TOM STRYKER’S FREE BASKETBALL SELECTION TUESDAY, MARCH 15TH
#665 INDIANA (-4) over Wyoming at 9:10 PM EST
Playing much better on a 4-3 SU and 6-1 ATS run and off that heartbreaking loss in the semifinal of the Big 10 Tournament to Iowa, Indiana will pick up the pieces and do a number on Wyoming in Tuesday’s NCAA Tournament First Four battle. The Cowboys stumble into this matchup on a soft 4-5 SU and 3-6 ATS run in their last nine games, and they’ll have trouble bouncing back off that loss to the Broncos in the Mountain West Conference semifinal.
Historically speaking, IU has played well in the Big Dance when coming off a straight up loss posting a solid 10-5 SU and ATS record in its last 15 tries. Equally impressive, in non-conference play checking in off a straight up loss, the Hoosiers hold a reliable 76-29 SU and 54-38-2 ATS record including a strong 37-14 SU and 30-20-1 ATS provided they are priced as a favorite of -19.5 or less.
Backing Wyoming in this spot could be hazardous to your wallet too. On the road or at a neutral site and running the floor against a foe that enters off a straight up loss, the Cowboys own a weak 92-133-2 ATS record. If the Pokes are competing against an opponent that was fortunate to pick up an ATS win in that blemish, then this team trend falls to a disturbing 18-35 ATS. Also, in postseason play fighting a foe that arrives off a straight up loss, the ‘Boys own a nasty 8-25 ATS tally including a horrible 2-15 ATS if they take the floor off a loss as well.
First-year head coach Mike Woodson has IU playing its best basketball of the season right now thanks to a defense that leads the Big 10 in field goal percentage (39.1). It will be the tenacity of that stop unit that key this win and cover. Take Indiana. Thanks and best of luck, Tom.
TOM’S 23-5 ATS NIT TOURNEY ELITE BEST BET
Off a loss on the Hawks in the NBA last night, Stryker heads over to the Little Dance armed with one investment that will bring home the cash. A solid 23-5 ATS power angle supports this key release along with a respectable 44-22 ATS postseason situation. Grab Tom’s NIT Tourney Elite Best Bet for $30.