Sometimes you want to make a quick pitstop, empty the bladder, grab a bag of salty snacks and limber up the limbs before hitting the open road again. For the fast-minded who enjoy simple $2 scratchers hoping to uncover the jackpot winning image, here’s a quick thought and lean on a NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game.
Quick Pick — SGP: Arizona -3.5, OVER 142.5 (+105, MGM)
This simpleton once believed Arizona was the most vulnerable No. 2 seed in the Dance. Following the trend set in 24 of the last 26 NCAA Tournaments, the mistaken belief was a second seed would bow out before the first weekend wrapped. With all the numero dos teams still alive, streaks are indeed made to be broken.
Airball! Bring on the warranted chants.
Whether with the eye test or data deep dive, the Wildcats are the superior feline in Thursday’s Sweet 16 showdown in Los Angeles. In fracases this month compared to Clemson, they’re nearly 110 spots higher in effective field-goal percentage offense and 80 places above in effective field-goal percentage defense, according to BartTorvik.
"Honestly, I like Arizona a lot!"@NoisyHuevos has an SGP on @BetMGM that he LOVES for Thursday's game. 🏀 @NickAshooh | @Trysta_Krick | @RyanHorvat pic.twitter.com/KMSICc8J8N
— BetMGM Tonight (@BetMGMTonight) March 26, 2024
If Arizona forces the Tigers to speed up in the half court, somewhat neutralizes PJ Hall, extends to the perimeter defensively (nearly 40% of Clemson’s shots are from three) and leans into its rebounding edge (No. 113 OR% and No. 90 DR% vs. No. 299 OR% and No. 156 DR% in March), Tommy Lloyd’s ‘Cats will win in convincing fashion. Also, U of A bigs Oumar Ballo and Keshad Johnson are likely to play a ginormous role.
Knowing the pair are a combined 15-5 on the under during their last 20 games, confidence rises on the proposed SGP.
Season record: 28-27, +6.45 units