This line came up small after BYU was stifled by Houston in the Big 12 Tournament. Not to be overlooked is the Cougars' nine consecutive Ws straight-up prior to that beatdown. The Cougars deploy nine-man rotation and are accustomed to play at altitude, which provides them with a significant edge in Denver. VCU can score but not at BYU's rate; the Coogs average a whopping 81 ppg. Offense carries the day.

VCU has been a popular first-round underdog. But, as this spread suggests, the Cougars remain undervalued in the market as they have been all season. They have won 9 of their last 10 and the Rams are in for a wake-up call against a higher level of competition than they are used to facing.

I have called VCU games so I know the Rams are for real. They returned their top three scorers from last year‘s team and that experience and continuity is hard to find in college basketball. The Rams are a major threat in this tournament.

The VCU Rams are a trendy Bracket Buster this week, but they're up against an underrated BYU team that has played well all season in the Big 12. VCU is very balanced and have some impressive metrics, but some of that is a product of playing in the A-10. The Rams have the big travel spot and will be in altitude in a likely shootout and that also benefits BYU. I would play this ML up to -135 and I really don't mind laying the 2.5 either.

BYU is playing its best ball, they get contributions from a bunch of kids who have legit size and as well as VCU does on both ends of the court, that's going to be an issue here. BYU is a top team in rebound %, they will win second-chance shots and they are shooting 37% from 3. VCU's D slips a bit on road/neutral settings. BYU scoring 80/G in tough conference, beat Iowa State twice including at Amez and AZ down stretch. BYU 8-2 ATS last 10. And playing in altitude is the norm for BYU; travel a factor for VCU here. BYU has Sweet 16+ potential for me in this draw. Like the way they grab offensive boards.