NCAAB Conference Tournaments
The Madness is Near
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Everyone loves March. The real Madness is right around the corner, but this week were highlighting all the conference tourneys that pave the way. We’ve been off since the Super Bowl, but the engines are starting up again. The newsletters will be pumping throughout the big dance, and then it’s time for MLB Futures.
We treat the Conference Tournaments like an appetizer. Don’t want to get too full before the main course, but you can’t just sit there and not eat. If you’ve got an outright pending on a team then perhaps you don’t even want them to advance too far. We align with that thinking. Get some rest and focus on making a push for the Championship. But some of these teams know they don’t have a shot in hell to take down Duke or Auburn, so this IS their big dance. Let’s talk some ball.
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ACC
Start Date: Tuesday, March 11th Defending Champ: Duke
Degen: What happened to ACC basketball? Once a storied conference full of talent. Now it’s Duke and everyone else. Even UNC is pathetic. I always fall for Clemson here, but not doing that again. I’ve heard smart people mention that the Tigers grade out in the top 25 for offensive and defensive net rating according to KenPom, which fits some mold for Championship winners. Good luck with that. This is a pass for me.
Steak: Riding Louisville at (+550(, but got an eye on SMU as the long shot at +6000
Greg: Sadly, it is very likely Duke at the -340 price tag. But where’s the fun in that? I love this Clemson team and need some way to get invested. Clemson (+600)
Start Date: Wednesday, March 12th Defending Champ: UConn
Degen: I was going to take a shot on Xavier till I remembered Sean Miller is their coach. He’s the guy who sweats a lot from Arizona. I think I like Steaks Creighton pick. No strong lean here. UConn is going to likely have a ton of fans there and some “home court” juice, if you will. The ticket prices have gone up what feels like 5x due to St Johns being so good. This should be a fun tournament and we will be boots on ground. As far as a winner, I’m going to tail Steak.
Steak: Give Steak Creighton (+500), or give him DEATH!
Greg: UConn (+400) in the Garden is as chalky as it gets, but I think this team is beyond proven and like them to repeat.
Start Date: Wednesday, March 12th Defending Champ: Illinois
Degen: THIS is where I get my beak wet. Give me the Wisconsin Badgers (+600) to make some noise. At one point this team was ROLLING. Then they hit a little adversity, including an embarrassing loss to end the season against Penn State. I love teams that aren’t peaking and instead get the taste of an L before tournament time.
Steak: Riding the Illini (+750) to repeat, but sprinkling Oregon (+6000) to make a splash.
Greg: I love the basketball Michigan State (+250) is playing right now. Don’t hate fading them come the Big Dance. But for now, in the Big Ten - I’m all Izzo!
Big 12
Start Date: Tuesday, March 11th Defending Champ: Iowa State
Degen: So here is where I’m torn like Natalie Imbruglia. I have Texas Tech (+3300) and Kansas (+7500 — no hitting, just like the value) in pocket to win it all. I’m the kind of guy that doesn’t like my natty contenders to do too well in their conference tournaments. Again, I like adversity. No data to back this up by the way. But what I’m getting at is I don’t know that I care to double dip on any of them. I guess if I was to get involved I’d lean BYU (+1100). Not sold on Iowa State but they could be the team to win this then disappoint everyone later.
Steak: Another great number on another defending Champ. Steak say Cyclones +700
Greg: I feel like Texas Tech (+400) isn’t getting the necessary respect. I just can’t buy into Houston and love the draw for the Red Raiders.
SEC
Start Date: Wednesday, March 12th Defending Champ: Auburn
Degen: I love all things Florida. Why have I not taken them to win it all? Couldn’t tell ya. I’m not even that big of a “missed the number” guy either. A winner is a winner. Yet I have still stayed off. Maybe now is the time to get a little action in on the Gators (+270). I am going to tail Steak with the Ole Miss look as a fun long shot.
Steak: All in on the Vols (+600) this year, but throwing a bit of pizza money at Ole Miss (+6000) too.
Greg: Call it a Steak tail, call it anything you want. I’m invested in Bama to win the whole thing, but I think the Vols (+600) and upset Auburn and close it out to win a strong conference.
BONUS:
American Athletic: North Texas +190 - I love this team and I gotta have some action on them. Memphis Shemphis. (Greg)
Mountain West: Colorado State +350 - Getting hot at the perfect time. (Greg)