Thursday's Sweet Sixteen Picks

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Written by RJ | 25 March 2009


DukeDuke -2-1/2 vs. Villanova:

Tough pick here really. Everyone seems to be jumping on the Villanova bandwagon with their two impressive victories and Duke's unimpressive wins leading up to the sweet sixteen. The common pick seems to be Villanova, (and my pick until today), but their is something fishy with this game. Everybody I listened to today seems to think Villanova is going to win this game outright. When I hear all of that, I bet the other way. I think Coach K makes the necessary adjustments to adjust to Villanova's defense and overcome the Wildcat's experience. Take Duke and give the 2-1/2.

UConnConnecticut -6-1/2 vs. Purdue:

  Being a self-professed Big Ten wonk, it's always tough to bet against a Big Ten team, but I'll make an exception with Purdue. Seriously, what kind of school has a smokestack in the middle of it's campus? A dumb one, that's who. The Boilers have impressed me with their grit, but UConn is in a different catergory. These guys are playing their fool heads off. Purdue may try to drag them down to their level of play, but AJ Price, Jeff Adrien, and Coach Calhoun won't let that happen. This spread should be 10-12 point, but give the 6-1/2, and take it to the bank.

MemphisMemphis -4-1/2 vs. Missouri:

I picked Memphis to go to the championship game, so I owe them this one. Missouri hasn't impressed me at al this tournament, and I think they're lucky to be here. Memphis has weapons, with Taggart and Dozier up front and that Tyreke Evans kid is the real deal. If they can shut down Missouri's forwards this game will be a blowout. Give the 4-1/2 and enjoy the Tyreke show.

Pittsburgh -7-1/2 vs. Xavier:

XavierI have really liked Xavier so far. I've been picking them and they're 2-0 so far. Seven points is a healthy number, but Pittburgh has 4 seniors with big minutes, and hasn't played to their potential yet. Pitt is 0-1-1 ATS in the tournament so far. Why isn't Pitt playing better? Shouldn't they have won big in both games? These are big questions, and may cost them in this game or the next. If Pitt shows up and plays big, they'll crush Xavier. If not, they'll lose or just squeak by. I'll take the latter showing up. Take Xavier and the 7-1/2 points.

RJ OUT


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Comments (10)

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0
Who is this guy? Did he go to Indiana for his basketball knowledge?

Take Pittsburgh and give the points

Take Villanova outright

Take Purdue and the points

memphis is a lock
Johnny B , March 25, 2009
Villanova / Duke
THRILLHO
I think the Villanova / Duke game could be a fantastic game. Villanova has the potential to be a great team, and Duke has been consistently good. I think a more disciplined Duke team wins tonight, but I hope (and would not be surprised if) Villanova wins. I actually have Nova in my brackets, so I will certainly be pulling for them.

Pitt, Memphis, and UConn should each be able to handle their teams tonight. I don't think any of this UConn violation shit will affect the team tonight.
THRILLHO , March 26, 2009
Another Hoosier
RepoMan
Uncle John in the hizzie!!!
RepoMan , March 26, 2009
Go Purdue!
KAPLAN572
i'm not sure what i was thinking when i picked them in the final 4! i also have syracuse in the final 4. certainly risky but if i get them both it's sure victory for my bracket. i must have been wasted when i made my picks... but at least they're both still alive!!!
KAPLAN572 , March 26, 2009
Syracuse
THRILLHO
Kaplan, i have new respect for you for picking Cuse in the Final Four. I didnt have the guts to put them in there, but i sure hope they do.

Cuse will beat OK, then UNC, then PITT, then UCONN in an epic 7 OT finals.
THRILLHO , March 26, 2009
early game results
RepoMan
I'm 2-0 so far, (I hope I don't jinx myself). Xavier should have won that game against Pitt. That goon, Blair must have committed a dozen fouls in the second half under the basket getting rebounds. He had his forearm in the back of every Xavier player under the basket. It was shameful how badly the refs called that game. Just awful Pitt got away with murder. Once they face a team with a bigger name, (hello, Duke), I think the refs will pay more attention. Pitt gets no further. Mark my words.
RepoMan , March 26, 2009
JINX
RepoMan
Well, I obviously jinxed myself. The hubbub about Villanova is real. I was on that bandwagon, (and still am), but I got leery by the overwhelming clamor over the Wildcats and I switched my pick. Never do that! I originally liked 'Nova, and then backed away. If it makes any difference, I did not bet this game with my bookie. I just went UConn, Xavier and Memphis, so my money went 2-1. Speaking of Memphis, holy crap, make a foul shot dummy! As a team they barely shot over 50% from the line. As a matter of fact, Tyreke Evans went 9 for 9, the rest of the team went 9 for 24. Yeah, about 35%. The difference in the game tonight folks.
RepoMan , March 26, 2009
Big East
THRILLHO
The Big East teams are looking solid so far.
THRILLHO , March 27, 2009
RJ
THRILLHO
your picks are contradicting your brackets with Xavier and Lousiville (I know you are betting with the spreads, but still)..

also I should gloat while i can... I am 4 for 4 on my elite 8 right now.
THRILLHO , March 27, 2009
Picks
0
Yeah, I am taking points though. I still think Louisville will win, but the points are too much. Arizona may surprise you. Nice going on the 4 for 4. If I didn't hate the Big East and Radar so much I would've picked them more often too. Also, I really didn't start analyzing the field until I started putting money on the games AND writing for this fine website. My reputation is on the line now!
Repo , March 27, 2009

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