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UNC shows up, after all
How bout those Tar Heels? I guess they showed us who belonged in the NCAA Tournament.
North Carolina (-4.5) routed San Diego State 95-68 to earn a berth vs. Mississippi in the South Regional. The Tar Heels opened as 1.5-point favorites for Thursday’s Ole Miss matchup.
If you bet on the Mountain West’s San Diego State, you really should get the VSiN March Mania Betting Guide and read the conference trends piece from Steve Makinen. An excerpt:
You can get this story, the 143-page guide and all the other exclusive subscriber-only content for all sports over the next 30 days for just $9.99. >>Sign up here.
In the other “First Four” game, a miracle layup with one second left lifted Alabama State (-3.5) to a 70-68 victory over St. Francis (Pa.). Alabama State is a 31-point underdog vs. top-seeded Auburn on Thursday.
The final First Four
Here are tonight’s matchups:
>American University vs. Mount St. Mary’s (6:40 ET truTV). Preview / Matchup page
>Texas vs. Xavier (9:10 ET, truTV). Preview / Matchup page
Best Bets columns for tonight’s action:
>Greg Peterson (including a Texas-Xavier play and NIT)
>Adam Burke (later this morning)
VSiN fan contribution: Artie “The Swami” Alonzo of New York has been begging me for a chance to show his stuff, so here you go:
Xavier -2.5: I like HC Sean Miller here. Xavier is an unorthodox team to prepare for, and I think Xavier pulls away late. I also love that the public is on the dog — yet at some books the line has gone to -3.5
>VSiN Pro picks for the tournament (nearing 200 already).
Quick links
>Our Sharp Week coverage is on this special page, including opening-round matchups.
>Our best bracket strategy and advice videos posted on YouTube.
>DraftKings/Circa Betting Splits for the NCAA and NIT.
More Long Shots from Wes & crew
Wes Reynolds explains why he has two Kims among his top plays for the Valspar Champiionship in Florida.
Listen now: Wes trades Best Bets with Matt Brown and Kelley Bydlon on the Long Shots podcast.
VSiN Pro subscribers have access to golf picks from our hosts and guests. Check for more as we get closer to the first tee.
Quick Hits
MLB: Joe Peta had some more season win total wagers for Gill Alexander on A Numbers Game.
NBA: Zach Cohen will have his plays later this morning.
NHL: Jonathan Davis will have his Best Bets later, too.
Tennis: Zach has posted his plays for today’s action at the Miami Open.
This is The VSiN Daily newsletter for Wednesday, March 19. Sign up for this free email and get picks and insights delivered to your in-box every morning.
