Posts Tagged ‘NCAA Tournament picks’

March 17th, 2011 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor
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Though the NCAA Tournament has already gotten started, this is the first day in which most NCAA basketball betting fans are paying close attention. The first slate of games is always the most exciting, and we have all of the ins and outs covered for the start of what should be a great day of March Madness picks!

Matchup: #13 Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs. #4 Texas Longhorns
Date: Friday, March 18th, 12:15 ET
Location: West Region, Tulsa, OK
NCAA Basketball Odds: Texas -10
Over/Under: 154

The Longhorns were probably incredibly shafted this season in the dance, as they really could have been a No. 1 seed had they performed well down the stretch of the year. Still, this is a team that has proven that it can be great, or it can be awful. We hate these bi-polar clubs in the dance, especially against teams that really can fill up the basket. Don’t sleep on these Golden Grizzlies. They were head and shoulders above the rest of the Summit League this year, and they really can pull off this upset. Free March Madness Picks: Oakland Golden Grizzlies +10

Matchup: #9 Tennessee Volunteers vs. #8 Michigan Wolverines
Date: Friday, March 18th, 12:40 ET
Location: West Region, Charlotte, NC
NCAA Basketball Odds: Tennessee -2
Over/Under 127.5

We’re a little confused as to why the Wolverines are underdogs in this game. They really played some great ball in the second half of the season, and they have some very near misses against some of the best teams in the land. Tennessee has to be wondering whether this is the last game for Head Coach Bruce Pearl, and after a tumultuous season that included a suspension for Pearl at the start of the SEC campaign, we just don’t know if the Vols really deserve to be favored. Go with Big Blue and Tim Hardaway Jr. for the upset. March Madness Free Picks: Michigan Wolverines +2

Matchup: #15 Akron Zips vs. #2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Date: Friday, March 18th, 1:40 ET
Location: Southwest Region, Chicago, IL
NCAA Basketball Odds: Notre Dame -14
Over/Under 136

The Zips certainly weren’t the best team in the MAC this year, and they really don’t have a heck of a lot of depth. This is a bad matchup against this Notre Dame team, which might be one of the very best teams in the entire country. There are just too many outside scorers on this team, and once Tim Abromaitis and Ben Hansbrough get going, there is no end for the Zips. Carleton Scott could be a difference maker as well. Free March Madness Picks: Notre Dame Fighting Irish -14

Matchup: #9 Villanova Wildcats vs. #8 George Mason Patriots
Date: Friday, March 18th, 2:10 ET
Location: East Region, Columbus, OH
NCAA Basketball Odds: Villanova -1.5
Over/Under 135

At least on paper, this should be a mismatch. After all, Villanova was once in the No. 6 position in the country and wondered whether it would be a No. 1 seed in the dance. This is probably about as much hype as George Mason could have with 26 wins on the season. The only thing that might have helped was a CAA Tournament triumph, though it is clear that the semifinal exit didn’t hurt it all that much. The Wildcats had better get out of this one, or they are going to be in a heck of a lot of trouble when push comes to shove going into the offseason, which would be one that is just full of a ton of question marks. Mason proved it can play against the Cats, losing by one last year in the City of Brotherly Love, but it won’t get the job done this week. Free March Madness Picks: Villanova Wildcats -1.5

Matchup: #12 Memphis Tigers vs. #5 Arizona Wildcats
Date: Friday, March 18th, 2:45 ET
Location: West Region, Tulsa, OK
NCAA Basketball Odds: Arizona -5.5
Over/Under 138.5

Arizona knows that it can make a really deep run in this tournament, and we tend to believe that this could be the start of something truly special. Memphis underachieved all season long, and though it does have the potential to do a lot of damage, it is very likely to prove that Conference USA is nowhere near as good as it should be. If the Tigers can’t find a way to hold up Derrick Williams, this one could get very, very ugly. Don’t be shocked if the U of A barges right into the Round of 32. March Madness Free Picks: Arizona Wildcats -5.5

Matchup: #16 Hampton Pirates vs. #1 Duke Blue Devils
Date: Friday, March 18th, 3:10 ET
Location: West Region, Charlotte, NC
NCAA Basketball Odds: Duke -23
Over/Under 134

Let’s get one thing straight right away: No one is beating Duke here in Charlotte in the first weekend of the tournament. However, this is an interesting game for a number of reasons. Hampton was able to win a heck of a lot games this season, and it is used to playing teams like this one, having done so a number of times in the dance. There is also a lot of question as to whether Kyrie Irving will be back in this fold for the first time since early this season. No, the Dookies won’t need him now, but they might for the rest of the season. Hampton might stick around for awhile in this one though, and when push comes to shove, it should stay within 20 or so. Free March Madness Picks: Hampton Pirates +23

Matchup: #10 Florida State Seminoles vs. #7 Texas A&M Aggies
Date: Friday, March 18th, 4:10 ET
Location: Southeast Region, Chicago, IL
NCAA Basketball Odds: Texas A&M -1
Over/Under 120.5

These two teams are virtually identical, assuming that Chris Singleton does suit up for the Seminoles. Khris Middleton and Singleton are both wing type of players that can do a ton, and both of these teams will play a ton of defense on a regular basis. This one won’t be for the faint of heart. Still, when push comes to shove, we just don’t have the confidence that Florida State can put a game away late. Head Coach Leonard Hamilton will inevitably blow it, as the Aggies advance. March Madness Free Picks: Texas A&M Aggies -1

Matchup: #16 Texas San Antonio Roadrunners vs. #1 Ohio State Buckeyes
Date: Friday, March 18th, 4:40 ET
Location: East Region, Cleveland, OH
NCAA Basketball Odds: Ohio State -24
Over/Under 138

This line opened up with the Buckeyes favored by three TDs, but it has only come up from there. The problem that the Roadrunners have is that they are going to try using six guys to beat the six guys for Ohio State. Good luck. Unless all of a sudden, foul trouble creeps up for a team that is one of the best in the land, OSU won’t be in any sort of trouble in this 1/16 game. The Roadrunners just don’t stand a puncher’s chance in this one, especially since the game is being played in Cleveland. Free March Madness Picks: Ohio State Buckeyes -24

 
March 16th, 2011 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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The nightcap of the first full day of NCAA Tournament betting action will get underway just before 7:00 ET, and in this session, there will be some of the best and brightest teams in the land kicking off what they hope will be deep runs into this tourney. But which ones will get the axe with premature exits from the dance? Check out our March Madness picks for Thursday evening.

Matchup: #15 UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. #2 Florida Gators
Date: Thursday, March 17th, 6:50 ET
Location: Southeast Region, Tampa Bay, FL
NCAA Basketball Odds: Florida -13
Over/Under 127

Both the Gators and the Gauchos have a lot of returning experience this season, as both teams went dancing last season and brought back the mass majority of their key components this year. The Big West champs are sneaky though, as they have Orlando Johnson, one of the best scorers in the nation at just over 21 points per game. James Nunnally can get his 20+ any given night as well. Sure, Florida has a lot more experience and a lot of potential Final Four types of athletes, but if it does end up going to Houston, it probably isn’t covering every spread along the way. Chandler Parsons and company are great, but the Gators aren’t going to win this one by more than a dozen points. Free March Madness Picks: UC Santa Barbara Gauchos +13

Matchup: #14 Wofford Terriers vs. #3 BYU Cougars
Date: Thursday, March 17th, 7:15 ET
Location: Southeast Region, Denver, CO
NCAA Basketball Odds: BYU -8.5
Over/Under 147

If you love offensive fireworks, you’re going to love this game to pieces. Wofford has no issues running up and down the court with gusto, while BYU’s offense is all about trying to figure out how to get the ball in the hands of Jimmer Fredette. As long as it’s on the right side of half court, Fredette will jack it up without any hesitations, and especially this time of year, everything he touches seems to turn to gold. However, remember the name Noah Dahlman. This is a man that is scoring 20 points per game, and he is a big that can really bring some bulk into the paint against a BYU team that doesn’t have its starting big man in Brandon Davies. No. 14 seeds don’t beat No. 3s all that often, and it would be a real travesty to not see Jimmer in the second weekend of the tournament, but don’t be shocked if the Terriers are dogs with some real bite. March Madness Free Picks: Wofford Terriers +8.5

Matchup: #14 Bucknell Bison vs. #3 Connecticut Huskies
Date: Thursday, March 17th, 7:20 ET
Location: West Region, Washington DC
NCAA Basketball Odds: Connecticut -10
Over/Under 132.5

Do the Bison really have a shot at pulling off the upset in this one? We know that the Huskies dominated games out of conference play this year, but they all weren’t the easiest wins in the world. All too often, this offense just gets into a lull because Kemba Walker isn’t on his game. In fairness to Walker, he did put up five amazing games in the Big East Tournament, and this is why this team really caught some fire. Bucknell was a great mid major all season long, and it certainly has the ability to shoot the three pointer, connecting on 40.2 percent of all long range shots. The Bison are the real deal, and though they might not ultimately end up pulling off the great upset, they certainly can stick around and make this a game down the stretch. Free March Madness Picks: Bucknell Bison +10

Matchup: #13 Belmont Bruins vs. #4 Wisconsin Badgers
Date: Thursday, March 17th, 7:25 ET
Location: Southwest Region, Tucson, AZ
NCAA Basketball Odds: Wisconsin -4.5
Over/Under 126

More upsets on the horizon? Ever since the brackets were released on Sunday, there had to be a heck of a lot of teams that had to be thrilled that Belmont wasn’t the team that they were playing against. This is a team that can shoot three pointers like no one’s business, and it certainly has the winning mentality, having done so 30 times on the season. However, Wisconsin’s last time on the court was an embarrassment that ugly defeat at the hands of the Penn State Nittany Lions in which neither team scored even 40 points. Don’t be surprised if the Badgers get great games out of Jon Leuer and Jordan Taylor, and that these two men carry them to victory against an overvalued bunch of Bruins. Free March Madness Picks: Wisconsin Badgers -4.5

Matchup: #10 Michigan State Spartans vs. #7 UCLA Bruins
Date: Thursday, March 17th, 9:20 ET
Location: Southeast Region, Tampa Bay, FL
NCAA Basketball Odds: Michigan State -1.5
Over/Under 125.5

Did someone just forget to tell us about a few things here? Sure, we know that Michigan State was the trendy pick in the NCAA Tournament odds several months ago, but what has this team done to deserve this type of recognition now? The Spartans really struggled with the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Tournament, while they were kicked out of the field by the Penn State Nittany Lions. Now, we know that PSU had a special run and earned its place in this tournament, but if you think that that team was one of the best 37 at large teams in the country, you’re crazy. In fact, we know that these Spartans are only here on merit only. Sure, we know that UCLA was booted out of the Pac-10 Tournament by about 100 points by a bad Oregon Ducks team, but we also know that it has the ability to beat anyone in the conference. If the Bruins can beat the likes of the Arizona Wildcats and the Washington Huskies, they can certainly take down Michigan State from an overrated Big Ten conference as well. March Madness Free Picks: UCLA Bruins +1.5

Matchup: #11 Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. #6 St. John’s Red Storm
Date: Thursday, March 17th, 9:45 ET
Location: Southwest Region, Denver, CO
NCAA Basketball Odds: St. John’s -1.5
Over/Under 135

What just an awful spot this is for the Johnnies… Haven’t these guys been through enough already? They lost DJ Kennedy for the season in the Big East Tournament, and they had to play the hardest schedule in the nation this season. Now, they have to fly to the West Coast to deal with a Gonzaga team from the West Coast, and Head Coach Mark Few and company have the gripe of being the hottest team on this side of the Rocky Mountains in the country. The Bulldogs could really care less whether or not they are underdogs or favorites in this one, as they have a ton of NCAA Tournament experience and have pulled out wins in both roles. After a great season, the Red Storm will finally succumb to the pressure and will get bounced from the NCAA Tournament prematurely. Free March Madness Picks: Gonzaga Bulldogs +1.5

Matchup: #11 Missouri Tigers vs. #6 Cincinnati Bearcats
Date: Thursday, March 17th, 9:50 ET
Location: West Region, Washington DC
NCAA Basketball Odds: Cincinnati -1
Over/Under 137.5

The Tigers are one of the more public underdog choices in this year’s March Madness, and for good reason. Marcus Denmon and company just play this ridiculous style of defense that presses for the full 40 minutes, and when push comes to shove, we have to admit that this is a tactic that just works in the dance. It might not win the tourney, but in these early games, fans get on your side when you do things like that, and on the neutral court, that’s a great way to swing momentum. Even though the Bearcats figured out how to win a ton of games this season, their non conference schedule was paper thin. This is a totally different type of challenge, and it is one in which UC doesn’t even know is really this dangerous. Not only is this going to be an upset. This is going to be a romp. March Madness Free Picks: Missouri Tigers +1

Matchup: #12 Utah State Aggies vs. #5 Kansas State Wildcats
Date: Thursday, March 17th, 9:55 ET
Location: Southeast Region, Tucson, AZ
NCAA Basketball Odds: Kansas State -2.5
Over/Under 129

We do love the makeup of this Utah State team, as it really does have a lot of veterans and has the potential to pull off a lot of upsets in this tournament. However, this is virtually a pick ‘em game, and it is a game against the likes of which the Aggies haven’t seen this year. Utah State really hasn’t played that well against big time foes, as its only “signature” win came against a St. Mary’s team that, when push comes to shove, ended up in the NIT. K-State is on fire, and Jacob Pullen will make sure that this is a team that just will not lose. Free March Madness Picks: Kansas State Wildcats -2.5

 
March 16th, 2011 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor
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Though the NCAA Tournament has already gotten started, this is the first day in which most NCAA basketball betting fans are paying close attention. The first slate of games is always the most exciting, and we have all of the ins and outs covered for the start of what should be a great day of March Madness picks!

Matchup: #12 Clemson Tigers vs. #5 West Virginia Mountaineers
Date: Thursday, March 17th, 12:15 ET
Location: East Region, Tampa Bay, FL
NCAA Basketball Odds: West Virginia -2
Over/Under 123

This is going to be an ugly, ugly slugfest here at the St. Pete Times Forum to start off the NCAA Tournament, and there is no doubt that we have to go with the Tigers. These teams in the Big East might be amongst the best in the country, but they also have been through the mill and often times aren’t ready for the dance once it begins. Clemson has already gotten its feet wet with that win over the UAB Blazers on Tuesday in the “First Four.” Sure, it’s been an arduous journey to get here to Tampa Bay, but we still have no reservations that this one is coming down to the last shot, one way or the other. Free March Madness Picks: Clemson Tigers +2

Matchup: #9 Old Dominion Monarchs vs. #8 Butler Bulldogs
Date: Thursday, March 17th, 12:40 ET
Location: Southeast Region, Washington DC
NCAA Basketball Odds: Old Dominion -2
Over/Under 122

My, how quickly we all forget about that run that the Bulldogs made to the NCAA Tournament finale last year! No, this Butler team isn’t the same squad as last year, but it really did well in the Horizon League and really turned it on when it counted down the stretch. Shelvin Mack and Matt Howard are the real deal. Don’t get us wrong. We love Old Dominion and we love the fact that this team plays stellar defense. In fact, the Monarchs already have one win over a Horizon League team this season, beating down the Cleveland State Vikings in BracketBusters. Of course, that CSU team was one that the Bulldogs were able to handle this year, even with Norris Cole going crazy. This is another one of these games that really could go either way, and we have to back the ‘dogs’ in this one. March Madness Free Picks: Butler Bulldogs +2

Matchup: #13 Morehead State Eagles vs. #4 Louisville Cardinals
Date: Thursday, March 17th, 1:40 ET
Location: Southwest Region, Denver, CO
NCAA Basketball Odds: Louisville -9.5
Over/Under 131

At the start of the season, many were high on both the Eagles and the Murray State Racers out of the OVC, and many thought that both might be able to sneak into the NCAA Tournament. Instead, both underachieved, and Morehead State was just lucky to end up here. The Redbirds are fantastic, as they play stout defense and surprisingly stellar offense. Don’t let the injury to Raheem Buckles worry you… at least not yet… Terrence Jennings and the crew should be able to put forth a great effort to put this Morehead State team away once and for all by a comfortable double digit margin of victory. Free March Madness Picks: Louisville Cardinals -9.5

Matchup: #10 Penn State Nittany Lions vs. #7 Temple Owls
Date: Thursday, March 17th, 2:10 ET
Location: West Region, Tucson, AZ
NCAA Basketball Odds: Temple -2
Over/Under 121.5

The Nittany Lions are just really particularly lucky to be here in the NCAA Tournament, as they really weren’t even on the radar a bit over a week ago before the Big Ten Tournament started. This is a team that probably should be a CBI team that just happened to catch some fire at the right time to get here. Teams like that generally don’t last all that long in the dance. Temple has dealt with some injuries, but this is a team that really knows how to ball, especially out of the A-10, even though the conference was down this year. Head Coach Fran Dunphy hasn’t had a great history here in the dance, but that should all change this week with a big win over PSU. Free March Madness Picks: Temple Owls -2

Matchup: #13 Princeton Tigers vs. #4 Kentucky Wildcats
Date: Thursday, March 17th, 2:45 ET
Location: East Region, Tampa Bay, FL
NCAA Basketball Odds: Kentucky -13.5
Over/Under 130

Just like it’s really quick that we forgot about Butler, it’s really quickly that we forgot about the Ivy League as well. No, Princeton really isn’t as strong of a shooting team as last year’s Cornell Big Red were, but that doesn’t mean that the Ivy Leaguers really aren’t dangerous. This was a team that fought tooth and nail just to get here, as it took a buzzer beater to knock off the Harvard Crimson. Kentucky is one of the most overrated teams in the country as well at this point. Sure, the talent level is there, but this is definitely a time in which the Selection Committee got this one right. Head Coach John Calipari’s team might have won the SEC, but it’s only a matter of time until someone exposes this team as a fraud. The Cats will get through this one, but it won’t be by two TDs. March Madness Free Picks: Princeton Tigers +13.5

Matchup: #16 UNC Asheville Bulldogs vs. #1 Pittsburgh Panthers
Date: Thursday, March 17th, 3:10 ET
Location: Southeast Region, Washington DC
NCAA Basketball Odds: Pittsburgh -18.5
Over/Under 135

The Panthers know that they are supposed to get through this one in a big time way. The Bulldogs had their day, as they picked up that win in Dayton on Wednesday. U-Pitt really hasn’t had a great history in this tournament, but there is a point that Head Coach Jamie Dixon really has to get his team going. Last year, this team couldn’t get out of the first weekend of the dance. Though we really don’t think there is any doubt that the Panthers are going to get through this game, there is still that doubt about this spread. This could go either way, but when push comes to shove, we’ll take the chance that Pittsburgh tries to make a real statement. Free March Madness Picks: Pittsburgh Panthers -18.5

Matchup: #12 Richmond Spiders vs. #5 Vanderbilt Commodores
Date: Thursday, March 17th, 4:10 ET
Location: Southwest Region, Denver, CO
NCAA Basketball Odds: Vanderbilt -3
Over/Under 134.5

We hate these stupid 5/12 games, because they really feel like pick ‘em games at times. In a rare twist though, we do have something to base this off of. The Commodores figured out how to not just beat, but destroy a very comparable St. Mary’s Gaels team at home. John Jenkins is coming off of a god awful game against the Florida Gators in the SEC Tournament, and he is going to want to make amends for sure. The Richmond defense is fantastic, but it just isn’t good enough to figure out this Vandy offense, which really can be a force at times. March Madness Free Picks: Vanderbilt Commodores -3

Matchup: #15 Northern Colorado Bears vs. #2 San Diego State Aztecs
Date: Thursday, March 17th, 4:40 ET
Location: West Region, Tucson, AZ
NCAA Basketball Odds: San Diego State -15.5
Over/Under 130.5

This is the first time the Bears are ever playing in the NCAA Tournament, while it is very likely going to be the first win for the Aztecs in school history in the dance. Kawhi Leonard is one of the biggest men in this game, as he can score, block shots, and rebound like none other out there. Northern Colorado is just going to be happy to be in this game, and with a tremendous home court advantage, there is no doubt that the Aztecs are going to get rid of the Bears really quickly. Free March Madness Picks: San Diego State Aztecs -15.5

 
March 16th, 2011 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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We’re just one day away from the madness officially starting! Here at Cappers Info, we have started to compile our list of teams that really can make a huge impact in the field as big time underdogs with high seeds. Check out the double digit seed squads that we are keeping the closest eyes on in this tournament.

Gonzaga Bulldogs: The Zags might have gotten a bit of a rough draw in this bracket, knowing that they are an 11 seed, but they do get the benefit of playing a St. John’s team that might not react all that well to playing without DJ Kennedy for the first time. Still, Gonzaga has a great front line, anchored by men like Robert Sacre, and it really has a great ability to be able to play any style of play against any team in the land. The Sweet 16, or maybe even beyond could be in the future of the Bulldogs this year, as this could be a big time, wide open Southeast bracket.

Bucknell Bison: The Connecticut Huskies need to be really, really careful with this one. The Patriot League champs have had all week to prepare for what amounts to be a really, really simple game plan: Stop Kemba Walker. This is the simplistic offense that is that of UConn, and if the Bison can figure out how to even remotely contain it, they’re going to have a legit chance at becoming a No. 14 that is going to make a lot of noise.


Clemson Tigers: Sure, Clemson might have been the last team that got into the field of 68 this season, but it certainly has proven that it can play with the best and brightest that this country has to offer. Just ask the North Carolina Tar Heels just how tough these guys are. The Tigers play great defense and have some fantastic bigs in Jerai Grant and Demontez Stitt. The West Virginia Mountaineers had better watch out! Clemson could be coming to get them!


Florida State Seminoles: Florida State is probably in a bit of a pick ‘em type of scenario with the Texas A&M Aggies, but either team that wins that one is going to have a great chance of getting rid of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish over the weekend. FSU plays great defense, and it knows how to defend like no other team in the land. Chris Singleton is coming back into the lineup as well, and he could really make a world of difference for a team that has lulled around just a bit. This could be the sleeper of the Southwest Bracket.

 
March 14th, 2011 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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The second day of the NCAA Tournament is on Wednesday, as four more teams vie for two spots in the main bracket for play on Friday. Check out our NCAA basketball picks for these two great clashes!

Matchup: #16 Alabama State Hornets vs. #16 Texas San Antonio Roadrunners
Date: Wednesday, March 16th, 6:45 ET
Location: East Region, Dayton, OH
NCAA Basketball Odds: Texas San Antonio -4
Over/Under 129

The Roadrunners have to wonder if they really deserved to be here in Dayton, as many in San Antonio probably felt that they should have been in the main field without playing this game. The winners of the Southland Conference are definitely the stronger team in this one, as they certainly came out of a sneakily good league. Jeromie Hill and company are able to score and score with the best and brightest. Here’s the problem: Alabama State is absolutely scorching hot. The Hornets have only lost one game over the course of the last month and a half, and that came against a team that was really just as hot in the Grambling State Tigers. That loss was avenged right at the end of the season in the conference finale, though there was never really a doubt that the winner of the SWAC title was going to end up in the play in game. If the Roadrunners can’t push the tempo of this game, we’re really not so sure that they’re going to survive. If this one stays in the high 50s or low 60s, there could be an upset on the horizon. Free March Madness Picks: Alabama State Hornets +4

Matchup: #11 USC Trojans vs. #11 VCU Rams
Date: Wednesday, March 16th, 9:10 ET
Location: Southwest Region, Dayton, OH
NCAA Basketball Odds: USC -4.5
Over/Under 127

Let the questioning begin… Did either the Trojans or the Rams really deserve to get into the field of 68? We know that the loser of this one will end up getting questioned quite a bit, especially if it is VCU. We’ll give Southern Cal a ton of credit for getting to this point, as the Trojans really played fantastic ball down the stretch of the season and certainly played their way into this position. A great defense and a strong inside game led by Nikola Vucevic are the keys for the Trojans. In certain matchups, there is no doubt that the Men of Troy would be in great shape. However, the inconsistencies of Head Coach Kevin O’Neill and the allure of the CAA really has us questioning whether this will be an upset or not. The Rams probably didn’t have one of the best 37 at large resumes in the nation, but they probably were amongst the best 37 at large teams in the country. Jamie Skeen is going to be able to body with Vucevic, and the rest of this offense is going ot be able to keep up with the Trojans. Sometimes, teams come out of nowhere and end up making great runs, especially out of these smaller conferences, and VCU really could be one of those teams to make some noise. March Madness Free Picks: VCU Rams +4.5

 
March 14th, 2011 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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The NCAA Tournament finally gets underway after days and days of waiting on Tuesday night, and things get started with the First Four. Check out our free March Madness picks for this round of games!

Matchup: #16 UNC Asheville Bulldogs vs. #16 Arkansas Little Rock Trojans
Date: Tuesday, March 15th, 6:45 ET
Location: Southeast Region, Dayton, OH
NCAA Basketball Odds: UNC Asheville -4
Over/Under 129

The winner of this game will take on the Pittsburgh Panthers on Thursday, so in all likelihood, this is only a game for pride and the right to get into the main field, but isn’t really all that important. Still, the Bulldogs really do have the better team in this one, and unlike UALR, they really were expected to be here. Winning the Big South was an accomplishment, and was one that was built on defense for Asheville. Little Rock was a great story, but this was nothing but a team that really caught fire in a bad conference against other teams that were particularly bad. Solomon Bozeman might have been good for 22 points per game in the conference tournament, but this is a significantly different and significantly better team. Free March Madness Picks: UNC Asheville Bulldogs -4

Matchup: #12 UAB Blazers vs. #12 Clemson Tigers
Date: Tuesday, March 15th, 9:10 ET
Location: East Region, Dayton, OH
NCAA Basketball Odds: Clemson -4.5
Over/Under 121.5

This is the first ever play in game to the main field for teams that aren’t vying to just get their butts kicked by No. 1 seeds. Both the Tigers and Blazers really snuck into the field, and both really didn’t have the greatest arguments in the world to be here. However, both think that they can not only get the job done to move on to the main bracket, but to challenge the West Virginia Mountaineers in a few days as well. Clemson was one of the iffy teams in a down ACC this season, but thanks to a tremendous defense and some great play on the inside. Demontez Stitt is a fantastic big man in the blows, while Jerai Grant is often good for a lot of blocks and rebounds. UAB won the Conference USA regular season title this year, but no one really believed that this was going to be a two bid league, especially once the Blazers got bounced from the first round of the C-USA Tourney. Jamarr Sanders, Aaron Johnson, and company might not be the better team, but we tend to believe that it is going to be a heck of a lot harder for the Tigers to prepare for a team like the Blazers than vice versa. The extra time off has really helped this UAB team come together, and it might end with an upset. March Madness Free Picks: UAB Blazers +4.5