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1/7 Starting Five Write-Up

(photo: Cleveland.com)

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: 120-124-9

1/7 Starting Five:

Kent State +8

Cornell +5

Cleveland State 1H -4.5 & -8

Xavier -5

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Kent State +8 : This is not a Sniper ML special, but I think Kent State has the roster to keep us within the number tonight. If there is a weakness in this Bobcat team, it is on the glass. Ohio jumped out to a big lead in Rupp Arena earlier this year, but eventually got blown out in the 2H due to losing the offensive glass 19 to 5. If Justyn Hamilton stays out of foul trouble, he should dominate the glass tonight for the Flashes. Hopefully, he has some help from Tervell Beck as well. Sincere Carry is the X-Factor tonight though. Need him to bring it on the offensive & defensive end. Especially, when guarding Sears. I think Ohio wins in a close one, but this number is simply too high.

Score Prediction: Ohio 72 – Kent State 66

Cornell +5 : Now, this is a Sniper ML special. The Big Red are 9-1 ATS coming into this game, and they will likely get the win tonight. Both teams should light it up from distance against poor perimeter defense, but I believe that Cornell will live on the glass tonight. The Cornell bigs can also punish you from the line. Jones comes in at 76.2% & Boothby at 90%. This is the only clear advantage you can find between both teams. The wrong team is favored. Cornell gets a big road win.

Score Prediction: Cornell 80 – Penn 75

Cleveland St. -4.5 & -8 : This will be a blowout from jump street. Robert Morris is 2-11 and on the verge of quitting and going through the motions until the conference tournament. Actually, their best player did quit. Rasheem Dunn has left the program, and the Colonials are even bigger trouble than before. Cleveland State was a tournament team last year, and are a Top 5 most experienced team in the country. They will smell blood in the water in the mess that is Robert Morris, and this will be a 20 point blowout victory. An experienced team always knows when to take advantage of situations like this. Vikings. Big.

Score Prediction: Cleveland St. 81 – Robert Morris 61 (1H: 38-25)

Xavier -5 : Looks like I will receive some major CLV on this one. Which, of course, means this will be a loser. However, the X should have matchup advantages all over the court tonight. Better backcourt, better frontcourt, better coach. Not overthinking this one due to a situational spot. If we die, we die.

Score Prediction: Xavier 68 – Butler 60

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

1/4 Starting Five Write-Up

(photo: Ann Arbor News)

Season Record: 110-116-9

1/4 Starting Five:

Bucknell -1.5

Boston U +4

Michigan -4

Butler +4

Marquette ML

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Bucknell -1.5 : Nothing like a little Tuesday night Patriot action! This will be the first of our double dip tonight. Last time out, the Black Knights got taken to OT by a very shorthanded Loyola MD team. They got bullied on the glass in that game, and 2nd chance points kept the Greyhounds in it. I believe that is an area where the Bison can attack tonight. Andre Screen is a lanky and athletic 7’er that you don’t normally see in the mid-major ranks. He made his return last time out against Boston U off of the bench, and really stuffed the stat sheet. 10 points, 7 rebounds (3 offensive), 3 assists & 3 blocks. I would expect him to play 25-30 minutes tonight and prove to be a major threat to the undersized Army frontcourt. Alex Timmerman has been solid for the Bison as well, and I expect him to be a nice complimentary post-piece for Screen. Lastly, this team makes their free throws. 11th nationally at 78.8%. We make the important ones matter at the end, and cash this one!

Score Prediction: Bucknell 75 – Army 70

Boston U +4 : This spread is out of line. I can confidently say the wrong team is favored. I know that the Midshipmen have looked better this year, but is it really that nice when you look under the hood? Yes, they beat Furman .. but, they shot 60.7% from the field. Yes, they beat UVA .. but, it was a season opener and so did James Madison. Outside of that, nothing to really write home about. Boston is finally healthy with Walter Whyte back in the lineup. This is a dangerous team when McCoy, Whyte and Mathon are rocking. Sorry to our troops, but another service academy goes down tonight. Sprinkle the ML

Score Prediction: Boston U 65 – Navy 61

Michigan -4 : Line in the sand game for Juwan Howard. Lose this one and you are suddenly sitting at 7-6 overall, with a 1-2 conference record. I do not see that happening. Michigan will have a sizable advantage in the post with Dickinson and Diabate going at Omoruyi. If he gets in foul trouble, it will be a longgg night for the Scarlet Knights. I also love the defensive looks that Juwan can throw at Ron Harper Jr. Eli Brooks & Caleb Houstan will likely share the duties. Harper has struggled against the Wolverines defense over the years (Last Three: 13 ; 3 ; 12), and I expect more of the same tonight. Yes, Michigan lost to UCF last time out .. but the Knights shot 8/8 from distance in the 2H. Michigan had grown a sizable 49-37 2H lead on the road before that point. That game does not bother me in regards to the spot tonight. Too much talent, too much will to win tonight for Michigan. I will gladly lay the 4.

Score Prediction: Michigan 73– Rutgers 64

Butler +4 : Butler is finally healthy! Finally, for the first time in two years the Bulldogs should have their full roster available to them. The only iffy situation is Bo Hodges, but he missed the game last week to a non-Covid related illness. I would expect him back tonight since we haven’t heard otherwise. This is a great spot for Butler with Seton Hall playing through a stretch where Covid has attacked their availability and caused them to dropped two straight. The Pirates will be without post players Samuel and Obiagu for this one as well for this one, so not a great spot to “get right”. Lastly, Butler has really cut down on the dumb turnovers now that their full roster is back. They actually look competent on offense now. A perfect night to buy-low on Butler at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Sprinkle the ML

Score Prediction: Butler 67 – Seton Hall 65

Marquette ML : Providence can’t be this good .. right? … right??? .. I am jumping in front of this train and riding with “Home Shaka” tonight. The Golden Eagles get Kam Jones back tonight and that will be critical for their backcourt depth in a game where there should be a decent amount of fouls. I believe that Marquette will force a sizable amount of turnovers from the Friars, and they will need to convert those into fast break points for us to get home in this one. Marquette sits 0-3 in Big East play after their hearts were ripped out in OT by Creighton last time out. This team will be HUNGRY for a W tonight.

Score Prediction: Marquette 73 – Providence 68

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

1/3 Starting Five Write-Up

(photo: The Columbian)

Season Record: 109-112-9

1/3 Starting Five:

Towson +1

UTRGV/Sam Houston u149

Texas So. / Southern o137

Iowa 1H -4.5

Oregon 1H -4.5

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Towson +1 : Looks like we got 3.5 points of CLV on this one. Guaranteed to be a kiss of death if this season continues the way it started! This line now sits at Towson -2.5, and rightly so in my opinion. The CBB betting market has started to make a proper adaptation to the reaction of a star player being out. Cam Holden will be out for the next three weeks due to a broken jaw, but Towson is still the right side in this matchup. As good as he is, he has only led Towson in scoring in 2 games this season. This team is DEEP. They will definitely miss Holden on the glass, but the Tigers should still have a slight rebounding edge over the soft interior of Drexel. Towson also makes threes to go along with not turning over the basketball. Necessary attributes when backing a road dog. The Tigers get it done in their CAA opener.

Score Prediction: Towson 70 – Drexel 67

UTRGV/Sam Houston u149 : There is too high of a margin for error within these offenses for a total this high in my opinion. Plus, Sam Houston is the better team while playing at home. That is key because they will like to play at a slower pace than the Vaqueros, and they should be able to control the tempo. In Sam Houston’s last five contests, they have allowed 64, 51, 61, 53, and 55 points. If the spread is in-line, which I think it is, another defensive performance like this will lead to an easy under. Last little nugget, Sam Houston is dead last in the country in free throw percentage. 358th. The cellar. Hopefully, some missed free throws will be our friend tonight if Sam Houston leads late.

Score Prediction: Sam Houston 73 – UTRGV 64

Texas Southern / Southern o137 : I think this game will be played at a nice tempo tonight. Both defenses are allowing over 70ppg, and I see areas where both offenses can exploit their holes. Texas Southern is very careless with the ball, and Southern will take HUGE advantage of that with their pressure defense. I would not be shocked to see fast break points push 20 for the Jaguars. On the other end, Texas Southern should absolutely dominate the post and offensive glass. The Tigers are averaging 40.4 rebounds per game, to 29.5 for the Jaguars. 2nd chance points should help even-out the scoring from the turnovers they are giving away. A low 70s game gets us over.

Score Prediction: Southern 74– Texas Southern 70

Iowa 1H -4.5 : This team makes every shot they take at Carver-Hawkeye. That is just a fact. Maryland does not have the weapons to shoot with Iowa in this game tonight. The offensive efficiency rating comparison is 2nd to 174th. This is also Maryland’s first road game. Not a great place to get your feet wet on the road. I believe Iowa gets out to an early lead, and I would like to try to cash this before any backdoor cover comes into play in a B1G matchup.

Score Prediction: 1H Iowa 39 – Maryland 30

Oregon 1H -4.5 : Oregon played their best half of basketball last time they were on the court. That is what is giving me optimism for this play tonight. They finally got quality play from their three-headed backcourt monster in Richardson, Young & Harmon. Dante also looked great on the offensive glass as well. This team can defend and make life difficult for a Colorado team that I think will struggle in Pac 12 play. The Buffaloes lost both of their “step-up games” this season. One of them being their only road game of the season at UCLA. They were down 16 at the break at Pauley Pavilion, and I expect another deficit at the half in Eugene. Again, taking the 1H and avoiding a tight game down the stretch in a conference game. Go Ducks.

Score Prediction: Oregon 35 – Colorado 27

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

12/17 Three Ball Write-Up

(Photo: Villanova Athletics)

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!!