CBB Podcast - Elite 8 Preview + Best Bets !!
Griffin Warner and Big East Ben talk CBB Elite 8 betting. Best bets as always. The episode begins with Griffin reacting to buzzer beaters and heartbreaking losses against the spread, particularly referencing Cooper Flagg’s three that ruined Arizona’s first-half cover. Ben joins in recounting Thursday and Friday action, pointing out how random moments like a 40-foot bounce shot can upend expectations. Both hosts discuss Caleb Love’s inconsistencies—capable of both ruining and saving spreads within the same week—highlighting his first-half blunder versus Duke and a miraculous Iowa State game earlier in the year.
Griffin then transitions into his frustration over inconsistent officiating, particularly around Duke games. He recounts two clear hook-and-hold plays, only one of which was called, and criticizes the lack of accountability for referees. This leads to a detailed dissection of the Arizona-Duke ending, where Arizona’s Conrad Martinez and Henry Vassar made costly mistakes, giving Cooper Flagg an open lane and handing Duke a halftime spread cover. Griffin places that moment on his “bad beats Mount Rushmore,” alongside Kylan Boswell’s buzzer beater for Illinois. Martinez’s bench role is criticized, though Griffin admits to knowing the player from watching 24 Arizona games this season.
The podcast then shifts focus to upcoming Elite 8 games. Texas Tech, six and a half point underdogs to Florida, is labeled “extremely lucky” to advance after surviving Arkansas thanks to a controversial goaltend and jump ball call. Christian Anderson’s performance, a German national team player, is praised, despite his language barrier. Florida, described as explosive and turnover-prone early vs. Maryland, is expected to win convincingly. Griffin calls out Kevin Willard’s distracted coaching at Maryland, speculating he has had one foot out the door toward Villanova for weeks.
On Alabama-Duke, with a high total of 174.5, Ben confidently picks the over, citing Duke’s offensive dominance and Alabama’s relentless three-point shooting. Griffin hesitates, noting Alabama’s reliance on variance and possible regression from Mark Sears, who made 10 threes in their last game. Both agree Duke’s size and Cooper Flagg’s defense present problems for Alabama, but Ben insists the scoring will be too prolific for either defense to hold.
Michigan State-Auburn is next. Auburn, behind Denver Jones and Aden Holloway, executed a 31–8 run against Michigan. Griffin criticizes Michigan’s recklessness and missed rebounding opportunities. Though MSU won narrowly, they played poorly and relied on Jace Richardson. Ben supports MSU +5, praising Coen Carr’s energy and shooting. Griffin fades MSU, saying they’ve lacked consistency all year and didn’t capitalize even when Mississippi’s stars sat early.
The final matchup, Tennessee vs. Houston, has the lowest total of 123.5. Griffin chooses Tennessee +3.5, arguing the spread is too generous for a pick’em-style game. He admires Tennessee’s ability to stifle Kentucky, while Ben calls it “basketball defense pornography.” They recap Houston’s near-disaster against Purdue, where Tugler surprisingly made a key assist, but the game lacked energy despite being played near Purdue’s campus. Both blame lackluster California crowds and stadium sightlines.
Player spotlights include Cooper Flagg (projected No.1 pick and elite defender), Christian Anderson, Caleb Love, Mark Sears, and Jace Richardson. The hosts repeatedly bemoan officiating, noting goaltends, jump balls, and foul inconsistencies that influenced outcomes. They also drop a $15 promo code (NIT15) for listeners. Final best bets: Ben selects Over 173.5 in Alabama-Duke, confident in nonstop offense. Griffin takes Tennessee +3.5, expecting a gritty, low-scoring brawl that benefits the dog.
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