The Point Spread Column

By: Bob Johnson   Date: April 1, 2006

Florida is probably tired of hearing about the Patriots. To some degree this could help the Gators. However, when they start playing, it really is about the game on the floor and from the bench. Who is favored has not made any difference in this tournament. There are four # 1 seeds that are not playing today. From a betting standpoint the online polls report that about 42% of the wagers overall have lost, 30% broke even and 28% have done great. From a basketball standpoint, nobody could ask for better games. Certainly, the number of tightly contested games has surprised everyone. I do not remember a Final Four without # 1 seed in the mix. Usually, a # 1 or # 2 have the best chance of winning it all. This year, things have drastically changed.

The Florida Gators are a young team that some condsider to be the most complete team in the tournament. Joakim Noah rode the bench last year. He hardly played and averaged 3.5 points per game. He has become a sophomore sensation averaging 14.2 points along with 7 rebounds and 2 blocks per game.

A lot is said about George Mason's three top seniors Skinn, Butler and Lewis. However, it is sophomore Will Thomas that intrigues me. Thomas is a player with a big upside. He is long and has a heady athleticism to his game. He is often able sneak around or flat outplay taller players. Thomas has had double doubles in three of his last four games. He scored 19 and had 11 boards vs. a much taller Connecticut front line. He scored 18 and had 14 boards going against Michigan State.

I don't know what the outcome of today's game will be but it must be said that George Mason should no longer be considered a "Cinderella" squad. They beat North Carolina and Michigan State on a pure neutral court in Dayton. They demolished a good Wichita State club and took down the overall # 1 seed UConn. Is this a normal Cinderella squad or are they a legit team capable of winning it all?