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Brad vs. the Book: Historic season to continue for Hawkeyes at IU

Slaying the sportsbook is a monstrous task. Some days bettors take up residence in a penthouse suite. Other times, they curl up in the nearest ditch, shirtless and toothless. In an attempt to avoid complete destitution, I will post my picks, whether profitable or penniless, through the NCAA tourney. Check out Thursday's selections below: 

Iowa (19-4, 13-7 ATS) at Indiana (19-5, 12-12) – What a time to be alive if you're a Hawkeye. The football team made an appearance in Pasadena. Caucuses occurred. And now, the Fighting Frans are nearing a No. 1 seed for the first time in school history.

Though Iowa is highly ranked by every measurement imaginable, many pundits and casual fans continue to question its veracity. Don't. This is a senior-laden, highly-experienced club with disruptive length and athleticism. The only team in the nation that currently ranks inside the top-11 in offensive and defensive efficiency, the Hawkeyes are a well-oiled machine on both ends. Throw in their deadly range (39.7 3PT%) and charity stripe conversions, and it's easy to see why they've logged seven wins against the KenPom top-50.

Despite a sparkling 19-5 record, the jury is still out on Indiana. The Hoosiers, equipped with numerous effective jump shooters, are explosive on offense, particularly in transition. On the year, they've netted 1.14 points per possession and posted a 56.2 effective field-goal percentage, the second-highest mark in the country. Also improved on defense, they appear rock solid. However, IU very well could be a paper tiger, evidenced in its Charmin-soft Big Ten schedule. Point blank, Tom Crean and Co. have yet to face a team the defensive caliber of Iowa. Play D like it did at Penn St., and Jarrod Uthoff goes bananas.

Prediction: Iowa 80 (+3.5) Indiana 77

For Cal to spring the upset over Oregon, Jordan Matthews must be silky smooth from outside. (AP)
For Cal to spring the upset over Oregon, Jordan Matthews must be silky smooth from outside. (AP)

Oregon (20-4, 13-7 ATS) at California (15-8, 11-12) 

– Though its No. 1 ranked strength of schedule and No. 2 RPI jump off the page, critics, those presumably living in the Eastern Time Zone, continue to doubt Oregon's statistical superiority. If you're one of those people, remove head from posterior. This Ducks team, winners of nine of its last 10, is a legitimate national title contender. Led by 6-foot-7 point guard Dillon Brooks, OU is flush with versatile athletes. All of them attack the rim. All are unafraid to jack from three. Toxic in transition and adequate defensively, they are a handful.

However, don't be surprised if the Ducks are humbled by the Bay.

If there's one team in the Pac-12 that matches up well with Oregon, it's Cal. Freaky freshmen Ivan Rabb and Jaylen Brown, both widely considered NBA lottery picks, have the length and skills to compete. In the first bout in Eugene, a three-point win for Oregon, the duo cashed in 37 points and 17 rebounds. If Cal, which was 0-for-12 from three in that game, receives even average production from Jordan Matthews outside (44.9 3PT%), it should even up the season series. Keep in mind the Bears are undefeated at Haas Pavillon this year. Take the points.

Prediction: California (+2.5) 75 Oregon 73 

Florida St. (16-7, 9-9 ATS) at Syracuse (16-8, 11-12) – Barely registering a pulse a month ago, the Orange fought off adversity, recorded multiple marquee wins and are on pace to dance after a one-year hiatus. Jim Boeheim's post-suspension return definitely created a spark. Victorious in six of its last seven contests, Syracuse has tightened its signature 2-3 zone and received more consistent contributions from forward Tyler Roberson and sharpshooter Trevor Cooney. In league play, opponents are scoring only 1.00 points per possession and converting 27.4 percent from beyond the arc against it.

The Seminoles have built a tourney-worthy resume of their own with knife-twisting treys from Malik Beasley and Devon Bookert and close-range buckets from Dwayne Bacon. However, unless they're nailing shots from Buffalo, FSU could become very one-dimensional based on the matchup. If the 'Cuse can limit put-backs and take advantage of the 'Noles' loose perimeter D, it should emerge victorious, and possibly in convincing fashion. Expect a methodical, shot-clock draining contest.

Prediction: Syracuse (-2.5) 67 Florida St. 60

Other Leans: Oregon St. (+1), Detroit (-2), Temple (+4.5), St. Mary's (-10.5), Valpo (-19)

Parlay Play: Cal (+2.5), Temple (+4.5), Valpo (-19)

Year to date: 82-74-3

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