Sean Higgs
4* Oakland +9.5
Going to take the Golden Grizzlies here. Oakland can score. I will take nearly double digits with a team that scores 86ppg, hits 49% of its shots, hits 71% of its FTs and averages nearly 36 boards a game. Oakland didn't take a cake non-con schedule either. These guys played Ohio State, Valpo, Michigan, Tenn, Illinois, Michigan State and Purdue among others. Facing Texas won't be some shock and awe intimidation factor. Keith Benson is a monster at center averaging 18ppg and 10rpg. He gets inside help from Wil Hudson and his 12.5ppg and 7rpg. Guard Reggie Hamilton averages 17 and also dishes out over 5 assists a contest. The team isn't deep, but they love to run and gun. Take the points small and we will roll it with the over and see if we can cash 'em both.
4* Oak/Tex Over 153.5
Oakland gets up and down the court like nobodies business. They average 86ppg and allow 77.
4* Villanova Pk
Taking Villanova here. I know this team has slumped as badly as any in the country of late. But do you really believe they are just going to fold up shop and not come to play here in the dance. If I hear one more person on the George Mason fan wagon.. geez.. I cannot believe that Jay Wright won't have his team in top form here.
5* Xavier -2.5
Taking Xavier here. Let's keep it real here people. Marquette is just not that good. I like Big East hoops, but this team and Nova really didn't deserve a spot. Give it to a hungry mid-major. Speaking of mid-major, we have the A-10 being well represented here. The Big East's little brothers. You telling me that X doesn't want to take this team out behind the woodshed for an old fashion beat-down. X has a bonafide star, who will take the big shot. Hell, Tu Holloway will take ALL the shots. Xavier gets the A-10 to 3-0 (Temple, Richmond)
10* Syracuse -12
Taking the Orange here. I would be calling this a flat-out blowout, but SU isn't that strong from the line. And when I say blow-out, I am taking 20-25 point win. Orange should easily get this game to 15. Their 2-3 zone is not your normal 2-3. Can't see Indiana State being ready for this kind of matchup. They have a first year HC who is going to be as wide eyed as his players making their first trip dancing since 2001. ISU has one guy averaging 11ppg, and then 6 others averaging at least 6ppg. For as good as they are defensively allow 64ppg, they only score 66. SU scores nearly 74, while allow less points, 63ppg. SU won 18 in a row, dropped 6 of 8 in Big East play (11 teams dancing here) then reeled off 6 straight before falling to UCONN. In the end, SU is going to be too long and athletic for the Sycamores.