Last Updated on March 18, 2010 5:06 pm by drew
UK-ETSU Pick
The first No. 1 seed to take part in the 2010 NCAA Tournament is Kentucky as they face East Tennessee State on Thursday at 7:15PM ET.
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These two teams will battle it out in the East Regional with their game taking place at New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana. Kentucky is the No. 1 seed and East Tennessee State is the No. 16 seed.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL have made Kentucky 20-point favorites over ETSU on Thursday night. The over/under has been set at 136.
Kentucky is making its 50th NCAA Tournament appearance this season. The Wildcats are 32-2 on the season and 14-2 in the SEC. Kentucky scores 79.2 points per-game, which ranks 18th in the nation. The Wildcats are holding opponents to 65.3 points per-game, which ranks 87th in the NCAA. Freshman sensation John Wall has led the Wildcats, as he averages 16.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per-game. DeMarcus Cousins averages 15.3 points and 10.1 rebounds per-game while Patrick Patterson adds 14.7 points per-game.
East Tennessee State is making its second straight tournament appearance, having won the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament the last two years. The Buccaneers are 20-14 overall and 13-7 in the Atlantic Sun. ETSU averages 69.1 points per-game on offense, ranking 154th in the NCAA, while giving up 66.6 points per-game, which ranks 118th. Tommy Hubbard leads the Bucs with 14.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per-game. Justin Tubbs and Micah Williams each average around 12 points per-game for ETSU.
This pick is simply about Kentucky being able to cover the 20 points. The Wildcats clearly have more talent in this game, but getting out to a big lead can lead to a letdown in the second half and a cheap cover. Still, the Wildcats and John Calipari are about making big statements, so look for the Wildcats to cruise and win by a large amount.
Our NCAA Tournament Free Pick for this matchup is: KENTUCKY -20 Under 136
March Madness Betting Trends
Kentucky is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Kentucky is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
March Madness Injury Report
KENTUCKY
No Injuries Reported
E TENNESSEE STATE
No Injuries Reported
March Madness Game Odds
East Tennessee State Buccaneers +20 Under 136
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Posted: 3/18/10 5:06PM ET