Trace Adams
1500* - Kansas Jayhawks, 500* - Gonzaga Bulldogs, 500* - Charlotte Bobcats Still not sold on the Jayhawks repeating as national champs, but I am sold on them getting some revenge over a Michigan State team that pissed on them back in January, 75-62 in East Lansing.
Kansas has come on strong down the stretch, and Cole Aldrich is turning into quite a force in the paint for Bill Self's team. Fresh off a triple-double which included blocked shots against Dayton, expect Aldrich to alter a few of the Spartans attempts at getting to the tin tonight.
I have not been a big believer in this Michigan State team from the get-go, and if they are to beat the Jayhawks tonight, so be it, I will take my medicine like a man.
I just don't think this Michigan State team is that good, and I think this Kansas team is a very dangerous unit right now.
Jayhawks plus any points available, and Jayhawks more than likely to the Elite 8 with the outright.
1500♦ - Kansas Jayhawks
Gonzaga enters in their preferred underdog role, and I am all over the points in this one.
First off, North Carolina's defense is not very stout, as they allowed a massive 73 points per game which was worst in the ACC! Gonzaga counters with a solid defense that allowed just 62 points per game this year. True, the difference in conference strength definitely favors UNC, but then again the 'Zags have more than a few players that can put the ball in the basket.
These teams did meet in November of 2006 at Madison Square Garden, and Gonzaga pulled off the 82-74 upset as the 7 1/2-point underdog. Heytvelt, Bouldin, and Pargo were ALL a part of that Bulldogs win, and the added experience is certainly a plus coming into this Sweet 16 battle.
The Tar Heels were able to cover against LSU last round, but a closer look at that final shows a 17-2 run with under 7 minutes left by North Carolina that carried the day. That run was largely due to the Tigers trying to play an untempo game with the Tar Heels, something the Bulldogs will not be suckered into.
At the end of the day, North Carolina should survive, but this game will be a lot closer than the linesmakers have projected.
Take the points.
500♦ - Gonzaga Bulldogs
In the NBA, grab the Bobcats plus the points, as Larry Brown makes sure his team gives another inspired effort in his return to the city of brotherly love.
Charlotte still has an outide shot at making the postseason, so they will need to do something about their 2-game slide they are currently on. Their last visit to Philly yielded a 6-point Sixers win as the 5 1/2-point home favorite. That Philadelphia win snapped a 2-game series losing streak.
The Bobcats own a 19-15 spread mark on the road this year, while Philly's spread loss to Minnesota on Wednesday dropped them to 15-18-2 against the spread at home this season.
If Charlotte wishes to make the postseason parade in a few weeks, they best get a winning streak started in a hurry. Maybe they don't win tonight, but I am betting they will at least cover this one.
Take the points.
500♦ - Charlotte Bobcats
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED----------------GL GUYS