(3) Texas A&M -13.5 vs. (14) Pennsylvania (O/U: 135)
It's been a rough decade so far for the Ivy League schools, who made so much noise in the NCAA tournaments of the '90s. Pretty much no one expects Penn to win this game, let alone be competitive and well, maybe that's a sign you should consider betting on them. No one's really talking about Penn, but they do feature the legendary Ibby Jaaber, two-time Ivy League player of the year. Jaaber comprises a solid inside-outside duo with 6-7 Mark Zoller and the two tore up the Ivy this year. This is also the third straight tournament trip for this senior duo, so the bright lights won't be getting into their eyes.
Unfortunately for Jaaber, he's matched up against arguably the tournament's best PG in Acie Law. A&M is being considered a very dangerous team in this tournament and for good reason, the Aggies have experience, leadership, solid guard play, solid rebounding and clutch performances all around.
The play to make: The more I've looked this one over, the more I've been talking myself into Pennsylvania +13.5. They have the kind of slashing-and-shooting perimeter play that has given A&M trouble this year. Unfortunately for the Quakers, they also thrive off of sloppy guard play leading to turnovers, and that's something Acie Law won't be helping them out with. The public likes A&M to cover and I could see why, by the talent disparity this game could get ugly. But with everyone concentrating on Wright State and Oral Roberts as potential 14-seed upsets, Pennsylvania +13.5 might be a smart off-the-radar play. I also really like the Over in this game. Penn is regarded by the public as a defensive team, but they actually got out and scored some points this year, in both half-court and transition. The Over might be the best play overall in this match-up, though Penn +13.5 is the most inspired one.
Who to take based on which mascot would win in a fight: I have no idea what an aggie is, but I know that Quakers are pussies. I mean, look at this guy. I'll meet him in a dark alley any day. Edge: Texas A&M
Who Suzy from accounting is taking: When in doubt, go with the city (Philadelphia) that has hosted a season of The Real World. Edge: Pennsylvania
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