Category
🥇
SportsTranscript
00:00The madness begins tonight in Dayton, Ohio with our first four matchups a doubleheader of games
00:05Tonight there at UD arena DRS, of course yesterday a big story was Patrick Morrissey
00:12West Virginia's governor coming out and calling out the NCAA for the inclusion of North Carolina into the big dance and a
00:20snub of his home state that being the Mountaineers if we look once again at the last four teams into the
00:27NCAA tournament in the first four out you asked for that predictive model the NCAA does use the net ranking something that have been there since
00:362019 and North Carolina of all the bubble teams in consideration the highest net ranking
00:4336th overall again, that's not necessarily the be-all end-all
00:47That's not the only metric that is used to consider these resumes
00:50But just something to pay attention to as we try to do this moving forward
00:55Why why and why don't we have one metric like why is that so hard like why can't you have the one computer that we all
01:01Follow that gets updated. I you can update it round the clock in real time
01:07But why would we though
01:10Yes, you have issues with everything yeah, but
01:14To give it the BCS is to was top two and top lead that was ridiculous
01:18You're talking about like we're not really up like nobody cares that UNC and West Virginia are in or out
01:23They're not even gonna fathom into anything that we're talking about
01:25But I just would understand where like I don't get us upset like hey Duke wasn't on the one line
01:29They're on the two line
01:30It's fun to have this conversation now
01:32But it's a simple fix like nobody would be mad on the final day of the season where you had North Carolina play knowing
01:38Understanding if they don't win or let's just say lose by three points or less. They're not making the tournament
01:43I would love that and so would the rest of the public as opposed to one guy who hosts the committee who's from North Carolina
01:49Act like he had nothing to do with it and the people in the room were his friends all along like hey
01:54We can't snub him here. Nobody's in here from West Virginia. Nobody's ever gonna care. Hey bubble man. Love you
01:59We put your team in great down the line
02:00I'll look out for all you guys as well like we obviously we don't think it went down that way
02:04But just the way it plays out
02:05But if we had just one number to look at where we understand exactly where a team stand phenomenal. I would love that
02:12Listen, and I agree in essence
02:14We would still get mad at that regardless because we get mad at everything even as we try to change the process
02:19It is that idea of debate. I am darn sure
02:22We have the graphic that shows the net ranking of the four teams that made it in to the NCAA tournament
02:28We do not. All right, we'll get back to that at another time
02:31Then let's keep moving on because we'll preview the first four matchups in just a little bit the RS a weird moment
02:39Yesterday because we have all of the extra postseason tournaments including the NIT the CBI
02:46Now the crown sponsored by Fox Sports
02:49There are some teams that want to keep playing ball and some may be agreeing to multiple tournaments at the same time
02:55Which is what happened and then also played South, Alabama
03:00Richie Riley the head coach for the Jags out of the Sun Belt what a great opportunity
03:04To win that league says the NIT offered the Jaguars a spot then rescinded the invitations later after another team
03:11I believe UC Riverside. I will confirmed
03:14Back out of the CBI, so they invited South, Alabama, and then they had to say ooh
03:20About that invite. We now have to take it back putting South, Alabama in a terrible spot
03:26And as Richie Riley tweeted out in a statement what they did to us last night is inexcusable
03:33It's it's ridiculous and optics as we always talk about or bad
03:37but also understand this from the NIT like
03:39Are we saying like the TV sponsor is gonna kill us if we don't have UC Riverside in here
03:43There's such a big draw like what was the deal you made a mistake you extended it. How about you just go ahead IT?
03:48Alright, you know what?
03:49We'll just put one more team in here to balance it out and keep it simple cuz I'm sure a lot of teams would like
03:53To play extra basketball in the NIT like why did it have to go down this route you extended it and also tell the other
03:58Team hey look there was confusion
04:00You didn't get it you accepted from another league and sort of hedging your bets on which play you would play and what's the better?
04:05Tournament nonsense. The NIT is completely at fault here and the grand scheme of things doesn't matter. No, it doesn't
04:11It's just a bad. Look South Alabama should be going UC Riverside should be going to whatever tournament
04:16They were playing in and nobody cares about it
04:18You know why we care now because we found out about it if this never happened like hey
04:22South Alabama's in greater UC Riverside's in great. Nobody cares, but now we care because stuff like this goes down and it's ridiculous
04:29UC Riverside was involved in both the CBI and NIT brackets that came out on Sunday night
04:36NIT probably should have confirmed what you see Riverside was going to decide to do before they even extended the invite
04:42Elsewhere and as we shared earlier in the show
04:45Iona parting ways yesterday with head coach Tobin Anderson who would just let the gales to the MAAC tournament title game one went away
04:52From the NCAA tournament after just his second year on campus, of course
04:57Tobin Anderson well known for what he did with fairly Dickinson the upset over Purdue now three are two tournaments ago
05:04Most people from Iona have no idea how good they had it when Patino got there
05:09We first heard the name I own it now that he's gone. It's trying to get that respect back right now
05:13You got to win it. I own. It's that plain and simple
05:19Tonight the
05:212025 men's NCAA
05:23tournament truly begins in Dayton, Ohio first four matchups and a doubleheader of
05:28Action between Alabama State in st
05:31Francis PA the champions of the SWAC and the NAC respectively and then our nightcap North Carolina an
05:38Opportunity to prove it belongs in the big dance take it on San Diego State before we get there DRS
05:44We continue to go region by region
05:47Breaking down the bracket with the big questions that need to be asked for each of our four components of the field of 68
05:54Let's start in the West region where Florida is the number one seed
05:58But there are so many compelling storylines as you look up and down
06:03All 16 teams that make up this portion of the bracket on that left side of your screen big question
06:11Number one because the team that is on the eight line in the West region is the two-time reigning national champ in
06:18Yukon, how much does you cons?
06:21Championship experience in this tournament really matter this time around at 2025. I don't know
06:27It's it's not like, you know back in the day as we say in the early 1990s
06:31Like hey, look at Christian Laitner and you know, everybody else that's around them Bobby Hurley
06:35They're back again three or four straight runs at a national championship. You don't get that
06:39There's a couple guys left on that Yukon roster
06:41But most importantly the coach is back and understands how to get through a tournament how to manage
06:46Expectations probably knows exactly the schedules that work for him why because they went back-to-back and they'll probably stick to it
06:51But also it's the Jimmy's and the Joe's out there on the court
06:54We understand this Yukon team is not nearly as talented as the past two teams at one national
06:59Championships and you are running right into the buzzsaw. That is the Florida Gators
07:03Maybe it's somebody different and I don't want to downplay Houston because they're phenomenal
07:07But for me what I've seen out of Florida, that's like a Donny which team do you want to avoid for the longest string possible?
07:15It's the Florida Gators for me and you're gonna get them in a round number two fresh out of the gate
07:20That's what makes it tough
07:21So for me
07:22I'm not putting a lot of stock in
07:24Yukon being back-to-back national champions at this point as if that would give them a boost Mike frankly
07:29I don't even know if they make it out of round number one. Oh
07:33That's a little bit intriguing in the
07:36Matchup for Connecticut as they will get ready to take on, Oklahoma
07:40Four and a half points spread in favor of Dan Hurley's Huskies
07:43Oh you though a team that was really proven of course within the SEC
07:49I find it a fascinating conversation DRS because each and every year I try to remind people
07:54This is a tournament your 30-plus games that you played in the regular season and during a conference tournament
08:00don't really have much of an impact on your six games that you want to play in here in a
08:07Tournament as Donnie often says it's not a best of three. It's not a best of five
08:11It is certainly not a best of seven
08:13It is being at your best for 40 total minutes on any given night
08:17Of course your resume what you have done the team that you have been there with is going to lead in to how you approach
08:24every single matchup
08:26But it is a tournament known for its madness and yet Yukon
08:31The last two years in a run to a national championship was so thoroughly dominant and impressive
08:38it's almost like they debuke that kind of idea of this being a
08:43Tournament in chaotic and changing year over year all 12 wins for Yukon the last two
08:49NCAA tourneys by at least 13 points average margin of victory of nearly 22 points per game
08:55And yes, a lot of the cast and crew is gone from the two or any national champs
09:01No, Jordan Hawkins or Adama Sanogo from two years ago. No, Steph Castle or Donovan Klingon from this past year
09:07No point guard extraordinaire in Tristan Newton from the 2023
09:122014 but there are some familiar faces
09:14Hassan Diarra Alex Karaban Samson Johnson, and of course the head coach remains in Dan Hurley
09:20I put a little bit of stock into it for Yukon. Does it change my overall outlook?
09:26I think DRS what I bet the Huskies at a 24 to 1 price to win the West region to represent this portion of the
09:33bracket in a final four to pull off the upset over more than likely for in around the 32 because of what they have done the
09:40Last two years. No, not necessarily
09:43Yeah, I take a look at Yukon. Somebody might be buying that stock
09:46I'm short in that stock on Yukon and it will be fun. And you know you would from a TV perspective though
09:52Oklahoma doesn't move the needle for me at all right now into my first bracket
09:55I just put Oklahoma in there and of course today tomorrow you start to really study and say where the matchups that are gonna make
10:00Sense just that first outlook where I'm just like click click click click click
10:03I clicked on Oklahoma at this point
10:05But understand this once again like Yukon with their coach
10:09Winning that basketball game and then taking on Florida because you know, the microphones are gonna be in front of them
10:14Like hey, what do you think about Florida coming up and you know what he's gonna do? What do you mean?
10:19We're the two-time reigning national champions
10:21They should be worried about us like I need that in my life for the round of 32, which I'm actually hoping they get there
10:26No, granted. Am I gonna bet Yukon?
10:28What's the spread gonna be is the total gonna match up?
10:31What are the vibes gonna be once this game actually takes place on the 21st?
10:34We'll settle that in and also understand this that's a late-game tip off to that's that night game where it's like you wait around all
10:40Day, you're watching the tournament and seeing who's gonna surprise and also you're not even day one of the tournament here Ben
10:45You're day two of the tournament
10:46So not only do you wait that whole Thursday you wait that whole Friday with that anticipation
10:51We'll see if you can't get there, but you come Florida matchup around number two. Everybody would sign up for that
10:56That's great theater. It would be incredible bottom half of the bracket
11:00Of course the two seat in the West region that is st
11:03John's and Rick Pitino DRS in the final two weeks of the regular season
11:07We played college basketball by or sell about Rick Pitino and where he stands in the history of head coaches in
11:15College hoops. He is the only head coach ever to lead two different programs to a national championship
11:20He is the only head coach ever to lead six different programs to the NCAA
11:25Tournament and we asked pound for pound is he is he the best head man in college basketball history?
11:31You sold that idea. I sell it as well, but I do buy the notion
11:36He is one of the greats out there. It's a big question number one or number two
11:41I should say for the West region if and it's a big if if st
11:45John's won the national championship this year Wow would Rick Pitino then be the pound-for-pound best college basketball coach ever
11:53No
11:55Look, he goes three in a row
11:56he would be the pound-for-pound but makes you chefs keys numbers on national championships and getting to final fours and
12:03Longevity and the amount of wins he has it also like the the external things like yeah
12:08I go and coach NBA players and I win gold medals as well. Like this guy's done it
12:12Also, it takes a lot to knock she chefs key off and there's again
12:15We're not down playing Rick Pitino one of these single best college basketball coaches that have ever done it. That's him
12:21He's just not the overall best coach who's ever done it
12:25That's always gonna be sustained there for she chefs key
12:27But also if we are having fun like you do get a bump up like when you go to a lowly
12:32School like I own it and bring them to the promised land when nobody else could do that
12:37Like you do get extra credit my book
12:39So I do give him credit for that and by the way
12:41Wasn't I own a college then turn into it?
12:43I own a university because Rick Pitino gave it that panache and style like the guys doing bigger things
12:48They're just winning on the basketball court. I
12:50Do believe so what Donnie is saying right now?
12:54Just so everybody knows is a slight inside joke with DRS and his Moneyline co-host. That would be Kevin Walsh
13:00Of course
13:01We do give respect to Tim Cluess here on this show leading Iona and we give respect to Tobin Anderson
13:07Who I think got a very raw deal despite leading the Gales to that back tournament title game just this past
13:14Weekend Rick Pitino did a lot for Iona
13:17But I own it did a lot for Rick Pitino who was not necessarily in the best of graces around college hoops
13:23Until that trip in New Rochelle
13:26there is no doubt about the success that Rick Pitino has had on a bench or on a
13:31sideline if he were to win a national championship and three different schools I
13:37Think it'd be very hard to say he's not the best to ever do it Mike
13:40Krzyzewski has the pedigree because of the amount he is one at one stop
13:44But if variety is the spice of life and you can prove that you can win at the highest of levels in
13:50Many different arenas in many different leagues, then I do believe Rick Pitino has a bump in his overall resume
13:57Does the white suit come when's the white suit come out though? Do we wait for maybe a great?
14:01Laura st. John's matchup like does he bust it out right away to set the tone or is it like oh
14:07They got a tough game and like, you know
14:09He comes out maybe a sweatsuit before the game some nice kicks on goes back into the locker room makes that change like we see
14:14College football teams and pro football teams change that jersey like get the crowd real fired up like he walks out on that court
14:20In an elite eight with the white suit on business is business at that point for potato
14:25It's a great question DRS. Would he break it out before a final four appearance? Does he plan to break it out at all?
14:32It's a really good question. St. John's 18 and a half point favorite and it's opening round game against Omaha
14:38Crack it by bracket piece by piece next
14:42Live right here on the early line on sports grid
14:45we continue to go around region by region around the
14:482025 men's NCAA tournament and ask at least one if not a few big question for every
14:56Portion of the bracket. Let's go to the East region
14:59The number one seed in the East region is the national championship favorite. That would be the Duke Blue Devils
15:06So let's start with the Blue Devils and let's start with the biggest question perhaps for Duke
15:10Entering the big dance the status of Cooper flag as John Shire has said he should be ready for the round of
15:1764 Duke an additional day of rest their first game not until Friday big question number one to you DRS
15:24How many minutes should Cooper flag play in Dukes round of 64 game?
15:31Healthy probably should play half the minutes or so. That's really probably all you need. This isn't a game where it's like hey
15:36Hey, buddy, we're gonna need you for 40 minutes here on this effort
15:39So give me 15 to 20 minutes, which means first half up 15 points
15:43Maybe get in for a little bit in the second half
15:45But you quickly come out Duke is a very very strong team from top to bottom
15:49They show that in the ACC championship rounds without Cooper flag
15:52But I need to see him on the court because if he's healthy, I need to him to get understand this too
15:58He's not a four-year college veteran. Like hey, man, we've been to the tournament every year have two national championships
16:03I'm gonna be fine. He hasn't been to the tournament yet
16:05Am I saying that the stage might be too big in the first round for the NCAA tournament for Cooper flag?
16:09No, like this guy went toe-to-toe was like a 17 year old with NBA players and was out there dominating for portions
16:14He'll be just fine
16:15But I just need the rust factor to be down get that jump shot off run the court with the boys again get those vibes
16:20Going so by the time you hit round two, you're gonna get an SEC team or a big 12 team
16:24You're gonna need him full go. So as long as needed that he's healthy. I want him to knock the rust off
16:29You don't need to overplay him at this point, but he's gonna need to get his minutes
16:33Yeah, I would say get him out there give him some Ron DRS
16:36Even if he was fully healthy
16:37You would more than likely not need Cooper flag for a lot of the action Duke
16:42Of course awaits the winner of tomorrow night's first four game between the 16 seeds
16:47That is American University the champions of the Patriot League against Mount St. Mary's the champions of the math
16:53Au two and a half point favorite for tomorrow night's first matchup in Dayton Duke is going to be at least you would presume
17:0127 28 point favorite for that opening round of 64 matchup
17:07But I do think it is important to give Cooper flag some run Donny
17:12It kind of ties into our second big question
17:15We don't have to spend a lot of time on this
17:16But it's the idea of the talented freshmen here in the NCAA tournament in the one and done era
17:24Teams that had an outstanding
17:26Freshman class or the projected number one overall pick did not often go all the way to a national championship
17:32We have seen them make a deep run in the month of March
17:35But it's the idea of having that veteran laid-in team that at the stage in a tournament known for its chaos
17:41Can rest on their laurels?
17:44Are you concerned at all about Duke's lack of experience with its best players like Cooper flag?
17:50Conniple common Mali watch or are you really not because there's a lot of veteran pieces in this Blue Devils team as well
17:57Two weeks ago Ben. I might have a different opinion on this. Yeah, you know what flag went down really late in the ACC
18:03Championship game now they might be without them. They haven't been without him all season long
18:07They were without him for a game where they were shocked and obviously talking about like I wonder flag season is over for us now
18:13You know what they did they rebound against Georgia Tech and beat them
18:15Then they went on to beat their rival without Cooper flag
18:18Then they went on to win the ACC championship without Cooper flag
18:21So for me, I actually think this is a bonus like we separated the best player in the country from the team
18:27You know, they responded with nothing but victories like coach. We got this. Let us spin out here now getting your best player back
18:34It's not gonna be all I wonder how he fits back in like no now you're ready to step on a coupe ankle
18:39Doesn't look good Conniple's like, you know, it got you. Let me go out there and fire a couple threes
18:42I'll run this offense through me at this point. So for me, I don't look at as a downturn at all
18:46I look at as an absolute positive now that you say this team is ready to step up without their superstar
18:52Now you get him back not worried about experience at all. You're Ben
18:56Yeah, I would agree DRS
18:57And I think there already has been some veteran pieces that John Shire did a great job of assembling
19:02Around this very talented freshman core led by Cooper flag
19:05But we've seen Isaiah Evans the freshmen step up and we've seen a couple of the veteran pieces in the backcourt
19:11Both Tyrese Proctor who has been in Durham for a while and see on James
19:15Really take the mantle Mason Gillis was a glue guy for Purdue last year as the Boilermakers made a run to the national
19:22Championship game he is there for Duke this year
19:24I do believe the absence of Malik Brown
19:26Could be costly his status for the entirety of the big dance a little bit more up in the air
19:32than that of the Blue Devils and Duke not only the national championship favorites Donnie now trending below a
19:39$3 price a minus 140 favorite to win the East region
19:43That would be a final four berth for Duke, Alabama fresh off its first final four run a season ago plus 440
19:51They are the two seed in the East region
19:53Let's get to the South region where the number one overall seed resides
19:57That is the Auburn Tigers the number two seed though at the bottom
20:01That would be Michigan State in our first big question courtesy of our producer Joe Frizzo
20:07Number one is Tom Izzo actually overrated when it comes to the NCAA tournament
20:15No, I can't go with that
20:16Like I know success is sometimes few and far between for some of these guys
20:20But do you ever line up in a game like honestly forget my you know perspective or Ben's perspective?
20:25Let's just say Michigan State winds up in March Madness, which they always do you think other coaches go like a hat doesn't have
20:30One of his good teams that's gonna be an easy bypass like no you expect greatness out of Michigan State not because the players on
20:35The team but because of Tom Izzo and so he hasn't won a national championship
20:39But so long it doesn't matter that team is usually more prepared than any team on a given day-to-day basis where if you want matchups
20:44Like oh, this is a tough matchup for us
20:46You know what?
20:46It's my coach Tom Izzo to figure out what matchup we can try to exploit and when you look at the actual
20:51You know bracket that they're in I love it
20:54I think it could be a clean run because I talked about Iowa State down with a little bit of injuries here
20:58Michigan State is one of those teams you need to watch out for specifically Auburn where if you handle your business
21:03You're gonna wind up and he lead it against Michigan State
21:05So for me and Tom Izzo as much as I want to hate on Tom and he hasn't won in a long time
21:10You got to be kidding me with that. There's no way Tom Izzo is an overrated coach for March Madness
21:15Yeah, get out of here with that junk and I know Joe Friso is doing it just to kind of entice us
21:20But it is absolutely junk. I can understand maybe the thought well
21:24You've been there for 27 consecutive years and you only have one national championship to show for it
21:30But this is a tournament known for its chaos and its madness
21:35Not everything is defined by just winning a national championship when you have the proven pedigree of eight
21:42Final fours the most ever for any Big Ten head coach
21:4756 NCAA tournament victories the most ever for any Big Ten head coach and I would hear it if other Big Ten
21:54Programs had won a national championship. Nobody has since the Spartans did in 2000 more on the early lineup now
22:02portion by portion region by region around the men's NCAA tournament here in 2025 with the madness
22:10Officially beginning on this Tuesday evening in Dayton, Ohio
22:14So big question number one for the South region was about Michigan State free
22:19So I love you, but I'm gonna change big question number two that was about
22:23Michigan's Outlook the champions of the Big Ten tournament and as the five seed in this portion of the bracket because I really think it should
22:30Be about the number one overall seed on the top line in the South region
22:35Who is now the slight minus money favorite to represent this portion of the bracket in a final four?
22:40That would be Auburn at a minus 105 price the RS dropping three of the Tigers final four
22:48Entering the NCAA tournament my big question for you
22:51How concerned are you by Auburn's poor play as of late and has it changed their NCAA tournament outlook in your mind?
23:00No, not at all. It hasn't it's a tough conference. It's a tough way to go through that entire season
23:05Yes
23:06You're gonna have a lot of teams that are gonna be gunning for you because you've been number one all season long you have one
23:10Of the best players in the country you get the best punch from the best teams in the best conference
23:14You're gonna lose some of those games now
23:16You're hoping that you had a full week off you could decompress then you get into the out-of-conference slate if you will
23:21You should have a layup in game number one and then after that you are gonna get strong test and strong test
23:26But everybody is under the same guys. It's neutral court. May the best team win
23:31Nobody's gonna have home court advantage not going on the road to take on Alabama in their own building
23:35They're going on the road in the SEC to take on the Florida Gators. You're gonna have an even basis, which I feel pound-for-pound
23:42Depth-wise probably Auburn is the best team overall. So for me say hey, would you rather be on a 10-game win streak?
23:48Of course you would but there's also people I go
23:50Well, that's tough
23:51You're on a 10-game win streak would have been nice to get that streak over
23:53It's like some people actually bring up those stupid point of comments that they like to have Auburn for me
23:58No issues whatsoever. Take them feel comfortable about it
24:02Donnie I actually do believe it's a little bit surprising to see some of the numbers around
24:06Auburn that was really their neck-and-neck even in front of Duke setting the pace for the Blue Devils in terms of those national
24:13Championship odds and final four prices throughout the entirety of this college basketball season
24:19Yeah, Auburn now the third best number to win a national championship at five to one now
24:25They have to fix some of the issues that have plagued them
24:27But to Donnie's point a road loss in Oxford or excuse me a road loss in
24:32College Station against A&M in the final week of the regular season a home rivalry game in overtime at the buzzer
24:40Against Alabama who was on the to line?
24:43Yep
24:43they escaped past Ole Miss in the opening round of or their opening game in the
24:48SEC tournament and a hard-fought game against one of the best teams in the big dance as well in Tennessee
24:54I still think the outlook for Auburn should be there
24:57I still expect them to be at least in the South regional final. That would be in elite eight
25:02Appearance DRS. Let's get to our fourth and final region. That would be out in the Midwest
25:08You look at what we have here in this portion of the bracket
25:12Scroll your eyes down to that 512 game Clemson and McNeese
25:16of course
25:16It has been circled by many as that classic 12 over 5 upset in the opening round of 64
25:23I love the question from our producer Joe Frizo big question. Number one is
25:28McNeese now too obvious of an upset pick I
25:33Don't think so because I think they're still don't have that name
25:37Recognition like he used to like I'll say marriage could be an upset pick not in the same areas
25:40There's a lot of name recognition now, maybe back 20 years ago
25:42Hey loses team Gonzaga could be an upset
25:45The name recognition isn't there for McNeese to say this isn't a big-time win and also Clemson
25:50you're also now stressing on how actually good was the
25:54ACC this year if we think there's only three really good teams there and the amount of competition they played because it is different when
26:00You talk ACC to SEC like whoa, you're getting the 12th best team in the SEC
26:04That's still a gut punch for another team playing them because how deep that conference was we talked about Clemson being the third best team
26:11Second best team behind the Duke Blue Devils there now you get McNeese and you have a head coach
26:15It's like guys we've been to the tournament before like I've been to the tournament before with other situations
26:19Why can't we beat the scene like McNeese isn't heading into their man job done fantastic regular season
26:25Yeah, now, let's just go and see what happens in the tournament because if we go home
26:28We'll still have a party McNeese actually believes they should win this basketball game and why not?
26:33Last year a lot of this same cast and crew was a trendy 12-5 pick to beat Gonzaga
26:38They got beat by more than 20 this year a trendy pick as well
26:4262% of the money on the spread on fan duel backing the Cowboys
26:46But maybe they learn from the lump they took last year in the big dance Midwest region odds
26:52We'll continue to ask some questions, of course into our third and final hour
26:56Houston the one seed in this portion of the bracket plus
27:01120 they are the favorites Tennessee the two seed plus 370
27:06Gonzaga's on the eight line and they've got the third best price to reach the final four out of the Midwest region at a 9
27:13To 1 number our number 3 is up next and our first for preview begins here on the early line
27:20Welcome to our number 3 our third and final live right here on this Tuesday morning on the early line on SportsCrit
27:27He is the RS. I am B double s
27:29We get you ready for first for action in the official beginning of the 2025 men's NCAA
27:36Tournament tonight in Dayton, Ohio
27:38We will look at our two games that we have in
27:42Tonight's docket with a full breakdown of everything you need to know and we will continue to set the stage
27:48of course for what we have the remainder of the big dance here in
27:522025 the RS a jam-packed final hour ahead
27:56We'll have our guide TV Tom Vecchio with his prop perspective on this Tuesday
28:00Tom so involved with college hoops now even a pick for the first four
28:06What else can't this guy do here on the early line?
28:09Yeah, put him right between Kevin and Joe Lisi on the Saturday basketball show beat a perfect fit in there
28:14Got some hours available
28:15We can have fun with understand this about the March man this tournament starting tonight, right?
28:19The official start really is Thursday because that's when you know where the teams are all spotted and play in a way you go
28:24But I always get a kick out of this
28:26It's the same feeling I have for when you watch the NFL Hall of Fame game
28:29Which is the first preseason game of the like yeah footballs back then they'll jump tonight and I'm like
28:34I don't know about this first basketball game that I'm watching here
28:37But I understand it's part of the hype and I'll stick around and maybe the second game will be better because you have better teams
28:41Involved but it is kind of funny the way it starts because we get excited like now who's this out here?
28:47These are college teams. Yeah, that's the good. That's the feeling that you get. So good luck with that
28:52So, of course, there are some delineations that you will see as you make your way through a field of 68
28:58What and yeah
29:00Like I just want to say this man because sometimes the thoughts pop into my head I'm getting older I might forget about it
29:06Why isn't the better game on earlier come in this like like I'm telling you right now. I hear it
29:11I hear it if Carolina goes at 6 o'clock tonight. We are all watching that as the first game against San Diego State
29:18It's a legitimate game that has the peak of the interest and you know how this works
29:22Game want to go a little bit long game two tips off at 930 like honestly guys
29:26Yeah, what are we doing in the TV studio booth? Stop it. Stop it. All right, there you go. Say my piece
29:32So listen, I completely agree and I don't mean to make this a selfish cry by any means
29:38but
29:38it does get a little bit difficult for people that host a morning show and have to bring you all the recap and review of
29:45all the madness that we see into the early morning hours of a night and then turn around and do it on a
29:52Morning show so there are going to be some nights where we're not going to get a lot of sleep and that's okay
29:58Because the one thing that is better than sleep is the NCAA tournament and I'm very excited for the first four to begin
30:04I do agree though DRS 630 p.m. Tip for San Diego State in North Carolina
30:09I am all for games tonight in Dayton as we will detail
30:15Our first matchup is a battle of 16 seeds and automatic qualifiers who won their conference tournament crowd
30:22For that automatic bid out of the swag. It is, Alabama State take it on the champions of the NEC
30:29St. Francis PA and then of course the matchup to be the true 11 seed in the South Region North Carolina in San Diego
30:36State two of the final four teams into the field of
30:4068 a lot to get to here, but we wanted to hear from the people Donnie
30:44Who's gonna win tonight?
30:46Who is going to officially get credit for an NCAA tournament victory in March on to the round of 64?
30:53That was the question for all of you and fade the public
31:03Not incorporating the spreads the Hornets of Alabama State three and a half point favorite North Carolina now a four and a half point
31:11Favorite against SDSU
31:13So just give me a money line parlay who will win tonight's NCAA tournament first four games
31:18We gave you all the options, of course in the public in large part DRS back in North Carolina in Alabama State
31:26the two favorites tonight at more than 43 percent of the vote San Diego State in Alabama State second most votes at
31:3524% which way to DRS vote in this pay the public poll
31:39Yeah, the public going with the public here and back in the public
31:43that's UNC in Alabama State 43% but I went San Diego State and Alabama State or because only
31:4924% going with that. I just look at it like this
31:52Like if you truly fading the public like we talking about the public didn't think UNC was going to get a bid
31:58Now that they did get a bid be the public like yeah
32:02Easy victory in round number one because apparently that's the way it's being bet right now at the fan those sportsbook
32:07Oh, yeah
32:07I can't even believe we questioned UNC even getting in there
32:10UNC should be in a final four team the way we're betting them tonight against San Diego State
32:13So I just went double against the public by saying, you know, what Alabama State slight public side tonight, San Diego State
32:20Completely not the public side tonight. That's the way I went like how did we be nothing more turncoats?
32:25But how do I keep Carolina out like to like see that mean it's like, you know
32:29They take the sip of drinks like and then they switch their face like they don't like it so much. That's you and me
32:35That's what we're doing here today. Yeah, come on
32:37Do this there is no doubt when you look at the public betting information that we have those stats on the fan dual sportsbook
32:4676% of the money on the spread is backing
32:50Carolina that number yesterday in the low 80s of the percentages
32:55We saw in terms of your spread betting and the money that we were seeing on the fan dual sportsbook
33:00There has been a little bit of buyback in the Aztecs
33:03It is still a four and a half point number
33:06But when you and I were live together in studio yesterday, it was a three and a half point spread
33:12overwhelming public sentiment
33:14backing UNC
33:15Which is interesting because there was overwhelming public sentiment that did not believe the heels were deserving of being the final four team
33:22the final team in to the NCAA tournament field of
33:2868 here is the positive for North Carolina
33:31They understood the task at hand down the homestretch of the regular season
33:35They would have some quad one opportunities against Duke outside of that
33:39They could not afford a loss and to UNC's credit
33:43They didn't get that quad one win outright against the Blue Devils
33:47But they also did not pick up another bad loss ten games
33:51Including both against the Blue Devils in the regular season finale
33:55Then of course in the ACC tournament tournament semi-final in those eight other games the RS a perfect eight
34:01You know for Carolina covering the number in seven of those eight wins
34:07So you can feel confident that if it's not against Duke or maybe Clemson or Louisville in the ACC or another quad one
34:15Team UNC is going to handle business and I will say this the net rankings not really a part of our conversation now
34:23Into the big dance, but San Diego State currently number 52 in the net
34:29This is a neutral court game in Dayton, Ohio
34:32Which means it's technically a quad to game for North Carolina plan accordingly
34:39But also understand this like sometimes you used to get the bump of well, we're in the ACC
34:44We're gonna get the benefit of the doubt. We play great competition all the way through the top two-thirds of this
34:49Division, let's just say or a conference would be the best in the country. You go to Ken Palms metrics here Ben
34:54I see number five. It's the ACC it was right behind them the Mountain West Conference
34:59So you can't even take a look at well, Carolina is a better team better pedigree better league
35:03Not necessarily at this point right on the heels of the mountain with that conference where they were absolutely
35:09Fantastic this regular season playing quality opponents on a night-to-night basis for the most part here
35:13This is gonna be a surprise this also this isn't a San Diego City
35:16Hey never heard of them before this team's been prowling around in competition and doing quite well in the NCAA tournament
35:22It's not as if like hey first time in 20 years. We're making a tournament appearance. That's not SDSU
35:28No, it's certainly not San Diego State played in the national championship game in the 2023 big dance
35:33North Carolina has an eight seed played in the national championship game in 2022 in a first four matchup
35:39We have two teams that played in two of the last three
35:43NCAA tournament title games that is pretty impressive stuff
35:47now the Mountain West has struggled at times throughout the NCAA tournament and there has been this perceived notion that the
35:54ACC has had many down years in college basketball
35:57Once the pinnacle of a conference in college hoops the last few years
36:02The ACC has not been as great throughout the regular season has not had as many bids
36:07To the big dance and yet when they get to the NCAA tourney
36:11They make the most of it NC State a final four team a year ago
36:17Of course, we had North Carolina and Duke both get to the final four two
36:22Seasons ago. The ACC is performed
36:25Well, even with the perceived weakness in their conference slates the last few years
36:31The 2025 men's NCAA tournament officially begins tonight in Dayton, Ohio
36:37We've got a double header of first four action
36:40So let's get you set with every single angle that you need for tonight's beginning in the big dance
36:47They are as we start with the nightcap in Dayton two of the final four teams into the field of 68
36:54including the last team into the big dance a
36:57Controversial selection in the field of 68 that would be North Carolina and yet
37:03Carolina who many thought was not deserving of an NCAA tournament bid four and a half point favorite against San Diego
37:11State it is our nightcap tonight in Dayton, Ohio
37:14Our second of two first four games total stands at 142 and a hook four and a half point spread in
37:22Favor of the eels that total at 142 and a half DRS
37:26Where do you begin your breakdown of this matchup tonight between the Aztecs and the Tar Heels?
37:31Yeah, take a look at the North Carolina offense versus the San Diego State defense
37:34The one thing that we always know the calling card for San Diego State is not an uptempo offense
37:38It's playing really good defense 13 in the country in efficiency. Now. Sometimes you say well Donnie
37:43How does this differentiate from you take a look at like first like competition, which means we play in the same conference?
37:49We just talked about just a few short a short while ago where you're looking at both of these conferences back-to-back here
37:55So it's not as if what how do I compensate for a team that plays in the SEC or as a team that plays in?
38:00Like the NEC at that point, right?
38:01It's like wow, can I really trust that they're all that efficient?
38:04Well that efficiency goes out the door when the five guys another team are so much better than you
38:08Hey, I'm used to getting off my three-point shot now
38:10I can't yeah, of course because the other guys are six five years six two and are faster than you
38:14Do your guard play at this point?
38:15So that's what I'm trying to factor in because Carolina does have a very good offense
38:18The one thing that we do know is San Diego State's defense band is good
38:22It is efficient, but it will let you shoot the three-point shot, but we'll defend the heck out of it
38:27you're taking a team 354th been in the
38:31Nationally at allowing you to shoot the three-point shot. So if you like BYU, hey, man, sign me up at this point
38:35That's not necessarily Carolina, but they will defend it also understand this
38:38I don't know if it's me just watching like sometimes the basketball court in Dayton
38:44I remember a couple years where the Nets look like they were really sure in the rims
38:47Maybe weren't all that forgiving. I always take a look at that
38:50so if I say to myself a
38:52Team that's gonna let you shoot the three-point shot and defend it where that could be the majority of your shots
38:56I automatically lean towards that team because San Diego State's offense isn't over relying the three-point shot
39:01It's not crazy statistics from UNC from the three-point line
39:04So as crazy as it sounds like UNC is a very good offensive team and San Diego State will let you shoot the three-point shot
39:10But again, that's not really the calling card of UNC. They'll knock down
39:13Maybe some three-point shots, but you talk about that stingy defense man. Look at the point distribution
39:19360th in the nation at allowing you to score inside that means those points are hard to come by
39:24So point number one is we'll give you three. We don't think you'll knock them down
39:27But if you want to do come down low here, we'll defend the heck out of it
39:31I like seeing the points tonight. I just think that matchup UNC's defense soon the UNC's offense risk San Diego State's defense
39:37That's where it's gonna be one on the neutral court. I always lean defense
39:40And this line opened at three and a half it is now four and a half in favor of Carolina
39:45We have told you more than 70% of the money when it comes to the spread bets
39:50Backing the heels tonight and Donnie you look at the four factors, right?
39:55You look at the style of plays that we see on Ken Palm
39:59So some of it is cause and effect right San Diego State has a lot of length
40:04We'll talk about the Aztecs defensively in just a moment because it is difficult to score against
40:10SDSU in the post and near the rim
40:13Obviously that opponents are going to have to hoist more threes than maybe they would like
40:1847% of the opponents taking or other opponents field goals this year from deep
40:24Against San Diego State this season some of that blends in to each other
40:29It's not like San Diego State doesn't guard the three-point line just because of how difficult it is to score near the rack
40:35That allows more threes to be taken against SDSU part of that reason again is because of the length
40:44Jared Coleman Jones down low for San Diego State and a big addition for the Aztecs
40:50Magoon Gowath the seven-foot freshman is back tonight for
40:55SDSU he has not played since the end of February
40:58He was not there in the opening round defeat in the Mountain West Tournament in Las Vegas
41:02last week for Brian Dutcher and his team against Boise State which makes things difficult for
41:08UNC as they try to attack the rim and could lead to more mid-range or even deep range threes
41:15From beyond the arc 13th most efficient defense that is San Diego State nationally 22nd most efficient offense
41:22That is UNC
41:24Nationally, that is kind of the crux of this matchup really as you break it down
41:29Exactly, and that's what you're trying to manage because we don't have really a backlog like hey, man
41:33Remember last two times North Carolina played Duke or last three times
41:36We should say since they played in the ACC you take a look at like-versus-like
41:39Opponents when there really isn't any like-versus-like opponent
41:42But you can take stock in again to really good conferences where you're trusting the depth of these two teams
41:47We always thought San Diego State would probably get in they did North Carolina was a little bit more of a question mark
41:52But here we are on a Tuesday night in Dayton and I'm just gonna rely on it
41:55I know Tom Vecchia was talking about I think game number two the under in the first half all these games in Dayton for me
42:01I'm probably looking more towards the unders than I am for the overs at this point
42:04So we have some time today to figure it out because this doesn't start till 9 o'clock tonight
42:08Maybe I'm looking at like a team total to the under is that the better wager to go with UNC?
42:13We know they like to get out and run
42:14But at the same time San Diego State does play defense and you take a look at the average length of possession on
42:19defense for San Diego State
42:21142nd which means you're gonna have to earn every point you get this great point
42:25You bring up a 7-footer added to the equation where it's not so much that the guy can be dynamic
42:30But RJ Davis say let me just take it to the rim
42:33Oh now I can't do that kick out for a 3 and the threes aren't working advantage San Diego State
42:37We'll see how it plays out
42:38But this is a good basketball game with I think a pretty clean handicap on not just saying like hey, it's a coin flip
42:43There are some intricacies that I think you could take advantage of tonight
42:47Of course San Diego State made the national championship game just two big dances ago coming up short against UConn
42:53That had to play Dan Hurley's Huskies last year in the sweet 16 as well
42:58a lot of those guys
42:59No longer there Nick Boyd is he will lead kind of that backcourt for Brian Dutcher and the Aztecs tonight
43:05Of course, nobody's played more ACC hoops in their careers than that of RJ Davis
43:11He is the veteran leader for Hubert Davis and this team tonight Elliot cadeau a really talented point guard
43:18Facilitation is what he does best for the heels
43:21He would kind of give the post presence the edge for San Diego State the backcourt the edge for North Carolina
43:28SDSU DRS four times a non-conference play against four quality opponents all in the big dance booked as an underdog
43:36Two and two both against the spread and straight up those two outright victories for San Diego State as a dog
43:42early in non-con play over
43:45Creighton in
43:46Houston there is some quality metrics for San Diego State
43:49There is not really that for North Carolina. And again, that is the argument against the heels into the big dance
43:56They are 1 and 12
43:591 and 12 in quad one games this season
44:03We don't really use quad 1 2 3 or 4 anymore for the NCAA tournament, but just based on technicality
44:11San Diego State checks in at number 52 in the net rankings entering tonight neutral floor game
44:17This would be hit quad to game for you and see here's why I will give Carolina some credit
44:24Donnie if you want to argue the idea of battle-tested, it's one thing to play a bunch of very difficult teams
44:30It's another thing to win those games
44:32Against that very tough competition something UNC did not do but the Tar Heels against competition
44:38They weren't expected to beat they made good on those numbers and they looked impressive in doing so final ten games
44:44for UNC this season two against Duke regular season finale
44:49ACC tournament semifinal the other eight
44:53UNC won and they covered in seven of those eight victories the public expecting Carolina to do that tonight in the first four
45:02Yeah, and no doubt about it. They're betting accordingly at this point
45:05It's certainly going to be a heavy favorite team just because of the name itself like the Yankee tax that you get in Major League
45:10Baseball but understand this too. It's not as if you can just go with the old adage
45:14Hey, man, we play in the ACC as I said versus the Mountain West Conference
45:17Like San Diego State had an unbelievably tough schedule with a lot of tournament teams in that division where they can go toe-to-toe
45:24And as you pointed out beating Houston and beating Creighton, they're not too big for the stage here. They're used to this stage
45:30It'll be interesting to see how it plays out tonight. I'm looking forward to it
45:33that's a quality game on night number one of the NCAA tournament for sure a
45:37National championship run for Brian Dutcher in the Aztecs two tournaments ago a second weekend appearance in this week 16
45:44Last year the first game of the big dance the first and the first four
45:49That's our first of the first four tonight in Dayton
45:53Ohio as we continue to break it down and preview this matchup here the champions out of the swag
45:59Alabama State into the NCAA tournament for the first time since
46:042011 and the unlikely title winners in the NEC that was st
46:09Francis PA pulling off the upset in the tournament final against Central, Connecticut
46:15The Blue Devils of Central, Connecticut entered that matchup winners of 14 consecutive games the nation's longest active win streak
46:22the red flash and Frankie the Friar had opposite I
46:27Diaz so st. Francis into the big dance for the first time since
46:311991 as a d1 program for more than seven decades just the second ever birth in the big
46:38Dance in DRS st
46:39Francis would be the 20th ever team since the field expanded in
46:431985 to reach the men's NCAA tournament with a sub 500 record the red flasher 16 and 17
46:51Straight up the Hornets of Alabama State three and a half point favor tonight against the red flash of st
46:57Francis PA our total stands at 138 and a half
47:02How do you see this matchup playing out between Alabama State and st. Francis PA?
47:06Yeah, Alabama State probably more deserving of a bid why because it was automatic bid same thing with st. Francis
47:13But when you take a look at st. Francis, it's like usually you come into this
47:16Okay, they won their conference, which probably means they were the best team in their conference st
47:20Francis wasn't and again, it's a one-game playoff and credit for them for winning it
47:23But you say what do they do? Well on offense nothing what I do well in defense
47:28They defend the three-point line, but outside of that nothing really as well and they turn the basketball over at an incredible rate
47:34So when you're looking at a conference, I know you're gonna bring this up and you brought it up early and you're right
47:37Like Alabama State doesn't turn the basketball over st
47:40Francis does like Alabama State wants to shoot the three-point shot st. Francis will let you shoot the three-point shot
47:46It just feels like it's a better fit for Alabama State against st. Francis understand this again
47:50Well, these teams aren't used to being on the national stage and having the spotlight here on an individual
47:56You know basis and just playing on a neutral site court in Dayton
47:59So I do believe the under is probably the better play in this one
48:02But I got to tell you trying to like take the points and pray right like you really would be doing that with st
48:07Francis because there's not a lot to love they don't get to the free-throw line. They don't read down
48:11They turn the basketball over they're okay shooters
48:13Is that enough to sort of carry you through when anything can happen in a neutral neutral court site game?
48:18I understand that but Alabama State at least has a defined footprint is they're bad on offense
48:23But at least they'll get their shots off and they'll take three-point shots and it fits that way
48:27So if I'm willing to lay the points
48:29It's probably with Alabama State and then they don't shoot the free-throw all that
48:33Well to sort of close out the three and a half you get what you get like we're gonna get one good game
48:38We think tonight you're gonna get one bad one to start it off and it is what it is
48:42Yeah, and that's the way of it
48:44But I do want to say the atmosphere and the opportunity for these two programs to be on this national stage to have a standalone
48:51Window to begin the big dance. That's a really cool thing
48:54I used to be in the camp that I thought automatic bids automatic qualifiers
48:59So the NCAA tournament should not have to play in first four play in games
49:03they should get the full experience of being involved in the round of
49:0764 the travel to the site to be around all of the other
49:11NCAA tournament teams in that opening weekend pod even if they were to be ousted in the opening round
49:17But then when you really dive into it the financials of winning an NCAA tournament game
49:22Are those that you would really never want to pass up?
49:25So that financial opportunity plus the window and the atmosphere of what that can mean for your program
49:31I'm now now kind of bought all in on even 16 seeds even champions of a conference tournament
49:38Having to play on the opening night of the big dance
49:42And I do believe the Hornets and the Red Flash will relish that opportunity to Donnie's point one of the key matchup trends
49:48You should know for this matchup, Alabama State does not turn the basketball over
49:53They have the fifth best turnover rate in all of college basketball out of
49:58364 d1 teams fifth best turnover rate st. Francis PA
50:03Bottom 45 in terms of giving you the opportunity to take the ball away and Donnie
50:09They often get it stolen away bad passes putting the ball in harm's way and allowing the other defense to shot
50:15They also let you shoot it from three opponent shots and field goal attempts more than 43 percent against the Red Flash
50:22from deep nearly 43 percent from Alabama State from
50:26Three-point range the metrics do favor, Alabama State
50:29They are a three and a half point favorite in this matchup now
50:33St. Francis pulled off the upset over Central Connecticut in the NAC final
50:37The NAC is not one of our best conferences of the 31 that compete at the d1 level
50:44In fact, it is second worst the worst conference overall based on the net ratings from Ken Palm
50:49that would be the swag of which Alabama State is the champion and these are our two lowest rated Ken Palm teams into the field of
50:5868 the Red Flash the worst at
51:01311 out of
51:02364 but again, st. Francis PA understands this they have a losing record overall
51:07But the opportunity to excel on the big dance big stage tonight. That should be one that we enjoy
51:13I think to see to start us off in Dayton
51:16Exactly and just to get into again some of the numbers here that makes sense
51:19We took the turnovers but also fitting like a glove right st
51:23Francis turns it over a ton almost 20% of their possessions don't end up in an actual shot
51:28You take a look at Alabama's defense 19% of the transactions they have on defense. They turn it over
51:33So that's a good match and then you take a look at Alabama State where st
51:36Francis doesn't really turn you over all that much and they don't turn it over
51:39that could be a key because sometimes you could take a look at it Ben used to be like the old Davidson versus VCU days like
51:44Davidson won't turn the basketball over VCU is the best in the country at turning it over who's gonna win that battle
51:49It seems like Alabama State wins both on offense and defense in that battle, which could be just enough
51:54Look, if you're gonna give somebody six or seven more shots than the other opponent just on turnovers
51:58That's key to the game where you separated only by three and a half points in the odds market
52:03And the total is 138 and a half, right
52:05We're not expecting a very high scoring affair on either side Donnie both of the games tonight in Dayton in the first four
52:12Hugely impactful for the South region Auburn is the number one overall seed on the one line in the South region
52:19They await the winner of the matchup between the Hornets and the red flash the winner of UNC in San Diego State
52:25Becomes the true 11 seat in the South region an opening round of 64 game
52:30Against Ole Miss slingshot effect perhaps, but the first four began in
52:362011 every year we have seen the first four in the NCAA tournament with the exception of
52:422019 a team that was victorious and Dayton also won at least one game in the round of 64
52:48Something to know as we enter tonight the RS any closing thoughts before we send you to the money line my friend
52:55Now looking forward to it ready to go and by the way the next money line
52:58We have we'll have game number two in Major League Baseball as well 6 10 start once again on a Wednesday morning
53:04How about that and on the early line even DRF talk tomorrow more on the early line of death?