Steve Serby likes these picks, too. In order that in all probability tells you what it’s best to do.
Tennessee (+3.5) over Purdue
Take the factors in a coin-flip recreation.
Certain, the Boilermakers have the very best participant within the nation and the nation’s finest 3-point shooters and a top-five all-around offense, however Tennessee’s relentless protection is constructed to disrupt rhythm.
The Vols already personal wins over the two-highest scoring offenses within the nation (Alabama, Kentucky), the second-most environment friendly offense (Illinois) and a high 10 unit within the Candy 16 (Creighton).
In November, Tennessee held Purdue 12 factors beneath its season-average in a four-point loss, when the Vols’ second-leading scorer, Zakai Zeigler, shot 2-for-11 from the sphere.
Zach Edey could go off, however he’ll discover it harder than normal in opposition to Tennessee’s bodily frontline.
The 7-foot-4 heart may additionally discover it more durable to remain on the ground, having picked up 4 fouls in opposition to Tennessee — one among solely 4 instances this season — within the early-season assembly.
N.C. State (+7.5) over Duke
It’s unimaginable to do not forget that if Virginia’s Isaac McKneely — an 87 % free-throw shooter — hits one from the stripe or if Michael O’Connell’s ensuing desperation, buzzer-beating 3-pointer off glass doesn’t fall, then the Wolfpack’s season would have ended greater than two weeks in the past.
As a substitute, the 10-seed within the ACC Match an 11-seed within the NCAA Match is one win from the Ultimate 4, using one of the crucial unbelievable eight-game win streaks within the historical past of the game.
On paper, N.C. State is overmatched once more. Similar to when it beat Marquette and North Carolina and (checks notes) Duke.
Whereas it’s too early to invoke Jim Valvano’s run in 1983, it’s a good time to recollect their Elite Eight matchup in opposition to No. 1 Virginia and Ralph Sampson.
Betting on Faculty Basketball?
It was the very best mismatch doable, dealing with a well-known convention foe that impressed no awe or intimidation.
N.C. State could not be capable of take down Duke twice in lower than three weeks, however the Wolfpack consider they will. Who’s to doubt them now?
This season: 27-29
2011-23 document: 349-308-12
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