Louisville Cardinals favorite in NCAA Tournament by Mark Mayer of The Gaming Today

Akron

Record: 23-7 SU, 12-16 ATS

Way in: MAC champs

Zips’ odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: Finished 8-2 in last 10 on way to Mid American Conference title beating Ohio convincingly by 19. Zips a live dog to do some early bracket damage.

Albany (NY)

Record: 24-10 SU, 4-2 ATS

Way in: America East

Great Danes’ odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: Wonder where Vermont is? They’re at home watching thanks to these Great Danes. The New York State capital is represented at last!

Arizona

Record: 25-7 SU, 14-16 ATS

Way in: PAC 12 at large

Wildcats’ odds: 50-1

Note: Wildcats 14-0 out of conference start. Beating both Miami and Florida makes U of A legit. UCLA their kryptonite.

Belmont

Record: 26-6 SU, 14-15 ATS

Way in: Ohio Valley champ

Bruins’ odds: 1000-1

Note: Belmont is better than that 29-point shelling at Kansas. The Bruins finished 17-2 and on a six-game win streak. Tough team to read ATS.

Boise State

Record: 23-7 SU, 12-16 ATS

Way in: Mountain West at-large

Broncos’ odds: 1000-1

Note: Served early notice with outstanding win at Creighton when Bluejays were unbeaten. A deserving at-large entry in nation’s toughest league. Yes, Big Ten.

Bucknell

Record: 28-5 SU, 2-4 ATS

Way in: Patriot champs

Bison odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: Similar to Davidson. Won 28 games and on a 7-0 run. Only six board games, so books may know less than bettors on this live dog.

Butler

Record: 26-8 SU, 18-13-1 ATS

Way in: Atlantic 10 at-large

Bulldogs’ odds: 100-1

Note: Bulldogs just 6-4 in their last 10 and bounced in A-10 semis by Saint Louis. Obviously can hang with big boys. A third straight national final doubtful.

California

Record: 20-11 SU, 12-16 ATS

Way in: PAC 12 at-large

Golden Bears’ odds: 300-1

Note: Golden Bears get in on strength of wins over UCLA and Arizona during the season. Losing to Harvard showed a weakness at the SAT.

Cincinnati

Record: 22-11 SU, 11-18 ATS

Way in: Big East at-large

Bearcats’ odds: 300-1

Note: Cincy not well entering Dance, just 4-6 in last 10 and held to 43 points in tourney loss to Georgetown. The Cats ripe for an early takedown.

Colorado State

Record: 25-8 SU, 13-15-1 ATS

Way in: Mountain West at-large

Rams’ odds: 500-1

Note: Rams are a bull in a china shop. Their strength is on the boards, but in big trouble against a team that’s long and athletic like UNLV.

Creighton

Record: 27-7 SU, 18-13-1 ATS

Way in: Missouri Valley champ

Bluejays’ odds: 100-1

Note: Blue Jays started 17-1 and have one of nation’s best in Doug McDermott. Win over rising Wisconsin looks great. Could make a lot of noise in the Dance.

Davidson

Record: 26-7 SU, 16-5-1 ATS

Way in: Southern Conf champs

Wildcats’ odds: 1000-1

Note: Could be this year’s Gonzaga, VCU and Butler. Brings in nation’s longest win streak (17 games) and that terrific ATS record. Worth a futures wager.

Duke

Record: 27-5 SU, 17-15 ATS

Way in: ACC at-large

Blue Devils’ odds: 8-1

Note: No team that lost its first league tournament game has ever won the national championship. That’s what Duke faces. Just 4-6 in last 10.

Florida

Record: 26-7 SU, 16-14 ATS

Way in: SEC champs

Gators’ odds: 8-1

Note: Gators a trendy pick to go all the way on some bracket sheets. Feasted on a bad SEC with Kentucky’s fade. Billy Donovan a coaching genius.

Florida Gulf Coast

Record: 24-10 SU, 4-0 ATS

Way in: Atlantic Sun champs

Eagles’ odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: Don’t laugh, but these guys beat Miami by 12! They did lose to Duke and VCU early on. Hurricane warnings are out if the Coasters pull an upset.

Georgetown

Record: 25-6 SU, 16-11 ATS

Way in: Big East at-large

Hoyas’ odds: 18-1

Note: Hoyas finished strong (8-2 in last 10) to earn No. 1 seed consideration. Well rested after OT loss in Big East semis to Syracuse. Final 4 potential.

Gonzaga

Record: 31-2 SU, 17-12-2 ATS

Way in: WCC champs

Bulldogs’ odds: 12-1

Note: Zags went undefeated in a weak league. No.1 in AP, perhaps by default. Losses were to Butler and Illinois. Overrated? Maybe; 31-2 is what it is.

Harvard

Record: 19-9 SU, 13-12-1 ATS

Way in: Ivy League champ

Crimson odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: The Crimson has supplanted Penn and Princeton as the Ivy’s best. Finished up 7-3 to lock up the title. No conference tourney. That long layout not good.

Illinois

Record: 22-12 SU, 13-18 ATS

Way in: Big Ten at-large

Illini odds: 200-1

Note: Brandon Paul is a player, but that 2-4 mark in the last six won’t cut bait. Illinois a candidate to fall out of this Dance early.

Indiana

Record: 27-6 SU, 17-14 ATS

Way in: Big Ten at-large

Hoosiers’ odds: 7-1

Note: Hoosiers threw away a No. 1 seed by losing three of their last six, including Wisconsin by double-digits. Oledipo may have 360’d IU out of a Final 4.

Iona

Record: 20-13 SU, 15-15-1 ATS

Way in: MAAC champs

Gaels’ odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: The “pride” of New Rochelle gained a ticket by beating Manhattan in the tourney final. Gaels on a five-game win streak. Will be hard pressed to make it six.

Iowa State

Record: 22-11 SU, 15-13 ATS

Way in: Big 12 at-large

Cyclones’ odds: 500-1

Note: Iowa State is just 3-3 in its last six, but two of those losses were to Kansas – one in OT. Capable of the Sweet 16.

James Madison

Record: 20-14 SU, 21-10 ATS

Way in: Colonial champs

Dukes’ odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: The Dukes won their last four to take the league title. This is the conference that produced Cinderella George Mason a few years back. Great ATS team.

Kansas

Record: 29-5 SU, 19-14 ATS

Way in: Big 12 champs

Jayhawks’ odds: 10-1

Note: Talk about midcourse corrections! Rock Chalk was in a record tumble and then Bill Self threw his team under the bus. Now they are chirping Final 4.

Kansas State

Record: 27-7 SU, 15-14-1 ATS

Way in: Big 12 at-large

Wildcats’ odds: 60-1

Note: The “redheaded stepchild” to Kansas. Nearly half of K-State’s defeats were to the Jayhawks. Can do damage if KU is somehow out of the picture.

LaSalle

Record: 21-9 SU, 12-12 ATS

Way in: Atlantic-10 at-large

Explorers’ odds: 1000-0.

Note: One of Philly’s Big Five off consecutive double-digit losses to Butler and Saint Louis. That type of play often leads to early exits at the Dance.

La Tech

Record: 26-6 SU, 16-11-1 ATS

Way in: WAC at-large

Bulldogs’ odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: Once ranked in the Top 25, the Bulldogs hobble into the Dance off three straight losses. Maybe they can find their form with the short rest. And maybe not.

Liberty

Record: 15-20 SU, 5-3 ATS

Way in: Big South champ

Flames’ odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: If Nathan Hale were alive today, he would say “Give me Liberty or give me the points.” Jerry Falwell would just pray for a miracle opening round win.

LIU Brooklyn

Record: 20-13 SU, 4-0 ATS

Way in: Northeast champs

Blackbirds’ odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: These Birds can score. How about over 90 in four straight and six of the last eight! Sounds like a solid OVER the total play, although 4-0 ATS works as well.

Louisville

Record: 29-5 SU, 20-14 ATS

Way in: Big East champs

Cardinals’ odds: 9-2

Note: Absolutely the team to beat. Montrezl Harrell’s break out game in an amazing 47-10 run against Syracuse won us over. No quit in the Ville.

Marquette

Record: 23-8 SU, 13-14 ATS

Way in: Big East at-large

Golden Eagles’ odds: 40-1

Note: Have four of their last five, falling victim in the conference tourney to Notre Dame. Not likely to go very far, but we can see the round of 32.

Memphis

Record: 30-4, 15-16 ATS

Way in: C-USA champs

Tigers’ odds: 100-1

Note: Talk about flying under the radar. 30 wins, 9-1 in the last 10. Past home of Calipari, Derrick Rose and the almost national title. Watch out for them.

Miami FL

Record: 27-6 SU, 20-9-1 ATS

Way in: ACC champs

Canes’ odds: 8-1

Note: The U enjoying a basketball renaissance after blasting Duke and North Carolina. Cooled off a little, but playing well again. A Final 4 type team.

Michigan

Record: 26-7 SU, 14-16-1 ATS

Way in: Big Ten at-large

Wolverines’ odds: 18-1

Note: Wolverines started 20-1, were ranked No. 1. Finished up just 6-6 and couldn’t make conference tourney final. May have peaked too soon.

Michigan State

Record: 23-7 SU, 12-16 ATS

Way in: Big Ten at-large

Spartans’ odds: 18-1

Note: Tom Izzo will always have the Spartans ready for the NCAA’s, but will need some luck and a good draw. Finished just 3-4 in their last seven games.

Middle Tenn

Record: 28-5 SU, 14-14-1 ATS

Way in: Sun Belt at-large

Blue Raiders’ odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: Lost to Florida early on, but did beat both Vanderbilt and Ole Miss. Don’t go to sleep on the Blue Raiders. They are Hammer Time – too legit to quit.

Minnesota

Record: 20-12 SU, 15-14-1 ATS

Way in: Big Ten at-large

Gophers’ odds: 100-1

Note: You can certainly make the case Minny doesn’t belong here, losing three straight and 7 of 10. But body of work in a tough league won out.

Mississippi

Record: 26-8 SU, 17-12 ATS

Way in: SEC at-large

Rebels’ odds: 500-1

Note: Ole Miss played its way into the Dance with a 6-1 run and reached the SEC tourney final. Surprised Missouri and Vandy to reach Florida in final.

Missouri

Record: 23-10 SU, 14-15 ATS

Way in: SEC at-large

Tigers’ odds: 75-1

Note: Great at home, not so much on the road. Could make some noise if games are somewhere near Columbia. Benefitted from weak SEC in first season.

Montana

Record: 25-6 SU, 17-11-1 ATS

Way in: Big Sky champion

Grizzlies’ odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: If Montana lost in OT to Davidson in the bracket buster. Davidson has the longest winning streak in the nation. Closed with six straight wins.

New Mexico

Record: 29-5 SU, 19-12-2 ATS

Way in: Mountain West champs

Lobos’ odds: 30-1

Note: Winning conference tourney in front of national TV audience huge boost to the Lobos program. Steve Alford doing a great job in Albuquerque.

New Mexico State

Record: 24-10 SU, 18-14 ATS

Way in: WAC champs

Aggies’ odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: Finished 8-2 in last 10. Did lose twice to rival New Mexico, but played the Lobos tough. WAC not especially strong, but could cause problems.

N. Carolina

Record: 24-9 SU, 20-11 ATS

Way in: ACC at-large

Tar Heels’ odds: 50-1

Note: UNC in Kentucky’s boat until closing on an 8-1 run. That 20-11 ATS mark is one of the best among the 68. Roy Williams a proven winner at Chapel Hill.

N. Carolina A&T

Record: 19-16 SU, 7-0 ATS

Way in: MEAC champs

Aggies’ odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: A&T sure made the most of their board appearances. Probably would be a very good choice against the number in first round game.

NC State

Record: 24-10 SU, 17-15 ATS

Way in: ACC at-large

Wolfpack odds: 60-1

Note: Much was expected of the Wolfpack, but at least they’re Dancin.’ Closed 7-3 in last 10, but avoided the ACC powers until bowing to Miami in semis.

Northwestern State

Record: 23-8 SU, 1-2 ATS

Way in: Southland champs

Demons’ odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: Would have been my candidate for a 16 seed. Their anemic 1-2 ATS mark in booked games shows how much Vegas knows about these Demons.

Notre Dame

Record: 25-9 SU, 16-15 ATS

Way in: Big East at-large

Irish odds: 100-1

Note: They put the lime in the coconut and it came out Peyton Siva. Avoid Louisville, and who knows how long those uniforms last. Odds are green returns.

Ohio State

Record: 26-7 SU, 19-11-1 ATS

Way in: Big Ten at-large

Buckeyes’ odds: 15-1

Note: Buckeyes playing their best ball of the season. Aaron Craft is locking down everyone defensively. Some non-No. 1 is going make the Final 4. Why not them?

Oklahoma

Record: 20-11 SU, 17-10 ATS

Way in: Big 12 at-large

Sooners’ odds: 500-1

Note: OU stumbles into Dance off consecutive losses to TCU and Iowa State. Sooners do have that solid ATS mark so check opening round line closely.

Oklahoma State

Record: 24-8 SU, 15-14-2 ATS

Way in: Big 12 at-large

Cowboys’ odds: 100-1

Note: Okie State was 7-3 in last 10 games, including a 1-point OT loss to Kansas. The good Kansas, not the one that imploded a few weeks back.

Oregon

Record: 26-8 SU, 13-18-1 ATS

Way in: PAC 12 champs

Ducks’ odds: 100-1

Note: We got an early taste of how good Oregon was when they beat UNLV at the T&M. Made the most of UCLA losing Adams in title game. Could surprise.

Pacific

Record: 22-12 SU, 16-13-1 ATS

Way in: Big West champs

Tigers’ odds: 150-1 (field).

Note: Tigers closed strong, winning last 7 including final against Cal-Irvine. Loss to Western Michigan in bracket buster dampened our enthusiasm.

Pittsburgh

Record: 24-8 SU, 12-13 ATS

Way in: Big East at-large

Panthers’ odds: 50-1

Note: Panthers 4-1 in last five with the loss by just 3 to Syracuse. Actually, Orange did Pitt a favor not having to face Louisville. A chance to go pretty far in Dance.

Saint Louis

Record: 26-6 SU, 20-10 ATS

Way in: Atlantic-10 at-large

Billikens’ odds: 30-1

Note: Any team that beats Butler by 11 points has our attention. The “Saint” can go very far in this Dance. An Elite Eight definitely within reach.

St. Mary’s

Record: 27-6 SU, 15-14-1)

Way in: WCC at-large

Gaels’ odds: 1000-1

Note: Top player Matthew Dellavedova, one of the great names in the Dance. Need to avoid Gonzaga if possible. Sweet 16 possibilities.

San Diego State

Record: 22-10 SU, 13-13-1 ATS

Way in: Mountain West at-large

Aztecs’ odds: 300-1

Note: Maybe the stat of the tourney. Aztecs 91-0 when leading with 5 minutes to go. Have heart and Coach Fisher, but not the size to go the distance.

South Dakota State

Record: 25-9, 16-13 ATS

Way in: Summit champions

Jackrabbits’ odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: Great nickname with a gem of a scalp, beating New Mexico in The Pit. Watch out for the Jackrabbits. This Cinderella has rhythm and shoes fit.

Southern U

Record: 23-9 SU, 5-1 ATS

Way in: SWAC champs

Jaguars’ odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: A 45-44 win over Prairie View “Companion” tells all you need to know. If they win the Dance, all futures bettors can plan their retirement.

Syracuse

Record: 26-9 SU, 17-14 ATS

Way in: Big East at-large

Orange odds: 30-1

Note: Syracuse had Louisville in deep trouble in title game, then ran into a tsunami. Can’t see how Boeheim can repair emotional scars of a beatdown.

Temple

Record: 23-9 SU, 14-16 ATS

Way in: Atlantic-10 at-large

Owls’ odds: 500-1

Note: Finished 8-2 in last 10, including league wins over fellow Dance teams VCU and LaSalle. Can do some damage with a favorable draw.

UCLA

Record: 25-9 SU, 15-18 ATS

Way in: PAC 12 at-large

Bruins’ odds: 100-1

Note: Howland an underrated coach. Shabazz has to pick up the slack for losing top player Jordan Adams. That injury probably the dagger.

UNLV

Record: 25-9 SU, 13-20 ATS

Way in: Mountain West at-large

Rebels’ odds: 100-1

Note: That negative ATS mark tells the story. Great talent without smarts. A team like Louisville would rip them apart. Yet great athleticsm and Bennett.

Valparaiso

Record: 26-7 SU, 17-12-1 ATS

Way in: Horizon champs

Crusaders’ odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: Crusaders closed on a 9-1 run. Like VCU a difficult opponent for anyone in the Dance. A history of heroics with Drew as player and now coach.

VCU

Record: 26-7 SU, 10-16 ATS

Way in: Atlantic-10 at-large

Rams’ odds: 50-1

Note: Another great season as a member of the Atlantic 10. They can play with anyone in the country. A definite sleeper pick again to make a Final 4 run.

W. Kentucky

Record: 20-10 SU, 12-16 ATS

Way in: Sun Belt champs

Hilltoppers’ odds: 150-1 (field)

Note: Surprise winner in conference tourney after placing fourth in the Eastern division. Did finish on a 7-1 run so peaking at the right time.

Villanova

Record: 20-13 SU, 19-10-1 ATS

Way in: Big East at-large

Wildcats’ odds: 500-1

Note: That 19-point loss to Louisville in Big East tourney doesn’t look so bad after what Cards did in the second half to Syracuse. Still, a definite longshot.

Wisconsin

Record: 23-11 SU, 13-18-1 ATS

Way in: Big Ten at-large

Badgers’ odds: 25-1

Note: Knocked off previous No. 1’s Michigan and Indiana in Big Ten tourney. A definite sleeper pick in the Big Dance.