Cavaliers vs Spartans Pick – NCAA Tournament
At this time of year it is easy to fall in love with a team because you see them so often. The opposite happened with me and Virginia though. Seeing them more only confirmed my theories about their limitations. [ad-4468020]
2014 March Madness Free Picks
East Region – Sweet Sixteen
#1 Virginia Cavaliers vs. #4 Michigan State Spartans
Friday March 28
Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
9:57PM
Moneyline: Michigan State -135, Virginia +115
Spread: Michigan State -2
Total: 127
[dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
ATS Matchup Insight | CP Insider Gambling Preview
Virginia
However, I do applaud them for for knocking off Memphis with ease.
I thought the Tigers would have more bite with their awesome athleticism but they did not respond well when pushed. Virginia always seems to.
To beat Michigan State I think the Cavs need to have someone step up and have a really big game scoring the ball.
*CLICK HERE* GRAB OUR BEST Expert CBB Picks for 2014 GAMBLING season!
G Malcolm Brogdon was their top scorer during the regular season but if they are going to win I am looking to Joe Harris to take over.
The senior has had big games in the past (mostly last year) and they need another one at the Gardens, especially because he can be a really efficient scorer when he is going well.
I have a hunch this might be the first time a #1 seed was an underdog in the Sweet Sixteen.
However, in this case I think the prevailing wisdom is well justified as despite their repeated success it is hard to get excited about Virginia. If they were a heavy underdog you could make a case but not in a one possession game.
[ad-6571516]
Michigan State
The Spartans might be the best #4 seed in history (sorry Louisville).
They took the Big Ten tournament to get on a roll and are showing little sign of slowing down anytime soon. I know that Harvard challenged them but those guys are really good and down the stretch it never felt like Michigan State was ever really danger of losing.
They are finally whole and playing like the team most thought would compete for a championship.
One thing to love about the Spartans is how they have so many players who can step up. In the round of 64 it was C Adrien Payne, who was an absolute beast with 41 points. Against Harvard it was Brandon Dawson, who led with 26 and nine rebounds.
Both of those players are great but the most talented player of all is SG Gary Harris. He is not always the statistical leader because he has a great way of meshing his game, kind of like a Grant Hill type.
MSU is an awesome value at just -2. They have talent advantages across the floor and players who have been known to step up.
With all due respect to UVA this is kind of rare territory for this program. Unless they really shut down the Spartans defensively this one could be ugly. I just don’t see them being able to corral a Tom Izzo team like that on this stage.
Spread prediction: Michigan State -2
Total prediction: Over
Score prediction: Michigan State 73 – Virginia 63
