Big East Tournament -Second Round

It won’t go down as a historic Big East Tournament game, however it was memorable that DePaul ended 18-game losing streak and came from behind to upset Cincinnati. The Blue Demons played like they cared for the first time in a long time, shooting 49.1 percent and got the 800-pound gorilla off their back.
Providence will be up next for DePaul and the Friars can play at fast pace averaging 79.1 points per game. It should be noted Providence scoring average drops to 73.8 PPG on the road and they come in on 3-7 ATS run. DePaul has renewed energy and suddenly with nobody paying attention, has covered five of six. Bokmaker.com the Friars as 8.5-point favorites with total of 144 and they are 4-11 ATS in neutral sites. Providence won the earlier matchup, however the Blue Demons are 5-0 ATS as underdogs of late.

Saw the St. John’s upset coming, being in the Big East tournament for the first time in five years. Georgetown players had already made their minds up about getting to the NCAA tournament and play with the same enthusiasm. Marquette would be best served to jump on St. John’s early and deflate them before they get into the game. The Redmen are 1-7 ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60 to 80 percent) this season. Marquette has lost four in a row and but is 7-2 ATS at neutral sites and is a seven point pick to advance.

Notre Dame was the only Big East team with a remote chance to still make the NCAA tournament field that won yesterday, giving a workmanlike performance in covering over Rutgers. The Fighting Irish will be finished unless Luke Harangody doesn’t come out of shooting slump. The 6’8 junior made just 3 of 18 shots yesterday, continuing poor performances. Ryan Ayers continues to be a third scoring option for Notre Dame and Tory Jackson is penetrating again. West Virginia is 21-10 (13-15 ATS) and hasn’t had a terrible loss all season. Shooting the ball is the key for the Mountaineers. They are 2-7 and 1-8 ATS when they convert less than 38 percent of shot attempts. That shouldn’t be an issue against the Irish, who allow opponents to make 45.5 percent. West Virginia is five-point favorite and is 1-9 ATS when favored by 6.5 or less. The Under is on 8-0 run when these two meet.

In the round two nightcap, Seton Hall is a 6.5-point underdog after 21-9 second half spurt allowed the Pirates to overtake South Florida. Jeremy Hazell led the charge, scoring 12 of his 23 points during the period and he’ll need another big performance. Seton Hall is 9-3 ATS as an underdog and will have to dial up the intensity against Syracuse, who has caught fire, winning and covering five of six. Guard Jonny Flynn spearheads the Orangemen’s attack and they are 7-1 ATS as favorites.

Yesterday I was 2-2 ATS and will take DePaul, St. John’s, West Virginia and Syracuse today in wagering action.