FREE
Stephen Nover Free NCAA Tourney Pick
(NCAAB) Wichita State vs. Notre Dame,
Point Spread: 2.00 | -107.00 Notre Dame (Home)
Result: Win
Point Spread: 2.00 | -107.00 Notre Dame (Home)
Result: Win
This deep into the tournament the handicap isn't to fade but to back play-on teams. I like Wichita State. But I like Notre Dame better in this spot and matchup.
The Irish have won seven in a row, but have yet to produce an "A" game in the NCAA Tournament just getting past Northeastern and Butler. They are due for a really strong performance - and I see it happening here.
Notre Dame hasn't lost the past 28 times it has shot better from the field than its opponent. The Irish hit 50.9 percent of their shots from the floor. That's No. 2 in the nation. Wichita State makes 44.6 percent of its field goals.
Duke and North Carolina couldn't stop Notre Dame in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. ACC teams have been playing very well in the tournament proving once again how strong the conference is. The Irish have shown a knack for stepping up when playing extremely strong competition. They are 7-1 versus the rest of the teams still left in the tournament.
I like the Irish's offense better than any team. The Shockers have an excellent backcourt, but Notre Dame has an excellent backcourt, too, plus a size advantage up front. Irish senior guard Jerian Grant is one of the best in the country. Pat Connaughton, Zach Auguste and Demetrius Jackson all average in double figures along with Grant.
There are some situational elements that should work in Notre Dame's favor, too. Right before the Irish were to play their round of 32 game, Notre Dame coach Mike Brey found out his mother had died.
Wichita State is coming off a emotional and highly-satisfying victory against in-state rival Kansas, a school that would not play the Shockers in the past. Even with a few days since that victory, it's going to be difficult for the Shockers to fully come down from that high and refocus. They had been after Kansas for a long time and finally nailed the Jayhawks.
The Shockers also have to deal with another distraction as reports surfaced this week that Alabama is trying to woo away Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall offering more than $3 million.
The Irish have won seven in a row, but have yet to produce an "A" game in the NCAA Tournament just getting past Northeastern and Butler. They are due for a really strong performance - and I see it happening here.
Notre Dame hasn't lost the past 28 times it has shot better from the field than its opponent. The Irish hit 50.9 percent of their shots from the floor. That's No. 2 in the nation. Wichita State makes 44.6 percent of its field goals.
Duke and North Carolina couldn't stop Notre Dame in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. ACC teams have been playing very well in the tournament proving once again how strong the conference is. The Irish have shown a knack for stepping up when playing extremely strong competition. They are 7-1 versus the rest of the teams still left in the tournament.
I like the Irish's offense better than any team. The Shockers have an excellent backcourt, but Notre Dame has an excellent backcourt, too, plus a size advantage up front. Irish senior guard Jerian Grant is one of the best in the country. Pat Connaughton, Zach Auguste and Demetrius Jackson all average in double figures along with Grant.
There are some situational elements that should work in Notre Dame's favor, too. Right before the Irish were to play their round of 32 game, Notre Dame coach Mike Brey found out his mother had died.
Wichita State is coming off a emotional and highly-satisfying victory against in-state rival Kansas, a school that would not play the Shockers in the past. Even with a few days since that victory, it's going to be difficult for the Shockers to fully come down from that high and refocus. They had been after Kansas for a long time and finally nailed the Jayhawks.
The Shockers also have to deal with another distraction as reports surfaced this week that Alabama is trying to woo away Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall offering more than $3 million.
