McNeese vs. Vanderbilt (-11.5)—Thursday 3:15 p.m. ET

I know I’m reaching here because Vanderbilt is very good, but still, for an early game on the first day of the Big Dance, you know half of America isn’t working and going to be watching this one. Tyler Tanner and Duke Miles are ballers. The Commodores navigated the SEC and played for the conference tournament championship. If they escape, McNeese look out. They could go on a run.

The Cowboys are afraid of no one. Look for them to try to punch Vanderbilt in the face early and hold on late. The backcourt is their strength. Freshman Larry Johnson could contribute to a bunch of power four programs. Tyshawn Archie compliments him well. If the Cowboys can hold their own inside and rebound, this becomes a competitive affair. Best value pick here. Take the points as a hedge. This would be a big upset.

VCU vs. North Carolina (-2.5)—Thursday 6:50 p.m. ET

Another 11/6 matchup where I like the lower seed. North Carolina has been wildly inconsistent all year. Good wins (Duke, Kansas) and bad losses (Stanford, Cal). Which team shows up? Henri Veesaar must play as big as his seven-foot frame. They must shoot the three well.

VCU is riding a six-game win streak. Terence Hill Jr. is their leading scorer and can fill it up. If he can beat the defense, VCU will pull the upset. I think the Tar Heels are over-seeded a bit. Take the Rams. Friendly advice, also take under the 152.5 total.

Texas vs. BYU (-145)—Thursday 7:25 p.m. ET

After surviving a thriller in the play-in game against North Carolina State, the Longhorns face sixth-seeded BYU. Texas will need leading scorer Dailyn Swain to shake off his bad shooting night and play big.

BYU must rediscover its early-season form. Wooden Award candidate AJ Dybansta needs to be the best player on the floor for the Cougars to advance. The line is razor thin at 1.5.

I like Texas here. They are a good defensive team, and if they can limit Dybansta, they’ll win. The Longhorns pull the (mild) upset.

Santa Clara vs. Kentucky (-3)—Friday 12:15 p.m. ET

This is an upset only because of the seeding. I, along with everyone else, can’t figure Kentucky out. They have the largest NIL budget in the SEC. Otega Oweh and company were expected to dominate. Denzel Aberdeen was a player I thought could average 20 points a game. The Wildcats have not performed well against ranked opponents.

Santa Clara lost to Gonzaga three times this year. They beat St. Mary’s, a quality team, twice. The Broncos play good team basketball. Christian Hammond, Santa Clara’s leading scorer, will show out. I like Santa Clara in a close one.

Akron vs. Texas Tech (-8)—Friday 12:40 p.m. ET

This one screams upset. Texas Tech is without JT Toppin, who tore his ACL. The Red Raiders will have to lean on its depth and guard Christian Anderson. How much their three-game losing streak carries over is a big question.

Akron has quietly been one of the better mid-majors this year. Their schedule has been favorable. Close losses to Yale and Miami (Ohio) kept them from a 30-win season. Tavari Johnson and Amani Lyles are outstanding players.
Akron wins this in the dreaded 12-5 matchup.

Take the over 156.5 total also. A boatload of points will be scored.

My brackets are filled, the bets placed, the office pool done. I just need to dodge the office manager’s nonsense picks. Apparently, she likes Furman over Connecticut because it’s fun to say Furman. Lord help us.