in NCAA B Articles

Simply put, this game is what I call a ‘Bettor Beware’ game.

Sure, Ohio State is the number one seed and the ‘favorite’ in this match-up, but they are definitely capable of being beaten by the hot Volunteers, whom the Buckeyes beat earlier in the season by only two points.

Greg Oden may be the number one pick in the upcoming NBA draft this summer, but he was on the bench when, first Ron Lewis then former high school teammate Mike Conley Jr., saved the season for the Buckeyes in their last game against a feisty Xavier team that would have won if not for a missed free throw.

Oden can be unstoppable in the low post and on the defensive end blocking shots and rebounding, but it is Ohio State’s “complimentary” players that really make the Buckeyes go.

Jamar Butler Conley, Jr., Lewis, Ivan Harris and Daequan Cook are all excellent shooters that can change the complexion of any game, if they are making their shots. Conley Jr., in particular, reminds me a lot of Texas A&M’s Acie Law IV.

If the Buckeyes play their game – and make perimeter shots to loosen things up inside for Oden, then they could walk away winners here.

 
The Vols have shown that they are a lot better than anyone knew.

Led by guard Chris Lofton and versatile wing player JaJuan Smith, these two Vols have shown they can put the ball in the hole whenever they need to.

Tennessee also has a group of young players, in freshmen Ramar Smith, Wayne Chism and Duke Crews, that have been extremely instrumental in the Vols’ tournament success.

Tennessee would like nothing more than to get into an up-tempo, fast-paced basketball game, thereby taking Oden out of the equation. The Vols like to shoot the 3-ball and led the SEC in attempts this season.

If Tennessee can rebound and make fouls shots, (often an adventure) they could upset the Buckeyes here and advance to the Elite 8.

My Pick: Maybe the Buckeyes’ scare against Xavier will help them come to their senses and remember what got them where they are, but something keeps making my “spider sense” go off here. I’m thinking the Vols will come into this game, turn it into a track meet - and leave tread marks all over the stunned Buckeyes. At the very least, I think they will cover the 5-point spread. Take the Vols and the points.

 
Thursday, March 22, -- Alamodome -- San Antonio, TX – 09:57 AM EST

NCAA Basketball Free Pick: Tennessee 79 Ohio State75
Result: Tennessee 84 Ohio State 85 

Go to the BetUS.com action!