Against The Spread: How To Bet Round 1 of the AAC Tournament
It's time to make some money! The AAC Tournament kicks off tomorrow and here's my against against the spread picks in round one.
#9 SMU (-2) vs. #8 UConn
As 8/9 games typically are, this one is pretty much a tossup. UConn won the first matchup in Storrs, and I think they have the advantage here. Since SMU has had all the injuries, they have scored above 60 just four times in the last eleven games and two of those games were against ECU. The current Mustang offense usually consistent of Jahmal McMurray jacking up a three late in the shot clock. SMU hasnot beaten anyone besides SMU since mid January. UConn won the first meeting 63-52 and if they can brake 60 points, I think they will win the game. Jalen Adams should have a big game in getting the win. I’ll take the Huskies getting the 2 points and win the game outright, 62-57. PICK: UConn (+2)
#12 South Florida (+7) vs #5 Memphis
A week and a half ago I saw one of the weirdest results I had seen in college basketball this year. A steaming hot Memphis played at HOME against USF who entered at 1-13 in the AAC at this time. Memphis had just come off of their best win of the year beating #23 Houston. The Tigers were 15 point favorites, but would go on to lose 75-51. Memphis was never even in the game. I feel as if the Tigers may use this as motivation, after all Memphis did beat them in South Florida 86-74. Also, news surfaced that Tubby Smith will be fired after the AAC tournament. Memphis might not win the conference tournament, but kids seem to play softer or harder when their coach’s job is in the line, hopefully the Tigers play harder. PICK: Memphis (-7)
#10 Tulane (+5.5) vs. Temple
This game is probably the toughest to predict of all the first round games. Both teams have been severely inconsistent this year. Tulane has lost 8/9 while Temple has lost 4/5. The teams split in the two times they played this year with both winning on each other’s home floor. Temple is really dependent on their guards and they simply aren’t playing well right now. I expect this to be a very close game, but Cam Reynolds takes over in the end. Green Wave get the win 66-63. PICK: Tulane (+5.5)
#11 East Carolina (+13.5) vs. #6 UCF
UCF ended their skip of three games beating Tulane on senior day. In their first meeting, UCF crushed ECU 59-39, and this time the Pirates will be without Kentrell Barkley. I do think ECU was able to figure some things out offensively against Memphis. They will need to make some shots going up against the 3rd best defense in the nation in scoring average. This will be a low scoring game, but I think Shawn Williams and BJ Tyson can keep this game close for ECU, but too much BJ Taylor gives UCF the win. 59-53 Knights. PICK: East Carolina (+13.5
