Steve Serby also likes these picks. So you probably know what you should do.
Tennessee (+3.5) vs. Purdue
Earn points with the coin toss game.
Sure, the Boilermakers have the best player in the nation, the best 3-point shooter in the country and a top-five all-around offense, but Tennessee’s relentless defense is built to disrupt rhythm.
The Vols already have wins against the nation’s two highest scoring offenses (Alabama, Kentucky), the second most efficient offense (Illinois) and a top-10 unit in the Sweet 16 (Creighton).
In November, Tennessee lost to Purdue by four points, 12 points below his season average, as the Vols’ second-leading scorer, Zakai Zeigler, hit 2-of-11 from the field.
Zach Eady may be out, but Tennessee’s physical front line will be harder to match than usual.
The 7-foot-4 center had four fouls against Tennessee in an early season meeting, one of just four this season, and may have trouble staying on the floor.
North Carolina State University (+7.5) vs. Duke University
Unless Virginia’s Isaac McNeely (87 percent free throw percentage) makes one from the stripe or Michael O’Connell hits a desperate buzzer-beating 3-pointer on the glass, the Wolfpack will It’s incredible to remember that the season is over. It may have ended over two weeks ago.
Instead, the No. 10 seed in the ACC Tournament and No. 11 seed in the NCAA Tournament are one win away from the Final Four and riding one of the most improbable eight-game winning streaks in sports history.
On paper, NC State is winning again. Like when they beat Marquette, North Carolina, and (checks notes) Duke.
While it’s too early to cite Jim Valvano’s performance in 1983, it’s a good time to remember No. 1 Virginia’s Elite Eight matchup with Ralph Sampson.
Do you want to bet on college basketball?
It was the best mismatch possible, facing a familiar conference foe that wasn’t intimidating or intimidating.
NC State may not be able to beat Duke twice in three weeks, but the Wolfpack believes it can do it. Who would doubt them now?
This season: 27-29
Records from 2011-23: 349-308-12
