Community Picks: Arizona 0% vs Colorado 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:  Villanova (24-3, 13-12 ATS) at Xavier (24-3, 17-10)  – In terms of top-seed line, Wednesday's Big East battle has enormous implications. The winner will plant deep No. 1 roots, while the loser will likely receive a consolation No. 2. More importantly for the Musketeers, topping 'Nova would keep it within striking distance of a league title. Currently, the 'Cats hold a two-game lead.  Among the elite, Xavier is the one team few are talking about. It crashes the glass, staunchly defends, cashes freebies and distributes beautifully. Freshmen sensation, Edmond Sumner, has especially stood out, whether as a facilitator or scorer. He and his fellow teammates, who were housed 95-64 by Villanova Dec. 31, a game in which Sumner was lost after suffering concussion two minutes in, are hungry to exact revenge. The Wildcats are equally stout defensively and are nearly undeniable inside, but Xavier has the physicality and balance to match. If the home team can keep Josh Hart and Co. off the free-throw line and win the battle of the boards, it will get its retribution.  Prediction: Xavier (-1) 77 Villanova 73  Continue to Article

February 24, 2016 10:06:am EST

Arizona's defense and dominant play inside has helped it get back in the Pac-12 title hunt, while Colorado's poor shooting is keeping it from securing the resume builder it may need. The ninth-ranked Wildcats look to keep pace atop the conference with their seventh straight victory Wednesday night against the Buffaloes, who have been difficult to beat in Boulder. It looked like Arizona might fall short of winning three straight Pac-12 regular-season titles for the first time since a four-year run from 1987-1991 when it dropped to 4-4 in league play Jan. 28. Continue to Article

February 23, 2016 9:26:pm EST

Texas A&M and Utah both return to the Top 25 this week, replacing Dayton and Providence. Continue to Article

February 22, 2016 1:39:pm EST

The Wildcats (24-3) received 45 first-place votes from the 65-member national media panel on Monday for its third week on top of the poll. Kansas (23-4) was No. 1 on 20 ballots to hold second. Villanova will have its toughest test yet as the top-ranked team when the Wildcats travel to No. 5 Xavier on Wednesday. Continue to Article

February 22, 2016 1:35:pm EST