GREG SHAKER

NCAAB: Butler Bulldogs at Louisiana State Fighting Tigers - LSU -1.5 -110
Game Date: 3/19/2009
Note: I have been waiting for this line to drop to this level and it is time to pull the trigger. Butler is everyone's pick today because they are Butler, and the LSU Tigers play in the weak SEC. The Tigers also did not finish strong this year, and that lends people to believe that maybe they are not up to snuff for this tourney game. The most interesting thing about today's contest is the fact that even though the Tigers are the slight favorite to win, nobody is giving them a chance. That has a way to motivate teams and especially one that has had the kind of season LSU has had. You are not going to convince me that the Horizon League is as strong as the SEC. The Bulldogs have played very well, but this is The Big Dance, and they find themselves in a peculiar situation of being the squad that is supposed to win. While the Bulldogs have good interior play, the Tigers do as well and the rebound edge is with us. The Tigers do not turn the ball over very much but they do force TO's. LSU coasted toward the end of their campaign but they will be ready today and they will not take the Bulldogs lightly as many have done in the past.