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For the second year in a row, my 2025 Men’s Basketball Tournament Survivor Pool was eliminated in the first round. Both times it was a 6 seed that let me down.
South Carolina failed me last year by losing to No. 11 seed Oregon, while the Missouri Tigers did me in this March, getting knocked out by 11th-seeded Drake.
My other 2 picks advanced — seventh-seeded UCLA beat No. 10 seed Utah State and No. 5 seed Michigan escaped 12th-seeded UC San Diego — but all it took was the one loss by Mizzou to eliminate me.
In reality, I couldn’t be eliminated because as an employee, I’m not eligible to win this contest. However, I can still assist those of you who have a shot at the $2.5K first prize — but I’d understand if you don’t want my advice.
A rules reminder: Remaining entries are required to pick 2 teams to win outright in the second round — no spread involved. Once you pick a team, it can’t be used again, similar to an NFL survivor pool.
After the second round, the rules require 1 pick per round — 1 in the Sweet 16, 1 in the Elite 8, 1 in the Final Four and then picking the winner of the National Championship Game — if you still have an eligible team to select.
Along with not being able to choose the same team twice, the other tricky rule is that points are earned equal to your winning teams’ seeds. At this point, there are still a lot of points available in the second round and beyond.
Can you survive? While the men’s contest is closed, there’s still time to enter the USA TODAY Sports’ Women’s Basketball Tournament Survivor Pool, which also has a $2,500 prize! Free to enter, 21+. Terms apply, void where prohibited by law. See Official Rules. Play now!
Now on to the next round.
Second-round picks
PICK 1: COLORADO STATE RAMS (26-9)
Who they play: Maryland Terrapins (26-8)
When: Sunday, 7:10 p.m. ET (TBS)
Where: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
The Rams were quite impressive in showing Memphis the door Friday, winning 78-70 as 1.5-point favorites. Vegas knew something as the 12-seed was favored over the 5-seed.
Traditionally, we’ve seen plenty of higher seeds advance against the No. 5 in the NCAA Tournament, so Colorado State’s victory wasn’t a giant shocker.
Both teams basically mirrored each other in terms of shooting. Colorado State shot 42.1% (24-for-57), while Memphis was 42.4% (25-for-59). However, the Rams hit 5 more 3-pointers (11-6), they were a little better from the free-throw line (19-for-25 vs. 14-for-20), while Colorado State was plus-6 in turnover differential.
The funny thing is that Rams leading scorer G Nique Clifford was just 3-of-13 from the field, including 0-for-6 from downtown, and Colorado State still got the job done. That’s because G Kyan Evans stepped up with 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 6-of-9 from 3.
Maryland barely had to break a sweat against Grand Canyon Friday, ousting the WAC representatives by an 81-49 score as a 9-point favorite. The Terps shot 50.8% (31-for-61) from the field, while limiting the Lopes to 28.6% (16-of-56). However, in a close game, one area needs work or Maryland might be heading home. The Terps were a dismal 50.0% (12-for-24) from the free-throw line. It was plus-11 in rebounding margin, while turning it over 5 more times than Grand Canyon.
Maryland is going to be in trouble if it shoots like that from the charity stripe Sunday. Colorado State’s Clifford is certain to be much, much better than his opening game showing. All of these things make the Rams an intriguing fit, and they might be fit for Cinderella’s slipper.
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PICK 2: ARIZONA WILDCATS (23-12)
Who they play: Oregon Ducks (25-9)
When: Sunday, 9:40 p.m. ET (TBS)
Where: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
The former Pac-12 rivals meet in in a very intriguing game.
Oregon routed Liberty 81-52 in the opening round Friday. The Ducks, who were 7-point favorites, held the Flames to just 32.8% (20-for-61) from the field. The Ducks were plus-16 in rebounding margin with C Nate Bittle leading the way with 10 boards. He also had 14 points for a double-double, while G Jackson Shelstad registering a game-best 17 points..
The Wildcats routed Akron of the Mid-American Conference, holding down the high-octane offense of the Zips 93-65 Friday. Arizona’s G Caleb Love was off, going for just 10 points in 25 minutes, although he was good for 7 rebounds and 4 assists with 2 triples. F Trey Townsend was sharp, hitting an efficient 7-of-8 from the field, ending with 16 points and 8 boards.
Arizona was 56.5% (39-for-69) from the field, and 48.0% (12-for-25) behind the arc. That made up for an ugly 3-for-10 night at the free-throw line. The latter was shocking as the Wildcats rank 15th in the nation with a 78.4% from the charity stripe. Look for the Wildcats to be much better from the line Sunday in what should be a closer game. And, look for Arizona to get the job done in this renewal of former Pac-12 acquaintances.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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