Elite 8 picks
Posted in NCAA Basketball on March 27th, 2010The sweet 16 was very sweet as we went 5-1. Let’s turn these winnings into a big stack with our pick of the tournament.
Kentucky -4 vs West Virginia Loss
Kentucky has arguably played the toughest defense in the tournament so far along with Duke. This will be their first game against a team that can match their size and strength inside. However, West Virginia’s guards cannot keep up with the quickness of Wall and Bledsoe. Not many can, but West Virginia is definitely slow of foot at the guard without Truck Bryant. The way to beat Kentucky is to make them shoot perimeter shots, but I see this game being full of West Virginia turnovers leading the Wildcat dunks. Bet the farm on this one! Hopefully you can lock it in at 4 like I did as I expect this line to go to 6 or 7 by tip off.
Tennessee -2 vs Michigan St Loss
No Tennessee team has made it this far, but this unit is playing well together. They’ve beaten the best teams in the country this year so they fear nobody. This is where missing Kalin Lucas will hurt the Spartans. I don’t think this game will be close. Ohio St is a much better team than Michigan St and Tennessee knocked them off. Vols win by 8.
Baylor +4.5 vs Duke Loss
Duke hasn’t been to a final 4 in a few decades and there’s a reason. They’re soft. They were my lock on Friday, but you can’t have loyalties if you want to win. As good as Duke’s guards are, Baylor still has the second best back court left in the tournament (K St is number 1). Dunn and Carter are too quick for Scheyer and Smith. Baylor also has a much better front court with Udoh and Acey. Duke doesn’t get enough inside scoring. If Duke wins, it will be a last possession game. They struggled against an undermanned Purdue team. Baylor is hot and has the semi-home court advantage. Ride the Bears to another win against your man!
The one game I’m not picking is Kansas St vs Butler. Kansas St is definitely a final 4 caliber team, but Butler is the hot team. This game is too close to call for me so I’m just going to sit back and enjoy the show. If I had to pick someone, I’d take Kansas St, but I’m staying away from this.
Record: 0-3
Tournament record: 11-8-1 (57.8%)









