The Griff Report - NCAA Round of 32 Saturday

Arkansas vs St. John’s – Calipari vs. Pitino, but this one seems like a game where Pitino would be in the white suit with red handkerchief and change it at halftime. Arkansas was a team with little concern for early season loses as the unity and cohesiveness built as the year went on. They have the size to match up with anyone, and while I did initially pick St. Johns for the Final Four, I see this game as even match weighted to the Hogs for Davis and the importance of having the best point guard on the floor. I’ll take the points and enjoy a good game, no I wouldn’t be surprised to see St. Johns cover on free throws but I’m taking the points knowing this is a heavyweight battle.

The only concern for Auburn tonight in Lexington is they only one twice this year at Rupp before that they hadn’t since 1980’s, but they have the 3 point defense. In fact the Blue Jays have Big East Defensive POY 4 years in row. With the big spread here I look at the UNDER but see the bookmaker already weighted it slightly down at 149.5. I haven’t done well this year on the opening round but there have been many distractions so don’t worry about those first days. I would expect get a better number live bet if you want Auburn or take the points if you like Creighton but I think this Auburn team finds a way to win against a dangerous team. My pick here is the UNDER and we will see the rest.

UCLA vs. Tennessee I see the total here is set for a Rick Barnes defensive classic. Couple that with Zeigler being now spent most of his life in Knoxville as the millionth year point guard. Couple that with the way the Vols play at Rupp Arena and I’ll try to get the live bet for my side play, but I think they win and cover tonight. Tennessee -5 or -220 money line and even though that could get over I like UNDER 131 as well as the SEC stamps two sweet sixteen slots tonight in Lexington.

Gonzaga v Houston – This is contrasting styles as Houston likes the defensive game but the Zags are rolling up and down the floor 2nd in points scored. Its going to be Houston not letting them get clean shots and just setting defensive position where it affects shots, I may have been the goofiest 6 ft 2 center in rec specs they ever saw in youth basketball but they still nightmares of their shots blocked into the stands and once that mentality gets in the its in their mind and they will adjust for that bringing the shooter off where is squared with his eyes on the prize. If they get the defense locked in they will win. Looking at the number they expect this to be a close game for what some consider the favorite in Houston, and I’m gonna say try to get Houston even money on live bet because the Zags are likely to be in this one. Even the outright upset has to be weighed into account because the Zags are a perineal sweet 16 team. These are both great teams from bad leagues so it’s hard to figure how they will go. I picked Houston to make it through but I’ll put Gonzaga +5 and UNDER 140.5 as my picks and its the tournament don’t be surprised if Gonzaga steals the stage as they have done year after year in Few’s tenure, both coaches over 700 wins here, I just have to take into account the Bulldogs NCAA record into factor and think they have a good shot to cover even if they lose with Houston wanting the defensive game.

BYU – Wisconsin Watched the Badgers more this year than the Cougars, but this might be a high scoring game, an alarming 90% on the over at 155.5 remember the bookie usually only gives free lunch Monday and Thursday during NFL season. A 1 point spread, pick a side if you want because I’ll leave that alone with the over as the only place I’ll look at.

Texas A&M vs. Michigan – While the “OTHER BIG BLUE” did look impressive round 1 look at those Aggie seniors and they have been through a tough SEC so they should be able to not be out “Big Schooled” by the Wolverines. I’ll take A&M -3, or money line.

Last one Drake +7.5, I have no idea really here so I just took the underdog. These aren’t teams I get my eyes on much.

As always Best of Luck