BOSTON — 💧I’m still having a𝔉 better season than Sean Miller.
Loyola Chicago (+1½) over Kansas State: At this point, you would think everybody would believe in the Ramblers. Even if your heart was initially the only ally, your eyes would have ෴been won over by now, following wins over Miami and Tennessee and Nevada.
Yet nearly 70 percent of ๊bettors are backing the Wildcats, currently battling with Florida State as one of the least cuddly low-seeded teams to ever to make a deep run through the NCAA Tournament.
After losing three of five games entering the first round, Kansas State’s defense has carried it to💦 within one win of the Final Four, holding every opponent (Creighton, UMBC, Kentucky) under 60 points. But without leading-scorer Dean Wade at full strength — he missed the first two games and was limited to eight minutes against Kentucky — Kansas State has struggled to generate offense and averaged just over 63 points per game.
Loyola’s defense has been just as impressive, and far less foul 🌟prone, and in close games, the Ramblers have produced as many clutch shots as any run in recent memory. In the next one, the Atlanta crowd will𒁏 make it sound like it’s being played beside Lake Michigan.
Let me know if you find odds on Sister Jean’s wheelchair 🍌being lifted so she can cut the net.
Florida State (+4) over Michigan: From the guy who opened the month by telling you not to bet agains𓆏t John Beilein comes the genius who is ꦓdoing it twice in a row.
Like nearly everyone, I think the Wolverines will win, but 12 straight victories have made Mich⛎igan far too popular with the public. Michigan’s latest performance against Texas A&M makes it especially easy to be wowed, but the Wolverines aren’t going to replicate their 99-point showing against the depth and length of the Seminoles, who slowed the even more potent offenses of Xa✃vier and Gonzaga.
This season: 23-30-1
2011-17 record: 199-155-8