Picking Friday’s Tournament Games Against the Spread

We are 10-8 against the spread after the first day of the first round of the NCAA Tournament. But I went 15-of-16 in predictions yesterday (Vanderbilt betrayed the people).

We continue to bet nothing. Here are the picks of a man that orders an extra Cane’s sauce.

Michigan (-1) v. Oklahoma State- Michigan has looked good lately. The Cowboys had a nice run as well. This is a game I would be especially reluctant to bet. I think Michigan covers.

Baylor (-12.5) v. New Mexico State- Sic ‘Em!

Arkansas (-1) v. Seton Hall- I believe in Mike Anderson. The Razorbacks are pretty solid. I think they win a close one.

Oregon (-15) v. Iona- The Ducks are a popular Final Four pick. But I think Iona keeps this closer than people expect.

Louisville (-22) v. Jacksonville State- The Cardinals are my pick to win the Midwest Regional. Their offense makes me doubt they’ll win a game in March by 22.

SMU (-6.5) v. USC- The Ponies have won 20 in a row. They are going to win this game, but the Trojans will keep it close. They did beat SMU in November.

North Carolina (-25) v. Texas Southern- Mike Davis is a good coach. His players are much worse than North Carolina’s. The Tar Heels cover, and may just win it all.

Creighton (-3) v. Rhode Island- Creighton hasn’t been quite the same since Mo Watson tore his A.C.L. I’ll take Rhode Island and the points.

Kansas (-22.5) v. UC Davis- UC Davis is a great school, and I met a guy that looked a lot like Paul Ryan who went to school there. That is as much as I can tell you about UC Davis. Take the Jayhawks.

Wichita State (-6.5) v. Dayton- The most egregious seeding mistake in the history of the tournament. Dayton is good. Wichita State is a top 10 team. This game should not be happening. But believe in the Shockers.

Duke (-19.5) v. Troy- Duke is back. But we need another story about adversity for a team that should be much better than they were this season. This team is a monster waiting to happen. And we’re all still unsure if they’ve happened yet.

Cincinnati (-3) v. Kansas State- The Wildcats have put together a nice run and have a good foundation. I think their run ends tomorrow.

Miami (-1.5) v. Michigan State- The Spartans should not be in the field. Miami is inconsistent. I’ll take that to beat the Spartans.

Kentucky (-19) v. Northern Kentucky- Kentucky may have hit another level as De’Aaron Fox is making shots. They’ll beat a directional school in Kentucky.

South Carolina (-2.5) v. Marquette- South Carolina’s offense is awful. Frank Martin has built a winner and phenomenal defense. But the offense is too bad to win this game.

UCLA (-17) v. Kent State- I don’t bet, but if I did, I wouldn’t bet against Lonzo Ball.