TOM STRYKER’S FREE BASKETBALL SELECTION THURSDAY, MARCH 24TH
#630 DUKE (+1) over Texas Tech at 9:30 PM EST
The Blue Devils apply to a Big Dance system that boasts a rewarding 40-19 ATS record, and they’ll have no trouble slipping past the Red Raiders in this Sweet 16 matchup. Texas Tech bypassed a couple of creampuffs in Montana State and Notre Dame in the first two rounds of the tournament and head coach Mark Adams and his crew will definitely meet their match here.
Since the 1991 NCAA Tournament, Duke has posted a remarkable 78-23 SU (49-51-1 ATS) record in the Big Dance. In addition, when priced as a non-conference underdog or a favorite of -2 or less, head coach Mike Krzyzewski’s soldiers hold a profitable 27-14 ATS record in their last 41 lined battles including a dependable 23-9 ATS provided their opponent did not play in the comforts of home last. Also, in the Sweet 16, No. 2 seeds that are priced competitively as an underdog or a short favorite of -3.5 or less have performed extremely well notching a solid 22-11 SU and 20-12-1 ATS tally including a nearly perfect 10-1 SU and ATS provided their opponent does not take the court off a blowout win of 10 points or more.
Momentum has historically been a problem for the Red Raiders. In fact, when priced fairly between -8 and +2 and battling an opponent that checks in with confidence off two or more straight up wins, Texas Tech holds a soft 44-68-1 ATS record. Provided Coach Adams and his kids did not play in the comforts of home last this technical situation crashes to a nasty 19-42-1 ATS including a horrible 13-38-1 ATS provided their opponent owns a team won/loss percentage of .640 or better.
Defensively, the Red Raiders are a force, and a number of analysts are saying this will be Coach K’s last dance. However, the Blue Devils diaper dandies grew up in a big way when they stormed back in the final six minutes to knock off the Spartans and their supreme talent will be the difference in this Sweet 16 victory. Take Duke. Thanks and best of luck, Tom.
LEE’S 14-1 ATS $1,000 SWEET 16 GAME OF THE YEAR
Off Mick’s NIT GOY WINNER on St. Bonaventure and Dan’s NIT GOY WINNER on Washington State, Lee takes over for the TSPC looking to make it three straight. A nearly perfect 14-1 ATS NCAA Tournament angle supports this selection along with a golden 9-0 ATS power angle. Grab Lee’s $1,000 Sweet 16 Game of the Year for $30.