NCAAB: Johnnies to keep it close against UConn

We lost a pair of heartbreakers here, with Loyola falling in double-overtime after holding a massive lead, and Villanova forced to go to overtime after a Marquette buzzer-beater was waved off, subsequently failing to cover. We put those behind us and turn to a fun Friday jam-packed with hoops.

Spreading the net on Friday's full slate

Must-watch Big East battle: St. John's +9.5 vs UConn

This is appointment television at Madison Square Garden later today. The Johnnies have seemed to have secured their spot in the NCAA tournament, and UConn is the favorite to repeat as champs. Rick Pitino vs. Dan Hurley offers just another terrific layer to this matchup.

This is very much a vibes play, we admit it. However, St. John's hasn't lost since Pitino called out the team's effort in a press conference, and with a ton of local support likely at the arena, we'll bank on a close game in the first of two Big East semis tonight.

Back last year's title team to step up: San Diego State -3.5 vs. Utah State

We were watching some Mountain West action, and Utah State needed overtime to take down a 12-20 Fresno State squad, and they really didn't look good doing it. That scare has us leaning San Diego State's way, and while the team is of course different, there are still pieces here that were on the Aztecs squad that advanced to the championship game last season.

That experience starts to come into play at this juncture, and considering San Diego State has a big win over Utah State already this year (they split), we like them to do enough and advance to the Mountain West final tomorrow.

Offensively strong: Kentucky -5.5 vs. Texas A&M

It's just hard to see how Texas A&M possibly keeps pace with Kentucky here in the SEC quarters. In terms of offensive metrics, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more lopsided affair. The Wildcats easily top the Aggies in points, pace, field goal percentage, three-point percentage and free throws, and we're talking about basically a top-10 offense against a sub-100 offense. 

Texas A&M should be able to find some points with Kentucky's defense a bit lackluster, but they likely won't be able to match what is to come. Give us the Wildcats to cover.

In the news ...

Aaron Donald announces retirement — Rams DT Aaron Donald, arguably the best defensive tackle in NFL history, today announced his retirement from the NFL. Donald won three Defensive Player of the Year honors, Defensive Rookie of the Year, was a first-team All-Pro eight times, a Pro Bowler 10 times, and won the Super Bowl in 2022. The loss of this first ballot Hall of Famer will be felt for Los Angeles, who are currently +330 to win the NFC West this year.

Conference tournaments continue on in college hoops — This week is just fun, isn't it? Nonstop college basketball from noon til midnight, and we're here for it. The semis are set in many of the biggest conferences, with the Big East, ACC, Pac-12 all moving one game away from their title games. As the dust does start to settle on this awesome week, don't shy away from looking down the line in the futures market. UConn is the current National Champion favorite at +450, followed by Houston (+550), Purdue (+800) and Tennessee (+1200). Enjoy this weekend: next time we chat, brackets will be set!

Keenan Allen traded to Chicago Bears — Chicago has added a key piece to its offense, acquiring Pro Bowl WR Keenan Allen from the Chargers in exchange for a fourth-round pick. The Bears now have Allen and D.J. Moore to lead their pass-catching group, and presumed top pick Caleb Williams appears to be walking into a strong spot for instant success. The Bears are +320 to win the NFC North if you wanted to take a chance on a big year coming for Chicago. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers have been working out of cap hell and have now let go of both Allen and Mike Williams. It seems like a good bet that they'll draft a WR with their fifth selection in the draft. One way to potentially bet off that belief would be to look at FanDuel's odds for the fifth overall pick. If Los Angeles holds its pick there, it would likely either be Malik Nabers (+170), Rome Odunze (+600) or if somehow he fell because of a run on QBs: Marvin Harrison at +1600. It may be worth dipping your toe into that market.

Xander Schauffele, Rory McIlroy, Wyndham Clark top Players Championship after first day — By the time this hits your inbox, the top of the scoreboard will likely look different in the Players Championship, but after day one it's this trio with the lowest scores. Tee times began early Friday morning as we prep for a big weekend at TPC Sawgrass. Scottie Scheffler remains the tournament favorite as of Friday morning, at +360.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Griffin Carroll. Follow him on Substack: griffybets.substack.com.