The inaugural College Basketball Crown tips off today in Las Vegas. This new postseason tournament features 16 schools in a single-elimination bracket-style format. Two programs from the Big Ten, Big 12, and Big East will automatically qualify for the event, and a committee will choose the remaining ten spots.
With some extra basketball to help college hoop fans fill the void of waiting almost a week until the Final Four, let’s dive into the first-round matchups.
College Basketball Crown Tuesday’s First-Round Games
DePaul vs Cincinnati
The Blue Demons started the season on a high note, winning their first seven games. However, things took a turn when they started Big East play. After starting with seven wins, DePaul began their conference games with seven straight losses and finished 4-16 in the Big East games, three of the four conference wins coming against Georgetown.
Besides assists, the Blue Demons are below average in every other statistical category.
Cincinnati will stroll into their first-round matchup with DePaul as nine-and-a-half-point favorites. Playing in the Big 12 is a challenge for any team, and Cincinnati was no exception, finishing with a 7-13 conference record. The Bearcats only recorded two wins against tournament teams, Xavier and Baylor.
Both squads come into this game after disappointing seasons, but they have a chance to end it on a high note in Vegas. I like Cincinnati in this game; although they struggled to win against tournament teams, the Bearcats played them well, keeping the games close.
Cincinnati -9.5
Oregon State vs UCF
The Beavers are coming off their first season in the West Coast Conference, finishing 20-12 overall with a 10-8 conference record. They beat Gonzaga in their first matchup.
Unfortunately for the Beavers, it was recently announced that their leader in every statistical category and first team all WCC, Michael Rataj, is transferring to Baylor. Rataj averaged 16.9 ppg; it will be hard to win without him.
UCF also comes into this game with its transfer issues. Big 12 leading scorer Keyshawn Hall announced he will be looking for a new home next season, he scored 18.8 ppg. The Knights scored proficiently this season, ranking 58th in the country with 79.3 ppg. UCF will also miss Jaylin Sellers, who put his name in the transfer portal.
The Knights are currently four-and-a-half-point favorites over the Beavers. Even though both teams will be without their top scorers, I think it will have more of an effect on UCF, as their offense revolves around Hall.
Oregon State +4.5
Colorado vs Villanova
The Buffaloes are one of the scarce teams that peaked in November after a one-point win over Dan Hurley and UConn. When everyone thought this team might be legitimate, it all went downhill.
After starting 9-2 with high hopes, Colorado began the Big 12 with 13 straight losses. They finished 3-17 in conference games. The Buffaloes struggle in scoring, only having two players in double figures, while also giving up a lot on the defensive end.
Even though it was an off year for Villanova standards, the Wildcats had bright spots throughout the season. Nova had three marquee wins over UConn, Marquette, and St. Johns, all three ranked inside the AP Top-25 then.
The Wildcats also have the country’s leading scorer in Eric Dixon, who averages 23 points per game. Dixon, who has NBA aspirations, will look to improve his draft stock in the tournament.
Villanova is currently a three-and-a-half-point favorite. Dixon and the Wildcats will be too much for Colorado to handle. If Villanova had made a deeper run in the Big East tournament, they might have secured a spot in March Madness as they finished the season winning seven of the last 11 games.
Villanova -3.5
Tulane vs USC
After a successful regular season campaign, the Green Wave is coming into Vegas, finishing 19-14 and 12-6 in the AAC. Tulane has prolific scorers, with four of the starting five scoring in double figures. Tulane was close to potentially stealing a bid into the NCAA Tournament after only losing by one to Memphis in the conference tournament semifinals.
However, they will be without guard Kam Williams, who announced he is transferring to Kentucky.
USC struggled in their first season in the Big Ten, finishing 12th with a 7-13 conference record and 16-17 overall. Even though the Trojans didn’t finish with a winning record, they did show signs of life with signature wins over Illinois and Michigan State.
KEEP READING: College Basketball Crown Predictions: Analyzing Monday’s First-Round Matchups
USC thrives on offense, being able to score and dish assists at a high rate. Unfortunately, it doesn’t translate on the defensive end, as they give up over 75 points a game.
The Trojans sit as nine-and-a-half-point favorites over the Green Wave. I like Tulane with the points in this matchup. They have too much scoring from too many guys in the starting five to fall behind big against a team that struggles defensively.
Tulane +9.5
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