Day 1 was full of upsets, and while it happens every year, we are still shocked to see some of the top dawgs lose on the first day. Day 1 was wild, but day 2 should bring even more madness.
Small Dog (1-1)
USC (+110)
USC facing Michigan State offers one of the most intriguing matchups on the slate. There are far fewer games project to be close in day 2, but this one of them.
The Spartans are a blue blood of the 21st century, and no matter how they make their way into a tournament, they are always liable to cause some drama. However, they received a poor draw facing the Trojans in the first round.
USC is a strong team, and they didn’t have the schedule necessary to prove it. Everyone will be betting on Michigan State tomorrow, but don’t be surprised when USC is dancing with Marquette.
Big Dog
NC State (+185)
NC State is the red-headed stepchild of North Carolina. With Duke and UNC within spitting distance of the college, they are often lost in the shuffle and cannot always compete in the ACC. However, they had a strong showing this year and given the competition they have faced, the Wolfpack should make light work of Creighton.
NC State finished conference play 12-8, with marquee wins over Duke, Miami, and UNC. It’s also worth noting that they slaughtered Furman 92-73 and kept things close in their loss to Kansas 74-80.
Creighton was solid this year, and the Big East was even more competitive than it has been in recent memory, but he Bluejays will be no match for the Wolfpack.
Wild Dog
UC Santa Barbara (+425)
This pick has more to do with Baylor than it has to do with Santa Barbara. The Bears are total frauds, and there is no way they make it to the Sweet 16; even if they make it past the first round, they will be done in by NC State.
Baylor has an incredible offense, which has carried them to this point in the season. However, their defense is one of the worst in the country, and they are going up against one of the best.
Santa Barbara rolled over the Big West this year, and while they faced little competition, they are hot coming into this one, having won seven consecutive games. Giving the Gauchos ten and a half points is a wild move, and while that’s a lock, the moneyline is a solid look.
