TOM STRYKER’S FREE BASKETBALL SELECTION FRIDAY, MARCH 17TH
#776 CONNECTICUT (-9′) over Iona at 4:30 PM EST
The Huskies apply to four different NCAA Tournament situations that hold lucrative marks of 98-62 ATS, 94-62 ATS, 86-51 ATS, and 66-40 ATS and they’ll have no trouble racing past the Gaels in this matchup. Head coach Rick Pitino and Iona enter this contest as Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Champions and they’ll have issues in this spot.
Off that frustrating two-point loss to Marquette in the Big East Conference Tournament semifinals, Connecticut will be aching to get back on the basketball floor. Before that blemish to the Golden Eagles, the Huskies had been on a roll inking a 9-1 SU and 8-2 ATS mark in their previous 10 games and they’ll look to start a new streak here. Equally impressive, when matched up against a foe that enters off a straight up win, head coach Dan Hurley and his kids have been worth the financial risk posting a proud 44-23-1 ATS record including an elite 14-5 SU and 14-3 ATS provided they are rolling against a non-conference foe.
Currently on a 14-0 SU and 10-4 ATS run, Iona enters the Big Dance playing some of its best basketball of the season. However, in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament, underdogs priced at +8 or more that hold a team won/loss percentage of .775 or higher own a weak 5-62 SU and 25-38-4 ATS provided they are matched up against a foe that takes the court without confidence off a straight up loss. If our “play against” side is battling a foe that owns a pointspread won/loss percentage of .500 or better, this technical situation falls to a woeful 2-48 SU and 13-33-4 ATS. The Gaels fit both parts of that negative wagering situation.
Head coach Dan Hurley and the Huskies posted a perfect 11-0 SU record in non-conference play this season and they’ll have no trouble cooling off this red-hot Gaels squad. Take Connecticut. Thanks and best of luck, Tom.
DAN’S 15-4 ATS NCAA TOURNEY ROUND 1 GAME OF THE YEAR
The TSPC SWEPT THE BOARD YESTERDAY cashing Lee’s play on Northwestern and Trey’s selection on Kansas and Dan grabs the ball on St. Patrick’s Day armed with one computer crusher that will get the job done. A phenomenal 15-4 ATS angle backs this selection along with a rare 7-0 ATS team trend. Grab Dan’s NCAA Tourney Round 1 Game of the Year for $30.