Betting on Round 1 – Night Time Addition

The day games are either going on or winding down, thus it is time to focus on the eight contests that will make up the balance of day one. For those that didn’t get to see much of the other games, this catch-up time, to see the highlights and be able to pick and choose what teams look best for Saturday’s slate. Take a gander at what lies ahead. Line courtesy of Bookmaker.com.

Texas vs Minnesota 7:10E Line –Texas -4, 127

The Texas Longhorns came nowhere close to meeting expectations this season, with not enough outside shooting and poor point guard play. Conner Atchley did not have big senior year and A.J. Abrams found fewer open shots and suffered because of it. Dogus Balbay did emerge as point guard, however has no shooting ability beyond layups. Texas arrives in Philadelphia 4-12 ATS after failing to cover two of their last three against the spread this season. Minnesota’s best days are ahead of them, nonetheless could pull surprise if they can create up-tempo pace. Because they don’t have exceptional shooters, they need transition points and guard Lawrence Westbrook has to score. Though improving, the Golden Gophers are 8-18 ATS as an underdog.

Clemson vs. Michigan 7:10E Line – Clemson -5, 137.5

The Clemson Tigers finished 1-4 SU and ATS and you have to wonder if this team is physically wore out, not having the same depth. Too often their pressing defense looked like the scout team, as the Tigers were easily beaten and opponents made it look like a layup drill. The energy needs to return pronto or quick exit for Clemson, who is 10-26 ATS in road games after allowing 80 points or more. It’s hard to fathom Michigan is making first tourney appearance in 11 years; however coach John Beilein’s style has proven to be success, as shown in last two years at West Virginia. The Wolverines are 2-7 ATS as neutral site dogs. If you like comparisons in common opponents, Clemson was 4-0, outscoring teams by 22.5 PPG and Michigan was 3-4, being outscoring by 3.6 PPG.

Villanova vs American 7:20E Line – Villanova -16.5, 129

American makes consecutive appearance at the Big Dance, having to play what amounts to a road game against Villanova in there backyard. The Eagles start five seniors and have a special backcourt in Garrison Carr and Derrick Mercer. Both are under 6’0, otherwise would be at big time programs based an ability. This ends up being a bad matchup for American as Villanova has three outstanding guards, led by Scottie Reynolds, and terrific frontcourt with Dante Cunningham, who turned into a star in senior season. This is a deep and talented club that is 10-4 ATS against teams with winning record. It should be brought up the Wildcats are 1-5 ATS as NCAA faves.

Gonzaga vs Akron 7:25E Line – Gonzaga -12.5, 132

Gonzaga made a subtle change on offense and it placed them on the right path. Point guard Jeremy Pargo was not having the kind of senior season as presumed and coach Mark Few made the determination the offensive flow was better when Matt Bouldin became the primary ball handler. The Zags raced to 18-1 (10-8 ATS) close, with only loss to No.2 seed Memphis. In the past, the Bulldogs defense came under scrutiny, not now; ranked second is field goal percentage defense at 36.8 percent. Gonzaga is 5-1 ATS recently as chalk. Give Akron credit for trying, they were on game away from NCAA’s the last two seasons, losing in MAC title game with better teams. This time they get it right, with tough as nails defense (59.8 PPG allowed) and they are 7-3 ATS off a cover. Because the Zips can defend, they have a shot; unfortunately, shooting less than 42 percent on the year could cost them.

Duke vs Binghamton 9:40E Line – Duke -22, 137

Duke barely escaped Belmont last year in 71-70 win, but have a much different feel about them in 2009. Jon Scheyer would have been about the last choice for point guard, yet he seldom makes mistakes and has shined. Kyle Singler does a lot of everything for the Blue Devils and Gerald Henderson’s game has gone to the next level. The Dukies for years were superb tournament pick, but have hit the skids with 1-6 ATS record when favored by more than 13 points. That could change with Elliot Williams adding zing to Duke’s on-court presence. Binghamton has a few talented players like D.J. Rivera, who’s a scorer, not a shooter and Tiki Mayben. The tallest starter for the Bearcats is 6’6 which plays right into the hands of Duke.

Oklahoma vs Morgan State 9:40E Line – Oklahoma -16.5, 135.5

Oklahoma finished the year 2-4 and 1-5 ATS, making them among the biggest question marks of the higher seeds. Not having Blake Griffin cost them two losses, but not the defeats to Missouri and Oklahoma State. Inconsistent guard play more than anything has undermined the Sooners who are 5-13 ATS as neutral site favorites. Two big stories for Morgan State, this is their first ever tournament appearance and coach Todd Bozeman is back after paying the price for past misdeeds. Players to watch for the Bears are guard Reggie Holmes and forward Marquise Kately, who engineered upset of Maryland in early January.

UCLA vs VCU 9:50E Line –UCLA -8, 136

The most compelling game of the night session is this encounter. No team has more experience than UCLA, with three starters who have been to three Final Four’s. The Bruins had won five in a row before falling to USC and suddenly they are believed to be vulnerable. Some say the trip East is bad the UCLA, however there body clocks have a fairly normal 7:00 start Pacific Time. The Bruins are 16-6 ATS having won three of their last four games since last season. VCU shocked Duke two years ago with a young point guard named Eric Maynor. He is now a senior and one of the best point guards in the land, with ability to drill a shot or find the open man. The Rams are 16-6 ATS away from home after three or more consecutive wins and are motoring on 5-1 SU and ATS finish. Though he’s still a bit raw, Larry Sanders (Hey Now) could be the deciding factor in VCU’s ability to pull the upset. The 6’10 sophomore learned to play with Maynor and has benefited extensively. The Rams are 6-2 ATS as an underdog in 7.0-12.5 range.

Illinois vs Western Kentucky 9:50E Line – Illinois -4.5, 126

Illinois is on everyone’s watch list for upsets, with incredible ability to not make a basket for extended periods of time. For the Fighting Illini to not be bitten by the upset bug, they must work inside out. Mike Davis and Mike Tisdale must present themselves as scorers and Demetri McCamey and Trent Meachem must drain a reasonable amount of three’s, otherwise Illinois falls in the “I told you so” five seed syndrome. Western Kentucky returns to tourney with nice backcourt tandem of A.J. Slaughter and Orlando Mendez-Valdez. The Hilltoppers are not as talented as last year’s Sweet 16 bunch, however if guards are hot, they’ll be a handful, with 14-5 ATS record when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60 to 80 percent). The Illini are much bigger up front and have to take advantage of this edge and are 7-2 ATS off a loss. If they don’t, Illinois will fall prey to Western Kentucky’s 12-1 ATS record in all tournament games the couple of years.