(photo: Deseret News)
I will do my best to provide *at least* a daily group of 3-5 picks for all of you snipers out there. The goal is a 2-1 (3-2) night. I recommend you play them individually .. however, never be scared of a little sniper parlay! 20/21 Season: 58%
Season Record: 85-79-6
12/8 Starting Five:
WVU -2
Indiana +5
EMU -1
Cornell +18
Utah State +8
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WVU -2 : The Huskies are walking into WVU Coliseum without two of their three best players. That is not a good recipe to get a road win against one of the most hostile crowds in basketball. The Mountaineer faithful will definitely be rowdy for a Top 15 UConn team rolling in. The Huskies will greatly miss Sanogo in the post, but I think they will miss Tyrese Martin’s perimeter defense the most. Taz Sherman and the Mountaineers will be firing from range during this one. That is where their bread will be buttered. His running mate, Sean McNeil, is reportedly ready to go tonight. If McNeil plays, this turns into a lock for me. I still like the value at the current price if he does not. As always, it is probably a good idea to back a favored unranked team at home vs a ranked opponent.
Score Prediction: WVU 74 – UConn 68
Indiana +5 : I think this will be a big game for TJD and Rayce Thompson. Their athleticism cannot be match by Wisconsin in the post. Look for many put-back opportunities for these two tonight. They will need to come up big at the free throw line. I also like this matchup for Miller Kopp. The defensive makeup / pace of Wisconsin will feed into his strengths. The X-Factor for the Hoosiers is Xavier Johnson. He is a streaky player, but if he is right tonight Indiana could pull out a road upset. I would have this as a PK on a neutral court, so have to ride with the +5 in this situation. I don’t hate the idea of a ML sprinkle..
Score Prediction: Wisconsin 69 – Indiana 67
Eastern Michigan -1 : There is a significant edge on the offensive side on the ball in this matchup. The Eagles have three guards that are averaging double figures, and Niagra only has one player on the roster averaging double figures. Who will hit the big shots on the road? Probably nobody. Also, I really love Siena transfer, Colin Golson Jr. He is a 6’6 versatile forward that can find his own shot, make free throws, and defend. This one could get ugly to watch, but I like the offense and home court advantage for EMU on a 1 point spread.
Score Prediction: EMU 69 – Niagara 64
Cornell +18 : Virginia Tech is not in any shape to blow someone’s doors off right now. Especially, against a Cornell team that is averaging 84.6 points per game. That ranks 11th nationally. While, VT poses more of a threat defensively than anyone Cornell has seen so far.. I am not convinced that the Hokies will score enough in this game to cover an 18 point spread. Storm Murphy continues to be lost in Blacksburg. I will ride with who is hot, instead of who is not.
Score Prediction: Virginia Tech 75 – Cornell 63
Utah State +8 : Too many points are being given to one of the most efficient teams in the country to start the year. This team shares the ball, shoots 80% from the stripe, and is lethal from downtown. 70 made threes through 8 games. BYU really struggled against the inside presence of Gaige Prim last time out, and I think Brandon Horvath and Justin Bean can take advantage in the post as well. Bean is finally having the breakout season we thought he could have. He has always been a fantastic role player, but he has emerged into a star. He is averaging 22 & 12.5, while shooting 88% from the line & 56% from distance. BYU squeaks out a close one in my opinion, so we will take the 8 point spread.
Score Prediction: BYU 71 – Utah State 68
Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!
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