Deceptive Speed will break down every single conference tournament from a gambling perspective the day each tourney starts. You’ve lost quite a bit of money this month in the past whether it’s food, drinks, gambling or bracket pools. The goal for 2020 is to make you some money in March for the first time in your entire life.
FINALLY! For the first time in Championship Week we have a full day of college basketball games in front of us. Everyday in March till Selection Sunday should feature daytime hoops. If I’m ever President of the United States, that’s my first order of business.
Let’s dive in to Wednesday’s slate.
Washington vs. Arizona
AZ -6
O/U 139
4:30 CST, PAC12
We’ve got ourselves a rematch. On Saturday, Washington entered Arizona’s home building and beat them 69-63. Nice. On Jan. 30, the Wildcats beat Washington on the road. This one will be at a neutral court in Las Vegas. Both teams were awful at covering spreads late in the season especially Washington, which covered 3 times in its last 13 games. On the other hand, Arizona is 1-4 against the spread in the last 5.
SOMETHING HAS TO GIVE.
Northwestern vs. Minnesota
MINN -8
O/U 136
5:00 CST, BTN
Northwestern is tied for last place in the Big Ten, but the Wildcats played well down the stretch. They beat Nebraska and Penn State and did not embarrass themselves in losses to Wisconsin and Illinois. Not embarrassing myself is something I strive for everyday. It never works, but that’s always the goal.
Minnesota on the other hand, I have no idea what to think of this team. It is talented enough to be an NCAA Tournament team but lose games in absolutely hilarious fashion. If you’re a Minnesota fan, I’m not sure how you survived this season. The Gophers swept this season series and absolutely hammered Northwestern 83-57 on the road Feb. 23.
Totals went over in each of Minnesota’s last 5 games, and Northwestern overs hit in 5 of its last 6.
Boston U vs. Colgate
COL -7
O/U 140.5
6:30 CST, CBSSN
Caught in the mix of power conference tournaments getting started, we still have a Patriot League title game for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Boston U hasn’t covered in any of its last 6 games, and Colgate swept the season series fairly easily. This is a home game for Colgate where it is 15-1 straight up this season and 10-5 against the spread.
Nebraska vs. Indiana
IND -15
O/U 144
7:30 CST, BTN
It’s been a rough go for Fred Hoiberg in year 1 in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Cornhuskers finished dead last in the Big Ten and are more than two touchdown underdogs in the first round of the conference tournament. Nebraska is 1-6 against the spread in its last 7 and lost 16 straight, while the Hoosiers covered in 4 of their last 6.
More on this game in a little bit…
North Carolina vs. Syracuse
UNC -3
O/U 150
8:00 CST, ESPN2
Thank you to North Carolina for making me look smart for the first time in my life last night as the Tar Heels came out and curb stomped Virginia Tech in the first round of the ACC Tournament. Is it safe to say this North Carolina team is the most dangerous 14 seed in the history of conference tournaments? I’d say so. The Tar Heels are rolling right now, winning 4 of their last 5 games including a 13-point win at Syracuse on February 29.
Wednesday Payday
We hit yesterday’s Payday bet by a mile with North Carolina making us some cash and while I’m confident in the Heels to make it happen again, our investment will go toward Indiana -15 vs. Nebraska. The Cornhuskers lost 16 consecutive games and have nothing to play for. After losing to Northwestern for last place in the Big Ten (and shooting 8 of 30 from the free throw line), the Cornhuskers lost games by 32 and 24. Hate to use the Q word, but they quit. On the other hand, Indiana is in a battle for an at-large bid, needing to make a statement in the Big Ten tournament. The Hoosiers are living dangerous if they keep this one close.
Two of Nebraska’s top guards are suspended, so Fred Hoiberg brought in a quarterback and offensive lineman for tonight’s game. You read that correctly, Nebraska is adding football players to the roster for the Big Ten Tournament, marking the first key contribution Scott Frost made in the athletic department since taking over as the head coach.
Let’s make it happen, Indiana.
Keep the conversation going by reaching out to Erik Buchinger on Twitter or email erik@deceptivespeed.com.