Sports Betting Primer For Round One of the Big Dance

Joe Duffy (www.OffshoreInsiders.com)

Here are some sharp player highlights from our clipboard.

UCLA-Weber State

UCLA has emphasized defense in their practices since their first-round elimination in the Pac 10 tournament.  In their first 22 games, the Bruins allowed 41.9 percent shooting, but in their last nine, opponents made 46.9 percent of their shots.

Gonzaga-Indiana

Remember, Gonzaga is without big time player Josh Heytvelt because of a drug arrest.  He is their second leading scorer. They lost their first home game in their last 50 without him and the absence of the 6-11 center has forced the Bulldogs to go with a four-guard offense.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi-Wisconsin

For those looking for a 15 seed over second seed upset, according to Cy McCormick of MasterLockLine.com, “Most experts I talk to believe Wisconsin is as vulnerable of a second seed in a long time” pointing to the fact they are only 3-3 SU in their last six.

Jackson State-Florida

Despite their No. 1 seed, Florida players are singing the “no respect” tune, so they may be looking to make a statement Friday. Center Al Horford says his left ankle is still bothering him but it’s nothing serious and he will play.

Duke-Virginia Commonwealth

VCU has top notch guards and Duke has struggled against such teams as of late. In their current three-game losing streak the Blue Devils have allowed 57 assists, not to mention 85 points or more each game.

Wright State-Pittsburgh

Few teams were more drastically improved from the first part of the year than Wright State. They started out 5-6 including losses to Coastal Carolina and Chicago State, not to mention getting trounced 71-45 by LSU. They are 18-3 since, including 11-1 their last 12. A major part of the turnaround is the emergence of freshmen Vaughn Duggins and Todd Brown, two of their four leading scorers.

Vanderbilt-George Washington

In great part due to an injury to Alan Metcalfe, the Commodores started out 1-3 which included a loss to lowly Furman at home. They have since beaten six ranked teams en rout to their third 20-win season in four years.

Old Dominion-Butler

Old Dom has won 12-of-13 entering the tournament. They defeated Georgetown 75-62. Their slow start to the year at 12-7 was in no small part due to adjusting to the graduation of two All-Conference players from last season.

Villanova-Kentucky

Oft injured Villanova point guard Mike Nardi has a bone scan on his injured ankle.  It revealed nothing but a sprain and he expects to be close to full strength. Kentucky is tested, having played 14 games versus 11 foes that are in the Field of 65.

UNLV-Georgia Tech

UNLV has a three-guard offense, a look Tech has not seen, but head coach Paul Hewitt says his team needs not to make adjustments.

Oral Roberts-Washington State

For those who love senior led team, Oral Roberts is for you. Caleb Green and Ken Tutt have a combined 4,490 career points.  They also knocked off No. 1 seed Kansas 78-71 in Lawrence earlier this season.

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