NCAA TOURNAMENT FANTASY CHALLENGE

Three Review-Journal sports department members and three professional handicappers have been given $2,000 fantasy bankrolls to bet during the NCAA Tournament — two picks per day of either sides, totals or one of each. Below are their bets for today, with a brief explanation as to their picks:

Adam Hill, Review-Journal

Bankroll: $2,545 Thursday: Lost $15

Today: Betting $440

Bet 1: $220 on Ohio State -6 over Kentucky

Comment: The Buckeyes are the best team in the tournament, and they will pull away from the young Wildcats.

Bet 2: $220 on Virginia Commonwealth +4 over Florida State

Comment: The Rams are on a roll as coach Shaka Smart’s team is playing its best basketball at the right time.

Mal Van Valkenburg, Review-Journal
Bankroll: $3,045 Thursday: Won $600
Today: Betting $880
Bet 1: $440 on Ohio State -6 over Kentucky
Comment: The Buckeyes might be the strongest team in the tournament and are playing like they are on a mission.
Bet 2: $440 on Florida State -4 over Virginia Commonwealth
Comment: The Seminoles’ superior defense and size will cause problems for the Rams.

Matt Youmans, Review-Journal

Bankroll: $2,171 Thursday: Won $270

Today: Betting $275

Bet 1: $165 on Ohio State -6 over Kentucky

Comment: Jared Sullinger is a horse in the middle, and the Buckeyes’ perimeter shooters will pick apart the Wildcats.

Bet 2: $110 on Richmond +10½ over Kansas

Comment: The Spiders are better than a typical No. 12 seed because they are led by NBA prospects Kevin Anderson and Justin Harper.

John Kelly, EOG.com

Bankroll: $600 Thursday: Lost $20

Today: Betting $440

Bet 1: $220 on Ohio State -6 over Kentucky

Comment: The veteran Buckeyes own a significant edge over the inexperienced Wildcats.

Bet 2: $220 on Florida State -4 over Virginia Commonwealth

Comment: The Seminoles feature the best defense in the country, holding foes under 40 percent from 2-point range and to 30 percent from beyond the arc.

Bruce Marshall, The Gold Sheet

Bankroll: $1,325 Thursday: Lost $20

Today: Betting $495

Bet 1: $275 on North Carolina -4½ over Marquette

Comment: The Golden Eagles won’t be able to resist the temptation to run with North Carolina, and that could be a mistake.

Bet 2: $220 on Virginia Commonwealth +4 over Florida State

Comment: The gears often grind for the Seminoles on the attack end, which isn’t a problem for the versatile Rams offense.

Ken Thomson, SportsXRadio.com

Bankroll: $1,490 Thursday: Lost $440

Today: Betting $330

Bet 1: $220 on Kentucky-Ohio State Over 140

Comment: Both teams put too many athletes and scorers on the floor to keep this under the total.