Pinnacle Odds: Virginia Tech +5.5 at Wisconsin -5.5 Total 136
by Greg Dempson
Buffalo is the site of the “Madness” tonight with the ball tipping at approximately 9:40 ET as the Badgers tangle with the Hokies at the KeyBank Center.
From an experience perspective the edge would have to go to the Badgers as they are dancing for the 19th consecutive year while the Hokies are making their first appearance since 2007. This contest pits a #8 seed, (Wisconsin,) vs. a #9 seed, Virginia Tech.) Traditionally the eighth seed has fared better however in the 2016 tournament the #9 seed won three out of four games.
Wisconsin stumble down the stretch at season’s end before winning their first two tournament games but they fell hard vs. Michigan, (71-56,) as 2 point favorites. Virginia Tech won four of their last six games and added to their resume with an impressive wins at Michigan as well as hosting Duke, Virginia and the Miami Hurricanes. The Hokies shoot the 3 well, (40.3%,) while Wisconsin plays tenacious defense allowing only 67.0 PPG when away from home. If there is one edge that could work in Virginia Tech’s favor, it would be their bench strength as their two leading scorers, (Seth Allen and Zach LeDay coming into the game off their bench. The Hokies have five double-digit scores but it remains to be seen if they can penetrate that tough Badgers defense.
Every Dog Has Its Day
· The Hokies went 10-05 ATS when away from home this season and their SOS was nearly identical to that of the Badgers.
· The Badgers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games as Neutral site favorites.
· From game 16 out Virginia Tech is 18-3 ATS when playing against a team winning between 60% to 80% of their games the last two seasons.
· Wisconsin is o3-11 ATS after one or more consecutive overs this season.
· From game 16 out the last two seasons the Hokies are 25-9 ATS good ball handling teams that commit 14 or less turnovers per game the last two seasons.
Catching A “Buzz”
· Hokies head coach Buzz Williams/Team is 40-22 ATS as an underdog.
· From game 16 out coach Buzz Williams/Team is 22-05 ATS when playing against a team winning between 60% to 80% of their games.
· Tournament opposition foes have run into a “Buzz” Saw as Williams/Team is 12-3 ATS in all tournament games as their head coach.
· Coach Buzz Williams/Team is 26-12 ATS after three straight games when forcing an opponent to commit 14 or less turnovers.
Every Edge in Review and Tonight’s Selection
· My selection on the Heat at -6 was a winner vs. the Pelicans and I now sit at 9-11 ATS with my basketball selections at Every Edge.