Perhaps I could have saved a bunch of time and just flipped a coin (because apparently that’s what this year has become), but for one more day of this NCAA Tournament, I’ll give logic a chance, even though that may not be the logical move.
Florida (-1 1/2) over Louisville: I read, or perhaps wrote, somewhere, that Louisville’s offense is unreliable. Even during their recent hot streak, the Cardinals have done nothing to change that opinion, breaking 70 points only once in their past 11 games.
The Gators are peaking, having won their three tournament games by an average of more than 23 points.
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Yes, Louisville plays phenomenal defense, but Michigan State practically gave Thursday’s Sweet 16 game away by shooting 28.6 percent from the field. Florida won’t make it that easy.
Ohio State (-3) over Syracuse: Amazingly, Fab Melo’s absence hasn’t hurt Syracuse … yet.
The Orange have done an extraordinary job playing without their most important defensive player, but Buckeyes big man Jared Sullinger will remind Syracuse fans how much of an impact Melo could have made.
With the emergence of wingman Deshaun Thomas, who is averaging 25 points in the tournament, Ohio State is a legitimate championship contender.
Record: 19-18