LOUISVILLE, Ky. — I will stop rolling my eyes at press conferences. I now see the power in the “nobody believes in us” philosophy.
UCLA (-6) over UAB: People love to jump into Cinderella’s carriage after seeing her dress only once, but UAB’s 15 losses and fourth-place finish in Conference USA are proof she’ll probably show up in sweats on Saturday.
Georgia State (+6½) over Xavier: This underdog, however, has a backcourt that can continue to play as well as it did in their upset over Baylor. Ron Hunter will be hitting the floor once more.
NC State (+9½) over Villanova: I don’t believe in karma. I don’t believe in fate. I don’t believe everything that goes around comes around. So, while I do not believe Jay Wright will be punished by the basketball gods for leaving his starters in late in the blowout of 16th-seeded Lafayette, I do believe the Wolfpack’s ability to dominate the glass will give Villanova a serious scare.
Utah (-4½) over Georgetown: It feels as if JT3’s father was still in charge the last time the Hoyas won consecutive tournament games. Georgetown has failed to reach the Sweet 16 in its last five appearances, last reaching the second weekend in 2007.
North Carolina (-4½) over Arkansas: Oh, the Razorbacks like to run. So does Marcus Paige. Good luck with that.
2015 record: 20-17
2011-14 record: 106-67-5
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