KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The following picks are from someone who used to be much better at this.
Florida Gulf Coast (+7 1/2) San Diego State: Who would have thought there would come a day when rooting for the Aztecs amounted to rooting for U.S Steel? The Eagles’ confidence is rightfully high, but this Cinderella is no one-hit wonder, having defeated Miami earlier in the season. There was no point in the win over Georgetown at which Florida Gulf Coast looked like an underdog and there’s no reason the Eagles will be intimidated or overpowered now.
Duke (-5) over Creighton: The Blue Devils’ size will be the deciding factor here as Doug McDermott’s season ends in the third-round for the second straight season. Last year, North Carolina’s frontline held the All-American to 20 points on 19 field-goal attempts in an 87-73 win.
Mississippi (-3) over La Salle: There are several reasons to ride the Rebels that have nothing to do with Marshall Henderson. The Explorers are playing their third game in five days and looked like a tired team while surrendering an 18-point second-half lead to Kansas State. Though both teams like to play fast, Ole Miss should clean up in the paint, with big men Murphy Holloway and Reginald Buckner, who were dominant against a solid Wisconsin front-court. Besides, Henderson can’t go any colder than he did in Friday’s first half. He had to get mentioned at some point. It’s a rule.
Record: 14-15-1
2011-12 record: 48-26-1
Follow @HowieHoops on Twitter for bonus selections.