The second round of the NCAA is finally here. And with it come two hot matchups with a huge potential for fireworks (and profit!). The Virginia Commonwealth Rams take their “Havoc” defense into the tournament as they attempt to slow down Ohio State’s D’Angelo Russell. As if that game wasn’t enough, two dark horses in the tournament meet when the NC State Wolfpack take on the LSU Tigers.
For a thorough look at both these games, check out our complete previews for Virginia Commonwealth vs. Ohio State and NC State vs. LSU.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]No. 7 Virginia Commonwealth Rams vs. No. 10 Ohio State Buckeyes (4:40 PM ET)
Line: Virginia Commonwealth Rams (+4) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (-4); total 137.0 – view these lines
[sc:NCAAB240banner ]Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament hoes rest on talented freshman D’Angelo Russell’s back. Russell has been the Buckeyes go-to guy, averaging 19 points, five rebounds and five assists per game this season. He’s been even more devastating heading into the tournament, averaging 23 points per game this March. The Buckeyes have won eight of their last 10 games as favorites, going 7-3 against the spread.
Virginia Commonwealth have the defense that could rattle the young Buckeyes star. Its unique “Havoc” defense has caused the second-most steals in the nation (338) during the regular season. The Rams could also do plenty of damage with their excellent three-point shooting. They’ve shot 44 percent from beyond the arc over their last three games.
Writer’s Prediction
Russell lifts the Buckeyes to advance, while covering -4.
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No. 8 NC State Wolfpack vs. No. 9 LSU Tigers (9:20 PM ET)
Line: NC State Wolfpack (-2.5) vs. LSU Tigers (+2.5); total 140.5 – view these lines
Three-point shooting is the name of the game for NC State. It has plenty of options to make some timely baskets from downtown. The Wolfpack’s top three scorers in Trevor Lacey, Ralston Turner and Anthony Barber are all shooting about 40 percent from downtown this season.
LSU’s size could give NC State plenty of problems, though, especially on the boards. LSU is ranked 63rd in the nation in offensive rebounds per game (10.3), which should give them plenty of second chance points. The frontcourt tandem of Jarell Martin and Jordan Mickey don’t waste precious scoring opportunities, both shooting over 50 percent from the field.
NC State is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games against non-ACC teams.
Writer’s Prediction
LSU (+2.5) upsets NC State.
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