Texas A&M vs LSU (Under 129) - 2:50pm Pacific - Game #517-518

Points figure to be at a premium in this matchup of strong defensive teams.  LSU ranks second in the SEC in points allowed per game and first in the SEC in FG% defense.  Texas A&M ranks second in the Big 12 in points allowed per game and fifth in the Big 12 in FG% defense.  That says a lot considering how many strong defensive teams are in that conference.  Texas A&M has held opponents to 55.1ppg in last 10 outings.  Both of these coaches demand that their players get after it defensively on every possession.  Both teams prefer a half-court game.  A&M because they do not have a lot of athletes, and LSU because they need to keep star widebody center "Big Baby" Davis fresh.  Expect a slow paced defensive battle.  Play the under.

 

RAS Official Play:  Under 129   1 UNIT

 

Gonzaga (-3) vs Indiana -    5:10pm Pacific - Game #521-522

The Zags have won an incredible 18 straight games.  All three of their losses this year came away from home and against top 20 opponents: vs UConn in Maui by 2, at Washington by 4, and at Memphis by 9.  They are not getting enough credit for their non-conference schedule.  Gonzaga played their first 8 games without starting guard Erroll Knight.  He missed two of their losses and played only sparingly in the third.  They also just got 6-11 forward Josh Heytvelt back from injury 8 games ago.  He gives them added quality size and depth.  Gonzaga was not all that impressive in first round win vs Xavier but they did have to overcome a 10 day layoff and should be much sharper today.  Adam Morrison is a definite All-American which is never a bad thing to have on your side.  Indiana pulled a rabbit out of the hat to get by San Diego State in round one but today they face a much tougher opponent and they will not have nearly as big of a size and depth advantage down low as they did vs the Aztecs.  Look for the Zags to advance with a solid win here.

 

RAS Official Play:  Gonzaga -3  1 UNIT

 

Montana (+11) vs Boston College - 2:40pm Pacific - Game #519-520

The Grizzlies showed everyone just how solid of a basketball team they are in wire to wire win over Nevada in round one.  They exuded confidence and poise throughout the game in a very impressive win.  They are still not getting their due respect from oddsmakers or bettors.  I am very high on Boston College, I picked them to get to the final four in my bracket.  However, the Eagles did not look good in round one as they were extremely lucky just to advance against a Pacific team that I still do not think is very good.  BC can not be happy with their itinerary over the past 9 days.  They played three hard fought games in three days in North Carolina then had to fly out to Salt Lake City for a Thursday day game that went to double OT.  The Montana campus is just 6 hours away and they figure to have a decent sized contingent show up for this one.  Expect another competitive performance from the Grizzlies.  Take the big number.

 

RAS Official Play:  Montana +11  1 UNIT