KANSAS CITY — What fun are the favorites? For the first day of real tournament action, get behind what makes this all worthwhile. Plus, you get some points. What a country.
South Dakota State (+11) over Michigan: The Jackrabbits, outside of having one of the best nicknames in the country, have one of the best players, too. Guard Nate Wolters averages nearly 23 points this season and led South Dakota State to a second straight NCAA Tournament trip. Player of the Year candidate Trey Burke has a better supporting cast with the Wolverines, but the Jackrabbits offense should keep the game close enough, as it did in last year’s eight-point loss to Baylor.
Belmont (+4 1/2) over Arizona: The Wildcats looked incredible early in the season, starting 14-0, but haven’t looked nearly as good since, losing three of their past five games. The Bruins have the key to an early upset — great perimeter shooting — and Arizona can’t stop it, ranking 275th in the country in 3-point defense.
Bucknell (+3 1/2) over Butler: It’s hard to go against Brad Stevens, but the Bulldogs will have all kinds of trouble against Bison big man Mike Muscala. In a game that will be close and low-scoring, the points make the pick.
VCU (-7 1/2) over Akron: Though no longer overlooked, the Rams still evoke underdog emotion. Akron, which hasn’t won a game against a ranked opponent this season, would have had trouble no matter what, but the suspension of point guard Alex Abreu will send the Zips home by tomorrow.
Record: 11-8
2011-12 Record: 48-26-1
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