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: North Carolina ML, Alabama +14.5 (+105, MGM)
As the sixth-oldest team in college basketball, the Tar Heels are lucky they don’t suffer from osteoporosis. With several players owning birth certificates dating back to the turn of the century, they’ve engaged in their fair share of on-court battles. To maintain pace with high-flying Alabama, they better pound the Ensure.
The Crimson Tide, the eighth-fastest team in adjusted tempo according to KenPom, is a team dependent on transition scoring. Though they have shot a miserable 29.6% from three this month, they have converted an obscene 56.0% inside the arc, many of the shots coming at the rim.
Alabama star guard Mark Sears is a bucket, having poured in 56 total points in victories against Charleston and Grand Canyon. Whether penetrating the lane for uncontested layups or drilling triples along the arc, he is the heart and soul of Nate Oats’ offense.
Carolina is up to the task defensively. Steady Eddies at challenging shots, the Heels have allowed a mere 0.942 points per possession this month. Also, Armando Bacot is a wall in the post. His stalwartness explains why UNC has allowed only 43.9% on twos over its last eight games. Though more beatable on the perimeter, Hubert Davis’ bunch often makes teams one-dimensional.
Bottom line: The Tobacco Road residents have a distinct advantage in the paint. If they can control the chaos, have RJ Davis match Sears’ three-point contributions and blast the interior — UNC should log a sizable rebound margin — the Tar Heels will eliminate the Tide.
Similar to its 76-possession affair with another SEC foe (Tennessee), Carolina will keep the Fightin’ Robert Horrys at arm’s length. Keep in mind that Alabama has given up an unattractive 1.208 points per possession in March.
Slip on a pair of Jordans.
Season record: 28-27, +6.45 units