Saint Peter’s merchandise is flying off the shelves. Whether you’re a two-time Super Bowl-winning QB or simply an Average Joe enraptured by the Madness, the Peacocks’ Cinderella Story is engrossing. Replacing UMBC as the ultimate NCAA Tournament underdog, they knocked off mighty Kentucky, Murray State and Purdue to reset the record books. No 15 seed prior, or possibly beyond, has blazed an identical path, reaching the Elite Eight.
The bandwagon is overflowing. Saint Peter’s is America’s team. Apologies, Jerry Jones.
Will the pumpkin carriage finally arrive in Philadelphia?
North Carolina has undergone quite a metamorphosis. Earlier this season, the Tar Heels were lambasted repeatedly by media members, me included, and fans alike for whiffing defensively. Their inability to generate consistent stops is why, before the jarring upset of Duke in Mike Krzyzewski’s final exhibition inside Cameron Indoor Stadium, many reasonably questioned whether UNC would even make the NCAA Tournament. However, this month, North Carolina has surrendered just 0.839 points per possession, the sixth-lowest output in college basketball.
StrutUp has become such a vibe. The panache of Saint Peter’s is infectious. Unfazed and unflinching, the Peacocks continue to defy odds thanks to their signature defense. In the NCAA Tournament, they’ve yielded just 0.884 points per possession. Cashing in at the free-throw line and shooting 35.3% from distance, Shaheen Holloway’s crew always packs the brass knuckles.
Similar to Purdue, Carolina will attempt to speed up Saint Peter’s and make it feel uncomfortable. That likely won’t rattle the Peacocks. The street-tough bunch from Jersey City is sure to keep this one close.
My pick: Saint Peter’s +8.5 for 1.10 units (-110, BetMGM)
Record: 33-28-3, +3.46 units
