Fridays CBB Conference Tournament Board Review

Ohio State vs Michigan -13 – This is a massive spread but there’s nothing fishy about it. Michigan is an elite team and Ohio State is not. However, Ohio State is playing some VERY good basketball. The Buckeyes have won 4 straight and covered 7 of their last 8. I respect Michigan and think they can run anybody out of the gym, but I gotta take Ohio State with the points. Hot teams respect spreads, that’s what I always say.

Seton Hall vs St Johns -7.5 – The line is right. St Johns won both meetings but they were close. Both games also went under. The total has adjusted yet again after being 145.5 in the first meeting and 137.5 in the second. We’re seeing 132ish right now. I think under looks like the obvious play. Would have a slight lean to the over. Possibly a 1H play.

Kentucky vs Florida - 10.5 – Now here’s a big favorite I can get behind. Steak and I have been on the “Kentucky stinks” train and can’t hop off now. Granted, they did fuck me twice already in this tournament. I lost a 1H wager against LSU and then faded them with Mizz yesterday. Could be one of those teams you can’t get on the right side of, but I’ll try one more time. Go Gata.

Tennessee vs Vandy -1.5 – I can’t get on the right side of Tennessee much either, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to back the Vols today. The sharps disagree. It’s early but looks like Vandy went from dog to fav. I could be wrong, but both times they played in the regular season, I recall Vandy getting steam. I was on the steam once, which was when they lost at home. Vandy got their revenge in the last game of the season and split 1-1. Lean Vols here after their slow start against Auburn yesterday. I like how they rallied and not only won, but covered. Sometimes I lean into rest vs rust, and think that the team who played a game already (Tenn) has the advantage. I did this with Clemson 1H yesterday against UNC. Likely on Vols 1H…

Purdue vs Nebraska +4 – Fewer things were more obvious than Purdue slamming Northwestern in the 1H yesterday. I said on stream it was going to be a “nuke” and then backed out. Very lame on my part, but regardless, I think I want to go back to Purdue here. Again leaning into the team that’s already played a game. These teams met not that long ago and Purdue had a big lead all game then almost blew it late. They eventually won in OT. Purdue is the disappointing regular season team that hits the refresh button during a tournament. I have a hard time getting in front of that.

Wisconsin vs Illinois -8 – I haven’t had much success betting unders as of late, but that’s the first thing that came to mind when looking at this game. I think it’s the contrarian play. Similar to my read with Louisville/SMU when they scored 120 points. The average bettor looks at this game and immediately thinks points will be scored, especially after Wisconsin went bonkers yesterday. I’ll probably get contrarian with an under 157.

Iowa State vs Arizona -4 – The Cyclones are doing that thing they always do, making you want to buy in during conference tournament time. I refuse to be a sucker again. This team has the ability to look amazing against inferior opponents, but then look like shit against superior ones. I have to remind myself of that and stay grounded. Strong lean to Arizona here. They dominated UCF and then took their foot off the gas. Doesn’t concern me. I think they’re simply the better team, and I do not care that Zona just beat them 73-57. No revenge on my mind.

Ole Miss vs Alabama -10.5 – How do you not just keep riding the Rebels? Back to back outright wins as 5.5 point dogs. Not overthinking this, I’m taking the points with the hot team.

Oklahoma vs Arkansas -6.5 – The Sooners are sneakily playing some pretty good basketball. At first glance, I thought this line might have been a tad short. The Razorbacks have started to attract some attention as a sleeper in March. I do wonder who they’ll come out in their first conference tournament game. I’m concerned they’ve been hearing the praise all week having not played since March 7th and come out flat. For that reason, I lean OU 1H but do like Arkansas' full game. I might wait for a live betting opportunity.    

Clemson vs Duke -11 – I’m such a sucker for Clemson every ACC tournament. Currently 2-0 betting their games this week, but this would be the first time I consider fading. Mostly because Duke just survived a scare. I like backing good teams after they come out with a close victory as big favorites. Florida State brought their A game and showed no fear last night as 16.5 point dogs. I think Clemson could be the cute trendy dog that gets pummeled today.