Community Picks: Mississippi 0% vs Auburn 0%

Slaying the sportsbook is a monstrous task. Some days bettors take up residence in a penthouse suite. Other times, they curl up in the nearest ditch, shirtless and toothless. In an attempt to avoid complete destitution, I will post my picks, whether profitable or penniless, through the NCAA tourney. Check out Wednesday's selections below:  Duke (19-6, 11-12 ATS) at North Carolina (21-4, 9-15) – The 241st meeting between the baneful rivals is sure to excite. Duke, surging at the right time, is finally starting to figure out life without Amile Jefferson. Defensive breakdowns still occur routinely, but employing more 1-2-2 zone with Marshall Plumlee camping out in the lane, it has applied more ball pressure further out, a strategy that's slowed down opponent drives and forced unwanted jumpers. Against a pair of solid offenses, Louisville and Virginia, the Devils yielded a much improved 1.016 points per possession. Couple that with the Devils' high-octane offense (No. 9 in off. efficiency), and they're finally starting to put it together.  North Carolina, however, presents another tall task. The Heels' attacking nature, transition explosiveness and offensive rebounding prowess play into Duke's lack of depth and defensive weaknesses. Conversely, their inability to compete along the perimeter is very problematic. If Carolina doesn't stick a hand in the face of Grayson Allen, Brandon Ingram and/or Matt Jones, three-balls will rain. Expect a tight, NASCAR-paced affair.  Prediction: North Carolina 89 Duke (+6.5) 85   Continue to Article

February 17, 2016 10:38:am EST

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- Damian Jones helped stake Vanderbilt to a double-digit first half lead and finished with 17 points and nine rebounds in the Commodores' 86-57 rout of Auburn on Saturday. Continue to Article

February 13, 2016 9:12:pm EST

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- Damian Jones helped stake Vanderbilt to a double-digit first half lead and finished with 17 points and nine rebounds in the Commodores' 86-57 rout of Auburn on Saturday. Continue to Article

February 13, 2016 8:14:pm EST

Auburn point guard Kareem Canty has left the team and is turning pro. Tigers coach Bruce Pearl said Friday that Canty has left school for ''personal reasons.'' He says the frustrations of a struggling team contributed to Canty's frustrations. Canty sat out last season after transferring from Marshall. Continue to Article

February 12, 2016 2:16:pm EST

Wade Baldwin IV scored 17 points in leading five starters in double figures, and the Vanderbilt Commodores routed Missouri 86-71 Wednesday night for their second win in three games. Luke Kornet scored 13 points and grabbed 12 rebounds with five blocks. Damian Jones had 14 points before fouling out, Matthew Fisher-Davis had 13 and Jeff Roberson 12. Continue to Article

February 10, 2016 11:19:pm EST