March Madness Sweet 16, Day 1: Back to Basics

After a hot start to the tournament, we got a liiiiiitle ahead of our skis over the weekend. Hand up, I was feeling myself and started picking more of what I wanted to happen rather than looking at everything with a clear mind, but still was able to avoid a losing record in round 2. 26-15 in Round 1 and 9-9 in Round 2 brings us to 35-24 in the tournament. But everyone in the Sweet 16 is 2-0 (yea, no shit) and the margins are tighter. We're gonna have to bring our best. Let's get after it.

Clemson (6) vs Arizona (2)

Arizona -7.5 O/U 152.5

Clemson is the biggest surprise so far, but I'd argue that Arizona not s-ing the bed in the first two rounds is equally impressive. I think both teams are due for a stumble and I'd pick against both of them if they weren't facing off against each other. Neither one of Arizona's openers have gone over this number, and Clemson are not known as a high scoring team. Despite losing every under I've picked so far, even a blind squirrel has to find an acorn at some point.

The pick: Under 152.5

San Diego State (5) vs UCONN (1)

UCONN -11.5 O/U 136.5

A rematch of last years Championship game in a tournament that appears to be heading towards the same ending according to many. The closest team SDSU has seen to UCONN this year was Gonzaga in December, which is nowhere near Gonzaga of today and even further away from UCONN today. The Aztecs do play good defense, but I'm not sure it hold up in this one. 11.5 is a huge number but I'm going to swallow it because picking against UCONN and being wrong is just about the dumbest you can look in March. Also the over to cleanse the pallet.

The pick: UCONN -11.5 and Over 136.5

Alabama (4) vs North Carolina (1)

UNC -4.5 O/U 173.5

Alabama holds the title for "Most Entertaining Games" so far this March. The points-fest in round 1 was glorious and the game against Grand Canyon was... something? Bodies flying everywhere, industry-plants of a fanbase going nuts, and nobody wanting to hold onto the ball. I felt like I was watching an interpretive dance of a Waka Flocka concert. On the other hand, UNC has been on a warpath and seemed set for a Final Four run. Alabama is not a team you overlook and I think UNC will have a better game plan than GCU. Which, to be fair, is not saying much. 173.5 is also a ridiculous number, and as much as I love Bama overs, I just can't take it at 173.5.... eh, screw it, it's too fun.

The pick: North Carolina -4.5, Over 173.5

Illinois (3) vs Iowa State (2)

Iowa State -1.5 O/U 146.5

I'm 0-2 on Iowa State games so far and have picked against them both times. It appears the Big12 Championship was not a fluke and they are for real. But you know who else is for real? Terrence Shannon. He has put up 52 points over the Illini's first two games and of all the players on the court in this one, he's who I'd most trust with the ball in his hands late. So with the spread being tight, it seems like there will be a good chance Shannon can make the difference late. (I'm also stubborn and will be picking against Iowa State until I am right).

The pick: Illinois +1.5

Running March Madness Record: 35-24