Everyone knew that No. 2 Auburn (-15.5 favorites) would be a popular pick to make a deep run into the Men’s NCAA tournament. Everyone also knew that they would probably blow out their first-round opponent, Jacksonville State. That’s what favorites are supposed to do. (Kentucky, turn around and close your eyes for a second.) The only thing truly left underdetermined was what mark likely NBA lottery pick Jabari Smith would leave on the proceedings.
Smith, the best player on one of the best teams in the country, has it in him to take games over as he pleases. With jaw-dropping athletic ability, guys like him only come around every once in a blue moon. And as Auburn finished up a routine 80-61 win, Smith made sure to add his exclamation point.
