The games are in full swing and there is some good early action. We spoke yesterday about The Dean’s bracket picks, and today I want to share the best bets for the remainder of the day. Unfortunately I was not able to get word out about Louisville in time for a wager to be placed on them, but there is still some good action to be had yet.

Oral Roberts +7

Washington State comes into this tournament with the most success it has ever had. I am a big believer that being there before matters, as does the contrary statement, not being there before matters. Washington State is a well rounded basketball team that overachieved this year and now faces a team in Oral Roberts that likes to get up and down the court. The Cougars of Washington State will have their athleticism challenged. Oral Roberts can also boast of having two 2,000 point scorers, both seniors. That senior leadership is a great commodity in tournament play. I took Oral Roberts to win this game, and I really like the Golden Eagles getting 7 points.

Texas A&M -13

The Aggies can score and are very athletic. The Ivy League always gives teams from the bigger conferences fits, but this Penn team likes to play a similar style to A&M, which is actually to the Quakers detriment. The large line tells The Dean that Vegas too likes A&M, so I will play them at three stars.

Gonzaga +1

I don’t like the Big 10 this year and really don’t like this Indiana team. Gonzaga has been in the tournament for many consecutive seasons and over the past 10 years has been the better basketball program. The Zags had some turbulence a few months back losing their leading scorer but have rebounded and found themselves. Indiana doesn’t deserve to be in the tournament, and we saw what happens to undeserving teams earlier today when Stanford got hammered by Louisville. I am playing the Zags at 5-stars.