NC State comes off a very big win as they came behind with a ton of confidence down 16 to defeat LSU. Nova looked great the entire day and cruised to an easy win, but this is a team that is partial to the upset. NC State played a very difficult schedule this year out of conference and in conference where they did defeat UNC, Duke, and North Carolina. I think this line is a bit inflated due to Villanova's seed and blowout in the first round, and NC State has proven they can hang with a team of Villanova's caliber.
Arkansas +180 3* play
Arkansas struggles to defend the 3, but luckily for them UNC is really not a perimeter offense. They only attempted 7 all together against Harvard. North Carolina also struggles to take care of the ball and Arkansas is the type of athletic team that feeds off forcing turnovers ranking 20th in forced turnover % while North Carolina ranks 265th. They should enjoy a significant turnover advantage as long as they can rebound they should win this game.
Georgia State +3.5 1st Half 2.2* play
I liked this line better over night when it was 7.5, but I'll pay the price despite losing so many games over the last 2 days by 2 points or less. Xavier really has not beaten anyone this year when you think about it. I think this team can over come the emotion of their huge come back shocking victory a day ago and carry it in a win over Xavier who I feel is a bit average with their 22-13 record. Georgia State is a competitive team for sure and Xavier does not have many blow out victories on their schedules especially in back to back games, but I think Georgia State will have much more energy in the first half which may end up doing them in the end which is why I'll take GA State for the 1st half only.
Ohio State +9.5 2.2* play
I'm a bit concerned about Arizona giving up 72 points in the first round, but still they win by 19 and here we are with Arizona as nearly a double digit favorite. I think there is just too much value here on a Big Ten team vs. a Pac 12 team. When Arizona played top teams this year - San Diego State, Gonzaga, Utah, they rarely blew them out. In fact only Utah lost by double digits and I think Ohio State has enough talent to even pull this upset led by D'angelo Russel who is a stud freshmen.
