The second day of the NCAA Tournament continues as the last two of the first four games go down. All four teams are looking to be part of the 64-team field with a win Wednesday night. Let’s take a look at both of Wednesday’s night’s First Four games and make some winning picks.
Both games Wednesday night goes down in Dayton, Ohio. The first game is a matchup between two No. 16 seeds in the South Region. Prairie View A&M will take on Lehigh at 6:40 PM EST. After that game, we have a pair of No. 11 seeds fighting for the right to take on Michigan. SMU is laying a big number against fan favorite Miami (Ohio) in the Midwest Region.
Prairie View A&M vs Lehigh 6:40 PM EST
We all remember when Lehigh infamously knocked off Duke in 2012 as a No. 15 seed. Can’t believe it’s been fourteen years since their last trip to the dance. Maybe they can knock off No. 1 seed Florida but first they’ll need to beat Prairie View A&M. Lehigh comes into this matchup winners of 6 straight games and defeating Boston University to secure the Patriot League Title. Prairie View A&M last appearance was back in 2019 when they lost a close game to Fairleigh Dickinson.
This is a great game to watch and bet on as both teams are extremely close. Lehigh are -3.5 point favorites and the total is sitting as 143.5. Prairie View A&M is entering on an insane 10 game ATS streak. But based on the points scored and allowed per game by both teams, my favorite pick is the over 143.5. Both teams are averaging over 70 points per game on the season. While Lehigh and Prairie View A&M are both allowing over 75 points per game. In what is expected to be a back-and-forth game, I believe this game goes well over the total.
Pick: Over 143.5
Miami (Ohio) vs SMU 9:15 PM EST
America’s favorite team, Miami (Ohio) barely sneaking into the tournament even though they shouldn’t be in the first four matchup. The RedHawks literally went 31-0 in the regular season. I don’t care what conference you play in, if you go undefeated in the regular season you should be at least an 8 seed or better. Meanwhile SMU is limping into the tournament, losing 4 of their last 5 games. The Mustangs got bounced in the second round of the ACC tournament by Louisville. The winner of this game has a chance to take on No. 6 seed Tennessee.
I still can’t believe SMU is getting this much respect from oddsmakers. I get making them a favorite but laying -7.5 is too much for me. The RedHawks can flat out score. They were second in the nation in two point % during the regular season and just outside the top 20 in three point %. Miami (Ohio) doesn’t turn the ball over with just a 14.5% turnover rate. Those are elite numbers regardless of who they played. SMU does shoot the three well, but the RedHawks are good at defending the three. Lastly, this is going to be a home game for Miami (Ohio) and will have the crowd advantage by playing in Dayton.
Pick: Miami (Ohio) +7.5
