Early games:
Iowa -3.5 over Michigan: This game actually has some meaning for the Hawkeyes. They need the win to wrap up the #6 seed; if they lose they could fall to #8. This is a big difference. As a #8, they would play Michigan in the first round but then match up with Illinois in round two. As a #6, they would play Penn St. in the first round and Wisconsin (lost 72-69 at Wisconsin a month ago) in round two. Michigan is locked in at #9 barring a miracle upset by Purdue. They may start out fast because of the last home game but Iowa should cover the small road chalk at the end.
Toledo -6 (1st half) over EMU: If the West ends in a 3-way tie (which is possible if WMU loses to Ball St.) Toledo wins the tie-breaker and is the #2 seed. EMU has quit on their season and are just playing out the string. The Rockets may coast in the second half especially if WMU beats Ball St. but that won't be a final until around 3pm. Look for the Rockets to sprint out to a big first half lead.
Akron +5 over Buffalo: This is mainly a numbers play for me. I have the game lined at Buffalo -1 so getting 5 is a play. I also like Akron's motivation with the possibility of getting the #3 seed with a win. Akron loss to WMU hurts them if they get into a three-way or 4-way tie so they need a win. I was fading Buffalo early in the season because I questioned their toughness. They started to show me something later on but came up pussy against Ohio. They have been tough at home but I don't think they cover the 5 in a big game like this.
Iowa -3.5 over Michigan: This game actually has some meaning for the Hawkeyes. They need the win to wrap up the #6 seed; if they lose they could fall to #8. This is a big difference. As a #8, they would play Michigan in the first round but then match up with Illinois in round two. As a #6, they would play Penn St. in the first round and Wisconsin (lost 72-69 at Wisconsin a month ago) in round two. Michigan is locked in at #9 barring a miracle upset by Purdue. They may start out fast because of the last home game but Iowa should cover the small road chalk at the end.
Toledo -6 (1st half) over EMU: If the West ends in a 3-way tie (which is possible if WMU loses to Ball St.) Toledo wins the tie-breaker and is the #2 seed. EMU has quit on their season and are just playing out the string. The Rockets may coast in the second half especially if WMU beats Ball St. but that won't be a final until around 3pm. Look for the Rockets to sprint out to a big first half lead.
Akron +5 over Buffalo: This is mainly a numbers play for me. I have the game lined at Buffalo -1 so getting 5 is a play. I also like Akron's motivation with the possibility of getting the #3 seed with a win. Akron loss to WMU hurts them if they get into a three-way or 4-way tie so they need a win. I was fading Buffalo early in the season because I questioned their toughness. They started to show me something later on but came up pussy against Ohio. They have been tough at home but I don't think they cover the 5 in a big game like this.
