Bullish on USF

HOMER, to his son, Bart: “Son, if you really want something in life, you have to work for it. ... Now quiet, they’re about to announce the lottery numbers.” Today’s winning numbers are: South Florida (+ 14) over UConn: Home court will help and the Huskies will move on, but UConn needs to make a run to the title if it hopes to defend its national championship. Looking ahead against an opponent which poses no real threat, the Huskies, only averaging 65 points per game, will let the Bulls hang around long enough to sneak through the back door.

Providence (+ 2) over St.

John’s: Red Storm fans can relax — the Johnnies will still be dancing. St. John’s swept the season series, shooting an unsustainable 50 percent on 3- pointers, while Providence hit less than 25 percent from the perimeter. Don’t expect the defending champion Friars to tip their caps and call the Johnnies their daddy.

Indiana (-3 1/2) over Northwestern: After losing three straight games, the Hoosiers are in serious danger of missing the NCAA Tournament, but junior guard Yogi Ferrell will save the season, helping avenge a recent loss to the Wildcats, in which Indiana shot an uncharacteristic 36 percent from the field.

North Carolina (- 2 1/ 2 ) over Louisville: Picking against Pitino isn’t usually the best move, but neither is going against the Tar Heels in Greensboro.

Florida State (+ 13) over Virginia: With Cavaliers star Justin Anderson’s uncertain status, an already slow game could drag even more. Florida State, which nearly upset Duke and North Carolina this season, has won two straight, while Virginia has won by more than 13 points only once in its past 10 wins. 2015 record: 2- 2

2011- 14 record: 106- 67- 5

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