Joe Duffy (www.OffshoreInsiders.com)
Here are some sharp player highlights from our clipboard.
UCLA-Weber State
UCLA has emphasized defense in their practices since their
first-round elimination in the Pac 10 tournament. In their first 22 games, the Bruins allowed
41.9 percent shooting, but in their last nine, opponents made 46.9 percent of
their shots.
Gonzaga-Indiana
Remember, Gonzaga is without big time player Josh Heytvelt
because of a drug arrest. He is their
second leading scorer. They lost their first home game in their last 50 without
him and the absence of the 6-11 center has forced the
Bulldogs to go with a four-guard offense.
Texas
For those looking for a 15 seed over second seed upset,
according to Cy McCormick of MasterLockLine.com, “Most experts I talk to
believe Wisconsin is as vulnerable of a second seed in a long time” pointing to
the fact they are only 3-3 SU in their last six.
Jackson State-Florida
Despite their No. 1 seed,
players are singing the “no respect” tune, so they may be looking to make a
statement Friday. Center Al Horford says his left
ankle is still bothering him but it’s nothing serious and he will play.
Duke-Virginia Commonwealth
VCU has top notch guards and
Duke has struggled against such teams as of late. In their current three-game
losing streak the Blue Devils have allowed 57 assists, not to mention 85 points
or more each game.
Wright State-Pittsburgh
Few teams were more drastically improved from the first
part of the year than
They started out 5-6 including losses to Coastal Carolina and
trounced 71-45 by LSU. They are 18-3 since, including
11-1 their last 12. A major part of the turnaround is the emergence of freshmen
Vaughn Duggins and Todd Brown, two of their four
leading scorers.
Vanderbilt-George Washington
In great part due to an injury to Alan Metcalfe, the
Commodores started out 1-3 which included a loss to lowly Furman at home. They
have since beaten six ranked teams en rout to their third 20-win season in four
years.
Old Dominion-Butler
Old Dom has won 12-of-13 entering the tournament. They
defeated
slow start to the year at 12-7 was in no small part due to adjusting to the
graduation of two All-Conference players from last season.
Villanova-Kentucky
Oft injured Villanova point guard Mike Nardi
has a bone scan on his injured ankle. It
revealed nothing but a sprain and he expects to be close to full strength.
is tested, having played 14 games versus 11 foes that are in the Field of 65.
UNLV-Georgia Tech
UNLV has a three-guard offense,
a look Tech has not seen, but head coach Paul Hewitt says his team needs not to
make adjustments.
Oral Roberts-Washington State
For those who love senior led team, Oral Roberts is for
you. Caleb Green and Ken Tutt have a combined 4,490
career points. They also knocked off No.
1 seed
earlier this season.
For the best pointspread picks and the highest percentage
of winners, visit Joe Duffy’s GodsTips.com