NCAA Tournament Fantasy Challenge
Three Review-Journal sports department members and three professional handicappers have been given $2,000 fantasy bankrolls to bet during the NCAA Tournament — two picks per day of either sides, totals or one of each. Below are their bets for today, with a brief explanation as to their picks:
Adam Hill, Review-Journal
Bankroll: $2,560 Sunday: Lost $120
Today: Betting $330
Bet 1: $165 on Connecticut Pick over San Diego State
Comment: The Huskies are the hottest team in America, and the Aztecs have proven vulnerable against one-man offenses.
Bet 2: $165 on Arizona-Duke Under 147
Comment: The same total was posted for Duke’s game against a faster-paced North Carolina team in the ACC title game. That one finished at 133.
Mal Van Valkenburg, Review-Journal
Bankroll: $2,445 Sunday: Won $500
Today: Betting $660
Bet 1: $330 on Florida -3 over Brigham Young
Comment: Jimmer Fredette is a nice story, but the end is coming. The Gators have too many athletes and options.
Bet 2: $330 on Arizona-Duke Over 147
Comment: Duke averages 81 points per game, and Arizona averages 76.4. This should be played at a fast pace with both teams in the 70s.
Matt Youmans, Review-Journal
Bankroll: $1,901 Sunday: Lost $80
Today: Betting $297
Bet 1: $165 on Butler +5 over Wisconsin
Comment: The Bulldogs were better than top-seeded Pittsburgh, and they can win again if Matt Howard avoids foul trouble.
Bet 2: $132 on Connecticut Pick over San Diego State
Comment: Huskies star Kemba Walker will outplay a tired D.J. Gay. The Aztecs were lucky to beat Temple in two overtimes.
John Kelly, EOG.com
Bankroll: $620 Sunday: Lost $880
Today: Betting $440
Bet 1: $220 on San Diego State Pick over Connecticut
Comment: The Aztecs avenged their only two losses with an emphatic victory over Brigham Young in the MWC tournament. UConn suffered nine losses in the Big East, which flamed out in the postseason.
Bet 2: $220 on Connecticut-San Diego State Over 128½
Comment: The low total suggests a slow-paced game, but there are plenty of athletes on the court to produce points.
Bruce Marshall, The Gold Sheet
Bankroll: $1,345 Sunday: Lost $495
Today: Betting $440
Bet 1: $220 on Butler +5 over Wisconsin
Comment: I have more faith in Butler’s Matt Howard and Shelvin Mack in the clutch. These teams mirror each other, so the points are a bonus.
Bet 2: $220 on Duke -8½ over Arizona
Comment: Arizona is dangerous when Derrick Williams’ supporting cast steps up, but Duke has more options, especially with Kyrie Irving back.
Ken Thomson, SportsXRadio.com
Bankroll: $1,930 Sunday: Lost $440
Today: Betting $440
Bet 1: $330 on Duke -8½ over Arizona
Comment: Kyrie Irving, Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler will lead the Blue Devils to a double-digit win.
Bet 2: $110 on Brigham Young +3 over Florida
Comment: No nonconference opponent has slowed Jimmer Fredette, and Cougars coach Dave Rose has made adjustments.