NCAA Tournament Fantasy Challenge

Three Review-Journal sports department members and three professional handicappers have been given $1,000 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 of their picks:

Adam Hill, Review-Journal

Bankroll: $1,000 Today: Betting $220

Today's plays

Bet 1: $165 on Memphis -19 over Cal State NorthridgeComment: The Tigers were upset with their No. 2 seed and will look to blow out a sloppy Northridge team.

Bet 2: $55 on Northern Iowa +8 over PurdueComment: The Panthers have enough shooters to put a scare into the Boilermakers.

Mal Van Valkenburg, Review-Journal

Bankroll: $1,000 Today: Betting $220

Today's plays

Bet 1: $110, Virginia Commonwealth +8 over UCLA

Comment: With Eric Maynor at the point, VCU is a live 'dog in this tournament.

Bet 2: $110, Memphis -19 over Cal State Northridge Comment: This is a total mismatch, and Memphis is out to prove a point.

Matt Youmans, Review-Journal

Bankroll: $1,000 Today: Betting $132

Today's plays

Bet 1: $77 on Memphis -19 over Cal State Northridge

Comment: Freshman guard Tyreke Evans and the Tigers' pressure defense will suffocate the Matadors.

Bet 2: $55 on Western Kentucky +5 over IllinoisComment: The Hilltoppers, who upset Louisville in November, have more scoring options than the Illini.

Jim Kruger, VegasSportsAuthority.com

Bankroll: $1,000 Today: Betting $187

Today's plays

Bet 1: $110 on Washington -6 over Mississippi StateComment: The Huskies are much better defensively than most realize and strong on the offensive glass.
Bet 2: $77 on Memphis -19 over Cal State Northridge Comment: Memphis has the No. 1-ranked defense in Division I.

Bruce Marshall, The Gold Sheet

Bankroll: $1,000 Today: Betting $220

Today's plays

Bet 1: $110 on Michigan +5 over Clemson Comment: A big defensive edge to coach John Beilein's 1-3-1 zone, and Clemson is fading.

Bet 2: $110 on Virginia Commonwealth +8 over UCLAComment: The Rams are very dangerous with Eric Maynor and can win this game outright.

Erin Rynning, SportsMemo.com

Bankroll: $1,000 Today: Betting $440

Today's plays

Bet 1: $220 on Minnesota-Texas over 126

Comment: The Gophers are happy to get out of the slow-paced Big Ten, and Texas will run with them.

Bet 2: $220 on Brigham Young -2 over Texas A&MComment: The Cougars can simply outscore the Aggies with more efficiency at the offensive end.