Should the Zips be underdogs in this game? Absolutely. But this number is crazy. Akron's John Groce is one of the best coaches in the history of the MAC, and his team is tough. I love the Zips backcourt as well. Give me the points.

I love New Mexico’s matchup against Marquette. The Golden Eagles were once a top-10 team, but they struggled to the finish line. Also, if you have not seen Donovan Dent play for the Lobos, he's a spectacular and electrifying guard. The Golden Eagles are going to have their hands full. Give me New Mexico on the money line.

Should the Heels have been in the tournament? Probably not, but, man, they looked good against San Diego State banging down 14 3-pointers. Ole Miss was only 8-10 in Quad 1 games, and the Rebels don't pass my eyeball test.

I’ve called the Gaels' games this year, and their continuity, connectivity and chemistry make Randy Bennett's crew ultratough. Saint Mary's has the experience to finally advance in the tournament. The Gaels roll.

I am the minority here as the 12th-seeded Rams are the favorite over the Tigers. I believe that is because you haven’t watched Penny Hardaway‘s team play. PJ Haggerty is a star, and Memphis has a super tough backcourt. Give me the Tigers on the money line.

Basketball is a game of matchups and UC San Diego is a matchup nightmare for Michigan, with the way the Tritons force turnovers and shoot the three. If they make 10 or more, Michigan is in trouble. Take the points.

I love the Missouri Valley Conference every year, but I got a chance to see Drake up close and personal in January and wow, this team is for real. Ben McCollum is one of the best minds in college basketball and if you have not seen Bennett Stirtz handle the rock, he is one of the best players in this tournament. Drake covers and potentially wins outright.

This could be the last year the Ivy League is actually competitive in the NCAA tournament because of new NIL rules. I’d be surprised if any more Ivy League players stuck around like the senior backcourt did at Yale. The Bulldogs beat Auburn in this round last year and could make another splash this year.

I have called VCU games so I know the Rams are for real. They returned their top three scorers from last year‘s team and that experience and continuity is hard to find in college basketball. The Rams are a major threat in this tournament.

Will Wade is leaving McNeese State for NC State but that doesn’t matter in this spot. McNeese is for real, going 19-1 in the Southland Conference, and the Cowboys have the veteran leadership to give the Tigers all they can handle. Clemson has to overcome the loss of starting guard Dillon Hunter (broken hand), the ultimate "glue guy" according to coach Brad Brownell.

Louisville is playing in its backyard (in Lexington) against a Creighton team that has been up and down this season. Pat Kelsey‘s energy is infectious and his under-seeded team will use that energy to advance in the tournament.

The Rockets have been up-and-down as of late, and a lot of their success and failure depends on Fred VanVleet. He’s out tonight, and the Pelicans' Zion Williamson is finally healthy, at home and getting points. I’ll take the home dog.

The Lakers are on the second half of a back to back. They lost to the Hornets last night, at home. Portland has been a covering machine lately and right now the Lakers have no idea what they are. Don't hesitate to sprinkle on the moneyline too.

What a great matchup in the SEC! Johni Broome is the difference in this matchup. Alabama has a major weakness inside and that’s Auburn’s strength.

Both the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks are on the second half of a back to back. The Mavs won behind Kyrie Irving’s huge performance, but I was more impressed with the Miami Heat and the way they played for three quarters against the Thunder. I believe that confidence carries over against the banged-up Mavericks.