Bob Balfe:
12:15 PM EST
Ohio State -0.5 over Loyola Chicago
Sister Jean stole the show a few years ago, but this is Loyola Chicago’s least talented team compared to the two seasons they shocked the NCAA Tournament. Ohio State has better athletes, and even though their defense is shaky, their offense is good enough to get by for today. Take Ohio State.
3:10 PM EST
Miami +2.5 over USC
The ACC has not been the best conference this year, but neither has the PAC 12. Miami brought in a ton of transfers, beat great teams, and have been great on the road. This team protects the ball and has a great chance to move on to next week. USC has a lot of talent, but their inability to defend the three-point line will haunt them. Take Miami.
7:20 PM EST
LSU -4 over Iowa State
Iowa State won only two games last year, lost their coach and all their experienced players. Winning 7 games in the BIG 12 was impressive, but I don’t think they are ready to win tournament games. LSU will be without head coach Will Wade , but that might help this group of guys play loose. The LSU defense should be too much for Iowa State tonight. Take LSU.
9:40 PM EST
Davidson/Michigan State Over 141
The 2021 Spartans were not the best Tom Izzo team, as they finished poorly at the end of the year. Davidson is a bad defensive team, so the Spartans being the more athletic unit, should get by, but Davidson will hit their three-point shots and make this an enjoyable night. Bob McKillop is a great coach that will tap into what their team has done best all year. Look for a shootout. Take the Over.