NCAA Tournament: First Round - Thursday

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NCAA Tournament ATS: 0-0 (+0.00 Units) & ML: 0-0 (+0.00 Units)
Betting 1 Unit to Win X - shop the best line

• 11:15AM CT: Creighton Blue Jays vs. Louisville Cardinals -3; Total 145

Both of these schools battled their way to conference championship games but ultimately fell short. It was evident that Louisville is a smaller team, and this was exposed against Duke’s size. Louisville does rank in the top 40 for defensive efficiency, which is roughly twice as good as Creighton’s. Both teams are comparable in rebounding, three-point shooting, and 3PT defense. This seems like an even matchup. I give the edge to Creighton in terms of size and experience.

Play: Creighton +3 (-113) [via BetOnline]
Play: Creighton ML (+135) [via BetOnline]

• 11:40AM CT: High Point Panthers vs. Purdue Boilermakers -8; Total 154.5

This feels like the hot underdog game of the day, with everyone backing the High Point Panthers. I don’t blame them. HP boasts the #2 offensive efficiency ranking in the country, while Purdue sits at #12. Both are also strong 3PT shooting teams. The Boilermakers are neither a great defensive team nor proficient at rebounding. If HP can secure some extra possessions on the glass and force turnovers, they have a chance here.

Play: High Point +8 (-113) [via BetOnline]
Play: High Point ML (+290) [via BetOnline]

• 2:15PM CT: McNeese State Cowboys vs. Clemson Tigers -7.5; Total 137

It made news this week that the Cowboys’ head coach, Will Wade, will become the head man at NC State. This doesn’t matter too much but should be noted. McNeese is a nice, cute story with equipment manager Amir Kahn. Just like last season against Gonzaga, the Cowboys will have their hands full with a more physical, experienced, and overall better team. Clemson has the guard play, size, and talent to make a Final Four run. I like Clemson to blow this team out.

Play: Clemson -7.5 (-110) [via BetOnline]

• 3:05PM CT: VCU Rams vs. BYU Cougars -2.5; Total 147.5

This is a similar situation that BYU was in last year, facing the Atlantic 10 Champions: Duquesne. The Duquesne defense was more physical and forced turnovers. BYU is a finesse team and does not like playing physical. Can BYU shoot the lights out? They’ll have to do it against not only one of the best defenses in the country but also a top 3PT defense. It didn’t work with San Diego State on Tuesday, but I love backing defensive teams that like to get nasty. VCU is one of those teams. They have some experience too.

Play: VCU +2.5 (-110) [via BetOnline]
Play: VCU ML (+120) [via BetOnline]

• 3:25PM CT: Georgia Bulldogs vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs -7; Total 152.5

I think this is such an interesting matchup. Georgia has some experience but also a few freshmen. Gonzaga will have experience on their side. Not only that, but they also have a better offense, defense, and rebounding. I don’t like the lack of experience from Georgia. UGA can make this game a nasty one in the paint, but they will also need to come out and cover the 3PT line. Experience isn’t making much of a difference in the Clemson game right now. This should be a great game.

Play: Gonzaga -7 (-116) [via BetOnline]

• 6:10PM CT: Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Kansas Jayhawks -5; Total 146.5

This game should be a track meet. A great matchup between two Hall of Fame coaches as well. This game jumped out to me when I first saw it. Arkansas has gotten better down the stretch. It sounds like star freshman guard Boogie Flang is coming back into the lineup as well, but I don't know that for sure. So much pressure on both teams and coaches. Last time we saw John Calipari in March, he was bounced in the first round by Oakland. Similar defenses, similar shooting and rebounding, so I will take the points. Also, the ML, because to me this is a coin flip.

Play: Arkansas +5 (-115) [via BetOnline]
Play: Arkansas ML (+180) [via BetOnline]

• 6:25PM CT: Yale Bulldogs vs. Texas A&M Aggies -7; Total 140.5

Here we go, it's finally time for a massive offense vs. defense game. The Yale offense vs. A&M defense. So far today, the offenses have prevailed except for McNeese State. That makes me a bit nervous based on what we have seen. This Aggies team is filled with 4th and 5th year seniors that have been playing together for a long time. Wade Taylor also gets a favorable whistle. This is huge to consider. I like these A&M veterans to shut down Yale; they are also well rested. Time for the last hurrah at the Final Four.

Play: Texas A&M -7 (-113) [via BetOnline]

• 6:35PM CT: Drake Bulldogs vs. Missouri Tigers -6; Total 133

Don't get me wrong, Drake is a very good team, but this Mizzou team is being slept on. Missouri has one of the best offenses in the country. They also love to shoot the three. Drake is not very good on either side of the ball, and I see them struggling in this one. I like Mizzou big. Let's hope it goes better than the Clemson game.

Play: Missouri -6 (-110) [via BetOnline]

• 8:25PM CT: Utah State Aggies vs. UCLA Bruins -5.5; Total 144

There has been a dark cloud over the Mountain West but the Aggies were strong last year and I think they do it again. UCLA has trouble scoring at times. I think the Utah State length gives them some trouble as well as the free throw shooting. This should be an ugly game but I think the Aggies get it done.

Play: Utah State +6 (-113) [via BetOnline]
Play: Utah State ML (+210) [via BetOnline]

• 9:00PM CT: UC San Diego vs. Michigan Wolverines -2; Total 144

Here is another popular dog that people have been in love with. This Michigan team is huge and they will have such a size advantage against UC San Diego. Purdue’s size was a problem for High Point and I think the same happens here.

Play: Michigan -2 (-107) [via BetOnline]

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