Count your Friar bucks

ATIP of the cap to the NIT selection committee, which accomplished the seemingly impossible feat of making one of its traditionally meaningless affairs — Syracuse vs. UNC-Greensboro, moved from Tuesday night to Wednesday night because of the snow — more intriguing than the NCAA Tournament game involving two 16 seeds being held at the same time.

Providence (+3) over

USC: Th e architect of Dunk City — USC’s Andy Enf ield — returns to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since leading Florida Gulf Coast’ s improbable Sweet 16 run in 2013. The Trojans coach has a far more talented group this time, but one which has been incredibly inconsistent since a 14-0 start, going 4-6 in its past 10 games away from home. USC may leave Dayton with a win, but not without a sweat, going against a Friars team that has made four straight NCAA Tournaments, has won six of its past seven games and has made a habit of playing close games this season. N.C. Central (- 4) over UC Davis: Entering with 16 wins in t heir past 18 games, the Eagles, making their second tournament trip in four years, will earn the right to be annihilated by Kansas. Central’s tough perimeter defense will stifle the already-weak offense of the Aggies, who are just happy to be here for the first time. This season: 14-11 2011-16 record: 172-126-7

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