John Fredericks: Miami, SDSU Cover in Sunday’s Elite Eight

John Fredericks: Miami, SDSU Cover in Sunday’s Elite Eight

JOHN FREDERICKS: MIAMI, SDSU COVER IN SUNDAY’S ELITE EIGHT – Yesterday’s results yielded a 1-1 product, as I got duped by all the love for Drew Timme and the Zags. The UConn Huskies punched their ticket to the final four, along with the FAU Owls, who continue their historic run. I love Boca Raton and I took FAU plus the points. Go Owls!

Now it’s time to turn our attention to the two Sunday games that will round out the Elite Eight. Can the Longhorn defense slow down the Miami guard play? Will the San Diego State Aztecs dominate the pace of play against the Creighton Bluejays?

Read below for my expert picks on today’s matchups.

Miami (FL) +4 Vs. Texas -4 

Miami is poised to break through and reach the Final Four for the first time in their history. I love their 73-year-old veteran coach Jim Larranaga! He’s having more fun than his kids are! 

They have players that can make shots against this big Texas team and I feel they should be able to take this on and score a lot of perimeter buckets. Speed and athleticism is my pick here over a slower, plodding and much bigger Longhorns roster. Let’s keep the upsets going! 

Pick: Miami + 4

San Diego State Vs. Creigton – 2.5

That SDSU halfcourt, grind-it-out-to-a-halt and watch the paint dry basketball, is something to behold. While I was not known as a defensive minded basketball coach, and I spent only one fourth of my average practice time on it, this Aztec defensive is something to behold.

I’m excited to watch this match of two of best coaches in college basketball today: Brian Dutcher (SDSU) and Greg McDermott (Creighton). SDSU is 11-0 this season ATS against teams who make eight or more treys during the season. The Blue Jays are in that category. 

SDSU 6-1 ATS in March. While Creighton is tough in any scenario, this Aztec team is believing in themselves and if they mash this game down to a half court defensive showdown they win. 

Pick: SDSU +2.5