3/13 Love, Like, Lean

1-2 on Monday night, took a day off after two straight 1-2 days. 24-20 overall. Let the games begin.

Love:

Providence vs. Butler 6 p.m. CT Fox Sports 1

I think there is one huge advantage here for Providence. That being their three point defense. The Friars lock up from beyond the arc, in conference play they are the #1 overall defense at defending the three. The advantage here is Butler heavily relies on their three point shooting in games. They rank 62nd in the nation in percentage of points that come from beyond the arc, you shut them down from deep and you just shut them down. Look for Providence to exploit Butler from beyond the arc and make it tough for them all night.

Providence won both regular season meetings this season, these two just played on Saturday, and I think overall they just pose a tough matchup for Butler. Plus Ed Cooley always comes to coach in March. The line has moved off the opening number of Providence +1 to Providence -1.5. Go Friars.

Pick: Providence -1.5

Like:

Stanford vs. UCLA 8 p.m. CT PAC 12 Network

Neither of these teams will make the tournament, barring an unforeseen conference tournament championship. I think motivation plays a huge factor around this time of the year and neither of these teams have any motivation.

UCLA is about to get a new coach this offseason and some players mulling the NBA waters so its safe to say that this team and coaching staff will have their heads in other places. On the court this season, UCLA doesn't do anything particularly well. They are slightly above average to below average in just about every statistical category. The only thing they rank high in is pace and again, with the lack of motivation I'm not so sure they get out and run tonight. I envision both teams just going through the motions.

Stanford, if anything, plays solid defense. But on offense they are top of the nation in turnover percentage per possession, are ranked 295th in three point percentage, and 286th in free throw percentage. Even if UCLA wants to get out and run I don't think Stanford has it in them to get the necessary 76 points that we need from each side to get it over.

These teams and this conference stinks. Go under.

Pick: Under 151.5

Lean:

West Virginia vs. Oklahoma 8:30 p.m. CT ESPNU

What a forgettable year from the Mountaineers this year. The Mountaineers have won at least 25 games a year for the last four and they just didn't have it this year. Bob Huggins and the Mountaineers are surely just looking to get this season over with and move onto regrouping in the offseason. This play is purely from a motivation standpoint.

Oklahoma on the other hand, while seemingly a lock for the NCAA tournament, can ensure they will not be in the tournament if they lose this one. I don't want to say they have the ultimate motivation and sense of urgency but they should be up for this one to leave no doubts. Lon Kruger's squad is an experienced one, many of these players have been on the team for the Sooners last two trips to the NCAA tournament. With at least 3-4 players, now playing significant roles for the Sooners, who were there for the Sooners Final Four run a few years back. The players have been here and Kruger has been here. Look for the Sooners to leave no doubts on a way to 100% ensuring their tournament bid.

Pick: Oklahoma -6.5