jim from the bronx

Las Vegas - Will be rooting for Auburn to beat Miami-Florida, because I have the Tigers in a fantasy league with my son, but expecting the Hurricanes to cover the generous +7.5 point spread. Having followed the Tigers real close all season, we understand that Bruce Pearl can coach 'em up, and Jabari Smith is a top five draft pick, maybe even a #1. But the 'Canes have this guy that can coach 'em up as well. Say hello to Jim Larranaga from the Bronx. Larranaga has made a few stops along the way (Bowling Green, George Mason and Miami) and has NEVER had a losing record. His teams are smart, don't turn the ball over, and usually hang tough to the final buzzer. Actually, Miami is 6th in the country in fewest turnovers per game. Sure they had problems from downtown against USC, hitting an UGLY 1 of 14, but they STILL WON the game. Looking at Auburn's recent work, and it has not been pretty, or, plus money for the bank account. The Tigers have covered only three of the last 11 (27%), while Miami has checked in with the exact opposite results, covering EIGHT of the last 11 (73%). Also looked at the 'Canes last three losses in the ACC and it was by three to Virginia (74-71), only one against Virginia Tech (71-70) and four to Duke (80-76). Auburn wins, Miami covers and all the Eckstein's will be very happy heading to the Sweet 16.

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