"THE COACH'S" THURSDAY THRASHER (CBB) FIRST ROUND DESTRUCTION
(NCAAB) Baylor vs. Syracuse,
Point Spread: -2.00 | -106.00 Syracuse (Home)
Result: Loss
The set-up: These teams are similar in that they both employ a 2-3 matchup zone defense. Baylor finished 19-13 and is back dancing after a one-year absence. Only two Baylor players have NCAA Tournament experience. Syracuse finished 20-13 and this will be coach Jim Boeheim's 34th NCAA Tournament appearance. Syracuse sat out starting guard Tyus Battle in both ACC Tournament games as a precautionary measure because of a sore back, but he's been returned to go at 100% health in this one.

The pick: The Orange have held opponents to 40 percent shooting for the season and 32.3 percent from range. The Orange are also 4-1 ATS in their last five NCAA Tournament games as a favorite in the -1 to -7 range, while Baylor is just 1-5 ATS in its last six NCAA tournament contests. Lay the points.

10* play