Ever since the home game where I watched Maryland come up in a big environment I have been on this team to be a tough out in the NCAA tournament. Now Michigan State is a tough task as they have some major talent and a solid coach, but I think Maryland's Seniors are just tired of getting mounced from the tournament in the 2nd round. Vazquez/Hughues/ and Milbourne are 3-0 in the first round, but 0-3 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
They meat a Michigan State team that they beat early in 2008 in the Old Spiece Tournament 80-62. Much of the rosters are similar, but in my opinion the main difference will be the edge Maryland has here today. That's the solid play of Freshman Jordan Williams. The 6'10, 260lb Center has a major advantage and off a 21point 17 rebound effort in round 1 he has to parlay that into another big effort today if Maryland wants to win.
Michigan State has struggled going 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. ACC and 1-7 ATS in their last 8 vs. teams with a winning% greater than .600. This team has been wildly inconsistent for many stretches. Maryland on the other hand is 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. the Big Ten and 10-2 ATS in their last 12 as favorites.
I really like this Cornell team and the pieces they have and I'll continue to ride them after they cashed on the money line for me in round 1. Jeff Foote the 7 footer inside and Ryan Wittman the small forward on the wing make this team a tough out in the tournament. They led the nation in three point % and just beat a defense similar to what Wisconsin brings. Cornell is 23-5 ATS in their last 28 as a dog .5-6.5 and 35-16 ATS in their last 51 non-conference games. Wisconsin on the other hand is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 NCAA Tourney games as a favorite .5 to 6.5. Wofford nearly took down Wisconsin and had them on the ropes early in that game. I look for that to carry over and for Cornell to continue to shoot the ball well in Jacksonville.
