This is the first time in 10 years that I will not sit in a court-court game in an NCAA tournament game, but I am sure it will be exciting to watch from home. Wait, I have to remove the dishwasher first.
Winthrop (+6.5) on Vilnova: This year’s most popular first round upset pick may look very fashionable, but its status is worth it. The Eagles are an outstanding Cinderella candidate who have lost a game since February 2020. They are a team with experience, fast-paced play, strong shooters and even strong rebounding. Nevertheless, the Big East Champs are the real focus, lost without star Colin Gillespie. Villanova has faced three ups and downs in its last four matches and will struggle against a relentless defense without its key defender.
Boiler at Hartlor (-25): The Hawks are the definition of “happy to be here” to play in their first NCAA tournament. Top seeded beers need a 40-minute tuneup. To regain the dominance displayed in his 18–0 debut, Baylor would take advantage of every mismatch and make the tournament aware that it remains a legitimate title threat. Villenova lost 34 points to Hartford’s only game of the top-five seed this season. Recently, it suffered double-digit losses to Stony Brook and NJIT.
Oral Roberts (+15.5) at Ohio State: The Golden Eagles have tested some of the best teams in the country this season, falling five to No. 4 seed Oklahoma State and holding double-digit, second-half lead over No. 3 seed Arkansas. The nation’s leading scorer (Max Abasam) is helped, as does a roster that kills more 3-pointers than any team this season, adding about 39 percent of the time from outside. The Buckeyes would prevail, but the nonstop barrage of 3-pointers would create unexpected headaches in Columbus.
West Virginia (-13) at Morehead State: Kenneth Farid is no one to perform a miracle this time. Back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since an astonishing number 4 Louisville in 2011, Morehead State is not made to repeat the feat. The Eagles have won 19 of their last 20 matches, but have not played a team in the bracket since December and the turnover-prone squad lost by an average of 25.5 points to the four best teams played this season (Ohio State, Clemson), Kentucky, Richmond). Bob Huggins may be bent on his offense this season, but some “Press Virginia” flashbacks will battle his opponent against his weight.
this season: 11-15
2011-20 record: 261-223-9
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