Elite 8

Since Logical Betting brought you a solid 5-1-1 record against the spread in the Sweet 16 (remember, I told you not to play that Duke/Purdue game), how could I deny you the pleasure, the sure utopia that would be reading my thoughts on the Elite 8. Yes, yes, your welcome. Remember, for those of you on my Suicide Pool email, I get 10% commission if you bet my picks, and my apologies if they lose. I'm looking at you, future father-in-law of my daughter. Since the games tip in about 15 minutes, I'm skipping further banter and any editing, so apologies for typos and whatnot. That's for the wife, more than the rest of you. This is unofficially brought to you by Brita, who is filtering my much-needed glass of water.

Midwest

Tennessee (-2) v. Michigan St. - Only in the AYS brackets would you not be surprised to see at 5 v. 6 for a birth in the Final Four. These teams were both underseeded (see, Pitt, 3, New Mexico, 3, Vanderbilt, 4, and Wisconsin, 4, for starters). Not to go on another tangent, but was the committee even watching games this year? The whole world knew Tennessee was better than Vandy, and Sparty better than Wisconsin, and they're in the SAME FREAKING CONFERENCE. Sorry, got it off my chest. Anyways, Tennessee has hung tough since the dismissal of one of its best players, and Sparty looked solid against an underappreciated Northern Iowa squad. I think Tennessee is just too tough and athletic for Sparty to win this without Lucas. Never count out Izzo in the tourney, but I don't see an answer for Wayne Chism down low. I'm all for Sparty in this game, but if I'm betting, and I would, I would lay the points. Pick: Tennessee -2.

West

Butler (+4) v. Kansas State - This is the most confusing line I have seen in a long time. I read it to the wife, and she said, "whaaaaaaa?", ala Borat. I have been thinking about this since I saw it this morning, and am completely stumped. That line is at least 1-2 points short, which screams to take Butler. The only thing I can figure is that K-State must be really bad against the 3, or Vegas is trying to get the pro gamblers to bet Butler to even out the torrid of cash coming in on K-State. K-State has its eyes on the finals at this point, so maybe Vegas is thinking they could get caught looking ahead. Logical Betting rules say when you see a fishy line, bet the other way or stay away. I'm ignoring my own rule here. LB says lay the lumber, good to go... I think... *gulp*. Yeah, just do it. Pick: Kansas State -4. I mean they should win by double digits. Right? RIGHT???

East

Kentucky (-4.5) v. West Virginia - On the flip side of the Butler/K-State game, this line looks a bit high to me. So conversely, LB rules state lay the points. However, LB rules also state never give points to a team you could easily see winning this game. LB can easily see West Virginia, the should-have-been 1 seed in the South, winning this game over Calipari's payroll. No point guard really hurts in a matchup against Wall, but these guys play sick defense and I think they can slow down Kentucky. This is gonna be a thriller. If I were in Vegas, I would run away from this game like Fah T. from a desert house and a fat chick. This one isn't counting against the record, but if I had to pick it... Pick: Kentucky -4.5. Only because I see a Kentucky blow out being more likely than a close Kentucky win. And that line is a point or two high.

South

Duke (-4.5) v. Baylor - Frightening line because it is a slight Duke line, and I really don't want to see the committee's darlings skate to the Final Four. However, I pretty much thought they would skate to the Final Four anyways, and this looks like the final step. I really think Baylor can dominate on the inside, and they shouldn't be afraid of the uniform. They also haven't been tested since the Big 12 tourney, and while Duke hasn't beaten anyone all year (Purdue short-handed doesn't count), I think they'll get by Baylor with their perimeter play, which usually wins out come tourney time. Pardon me while I gag myself with a spoon. Pick: Duke -4.5, and go ahead and bet it. Dammit.

Alrighty, folks, that's all for now. Be looking for the MLB preview soon. J.B. informed me my pick is apparently in line with a lot of experts, but I think I explain that pretty well in the post. Enjoy the best four games in the college basketball year, and talk to you all soon. Hasta.