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1/11 Three Ball Write-Up

(photo: Loyola Athletics)

I will do my best to provide 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!

Season Record: 68-46-5

1/11 Four Point Play:

Utah +3.5

Loyola -6

Bradley +2

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Utah +3.5: After the show that McKinley Wright and the Buffaloes put on against Oregon the other night, square betters will be itching to get a piece of them against a struggling Utah team. However, I love Utah in this spot. Utah is on a three game conference losing streak skid, but they put up an excellent fight against Oregon. They could have pulled that one out. They will use that momentum to come in and punch a Colorado team, that is feeling good about themselves, in the mouth early. I love Timmy Allen, and Jantunen seems to be coming into his own. Utah may win this one outright!

Score Prediction: Utah 72 – Colorado 70

Loyola -6 : This is a classic back-to-back conference game system play. Indiana State wins yesterday, and Loyola is laying 6 today. Beyond the B2B System, I just love this Loyola team. They were covering this number for roughly 35 minutes of the game yesterday, and Indiana State caught fire to steal it from them in the end. That will not be the case today. Krutwig and Williamson are veterans that will make sure the Ramblers get an emphatic win to get on the right track. Also, we have a drastic coaching advantage in our favor with Porter Moser. Loyola by double digits.

Score Prediction: Loyola 76 – Indiana State 65

Bradley +2: Another B2B System play. Northern Iowa has not won back-to-back games all season, and I do not think they will get that done against a solid Bradley squad. Bradley won the offensive boards yesterday, and I think that margin may be a little wider today. I expect a 20 point performance from Elijah Childs, and a Bradley win. God Bless the B2B System.

Score Prediction: Bradley 70– Northern Iowa 68

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

1/9 Three Ball Write-Up

(photo: LSU Athletics)

Season Record: 62-45-4

1/9 Four Point Play:

Wofford +5

LSU +3

UCLA +4

Oregon -2

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Wofford +5: This is a big game tonight for the Terriers. They cannot start the SoCon season off as a 2-2 ball club. There will not be an automatic bid out of the conference this year, so seeding for the tournament will be important. The matchups with Greensboro are historically close battles, and the Terriers actually performed well in the first matchup the other night – leading by 8 at the half. Storm Murphy is a proven leader that will have this proud program ready to go tonight. Also, look for a big night from Tray Hollowell. He really struggled with 5 points and 4 fouls the other night. He will get right tonight.

Score Prediction: Wofford 78 – UNCG 77

LSU +3 : If you are giving me the points here, I will take them. LSU is a better team than Ole Miss, and certainly have the better coach. I personally think LSU has an outside shot at a Sweet 16 birth this season. Their four-headed monster of Cam Thomas, Ja’Vonte Smart, Trendon Watford, Darius Days is as good as any in the country. They just lack depth at times. However, you can say that Ole Miss has a similar depth problem. Cam Thomas will get going against against a defense that has struggled guarding the PG position in recent nights (Etienne – 29 points / Quinerly 24 points). LSU should win this game outright. Favorite play on the board.

Score Prediction: LSU 76 – Ole Miss 72

UCLA +4: I love getting 4 with the Bruins here. I believe this will be a one game possession either way, but do think the Bruins win outright here. I love the guard play for the Bruins in Jaquez, Juzang, Campbell and Bernard. This group really sees the game well, and loves to share the ball with each other. To add to this, they may have just blossomed a star in the post. Chris Riley is coming off of his best performance as a Bruin. 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 blocks. If he continues to play like this, watch out for this Bruins team … even without Chris Smith.

Score Prediction: UCLA 70– Arizona 69

Oregon -2: There is too big of discrepancy on the offense ends in this game to make up for the great defense of Utah. They will limit the Ducks at times, but Duarte, Figueroa, Omoruyi and Williams Jr. will simply prove to be too much to handle for the Utes. Also, good news for Oregon …. McKinley Wright does not play for Utah. Look for the Ducks to make a run once they get Will Richardson back from injury. That will be an amazingly efficient offense, to go along with their pressure cooker defense.

Score Prediction: Oregon 71 – Utah 66

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

1/8 Three Ball Write-Up

(photo: Argus Leader)

Season Record: 58-44-4

1/8 Four Point Play:

Toledo -3

South Dakota -1

Youngstown State +12.5

Lipscomb +2

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Toledo -3: You definitely know by now – I am a huge fan of the Rockets. My preseason pick to win the MAC. I waited and took them live the other day against Kent State at +8.5 when this team got down big, and they stormed back to win outright. There are just too many ways to get a bucket in this lineup. Especially, from the three point line. Marreon Jackson is one of the most underrated point guards in the country, and he will take care of an Ohio team that is playing without Jason Preston at the moment.

Score Prediction: Toledo 78 – Ohio 72

South Dakota -1 : Do people still really not know about Stanley Umude? It seems like Vegas still really isn’t valuing his presence against lower tiered teams. He is averaging 22 &8, and is a really big problem for undersized / less skilled opponents. Now, you might tell me that the Coyotes are 4-5 ATS.. but, lets take a peak into the games they did not cover in. Two of them are against Drake, who is a perfect 10-0 ATS to start the season, and another against a really strong Colorado team. This shows us that they are not struggling to cover the number against opponents of similar talent. UMKC is a step below South Dakota in my opinion. They just picked up their first D1 win on Sunday, and are shooting it 59% from the line. South Dakota should take care of business in this one, and I would not be surprised to see Umude touch 30.

Score Prediction: South Dakota 69 – UMKC 64

Youngstown State +12.5: You just cannot make me believe that there is this much of a disparity between these two clubs. Wright State does have a talent advantage, but laying almost 13 points in conference just isn’t seen very often. Youngstown State has a decent roster that will keep this game within 10 points. They are getting production from Bohannon and Quisenberry as usual, but Shemar Rathan-Mayes is really impressing as a freshman. A double digit scorer, that is leading the team in assists. Don’t look for the Penguins to win this game or anything, but we will cover this number.

Score Prediction: Wright State 78– Youngstown State 69

Lipscomb +2: I feel like I am being baited here, so if there was a play you wanted to fade me on .. it may be here. However, i simply cannot lay off of Lipscomb when you are giving me points against D1 newcomers Bellarmine. The Bison have the preseason Player of the Year in the ASun – Ahsan Asadullah. That alone is a reason to think Lipscomb gets this done, but they also have a star in KJ Johnson. He impressed as a double digit scorer as a freshman last season, and looks like he is taking another step this season. Give me Lipscomb all day here (shit, this may be too obvious – insert “It’s a Trap” meme)

Score Prediction: Lipscomb 72 – Bellarmine 67

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

1/6 Three Ball Write-Up

(photo: Associated Press)

Season Record: 53-42-4

1/6 Three Ball:

Richmond -3

Auburn / Ole Miss over 137.5

Texas A&M +4.5

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Richmond -3: It is now or never time for the Spiders if they want an at-large bid to the tournament. They have to start racking up wins to be in that discussion. They stack up very well against this eratic URI team, and I think they get a much needed win at home. Chris Mooney knows how important this is!

Score Prediction: Richmond 76 – URI 69

Auburn / Ole Miss over 137.5 : Athletes and pace. That is what drew me to this play. Both will run, and both have jump out of the gym athletes. There should be a lot of fouls, a lot of shot opportunities, and both teams shoot a fair amount of threes. Excited about this play!

Score Prediction: Ole Miss 77 – Auburn 70

Texas A&M +4.5: As a South Carolina alum, the Gamecocks should not be laying this number to anyone in the conference at this point in the season. They started the year off slowly, and then just went through a brutal covid pause. The team was not able to practice together for weeks. They also appeared very sluggish in their first game back the other night against Florida A&M. Texas A&M covers, and could win. ML has some nice value. I’ll take the points though.

Score Prediction: South Carolina 68 – Texas A&M 67

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

1/5 Three Ball Write-Up

(photo: Dayton Athletics)

Season Record: 50-38-4

1/5 Three Ball:

Ohio -14

Dayton 1H -6.5 / -11.5

Longwood +2

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Ohio -14: Northern Illinois has been woeful to start this season. They have gotten out to a 1-7 record, and this has caused Mark Montgomery to lose his job. This team is lost, and they certainly will not find themselves on the road at Ohio. Jacob Preston has a fringe NBA future, and will dominate this game. Triple-double watch is on. Also, Ben Roderick has been exceptional since his return from injury. Bobcats early and often!

Score Prediction: Ohio 82 – Northern Illinois 60

Dayton -6.5 1H / -11.5 : Fordham has embarrassed themselves in the first two games of this season. Dayton is of a higher caliber than Lasalle and GW, and I expect them to jump on Fordham as well. They absolutely DOMINATE the guard match-up with Crutcher and Watson. Also, Mustapha Amzil was named A-10 Freshman of the Week after his monster debut performances. This 6’10 versatile forward is a very welcomed piece to the Flyers after the loss of Chase Johnson. Dayton should get it done on both sides here.

Score Prediction: Dayton 77 – Fordham 61

Longwood +2: Using the back-to-back system for this play. USC Upstate is simply not good enough to win back-to-back days against a conference opponent that is evenly matched. Hell, Longwood is more than likely a tad better than Upstate. Longwood squeaks out a close one on the road and they split the series.

Score Prediction: Longwood 71 – USC Upstate 67

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

1/4 Three Ball Write-Up

(photo: Associated Press)

Season Record: 47-35-4

1/4 Three Ball:

Southern Illinois +11

Indiana -2.5 1H / -4.5

Oklahoma State +2.5

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Southern Illinois +11: This is a back-to-back system play with some help from a few key nuggets. The Salukis were competitive in this game until the 10 minute mark in the 2nd half, and then the wheels fell off. They scored 6 points in those final 10 minutes. That just will not happen again tonight. Also, Drake is a perfect 10-0 against the spread. If you don’t think Vegas is noticing, think again. This will be a closer affair.

Score Prediction: Drake 70 – Southern Illinois 64

Indiana -2.5 1H / -4.5 : I want both sides of this Indiana match-up with Maryland. This game is being played at Assembly Hall, and the Hoosiers have shot exponentially better in home games in the past few seasons. Morsell’s absence will hurt their three point line / on the ball defending against Durham and Franklin. He is also the heart and soul of the team as a senior leader. They will greatly miss him. As always, Jackson-Davis will eat. Hoosiers wire-wire.

Score Prediction: Indiana 72 – Maryland 65

Oklahoma State +2.5: West Virginia is just lost right now. They have showed up flat in three consecutive games, and they have gone 1-2 in that time span )with the lone win against Northeastern). To add insult to injury, Oscar Tshiebwe has left the team for the foreseeable future. Culver is a monster, but that frontcourt takes a huge hit when Oscar is unavailable. I like the Cowboys guard play to outmatch the Mountaineers in Stillwater. Also, every game means a little more to them without the opportunity for postseason play. Their record will be the only thing they will have to show for this season. The Cowboys get a nice home win over Huggie Bear.

Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 73 – WVU 70

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

12/31 Three Ball Write-Up

(photo: USC Athletics)

Season Record: 34-25-2

12/31 Three Ball:

Wisconsin -8

Michigan ML

Southern Cal -1

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Wisconsin -8: Not running and hiding from this Wisconsin team after they burned me the other night. They are too experienced and talented for me to jump ship. Also, this line should be more like -3.5 or -4. Certainly, not -8. Massive amounts of square public betters will be on the Gophers. I will ride with vegas on this one. Big nights for Potter and Reuvers, and the Badgers get a double digit victory.

Score Prediction: Wisconsin 76 – Minnesota 64

Michigan ML: Hunter Dickinson has been a pleasant surprise for Juwan Howard. The 7’1 freshman has turned into an instant double double guy for the Wolverines, and is playing about 25 minutes a game. He should eat against an undersized Maryland squad. Maryland is feeling good coming off of a big time road win at Wisconsin, and will not be as desperate as they were going into that one. Livers and Wagner will reach 20, and the Wolverines get a nice road win to improve to 8-0.

Score Prediction: Michigan 74 – Maryland 69

Southern Cal -1: This is my favorite play of the night. Evan Mobley has been an absolute STUD down low for the Trojans in his freshman season – averaging 18 and 9. His brother, Isaiah, has also been productive with an 11 and 9 season thus far. The twin towers down low will do damage against the Buffaloes, and the Trojans will experience great guard play at home from Eaddy and Peterson. I also love Chevez Goodwin off of the bench. A major sparkplug that transferred in from a great Wofford program. This team is coming off of a thrashing of a solid Santa Clara team. They continue to roll tonight!

Score Prediction: Southern Cal 76 – Colorado 68

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

12/30 Three Ball Write-Up

(photo: The Leaf Chronicle)

Season Record: 33-23-2

12/30 Three Ball:

St. Bonaventure +2

UNC / GT over 142

Austin Peay -4.5

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St. Bonaventure +2: The Bonnies are going to win this basketball game. However, if you give me the two points I will take them. Rhode Island just has been a poor basketball team this season. They are running a lazy offense, in which no assists are being accumulated, and also look disinterested on the defensive side of the ball. Losing Langevine, Martin and Dowtin has had more of an impact that some people wanted to believe. On the other side of this game, St. Bonaventure is returning every contributor from last year’s 19-12 team. This includes one of the best big men in the country that you may have never heard of, Osun Osunniyi. He is off to a quick 19.5 & 10 start. URI will also be without Makhi Mitchell down low. One less body to deal with Osun. The Bonnies guards will outscore Fats and his crew. Hopefully, we get the day stared with a cover here!

Score Prediction: St. Bonaventure 74 – URI 70

UNC / GT over 142: I saw this number in the 150-151 range. I will gladly take it at 142. Ga Tech has a top 40 pace in America, and you know Roy and his team will run with anyone. This game will have a nice up and down pace to it. We also have a nice sample size for this one. The match-up last year ended in a 96-83 Yellow Jacket victory at the Dean Dome. Both teams have returned large portions of their core from last season, and this also helps me to believe we will have a fast paced affair. I don’t see either team holding their opponent under 70 points, and it should be a close game. I will personally have a multi-unit play on this game.

Score Prediction: Georgia Tech 78 – UNC 76

Austin Peay -4.5: I hope that many of you grabbed this line when I put it out last night. It is up to -6.5 as of this article, and may climb even higher. This is a slam dunk max play. The Governors found their groove in a 74-70 win over Murray State. Why was this win so important? They got the job done without Jordyn Adams. Other players were able to step-in and be contributors behind the monster that is Terry Taylor. If you do not know Terry Taylor, then please watch the game tonight. He is truly one of the best players in the country. I mean that. I love Peay even without Jordyn Adams, and if he is magically active .. that will just be icing on the cake. Governors by double digits.

Score Prediction: Austin Peay 80 – Tennessee State 67

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

12/29 Three Ball Write-Up

(photo: Mercer University Athletics)

Season Record: 32-21-2

12/29 Three Ball:

Purdue +2

Mercer -2

Alabama -2

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Purdue +2: The Boilermakers are rolling into this match-up after a nice win over Maryland. They should be feeling confident tonight. To add to this mojo, Rutger’s main man, Ron Harper, is out for tonight’s game. That is a MASSIVE blow to a Scarlett Knights team that is already dealing with injury problems. Purdue squeaks out a close one.

Score Prediction: Purdue 69 – Rutgers 65

Mercer -2: This is the game that the Bears get fired up for every season. A match-up with the SoCon kings of the past few seasons, the Wofford Terriers. Mercer actually won both games last season. They take it to a different level. To add to this desire to win, Mercer has Ross Cummings back this season. The all-purpose guard has Mercer out to a 7-1 record this season. The addition of South Carolina transfer, Felipe Haase, has been a major addition down low as well. Mercer wins three in a row in this series.

Score Prediction: Mercer 75 – Wofford 70

Alabama -2: The Tide have had some inspired practices over the last few days following the fight between Petty and Rojas at practice. Nate Oats suggests that this is just what the team needed to get going. The two are both available tonight, and Oats said Petty has looked exceptional in the practices leading up. We will go with the home team here that seems to have a new desire and purpose. Also, I love Alabama’s guard play comparative to Ole Miss.

Score Prediction: Alabama 73 – Ole Miss 67

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

12/28 Three Ball Write-Up

(photo: CBS Sports)

Season Record: 32-18-2

12/28 Three Ball:

UC Santa Barbara ML

Wisconsin 1H -5

Gonzaga -39

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UC Santa Barbara ML: This is a system play. If you have been following me, I have pointed out the spots in where Vegas is making the most of their money this season. It is on the second leg of a back-to-back match-up in consecutive days. They rarely change the line from the prior match-up, even if the prior was a blow out. That is the case here with UCSB. They were routed by 19 points yesterday, yet they are -1. We are taking the contrarian play and going with UC Santa Barbara ML.

Score Prediction: UC Santa Barbara 70 – UC Irvine 65

Wisconsin 1H -5: The Badgers have really asserted their dominance since their slip-up against Marquette. They have had a TOUGH schedule with Sparty, URI, Louisville, Loyola, and Nebraska. They have taken care of all of them by double digits (Sparty by 9, but you get the picture). The aged veterans on this team are what impress me the most. D’Mitrik Trice is 24 years old, and has the primary ball handling duties. He has a 3:1 assist/turnover ratio, and just had his breakout performance of the season against Sparty (29 pts / 57% from 3). I love to bet on teams with leadership at that position. The starting lineup also includes seniors Potter, Reuvers, and Davison. This team is efficient on both sides of the ball, and I believe that Maryland will struggle in this road match-up. They have not proven much on the road this season, after going down double digits at the half in their only road games of the season against Clemson and Purdue. Greg Gard knows this and will have his boys fired up to pounce early. To avoid a bad beat in a conference game, we will take the 1H and get out of there.

Score Prediction: 1H Wisconsin 36 – Maryland 26

Gonzaga -39: This game will get very, very ugly. The Zags just manhandled a nationally ranked UVA team on Saturday, and are rolling into a match-up with one of the worst teams in the country. UVA is an elite defensive team, and love to slow the pace – yet, the Zags scored 98 and could’ve easily gone over the century mark had they left the starters in. Here is a nugget for you – Northern Arizona is 324th out of 330 teams in the country in defensive efficiency. Good luck fellas. There will be 7+ Zags in double figures and they likely go over 100 here. This game may need a parental advisory.

Score Prediction: Gonzaga 105 – Northern Arizona 52

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