We rate each pick 1 to 5 units with 5 being the strongest play (read about units).
Risk 1% of your bankroll per unit (never risk more than 5% of total bankroll on any pick).

Game: Tennessee vs. Virginia (12:10 PM Eastern)
Pick: 2 units on Game Total UNDER 155 -110

The Vols went off on Long Beach State in round one, putting up 121 points. Virginia put up 84 themselves so we see a 155 posted number here. But Tennessee shot 59% from the field last game while Viginia go 54%. Both teams are capabale of much worse. The Volunteers have shot under 43% in five of their six games prior to their romp of LBS including three performances in the 30's. Virginia has also pusted nothing higher than 43.5% in the six games prior to last game. Virginia has played low-scoring games all season on the road going UNDER 8 of 13 times. The Cavs are 9-1 UNDER in their last ten games this season vs. elite opponents. J.R. Reynolds won't have the kind of success he did in game one and Tennessee's high-flying offense will struggle more than most expect against a solid Virginia defense.

Many feel Virginia Tech is lucky to be here after escaping with a 2 point victory over Illinois in round one. The Hokies trailed most of the game but came on late to get the win. In contrast, S. Illinois cruised to a 10 point win over Holy Cross. Rather than scare us, we like the fact that Virginia Tech got scared. And, it was against a much better opponent than S. Illinois faced. Virginia Tech will be focused here and confident knowing they can come back from any deficit. Matt Shaw, S. Illinois' third-leading scorer went down with an ankle injury last game and he won't play today. The Salukis need him to win by 5 at home earlier this season. They are on the road here and without him. Virginia Tech is more battle-tested coming from a much better conference. They are 13-4 ATS in their last 17 as a neutral court underdog.

Both of these teams cruised to easy round one victories but USC was definitely more impressive, winning by 17 as a two point favorite. They crushed Arkansas from start to finish. Texas struggled against New Mexico State for much of the game, pulling away late. Texas has Kevin Durant but USC and the Pac-10 is underrated. Don't forget that Texas only beat Arkansas by 4 points at home earlier this year. USC has held opponents to 39% FG this year and should have success holding down Texas' prolific offense. The past two seasons, USC under Tim Floyd is 13-5 ATS in non-conference games while Texas is 20-32 ATS in road tournament games under Barnes. USC is 9-2 ATS as an underdog this year. USC is playing this tournament with a bit more motivation than most teams, wearing a black patch for slain teammate Ryan Francis. Dont' underestimate the edge that can give a team in a close matchup.