The Elite 8 is starting up and here is what we have on the plate today.
*Butler vs. Kansas State*
Key Match-up
Shelvin Mack vs. Jacob Pullen
Betting Note
Butler is not the Cinderella story people think. They have the shooters and the ability to control the game like only Kentucky can. Shelvin Mack is one of their many sharpshooters but Kansas State has some of their own. Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente can drop bombs from the three point range so this should be a game of shooters. If Butler slows the game down then they have a great chance at pulling the final four bid off but if the tempo becomes fast, butler does not have a chance.
Who’s Who?
Straight up- Kansas State is the choice to make here. They will keep the tempo up for most of the game but I think it will come down to the last second.
Line- I have Butler to cover the +4 in this game. The Bulldogs will not give up without a fight.
You Heard It
Straight (Kansas State)
Line (Butler +4)
*West Virginia vs. Kentucky*
Key Match-up
Anybody in the paint vs. DeMarcus Cousins
Betting Note
Kentucky is one of the best men’s college basketball teams I have seen in a long time. They have the outside shooters and the inside presence that can dominate anyone. DeMarcus Cousins is one of the keys to this game. If Kentucky gets the ball to the big man down under it will be hard for West Virginia to stop him. The best defense will be Devin Ebanks who holds his own in the paint too. The injury to Darryl Bryant will not hurt them as much as people think and if Da’Sean Butler is on his game then West Virginia can possibly pull this off.
Who’s Who?
Straight up- I will take Kentucky straight up in this one, this team is crazy good.
Line- West Virginia is going off at +4 and I like it. The two games tonight will both come down to last second shots.
You Heard It
Straight (Kentucky)
Line (West Virginia +4)