By Chris Marler and Jacob Hester
It was a phenomenal bounce back day for our picks. Not only did the SEC continue to dominate the first round of the tournament, finishing 9-2 overall and 8-3 against the spread, but all 16 favorites won yesterday.
It’s just the seventh time in the last 41 years this has happened, and the second straight year it’s occurred. Only four double-digit seeds advanced to the second round.
That didn’t matter to the Bracket Boyz, a name I gave Jacob Hester and myself, against his will. Our picks went 8-4 yesterday, including 6-2 from me, the biggest liability of the team. We will try to keep that train rolling today.
Here are our best bets for Saturday’s games where eight squads will try to advance to the Sweet 16.
Jake’s Picks
- Arkansas -11.5
- Texas A&M +10.5
- Gonzaga -6.5
- Michigan State -4.5
Jake’s Takes
Let’s start with Arkansas vs. High Point and the athleticism gap that exists between these two teams. The Razorbacks speed and length will overwhelm High Point, and the Hogs will run away late winning by double digits.
I also like Gonzaga because they have a decided offensive efficiency edge. They score too easily, and their shot making is too good for Texas to keep up with for 40 minutes.
Texas A&M and Houston will be a rock fight that favors the underdog. The Aggies rebound and defend at a high level.
Lastly, nothing says March like Tom Izzo. The Spartans are a 4.5 point favorite and are more physical and consistent. Their defense will travel in March too.
Marler’s Picks
- Duke -11.5
- Vanderbilt ML -120
- DJ Wagner Over 6.5 points
- High Point Under 79.5 Points
- Arkansas -6 1st Half
Marler’s Takes
Yesterday I jokingly said I wasn’t going to offer an explanation for any of my picks because they were so bad on Thursday they didn’t deserve any. Then I half heartedly gave out explanations for two of the eight picks I put out. To the surprise of no one, those were the only two games I missed.
There will be zero explanations today, strictly for luck’s sake.
More SEC News
