Trace Adams
1500* - Michigan State Spartans, 500* - Villanova Wildcats I am not going to bore you with paragraph after paragraph of analysis, as by this time in the tournament you should have a good feel for who you like as a handicapper, and why...well, I like both underdogs in tonight's games, and I especially like the Spartans in the first contest.
Michigan State just dumped # 1 seed Louisville, holding the Cardinals to a measly 52 points. If you can do that to the tournaments overall # 1 seed, and by the way a Big East school, I certainly feel you can compete with Connecticut.
Goran Suton should be able to hold his own against Hasheem Thabeet, and the Spartans do boast a deep bench that should be able to match up well with Jim Calhoun's crew.
Michigan State plays staunch defense, and they rebound with the best of them, and don't forget that this game is being played in nearby Detroit. I have a feeling that the Spartans are going to get a huge boost from played 90 miles from campus.
This game shapes up to be an "upset alert", as State could very well continue dancing on to Monday night's finale. The fact we are catching a few baskets only makes it better.
Take the Spartans plus the points.
1500♦ - Michigan State Spartans
In the nightcap, I give Villanova a shot at staying within striking distance of mighty North Carolina.
No arguing the Tar Heels are probably the best of the 4 teams left standing, but Villanova has plenty of experience - 3 senior starters, and plenty of depth - 8 players are averaging 18 minutes per game.
The Wildcats are quick enough to hang with the Tar Heels, and they are also athletic enough to hang with the Tar Heels, and let's not forget Villanova has already shredded # 2 seed, and ACC rep, Duke rather easily, and the 'Cats also beat back the regionals # 1 seed Pittsburgh last week at the buzzer.
I just don't see Villanova getting blown out in this game.
Let's take the points.
500♦ - Villanova Wildcats
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED----------------GL GUYS