BIG TEN TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL
UCLA vs. WISCONSIN (WIS -1.5, 141.5)
WISCONSIN ML
Wisconsin lost to UCLA back in January on the road 85-83. That came just after the Bruins had started Big Ten play 2-4. Head coach Mick Cronin went off his rocker about his team's garbage offense. Eventually, the Bruins righted the ship and finished 13-7 in the conference.
Wisconsin also finished 13-7 in Big Ten play this season. The Badgers are experienced, balanced and have the much better offense in this game. Wisconsin averages over 80 points per game and has an advantage in one of the big difference makers come this time of year - free throw shooting.
The Badgers lead the nation in free throw shooting percentage at 83.2%. UCLA shoots just 70.5% from the line. I like the Badgers to exact some revenge and make key free throws when they have to today.
MAC TOURNAMENT SEMIFINAL
AKRON vs. TOLEDO (AKR -8.5, 162.5)
TOLEDO +8.5
These two teams just played at the end. of the regular season. Akron got the win 96-87 in a high-scoring game. The Zips covered as 4.5-point favorites. Both offenses can really fill it up. Toledo averages 78.2 points per game. Akron ranks 10th in the nation scoring 84 points per game.
In the game played on March 4, Akron moved out to a 21-point halftime lead, but Toledo played a great second half. The Rockets actually won the half by 12 points and cut the lead down to three points at one point. Akron would pull away at the end and cover. The Zips shot 54 percent from three in that game and shot 41 percent and hit 16 threes yesterday in a win over Bowling Green.
Akron is good and likely wins this game, but don't expect that shooting to hold up. Plus, Toledo can do enough to cover. The Rockets have covered in each of their last two games and Akron is just 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games.
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