We've got a great slate of college basketball games on Sunday. It's the last day of the first weekend so let’s savor it. Aaron took care of you guys in the opening round, but now it is my turn.
Here are the picks I like for the Sunday slate, presented by BetUS Sportsbook - where you can get a 125 percent deposit bonus on your first three deposits.
South Region: No. 10 Colorado vs No. 2 Marquette
Spread: Marquette (-4)
Total: 147.5
The Golden Eagles find themselves in the exact same spot as they did last season. They have a very talented team to play against in the second round. I’m not really sure how healthy Tyler Kolek is.
Colorado has tons of size with Tristan Da Silva and Eddie Lampkin. KJ Simpson is a bucket getter. The Pac-12 has had a highly successful tournament so far. Colorado’s physicality is going to be too much here.
Take the points.
The pick: Colorado +3.5
Midwest Region - No. 8 Utah State vs. No. 1 Purdue
Spread: Purdue (-11.5)
Over/Under: 149
Going into the tournament, I was planning on fading Purdue in the 1-8 game. However, Purdue is a nightmare matchup for Utah State. The Aggies are allowing a 56 percent field goal percentage on post ups. They are very small. Their big Great Osobor is only 6'8 and their 7'0 center Issac Johnson has played limited minutes all year.
Osobor is great offensively and he is going to have to draw fouls against Edey. That’s their only hope. I think Purdue gets whatever they want inside. The Mountain West is historically bad against the spread.
The pick: Purdue (-11.5)
West Region - No. 12 Grand Canyon vs. No. 4 Alabama
Spread: Alabama (-6)
Over/Under: 168.5
If you know me, then you can see why I’m going with my alma mater here. Spokane will be painted Purple. Alabama will be playing a true road game. The Lopes will try to slow Bama’s tempo down. Bama ranks 320th in free throw attempts allowed and GCU ranks 7th nationally in free throw attempts. Bama doesn’t have anyone who can stay in front of Tyon Grant-Foster.
When GCU gets to the line, makes free throws- they are going to make Bama play offense in the half court. Which spells bad news for the Tide.
Trust the Lopes to keep it close here.
The pick: Grand Canyon (+6)
Midwest Region: No. 8 Texas A&M vs. No. 1 Houston
Spread: Houston (-10)
Over/Under: 134.5
These two teams play the same style of basketball. I think the Aggies will keep Houston off the boards. Houston’s No. 1 defense will starve the Aggies offense that ranks 340th in the nation in offensive field goal percentage.
These two teams also played earlier in the year. If it wasn’t for a dozen free throws at the end of the game, the total would go way under.
I think Houston wins comfortably, but the under is the better play.
The Pick: UNDER 134.5
East Region: No. 9 Northwestern vs. No. 1 UConn
Spread: UConn (-14)
Over/Under: 136
Regardless of the number, regardless of the team they are playing- bet on Dan Hurley in the NCAA tournament and you will print money. The man is 6-2 against the spread in the tournament. This UConn team is on a mission to compete. Northwestern struggles on the offensive side of the ball. Boo Buie accounts for 41 percent usage rate. A one man show is not going to beat UConn. Dan Hurley is going to have a plan to take him away.
The rest of Northwestern’s offense is below average. Northwestern is solid defensively. But they haven’t seen a team that has the Huskies combination of shooting, length, and athleticism. UCONN by 20.
The Pick: UConn (-14)
BONUS NIT PICK: Indiana State (-7.5) vs Minnesota
Follow Austin on Twitter - @AMontgomeryLive