NCAAB
3 Picks (9 Units).
12:30PM EST: Cincinnati -5.5 (3 Units).
Too much stock is being put into Cinci's 11-point loss at Oklahoma State to end the regular season. Cinci has struggled on the road this season and that game really didn't mean much. They needed a deep Big 12 tournament run to make the NCAA Tournament regardless of what happened there. On top of it Oklahoma State's putrid offense just shot well on Senior Day and their final home game of the season. The 262nd ranked 3-PT shooting team even went 7/9 from deep. This game isn't at Home for either team and is being played on a neutral court. Oklahoma State has been far worse than Cinci away from Home, going 2-10 on the road this year and 0-10 in conference play. Of their 10 conference road losses only 1 game was decided by less than 9 points. Their only road wins coming over Tulsa (KenPom 269th) and Seton Hall (208th). Cinci is 4-9 on the road but their elite defense has traveled to the toughest road environments. It's what we trust to ultimately make a difference in this game. Both teams likely struggle offensively but Cinci's defense against the Cowboys tempo should lead to easy baskets the other way. Oklahoma State's 149th in offensive rating and 75th in defensive rating. Cinci is 100th and 25th in those same categories.
4:30PM EST: Cal -3.5 (3 Units).
These two met once earlier this year with Virginia Tech winning 71-68. Cal hammered them on the offensive glass and put up 68 shots to Tech's 49. They also had 21 free throw attempts to their 17. They had a bad shooting night and Tech had an above average one. Despite that this was still a one possession game. There's a lot to like about Cal metrics wise. They're 56th in offensive efficiency. They do a good job of getting good shots but they're 308th in eFG%. Those are numbers that don't line up and make much sense. Both teams benefit from the clean slate, but we really like it for Cal. They've played in a ton of competitive games despite their losses and against some very good basketball teams. Clean slate, solid rebounding team, and they're due for some good shooting. Wouldn't be shocked to see Cal make a little run in this ACC Tournament.
9PM EST: Bryant -10.5 (3 Units).
Bryant actually lost at Home to Albany earlier this year. They had won 8 straight going into it and were laying 11 points. Every team has an off-shooting night. Bryant's 7th in Pace and 34th in points per game. They're 178th in offensive rating and 156th in defensive rating. Albany is 240th and 278th in those same categories and right at league average in pace. Albany is 348th in opponent FG % and 175th in opponent Free Throws attempted per game. With it being the Conference Tournament and Bryant having lost to them earlier this year, we really like the Dogs to show out here. Unlike the major Conference Tournaments, this is also a home game for Bryant. They have a strong athletic program and there will be a strong home court advantage because of it.
