Published Mar 3, 6:23pm ET by
Keith McCarthy - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 3, 6:23pm ET
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Updated Mar 3, 6:24pm ET
Miami and SMU meet this week in a key ACC clash. Both teams are inside of the projected NCAA Tournament field but on the bubble, needing a few more wins to safely settle into the field of 68.
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| SMU Mustangs | -135 |
| Miami Hurricanes | +110 |
The Hurricanes continue to astound in their first season under new head coach Jai Lucas. After going just 7-24 last season, Miami improved to 23-6 on Saturday. Currently projected to receive an 8-seed in the latest Bracketology, the Hurricanes have been the beneficiaries of an easy strength of schedule. A Quad 1 opportunity against SMU can further help Miami's chances of avoiding an 8/9 spot and a Round 2 clash with a top seed.
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SMU had a really tough week last week, losing a pair of games against teams currently projected to not make the NCAA Tournament. The Mustangs were recently as safe as a projected 7-8 seed, but now find themselves fading towards a 10-seed and dangerously close to the bubble. A win in this game against Miami would go a tremendously long way towards helping SMU get back on track before the ACC Tournament starts next week.
Last season, SMU won this matchup by 43 points, dominating Miami on the road. In this year's rematch at home, the Mustangs would be expected to win just as easily, had Miami not made a miraculous turnaround under Jai Lucas. Against a 23-6 Hurricanes team, SMU is likely to struggle much like they did against Stanford and California last week. The Mustangs are slightly favored, but they are staring at a third loss in a row here.
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Pick
Miami Hurricanes (+110)
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