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12/17 Three Ball Write-Up

(Photo: Villanova 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: 106-108-8

12/17 Three Ball:

ECU +3.5

Villanova -6

SDSU +3

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ECU +3.5: I love the Pirates in this spot. The line movement is pointing to ECU as well. I love the way that Tristen Newton is leading the Pirate offense this season. He is averaging over 5 assists per game, and shooting at a 50/39/87 clip. That is something you want in a point guard when backing a dog. I also believe the Pirates will have an athletic edge on the glass in this one. There is really nobody to match Vance Jackson (Arkansas transfer) and Brandon Johnson on the boards on the Flames roster. 2nd chance points will be crucial for the Pirates to remain competitive, because we know Liberty is very efficient on the offense end. In their last D1 game, the Flames had trouble defending without fouling against a SFA team that plays a lot like ECU. The Pirates will need to driver to the basket and make their free throws count today.

Score Prediction: ECU 64 – Liberty 63

Villanova -6 : 2u play for myself. I love, love, love this spot for Villanova. The Fortune 500 program. Shout out Rothstein. I think that Ryan Hawkins and Ryan Kalkbrenner are going to have a terrible time with Villanova’s interior defense. I am not sure that Creighton can get enough from their guard play to outweigh that. Don’t let the Baylor game fool you. Villanova missed a lot of bunnies early, and the game got away from them at a rocking Ferrell Center. Look for a veteran-led Villanova to be more poised tonight, and Gillespie to hit his patented dagger threes in the 2nd half. This team is an Elite 8 or better this year. They won’t drop back-to-back games, and shoot 77% as a team if we need foul shots late. Spread should be -8.5. Will take the 6.

Score Prediction: Villanova 74 – Creighton 63

SDSU +3 : Sprinkle the ML here. There is nowhere to hide Tommy Kuhse defensively in this matchup. It would be suicide to have him on Matt Bradley, so he will likely have the assignment of Trey Pulliam. Look for Trey to have a big, big night. I think Saint Mary’s could also have trouble on the boards against this athletic and lengthy SDSU team. If the Gaels allow 2nd chance points, this could lead to an upset for the Aztecs. This game is being played in Phoenix. So, not a home court advantage even though SDSU is listed as the home team.

Score Prediction: SDSU 62 – Saint Mary’s 60

Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!

12/15 Card Write-Up

(photo: Marshall University)

Season Record: 102-103-7

12/15 Card:

Belmont -5

Howard +10.5

Marshall +4

Winthrop -3

Bellarmine -1

Morehead State 1H +8.5

Utah State -2

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Belmont -5 : UT Chatt is too public of a dog for my liking. This smells like a spot where the Bruins light up the nets at home and Vegas takes home the cash. I will be siding with them tonight. The Bruins are not shooting as well as they are capable, but they are still firing up volume. Murphy and Smith will get hot soon. Ben Sheppard has taken a massive step on the offensive and defensive side of the ball this season, and will be tasked with Malachi Smith tonight. Hopefully, he can limit his production. Also, I have been super impressed with freshman, Will Richard. Especially, of late. 23 & 9 @ Samford, and 15 & 6 @ SLU. This newly found production increases the ceiling for the Bruins this year.

Score Prediction: Belmont 75 – UT Chatt 67

Howard +10.5 : First of two “let down” spots that I am attacking tonight. Georgetown is coming off of a massive home upset of Syracuse over the weekend. However, we have seen Georgetown lay some clunkers on the offensive and defensive side of the ball this season. No better time for one of those to occur after feeling great about yourself over the weekend. This inner-city rivalry will definitely be more appetizing for the Bison tonight. Beyond the want-to factor, Howard actually has some impressive offensive team stats this season. They are shooting 39% from distance as a team, and everyone in the starting 5 is shooting at least 72% from the stripe. Freshman guard, Elijah Hawkins, has had a very impressive start to the season. Maybe some extra motivation tonight since Georgetown did not recruit??

Score Prediction: Georgetown 80 – Howard 74

Marshall +4 : I truly believe the Thundering Herd win outright tonight. I will have a ML sprinkle here for sure. Taevion Kinsey will be rostered in the NBA. I guarantee this. In order to beat this team, you have to have a 6’4-6’6ish lockdown wing defender. Lunden McKay is that type of weapon for the Bobcats, but he is still out due to injury. There is seemingly nobody on the roster to stop Kinsey from getting 25+ tonight. Also, the Thundering Herd have a MONSTER weapon on the defensive end in Big O. Anochili-Killen is averaging FIVE!!! blocks per game on the year. This will cause issues for Sears and Brown at the rim. Love the Thundering Herd on the road in this one.

Score Prediction: Marshall 77 – Ohio 75

Winthrop -3 : While this number scares me, I cannot help but pay attention to the talent disparity in this game. The Phoenix do not do anything particularly well, and are 2-8 on the year. There is simply nobody with the size, or the skill, to check Burns or Hightower tonight. Play it and check your winning balance in two hours.

Score Prediction: Winthrop 77 – Elon 67

Bellarmine -1 : The Knights are undervalued in the market due to a 5-6 record with no quality wins. However, those six losses came from a murderer’s row: Gonzaga, UCLA, Purdue, WVU, Saint Mary’s, Murray State. This team is battle tested and ready to add some D1 wins to their resume. The line movement has been toward the Knights, and we ride into the night with them..

Score Prediction: Bellarmine 69 – South Dakota 66

Morehead State 1H +8.5 : The other “let down” spot that was mentioned earlier. Xavier is coming into this game after defeating the Bearcats in their crosstown rivalry. It is my prediction that they could have a sleepy start in this one, and then roll in the second half. I think there is a decent edge in Morehead State on a 1H line. Players like Broome, Hollowell & Cooper are capable enough to pour some points in if Xavier does not take them seriously. This team has a decent shot to make some noise in the OVC.

Score Prediction: 1H Xavier 35 – Morehead State 30

Utah State -2 : I know the line is too low. I know Weber State wants this one badly. I know that the players are calling on the fans to show out. I don’t care. This team has nothing to check Justin Bean and Brandon Horvath. Utah State also has the better perimeter shooters. Coming off of the BYU loss (UNO does not count as a “get right” spot), they will want this one badly as well. If I’m wrong, I’m wrong. Dying with Mr. Bean.

Score Prediction: Utah State 76 – Weber State 69

Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!

12/14 Card Write-Up

(photo: USA Today)

Season Record: 98-100-7

12/14 Card:

Miami OH +9

VMI +15

Monmouth -1

Arizona State tto 64

Georgia State +10

Jacksonville -1.5

Memphis +4

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Miami OH +9 : I love this spot for the Redhawks. Miami is coming off of back-to-back one point losses, and had to sit on that for over a week. Meanwhile, Clemson was playing over the weekend at State Farm Arena on national television for a holiday tournament. This game will mean more for Miami. Not a reason to bet a game, but will definitely be the case. Also, Clemson has wrapped up finals week. They will not have their typical student atmosphere. On the basketball side of things, I believe Miami has the better backcourt than Clemson with Grant and Lairy. Miami will need to ensure that PJ Hall stays in check downlow, but I think the Redhawks could have a lead in this one for a while. Not confident enough to sprinkle ML I don’t think, but very confident getting inside the number.

Score Prediction: Clemson 70 – Miami OH 65

VMI +15 : My word can this team stroke it from three. They are shooting 37.2% as a team, with 139 (!!!) makes in 11 games. That is a dangerous trait in an opponent for a Deamon Deacon team who really does not like to volume shoot from distance. I love what Wake Forest has done this year, and Forbes is an exceptional coach. However, I think this is a great spot to sell high on them. The Keydets also have something special that you normally don’t find at the mid-major level. A 6’11 center that is averaging 16.3 & 8, while shooting 42.6% from distance and 83.7% from the line. Shout out Jake Stephens. Stephens staying out of foul trouble, and the Keydets ripping the nets, will get us under the number tonight. Also, another “no students on campus” special at an ACC school.

Score Prediction: Wake Forest 78 – VMI 67

Monmouth -1 : Continuing to ride our Hawks. I think this will be a great game, and I really think that both backcourts are comparable. However, I believe that Walker Miller will be the X-Factor in this matchup. Yale has seemingly not figured out a solid rotation of post players, and none of them have impressed me on the glass or defensive end this season. Walker has really shown out in his first season outside of Chapel Hill. We will ride him to victory tonight.

Score Prediction: Purdue 74 – Rutgers 56

Arizona State tto 64 : Arizona State is finally starting to show signs of life. Even without Marcus Bagley. I was tempted to take the +7 tonight, but I also believe that Creighton could really damage them in the post. I like this game to get near 60 possessions a piece, and I believe Arizona State can find a way to get over their TTO if it does. As an added bonus, Marreon Jackson looked like he finally got out of his slump last time out against GCU. We will need him tonight to get over this number.

Score Prediction: Creighton 75 – Arizona State 69

Georgia State +10 : We are back on the Panthers tonight. The boys are finally healthy and done with their COVID spell, and I think they will have a breakout performance in Starkvegas. Mississippi State cannot get out of their own way right now. They were finally poised to have a win that could change their season over the weekend against Colorado State, but fell flat on their face in the final minutes after leading throughout. This team is just not effective on the offensive end with 12.1 turnovers on the season, and only 13.6 assist to negate that. They are still feeling the effects of not having Tolu Smith in the post as well. The Panthers need Jalen Thomas to have a big night blocking shots and staying out of foul trouble. I know that the guards around him will come to play tonight. Their energy on the defensive end, and knock down shooting will cause a lot of problems. Maybe a sneaky ML spot?

Score Prediction: Mississippi State 72 – Georgia State 68

Jacksonville -1.5 : Southern Miss is just a horrible basketball team without Tae Hardy. We grabbed this at -1.5 this morning, and it has already jumped to -3.5. Massive CLV in our favor. Wait, I guess that means we will lose now…

Score Prediction: Jacksonville 65 – Southern Miss 60

Memphis +4 : The Tigers have their backs against the wall. There is simply too much talent on this team for them to be this bad. If this game had taken place a month ago, we would be looking at Memphis being a -2 or -3 favorite. This is a perfect buy-low on Memphis, and sell-high on Alabama on the road. This is their first true road game. Also, can Bama really get up for another marquee game for the third game in a row? My opinion on Alabama will change greatly if they come into Memphis against a desperate Tiger team and get a comfortable win following their wins over the Zags and Houston. I just think that Memphis finds a way tonight. Emoni Bates and Jalen Duren. Please. ML sprinkles are happening.

Score Prediction: Memphis 77 – Alabama 74

Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!

12/13 Starting Five Write-Up

(photo: George Washington Athletics)

Season Record: 96-97-7

12/13 Starting Five:

Chicago State +1

George Washington -4.5

George Washington / Radford o131

North Dakota St. / Indiana St. u142

Sacred Heart -3

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Chicago State +1 : The Cougars are no longer the laughing stock of the college basketball world. The Cougars are 3-1 straight up at home, and are 7-2 ATS this season. Jahsean Corbett is having an exceptional freshman season. He is scoring the ball effectively, and also crashing the glass. He may be the best player on the court in this one. NIU is dreadful this year. They should not be favored to anyone on the road, not even the Cougars. With this short of a line, I believe Vegas is telling us to roll with the Cougars.

Score Prediction: Chicago State 65 – NIU 62

George Washington -4.5 & o131 : The Colonials are a very streaky team, and have not played up to their potential this season. However, their offensive skillset will be too much for Radford tonight. I truly believe that they have the four best players in this game on their side of the ball in Bishop, Bamisile, Adams and Lindo Jr. Also, I believe they will be able to dictate more of an up and down pace tonight. Radford is 0-5 on the road coming in, so I will happily fade them. Really love this play.

Score Prediction: George Washington 72 – Radford 64

NDSU / Indiana State u142 : This number is simply too high. In my opinion, NDSU will control the pace of this game at home tonight. Especially, with Griesel back in the mix. The Bison are 5-0 at home coming in. I considered the spread, but I don’t think we come close to touching this total. The Bison are 321st in the country in pace. If they dictate this one, we will be in the 60s.

Score Prediction: NDSU 67 – Indiana State 62

Sacred Heart -3 : Tyler Thomas. Aaron Clarke.

Score Prediction: Sacred Heart 74– Columbia 68

Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!

12/9 Starting Five Write-Up

(photo: Sports Chat Place)

Season Record: 87-81-7

12/9 Starting Five:

Texas PK

Kent State -6

Purdue -11

Colgate -3

Iowa -3

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Texas PK : The Longhorns will put the country on notice tonight. Seton Hall is a great team, and will definitely have a sizable home court advantage tonight. However, this line should not be sitting at PK. Texas is being completely undervalued due to the early season game against Gonzaga. It was the first big matchup of the season, so it drew in crazy ratings and everyone watched the poor performance. The Longhorns did not play well, but they were fitting all of their important portal pieces into the mix. While they haven’t played stiff competition since, this team has seemingly figured out roles and how they are going to succeed moving forward. They have shared the ball very well and have jumped all the way to 16.1 assists/game. They have many high caliber guys that can create their own shot in a tough environment, and they make their free throws throughout the entire roster. Chris Beard is a Top 3 coach in the country, and he pulls out a masterclass at the Prudential Center.

Score Prediction: Texas 71 – Seton Hall 66

Kent State -6 : I was against the Golden Flashes the other night when we cashed a Towson ticket, but I believe this is a great “get right” spot. Detroit Mercy will just not be a competitive team against solid competition this season if Noah Waterman continues to play like this. Averaging 3 ppg in limited minutes since his return from injury will not be good enough. Antoine Davis cannot do it alone. The Golden Flashes will have a sizable advantage in the post in this matchup. Justyn Hamilton should have his way around the basket, and should record a few blocks on the other end. The Golden Flashes are shooting 82% from the stripe on the season, and I think they will be there often against an undersized/bad Titan defense. Kent State by double digits.

Score Prediction: Kent State 80 – Detroit 68

Purdue -11 : Rutgers is a bad basketball team. We faded them last time out against Illinois, and we will do it again tonight. Geo Baker will be out again for this one, and there are reports of the flu running through the Scarlet Knight locker room. Per Pikiell, it has affected some of their “experienced players”. I do not believe the rocking home court at The Rac (again, will not call it Jersey Mikes Arena) will be a factor tonight, because this game will be like 20-6 before you even blink. Rutgers was dreadful defending the three in Champaign, and that is baaaaaaaad news with Purdue coming in. The Boilermakers are shooting 44% from distance as a team, and have drained 84 threes in 8 games. Rutgers does not have a capable point guard to drive offense, and they simply won’t be able to score with Purdue. Boilermakers in a blow out.

Score Prediction: Purdue 74 – Rutgers 56

Colgate -3 : This spread may come as a surprise to casual CBB bettors that have just checked in after CFB season, but Colgate is just an absolute better basketball team than Pitt. Also, I’m not attributing much to home court as this is finals week and Colgate is not a sexy name. Pitt is going to have serious issues keeping up with Colgate’s offense tonight. Especially, if Odukale is not back in the lineup (per reports: unlikely that he is). Pitt will be trading twos for threes in this matchup. Colgate is shooting 40% as a team from distance, and have made a scorching 106 threes in 9 games. Pitt is shooting 29.9% from distance, and have made 35 threes in 8 games. Glaring disparity there. Pitt will have a slight size advantage, but Colgate is a smart team and will make a bad free throw shooting team (62%) earn their post points from the line. Love the Raiders here.

Score Prediction: Colgate 75 – Pitt 65

Iowa -3 : An undefeated ranked team that is an underdog to a non-ranked team at home. This should be an auto-play of Iowa just for that scenario. However, all of the analytics/game flow predictions point to the Hawkeyes as well. That is why this line has quickly shot to -6 this afternoon. Thankfully, we grabbed it at the open. Iowa has the edge in every offensive category: offensive efficiency, rebounding, FG%, 3P %, FT%. If Iowa State is smart, they will try to limit possessions .. but I do not believe they are capable of controlling pace. Iowa has also figured out something on the defensive end with their 3/4 court trap defense. Ahron Uhlis and Tony Perkins are a major piece of this. The sophomore guards bring a “junkyard dog” mentality to the defensive end, and that is something that Iowa has greatly missed in recent seasons to compliment their highly effective finesse offense.

Side Note: A drunk Iowa State fan sent Jordan Bohanon to the hospital in a bar fight earlier this year. Bohanon already owns the Cyclones with a 4-1 record in the rivalry. Think he might be eager to pop off tonight???

Score Prediction: Iowa 81 – Iowa State 73

Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!

12/8 Starting Five Write-Up

(photo: Deseret News)

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!!

12/7 Three Ball Write-Up

(photo: Southern Conference)

Season Record: 85-76-6

12/7 Three Ball:

Furman -2

Saint Louis -2

Syracuse +9

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Furman -2 : Bob Richey’s group is coming off of a big-time comeback against CofC in OT last Friday night. The Paladins were down 15 in the 2H, and stormed all of the way back to steal that one. You could see the passion in the players after the game. They knew that was a big win. This team has its sights set on March after their big win at Louisville earlier in the season. They need to win these games against tough in-state opponents. Playing Winthrop in Rock Hill is definitely a tricky spot, but I am not high on the Eagles this season. Pat Kelsey developed a great program at Winthrop, but he has left and is in his first season with CofC. Following his departure, the majority of Winthrop’s playmakers hit the portal. I do not love the make-up of the team this year. A DJ Burns + Corey Hightower led group will not be able to hang with the Paladins tonight in my opinion. Furman will be able to play at their pace, and use Slawson, Bothwell and Hunter effectively in their offense. This team ranks 31st nationally in assists/game through a tough early schedule. I really love the progression of Jalen Slawson this season. Not only is he averaging 17 & 9 .. but he is shooting 57% from the field, and averaging 2.4 blocks & 2.1 steals. This man can truly do it all on both ends of the court. I had this game at Furman -5.5, so I will gladly take the -2.

Score Prediction: Furman 79 – Winthrop 73

Saint Louis -2 : I actually love this matchup for the Billikens. I am high on Belmont, but this will be daunting task for them in Chaifetz Arena. I believe the Billikens will have a sizable advantage on the glass and in transition tonight. Their athleticism cannot be matched by the Bruins. Also, Saint Louis is a team that can welcome a shooting match with Belmont. The Billikens are shooting an impressive 39% from distance as a team this season. I trust Yuri Collins to be a floor general tonight, and Jimerson + others to make some big shots. They will get it done tonight behind a rocking home atmosphere. Selection Sunday implications here…

Score Prediction: Saint Louis 76 – Belmont 72

Syracuse +9 : Jumped on this at the open. I cannot fathom why the line sits this high on a “neutral” court. MSG should actually be pretty orange tonight. I think Syracuse will be in this game for a large majority of it, and may even have this down to one possession at the end. Cuse runs similar action to Nova on the offensive side of the ball, and I do not believe Nova has a sizable advantage over Cuse defensively. Nova has been electric shooting the ball this season, but we all know what Girard & the Boeheim Bros can do from distance Also, don’t overlook that this is a Cole Swider revenge game. Swider played three seasons for the Wildcats, and always loves to show up in big moments. He is averaging 16.5ppg over his last 4, and I think he has a big night at MSG.

Score Prediction: Villanova 74 – Syracuse 70

Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!

12/6 Starting Five Write-Up

(photo: Chicago Tribune)

Season Record: 81-75-6

12/6 Starting Five:

Illinois +3.5

Coastal Carolina -2

Towson +5.5

PC/Morehead St. o121

New Mexico +5

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Illinois +3.5 : I think this is a very bad matchup for Iowa. Especially, if Keegan Murray is forced to miss this one as well. There is nobody on the Hawkeye roster that will be able to compete with Kofi Cockburn & Coleman Hawkins on the glass. Also, the defensive ineptness of a Fran McCaffery coached squad will rear its ugly head tonight. Trent Frazier and Alfonso Plummer will both have the luxury of going at Jordan Bohannon at different times tonight. Iowa has had a surprising start to the season, but the talent and coaching edge are with the Illini in this game. Sprinkle the ML.

Fun Stat Time: Illinois has won its last three Big Ten road games, and 8 of its last 9. Illinois also leads the B1G with a record of (30-11) over the last 41 games. – courtesy of @takhtehchianmd on Twitter

Score Prediction: Illinois 78 – Iowa 73

Coastal Carolina -2 : Things are cooking down in Myrtle Beach! The Chants are coming off back-to-back wins over South Carolina and Winthrop. Cliff Ellis has brought in great pieces to fit with his returning squad this season. Rudi Williams (Kansas State) and Vince Cole (St. John’s) are filling in beautifully for the hole that Devante’ Jones left. In a returning role, Essam Mustafa is building nicely off of his excellent freshman season. He is averaging a 16/10 double-double to start the year. Coastal also has a game changer at the point guard position. Ebrima Dibba is a 6’6 PG that can score, assist and rebound exceptionally well. His game is comparable to Abu Kigab (Boise State) when Kigab takes over the point guard reigns for the Broncos. I like the Chants to keep it cooking tonight against a Mercer team that has disappointed me this season.

Score Prediction: Coastal Carolina 72 – Mercer 67

Towson +5.5 : There was value in this spread above 3.5 in my opinion. I will gladly take +5.5. I do not believe the market is accounting for the returns of Jason Gibson, Antonio Rizzuto and Juwan Gray. Gibson and Rizzuto will greatly help this team that is struggling from distance, and Juwan Gray brings a defensive and rebounding presence back to the lineup. Holden and Nolan Jr. are exceptional at the guard position, and will carry us inside the number of a lower scoring game tonight. Side note: Malique Jacobs missed the last game for Kent State. I can’t find any info on if this will be a lingering issue. That will be a huge factor tonight if he is out again.

Score Prediction: Kent State 65 – Towson 63

PC/Morehead St. 0121 : I think Morehead could have their way with the Blue Hose tonight. However, I do not trust the defense of the Eagles to lay a double digit number. Instead, I will look to the over. PC has nobody that can check Johni Broome in the post. He will likely push 20 tonight. The Eagles are also a team that can get hot from behind the three point line. Tray Hollowell is a Wofford transfer, and you know they are trained to snipe. The Eagles do struggle defensively though. 200th in the nation in defensive efficiency. A bad PC team should find some ways to score. We will easily cross the total of 121 in my opinion.

Score Prediction: Morehead St. 70 – PC 58

New Mexico +5 : I will gladly take the 5 points at home in this rivalry game. I do not agree with the line movement this morning. I just think the Lobos have the better team this season. I know that bettors are probably figuring that NMSU will get the split tonight, but I don’t see that to be the case. Jamal Mashburn Jr. has turned into a star, and Jaelen House has also morphed into a reliable scorer. The NMSU offense can get very stagnant at times with Teddy Allen and Sir’Jabari Rice trying to iso and find their own shot. The Lobos share the ball very well and scored 101 points on this Aggies team a week ago. I think the Lobos run the double on the Aggies..

Score Prediction: New Mexico 78 – New Mexico St. 76

Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!

12/3 Starting Five Write-Up

(photo: New York Post)

I will do my best to provide *at least* a daily three ball of picks for all of you snipers out there. The goal is a 2-1 night, with some 3-0’s sprinkled occasionally. I recommend you play them individually .. however, never be scared of a little three ball parlay! 20/21 Season: 58%

Season Record: 69-65-1

12/3 Starting Five:

St John’s +7

CofC +7

Monmouth -2

Illinois -4.5 1H

Iowa +12.5

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St John’s +7 : Too many points. I smell an upset brewing here. Even if not, this game will be decided inside of two possessions. The Red Storm pose a big threat for the Jayhawks. They can match them athletically, and have Soriano to bang with McCormack. I think Jalen Wilson could pose a defensive threat for Julian Champagnie, however I believe that Remy Martin & Christian Braun will really struggle defending the likes of Posh Alexander, Montez Mathis and Stef Smith in this one. Both are elite on the offensive end, but St John’s has the edge on defense. The Red Storm rank 50th nationally in defensive efficiency, and the Jayhawks come in at 138. The Red Storm pull off the upset behind the home crowd.

Score Prediction: St John’s 76 – Kansas 73

CofC +7 : The Cougars are playing as the fastest team in the country under Pat Kelsey. This could pose a threat for the Paladins, because I believe they will get out and run and match their pace. CofC is 5-2 ATS coming into this game, and the Paladins just have not looked like themselves in their last three. Bothwell has really been struggling from the field. Also, I love Kelsey’s freshman point guard, Reyne Smith. He is an Australian that has played at the FIBA national level for the Aussies. He has proven to be a lethal weapon from three, and can always hit a big shot to thwart a run. I like the Cougs to keep this close.

Score Prediction: Furman 82 – CofC 78

Monmouth -2 : I am still the lead conductor on the George Papas train. I cannot believe that the transfer portal didn’t gobble him up, but luckily for the Hawks he came back for his senior year. It is not just the Papas show, however. The Hawks are shooting 85% from the line, and 40% from distance. Love, love, love. Also, they have added a secret weapon to the mix from former UNC walk-on, Walker Miller. Miller is a 6’10 stretch forward that is producing a 14.8ppg/7.5rpg stat line. He is also shooting an out of this world 96% from the stripe, and is getting there a ton. Hawks win.

Score Prediction: Monmouth 71 – Niagara 65

Illinois 1H -4.5 : We backed Rutgers in what was a “must win” at home the other night. However, they will be sent back to reality today by the Illini. No Geo Baker will prove to be too big of a loss in this one. Trent Frazier quickly came back from injury, and the Illini seem to be back on track with their sparkplug. There is no offensive threat for Rutgers outside of Ron Harper Jr., and Illinois has the defensive weapons to shut him down. I like the full game spread as well, but 1H makes more sense to me. Illinois will get out hot and by up by 10 at the break.

Score Prediction: 1H Illinois 38 – Rutgers 28

Iowa +12.5 : I don’t know why I am getting in front of the Boilermaker train, but here we are. It is simply just too many points though. I think this is a great time to sell high on Purdue. They are a top 3 team in the country, no doubt .. but they are not a -12.5 spread favorite over an undefeated Iowa team. I had this at 8.5, so I will take the four points of variance and hope that we don’t get steamrolled. Iowa showed early in the season that they were an elite offense against inferior opponents, but they showed that they were for real on that end of the court the other night in Charlottesville. Not many teams will score 75 points on the Cavs this year. Even if this gets stretched at times, we have the offensive arsenal to bring us back in the number.

Score Prediction: Purdue 82 – Iowa 73

Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!

12/1 Mega Card Write-Up

(photo: The Athletic)

Season Record: 61-60-1

12/1 Mega Card:

Wisconsin -3
Cincy -3
Norfolk St +3
Richmond -3
SIU -2
Sparty -4
Maryland PK
Wazzou -2
UF PK
TTU -2
UNC +3

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Wisconsin -3 : Other than Keegan Murray, has anyone improved their draft stock like Johnny Davis in this young season? I believe the answer is no. Davis has been absolutely electric on both ends of the floor. Watching tape from their game without him against Providence, compared to the Maui with him, is quite eye opening. He is the difference maker. Georgia Tech brings nothing to the table outside of Devoe and Usher. I really think the Wisconsin defense will make it a struggle for the Jackets to score. Also, Crowl and Wahl should have a field day in the post.

Score Prediction: Wisconsin 69 – Georgia Tech 61

Cincy -3 : I am flushing the performance against Monmouth. It was just a poor shooting night. The guard play from this team has been exceptional in Wes Miller’s first season. They are turning the ball over only 9.6 times per game. That ranks 16th in the country. Also, I really love the way Miller is using a platoon approach in the post. Fouls are not racking up, and bodies are staying fresh. Don’t overthink this one. Getting a discount from the Monmouth game.

Score Prediction: Cincinnati 75 – Miami OH 67

Norfolk State +3 : Riding the Spartans until they don’t cover. Also, UNCW is coming off of a week where they canceled two games due to flu in the locker room. Stamina issue tonight?

Score Prediction: Norfolk State 70 – UNCW 68

Richmond -3 : A little “hungry dog runs faster” action tonight. Richmond is coming off of an impressive showing in the Bahamas with close losses to Maryland and Mississippi State. Two teams that have a real shot at dancing this year. Richmond was in both of those games until the end, and probably feel unfortunate to not come away with a win in either. Wofford, on the other hand, is coming off of a nice Power 5 win over Georgia on the road. I have a slight feeling that Richmond could want this one a little more. Also, I really believe that the loss of Messiah Jones will start to prove to be an issue for the Terriers. There is nobody on that team that will be able to guard Tyler Burton tonight. Nathan Cayo is also probably due for a big game. Spiders get a big road win tonight.

Score Prediction: Richmond 75 – Wofford 69

Southern Illinois -2 : Yes, back to my Salukis. I just simply think they are the better team in this matchup. Marcus Domask and Lance Jones are easily the best players in this game. They also have a coaching advantage in Bryan Mullins. The Salukis get to 1-0 to start their season in The Valley.

Score Prediction: Southern Illinois 64 – Evansville 59

Michigan State -4 : I am still not buying the Cardinals. It does not appear that Vegas is either. I was surprised to see this spread at 4 points after the showing from Louisville in the Bahamas. However, this will prove to be the right play. This is the first true road game for Louisville, and the Breslin Center is always rocking. Michigan State has the bodies to compete in the post & on the glass with Louisville. That is where they buttered their bread in the Bahamas. Sparty comfortably.

Score Prediction: Michigan State 74 – Louisville 64

Maryland PK : Something is broken with Storm Murphy. I am not sure what it is. This is not the PG that we saw at Wofford. The weird part is, he is reunited with Mike Young. He is the coach that developed him at Wofford. He is averaging more turnovers than assists, and is scoring 8.4 ppg. That will not be enough to get it done tonight against a rocking crowd at the Xfinity Center. The Terps will be honoring Len Bias tonight, and it has been pumped on social media basically since the season started. There will be a lot of energy in that building tonight, and I just don’ think the Hokies have the guard play right now to come in and win a road game in a hostile environment.

Score Prediction: Maryland 68 – Virginia Tech 65

Washington State -2 : Fading the Sun Devils without Marcus Bagley again. They are just a different team with/without. Also, it appears that Noah Williams will be back tonight for the Cougars. Williams, Flowers and Roberts are a lethal group of guards that you probably have not heard of yet. Enjoy watching them in this one tonight. Arizona State really struggles to defend the guard position. Wazzou from the jump.

Score Prediction: Washington State 74 – Arizona State 66

Florida PK : This one will be closer than people think, and that is why the line sits at PK. My gambling brain wants me to take OU, but i just simply cannot see them pulling this one out. This game is going to be won in the post, and UF has a significant advantage on the glass. Florida is 24th in the country in offensive rebounding, while Oklahoma comes in at 324th. If UF converts their second chances, we will be good here.

Score Prediction: Florida 70 – Oklahoma 66

Texas Tech -2 : The Red Raiders come into this game as one of the most efficient teams in the country. They are 3rd in offensive efficiency, and 9th in defensive efficiency. I am riding pure analytics on this play. Providence is a scrappy team, and always has a nice home court advantage .. but I’m rolling with the Red Raiders in a close one.

Score Prediction: Texas Tech 71 – Providence 67

UNC +3 : These two teams are built from the inside out. They always have been. It will be an absolute war on the glass tonight. However, Michigan has one glaring weakness that has come back to bite them many times this year. They are shooting 29% as a team from distance. On the other end, the Tar Heels have improved to 41% this season from the 3 point line. With better shooting and a rocking Dean Dome, I will have to side with the Tar Heels in this one.

Score Prediction: UNC 76 – Michigan 75

Best of luck! Let’s snipe this one y’all!!