Survivor pool strategy – Syndication Server

March Madness: Championship Game strategy for the $2.5K USA TODAY’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool

Win $2.5K in the NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool: National Championship Game pick and prediction.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The 2024 NCAA Tournament and Final Four has been pared down to just two teams for Monday’s National Championship Game. Only 44 entries in USA TODAY’s NCAA Men’s Tournament Survivor Pool contest remain out of the 7,821 who signed up.

We have a pair of No. 1 seeds squaring off, as the Purdue Boilermakers (34-4) will meet the defending champ UConn Huskies (36-5) for all of the marbles Monday night at State Farm Arena in Glendale, Ariz. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:20 p.m. ET (TBS).

I was bumped out of the Survivor Pool in the 1st round with upsets by 11th-seeded Oregon and 13th-seeded Yale. They knocked out my picks of No. 6 seed South Carolina and No. 4 seed Auburn, respectively.

Though unofficially eliminated — I couldn’t win as an employee anyway, but my goal was to steer you in the right direction for the $2.5K first prize — I continued to offer out picks.

I had winning 2nd-round picks with 11th-seeded NC State (for 11 points) and No. 5 seed San Diego State (5 points). In the Sweet 16, I correctly picked Illinois (3 points). In the Elite 8, Alabama (4 points) won for me. And in the Final Four round, Purdue (1 point) prevailed.

With 1 game to go, here’s my strategy of how to win the Men’s Basketball Tournament Survivor Pool.

Remaining entries are required to pick the winner of the National Championship Game — if they still have an eligible team to select.

Points are earned equal to your winning teams’ seeds. At this point, there actually aren’t many points available, with just 1 point apiece if Purdue or UConn wins. Hopefully you have a team available, as every point counts.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

National Championship Game pick

PICK: UCONN HUSKIES

I intentionally did not pick UConn in the previous round, and I had already picked Alabama and NC State in previous rounds. That’s a good thing, too, as both were eliminated in Saturday’s semifinals. I picked Purdue, which won and will face the defending champs Monday.

The thinking is that UConn was the strongest team in the NCAA Tournament, and it would win the title. So at least there is a pick to make. Hopefully you have either Purdue or UConn available, so you can grab 1 more point.

UConn will have its hands full with Purdue 7-foot-4 C Zach Edey. He was once again very efficient against NC State, hitting 9-of-14 shots from the field, finishing tied for a game-high 20 points, while he grabbed 12 rebounds with 4 assists and 2 blocked shots. He did turn the ball over 5 times, though, and the Huskies will certainly try to put the pressure on, trying to coax him into miscues.

The Boilermakers also have sharpshooting guards Lance Jones and Fletcher Loyer, who combined for 7 3-pointers in the Final Four victory. In fact, with NC State F DJ Burns clogging the middle, the Boilermakers had their most success along the perimeter. They hit a healthy 40.0% (10-of-25) from behind the arc, and it will likely try to do that again, with C Donovan Clingan patrolling the paint for UConn.

Ironically, the Huskies were also 40.0% (10-of-25) on 3-pointers in their semifinal win against Alabama. Four starters hit 2 triples apiece, with only Clingan not getting in on the action. G Stephon Castle led the charge offensively, going for 21 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, while chipping in with 5 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal on 7-of-13 shooting.

UConn F Alex Karaban had 14 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocked shots with 2 triples, Clingan was an efficient 8-of-14 from the field to end up with 18 points, 5 boards and 4 blocks, while G Cam Spencer posted 14 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals while hitting 3 treys. G Tristan Newton was good for 12 points and 9 assists with 3 triples, but he struggled with a 4-of-11 shooting night. Still, the balanced scoring, and really the balance in all of the counting stats, show how deep this team is.

We haven’t had a repeat national title winner since the Florida Gators in 2006 and 2007, but that’s all about to change Monday night.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin /
College Sports Wire: Men’s hoops / Women’s hoops / High School

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

March Madness: Championship Game strategy for the $2.5K USA TODAY’s Women’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool

Win $2.5K in the Women’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool: National Championship Game pick and prediction.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The 2024 Women’s NCAA Tournament wraps up Sunday at Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Only 53 entries in USA TODAY’s Women’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool contest remain out of the 3,754 who signed up.

The tournament favorite South Carolina Gamecocks (37-0) meet the Iowa Hawkeyes (34-4) for all the marbles in the Women’s NCAA Tournament Championship Game Sunday at 3 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN).

On Friday, No. 1 overall seed South Carolina took care of NC State 78-59 with C Kamilla Cardoso going for 22 points with 11 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. The superstar center was a very efficient 10-for-12 from the field, and she was one of three South Carolina players to go for double-digit points.

Gamecocks G Raven Johnson added 13 points, with most of her damage coming on 3 triples, while G Te-Hina Paopao was good for 10 points, 6 assists and a steal, while knocking down a pair of 3-pointers.

South Carolina shot 50.0% (30-for-60) from the field, including 42.1% (8-for-19) from behind the 3-point line. It managed to get to the free-throw line just 4 times, but it converted 4 shots.

Iowa advanced to the title game for the 2nd consecutive season, easing by UConn 71-69. With 10 seconds to go, the Huskies trailed 70-69 and had the ball, but a controversial offensive foul on F Aaliyah Edwards against G Gabbie Marshall gave the Hawkeyes the ball back with 3.9 seconds to go. G Caitlin Clark was fouled with 3.5 seconds left, hit the 1st free throw and missed the 2nd, but G Sydney Affolter came down with the offensive board and Iowa hung on for the 2-point win.

The Hawkeyes were just 45.8% (27-for-59) from the floor, while going 28.0% (7-for-25) from behind the 3-point line and 71.4% (10-for-14) from the charity stripe. Clark didn’t have her best game but finished with 21 points on 7-of-18 shooting, while going 3-for-11 from downtown. F Hannah Stuelke actually led the Hawkeyes with a game-high 23 points on an efficient 9-of-12 shooting performance.

South Carolina is No. 1 and Iowa is No. 2 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

As for the USA TODAY’s Women’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool contest, I had 3 correct picks in the opening round for 12 points but stumbled in the 2nd round and was eliminated when 4th-seeded Kansas State lost to 5th-seeded Colorado. Another 4-seed, Indiana, won for me that round, but the KSU pick did me in.

Despite the loss, I still offered picks in an attempt to help you in your chase for the $2.5K 1st-place prize. Only having to make 1 pick the remaining rounds, rebounded with LSU (3 points) in the Sweet 16 upsetting UCLA in a 78-69 thriller. In the Elite 8, I won with UConn (3 points) against USC. And I won with Iowa (1 point) in the Friday’s semifinal.

As an employee, I wasn’t eligible to win this contest, but there was no rule against me helping you.

A rules reminder: Remaining entries are required to pick the National Championship Game winner — if you still have an eligible team to select.

Points are earned equal to your winning teams’ seeds.

Here is my strategy of which team to pick for Sunday’s championship.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

National Championship Game pick

PICK: SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS

I intentionally held off from selecting South Carolina in the earlier rounds in the event it managed to avoid the upset and get to the title game. The strategy worked — excluding my darn K-State pick in the 2nd round.

After selecting Iowa in the Final Four, I didn’t have any other choice for the this round anyway.

Clark and the Hawkeyes are back in the National Championship Game for the 2nd consecutive season.

Unfortunately for them, coach Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks are on a mission, will finish 38-0 and grab the title as Iowa will once again be the bridesmaid — the Hawkeyes lost to LSU in last year’s title game.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

March Madness: Final Four strategy for the $2.5K USA TODAY’s Women’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool

Win $2.5K in the Women’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool: Final Four pick and prediction.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The 2024 Women’s NCAA Tournament is on to the Final Four, starting Friday from Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Only 88 entries in USA TODAY’s Women’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool contest remain out of the 3,754 who signed up.

The semifinals are Friday on ESPN with the winners facing off in Sunday’s championship at 3 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN).

NC State (31-6) meets tournament favorite South Carolina (36-0) in the early-window game at 7 p.m. ET. The nightcap will feature UConn (33-5) and G Paige Bueckers against Iowa (33-4) and G Caitlin Clark at an approximate tip time of 9 p.m. ET.

Monday night was one for the ages, as all eyes were on women’s basketball, especially for the battle between LSU and Iowa. Clark was on another plane, draining 9 3-pointers in an amazing shooting performance, as she continues to re-write the record books. Clark ended up with 41 points in 40 minutes, while also doling out 12 assists with 7 rebounds, 2 steals and a blocked shot as the Hawkeyes eliminated the defending champion Tigers 94-87.

Clark and the Hawkeyes will have their hands full with Bueckers and the Huskies, who showed freshman phenom G Juju Watkins and USC, the No. 1 seed in their region, the door in an exciting Elite 8 matchup.

As for the USA TODAY’s Women’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool contest, I made 3 correct picks in the 1st round for 12 points but stumbled in the 2nd round and was eliminated. No. 4 seed Indiana won for me, but my other pick of 4th-seeded Kansas State lost to 5th-seeded Colorado.

Despite the loss, I still offered picks for the Sweet 16, hoping to assist you on your chase for the $2.5K 1st-place prize. Only having to make 1 pick this round, I rebounded with LSU (3 points) upsetting UCLA Saturday in a 78-69 thriller. For what it’s worth, I won with UConn (3 points) in the Elite 8 against USC.

As an employee, I wasn’t eligible to win this contest, but there’s no rule against me helping you.

A rules reminder: Remaining entries are required to pick 1 team in the Final Four and then the National Championship Game winner — if you still have an eligible team to select.

Points are earned equal to your winning teams’ seeds.

Here is my strategy of which team to pick for the Final Four.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Final Four pick

PICK 1: IOWA HAWKEYES (33-4)

Who they play: UConn Huskies (33-5)

When: Friday, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN)

I’ve already picked NC State and UConn in this Tournament, so I am left with just 2 top seeds. There just aren’t a lot of points available in the Final Four. If you need points, you might want to roll the dice on a No. 3 seed if you haven’t picked that team yet.

Iowa-UConn is going to be a fun game. Clark vs. Bueckers will get all of the headlines, but here’s UConn coach Geno Auriemma leading another team to the precipice of a national title, while the Hawkeyes are trying to get back to the championship game — they lost to LSU in the title game a year ago.

UConn was impressive against USC, shooting 48.3% (28-of-58) from the field, including 46.7% (7-of-15) from behind the 3-point line in an 80-73 victory.

If there is an Achilles’ heel, the Huskies managed to go just 63.0% (17-of-27) from the free-throw line, and that simply won’t do in a close game. Plus, UConn was minus-2 in the turnover department, but made up for it by outrebounding USC 42-41, while dishing out 7 more assists to improve to assist-to-turnover ratio.

Along with Clark scoring 41 against LSU, the Hawkeyes were 46.4% (32-of-69) from the field, hitting 41.9% (13-of-31) from behind the 3-point line. G Sydney Affolter hit a pair of triples, and ended up with 16 points and 5 rebounds, while G Kate Martin was good for 21 points and 6 rebounds with 2 steals and a perfect 4-of-4 night from the free-throw line.

Friday against UConn won’t be easy for Iowa, but the Hawkeyes should get back to the title game, setting up a potential classic against South Carolina — as long as the Gamecocks remain undefeated and push past upstart NC State.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

March Madness: Final Four strategy for the $2.5K USA TODAY’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool

Win $2.5K in the NCAA Men’s Tournament Survivor Pool: Final Four pick and prediction.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The 2024 NCAA Tournament has been pared down to the Final Four. Only 68 entries in USA TODAY’s NCAA Men’s Tournament Survivor Pool contest remain out of the 7,821 who signed up.

The Final Four will be played Saturday at State Farm Arena in Glendale, Ariz. Surprising 11th seed NC State Wolfpack and fan favorite F DJ Burns Jr. take on the top-seeded Purdue Boilermakers and behemoth C Zach Edey in the opener at 6:09 p.m. ET.

In the nightcap, the 4th-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide will square off with the defending national champions and No. 1 seed UConn Huskies. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:49 p.m. ET. Both games will be on TBS.

I was bumped out of the Survivor Pool in the 1st round with upsets by 11th-seeded Oregon and 13th-seeded Yale. They knocked out my 2 SEC picks of No. 6 seed South Carolina and No. 4 seed Auburn, respectively.

Though unofficially eliminated — I couldn’t win as an employee anyway, but my goal was to steer you in the right direction for the $2.5K first prize — I continued to offer out picks.

I bounced back in Round 2 with NC State (for 11 points) and No. 5 seed San Diego State (5 points). In the Sweet 16, I scored with Illinois (3 points). In the Elite 8, Alabama (4 points) was a winner for me.

Here’s my strategy of how to advance in the Final Four and eventually win the Men’s Basketball Tournament Survivor Pool.

Remaining entries are required to pick 1 winner out of Saturday’s semifinals and then the winner of the National Championship Game — if they still have an eligible team to select.

Points are earned equal to your winning teams’ seeds. At this point, there actually aren’t many points available in the Final Four and championship game, especially if you’ve already used NC State in a previous round.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Final Four pick

PICK: PURDUE BOILERMAKERS (33-4)

Who they play: NC State Wolfpack (26-14)

I’ve already used both NC State and Alabama, so my strategy is to play Purdue, hope UConn gets the job done in the other game, and then play the Huskies against the Boilermakers in the title game Monday.

If the Tide beat the Boilermakers, I won’t have a team left to play in the championship and I’ll be eliminated (again).

The Boilermakers got the job done against Tennessee 72-68 in the Elite 8, hitting 45.3% (24-of-53). That made up for the fact Purdue hit just 20% (3-of-15) from behind the 3-point line, and a dismal 63.6% (21-of-33) from the free-throw line. That simply won’t do against a red-hot NC State team playing with house money.

Edey was a one-man wrecking crew, posting 40 points with 16 rebounds and a blocked shot. He got to the free-throw line 22 times, hitting 14 of those attempts. With 40 of his team’s 72 points, Edey was good for 55.6% of the team’s offensive production.

NC State beat Duke 76-64 in the Elite 8 for the biggest stakes yet in that ACC rivalry. Burns continues to be a star, going for 29 points — on 13-of-19 shooting — with 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. G D.J. Horne ended up with 20 points, while G Michael O’Connell pulled down 11 boards with 6 assists and 6 points.

It’s been an amazing run, as the Wolfpack have partied like it’s 1983, but all good things come to an end. The Boilermakers were dumped by a 16 seed last season, and appear to be motivated to go from rock bottom to the cusp of a championship — just like Virginia did in 2019 after losing to a 16 seed the year before.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

March Madness: Elite 8 strategy for the $2.5K USA TODAY’s Women’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool

Win $2.5K in the Women’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool: Elite 8 pick and prediction.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The 2024 Women’s NCAA Tournament moves on to the Elite 8, starting Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Only 284 entries in USA TODAY’s NCAA Women’s Tournament Survivor Pool contest remain out of the 3,754 who signed up.

Sunday, we have No. 1 seed South Carolina (35-0) facing No. 3 seed Oregon State (27-7) in Albany, while No. 1 seed Texas (33-4) meets No. 3 seed NC State (30-6) in Portland.

Monday, we have a couple of amazing bouts on tap. No. 3 seed LSU (31-5) and No. 1 seed Iowa (32-4) will battle in Albany in a national championship rematch, for a trip to the Final 4 this time around. It’s F Angel Reese and the defending champion Tigers against record-setter G Caitlin Clark and her Hawkeyes in one of the most anticipated games this season.

But don’t sleep on Monday’s nightcap from Portland when G Paige Bueckers and No. 3 seed UConn face freshman phenom G Juju Watkins and top-seeded USC in the final Elite 8 game of the round.

After getting through the 1st round with 3 correct picks for 12 points, I stumbled in the 2nd round and was eliminated. While No. 4 seed Indiana won for me, I was eliminated when 4th-seeded Kansas State lost to No. 5 seed Colorado.

Even though I was done, I still offered out picks for the Sweet 16, hoping to help you. Only having to make 1 pick this round, I rebounded with LSU topping 2nd-seeded UCLA in Albany Saturday in a 78-69 thriller.

As an employee, I wasn’t eligible to win this contest, but there’s no rule against me helping you win $2.5K.

A rules reminder: Remaining entries are required to pick 1 team in Elite 8, 1 team in the Final Four and then the National Championship Game winner — if you still have an eligible team to select.

Points are earned equal to your winning teams’ seeds.

Here is my strategy of which team to pick for the Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament Survivor Pool in the Elite 8 round.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Elite 8 pick

PICK 1: UCONN HUSKIES (32-5)

Who they play: USC Trojans (29-5)

When: Monday, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Where: Moda Center, Portland

The Huskies are ranked No. 7 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, while the Trojans are No. 3.

USC narrowly escaped an upset in the Sweet 16, edging 5th-seeded Baylor 74-70 in a physical battle. The good news is that the Trojans held the Bears to 38.6% (27-of-70) shooting from the field, but that bad news is that USC wasn’t much better at 39.4% (29-of-66) on its field-goal percentage. USC turned it over 9 times, too, while managing just 11 assists and 2 steals, to 17 dimes and 5 steals for Baylor. Still, the Trojans managed to get the job done.

Watkins misfired on 20 of her 28 field-goal attempts, including a dismal 2-of-11 from behind the 3-point line. Still, she managed to get to the free-throw line 13 times, knocking down 12 of her attempts. It was one of the strangest 30-point night you’ll ever see. She finished with 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocked shots, too.

USC will have its hands full with Bueckers. The Huskies eased by 7th-seeded Duke 53-45 in a defensive battle. Bueckers was 9-of-21 from the field, posting 24 points with 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocked shots and an assist, while knocking down a pair of 3-pointers. F Aaliyah Edwards was tremendously efficient, too, hitting 6-of-7 from the field, ending up with 12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks in a complementary role.

Coach Geno Auriemma is one of the game’s greats, and Bueckers and Edwards are outstanding options to confuse Watkins, who is on this stage for the first time. All 4 of the games in the Elite 8 are No. 3 vs. No. 1 seeds. The Huskies are your best bet to pull the upset, with NC State a close 2nd if you’ve yet to use them (I have).

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

March Madness: Elite 8 strategy for the $2.5K USA TODAY’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool

Win $2.5K in the NCAA Men’s Tournament Survivor Pool: Elite 8 pick and prediction.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

We’re down to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament as the Field of 64 has been pared down to the quarterfinalists. Just 194 entries in USA TODAY’s NCAA Men’s Tournament Survivor Pool contest remain out of the 7,821 who signed up.

In the Elite 8, No. 11 seed NC State will be a popular choice for points if it hasn’t already been used. It is the only remaining double-digit seed remaining, and it will square off against 4th-seeded Duke in the South Region Final Sunday in Dallas.

We have 2 No. 1 seeds remaining — Purdue and UConn — and just a No. 2 seed still alive — Tennessee. The remaining teams are No. 3 seed Illinois, No. 4 seed Alabama, and No. 6 seed Clemson, in addition to the Duke-NC State matchup mentioned above.

I was bumped out of the 1st round with upsets by 11th-seeded Oregon and 13th-seeded Yale. They knocked out my 2 SEC plays of No. 6 seed South Carolina and 4th-seeded Auburn, respectively. I did rebound in Round 2 with NC State (for 11 points) and No. 5 seed San Diego State (5 points). In the Sweet 16, I scored with Illinois (3 points), too.

As an employee, I’m not eligible to win this contest, but I was eliminated in the opening round anyway. However, I’m here to 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.

Here’s my strategy of how to advance out of the Elite 8 and eventually win the Men’s Basketball Tournament Survivor Pool.

A rules reminder: Remaining entries are required to pick 1 in the Elite 8, 1 in the Final Four and then the winner of the National Championship Game — if you still have an eligible team to select.

Along with not being allowed to choose the same team twice, points are earned equal to your winning teams’ seeds. At this point, there actually aren’t many points available in the Elite 8 and beyond, so choose wisely.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Elite 8 pick

PICK: ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE (24-11)

Who they play: Clemson Tigers (24-11)

When: Saturday, 8:49 p.m. ET (TBS)

Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles

The 4th-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide showed No. 1 seed North Carolina the door Thursday night, winning 89-87 in a seesaw affair in Los Angeles.

The Tide trailed 54-46 at the break, but it used a stifling defense at times, along with awful shooting by the Tar Heels, to flip things in their favor in the final 30.

Alabama ended up hitting 47.8% (32-of-67) from the field for the game, including 42.3% (11-of-26) from behind the 3-point line. The Tide also had 7 blocked shots. F Grant Nelson scored a game-high 24 points, while G Rylan Griffen hit 5 triples and finished with 19 points. Alabama had 5 different players hit at least one 3-pointer, and Nelson ended up with a double-double, also grabbing 12 rebounds with an amazing 5 blocked shots.

Clemson dispatched 2nd-seeded Arizona 77-72. F Ian Schieffelin ended up with 14 points and 7 boards, while C PJ Hall finished with 17 points, and G Chase Hunter posted 18 points. But the Tigers aren’t nearly as prolific offensively, and they will have a tough time keeping up with the up-tempo Tide.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

March Madness: Sweet 16 strategy for the $2.5K USA TODAY’s Women’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool

Win $2.5K in the Women’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool: Sweet 16 pick and prediction.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The 2024 Women’s NCAA Tournament heads to the Sweet 16, starting Friday at 2:30 p.m. ET. Only 491 entries in USA TODAY’s NCAA Women’s Tournament Survivor Pool contest remain out of the 3,754 who signed up.

We’ll bid adieu to 8 more teams the next 2 days, too, as we head into the Elite 8. While things haven’t quite been as topsy-turvy as the men’s bracket, we’ve had our moments, especially with 7th-seeded Duke dumping No. 2 seed Ohio State.

After getting through the 1st round with 3 correct picks for 12 points, I stumbled in the 2nd round and was eliminated. No. 4 seed Indiana helped me out, but 4th-seeded Kansas State lost to 5th-seed Colorado, bumping me out of the pool.

As an employee, I wasn’t eligible to win anyway, but there’s no rule against me helping you win $2.5K.

Here is my strategy of which team to pick for the Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament Survivor Pool in the Sweet 16 round.

A rules reminder: Remaining entries are required to pick 1 team in the Sweet 16, 1 in the Elite 8, 1 in the Final Four and then the National Championship Game winner — if you still have an eligible team to select.

Points are earned equal to your winning teams’ seeds.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Sweet 16 pick

PICK 1: LSU TIGERS (30-5)

Who they play: UCLA Bruins (27-6)

When: Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (ABC)

Where: MVP Arena, Albany, N.Y.

The 3rd-seeded and defending champion Tigers have had a bit of a rocky road to get to the Sweet 16. Coach Kim Mulkey is battling the media, F Angel Reese continues to get into hot water with on-court antics, and the Tigers just haven’t played great in the 2 games.

LSU was very sluggish against 14th-seeded Rice in the 1st round, winning just 70-60. While the Tigers pulled away to win 83-56 against No. 11 seed Middle Tennessee in the 2nd round, LSU found itself down 36-32 at halftime before the alarm clock went off.

Still, LSU, No. 6 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, faces No. 8 UCLA in a clash of titans. The Tigers were seemingly unseeded on the 3 line, but the way they have played, perhaps not. The Bruins roughed up No. 15 seed Cal Baptist in the 1st round by an 84-55 score, while easing by 7th-seeded Creighton 67-63 in a game too close for comfort.

UCLA shot just 43.9% (25 of 57) from the field, while going a dismal 26.3% (5 of 19) from behind the 3-point line and turning it over 13 times against Creighton. If UCLA plays like that against LSU, it’s going to be lights out for the Bruins against a team with championship mettle like the Tigers.

Despite all of the distractions for LSU, I feel the best is yet to come for this team. It’s too talented to go home at this juncture.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

March Madness: Sweet 16 strategy for the $2.5K USA TODAY’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool

Win $2.5K in the NCAA Men’s Tournament Survivor Pool: Sweet 16 pick and prediction.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The NCAA Tournament heads to the Sweet 16 as the first 2 rounds are in the rear-view mirror. Just 640 entries in USA TODAY’s NCAA Men’s Tournament Survivor Pool contest remain out of the 7,821 who signed up.

As for the Sweet 16 teams, NC State is the only double-digit seed still in the field as an 11. All 4 No. 1 seeds — UConn, Houston, Purdue and North Carolina — and all 4 No. 2 seeds — Iowa State, Tennessee, Marquette and Arizona — are still alive as 14 of the 16 are 1 through 5 seeds.

The other 2? NC State and 6th-seeded Creighton.

Hopefully you were able to scoop up plenty of points in the first 2 rounds. With so many high seeds remaining, the chances to scoop up big points and make up ground is going to be super tough.

I was bumped out of the 1st round with upsets by 11th-seeded Oregon and 13th-seeded Yale. They knocked out my 2 SEC plays of No. 6 seed South Carolina and 4th-seeded Auburn, respectively. I did rebound in Round 2 with NC State (for 11 points) and No. 5 seed San Diego State (5 points). Hopefully, you were able to tail one or both of those and collected a boatload of points in the process.

Here’s my strategy of how to advance out of Round 3 and eventually win the Men’s Basketball Tournament Survivor Pool.

A rules reminder: Remaining entries are required to pick 1 team in the Sweet 16, 1 in the Elite 8, 1 in the Final Four and then 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, points are earned equal to your winning teams’ seeds. At this point, there actually aren’t many points available in the Sweet 16 and beyond, so choose wisely.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Sweet 16 pick

PICK: ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI (28-8)

Who they play: Iowa State Cyclones (29-7)

When: Thursday, 10:09 p.m. ET (TBS, truTV)

Where: TD Garden, Boston

The 3rd-seeded Fighting Illini have looked championship caliber, but they’ve faced a pair of double-digit seeds in No. 14 seed Morehead State and 11th-seed Duquesne. We’ll find out a lot about Illinois Thursday night, but it is one of the lowest seeds which can help you grab an extra point or two.

Illinois won the first 2 games by an average margin of victory of 21.0 points per game (PPG).

G Terrence Shannon Jr. has been on fire in the postseason, racking up 31.6 PPG across 5 tourney games in the Big Ten and Big Dance. F Marcus Domask posted the 10th triple-double in NCAA Tournament history against Morehead State with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. F Dain Dainja has been a tremendous tertiary scoring option, tallying 29 points in the 2 wins, including 21 vs. Morehead State. Forwards Coleman Hawkins and Ty Rodgers have been gobbling up their share of rebounds, too.

This team is rolling along, and I just don’t trust Iowa State. The Cyclones shot just 40.4% (23-for-57) from the field in a 2nd-round, 67-56 win over 7th-seeded Washington State. ISU did shoot 50% (7-for-14) from behind the 3-point line, while turning it over 6 times.

The Cyclones turned it over just 15 times in its 2 tourney games. However, they’ll need to do more offensively to keep up with the Illini, who are a legit Final 4 team. Sorry, but the dance ends here for the Cyclones.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

March Madness: Second-round strategy for the $2.5K USA TODAY’s Women’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool

Win $2.5K in the Women’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool: Second-round picks and predictions

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The 2024 Women’s NCAA Tournament moves to the 2nd round, paring down from 64 teams to just 32. The madness has been a little less crazy than the men’s tournament, but we’ve had some craziness. In fact, out of 3,750 entries, only 2,371 remain alive heading into the Round of 32.

We had just one major upset, as No. 6 seed Louisville was dismissed by No. 11 seed Middle Tennessee. That was the only lower seed to win outright in the 1st round, however.

My 1st-round column picks, Virginia Tech, Colorado and NC State each advanced. In Friday’s action, the Hokies pounded Marshall 92-49, while Colorado got the job done in a high-scoring affair, winning 86-72 over Drake. Then on Saturday, the Wolfpack rolled 14-seed Chattanooga, 64-45.

As an employee, I’m not eligible to win, but there’s no rule against me helping you win $2.5K.

Here is my strategy of how to win the Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament Survivor Pool.

A rules reminder: Remaining entries are required to pick 2 teams to win outright in the 2nd round — no spread involved. Once you pick a team, it can’t be used again, similar to an NFL survivor pool.

After the 2nd 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 2nd round and beyond.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Second-round picks

PICK 1: KANSAS STATE WILDCATS (26-7)

Who they play: Colorado Buffaloes (23-9)

When: Sunday, 2 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Where: Bramlage Coliseum, Manhattan, Kan.

The 4th-seeded Wildcats are looking to protect their home court against the 5th-seeded Buffaloes.

Kansas State, No. 16 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, went 16-1 at home this season. The only setback came against fellow NCAA Tournament team Iowa State in a Big 12 tilt Feb. 28. K-State advance to the 2nd round by powering past 13th-seeded Portland 78-65 Friday.

Colorado is No. 17 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, right behind K-State. It polished off 12th-seeded Drake 86-72 in the 1st round Friday at Bramlage. The Buffaloes were a rather ordinary 7-4 in 11 road games this season.

The Wildcats lean upon C Ayoka Lee to get the job done on offense. She went for 21 points against Portland, while G Gabby Gregory scored a game-high 22 points. K-State is very efficient from the field, especially inside the paint, and they were very good in the assist-to-turnover ratio department this season. Plus, K-State relies upon a suffocating defense, using a tenacious style to get into the face of opposing shooters on a constant basis.

The Buffaloes made instant headlines upsetting defending champion LSU to open the season. Colorado scores the basketball frequently, with C Aaronette Vonleh leading the charge at 14.2 points per game. Like K-State, Colorado is strong in the assist-to-turnover department. As you would expect in a 4 vs. 5 game, this will be a tight one with the Wildcats expected to protect its home floor.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

PICK 2: INDIANA HOOSIERS (25-5)

Who they play: Oklahoma Sooners (23-9)

When: Monday, 6:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)

Where: Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Ind.

The 4th-seed Hoosiers had to face the 13th-seeded Fairfield Stags in the opening round. Fairfield entered 31-1, with its single loss coming in November at Vanderbilt by just 3 points. The Stags entered on a 29-game win streak. The Hoosiers weren’t impressed.

Indiana routed Fairfield 89-56 Saturday, shooting an impressive 50.8% (31-for-61) from the field, while going 77.3% (17-for-22) from the free-throw line. IU was dominant in rebounding, too, racking up 45 boards, to just 29 for the smallish Stags of the MAAC.

The 5th-seeded Sooners escaped No. 12 seed Florida Gulf Coast with a 73-70 win. F Skylar Vann led the way for Oklahoma, tallying a game-high 24 points on 9-for-18 shooting, while adding 3 boards, an assist, a steal and a blocked shot in 34 minutes.

OU was able to hit 44.6% (25-for-56) from the field, while struggling from behind the 3-point line at 33.3% (6-for-18). Oklahoma was also outrebounded 35-34, while turning it over 13 times. It will need to clean things up if it wants to continue its season. Indiana looked awfully tough against Fairfield, and it’s the play on its home court.

All right. Let’s get these 2 wins, rack up a few points and then make sure to check back before Round 3 for our next winning picks.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

March Madness: Second-round strategy for the $2.5K USA TODAY’s NCAA Tournament Survivor Pool

Win $2.5K in the NCAA Men’s Tournament Survivor Pool: Second-round picks and predictions

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The NCAA Tournament 1st round is in the rear-view mirror, and there was a nice share of madness. In fact, over 5,000 entries in USA TODAY’s NCAA Men’s Tournament Survivor Pool were eliminated in the first 2 days.

Major upsets of No. 3 seed Kentucky (by 14th-seeded Oakland) and 4th-seeded Auburn (by 13th-seeded Yale) knocked out a bunch of those entries. Losses by 5th-seeded Saint Mary’s (to 12th-seeded Grand Canyon) and 5th-seeded Wisconsin (to No. 12 seed James Madison) also bumped many to the exits.

After the opening round, I learned a hard lesson. Don’t trust the SEC, at least this season.

I was bitten by G Jermaine Couisnard (40 points) and his 11th-seeded Oregon Ducks, who rolled past the 6th-seed South Carolina Gamecocks, who just never were able to get on track in their 1st-round Midwest Region game.

The 4th-seed Auburn Tigers were up 10 points against a Yale team which needed a buzzer beater to top a sub-.500 Brown team in the Ivy League Championship Game. However, it was the Bulldogs who showed championship mettle, sending coach Bruce Pearl and his Tigers packing.

At least Gonzaga was able to come through with flying colors, but in Survivor, 1-for-3 is simply not going to do.

As an employee, I’m not eligible to win this contest, but I’m in the “Loser’s Lounge,” anyway. 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.

After Day 2 (Friday), 3,290 entries remain out of the 7,803 who signed up.

So, here’s my strategy of how to advance out of Round 2 and eventually win the Men’s Basketball Tournament Survivor Pool.

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!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Second-round picks

PICK 1: NC STATE WOLFPACK (23-14)

Who they play: Oakland Grizzlies (24-11)

When: Saturday, 7:10 p.m. ET (TBS, truTV)

Where: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh

We get a bonus here. The 14th-seeded Grizzlies, who showed the Kentucky Wildcats the door, meet the No. 11 seed Wolfpack. If you pick one of these 2, you’re going to get a lot of points if either win.

Oakland was bombs away against Kentucky, hitting 15 of 31 (48.4%) from downtown in its upset win. More important, the Golden Grizzlies turned it over just 7 times.

The Golden Grizzlies run into a white-hot Wolfpack team which won 5 games in 5 days at the ACC Tournament, and remained hot against Texas Tech in the opening round of this NCAA Tourney. NC State defeated Tech 80-67 Thursday, shooting 50.9% (27 of 53) from the floor, while doing hitting 810.8% from the free-throw line (21 of 26). Like Oakland, NC State took good care of the ball, too, turning it over just 10 times.

NC State had 4 players score 16 or more points, dominating the Red Raiders despite the fact G Casey Morsell struggled by hitting just 2 of 8 FG attempts and finished with 8 points.

The Wolfpack look like a sweet pick to make the Sweet 16.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

PICK 2: SAN DIEGO STATE AZTECS (25-10)

Who they play: Yale Bulldogs (23-9)

When: Sunday, 9:40 p.m. ET (TBS)

Where: Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, Spokane, Wash.

The Bulldogs beat one of my 1st-round picks, erasing a 10-point deficit to sneak by Auburn by 2 points. Now, the Ivy League entrant draws last season’s national runners-up.

Fifth-seeded San Diego State held off a late charge from No. 12 seed UAB of the American Athletic Conference, winning 69-65. It was a typical Aztecs game, as they struggled from the field, hitting 43.6% (24 of 55), including just 27.8% (5 of 18) from behind the 3-point line. The Aztecs turned it over 13 times, and were just plus-2 in the rebounding department. However, San Diego State used suffocating defense to hold down UAB.

The Aztecs don’t get style points … and they don’t care. They grind out wins, relying upon defense to frustrate the opposition. They will do just that against Yale to get back to the Sweet 16.

Good luck and make sure to check back before the Sweet 16 for the next winning pick!

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]