The possibilities are endless as we get set for the first round of the men’s NCAA tournament, but which games should you bet on? And which should you avoid?
Here are our men’s college basketball experts Dalen Cuff, Jeff Borzello, Tyler Fulghum, Anita Marks and Mackenzie Kraemer to explain which games they are keying in on for Thursday and Friday.
What’s your favorite pick against the spread?
San Diego State (-6.5) vs. UAB. UAB’s offense carried it down the stretch of the season, but it hasn’t faced a defense like San Diego State, which ranks in the top 10 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. And the Blazers’ defense doesn’t force turnovers, meaning it will likely have to play against a settled Aztecs defense most of the game. — Borzello
Kentucky (-13.5) vs. Oakland. The Grizzlies don’t have the firepower to hang with the Wildcats, who have five players who average double digits. Kentucky has size, coaching experience and a top-five offense per KenPom, averaging almost 90 PPG. — Marks
Alabama (-10.5) vs. Charleston. The Cougars play a similar style as the Tide that is pace, space and 3s. The Tide just do it much better and more efficiently than Charleston. Roll Tide. — Cuff
Auburn (-12.5) vs. Yale. Yale is a great story with its buzzer-beater to win the Ivy League, but Auburn is no Brown. The Tigers have shorter odds than every 2-seed but Arizona to win it all. — Fulghum
Baylor (-13.5) vs. Colgate. Colgate lacks the offensive firepower that previous tournament teams had. Baylor should overwhelm Colgate offensively, and Colgate won’t keep up. — Kraemer
What’s your ‘favorite favorite’ that’s under -200 moneyline?
Florida Atlantic (-145) vs. Northwestern. If Matthew Nicholson doesn’t play for Northwestern, I don’t think they have a prayer of defending Vlad Goldin on the interior. And if he does suit up, I still think FAU has too much firepower. Boo Buie can only do so much. — Borzello
South Carolina (-120) vs. Oregon. The Ducks are the trendy pick, which is par for the course all year for South Carolina. Lamont Paris will use all the Oregon hype like he did their preseason media poll selection of 14th in SEC. He’s now Coach of the Year in that league and the Gamecocks are 22-9 ATS. — Cuff
New Mexico (-140) vs. Clemson. New Mexico opened as a 1.5-point favorite and are now up a…
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