Brad vs. the Book: Who will cash in the ‘ACC Invitational?’
Slaying the sportsbook is a monstrous task. Some days bettors take up residence in a penthouse suite. Other times, they curl up in the nearest ditch, shirtless and toothless. In an attempt to avoid complete destitution, I will post my picks, whether profitable or penniless, through the NCAA tourney. Check out Sunday’s Elite Eight selections below:
North Carolina vs. Notre Dame – Undoubtedly carrying a pocket full of four-leaf clovers, the Irish, who took advantage of numerous Wisconsin brain sprains with under two minutes to go Friday, are back in the Elite Eight, they’re first consecutive regional final appearances since the Digger Phelps years.
Astonishingly, it was the Golden Domers’ defense, typically an Achilles heel, that propelled them to victory. They held the Badgers to a mere 0.88 points per possession, they’re finest guarding effort in over a month. But despite that admirable effort, this is a unit that still ranks No. 155 in defensive efficiency and No. 270 in defensive rebounding percentage. Against a hyperactive North Carolina front, the Irish will need more than luck to compete and cover. Can they clone Zach Auguste 10 times over?
North Carolina is in full Incredible Hulk mode. After applying second-half pastings to Florida Gulf Coast and Providence, the Heels compiled arguably their most dominant start-to-finish performance of the season, hanging 101 points on Indiana. Their marked length and athleticism are well-documented, but it was the searing hand of Marcus Paige, who opened the game drilling 4-for-4 from three, that launched UNC off the pad. If the guard continues to stroke it, Roy Williams’ club will bask in championship glory.
Carolina did stumble in South Bend earlier this season. In that tilt, Notre Dame converted 31-of-38 free-throws and committed only two turnovers. The Heels ruthlessly exacted revenge in a 31-point massacre of Notre Dame in the ACC tournament. If they replicate the consistency shown against Indiana, they should sail past another Hoosier State opponent with ease.
Chalk has largely prevailed after Round 1. Bank on that continuing.
Prediction: North Carolina (-10.5) 86 Notre Dame 74 (OVER 156)
Virginia vs. Syracuse – It was only weeks ago talking heads from coast-to-coast railed the Selection Committee endlessly about Syracuse’s NCAA tournament berth. Most believed they were completely undeserving, a spoiled high-profile school that got in simply because of name recognition. Now that the Orange have reached the Round of 8, those naysayers are eating a heaping plate of crow.
Syracuse’s 2-3 zone has mystified the opposition. Against Dayton, Middle Tennessee St. and Gonzaga, its disruptive length, steadfast challenges and quick-to-the-ball collapses forced numerous turnovers and grotesque shots. As a result, the Flyers, Blue Raiders and Bulldogs netted a combined 0.86 points per possession. Stifling.
Virginia’s path was tougher, but it reached the Midwest finals without much difficulty. Its latest performance, a 13-point triumph over explosive Iowa St., marked the first time the Cavs crossed the 80-point mark since December. Underrated offensively, they scored 1.22 points per possession. Paint pounders Anthony Gill and Mike Tobey combined for 41 points and 15 rebounds.
In their lone bout of the season, in Charlottesville, Virginia bested Syracuse by eight points. In that clash, the Orange jacked 30 threes, hitting 13, but were owned by Gill inside. Because of their defensive rebounding deficiencies and UVA’s restrictive defense (0.92 points per possession allowed), it’s doubtful Jim Boeheim returns the favor. Still, given the anticipated low-possession pace, expect a backdoor cover.
Prediction: Virginia 62 Syracuse (+8.5) 55 (UNDER 122)
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