Here we go again.
The questions no longer need to be asked, the letters — from some of the loveliest prisons in the Northeast — can stop. The Post’s college basketball postseason prognosticator is back for a fourth season.
I’ve learned much in three successful years, such as the importance of point spreads in incredibly unappealing first-round conference tournament games.
So, let’s get started.
Seton Hall (-1½) over Butler: The Pirates dropped both games to the Bulldogs this season — half of Butler’s Big East wins — including a 17-point embarrassment on Saturday, with 3-point reliant Seton Hall hitting only 10-of-36 in the two games. The Pirates are Washington Generals-level due.
DePaul (+11) over Georgetown: March Madness rule No. 37 states: Never back the Hoyas as double-digit favorites. Georgetown’s inevitable quarterfinal game with Creighton should provide enough distraction for a Blue Demon cover.
Fordham (+5) over George Mason: Despite eight straight losses and a last-place finish, the Rams are back in the Atlantic 10 Tournament, thanks to conference realignment. This is a game that’s all house money for Fordham, and should be nothing but fun for players like senior Branden Frazier, playing in their first postseason game. If the Rams can get any kind of turnout in Brooklyn, it’ll only be a bonus.
Rutgers (-2) over South Florida: This may be the Scarlet Knights’ only chance to make a conference tournament quarterfinal for awhile. After years of getting kicked around in the Big East, Rutgers will make its lone postseason appearance in the AAC before joining the Big Ten next season. The Jersey boys have played pretty well recently, beating South Florida for the second time this season before close losses to two ranked teams – Connecticut and Cincinnati.
Oklahoma State (-9) over Texas Tech: The Cowboys are the No. 8 seed, but may be good enough to win the Big 12 Tournament. Since Marcus Smart’s return from a three-game suspension, Oklahoma State is 4-1, losing in overtime at 16th-ranked Iowa State and winning the rest by an average of nearly 17 points. Nothing will get in Smart’s way on Wednesday, especially the Red Raiders — or their fans.
2011-13 record: 72-47-2
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