Wager of the Week

Wager of the Week #1

By Jackson Shea

March 17, 2021

For millions of people around the world, gambling on sports is a thrilling hobby. I’ve been watching sports all my life and I’m very excited for the opportunity to share my takes. My first post to SidNBA comes at one of the most exciting times of the year as a sports fan. Last week, we watched electrifying games from all of the major conference tournaments. This week, we watch the start of the immortal, the holy grail, the ultimate spectacle, March Madness.

Here’s my top 3 picks for the first round of action!

1. #9 Georgia Tech vs #8 Loyola Chicago

Analysis: I fell in love with the balanced attack of Georgia Tech in their dominance of the ACC tournament. The strength of this Georgia Tech team is their senior leadership. Senior point guard Jose Alvarado handles the ball with ease and reminds me of the floor general himself CP3. Jose’s ability to shoot, averaging 15.3 pts a game and shooting 50.6% from the field, was impossible to stop in the ACC tournament. Another senior, Jordan Usher, anchors the 3 with great size at 6’7’’on the wing. Finally, the big man Moses Wright, at 6’9’’ 233lbs, is a straight up beast in the post. 29 pts and 14 rebs against Duke, 31 pts and 16 rebs against a stout Syracuse team, and a cool 15 and 8 in the final against Florida State. Moses Wright is a highlight machine and with the help of his senior supporting cast, I could see this game as a cake walk for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. 

Loyola boasts an impressive record of 24-4 coming in the regular season, but the question always looms with these small schools, did they really have that tough of a schedule? The ramblers only played one ranked opponent all season in Wisconsin and lost that game by 14. Loyola is led by senior center man Cameron Krutwig who led the team with an average of 15 pts per game. He also led in rebounds with 6.7 and led in assists with a meager 3 a game. I see no chance Loyola will be able to replicate their fairytale run in 2018 let alone be able to stop this Georgia Tech team in the first round.

My pick: Georgia Tech +3.5

2. #12 Georgetown vs #5 Colorado

Analysis: Georgetown impressed me in their conquering of the big east. Through their last 4 they found ways to win. They showed they could win close games like they did against Seton Hall and Villanova. In addition to domination basketball in blow out wins against Marquette and their final win against Creighton. Led by head coach and NBA legend Patrick Ewing, this Georgetown team is hot and playing with a chip on their shoulder. On the other hand, Colorado comes into the march madness with an impressive 22-8. The Buffs lost a close one to Oregon State by 2 in the Pac-12 final, but to be honest, the Pac-12 has been weak this year. 

McKinley Wright IV of Colorado is currently projected as a second round pick, and is a solid playmaker with a decent supporting cast around him. I think that with his contribution on both ends of the floor, Colorado should be able to stop Georgetown in their tracks.

I think we’ll be in for a treat watching this game. I believe it’ll come down to the last possession. With that being said, I’m taking the points.

My pick: Georgetown +5.5

3. #9 Mizzou vs #8 Oklahoma

Analysis: These two teams have hobbled their way into the big dance. Earlier in the season, the city of Columbia, Missouri was buzzing for our 10^th ranked tigers. Those days, however, seem like a distant memory as we closed the season losing 6 of the last 9. Comparably, Oklahoma has lost 5 of their last 9.

For the tigers, they’ll lean on their experienced starters to knock down shots and push the tempo. Point guard Xavier Pinson, handles the ball well and has the ability to make tough shots in the clutch. Dru Smith takes care of business on the defensive end with pressuring defense. Jeremiah Tilmon is a force down low and needs to be Mizzou’s ultimate glass cleaner, while hopefully staying out of foul trouble.

Mizzou’s big 3 of Xavier Pinson, Dru Smith, and Jeremiah Tilmon will have to play the Sooners tough to edge out a victory. I do believe the team that executes in situational basketball down the stretch wins this game and think that team will be Mizzou.

My pick: Mizzou +1

That’s it from me for the opening round. Good luck and may the dice roll in your favor!

Image from fromtherumbleseat.com