Maniac should suffer the same slings and arrows. Though we all know what we call someone who goes 61% in Vegas right? Yup. Rich.
Greatest Hits: All reprinted from the opening weekend pick column:
Do it all @ MarchManiacs.com
Greatest Hits: All reprinted from the opening weekend pick column:
You Can't Win 'Em All: All reprinted from the opening weekend pick column:
Cornell +5 v. Wisconsin -- Wisconsin's claim to fame is knocking off unsuspecting foes in the tournament with their plodding, slow-down, methodical style. Um, that won't work against Cornell. In fact, it plays right into their wheelhouse. I like Cornell straight-up, but will take the five gladly.
Missouri v. West Virginia -6 -- This line feels way to small. West Virginia is more than equipped to counter the frenetic style that Mizzou will throw at them.
Xavier (PICK) v. Pitt -- Hard to believe, but this is the first pick-em of the NCAA Tournament, and it is bestowed upon the Maniac's Muskies. I've yapped that Pitt is overrated most of the season (and most of last..and the year before...). Well, if I'm wrong, it seems like a lot of you will be able to throw it in my face. Give me X and Jordan Crawford getting a little revenge for last year's Sweet Sixteen ouster.
Texas A&M v. Purdue +2.5 -- Boiler Up! I'm staying on board until they meet the Dukies next week. JuJuan Johnson and E'Twaun made the Maniac look smart against Siena, here's betting they do it again against Aggies, surprisingly only the third Big 12 team remaining...
Cal v. Duke -6 -- The Dukies won't no-show today, and I'm not sure Cal has the ammo to hang around. Give me the Devils easy.
St Mary's +5 v. Villanova: This matchup is very, very similar to the Richmond one for the Gaels. Obviously Scottie Reynolds and the Villanova backcourt is a slight upgrade, but the fact remains they have no semblance of an inside presence. I think this bodes well for St. Mary's, I like St. Mary's to pull the upset.
Wofford +10 v. Wisconsin -- Gimme Wofford in a game that will be Waw-ful to watch. The tempo alone of the Badgers make a 10-point cushion like getting 15 or 16.
Vermont v. Syracuse -16 -- Taylor Coppenrath ain't walkin' through that door! Ah...now I know who my real college hoop fans are.
Robert Morris +18 v. Villanova: I'm not worried about 'Nova...yet. However, they strike me as an undersized, slumping team that is a prime candidate to let a team hang around for just long enough to get people a little jazzed...Gimme RM and the points.
Murray State +3.5 v. Vanderbilt: OK, Vegas has confirmed my gut-feel that Murray State is a legit threat to pull off one of the more eye-opening upsets in round one.
Butler -2.5 v UTEP -- Everyone is so enamored with how Butler's Matt Howard can possibly contain Dereck Caracter they forgot to factor in how is UTEP going to control Shelvin Mack and Gordon Hayward? Oh, and Butler hasn't lost in several months.
Ohio +13.5 v. Georgetown -- Ohio is pretty lightly regarded and coming out of the WAY down MAC as the upset-tourney champ. So why are they only getting 13.5? Call this a straight contrarian pick. Sometimes when an unknown team is getting WAY too few points, someone knows something I don't.
Gonzaga +7 v. Syracuse -- I feel like I have written this the past eight years in my tourney column, but I feel as comfortable with the ball in the hands of Matt Boldin as I do with any other player in the country. Not sure the Zags win straight-up (though I definitely have the Cuse on upset alert) but I like them with the seven for sure.
Northern Iowa v. Kansas -11.5: Rock CHALK. I like Northern Iowa, but just don't think they have near the quickness, quality size or depth to make the Jayhawks sweat.
Washington v. New Mexico +2: I'm not willing to go absolute on this, but I have a sneaking suspicion this is the first time a #11 was a Vegas favorite over a #3 in the NCAA Tournament. Someone with more freetime that me can look it up, in the meantime lets just agree it is certainly odd. That said, surely that puts another log on the New Mexico fire. They looked lethargic and avergae Thursday night. I think they play better today and beat Washington in a hard fought game.
Cal v. Louisville -1 -- This is a coin-flip; heads Edgar Sosa is great, tails he murders the Cards' season. I'll go heads for tomorrow.
Notre Dame -2.5 v. Old Dominion: The Irish are as hot as anyone in the country right now. ODU is a really solid team, and I think they'd be in this field regardless of whether or not they won the underrated CAA Conference Tournament or not (they did). ODU could get to the Sweet Sixteen, but they match-up really poorly with Notre Dame and really don't have an answer for Harangody.
Do it all @ MarchManiacs.com
Sunday's NCAA Tournament Round Two Picks, and the G.O.A.T.
What can you say? With all the buzzer-beaters and OT-thrillers, without a doubt my favorite shot of the NCAA Tournament was delivered by Ali Faroqhmanesh of Northern Iowa. With the Panthers looking seriously like they were about the throw away an epic upset-bid, they finally "broke" the press (more like "inbounded the ball") Ali held the ball of the right three point arc, the only man for No. Iowa on that side of the floor with three Kansas defenders back. This is where you hold the ball, wait to be fouled. Hit your free throws, hope Kansas missed on their end and grind the last, torturing second out of the game.
Faroqhmanesh had a different idea, and why I love this shot, you can see both ideas on his face. He thinks about taking the shot, almost looks around, then hesitates. And in a split-second you can see him (correctly) assess the situation, realize his team's best chance was for him to stick the high-wire three, put them up four, and GRAB the upset win by the throat.
And that's exactly what Ali did, and that, as least for now to the Maniac, makes Ali the Greatest Of All Time!! Ok, a little much. But perhaps my favorite non-buzzer beater in tourney history.
With one mighty shot from Ali, down goes Frazier! Er...Kansas.
Let's see what might be on tap today as the Maniac continues to pick every game in the tourney against the spread. (23-17 entering today)
Gonzaga +7 v. Syracuse -- Onawaku is still out, which leaves the 'Cuse depending on a seven foot freshman, and some kind whistles. They play a famously thin rotation, losing one of your seven guys, and only premier big, is a problem. Just the kind of problem the Zags can exploit with Robert Sacre and Elias Harris. I feel like I have written this the past eight years in my tourney column, but I feel as comfortable with the ball in the hands of Matt Boldin as I do with any other player in the country. Not sure the Zags win straight-up (though I definitely have the Cuse on upset alert) but I like them with the seven for sure.
Georgia Tech +7 v Ohio State -- If the Buckeyes can stay focused, this tournament opened up really well for them to return to the Final Four for the third time in ten years and second in four. However, the Buckeyes haven't blown out a lot of teams, and Georgia Tech certainly has the talent to play with any team in the country when they play well. I like Ohio State, and don't think they'll need theatrics to accomplish it, but not sure I'm willing to lay seven.
Michigan State +1 v. Maryland -- Nothing a feel better about than betting on Tom Izzo in March. This game is a true and honest toss-up, so when in doubt, play the tourney odds. Plus, Kalin Lucas looked fantastic in round one and seems to have a knack for big moments.
Missouri v. West Virginia -6 -- This line feels way to small. West Virginia is more than equipped to counter the frenetic style that Mizzou will throw at them. It really feels like the 'Eers and Kentucky might be on a collision course for a classic. Gimme WVU, lay the points. This is probably my favorite game of the day.
Cornell +5 v. Wisconsin -- Wisconsin's claim to fame is knocking off unsuspecting foes in the tournament with their plodding, slow-down, methodical style. Um, that won't work against Cornell. In fact, it plays right into their wheelhouse. I like Cornell straight-up, but will take the five gladly.
Xavier (PICK) v. Pitt -- Hard to believe, but this is the first pick-em of the NCAA Tournament, and it is bestowed upon the Maniac's Muskies. I've yapped that Pitt is overrated most of the season (and most of last..and the year before...). Well, if I'm wrong, it seems like a lot of you will be able to throw it in my face. Give me X and Jordan Crawford getting a little revenge for last year's Sweet Sixteen ouster.
Texas A&M v. Purdue +2.5 -- Boiler Up! I'm staying on board until they meet the Dukies next week. JuJuan Johnson and E'Twaun made the Maniac look smart against Siena, here's betting they do it again against Aggies, surprisingly only the third Big 12 team remaining...
Cal v. Duke -6 -- Cal has played well of late, and Washington's blistering run makes one at least pause for a second in regard to quickly dismissing the Pac 10. However, Duke is a whole different animal than the erratic Louisville Cards. The Dukies won't no-show today, and I'm not sure Cal has the ammo to hang around. Give me the Devils easy.
Faroqhmanesh had a different idea, and why I love this shot, you can see both ideas on his face. He thinks about taking the shot, almost looks around, then hesitates. And in a split-second you can see him (correctly) assess the situation, realize his team's best chance was for him to stick the high-wire three, put them up four, and GRAB the upset win by the throat.
And that's exactly what Ali did, and that, as least for now to the Maniac, makes Ali the Greatest Of All Time!! Ok, a little much. But perhaps my favorite non-buzzer beater in tourney history.
With one mighty shot from Ali, down goes Frazier! Er...Kansas.
Let's see what might be on tap today as the Maniac continues to pick every game in the tourney against the spread. (23-17 entering today)
Gonzaga +7 v. Syracuse -- Onawaku is still out, which leaves the 'Cuse depending on a seven foot freshman, and some kind whistles. They play a famously thin rotation, losing one of your seven guys, and only premier big, is a problem. Just the kind of problem the Zags can exploit with Robert Sacre and Elias Harris. I feel like I have written this the past eight years in my tourney column, but I feel as comfortable with the ball in the hands of Matt Boldin as I do with any other player in the country. Not sure the Zags win straight-up (though I definitely have the Cuse on upset alert) but I like them with the seven for sure.
Georgia Tech +7 v Ohio State -- If the Buckeyes can stay focused, this tournament opened up really well for them to return to the Final Four for the third time in ten years and second in four. However, the Buckeyes haven't blown out a lot of teams, and Georgia Tech certainly has the talent to play with any team in the country when they play well. I like Ohio State, and don't think they'll need theatrics to accomplish it, but not sure I'm willing to lay seven.
Michigan State +1 v. Maryland -- Nothing a feel better about than betting on Tom Izzo in March. This game is a true and honest toss-up, so when in doubt, play the tourney odds. Plus, Kalin Lucas looked fantastic in round one and seems to have a knack for big moments.
Missouri v. West Virginia -6 -- This line feels way to small. West Virginia is more than equipped to counter the frenetic style that Mizzou will throw at them. It really feels like the 'Eers and Kentucky might be on a collision course for a classic. Gimme WVU, lay the points. This is probably my favorite game of the day.
Cornell +5 v. Wisconsin -- Wisconsin's claim to fame is knocking off unsuspecting foes in the tournament with their plodding, slow-down, methodical style. Um, that won't work against Cornell. In fact, it plays right into their wheelhouse. I like Cornell straight-up, but will take the five gladly.
Xavier (PICK) v. Pitt -- Hard to believe, but this is the first pick-em of the NCAA Tournament, and it is bestowed upon the Maniac's Muskies. I've yapped that Pitt is overrated most of the season (and most of last..and the year before...). Well, if I'm wrong, it seems like a lot of you will be able to throw it in my face. Give me X and Jordan Crawford getting a little revenge for last year's Sweet Sixteen ouster.
Texas A&M v. Purdue +2.5 -- Boiler Up! I'm staying on board until they meet the Dukies next week. JuJuan Johnson and E'Twaun made the Maniac look smart against Siena, here's betting they do it again against Aggies, surprisingly only the third Big 12 team remaining...
Cal v. Duke -6 -- Cal has played well of late, and Washington's blistering run makes one at least pause for a second in regard to quickly dismissing the Pac 10. However, Duke is a whole different animal than the erratic Louisville Cards. The Dukies won't no-show today, and I'm not sure Cal has the ammo to hang around. Give me the Devils easy.
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