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NCAA betting: Only the Elite Eight remain

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Nick Shiambouros brings us up to date with the latest developments in the NCAA

After a truly remarkable week in the NCAA tournament only the Elite Eight remain in the competition. We had to say goodbye to Michael Beasley from Kansas State in the second round to a well run Wisconsin team but not before this exciting and talented young man dismantled USC on his own in the opening round. And rewarded backers who got on at a very generous [2.34].Wisconsin beat Kansas State 72-55 but not before Beasley scored 23 points and had 13 rebounds. I think it is 1.01 he will be playing in the NBA next year.

On Friday night Wisconsin succumbed to the Cinderella team of the tournament - Davidson, who caused a major upset when beating the Badgers 73-56 in a one sided affair. Davidson will meet my selection to win the competition, the Kansas Jayhawks, who have sailed in to the last eight after crushing Portland State in the first round and beating Villanova 72-57 late on Friday night.

Tyler Hansbrough and North Carolina have demolished the opposition on road to the last eight so far with the best basketball I have seen in the whole tournament and I must say at the moment they look unbeatable.Hansbrough is a low post threat at all times and a combination of easy buckets for him on a one-on-one basis has been a huge factor down in that area. This team can play a half-court game or transition and with that man Hansbrough, Louisville will have their hands full when they meet Saturday night after they crushed Washington State 68-47.

Louisville will feel that they match up well and they disposed of a very talented Tennessee team 79-60 to join the final eight. My money will be on North Carolina and I think they will win this very competitive affair. I am hoping to take around [1.5] on North Carolina, which is a realistic price.


UCLA, who have looked vulnerable, are another team to progress after beating Western Kentucky 88-78 in a game that saw a great comeback from Kentucky after being 21 points down at the half. They will meet Xavier on Saturday night after a fantastic overtime win over West Virginia..UCLA are doing just enough to win and are slowly improving, which is a huge factor to win this event.

Memphis finally showed why they are so highly ranked after putting on a really powerful display to thrash the Michigan State Spartans 92-74 .Memphis were an amazing 30 points up at half time and they could afford to conserve valuable energy for their clash against Texas by taking it easy in the second half.

Texas booked a place in the last eight with a convincing display against Stanford, beating them 82-62.The Texas Longhorns very nearly went out of the tournament in the previous round to Miami but prevailed 75-72.

Saturday's Matches

Xavier v UCLA Selection UCLA

Louisville v North Carolina Selection North Carolina

Sunday's Matches

Davidson v Kansas Selection Kansas

Texas v Memphis Selection Memphis


Enjoy the basketball this weekend and I will be back with my Final Four in depth preview next week.

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