Another 2-1 night. Brings us to 4-2 in the column. Maybe my "leans" should become "loves"
LOVE: 1-1
LIKE: 1-1
LEAN: 2-0
LOVE:
Villanova vs. Georgetown 5:30 p.m. CT Fox Sports 1
Nova has the 11th ranked offense on Kenpom with the 343 ranked pace. I kind of look at that as a wash. When on, Nova is one of the most deadly teams around from deep. They are like the college basketball Warriors in the sense that shooting is so contagious for them, once they get going there is just nothing you can do to stop them.
Georgetown likes to get out and run and that may be their only chance tonight. They can't try and be slow and methodical because they won't be able to beat Nova at their own game. Georgetown has to get out and run and make this game a track meet. Georgetown is 10-4 on overs at home this year. Don't second guess it.
PICK: Over 148
LIKE:
Nevada vs. San Diego State 10 p.m. CT CBS Sports Network
We have pretty conflicting styles in this one. On one hand, Nevada wants to get out and score on you as much as they can. The Wolfpack haven't scored less than 82 in their last 6 matchups. They feature a versatile lineup that has pieces that can do it all. They beat you with their veteran savvy and breaking your defense will to stop them.
Then we have the Aztecs of San Diego St. SDSU has topped 70 points just once in their last 7 contests. They want to slow you down and force the game into a slower pace, and muck the game up as much as possible where they are comfortable. Jalen McDaniels can be as good as anyone on the court tonight. The Aztecs have also won the last four matchups between these two at home. Expect the home team to control the tempo and do enough to keep this one close.
PICK: SDSU +8
LEAN:
North Carolina vs. Duke 8 p.m. CT ESPN
Dom wrote a great preview on this game, check it out here: https://www.thepressboxblog.com/blog/game-of-the-night-north-carolina-vs-duke.
Whenever these two play, the games always seem to come down to the wire. I have been very much on North Carolina all year. I think they have as much talent as anyone in the country and they have the coach to get the job done come April. But tonight they face a real tough task. Going up against Duke in Cameron Indoor is just a different animal. Throw in the hype around Duke this year with the freshman class they have and this game is in a whole other stratosphere. If there is any part of the game Duke is lacking, it is shooting from the free throw line and from three. Duke ranks 261st in free throw percentage, and 305th in three point percentage. That could be crucial tonight.
North Carolina is a confusing team to figure out. They will have stretches, like beating Gonzaga, where they look as good as anyone. And then they will have games like losing to Louisville, Michigan, and Kentucky where they don't look like they belong in the top 25. But tonight I think it's fair to expect the best version of the Heels. The Heels will have no problem getting out and running with this Duke team. This game will come down to the matchup of freshman Guards Coby White (UNC) vs. Tre Jones (Duke). Can Jones get enough pressure on White to force some turnovers? Can White create his own shot and create shots for others while being hounded by Jones for 40 minutes? Also, UNC loves playing on the road. Covering the number in 8/9 contests on the road this year.
In the end, I think UNC has enough talent and makes enough shots to hang with the Blue Devils. We also have an opportunity of a back door at the end of the game with Duke's poor free throw shooting.
PICK: UNC +8.5
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