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11/30 Starting Five Write-Up

(photo: Inside The Hall)

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: 56-58-1

11/30 Starting Five:

Minnesota -2

Indiana -3

Rutgers -2

Saint Louis +3.5

Ohio State +3.5

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Minnesota -2 : As you know from my write-ups earlier in the season, I really love the transfer pieces that Ben Johnson brought in. Jamison Battle has instantly become one of the players to watch in the Big 10. He can create his own shot, and is a great lengthy defender. That is where my brain is heading to for this matchup. Defense. Minnesota comes into this game rated 13th in defensive efficiency in the country, while only allowing 59.6 ppg. This attack is led by Peyton Willis and EJ Stephens who are both averaging 2+ steals per game. Pitt is on the complete other end of this spectrum. 255th in defensive efficiency, and just let UMBC hang 87 on them. One team will be able to get stops, and the other won’t. Gophers comfortably.

Score Prediction: Minnesota 72 – Pitt 62

Indiana -3 : I really, really love this play. I am super high on the Hoosiers this season. Trayce Jackson-Davis is an absolute weapon. 43 points against a strong Thundering Herd team the last time out. He is the exact piece that a team needs to unlock a 2-3 zone. Look for him to be aggressive from the middle of the zone driving to the rim. This will cause the wings to collapse down for open threes for his teammates as well. Not to mention, the 2-3 zone from Cuse has been horrendous this season. Allowing 77.2 ppg. They are really lacking the athleticism/length of a normal Syracuse team. Cuse can shoot with anyone, but Indiana will be too physical for them tonight.

Score Prediction: Indiana 75 – Syracuse 68

Rutgers -2 : No analytics will help me with this pick. All statistics point to Clemson. This is pure instinct. It is too early in the season to say this .. but this truly feels like a do or die scenario for the Rutgers season. A win is desperately needed coming off three straight losses to UMass, Lafayette, Depaul. Clemson, a likely tournament team, is coming into town tonight giving the Scarlett Knights a chance to clean up their resume. Arguably, it could not come at a better time. This is a “Get Up Off of the Mat” game for Rutgers. The RAC (refuse to call it Jersey Mike’s Arena – that may actually be the problem with this team) will be jumping – Ron Harper Jr. will go for 20+ -and Rutgers squeaks out a close one.

Score Prediction: Rutgers 65 – Clemson 60

Saint Louis +3.5 : Saint Louis is a very well balanced team. They come into this game 48th in offensive efficiency, and 49th in defensive. While Boise State comes in at 34 defensively, they are all the way back at 238th on the offensive side of the ball. This team just absolutely cannot shoot. The Broncos are 39.4% from the field, 59.3% from the stripe, and 27.7% from distance. Putrid. You will not get away with that against a hyper-efficient Billikens squad. I think Saint Louis is the better team. No real home court advantage here for me. Will gladly take the 3.5 points. Sprinkling the ML as well.

Score Prediction: Saint Louis 71 – Boise State 64

Ohio State +3.5 : I need Value City Arena to be jumping tonight. That is the only way we get home with this one. That also needs to be fueled by a hot start. This is Dook’s first true road game of the season. EJ Liddell provides a bit of a matchup problem for the Blue Devils, and Holtmann needs to get him going early to get the crowd behind the Buckeyes. While Ohio State lost on a long range buzzer beater for the Fort Myers Tip-Off championship game, I believe they had a lot of growth at the guard position in that tournament. It was a very beneficial trip down south for Wheeler, Johnson and Sotos. When I handicap these two sides, they are probably 7.5 points apart on a neutral court. The general public probably thinks it is even more of a disparity after seeing Dook beat Gonzaga over the weekend. That is why I believe Vegas is trying to get an exponentially large handle on the Dookies. We will be with the house on this one. Vegas can feel a hostile crowd lifting Ohio State tonight. I do too. We need Ahrens firing from three, and Young being a bulldog on the glass… and we also need that home court advantage. Be loud Buckeye fans!

Score Prediction: Dook 74 – Ohio State 73

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

11/29 Starting Five Write-Up

(photo: Hawk Central)

Season Record: 53-56-1

11/29 Starting Five:

Norfolk State -4.5

Iowa ML -120

Canisius -2.5

Oregon -13

UC Riverside +10

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Norfolk State -4.5 : Norfolk State is the best team at Chris Paul’s HBCU Challenge down in Phoenix, and it is really not close IMO. We were on the Spartans yesterday, and will ride them to another victory today. Grambling has a major turnover problem – 19.2 per game. Joe Bryant Jr. was excellent yesterday in transition. Also, was 12-12 from the stripe when fouled. Grambling won by a wide margin yesterday against Morgan State, but lost the turnover and offensive rebounding battle. That will hurt them today. Love this play.

Score Prediction: Norfolk State 76 – Grambling 66

Iowa ML -120 : Obviously, loved this play a lot more last night. I do not love the crazy line movement against us today. However, I still think Iowa is still the more talented team. Also, there is more cohesion from the Hawkeyes earlier in this season. The Cavaliers are still molding into who they will become after taking in transfers that are playing big minutes early in the season. Iowa has played absolutely nobody, but we cannot deny the elite level of offensive play we have seen from them. UVA’s defense is always a problem, but Jordan Bohannon and Connor McCaffery are excellent ball handlers/passers. They will be able to get other Hawkeyes open looks in this one. Also, I sung the praises of Keegan Murray all last season .. and look at him now. 1st-Team Big 10 selections are in his future. Winning on CLV hasn’t been a proven way of success for us this season, so maybe we make it out of this one alive….

Score Prediction: Iowa 65 – UVA 62

Canisius -2.5 : When a 2-4 ballclub is a 2.5 favorite over a 5-1 team that is 5-0 ATS, you just need to trust your gambling instincts and bet what makes you feel uncomfortable. There is no X’s and O’s opinion for this one.

Score Prediction: Canisius 80 – Cornell 74

Oregon -13 : Boy, are the Ducks happy to be back in Eugene. One of the worst weeks in recent memory for Dana Altman’s group. Unfortunately for the Grizz, I think they are going to pay for that tonight. Montana really struggled on the road in Starkville against a Mississippi State team that I find to be very similar to the Ducks this season. I think we see more of the same tonight. It is a bad matchup for Montana, and Oregon surely has a fire lit under their ass. Josh Bannan is going to find life very difficult against Dante, Williams, & Kepnang .. just as he did with Garrison Brooks and the Bulldogs. Oregon big.

Score Prediction: Oregon 77 – Montana 58

UC Riverside +10 : Simply too many points. UC Riverside is just as slow, and just as excellent on the defensive end as the Gaels. This game will be decided in the mid 50s-low 60s. Also, this is a tricky spot for Saint Mary’s. They are coming back home after a gauntlet of Power 5 teams in a major Feast Week tournament, to play against UC Riverside after being off for 5 days. If UC Riverside controls the glass, we could be on upset alert here..

Score Prediction: Saint Mary’s 62 – UC Riverside 56

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

11/23 Feast Week Card Write-Up

(photo: CBS Sports)

Season Record: 31-35-2

11/23 Feast Week:

Southern Utah pick’em

Akron/App State o128

Butler +2

South Carolina -4

George Mason +4

Lipscomb -2

Arkansas -5

Gonzaga -6

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Southern Utah Pick’Em : Missed the best number here, but too much sharp money flying in to pass up. SUU’s athleticism could be a huge problem for Yale here. We will need a perfectly managed game Todd Simon. Following the big brains..

Score Prediction: SUU 71 – Yale 68

Akron/App State o128 : I don’t really love what I’ve seen from either team this season defensively. I am throwing the offensive performance yesterday from the Zips out the window. They are better than that. Bryan Trimble will get it going today. We are getting a discounted total because of it though. Also, Delph had a career high 39 points yesterday for the Mountaineers. We can get over this number… right?

Score Prediction: Akron 69 – App State 67

Butler +2 : Yesterday’s defeat to Wisconsin will prove tough to bounce back from for the Aggies. After their opening flurry of threes, this team really struggled to score the ball. They were also getting lost on ball screens at the top of the key. Butler has the weapons from deep to make them pay just as Wisconsin did. I also love the inside presence of Tyler Groce and Bryce Golden today. Golden needs to stay out of foul trouble. This will be an ugly one.

Score Prediction: Butler 65 – Texas A&M 60

South Carolina -4 : The Gamecocks have been a pleasant surprise this season. A statement win over a very good UAB team the other night. Devin Carter has been a freshman standout at the guard position, and Wildens Leveque is finally turning into the player that Frank Martin has promised he would be. The Gamecocks also get a shot in the arm tonight with the debut of AJ Wilson. The 6’7 George Mason transfer will be able to help this team in the variety of ways. We know Wofford can shoot the three, so James Reece will need to stay hot from behind the arc and also have help from Stevenson, Couisnard, etc. The Gamecocks size and athleticism will be a little too much for the Terriers tonight.

Score Prediction: South Carolina 73 – Wofford 66

George Mason +4 : Fading the disaster that is Nevada. I gave them one more chance last night, and they got ran out of the gym. To compound that, we woke up to the news this morning that they have kicked AJ Bramah off of the team. Arguably the most talented player. Nevada only has 4 competitive players at this point. If Baker or Washington get in foul trouble early, this could be another blowout.

Score Prediction: George Mason 74 – Nevada 69

Lipscomb -2 : Line is too low for me. Lipscomb has too many quality players that will prove to be a nightmare for a below average Tennessee Tech defense. Siding with Ahsan Assadullah is never a bad thing. This will also be a monster night for KJ Johnson. Calling it now..

Score Prediction: Lipscomb 71 – Tennessee Tech 65

Arkansas -5 : Absolutely love Wes Miller and what he has done with this Bearcats team to start this year. However, this is a terrible matchup for Cincinnati. The guard play, place, and three point shooting will be too much for the Bearcats to keep pace with in this one. I would like to see Mus Bus get Stanley Umude going more. Hopefully, that happens tonight. It will be tough for Cincinnati to get right back up for another big ranked matchup after knocking off Illinois last night as well. Arkansas pulls away the end to win by double digits.

Score Prediction: Arkansas 74 – Cincinnati 64

Gonzaga -6 : The Timme & Holmgren Tour will rock on again tonight in Las Vegas. This post-play will be too much for an undersized UCLA playing without Cody Riley and Mac Etienne. If Myles Johnson gets in foul trouble early (I think he does), then the domino affect will prove too costly for the Bruins. Gonzaga struts their stuff tonight – per usual.

Score Prediction: Gonzaga 85 – UCLA 73

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

11/22 Feast Week Write-Up

(photo: Notre Dame Rivals)

Season Record: 29-29-2

11/22 Feast Week:

A&M / Wisconsin o120.5

Akron tto 72

Murray State -5

Ohio State +3

CofC +16

Notre Dame pick’em

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A&M / Wisconsin o120.5 : The pace of play will make this one a sweat, but this number came down too far to not play. I had this game at 123 and was considering, so I will definitely take 120.5. While both of these teams play agonizingly slow, they both know how to get to the line. And …. they make their free throws. Wisconsin comes in shooting 80% from the stripe, and A&M shoots 75%. This should be close through the entirety of the game, so we could have some late fouling help us if we are in trouble.

Score Prediction: Wisconsin 64 – Texas A&M 62

Akron tt0 72 : I do not see a world in which the Zips won’t be able to do whatever they want offensively in this game. Thought about the spread, but think the majority of the value is in the tto. Fordham is dreadful defensively, and Akron brings back everyone from last season outside of Christian-Jackson. They also have added Ball State transfer, KJ Walton. Walton was the leading scorer for the Cardinals last season. He is a combo guard that can get it done from all levels. Akron touches 75+ here.

Score Prediction: Akron 78 – Fordham 64

Murray State -5 : I really, really love the Racers this season. They will have too much offense for the Buccaneers tonight. Murray State comes in 35th in offensive efficiency, and ETSU is 249th while shooting 36% from the field. Keep your eye on Trae Hannibal this season. The South Carolina transfer is leading the Racers in rebounding as a 6’2 guard. On a team that features KJ Williams. That is quite impressive. He has fit right in with the attitude of this scrappy bunch. Racers by double digits.

Score Prediction: Murray State 74 – ETSU 64

Ohio State +3 : As you know, I am not high on the Buckeyes this season. Have already been on the opposite side of them this season. However, this is a gross overreaction of a line. I had this as a Pick’Em on a neutral site, so I will take the three points. E.J. Liddell is still a top contender for the Naismith, and I trust that the guard play will improve a tad. Seton Hall overvalued after being an overrated Michigan group. Maybe sprinkle the ML here.

Score Prediction: Ohio State 70 – Seton Hall 68

CofC +16 : The Cougars have really impressed me this season. This start is not surprising, however. Pat Kelsey is the best coach in America that does not receive national praise. He built a powerhouse mid-major program at Winthrop, and looks like he is already on his way to doing that in Charleston. This team can fill it up from three, and they can rebound. As you know, I love that in an underdog. UNC is always a king on the glass, and the Cougars beat them out 12 to 7 on the offensive glass the other night. Look for Meeks to have a better game, and the Cougars to sneak under this number.

Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 82 – CofC 69

Notre Dame Pick’Em : Favorite play on the card. Paul Atkinson is an absolute weapon. The Irish were very fortunate to grab him off of the portal. Atkinson paired with Laszewski will prove to be a major problem for the Gaels downlow. As always, I love the energy that Prentiss Hubb brings in the backcourt. Look for him to finally get it going. He is a big game player.

Score Prediction: Notre Dame 70 – Saint Mary’s 65

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

11/19 Starting Five Write-Up

(photo: FIU Sports)

Season Record: 23-22-1

11/19 Starting Five:

NMSU -3

Clem / Bonnies o123

IPFW +12

Ohio +12

FIU -3

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NMSU -3 : Hoping you saw this pick when I put it out. I missed the golden number of -2, but it has ran all the way to -5.5. As I mentioned in my tweet, I would only play to -4. -5 is right were I would have this capped. New Mexico State was very impressive in their tournament opening win over Davidson. This team always competes on the defensive end and has high energy on both sides of the court, but yesterday they were also shooting the ball exceptionally well. If this team stays hot from distance, they are going to be a serious problem. Utah State will really struggle with their physicality and energy, and the Aggies will march on to the title game.

Score Prediction: New Mexico 70 – Utah State 64

Clem / Bonnies o123 : This number sits here due to two elite defenses. However, I think that both offenses bring challenging weapons to exploit these defenses just enough to get us over this edge. As you saw yesterday, the Bonnies struggle to defend the three point line at times. Boise State was able to hang around in that game due to their shooting. Clemson was 11-21 from distance yesterday against Temple, and are shooting 48% on the season. On the other end, Clemson is really challenged with size in their backcourt. The Bonnies backcourt is taller than most, and really love to play strong and physical through the lane and in the post. I think both teams can figure out a way to score points today. Also, both teams will have a nice sized crowd down in Charleston. Hopefully, feeding off of momentum will get more shots to drop. This one should be entertaining!

Score Prediction: Bonnies 65 – Clemson 64

IPFW +12 : This number opened too high at +12. Glad we got it where we did. Down to +10.5 now. Fort Wayne has the pieces to battle in this game. Pipkins and Godfrey are two senior guards that know how to score timely buckets, or get to the line, when a game looks like it could get blown open. I love having high basketball IQ guards when taking a big underdog. As you know, I have been high on Minnesota this season so this may come as a shock. However, the Mastadons are the play here. 53% from the field. 76% from the stripe. 49% from distance. Give me that and + double digit points all day.

Score Prediction: Minnesota 74 – IPFW 66

Ohio +12 : I am very high on UK this year, and I am a little scared to take this one .. but it fits my numbers. I had this at UK -9.5. The key for Ohio will be to get Big Oscar into foul trouble as quickly as possible. The entire makeup of the Wildcats changes with him on the bench. Carter and Vander Plas are seasoned veterans that could get this done with their post-moves and pump fakes around the rim. Oscar loves to block shots, so he is always susceptible to fouls. I also love the way Mark Sears has taken over the reigns from Jason Preston this season. He looks like he will be a star in the MAC for years to come. My least favorite of the five, but think we get a close cover here with a seasoned & feisty Bobcat group.

Score Prediction: UK 77 – Ohio 68

FIU -3 : Looks like we will get some CLV here as well. I see the line now at -4.5 at the time of writing this. Play of the day for me. I do not see a world in which Green Bay can run & score with FIU. FIU always baits teams into getting up and down with them, as you saw last night in their game against Ball State. They are athletic at the rim and can fire from range. Green Bay is shooting 27% from distance, and are replacing the majority of their scoring from last season. Easy victory for the Panthers.

Score Prediction: FIU 73 – Green Bay 64

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

11/18 Starting Five Write-Up

(photo: UAB Blazers)

Season Record: 19-19-1

11/18 Starting Five:

Davidson Pick’Em

St. Bonaventure -4

UAB -1.5

ECU +13

FIU Pick’Em

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Davidson Pick’Em : Davidson has a history of excelling in tournament play. Bob McKillop is always able to get the best out of his players in this setting. I really love the outside shooting from Davidson this season. 19 of 37 from distance on the year. Foster Loyer is going to be a key contributor to the Wildcats. The Michigan State transfer brings a calming presence to any offense, and is a deadly shooter from distance. Also, he brings clutch free throw making to the fold – which you love to have in tournament play. I really love the defense we have seen early on from Davidson as well. San Francisco is a high-level offense, and Davidson held them to 65 points and forced 18 turnovers. Davidson has size in the interior that New Mexico cannot match as well. If Davidson wins the glass and the three point line, they pull out a W here.

Score Prediction: Davidson 68 – New Mexico 64

Bonnies -4 : There are reports that Osun Osunniyi will miss the opener of the Charleston Classic. The line has dropped from -6.5 to -4. This moved from not a play for me, to a play. Yes, they will greatly miss the shot blocking extraordinaire, but this is a veteran Bonnies team that is used to Osun playing limited minutes. He tends to get in foul trouble quite often. Pitt transfer, Abdoul Karim Coulibaly, is a huge difference maker this year. He is a serviceable fill-in for when Osun is injured or in foul trouble. Bonnies squeak out a close one.

Score Prediction: Bonnies 69 – Boise State 63

UAB -1.5 : Play of the Night. Put your mortgage on this. You can see where the line is heading after this opened last night. Luckily, we got it in when we did. Andy Kennedy will come into Columbia and give old friend, Frank Martin, a beat down. This is guaranteed to be a double digit win for the Blazers. I don’t even need to dive into the reasons why. Would take forever. Just trust me. Book it.

Score Prediction: UAB 77 – South Carolina 68

ECU +13 : Too many points for me. ECU is bringing everyone back this season other than Jaylen Gardner. To supplement his loss, the Pirates added two SEC bigs to the fold that I really love. Alonzo Frink from my Gamecocks, and Vance Jackson from Arkansas. Jackson should have gotten more minutes for the Razorbacks last season in my opinion. I think he has a big year in C-USA. Too much turnover on the Oklahoma roster for them to be laying this number in their first decent test of the season. This game stays tight in a tournament setting down in Myrtle Beach.

Score Prediction: OU 75 – ECU 68

FIU Pick’Em : Noticed sharp movement on this one this morning. Line opened up at +2 last night, and was at a Pick’Em when we locked in this morning. It appears it is still running. I am seeing -1.5 on my book. This young and athletic team will cause a ton of problems for Ball State. Love this match-up for the Panthers, but love the sharp money and line movement more.

Score Prediction: FIU 73 – Ball State 69

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

11/17 Three Ball Write-Up

(photo: Springfield News Leader)

Season Record: 18-18

11/17 Three Ball:

Texas A&M CC -2

Saint Joes +1

Missouri State -4

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Texas A&M CC -2 : What can I say? I’m an island boy! The Islanders were impressive yesterday on the defensive end, and on the glass. The shots just weren’t dropping. They are coming into today facing a Denver team that is on their third game in three days. It is also an early tip, so even more reason to believe that the Pioneers will have sea legs. Denver has also struggled to rebound this season. They gave up 12 offensive rebounds to IUPUI. That is inexplicable. The Islanders win this game on the glass.

Score Prediction: Texas A&M CC 70 – Denver 62

Saint Joes +1 : This line is screaming Hawks. Drexel is coming off of an NCAA Tournament appearance, and Saint Joes has been in the depths of their program in recent years. However, I think that Saint Joes has pieces to be competitive this season. Taylor Funk is an absolute weapon. A 6’8 wing that can kill you on the perimeter and in the post. Also, a decent rebounder. He will lead the charge, but is supplemented by two other pieces that I really love. Jordan Hall is a 6’7 guard that garnered NBA interest after his A-10 All-Rooke Team selection. Double-double threat on a nightly basis, and is also an exceptional passer. Lastly, the Hawks secured a post presence in Vanderbilt transfer, Ejike Obinna. This 6’10 senior is averaging 14.5 & 10.5 in this young season. Hawks get a big home win!

Score Prediction: Saint Joes 75 – Drexel 70

Missouri State -4 : Beat the line movement when we got this one out last night. Seeing -5.5 now. I love this team to make some serious noise in The Valley this season. Isiaih Mobley is an elite scorer at the mid-major level. He leads the attack, along with running mate Gaige Prim. Prim is an absolute ox on both ends of the floor. 19.5ppg & 14.5rpg in this early season. He will prove to be a huge problem for a Sam Houston team that is lacking in size in the post. Watch out for Donovan Clay as well. I really love this transfer from Valpo. Kid has game.

Score Prediction: Missouri State 76 – Sam Houston 68

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

11/16 Starting Five Write-Up

(photo: Lincoln Journal Star)

Season Record: 15-12

11/12 Starting Five:

Texas A&M CC -2

Nebraska -3

Georgia State +8

Chicago State +33

Nevada ML -120

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Texas A&M CC -2 : Pure fade of IUPUI here. I believe them to be one of the worst teams in America this season. The Islanders also have some decent talent on the roster. They are shooting 77% from the line this season, and were only down 38-34 at the half to Texas A&M a few nights ago. This is not a road game. Neutral site in San Antonio. Give me the Islanders.

Score Prediction: Texas A&M CC 68 – IUPUI 62

Nebraska -3 : Unfortunately for my Jays .. this is my play of the night. Nebraska fans are coming into this game smelling blood in the water knowing that their instate rival is due to have a down season. The Cornhuskers have also welcomed in a true five-star talent in Bryce McGowens to the fold. The original FSU commit, decided to head to Lincoln to team up with his brother, Trey. He grew up local to me, so I know this kid is the real deal. Already averaging 27ppg in this young season. People may point to the Western Illinois loss as a cause for concern, but I do not buy it. It was the first game mixing in new pieces, and they were without their enforcers down low. Eduardo Andre and Lat Mayen are back, and I think they will get the best of Kalkbrenner. I hate to say it, but feel this may get ugly behind a feisty home crowd.

Score Prediction: Nebraska 80 – Creighton 65

Georgia State +8 : I absolutely love the guard play from this team. They are deadly from behind the arc (38% on 21 makes in 2 games), and can really get in your face with their pressure defense. They also have speed to kill. Richmond’s defensive efficiency has been very poor this season. Utah State hung 85 on them the other day. I also love the Georgia State TTO of 71, but feel there is more value in getting the points. There will be no way for the Spiders to stop Georgia State from scoring in this one. Close battle, and a live dog. May have an upset special here.

Score Prediction: Richmond 76 – Georgia State 74

Chicago State +33 : I don’t blame you if you do not want to take this play. I don’t want to either. However, I think there is considerable value. It is just too high. Chicago State has improved from worst team in the country, to just really bad. Loyola has dropped from a Sweet 16 caliber team, to a potential tournament team. Yet, the line sits one point off from the same matchup a year ago. I believe this line should be around 27. I’ll take a shot on this crazy number. Plus, this is an inner city battle. Hopefully, Chicago State will fight til the end. Please don’t Samford me.

Score Prediction: Loyola Chicago 84 – Chicago State 56

Nevada ML -120 : This was a non-play for me until I received word that AJ Bramah is back in the lineup tonight. He is the biggest transfer portal acquisition that nobody is talking about. Santa Clara should struggle to keep him in check, while also getting out to Sherfield and Cambridge. Washington and Baker’s length should cause trouble for Vrankic, and Alford’s guys get a huge road win. Sorry Broncos. We will always have Friday night.

Score Prediction: Nevada 76 – Santa Clara 72

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

11/15 Mega Monday Write-Up:

(photo: BGSU Athletics)

Season Record: 12-8

11/15 Mega Card:

Bowling Green +16

Marquette +8

Penn State -4

Buffalo Pick’Em

San Diego +3.5

Providence +6

Samford +20

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Bowling Green +16 : The Buckeyes are having a slow start to the season, and I do not believe it is a fluke. They will struggle to reach the heights of last year’s team in my opinion. CJ Walker was a very underrated floor general, and Duane Washington bailed them out with his ability to create his own shot countless times. They are missing their elite guard play this season. Still a good team, but the number tonight is reflective of last year’s Buckeyes. Not this season’s. Daeqwon Plowden is an absolute star for the Falcons, and he is already out to a hot start in his 5th year. I love the transfer portal acquisitions of Myron Gordon and Gabe O’Neal as well. They will be very productive pieces this season, and are already contributing. Bowling Green keeps this one around 10.

Score Prediction: Ohio State 77 – Bowling Green 67

Marquette +8 : This is Shaka Smart’s first massive home game in charge of the Golden Eagles. Fiserv Forum is going to be JUMPING. The Illini will still be without Kofi Cockburn due to suspension, and I think that this leaves the door cracked for a potential upset here. Darryl Morsell is quickly turning into one of the best weapons in the country in the early part of this season. He is already arguably the best on-ball defender in the country, but now he is filling it up to go along with the defense. Justin Lewis is also one of the best wings in the country that you probably have not heard of yet. 6’7, and can do it all. Double-Double threat on a nightly basis, and a lengthy defender. I like the Golden Eagles to keep this between one and two possessions for the entirety of this one. The defensive pressure will really bother the Illini. Curbelo is a nice player, but he is very loose with the ball against tight pressure defense. Potential upset alert.

Score Prediction: Illinois 72 – Marquette 68

Penn State -4 : I had this line at 6.5, so I will take it here. Penn State looked great in a season opening win over a decent Youngstown State team. They assisted on 16 of 31 made baskets, and the transfers really seemed to mesh in well. They also got this done with Myles Dread scoring 0 points in his new role as a starting guard for the Nittany Lions. That will quickly change. This guy has hit big triple, after big triple, during his time in State College. UMass showed in the Yale game that they had no interest in fixing their defense in the offseason, and the offense will be on a decline this season after the departures of Tre Mitchell and Carl Pierre. Penn State wins comfortably.

Score Prediction: Penn State 79 – UMass 69

Buffalo Pick’Em : Continuing to ride with my guys. If Josh Mballa stays out of foul trouble, this will be a comfortable win. We will always have our king, Jeenathan Williams, to bail us out in the event that he doesn’t.

Score Prediction: Buffalo 74 – North Texas 68

San Diego +3.5 : This is starting to feel a lotttt like Santa Clara vs Stanford from Friday night to me. However, this game will be on the road. Cal does not have a great home court advantage, so this does not bother me a ton. San Diego has a great crop of transfers that have quickly come together to get this team out to a 2-0 start (including a big time win at Nevada). Jase Townsend has scored the ball well to start this season, and Terrell Brown will continue to have a strong start in the post for the Toreros. Cal will struggle this season without Matt Bradley. There is nobody to handle that scoring load. Toreros in an “upset” win.

Score Prediction: San Diego 64 – Cal 61

Providence +6 : This team is scrappy and athletic. The type of team a Badger team normally struggles against. They are forcing 16.5 turnovers to start the season, and will be flying around and trapping again tonight. This team really improved in the offseason I believe. Even with the departure of Duke. I love the addition of Al Durham from Indiana. This seems to be a perfect fit for him, and he is out hot to start the year. Justin Minaya is also a sneaky good piece coming off of the bench. He was a do-it-all guy in the Frank Martin starting lineup for many years in Columbia, and now he is providing this production off of the bench for the Friars. With all of the turnover in Madison, I really love this play. Friars pull out a close one.

Score Prediction: Providence 65 – Wisconsin 64

Samford +20 : Ques Glover will prove to be in an instant impact transfer for the Bulldogs. I always thought he was very productive every time he got into the game for Mike White and the Gators. Jacob Tryon is also back this season for Samford. He is a 6’11 stretch forward that always proves to be a problem for defenses to figure out. Look out for freshman, Wesley Cardet Jr., this season as well. A guard with nice size, and can fill it up. San Francisco is a great mid-major program and they will not struggle to get this win, but we will sneak under this number.

Score Prediction: San Francisco 80 – Samford 65

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

11/12 Starting Five Write-Up

(photo: Busting Brackets)

Season Record: 4-5

11/12 Starting Five:

Minnesota +3

Furman +9

Santa Clara +4

SMU +8

UCLA -4

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Minnesota +3 : The wrong team is favored here. I have this as Minnesota -2.5, so I love getting the points. I love the group of transfers the Gophers brought in. Battle will be a star in the Big 10 this season. They are efficient and really shoot the basketball well. Their size will not hurt them against a Western Kentucky team that is learning their way without Charles Bassey. WKU really struggled from the line, and turned the ball over quite a bit against Alabama State. I think this is a “Remember Last Year?” trap from Vegas. Minnesota wins outright.

Score Prediction: Minnesota 73 – WKU 69

Furman +9: Simply too many points. The Paladins are bringing experienced guard play to the YUM! Center. Mike Bothwell is a bucket. That could cause issues for a Louisville team that I think will struggle to score again this season. Noah Locke was a good addition, but I do not love the make-up of this team. Also, Furman has been successful in keeping these Power 5 games close in recent years. Bob Richey is an excellent coach that will continue to get looks to move-up in the ranks. Take the Paladins.

Score Prediction: Louisville 70 – Furman 65

Santa Clara +4: Upset Alert!!!! Is it though?? Not really. That is why the line is where it is. Santa Clara is simply the better basketball team. Josip Vrankic dropped a cool 29/8/5 on a decent Cal State Fullerton team the other night. That is just an elite stat line at the collegiate level. This team is poised, rarely turn the ball over, and shoot lights out. The Broncos win outright.

Score Prediction: Santa Clara 69 – Stanford 64

SMU +8: Too many points for this scrappy bunch with elite guard play. Davis, Nutall, Bandoumel, and Weathers could each give you a 20 piece McNugget on a given night. I also love the additions of Tristan Clark and Marcus Weathers to help defend and rebound behind this group of guards. Oregon is a great team and get the win, but the Mustangs keep it close. Guards, Guards, Guards.

Score Prediction: Oregon 76 – SMU 73

UCLA -4: I am not buying the Villanova hype. What has changed? Seemingly nothing in my opinion. The only difference? They lost their best player to the league. It appears Gillespie has lost a step from his knee injury, and I believe the UCLA guards will run circles around him. Myles Johnson had a productive career in Piscataway, and will fill in serviceably for Riley tonight. I have this game at -6.5 to -7, and I would have taken it there. I think UCLA wins this game by 10 points or so. Villanova will run into the same problem as last year with not being able to score with offensively elite teams. Especially, early in the season. Also, this may be a sleepy game for the Wildcats. 11:30pm ET start.

Score Prediction: UCLA 72 – Villanova 62

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