Jim Feist – Sports Handicapper

3/21 01:05 PM PT / 4:05 PM ET

CB (793) NORTH CAROLINA VS (794) MISSISSIPPI

Take: (793) NORTH CAROLINA

The North Carolina Tar Heels (23-13) are set to face the Ole Miss Rebels (22-11) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The game is scheduled to tip off at 4:05 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on TNT. The Tar Heels secured their spot in the main bracket with a dominant 95-68 victory over San Diego State in the First Four. In that game, senior guard RJ Davis led the charge with 26 points, including six three-pointers. North Carolina's offense has been potent, averaging 80.8 points per game, ranking 31st nationally. They also shoot 47.6% from the field, placing them 40th in the country. Since February 1, the Tar Heels have been on an impressive run, ranking 20th nationally during that span, with an 11th-best offensive efficiency and a 64th-ranked defense. Their recent form has silenced critics who questioned their tournament inclusion, as they've won eight of their last ten games, with both losses coming against Duke. The Rebels, under the guidance of coach Chris Beard, have had a noteworthy season, earning a six-seed in the tournament. They've secured significant victories against top-tier teams, including wins over No. 4 Alabama and No. 4 Tennessee. Ole Miss is known for its disciplined play, ranking third nationally in offensive turnover percentage at 12.8%. Their defense has been effective, averaging 8.8 steals per game, placing them 29th nationally. North Carolina's high-tempo offense will challenge Ole Miss's defense, especially given the Rebels' recent defensive struggles, ranking 81st in defensive efficiency since February 1. North Carolina has been impressive of late and momentum means a lot in the tourney. I'm taking North Carolina today.

The Charlotte Hornets (17-51) will face the Oklahoma City Thunder (57-12) on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Thunder have been dominant this season, boasting a 57-12 record and currently riding a four-game winning streak. They are averaging 119.8 points per game (4th in the NBA) while allowing just 107.0 points per game (2nd in the league). Their home record stands at an impressive 29-5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team with 33.0 points and 6.2 assists per game, supported by Jalen Williams, who contributes 21.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. The Hornets have struggled this season, holding a 17-51 record. They average 105.7 points per game (28th in the NBA) and concede 113.7 points per game (15th in the league). LaMelo Ball is a standout performer, averaging 25.4 points and 7.3 assists per game, while Miles Bridges adds 21.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Offensive and Defensive Efficiency: The Thunder's high-scoring offense and strong defense present a significant challenge for the Hornets, who have struggled on both ends of the court. The Hornets are also in the 2nd of a back-to-back spot after playing last and beating the Knicks, 115-98. Now they have to travel to OKC to face one if not the best NBA teams. I don't like laying this many points but some times you just have to. Play the Thunder.

The NCAA Tournament's East Region features an intriguing first-round matchup between the No. 4 seed Arizona Wildcats and the No. 13 seed Akron Zips on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Arizona Wildcats (22-12, 14-6 Big 12) under head coach Tommy Lloyd, Arizona boasts a high-octane offense, averaging 81.7 points per game. The Wildcats are led by guard Caleb Love, who contributes 16.6 points per game, and forward Henri Veesaar, a 7-foot sophomore known for his efficiency around the rim. Arizona's size advantage is notable, with a roster featuring multiple players over 6-foot-3. Akron Zips (28-6, 17-1 MAC): enter the tournament on a hot streak, having won 21 of their last 22 games. The Zips are known for their fast-paced play, ranking 16th nationally in adjusted tempo, and average 84.6 points per game. Guard Nate Johnson leads the team with 14.0 points per game, while Tavari Johnson adds 13.0 points and 3.9 assists per game. Despite their offensive prowess, Akron's roster is relatively undersized, with most contributors standing 6-foot-3 or shorter. Pace of Play: Both teams favor an up-tempo style, which could lead to a high-scoring affair. Arizona ranks 55th in adjusted tempo, while Akron sits at 16th. This alignment suggests both teams will be comfortable pushing the pace. Both teams should be running and gunning in this game. Play the OVER.

The NCAA Tournament's West Region features a compelling first-round matchup between the No. 5 seed Memphis Tigers and the No. 12 seed Colorado State Rams on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Memphis Tigers (29-5) are under head coach Penny Hardaway, Memphis secured the American Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament titles. They are led by sophomore guard PJ Haggerty, who averages 21.8 points per game. However, the Tigers face potential challenges with injuries to key point guards Tyrese Hunter and Dante Harris, both of whom are uncertain for this game. Colorado State Rams (25-9) enter the tournament on a 10-game winning streak, having clinched the Mountain West Tournament championship. They are led by Nique Clifford, who averages 19.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. Clifford's recent performance has been exceptional, averaging 25.0 points and 10.3 rebounds during the conference tournament. Memphis' potential absence of Hunter and Harris could place additional pressure on Haggerty and affect the team's offensive rhythm. This matchup presents a classic scenario where a lower-seeded team enters with momentum, while the higher seed faces adversity. I'm taking Colorado State here on Friday.

The NCAA Tournament's West Region features an intriguing first-round matchup between the No. 4 seed Maryland Terrapins and the No. 13 seed Grand Canyon Antelopes on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Maryland Terrapins (25-8, 14-6 Big Ten) are under head coach Kevin Willard, Maryland has showcased a dynamic offense, averaging 81.7 points per game, while maintaining a solid defense, allowing 67.0 points per game. Freshman center Derik Queen leads the team with 16.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, earning him Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. The backcourt is bolstered by Ja'Kobi Gillespie, who contributes 14.7 points and 5.0 assists per game. Grand Canyon Antelopes (26-7, 13-3 WAC) are coached by Bryce Drew. Grand Canyon secured its third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance by winning the WAC Tournament. The Antelopes average 79.2 points per game and allow 69.1 points per game. Senior forward JaKobe Coles leads the team with 14.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, earning the WAC Tournament's Most Outstanding Player award. Graduate guard Tyon Grant-Foster, a key player in last year's tournament run, adds experience and averages 14.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. Grand Canyon's roster boasts significant postseason experience, with players like Grant-Foster and Harrison returning for a fifth year. In contrast, Maryland relies on the talent of freshman Derik Queen, making his tournament debut. This matchup pits Maryland's youthful talent against Grand Canyon's seasoned experience. I like the experience Grand Canyon brings to this game and that has a recipe for an upset. But I'll take the points with Grand Canyon.

The NCAA Tournament's South Region features a first-round matchup between the No. 3 seed Iowa State Cyclones and the No. 14 seed Lipscomb Bisons on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Iowa State Cyclones (24-9, 13-7 Big 12) are under head coach T.J. Otzelberger. The Cyclones have demonstrated a balanced approach, averaging 80.4 points per game while allowing 68.1 points per game. They are led by guard Curtis Jones, who averages 17.1 points per game and was named the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year. However, the team faces a significant challenge with the absence of starting guard Keshon Gilbert, who has been sidelined due to a muscle strain. Lipscomb Bisons (25-9, 14-4 ASUN) are coached by Lennie Acuff. Lipscomb secured the ASUN Tournament championship to earn their spot in the NCAA Tournament. The Bisons average 79.3 points per game and allow 67.3 points per game. Senior forward Jacob Ognacevic leads the team with 20.1 points per game, shooting an impressive 41% from three-point range. The absence of Keshon Gilbert places additional pressure on Curtis Jones to lead the Cyclones' backcourt. His performance will be crucial in maintaining offensive efficiency and defensive stability. A lot of points to lay with an Iowa State team without one of their star players. I'm going to teak the points in this one with Lipscomb.

The NCAA Tournament's East Region features a first-round matchup between the No. 7 seed Saint Mary's Gaels and the No. 10 seed Vanderbilt Commodores on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Rocket Arena in Cleveland. Saint Mary's Gaels (28-5, 17-1 WCC) are under head coach Randy Bennett, the Gaels secured the West Coast Conference regular-season title, boasting a disciplined and efficient style of play. They are led by senior center Mitchell Saxen, who anchors both their offense and defense. Saint Mary's excels in controlling the tempo, ranking among the nation's best in defensive efficiency and rebounding margin. Vanderbilt Commodores (20-12, 8-10 SEC) are coached by Mark Byington. Vanderbilt's season has been marked by a high-scoring offense, averaging 79.6 points per game. The Commodores are led by guard Jason Edwards, who averages 17.0 points per game, and forward Tyler Nickel, a 40% three-point shooter. However, they face challenges in rebounding and interior defense, areas where Saint Mary's thrives. Saint Mary's prefers a deliberate, half-court game, ranking near the bottom nationally in tempo, while Vanderbilt favors a faster pace. The team that dictates the tempo may gain a significant advantage. Saint Mary's leads the nation with a +10.7 rebounding margin per game, exploiting opponents' lack of size. Vanderbilt, ranked 198th in rebounding margin, must address this disparity to compete effectively. St Mary's will dominate the boards today and look to slow the pace. I'll take St Mary's in this one.

The NCAA Tournament's East Region features an intriguing first-round matchup between the No. 5 seed Oregon Ducks and the No. 12 seed Liberty Flames on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Oregon Ducks (24-9, 13-9 Big Ten) are in their inaugural Big Ten season, the Ducks secured an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. They are led by standout center Nate Bittle, who averages 14.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, and point guard Jackson Shelstad, contributing 14.9 points per game over the last 10 contests. Oregon's defense allows 70.9 points per game, and they have a 5-1 record in games decided by three points or fewer. Liberty Flames (28-6, 16-5 Conference USA) clinched both the regular-season and tournament titles in Conference USA. They boast one of the nation's most efficient offenses, ranking sixth in field goal percentage and seventh in three-point shooting. Defensively, they are formidable, ranking 10th in points allowed and fourth in three-point defense. Guard Kaden Metheny, an All-Conference USA second-team selection, averages 13.8 points per game and earned tournament MVP honors. Liberty's proficiency from beyond the arc is a cornerstone of their offense. Oregon's ability to defend the perimeter will be crucial in limiting Liberty's scoring opportunities. This effecient offense of the Flames should keep them close here today.

The NCAA Tournament's Midwest Region features a first-round matchup between the No. 3 seed Kentucky Wildcats and the No. 14 seed Troy Trojans on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Kentucky Wildcats (22-11, 11-9 SEC) are under first-year head coach Mark Pope. Kentucky has navigated a season marked by roster reconstruction and injuries. The Wildcats average 79.6 points per game, led by guard Otega Oweh, who contributes 16.2 points per game. The anticipated return of point guard Lamont Butler, who has been sidelined with ankle and shoulder injuries, is expected to bolster Kentucky's performance. Troy Trojans (23-10, 13-5 Sun Belt) are coached by Scott Cross. Troy secured an automatic NCAA Tournament bid by winning the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. The Trojans average 73.9 points per game, with standout guard Tayton Conerway leading the offense, averaging 14.3 points and 4.8 assists per game. Conerway's performance was pivotal in the Sun Belt Championship, where he scored 21 points, including 16 in the final 10 minutes, to secure a comeback victory. Kentucky's roster, rebuilt through transfers, boasts considerable collegiate experience, though limited in NCAA Tournament play. Troy, with momentum from their conference tournament success, may leverage their cohesion against Kentucky's relatively new lineup. Troy's defense should keep them under the spread in this one. I'm taking the points with Troy.