We're missing the best of a number that opened at 7.5, but there's still value on the underdog. Although the Aztecs have shown more offensive punch than in past seasons, scoring nearly 75 points per game, they tend to revert to their grinding style in high-stakes contests. Considering that Colorado State, Nevada and Boise State of the Mountain West have already fallen by the wayside, this is not a club you want to lay points with against a potent UAB team.

San Diego State had a different look on how they ended their season in the Mountain West tournament. They may have lost to New Mexico in the final, but they rose themselves an extra notch or two from where they were. UAB is a highly vulnerable team that had a stretch where they lost three straight against McNeese, Southern Miss, and Arkansas State. Grab the Aztecs to have a statement opening round win.

A bit shaky the past two days for the Mountain West, which has seen three of its teams eliminated before a chance to get to the second round of the Dance. This might not be easy for SDSU, either, as UAB has real postseason experience, having made it to the finals of the NIT last March. Andy Kennedy's bunch also had five double-digit scorers (led by G Efrem Johnson's 21 points) in the American semifinal win last Saturday against USF. Best of all, the Blazers have also covered 15 of their last 19 vs. the spread into Spokane. Note the Aztecs, leaning heavily upon PF Jorden LeDee, have dropped five of their last six vs. the spread. Play UAB (NCAA at Spokane)

UAB has won five straight and should be very competitive with the Aztecs. The Blazers beat Drake, FAU, Maryland and Memphis during the regular season, and lost to Clemson by a point. What I especially like in this matchup, versus SDSU's brilliant defense, is that UAB can lean on several different scorers. Over the past four games, a different Blazer led the team in scoring each time. UAB ranks 24th nationally in offensive rebounding and 12th nationally in free throws attempted per game -- two factors that should help the Blazers keep this close.