(2) Georgetown -17 vs. (15) Belmont (O/U: 124)
This is the first game on the docket where the favorite can probably just name the final score and do whatever they want with it. Georgetown is one of the most talented and well-balanced all-around teams in the entire bracket. If they're going to get beat, a team will have to put pressure on their guards to force turnovers, and try to rattle this relatively young team into forcing their half-court offense. Belmont is not going to beat Georgetown.
But can Belmont cover against Georgetown? The Bruins are a more solid team than the one who lost to UCLA in last year's first round by 34 points. They actually do have some athletes in the back-court, who could pressure Georgetown... to an extent. Unfortunately Belmont is also rather turnover-prone themselves, and like most small schools in the tournament, they live and die with the 3-pointer. To their credit, Belmont won't be phased after playing UCLA in the first round last year, and playing road games against Illinois and Michigan State earlier this season.
The play to make: The line has shifted slightly in Georgetown's favor, and the public is backing them to cover. This is unsurprising, as the Hoyas have become a trendy Final 4 pick and most people don't even know where Belmont is (it's in Nashville). For Belmont to even cover in this game, they'll probably have to make at least a dozen 3-pointers. Why would you want to depend on that? But then, why would you want to depend on Georgetown deciding to keep their foot on the pedal and win by at least 17? One interesting note: in the last two tournaments only one 2-seed has won their game by 17 points or more, and that was the aforementioned UCLA over Belmont last year. So the odds are in Belmont's favor to cover, but if you're going to play it, play it small. Meanwhile, I'm developing an interest in the Over in this game. The public is betting the Under based on Georgetown's perception as a defensive team, but the total isn't budging. I think if you want to make a play in this game, I recommend it be the Over.
Who to take based on which mascot would win in a fight: Dogs and bears should learn to get along, but there's no doubt the bear is winning this one. By the way, I don't know what an actual hoya is either. Edge: Belmont
Who Suzy from accounting is taking: Did you know that Trisha Yearwood like, totally graduated from Belmont? But Georgetown has great shopping, great bars and lots of pre-meds. So, yeah, there's that. Edge: Georgetown
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