The NCAA Tournament opens Thursday and four ACC teams are in action. Here’s two of those games to consider in your wagering.
MINNESOTA (+5) vs. LOUISVILLE, 12:15 p.m.
Pick: Louisville (-5)
The Cardinals (20-13) were never right after that blown game against Duke. Maybe the NCAA Tournament, where they have done well in the past, will be the wake-up call they need. Or maybe just getting to play a non-ACC team will work as well.
Louisville is 10-3-1 against the spread against the Big 10 in its last 14 games against that conference and Minnesota (21-13) isn’t even one of the better teams in the conference.
Minnesota has never shown to be a NCAA Tournament-tested team. The Golden Gophers are 1-5 in its last six tries in the Big Dance.
Of course the big story here is on the bench where Minnesota’s coach is Richard Pittino, the son of former Louisville coach Rick Pittino who was fired before last season because of alleged involvement in recruiting violations.
Lousville cannot lose to Little Ricky.
BAYLOR (+2.5) vs. SYRACUSE, 9:57 p.m.
Pick: Syracuse (- 2.5)
Bet against Syracuse in the NCAAs at your own risk. It doesn’t seem to mater what the Orange (20-13) do during the regular season come tournament time it is a different team.
This year Syracuse gets Baylor (19-13), coming out of a down year from the Big 12.
Syracuse is 6-2 in its last eight games against teams from the Big 12. Baylor is 1-4 in its last five games against teams from the ACC and 1-5 in its last six NCAA games.
That’s enough for me. Take the Orange.