New Mexico vs Clemson 3:10 ET
Lobos (+) over Tigers- When 11th-seeded New Mexico challenges sixth-seeded Clemson in a first round West Region contest, it will put one of the nation's fastest-playing teams against one of its slower-paced ones. Clemson (21-11) built its NCAA resume off a 9-0 start that included five wins over tournament teams, including the likes of Alabama, South Carolina and TCU. The Tigers also bagged a rare win at North Carolina but only went 11-9 in a relatively mediocre Atlantic Coast Conference and were routed in the first round of the ACC tourney by Boston College. New Mexico (26-9), it more than earned its NCAA bid by winning four games in four days to capture the Mountain West tournament. That included a 68-61 win in the championship game over San Diego State on Saturday. Lobos coach Richard Pitino was less concerned about that and more frazzled about the fact that his dad, Rick Pitino, and his St. John's team landed on the wrong side of the bubble in a decision that surprised many experts. He will have his squad ready. Take NEW MEXICO!