On Monday, Iona inexplicably dumped manager Tobin Anderson after just two seasons. On Thursday, Fordham tried to top his neighbours and fired third-year coach Keith Urgo despite meaningful nil and facility investments.
Reminder: Now in his seventh NCAA tournament, Kevin Willard went 21-10 in his third season with Iona after going 24-39 in his first two years.
Another reminder: For the past 53 years, no coach Fordham won more games than the 25 of the 2022-23 Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year in his first season in a single season.
All odds are provided by BetMgm Sportsbook.
New Mexico (+4.5) Beyond Marquette
Rick Pitino's influence may be seen beyond St. John's. When Brackett was released, the Red Storm coach who went 3-0 with Marquette this season quickly texted a scout report to his son Richard, who led New Mexico to the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row. You may not even need help.
Lobos (26-7) is 7-2 this season against tournament teams (UCLA, VCU, Utah, Colorado and San Diego). In the past two tournaments, the Golden Eagles were the second seed. Previously, Shakasmart lost six consecutive first-round games, including 14, 12, 11 and 10 seed confusion.
UConn on Oklahoma (+5.5)
The Husky may move forward, but they are consecutive champions by name only. Without the four starters last season, UConn's defense has earned a more efficient rating than all the power conference teams in the tournament, the top 10 units of the last two seasons. Dun Harley can do that much, as demonstrated in one consecutive appearance before the championship runs.
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The Sooners, 12-6 as a loser under manager Porter Moser, leader of Loyola Chicago's 2018 Final Four and 2021 Sweet 16 runs, faced tougher challenges this season, beating Arizona and Michigan State, winning three wins to the tournament team in the past two weeks.
St. Mary's Over Vanderbilt (-4.5)
Commodore's up-tempo offense lost in double-digit numbers against Drake early in the season, losing to the slowest paced team in the nation. St. Mary's pace also ranks in the bottom six, but with a much stronger defense (8th in efficiency), he averaged 61 points in Gonzaga's top 10 offenses in three meetings. As mistakes pile up, the Gales clean them up against the Vanderbilt frontcourt, where domestic tops at rebound rates – are becoming smaller.
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Freedom over Oregon (+6.5)
He has made 18 years and eight tournament appearances since Dana Altman lost in rounds 64. An Oregon coach may come. The flames have a Cinderella composition, ranking fifth in the nation with 3-point shooting (39.5%) and second in effective percentage of field goals, and owning a top 20 rating in defensive efficiency. Ultra-patient attacks are primarily resistant to cold spells that average six players at least 8.8 points and 39% or more shots.
This season: 14-14
Records 2011-24: 378-340-12
