By Chris Marler and Jacob Hester
We are dangerously close to doing one of two things at this point: fading all of my picks or never researching anything before making picks ever again.
The answer is probably just doing both. Yesterday was about as dreadful of a start as I could’ve imagined for the tournament. I picked six games. I lost three of the first four, the fifth was slated for a totally different day, and the one game we got right took a 19 point comeback in the final 8 minutes of the game.
All I can say is thank God for Jacob Hester. Hester went 3-1 in his picks, so word to the wise, maybe follow him today.
Marler’s Picks
- Purdue -24.5
- Kentucky ML
- Clemson +2
- Miami ML
- Hofstra +11.5
- St. John’s -9.5
- Amari Allen Over 10.5 points
- Aiden Sherrell Over .5 3 pointers
Marler’s Takes
Yesterday I picked Texas A&M to go over 71.5 points in their opening round game against St. Mary’s. I laid out all the reasons why that should definitely happen. They were ranked fourth nationally in scoring offense at 87.7 ppg and third nationally in second half points per game at 46. They scored 37 in the first half and a season low 26 in the second half. They ended the game with 63 total.
So, no. I’m not even going to attempt to justify my picks because it hasn’t done me any good so far this postseason.
Ok fine, I’ll give you two. Clemson is 16-1 when holding their opponents under 65 points this season. Hofstra is also 24-10 with all ten of their losses coming by single digits and eight of the ten coming by five points or less. Alabama may struggle with their slow paced offense and force shots, which will be tough with Aden Holloway out.
Jake’s Picks
- Kentucky -3.5
- Akron +7.5
- Utah State -1.5
- Clemson ML +110
Jake’s Takes
Let’s start with Kentucky and Santa Clara. The talent gap shows up here. Kentucky’s athleticism and shot making is too much over 40 minutes, and I think the Wildcats pull away late. I also like Akron as an underdog against Texas Tech. They’re a 29-5 team that plays with pace and confidence. Akron can score and won’t be intimidated, and Texas Tech can struggle offensively in stretches. Next, I like Utah State beating blue blood Villanova.
The Wildcats tend to go on scoring droughts, and Utah State has been way more consistent this year. They play cleaner and execute late, which I expect them to do by pulling away at the end of this one. Lastly, Clemson will upset Iowa. Clemson’s physical defense can bother Iowa’s offensive rhythm, and half court defense travels, especially in the tournament. A slower game favors Clemson who is 16-1 when holding opponents under 65 points.
More SEC News
