TOM STRYKER’S FREE BASKETBALL SELECTION FRIDAY, MARCH 19TH
#746 TENNESSEE (-8′) over Oregon State at 4:30 PM EST
Off their stunning upset wins over UCLA, Oregon and Colorado in the Pac-12 Conference Tournament, this is going to be a tough encore for Oregon State. Tennessee enters this NCAA Tournament game off five-point loss to Alabama in the semifinals of the SEC Tournament and the Vols will be hungry to get back on the winning track. Let’s take a look inside the numbers.
In non-conference play, UT has been worth a look lately posting a proud 47-12 SU and 29-20-1 ATS record. As long as the Vols aren’t priced as a favorite of -14 or more, this team trend jets to a powerful 30-12 SU and 22-11 ATS. In addition, since 1992, SEC teams battling in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament that hit the hardwood off a straight up loss own a highly profitable 14-3 SU and 13-4 ATS record provided their opponent scoots in on a 3-0 SU and ATS run or better. If our “play on” side owns a team won/loss percentage less than .714, this situation tightens up to a nearly perfect 6-1 SU and ATS.
This is actually a very tough spot for OSU. In the First Round of the NCAA Tournament, teams arriving off back-to-back straight up underdog wins hold a weak 6-36 SU and 16-24-2 ATS mark provided their opponent enters without confidence off a straight up loss. As long as our “play against” side isn’t shagging +17 or more, this postseason situation crumbles to a woeful 6-25 SU and 10-20-1 ATS including a pathetic 3-13 SU and ATS provided they hold a team won/loss percentage of .660 or less. The Beavers (along with Oral Roberts and Georgetown) apply to this negative wagering situation.
Respect is given to Oregon State’s 15-3-1 ATS run in its last 19 games. However, the line on UT is a hefty one and it’s there for a reason. The Vols are going to roll. Take Tennessee. Thanks and best of luck, Tom..
LEE STRYKER’S $1,000 HRC NCAA TOURNAMENT ROUND 1 GAME OF THE YEAR
Off last night’s High Roller Club winner on Norfolk State, Lee is unloading on one NCAA Tournament play that will be his STRONGEST release in the first round. Solid history supports this selection along with one powerful 72-46 ATS conference angle that will prove to be the difference. Grab Lee’s $1,000 HRC NCAA Tournament Round 1 Game of the Year for $30.