Purdue Boilermakers (-3.5) vs. No. 10 Butler Bulldogs12:10 p.m. ET in Detroit
There's a lot going on with this matchup, as Purdue and Butler hook up for the second time this season. The Boilermakers won the first meeting, 82-67, in Indianapolis as -7 chalk.
The story line here in the loss of Purdue big man Isaac Haas, who broke his elbow in the win over Cal State Fullerton. Haas is unique in that he's a true center and the focus of the offense. Purdue has plenty of offensive assets, but in a half court set, the Boilermakers work hard to get him touches. Haas' backup, fellow 7-footer Matt Haarms, will obviously see more playing time, but his ceiling is around 20 minutes, and he's very limited on the offensive end.
It's logical to think that minus Haas, Purdue's defense will suffer, and it's pace will increase due to the time normally spent trying to get Haas the ball in the half court. Butler doesn't play at a breakneck pace, but they will look to score in transition. The total opened at 146 with early money on the under. I disagree with the move. Haas is worth a fair amount to the total, and his absence suggests the over will have value.
Pick: Over 143.5 total points
7:10 p.m. ET in San Diego
Auburn got all they could handle in an ugly 62-58 win over College of Charleston. The Cougars shot better percentages from two, three and the free throw line and were plus-4 on the glass, but coughed it up 23 times to Auburn's 12. Auburn has now been without shot blocker and rim protector Anfernee McLemore for six games, of which the team is 3-3 SU and 1-5 ATS. It's one of the more underrated late season injuries in all of college basketball.
Clemson lost its own key player in Donte Grantham (14.2 PPG) back in late January, but it's managed well without him (8-6 SU/ATS). I think Clemson guards Gabe DeVoe, Shelton Mitchell and Marcquise Reed are equipped to handle Auburn's defensive pressure. The trio shot a combined 25-of-42 for 59.5 percent and committed only five turnovers in Friday's 79-68 win over New Mexico State. Auburn's had a great season, but it appears to be on borrowed time. It wouldn't shock me to see Clemson close as the deserving favorite.
ATS pick: Clemson 1
12:10 p.m. ET in Detroit
There's a lot going on with this matchup, as Purdue and Butler hook up for the second time this season. The Boilermakers won the first meeting, 82-67, in Indianapolis as -7 chalk.
The story line here in the loss of Purdue big man Isaac Haas, who broke his elbow in the win over Cal State Fullerton. Haas is unique in that he's a true center and the focus of the offense. Purdue has plenty of offensive assets, but in a half court set, the Boilermakers work hard to get him touches. Haas' backup, fellow 7-footer Matt Haarms, will obviously see more playing time, but his ceiling is around 20 minutes, and he's very limited on the offensive end.
It's logical to think that minus Haas, Purdue's defense will suffer, and it's pace will increase due to the time normally spent trying to get Haas the ball in the half court. Butler doesn't play at a breakneck pace, but they will look to score in transition. The total opened at 146 with early money on the under. I disagree with the move. Haas is worth a fair amount to the total, and his absence suggests the over will have value.
Pick: Over 143.5 total points
7:10 p.m. ET in San Diego
Auburn got all they could handle in an ugly 62-58 win over College of Charleston. The Cougars shot better percentages from two, three and the free throw line and were plus-4 on the glass, but coughed it up 23 times to Auburn's 12. Auburn has now been without shot blocker and rim protector Anfernee McLemore for six games, of which the team is 3-3 SU and 1-5 ATS. It's one of the more underrated late season injuries in all of college basketball.
Clemson lost its own key player in Donte Grantham (14.2 PPG) back in late January, but it's managed well without him (8-6 SU/ATS). I think Clemson guards Gabe DeVoe, Shelton Mitchell and Marcquise Reed are equipped to handle Auburn's defensive pressure. The trio shot a combined 25-of-42 for 59.5 percent and committed only five turnovers in Friday's 79-68 win over New Mexico State. Auburn's had a great season, but it appears to be on borrowed time. It wouldn't shock me to see Clemson close as the deserving favorite.
ATS pick: Clemson 1
ATS pick: Clemson 1