(photo: Butler University Athletics)
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: 143-141-12
1/13 Starting Five:
Boston U -2
Ohio State +3.5
Oklahoma State +7.5
Butler ML -120
Georgia State +1
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Boston U -2 : Boston finally got back on track against American. The offense was humming, and the defense really picked it up as well. My preseason pick to win the Patriot still has it all ahead of them. Army’s defense reared it’s ugly ahead again last time out as they got blown out by Colgate. They now rank 213 in defensive efficiency. Boston will be able to take advantage of that with elite backcourt scoring, to go along with Sukhmail Mathon’s dominance in the post. The Terriers simply outscore the Black Knights in this one.
Score Prediction: Boston 74 – Army 68
Ohio State +3.5 : I have Ohio State graded as a -3 favorite on a neutral court in this matchup. I obviously will not give the Badgers 6.5 points for playing in the Kohl Center, so we will take the value play here. Also, I love grabbing this number with the form that E.J Liddell & Malaki Branham are in. E.J. had 34 points w/ 5/7 shooting from distance last time out. It is a wrap if this tool is added to the post moves he possesses. Malaki Branham has also taken a big step in his freshman season. He is averaging over 24 ppg in the last three games, and dominating at the free throw line. He was 13/14 from the stripe against Northwestern, and is shooting 92% on the season. Lastly, Ohio State has a significant three point advantage in this matchup. Wisconsin is shooting 29% on the year with 98 makes in 15 games, and Ohio State is shooting 39% on 121 makes in 13 games. That will prove to be the difference tonight. Buckeyes in a close one.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 71 – Wisconsin 70
Oklahoma State +7.5 : Let down spot for the Red Raiders. The Cowboys are not the team you want to play coming off of huge emotional upsets of Kansas and Baylor. The Pokes will pressure you, get physical, and make you work. Also, Mike Boyton has also been a thorn for the Red Raiders in recent seasons. The Cowboys have won 3 out of the last 4. I like them to keep it close tonight.
Score Prediction: Texas Tech 69 – Oklahoma State 65
Butler ML : This game will be decided by the turnover margin. Georgetown is one of the sloppiest teams in the country. 281tst in the country in allowing turnovers at 14.5 per game. Butler seems to have figured their issues out in regards to taking care of the ball. They only surrendered 6 turnovers to Xavier last time out. I think Butler gets more looks at the basket in this one due to the turnover disparity. Also, Butler had one of their best shooting nights of the season last time out. 28/56 vs Xavier. Georgetown has a significantly worse defense than Xavier, so the Bulldogs should continue their improvement on shot making. Lastly, Butler will control the pace of play in this one. They don’t want to run with Georgetown, and I do not like Georgetown in the half court. You need this one, LaVall Jordan. Deliver for us.
Score Prediction: Butler 74 – Georgetown 67
Georgia State +1 : Guard play, guard play, guard play. The Panthers sneakily have one of the best backcourts in the country. Not only can they score the basketball, but I really love the way Georgia State pressures their opponent. They are averaging 9.4 steals per game, and I expect them to get several fast break baskets tonight. We need Jaylen Thomas to stay out of foul trouble and rebound the basketball tonight. This is a big one, and I expect him to come ready to play. Panthers get a key road win.
Score Prediction: Georgia State 75 – South Alabama 70
Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!
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