Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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01-08-20 | Bradley v. Evansville +2.5 | Top | 72-52 | Loss | -113 | 10 h 10 m | Show |
My 9* Revenge Rout is on Evansville at 7:00 ET.
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01-07-20 | Baylor v. Texas Tech -3 | Top | 57-52 | Loss | -108 | 12 h 32 m | Show |
My 10* Top-25 Showdown is on Texas Tech at 9:00 ET.
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01-06-20 | Georgia State v. Arkansas State +4 | Top | 87-90 | Win | 100 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on Arkansas St at 8:00 ET.
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01-05-20 | Purdue v. Illinois -1 | Top | 37-63 | Win | 100 | 14 h 27 m | Show |
My 10* 36-Club Play is on Illinois at 8:00 ET.
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01-04-20 | San Diego State v. Utah State -2.5 | Top | 77-68 | Loss | -109 | 14 h 20 m | Show |
My 10* Conference Game of the Year (MWC) is on Utah St at 10:00 ET.
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01-04-20 | Auburn v. Mississippi State +1 | Top | 80-68 | Loss | -104 | 6 h 51 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Miss St at 4:30 ET. Auburn made an incredible run to last year's Final 4, before losing 63-62 to eventual champ Virginia. The Tigers lost a 'ton' off that team, most notably guards Brown (15.9) and Harper (15.3) plus the 6-8 Okeke (12.0 & 6.8). However, the Tigers start four seniors in 2019-20 and after just barely sneaking into the AP's preseason poll (24th), have opened 12-0 (one of just two unbeatens in college hoops) and will take a ranking of No. 8 into their SEC opener Saturday at Starkville, where they'll face 9-3 Mississippi St. The Bulldogs finished 23-11 last season, after losing their first round game in the "Big Dance." The good news was, FOUR starters from that team returned for the 2019-20 season. The Tigers opened this season starting FOUR seniors plus freshman Isaac Okoro, who head coach Bruce Pearl called the best defensive guard he's ever signed. The same starting lineup remains from Game 1, with the 6-6 Okoro (12.8 & 4.5) checking in as the team's second-leading scorer. Guard Doughty leads that group of four seniors (as well as the entire team) in scoring 16.4 PPG. He's followed by the 6-11 Wiley (10.8 & 9.5), PG McCormick (10.6-4.2-5.7) and the 6-7 Purifoy (9.5 & 5.0). Pearl's team is among the highest-scoring in the nation, averaging 82.2 PPG to rank 15th. Ben Howland knows more than just a little about coaching and his teams have put together back-to-back seasons of 25 and 23 wins in the tough SEC. This year's team will sure miss Qiunndary Witherspoon (18.5 PPG) but as noted, FOUR starters return plus freshman guards Stewart and Molinar are both averaging 9.1 PPG. That duo joins PG Carter (15.4 & 4.2 APG) and Woodard 11.8 & 7.3) in the backcourt and note Woodard's rebounding skill. The 6-10 Perry (15.4 & 9.8) matches Carter in scoring and leads the team in rebounding. He's joined in the frontcourt by the 6-1 1 Ado, who adds 5.7 & 6.4. More good news comes Miss St's way in that junior guard Nick Weatherspoon has scored 18 points in 42 minutes over two contests since returning from being suspended for the first 10 games of the season because of a violation of team rules. The Tigers have played only one true road game (a 70-69 victory at South Alabama on Nov 12) but are 4-0 in neutral-court contests. It's also true that the Tigers have won 23 of their last 24 games, losing to eventual national champion Virginia 63-62 in the Final Four). The again, it's also true that Miss St has won SEVEN of the last eight meetings with Auburn in Starkville, including a 92-84 victory last season. Pearl has nothing on Howland and the Bulldogs have the talent and depth to hand Auburn its first loss of the season. That's my bet! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-04-20 | Kansas State v. Oklahoma -6.5 | Top | 61-66 | Loss | -109 | 7 h 53 m | Show |
My 9* Revenge Rout is on Oklahoma at 1:00 ET.
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01-02-20 | Oregon State v. Utah -2 | Top | 69-81 | Win | 100 | 11 h 39 m | Show |
My 10* Conference Game of the Year (Pac-12) is on Utah at 8:30 ET.
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01-01-20 | Marquette v. Creighton -3 | Top | 75-92 | Win | 100 | 15 h 5 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on Creighton at 9:00 ET.
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12-29-19 | Arkansas v. Indiana -5 | Top | 71-64 | Loss | -109 | 9 h 19 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Indiana at 6:00 ET. The Arkansas Razorbacks are 10-1 and the Indiana Hoosiers are 11-1. Both schools suffered their lone loss this season on Dec 7, Arkansas 86-79 (OT) at Western Kentucky and Indiana 84-64 at Wisconsin. However, as both schools wrap up the non-conference portion of their schedules, neither is ranked. The Razorbacks and Hoosiers remain outside the top-25 because of schedules that are considered weak and both could use a win to enhance their resumes. Surprisingly, the teams will meet for the THIRD time in 13 months. Arkansas won a regular-season game at home last November (73-72) and Indiana prevailed in an NIT matchup in March, 63-60. Mike Anderson never fulfilled his promise at Arkansas and is gone after eight seasons (just three NCAA bids). To rescue has come Eric Mussleman, who led Nevada to the CBI title in his first season at Reno (2015-16) and then to three consecutive NCAA tourneys the last three years (won 28, 29 and 29 games!). Four starters returned for Arkansas but Mussleman added FIVE transfers in his first five months on the job. However, the only one making significant contributions is guard Whitt (from SMU), who is averaging 14.1 & 5.8). Arkansas' top-two scorers are returning guards Jones (19.6 & 6.2) and Joe (16.8 & 4.6). This is a perimeter-dominated team, as the team's best frontcourt player is 6-6 senior Bailey (7.3 & 4.6). In the end, Arkansas relies on a defense that holds opponents to 59.5 PPG (16th) and to 21.8 percent on three-point shots (1st). Archie Miller began his third season as Indiana's head coach and KNEW he had better improve on the 16 and 19-win seasons the Hoosiers delivered in his first two seasons at Bloomington. Indiana lost two NBA players from last year's team, guard Langford (16.5 & 5.4) and the 6-7 Morgan (15.5 & 8.2), but this year's team is off to an 11-1 start. That said, the schedule has been home-based and 'soft.' Veteran returning guards Green (12.3) and Durham (12.2) give Indiana a solid backcourt, while highly-touted 6-9 freshman Jackson-Davis (15.0 & 8.9) has been as good as advertised. He's joined up front by returning 6-7 forward Smith (12.7 & 5.3) and 6-11 Butler graduate transfer Brunk (7.8 & 5.5). PG Rob Phinisee is averaging 8.3 PPG and 3.7 APG (in seven games) and has struggled with an ankle injury but was back in the court in Indiana's last game, a Dec 21 win over Notre Dame (more in a bit). Both teams have been off since Dec 21 but I'm siding with Indiana. A win would give Indiana an undefeated record in non-conference play for the first time since the 2011-12 season and its first 12-1 start since 2012-13. Note that Indiana is 7-0 when PG Phinisee is able to play. The Hoosiers will test Arkansas' D with an offense averaging 80.3 PPG on 48.4% shooting (24th). Lay the points. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
12-28-19 | Wisconsin v. Tennessee -3 | Top | 68-48 | Loss | -109 | 9 h 35 m | Show |
My 10* Daytime Dominator is on Tennessee at 1:30 ET. Wisconsin and Tennessee meet Saturday afternoon in Knoxville. Wisconsin entered the season having been to the "Big Dance" in 20 of the last 21 seasons and while the Badgers lost the 6-10 Happ (17.3 & 10.1) and a solid guard in Iverson (6.9 & 4.5) from last season's 23-win NCAA team, the Badgers had a solid returning core. However, Wisconsin enters this contest just 6-5.The Vols went 31 games last season (made it to teh Sweet 16) but lost FOUR starters off that team, including tw0-time SEC player of the year, Grant Williams. The Vols are 8-3, as they enter their final game in 2019, with the team's SEC schedule opening Jan 4 with a home game against LSU The 6-11 Reuvers (15.6 & 5.6) is not Happ but he's an excellent big man. He's joined up front by the 6-8 Ford (10.0 & 4.5) plus a quartet of guards round out what has been Wisconsin's six-man rotation. King (11.5 & 3.8), Trice (9.8-4.6-3.1), Davison (9.3 & 4.1) and Pitzl (6.9 & 4.0) are all seasoned players. I just noted Wisconsin's six-man rotation but it's now SEVEN, as the 6-11 Porter, an Ohio St transfer, just became eligible in mid-December. He came off the bench to score12 points with five rebounds in his first game (an 83-64 win over Milwaukee last Saturday) and will CLEARLY be a key contributor the rest of the way. Rick Barnes lost plenty from last year's team but was set to rebuild around veteran guards Turner and Bowden, a pair of promising freshman plus 6-9 junior Fulkerson. Tennessee lost back-to-back games to then No. 13 Memphis at home (Dec 14) and then at Cincinnati on Dec 18. An easy win over Jacksonville State (Dec 21) may have "felt good' but NOT for long. Senior point guard Lamonte Turner (12.3-3.5-7.1) announced after the game that he was going to have season-ending shoulder surgery, thus ending his career with the Vols. Turner had been battling shoulder problems for several years. “I cried when I came back in the locker room just knowing that was my last time stepping out there,” Turner said after the 75-53 win over the Gamecocks last Saturday. “I have cried plenty of times thinking about it and I have cried plenty of times through this injury.” Senior Jordan Bowden (13.5-4.1-2.4 assists) scored a game-high 19 points in the win over Jacksonville St, while 6-9 junior John Fulkerson added 16 points on 8-of-11 shooting (he's shooting 67.1% on the season, averaging 11.8 & 5.3). Junior swingman Yves Pons (11.7 & 5.5) tied Tennessee's single-game record with six blocks and has rejected at least one shot in 11 straight games. As for those freshman I mentioned earlier, Josiah-Jordan James is scoring 7.4 PPG and adds a team-high 6.3 rebounds, while the 6-8 Nkamhoua is averaging 4.9 & 4.5. I realize that with the 6-11 Porter now eligible, Wisconsin will be a more formidable team moving forward but the Badgers have yet to win away from Madison. Wisconsin is 0-2 in true road games and 0-3 in neutral contests. Winning at Thompson-Bolling Arena is no easy task, as when the Vols lost at home to Memphis on Dec 14 (note: Tigers are now ranked 9th at 10-1), it ended a 31-game home winning streak for the Vols. The Vols play outstanding D, holding opponents to just 57.2 PPG on 38.1% shooting (23rd) and "at this price," I expect Tennessee to cap 2019 with a solid victory, before heading off to SEC play when the calendar turns to 2020. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
12-25-19 | Houston v. Washington +1 | Top | 75-71 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 48 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on Washington at 9:00 ET.
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12-23-19 | Washington v. Hawaii +6.5 | Top | 72-61 | Loss | -104 | 12 h 21 m | Show |
My 10* Tourney Takedown is on Hawaii at 11:00 ET.
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12-23-19 | UTEP v. Hawaii -1 | Top | 63-67 | Win | 100 | 18 h 27 m | Show |
My 9* West Coast Crusher is on Hawaii at 11:55 ET.
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12-21-19 | LSU v. USC +2.5 | Top | 68-70 | Win | 100 | 15 h 23 m | Show |
My 9* West Coast Crusher is on USC at 9:00 ET.
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12-21-19 | Dayton -5 v. Colorado | Top | 76-78 | Loss | -109 | 10 h 31 m | Show |
My 10* Revenge Game of the Month is on Dayton at 6:30 ET.
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12-21-19 | Kentucky +3.5 v. Ohio State | Top | 65-71 | Loss | -109 | 13 h 36 m | Show |
My 9* Top-10 Showdown is on Kentucky at 5:15 ET.
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12-21-19 | Minnesota v. Oklahoma State -3.5 | Top | 86-66 | Loss | -109 | 8 h 20 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Oklahoma St at 5:30 ET.
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12-18-19 | Vanderbilt v. Loyola-Chicago -1.5 | Top | 70-78 | Win | 100 | 11 h 34 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on Loyola-Chicago at 6:30 ET.
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12-17-19 | Oklahoma v. Creighton -3 | Top | 73-83 | Win | 100 | 13 h 45 m | Show |
My 10* Revenge Rout is on Creighton at 8:30 ET.
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12-16-19 | Kent State v. Cal-Irvine | Top | 68-74 | Loss | -109 | 12 h 30 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on Kent St at 7:00 ET.
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12-14-19 | Gonzaga v. Arizona -2 | Top | 84-80 | Loss | -108 | 12 h 49 m | Show |
My 9* West Coast Crusher is on Arizona at 10:00 ET. It's No. 6 Gonzaga and No, 15 Arizona squaring off in a Western showdown on Saturday on the Wildcats' home floor. This is the 10th meeting between the traditional powers with the Bulldogs winning six of the previous nine contests. Both schools enter 10-1, with Gonzaga's lone loss coming to now-No. 5 Michigan in the title game of the Battle 4 Atlantis and Arizona losing last Saturday 63-58 at now-No. 11 Baylor. Gonzaga has responded to that 18-point loss to Michigan with back-to-back wins, including last Saturday's 83-76 road victory over then-No. 22 Washington. Arizona Arizona took out the frustration of its loss to Baylor with a dominating 99-49 rout of Nebraska-Omaha on Wednesday.When Mark Few arrived in Spokane, the "Zags" had been to two NCAA tourneys in school history. All Few has done is go 20-for-20, entering this season on a streak of FIVE consecutive Sweet 16 appearances (reaching at least the Elite 8 in THREE of those five). Gonzaga lost a 'ton' off last year's team, including a pair of 6-8 forwards who both went in the first round of the NBA draft, Hachimura (19.7 & 6.5) and Clarke (16.9 & 8.6). Also moving on were guards Norvell (14.9-4.3-3.1) and Perkins (11.0 & 6.3 APG) but the refrain at Gonzaga is, "no worries." Gonzaga is 'loaded' up front with the 6-11 Petrusev (Serbia), who leads with 15.8 PPG and 8.5 RPG. The 6-7 Kispert (13.7), the 6-10 Tillie (13.7 & 5.0 in six games) plus 6-10 freshman Timme adds 10.4 & 5.5. A&M transfer Gilder (9.7), No. Texas transfer Woolridge (9.9-4.7-4.0) and returning guard Ayayi (10.1 & 6.0) are the main contributors on the perimeter. Gonzaga is averaging 85.9 PPG (5th) on 49.9% shooting. Sean Miller began his 10th season as the Arizona head coach during the 2018–2019 season but Arizona ended the season 17−15, missing the NCAA tournament for only the SECOND time in the previous 34 seasons. Miller's 11th season at Arizona featured a top-5 recruiting class and the Wildcats were ranked No. 21 in the AP's preseason. As noted above, the Wildcats are 10-1 and currently ranked 15th. The freshman class includes the 6-11 Zeke Nnaji (15.9 & 6.7) plus guards Nico Mannion (14.9 & 6.2 APG) and Josh Green (12.9 & 5.1). 6-10 senior center Chase Jeter has scored in double digits in five straight games and is averaging 14.4 points on 26-of-36 shooting during the stretch to raise his season mark to 9.1 PPG (5.8 RPG). Returning guards Smith (9.1) and Baker (7.2) round out the main contributors. Arizona is right behind Gonzaga averaging 85.5 PPG (8th) while shooting 52.1 percent from the floor. Arizona needs a win over Gonzaga and the McKale Center has provided the Wildcats with one of college basketball's toughest home venues for 40-plus season (opened in 1973). Home team gets a BIG win! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
12-14-19 | Oklahoma v. Wichita State -4 | Top | 75-80 | Win | 100 | 12 h 22 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Month is on Wichita St at 6:00 ET.
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12-14-19 | Oregon v. Michigan -3.5 | Top | 71-70 | Loss | -106 | 5 h 20 m | Show |
My 9* Top-10 Showdown is on Michigan at 12:00 ET. No. 10 Oregon (7-2) will visit No. 5 Michigan (8-2) Saturday at 12:00 ET, playing at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor for the first time in school history. Oregon won its first six games before, losing a pair of close games to ranked teams in the Battle 4 Atlantis, a one-point overtime heartbreaker to then-No. 8 Gonzaga and a four-point loss to then-No. 6 North Carolina. The Ducks have eased into their December schedule, as they have only played one game this month, an 89-64 victory over Hawaii on Saturday. Michigan was unranked heading into the season but vaulted to No. 4 after beating then No. 6 North Carolina and eighth-ranked Gonzaga to win the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament during Thanksgiving weekend. (note: Oregon lost to those same teams in that tourney). However, after losing to No. 1 Louisville in their first game with a ranking, the Wolverines bounced back with a home victory over Iowa on Dec 6 but then lost their big Ten road opener 71-62 at Illinois on Dec 13. Dana Altman has led Kansas St, Creighton and Oregon to multiple NCAA tourneys and he likes this year's team (I agree). The Ducks are led by senior guard Payton Pritchard, who is averaging 18.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. He is one of two players nationally averaging at least 18 points, six assists and four rebounds (Western Carolina's Mason Faulkner). Senior guard Anthony Mathis (10.8) and junior guard Chris Duarte (10.3 & 5.4) are the Ducks' other double-figure scorers, although Oregon goes 'nine-deep." Sophomore guard Will Richardson comes off the bench and is up to 9.4 PPG after averaging 16.5 points over his last two games. Starting alongside of Pritchard, Mathis and Duarte are 6-8 freshman Walker (5.9 & 3.2) and 6-9 sophomore Okoro (5.1 & 6.0). John Beilein left Michigan to take the head coaching job with the Cleveland Cavaliers (why?), after leading the Wolverines to NINE NCAA tourneys in his 12 years (twice lost in the national championship game). Taking over is former Fab Fiver Juwan Howard, who had to replace forward Ignas Brazdeikis (14.8 & 5.4) plus guards Jordan Poole (12.8) and Charles Matthews (12.2 & 5.0). However, the cupboard was far from bare. 6-7 junior forward Isaiah Livers averages a team-best 14.8 points and is shooting 52 percent from the floor. 7-1 senior center Jon Teske averages 14.3 PPG plus a team-high 9.0 RPG and is set to play his 89th straight game in this contest. Senior PG Xavier Simpson checks in with a line of 12.0-4.4-8.6 and junior guard Eli Brooks adds 11.7 PPG. Other key contributors are the 6-8 Wagner (7.7 & 3.3) and guard DeJulius (7.4 & 3.1). I'm a HUGE fan of Altman but I noted above that Oregon will be playing in Ann Arbor for the first-time ever but more notable, this is the Ducks' first true road game this season. In fact, it is Oregon's LONE true road game in 2019 (of 13), as the Ducks next head out on the road for their Pac-12 opener Jan 2 at Colorado. I mentioned above that Oregon's two losses came to Gonzaga and North Carolina in the Bahamas and while "comparison scores" can often be deceiving, it's hard NOT to note that Michigan beat Gonzaga 82-64 and beat North Carolina, 73-64. Oregon's first visit to Crisler Arena "dos NOT end well!" Good luck...Larry | |||||||
12-12-19 | Iowa v. Iowa State -4 | Top | 84-68 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 3 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on Iowa St at 8:00 ET.
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12-11-19 | Fresno State v. California +2 | Top | 63-69 | Win | 100 | 12 h 24 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on Cal 10:00 ET.
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12-10-19 | Butler v. Baylor -5 | Top | 52-53 | Loss | -109 | 12 h 45 m | Show |
My 10* play is on Baylor at 9:00 ET.
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12-08-19 | Seton Hall v. Iowa State | Top | 66-76 | Win | 100 | 14 h 53 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on Iowa St at 9:00 ET.
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12-07-19 | Cincinnati v. Xavier -6 | Top | 66-73 | Win | 100 | 9 h 46 m | Show |
My 10* Rivalry Rout is on Xavier at 5:00 ET.
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12-07-19 | Indiana v. Wisconsin +1 | Top | 64-84 | Win | 100 | 8 h 15 m | Show |
My 9* Conference Game of the Month (Big Ten) is on Wisconsin at 4:30 ET.
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12-06-19 | Providence v. Rhode Island -1 | Top | 61-75 | Win | 100 | 17 h 48 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on Rhode Island at 7:00 ET. State rivals Providence and Rhode Island are separated by about 30 miles but the two schools play in different leagues, as Providence is a member of the Big East and Rhode Island a member of the Atlantic-10. However, both schools come off similar years, as the Friars were 18-16 in the 2018-19 season, while the Rams went 18-15. Similarly, each school returned all FIVE starters from a year ago but also of note is that both teams have not gotten off to good starts. Providence has started just 5-4 and Rhode Island has opened 5-3. Providence, predicted to finish fourth in the Big East , just beat Pepperdine 80-77 in the seventh-place game of the Wooden Legacy on Sunday but prior to that, had dropped three in a row to mid-major programs. The Rams' most recent game was also last Sunday, when they put a scare into 7-0 West Va on the road, before settling for an 86-81 loss (more in a bit).All-Big East selection Alpha Diallo hasn't been able to build on his impressive junior campaign. The 6-7 guard struggled for the second straight game in Sunday's close win over Pepperdine, connecting on just 8 of 26 shots (30.8%) in that span. That said, he does lead the team in scoring (13.2) and rebounding (8.9). Returning guards Duke (12.9- 4.6-4.1), White (9.3) and Reeves (6.8) have been joined on the perimeter by have been joined by graduate transfer Pipkins (8.8 & 5.2 APG). The 6-7 Holt (8.7 & 5.2) is happy that 6-10 center Watson is finally back on the court after an injury, as he chipped in 15 points off the bench against the Waves. He has averaged 9.0 PPG in playing the last five games. Rhode Island's Fatts Russell (21.1-4.9-3.5) became the first Ram since Tavorris Bell (2000-01) to score at least 20 points in six straight games, after erupting for a season-high 32 against West Virginia. The 6-8 Cyril Langevine (10.5-10.5) is one of just three A-10 players averaging a double-double. Joining those two in scoring double digits are guards Dowtin (13.9) and Martin (10.6 & 5.3). It's true that Providence has 'owned' this series recently (Friars have won EIGHT of the last nine meetings) but the under-performing Friars look VERY vulnerable in this one. The Friars 'limp' into their annual showdown with the Rams on a 1-6 ATS run, with the team's lone "cover" coming against Merrimack. Rhode Island may be just 5-3 but its losses have come against two unbeatens on the road, at West Va (see above) and at now-No. 3 Maryland (9-0) plus against the SEC's LSU (6-2) in the Jamaica Classic. The Rams are 4-0 SU at home in the early going and get a "break-through win" against the Friars here, moving to 5-0. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
12-04-19 | Ohio State v. North Carolina -4 | Top | 74-49 | Loss | -109 | 11 h 46 m | Show |
My 10* play is on North Carolina at 9:30 ET.
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12-03-19 | Butler v. Ole Miss -1 | Top | 67-58 | Loss | -115 | 13 h 44 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on Ole Miss at 7:00 ET.
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12-02-19 | Clemson v. Minnesota -3 | Top | 60-78 | Win | 100 | 10 h 28 m | Show |
My 10* play is on Minnesota at 9:00 ET. The Big Ten-ACC Challenge gets underway Monday with a pair of games, including 5-2 Clemson visiting 3-4 Minnesota. Clemson opened the season with a 67-70 home loss to Va Tech but then won FIVE in row, including erasing a 15-point deficit to force overtime and eventually edge TCU 62-60 on Nov 24th in Las Vegas. However, the Tigers then lost two nights later 71-67 to Colorado, which is 6-0 and ranked 21st in the most recent AP poll. The Golden Gophers are coming off a 73-68 home loss to DePaul (Nov 29) and already had losses to Oklahoma, Butler and Utah on their resume. The loss to Colorado was the first time this season that the Tigers had allowed an opponent to reach 70 points. "Our guys are getting better," head coach Brad Brownell told reporters. "We're fighting. We've got to get better at executing a few things, but we're getting there. Our players work hard for us, and I love coaching them." 6-8 junior forward Aamir Simms (11.9 & 8.9) is the lone returning starter for the Tigers but Clemson's best player is 6-6 senior forward Tevin Mack (15.4 & 5.6), a grad transfer from Alabama. Sophomore guard John Newman III (11.6 PPG) and freshman PG Al-Amir Dawes (10.1 & 3.4 APG) are Clemson's other double digit scorers. Clemson's strength is its defense, allowing 61.0 PPG (41st) on 37.5% shooting (34th). Richard Pitino will sure miss guards Coffey (16.6) and McBrayer (8.9) plus big man Murphy (14.4 & 11.0), who gave the Minnesota program a combined 11 seasons. However, Pitino likes his team and the team's 3-4 start is unacceptable. The 6-10 Oturu (17.0 & 11;9) is off to a strong start and is joined up front by the 6-9 Demir (7.7 & 3.7), a graduate transfer from Drexel. Minnesota owns an excellent backcourt trio, led by PG Carr (13.0-5.9-6.3), joined by Willis (12.9) and Kalscheur (11.7). Pitino has had a roller-coaster run at Minnesota, capturing the NIT (25 wins) in his first season but then falling to 18 wins and just EIGHT wins the next two seasons. The last three seasons have seen 24 and 22-win NCAA teams sandwiched around a 15-win season. This game IS important, as Minnesota opens Big Ten play with a game at Iowa (Dec 9) and the home to Ohio St (7-0 and ranked 10th) on Dec 15. Clemson is beatable and is traveling back from a three-day stay in Las Vegas, If Minnesota can't win here, it will be a LONG season for "little Ricky." Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-29-19 | Utah State v. St. Mary's -3 | Top | 73-81 | Win | 100 | 12 h 21 m | Show |
My 10* West Coast Crusher is on St Mary's at 11:30 ET.
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11-29-19 | VCU +3 v. Purdue | Top | 56-59 | Push | 0 | 16 h 20 m | Show |
My 9* Oddsmaker's Error is on VCU at 9:30 ET. Mike Rhoads took over at VCU for Will Wade when he left for LSU and after the Rams won a disappointing 18 games in his first season, went 25-8 last season as VCU earned an NCAA bid for the NINTH time in the last 11 seasons. The Rams have opened teh current season 6-0 and will take their No. 20 ranking in the latest AP poll into the Emerald Coast Classic (Niceville, Fl) with 3-2 Purdue. The Boilermakers opened the season ranked 23rd in the AP preseason poll but after a 79-57 win over Green Bay, Purdue lost at home 70-66 to Texas and then 65-55 at Marquette.Home wins of 93-49 over Chicago St and 81-49 over Jacksonville St prove little. The Rams returned all four of their double-figure scorers from last season’s team, as the lone starter lost from the 2018-19 team was the 6-8 Mobley. He started 23 games and chipped in modest totals of 4.2 & 2.5 (no real loss). The core of this year's team is guards Evans (15.2 & 3.2 APG)) and Jenkins (10.0) plus 6-7 junior Santos-Silva (11.5 & 10.5). Five guards get time in teh backcourt along with Evans and Jenkins, chipping in between 4.0 and 7.0 PPG. The 6-6 Vann (8.0 & 2.5) is really the only other frontcourt contributor helping Santos-Silva. "Shaka Ball” is back at VCU, even though Shaka Smart has been at Texas since the 205-16 season. Rhoades is a Shaka 'disciple' and the Rams are again employing withering, relentless pressure for 40 minutes as they did for the best of the Shaka years. VCU is among the nation’s leaders in TO margin and TOs forced (21 per game!). Purdue lost outstanding guard Edwards (24.3) from last year's team, as well as the team's second-leading scorer Cline (12.0). The Boilermakers have nowhere near VCU's depth. Guards Proctor (15.6-3.4-3.2) and Hunter (10.0 & 3.4) are the biggest backcourt contributors, while the 7-3 Haarms (12.0 & 6.6) and the 6-9 Wheeler (7.6 & 8.0) are team's top frontcourt players. Matt Painter-coached teams always play good D and this year is no different, as Purdue has held all five opponents to fewer than 70 points to start the season (58.0 PPG on the season to rank 16th nationally). 'Plodding' Purdue has already lost to the real Shaka Smart and Texas at Mackey Arena back on Nov 9 and I expect them to be at LEAST a step or two behind Rhoads' "Shaka 2.0" team. VCU is the better team getting points. Luv it! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-29-19 | Michigan v. Gonzaga -2.5 | Top | 82-64 | Loss | -115 | 4 h 37 m | Show |
My 9* Battle 4 Atlantis Championship Showdown play is on Gonzaga at 2:00 ET. John Beilein left Michigan to take the head coaching job with the Cleveland Cavaliers (why?), after leading the Wolverines to NINE NCAA tourneys in his 12 years (twice lost in the national championship game). Taking over was former Fab Fiver Juwan Howard, who would have to replace forward Ignas Brazdeikis (14.8 & 5.4) plus guards Jordan Poole (12.8) and Charles Matthews (12.2 & 5.0). Michigan opened the season unranked but now finds itself in the championship game of the Battle 4 Atlantis after beating Iowa St (83-76) and No. 6 North Carolina (73-64). Waiting in the title game will be 8-0 Gonzaga, which is ranked No. 8 in the latest AP poll. You may have heard of Gonzaga and its head coach, Mark Few. When Few arrived in Spokane, the "Zags" had been to two NCAA tourneys in school history. All Few has done is go 20-for-20, entering this season on a streak of FIVE consecutive Sweet 16 appearances (reaching at least the Elite 8 in THREE of those five). Gonzaga eased past Southern Miss 94-69 on Wednesday but then needed OT to get past No. 11 Oregon 73-72 on Thanksgiving (this just in...the Ducks are an excellent team!). Michigan's style under Howard has been to push the offensive tempo. The win over North Carolina marked SIX straight in which the Wolverines scored at least 70 points, as the Wolverines are SIXTH in the nation in field-goal percentage (52.7) and 34th in scoring (82.5 PPG). PG Simpson is the team leader (12.2-4.5-9.2) but junior guard Brooks connected on 9-of-14 from the floor, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc on Thursday to score 24 points. That raised his scoring average on the season to 13.7, second on the team behind 6-7 junior forward Isaiah Livers (16.3). 7-1 senior center Jon Teske has chipped in 12.3 PPG plus adds a team-best 8.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. Gonzaga lost a 'ton' off last year's team, including a pair of 6-8 forwards who both went in the first round of the NBA draft, Hachimura (19.7 & 6.5) and Clarke (16.9 & 8.6). Also moving on were guards Norvelll (14.9-4.3-3.1) and Perkins (11.0 & 6.3 APG) but the refrain at Gonzaga is, "no worries." Gonzaga is 'loaded' up front with the 6-11 Petrusev (Serbia), who leads with 17.0 PPG and 8.6 RPG. The 6-7 Kispert (14.1), the 6-10 Tillie (11.7 & 5.7 in just three games) plus 6-10 freshman Timme adds 11.1 & 5.6. A&M transfer Gilder (11.0), No. Texas transfer Woolridge (9.5-5.5-3.9) and returning guard Ayayi (9.3-6.5-3.6) are the main contributors on the perimeter. Gonzaga is averaging 87.1 PPG (7th) on 50.9% shooting (13th), while allowing 61.9 PPG (plenty good enough with its scoring output at the other end). Michigan came to Paradise Island in the Bahamas for the Battle 4 Atlantis unranked, but can leave with a championship. However, after upsetting North Carolina, I don't see back-to-back wins over top-10 teams being 'in the cards.' The Bulldogs led Oregon by 17 points in the early going and by five points with a minute left in regulation, before having to rally in overtime. Mark Few has too many options and could counter a fast Michigan team with a big lineup, a strategy the Bulldogs employed against Oregon. Few often paired the 6-foot-10 Tillie with 6-foot-11 Petrusev, utilizing the former in the high post and wing and Petrusev on the low block. Kudos to Howard's fast start but he's got a LONG way to go to match Few's coaching acumen. Good luck..Larry | |||||||
11-28-19 | Creighton v. San Diego State -1 | Top | 52-83 | Win | 100 | 14 h 35 m | Show |
My 10* "signature" LEGEND Play is on San Diego St at 10:30 ET.
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11-27-19 | Seton Hall v. Oregon -1.5 | Top | 69-71 | Win | 100 | 12 h 51 m | Show |
My 9* play is on Oregon at 9:30 ET.
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11-27-19 | Wichita State +1 v. West Virginia | Top | 63-75 | Loss | -108 | 10 h 47 m | Show |
My 10* play is on Wichita St at 8:30 ET.
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11-26-19 | Colorado -4.5 v. Clemson | Top | 71-67 | Loss | -109 | 12 h 51 m | Show |
My 9* Bailout Blowout is on Colorado at 11:30 ET. Tad Boyle took the Colorado job in 2010-11 and won 20-plus games in FIVE of his first six seasons (three NCAA appearances). However, mediocre 19-15 and 17-15 seasons followed, before Colorado went 23-13 last year. The Buffs didn't make the Big Dance last season but all FIVE starters returned and big things were expected. The Buffs have opened 4-0 and and are currently ranked 23rd in the AP's latest poll. Colorado played an 'ugly' first half last night against Wyoming (game was tied at 15-all) but the Buffs pulled away for a 56-41 victory. Clemson opened the season with a 67-70 home loss to Va Tech but has since won FIVE in row, after erasing a 15-point deficit to force overtime and eventually edge TCU, 62-60. I really like this Colorado team, which is holding opponents to 54.5 PPG (11th) and is led by three double-digit scorers. The 6-7 Tyler Bey (14.0 & 12.0 ) is a terrific player and is joined in double figures by PG Wright (12.8-4.0-3.8) and the 6-7 Schwartz (12.5). Some inside 'muscle' comes from the 6-8 Bailey (7.8 & 7.3) and the 6-7 Siewert (6.8 & 5.5), who comes off the bench. 6-8 junior forward Aamir Simms (10.0 & 8.2) is the lone returning starter for the Tigers but led Sunday night's comeback by scoring all 13 of his points in the second half, to go with 12 rebounds. Clemson's best player is 6-6 senior forward Tevin Mack, a grad transfer from Alabama. He scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the win over TCU. He leads the team in scoring (16.2) while also shooting 44.7 percent (17-of-38) from three-point range. Sophomore guard John Newman III and freshman PG Al-Amir Dawes are tied for second in scoring (10.8) and have combined for 32 assists and 14 steals. Just how good is Clemson? The loss to Va Tech is understandable (Hokies are 6-0 and just beat Mich St) but before scoring the final 15 points of the game Sunday to send the contest to OT (and win), the Tigers' previous four wins all came at home over Coppin St, South Carolina-Upstate, Lehigh and Delaware St. I don't see Clemson "coming back" against this talented, balanced and excellent defensive team in Colorado. Lay the modest points. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-26-19 | Dayton -3.5 v. Virginia Tech | Top | 89-62 | Win | 100 | 8 h 4 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on Dayton at 8:00 ET.
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11-25-19 | Northwestern v. Bradley -3 | Top | 78-51 | Loss | -118 | 8 h 58 m | Show |
My 10* Late-Breaker is on Bradley at 8:30 ET.
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11-25-19 | Loyola-Chicago -1.5 v. South Florida | Top | 55-66 | Loss | -113 | 6 h 36 m | Show |
My 9* Daytime Dominator is on Loyola-Chicago at 1:30 ET.
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11-23-19 | Arizona State v. St. John's +2.5 | Top | 80-67 | Loss | -109 | 6 h 52 m | Show |
My 10* Rivalry Rout is on St John's at 2:30 ET.
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11-22-19 | Temple v. USC -10 | Top | 70-61 | Loss | -120 | 13 h 18 m | Show |
My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on USC at 11:00 ET. Andy Enfield came to USC with unlimited fanfare. He led Florida Gold Coast to 26 wins and a Sweet 16 appearance back in the 2012-13 season and used that as a springboard to come to LA. He also brought along stock in a company he helped manage to more than $100 million in net worth plus a beautiful former model of a wife (the perfect fit for California). However, he's had three winning and three losing seasons at USC. Last year's team was just 16-17 and the Pac 12 has FOUR teams currently ranked in the AP top-25 (Oregon, Arizona, Colorado and Washington). However, USC has won its first five games by at least seven or more points, for the first time since 1963, USC has won its first five games by at least seven or more points. The 5-0 Trojans will try to keep that streak alive on Friday night when they host unbeaten Temple (3-0). The Owls return three starters and 10 lettermen from a 23-10 team that lost to Belmont in the First Four in the NCAA Tournament. However, longtime head coach Fran Dunphy (who led Penn and Temple to a combined 17 NCAA appearances), finally retired. Yes, Temple has a first-year head coach in Aaron McKie, but he's hardly "new." McKie played three years at Temple (he was the 1993 Atlantic 10 Conference Player of the Year as a junior) and then after a 15-year NBA career, returned to Temple as Dunphy's assistant from 2014-19. Temple was picked to finish seventh in the American Athletic Conference preseason poll but comes in off a 70-65 Big-5 win over La Salle on Saturday plus also has won home games over Drexel (70-62) and Morgan State (75-57). Junior guard Nate Pierre-Louis posted his third straight double-double vs LaSalle and is averaging 18.1-11.0-4.3. Senior guard Quinton Rose (16.0) and fellow guard Alanui Moore (10.3) join Pierre-Louis in double figures.The frontcourt consists of the 6-7 Perry (7.7), the 6-7 Moorman (5.0 & 6.3) and the 6-11 Damion Moore (4.0 & 5.5). USC is coming in off a 91-84 home victory over Pepperdine on Tuesday that saw 6-9 freshman forward Onyeka Okongwu score a career-high 33 points, the most by a Trojan freshman since O.J. Mayo scored 37 in a 2008 game against Arizona State. Okongwu (18.2 & 9.4) helped lead Chino Hills High School to three state titles and is already a star in LA. However, Okongwu is just part of an impressive Trojan front line that also includes 6-11 senior Nick Rakocevic (16.4 & 9.8), who was a preseason first team All-Pac-12 pick, as well as 6-10 freshman Isaiah Mobley (9.4 & 5.0), a McDonald's All-American who had 14 points in 18 minutes off the bench against the Waves. Senior guard Mathews (11.8) is a steadying influence and along with Rakocevic, became the 41st and 42nd players in school history to reach the 1,000-point mark earlier this season. Temple flies a long way for this contest and does not own the quickness nor the SIZE to match the Trojans. Temple already has FOUR players averaging 30-plus minutes and comes in shooting a putrid 39.2% (307th) on the young season. USC is averaging 80.8 PPG and the Trojans are 33-4 SU in their last 37 home non-conference games. Make that 34-4, with tonight's win coming "with room to spare!" Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-22-19 | Houston v. Oregon -7.5 | Top | 66-78 | Win | 100 | 11 h 17 m | Show |
My 10* Revenge Rout is on Oregon at 9:00 ET. | |||||||
11-21-19 | Texas -5.5 v. Georgetown | Top | 66-82 | Loss | -105 | 14 h 56 m | Show |
My 10* Tourney Takedown is on Texas at 7:00 ET. 4-0 Texas entered the latest AP poll this past Monday at No. 22 (first time ranked in nearly a year) and will take that ranking to Madison Square Garden to meet 3-1 Georgetown in the 2K Empire Classic. Thursday's game marks just the third meeting between Texas and Georgetown (first since 2012) with the series tied at a game apiece. Texas won last year's NIT, which holds its Final 4 at MSG (Longhorns beat TCU in the semis and Lipscomb in the title game). As for Georgetown, "The Garden" is a VERY familiar venue, as the Hoyas have played roughly 100 games there, most coming in the Big East Tournament. Missing from last year's NIT champs are big men Osetkowski (11.1 & 7.2) and Hayes (10.0 & 5.0), who was a one-and-done (8th overall pick of the 2019 draft by Atlanta). Guard Roach was suspended THREE different times in his stay at Austin but he ended his Texas career by being named the NIT's most outstanding player. All will be missed but Texas has an experienced group of players back. Depth on the perimeter is a strength, led by PG Coleman (14.5-4.5-4.3) and Jones (13.3), who are supported by Ramey (9.0 & 5.3), Febres (8.0) and freshman Williams (5.3). Taking over up front for Osetkowski and Hayes are the 6-8 Liddell (9.3 & 5.0) and the 6-9 Sims (8.3 & 7.3). This is Patrick Ewing's third season at Georgetown and after a 15-15 'rookie' year, his Hoyas won 19 games last season but lost in the first round of the NIT. The good news is, FOUR starters are back, although the loss is a big one. Govan averaged 17.5 & 7.5 in making the all-Big East first team. 7-0 senior Yurtseven (17.0 & 12.5) is Georgetown's best player this season, joined up front by a trio of fowards who have combined to average right about 30 points and 11 rebounds per game. The Hoyas start three guards, PG Akinjo (12.3 & 4.5 APG), McClung (12.3) and Mosley (7.5 & 3.30. Georgetown's three wins have come over 'nobodies,' while its lone loss came 81-66 at home to a Penn St team that was just 14-18 last season. Shaka Smart came to Texas with great fanfare, after a terrific run at VCU (Google it). However, his Texas teams have made just two NCAAs in his first four seasons at Austin, with both teams getting bounced in the first round. Last year's NIT title was 'nice,' but Smart was not hired to win NIT championships. Smart's trademark has always been "team defense" and Texas has held all opponents to 66 points or less, allowing 55.2 PPG (18th) on 36.3% shooting (45th). Texas has won its lone 'test' of the young season, winning 70-66 at then-No. 23 Purdue. A win here and Texas will get a chance at current No. 1 Duke in Friday's tourney championship (assuming the Dookies beat Cal). I look forward to seeing how Texas fares against Duke but first, the Longhorns will have to dispatch Georgetown. My bet says that win comes convincingly! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-20-19 | San Diego State -5 v. San Diego | Top | 66-49 | Win | 100 | 16 h 49 m | Show |
My 9* Rivalry Rout is on SD State at 11:00 ET. It may come as a surprise to some that San Diego St has won at least 19 games for each of the last 14 seasons and owns the NCAA's 14th-best winning percentage (.733) in that time frame. The Aztecs entered last season having made SEVEN of the last nine NCAA tourneys and played in the postseason in 12 of the previous 13 years. However, the team's 21-13 record left them "sitting out" postseason play last year. San Diego welcomes SD St to the Jenny Craig Pavilion off a a 21-15 season that earned them an NIT bid. SD St enters 3-0 to open the current season, while San Diego is off to a 2-3 start. The Aztecs rely on a trio of guards and frontcourt players. The backcourt features Flynn (15.3 & 6.3 APG), Schakel (13.0) and Feagin (10.0), while the frontcourt consists of the 6-6 Mitchell (9.0 & 5.3), the 6-10 Mensah (8.7 & 10.3) and the 6-10 Wetzell (6.0 & 7.0). As always, the Aztecs are a strong defensive team, allowing 58.0 PPG (34th). San Diego lost its top-four scorers from last season and like SD St, relies on three key perimeter players and three more in the frontcourt. Guards Calcaterra (16.8), Hartfield (11.4 & 6.8) and Humphrey (9.0) team with the 6-10 Massalski (11.0 & 5.0), the 6-7 Jean-Marie (8.6 & 8.4) and the 6-7 Floresca (7.0 & 4.4). San Diego may be at home but it is in a tough spot here. The Toreros are averaging just 66.2 PPG (278th) on 40.2% shooting (286th). SDSU head coach Brian Dutcher was an assistant for 18 years under Steve Fisher, first at Michigan and then here at SDSU, where he was known as a "head coach in waiting." He took aver at SDSU when Fisher retired and took the Aztecs to an NCAA appearance in 2017-18 but as noted above, fell short of ANY postseason bid last year. I expect this year's team to be back in postseason play and tonight, to avenge last year 's 73-61 loss at home to local rival San Diego. Revenge works here! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-20-19 | Texas State v. UNLV -3.5 | Top | 64-57 | Loss | -118 | 13 h 40 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on UNLV at 10:00 ET. Danny Kaspar led the Texas State Bobcats to a 24-10 record last season (his 1st at San Marcos), the school's most wins in 25 years. Kaspar had the challenge this season of replacing three starters and the Bobcats visit the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas at 3-2 (more in a little bit). UNLV was unhappy with Marvin Menzies and he was let go after three seasons. The Rebels brought in TJ Otzelberger, who in three seasons at South Dakota St, took the school two to NCAA tourneys, including winning 28 games in the 2017-18 season. However, UNLV has opened a disappointing 2-3. Texas St is led by guards Pearson (15.0 & 4.0) and Harrell (8.4 & 45.0) and its best frontcourt player is the 6-8 Small (12.2 & 8.6), a JC transfer. Six more players are getting 14-plus minutes per game , while chipping in 5.2-to-7.6 PPG. Hardy was UNLV's top returning scorer and the junior guard is leading the way averaging 19.0-3.4-3.0. Texas graduate transfer Mitrou-Long has been an excelelent backcourt partner, adding 12.6-4.6-3.2. Up front, the 6-7 Tillman (the Pac 12's 6th man of the year last season), has been allowed to play this season and is scoring 12.4 PPG with 4.4 RPG. The 6-11 Diong is averaging 7.2 PPG and a team-high 10.6 RPG. Texas St has won all three at home but the opponents were 'cup cakes' Texas Lutheran, PV A&M and Jackson St. The Bobcats have lost both road games, at Air Force and Baylor. Yes, UNLV is 2-3 but the losses have in OT vs Kansas St and on the road vs Pac 12 schools Cal (also in OT) and UCLA. The Rebels haven't beaten anyone of of note yet, winning at home against Purdue-Fort Wayne and Abilene Christian. A victory over Texas St will not be considered a "quality win" but UNLV could sure use a "confidence-builder." I say the Rebels get a "W" (and cover) in this one, as Texas St is just 5-12-1 as an underdog of 6.5 points or less. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-19-19 | Montana State v. Grand Canyon -6 | Top | 56-69 | Win | 100 | 11 h 36 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on Grand Canyon at 9:00 ET. Danny Sprinkle attended Montana St and back in 1996, scored 30 points in the Big Sky championship game to lead the Bobcats into the "Big Dance." The Bobcats haven't been back since. However, on April 4, 2019, Sprinkle was hired as the 23rd head men's basketball coach at Montana State. He took over at a school which has won between seven and 16 games the last five seasons. Dan Majerle had a 14-year NBA career and was the associate head coach for the Phoenix Suns from 2008–2013. On March 15, 2013, it was announced that Majerle would coach for Grand Canyon University in their its season as a Division I team. In Malerle's third season, he led the Antelopes to 27 wins and into the CIT quarterfinals, then followed with 22, 22 and 20-win seasons. Each of the last two seasons, Grand Canyon has lost in the WAC championship game, to New Mexico St (one win shy of an NCAA berth). Sprinkle has an "international cast of characters," led PG Frey (17.2-5.8-6.0) from Noway. Two London-born players are the 6-9 Belo (11.2 & 6.2) and guard Adamu (9.8 & 4.2) plus guard Paulo (9.4) hails from Toronto. The Bobcats are off to an impressive start at 4-1, which includes three wins in THREE days in Greensboro, NC playing in the Spartan Classic. Mon St beat App St 59-56, host UNC-Greensboro 67-66 and Ten Tech, 52-39. Meanwhile, Grand Canyon stumbled out of the gate with THREE straight losses, before beating Arkansas-Pine Bluff 67-54. Grand Canyon lost two key players from last year's team in the 6-10 Finke (12.1 & 5.1) and PG Milstead (10.3 & 3.6 APG) but Majerle has a solid team. Guard Johnson (13.5 & 6.8) leads the team in scoring and rebounding plus four more players average in double figures. That group includes guard Brown (12.8 & 4.2), freshman Blacksher (12.2 & 5.2) and 6-7 graduate transfer swingman Jenkins (10.2 & 3.8) plus the returning 6-10 Lever (11.5 & 2.8). I can't explain Grand Canyon's early stumbles but Montana State just finished playing three games in three days in Greensboro (Fri-Sun) and now flies to Phoenix with only ONE day between playing a FOURTH game in five days! That's asking A LOT! Lay the points. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-16-19 | USC -2 v. Nevada | Top | 76-66 | Win | 100 | 17 h 2 m | Show |
My 10* Bailout Blowout of the Month is on USC at 11:00 ET. 3-0 USC visits Reno, Nv on Saturday night to take on 2-1 Nevada. The Trojans have won their first three games by an average of 19.3 PPG but are playing on the road for the first time, after going 2-8 away from home last season. The Wolf Pack have won 44 of their last 47 home games but after three straight NCAA appearances with win totals of 28, 29 and 29, Nevada entered this season with a new head coach (more in a bit) and having lost all FIVE starters from last year's team. Speaking of head coaches, Andy Enfield came to USC with unlimited fanfare. He led Florida Gold Coast to 26 wins and a Sweet 16 appearance back in the 2012-13 season and used that as a springboard to come to LA. He also brought along stock in a company he helped manage to more than $100 million in net worth plus a beautiful former model of a wife (the perfect fit for California). However, he's had three winning and three losing seasons at USC. Last year's team was just 16-17 and the Pac 12 has three teams currently ranked in the AP top-25 (Oregon, Arizona and Colorado). The good news is that seniors Jonah Mathews (1,009) and Nick Rakocevic (1,007) just became the 41st and 42nd players in school history to reach the 1,000-point mark. The 6-11 Rakocevic is averaging 14.0 & 9.0 and guard Mathews chips in 11.7 PPG. The better news is that neither is the team's best player, as that's reserved for 6-9 freshman Onyeka Okongwu, who averages 17.3 points and 10.3 rebounds plus has recorded 10 blocked shots. Also "keep an eye on 6-10 freshman Mobley, who is averaging 8.7 & 6.7. Eric Mussleman led Nevada to the CBI title in his first season (2015-16) and then to the success stated above. He left for Arkansas this season and was replaced by Steve Alford. The former Indiana start had coaching success at Missouri St and New Mexico but was generally viewed as a 'flop' at UCLA, where he was fired during last season. He takes over a team that lost all FIVE starters but he does have a deep and pretty good perimter group. Holdover guards Drew (20.3-7.7-6.3) and Johnson (17.3) are off two excellent starts, joined on the perimeter by La Tech transfer Harris (12.0 & 5.5) and the returning Zouzoua (11.3). Yes, Nevada has won 44 of its last 47 at home but one of those losses came this year at home to Utah, a Pac 12 team not as good as USC. The Trojans wil surely remember getting outscored 39-26 in 2nd-half of last year's 73-61 home loss to Nevada and again, that was a totally different team than this year's Nevada edition. Revenge will be 'sweet' for USC, with a bonus being Enfield getting some extra satisfaction in besting former UCLA mentor Alfird. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-16-19 | Belmont v. Boston College -1.5 | Top | 100-85 | Loss | -108 | 6 h 7 m | Show |
My 9* Daytime Dominator is on Boston College at 2:00 ET. Belmont and Boston College meet Saturday afternoon in Chestnut Hill in an on-campus Gotham Classic matchup. Belmont is coming off a 27-6 season which included an upset of 6th-seeded Maryland in the NCAAs, before losing 81-70 to Temple in the second round. However, the Bruins saw legendary head coach Rick Byrd retire (805 career wins), plus lost the 6-7 Windler (21.3 & 10.9) and guard McClain (16.8-3.6-3.9) from that team. Windler was a 1st round NBA draft choice and led Belmont with 35 & 11 in its upset of Maryland. McClain was a 1st-team All-OVC guard, who led Belmont with 29 points in the Temple loss. Boston has struggled to find its way into the top-half of the ACC and went just 14-17 (5-13 in the ACC) last season. Replacing Windler and McClain will be difficult but Belmont feels great about new head coach. Casey Alexander, who played for Byrd at Belmont, was his assistant for 16 years and then as Lipscomb's head coach, led them to a 29-8 record last year, including a runner-up finish in the NIT. The Bruins have a solid guard duo in Kunkel (20.5) and Murphy (10.0-8.5-5.0) plus up front, the 6-11 Muszynski has averaged 17.5 PPG and 6-7 grad transfer Scanlon has averaged 10.0-6.4-4.5. BC head coach Jim Christian has had success in the MAC with Kent St and Ohio but he's struggled at TCU (56-73) and now at BC (entered this season with a 62-100 record). However, BC is off to a 3-0 starts and seeks its first 4-0 start in 12 years. BC will really miss Jerome Robinson (20.7) but USC grad ttansfer Derryck Thornton has averaged 17.3 PPG. The 6-11 Popovic averaged 14.5 & 7.2 last season and in BC's 3-0 start, has averaged 12.7 & 5.7. The 6-8 Mitchell is also back up front and he's averaged 5.7 PPG and 10.7 RPG. A pair of freshman have also looked good in the early going, as guard Heathchecks in at 12.7 & 4.3 plus the 6-7 Felder has added 6.3 & 5.3. It's hard NOT to be impressed by the Belmont program in recent years but this is just the team's third game, owning a home win over Samford and then taking a 79-72 loss at Illinois St, which lost FOUR starters off last season's 17-win team. Meanwhile, BC opened with a conference win over Wake Forest (77-70) and has also won 74-60 at South Florida, last year's NIT champs. Belmont was picked to win the Ohio Valley Conference in coach Casey Alexander's first season but this visit to Boston does NOT end well. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-15-19 | West Virginia v. Pittsburgh +1 | Top | 68-53 | Loss | -115 | 14 h 59 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on Pittsburgh at 7:00 ET. Bob Huggins became famous while coaching Cincinnati, leading the Bearcats to 16 straight postseason berths, including 14 straight NCAA bids. He was 'forced out' and after spending a year out of the coaching profession, accepted the head coaching job at Kansas State. It was a one-year 'pit stop' (23-12), as he returned to Morgantown (where he was born) to take the West Va job. As expected, he's led West Va to postseason berths in NINE of 12 seasons but is coming off just his second losing season with the Mountaineers, as they were just 15-21 in the 2018-19 season (4-14 in the Big 12 left them in last-place). West Virginia held off Akron 94-84 in its season opener on Nov 8. Pittsburgh welcomes the Mountaineers to the Petersen Events Center on Friday, with the Panthers off to a 2-1 start. Jeff Capel's first season at Pitt (2018-19) was a disaster, as the Panthers went 14-19 (3-15 in the ACC). Capel, a former standout at Duke, has previously led both VCU and Oklahoma to NCAA tourney bids. Early indications are that Jeff Capel is making some progress at Pitt. Here's how Huggins described last season. "You can't lose four starters (during the season) and be successful," he said. "We lost our PG, the best shot-blocker in the nation and two other starters who were pretty good , too, You can't do that!" The 6-10 Culver is back and he opened with 16 & 7 against Akron. The 6-7 Matthews looked good as well, chipping in 13 & 7 plus highly-touted 6-9 freshman Tshiebew added 5 & 5 in 10 minutes. The backcourt is deep with senior Harley (16-7-3) and freshman McBride (11-6-4) contributing the most in the team's season opener. Pittsburgh actually has three games under its belt, although the Panthers would like to forget getting upset 75-70 at home by Nicholls State, which was picked to finish 11th in the Southland Conference. However, the Panthers will want to build on their71-57 win at Robert Morris on Tuesday. The victory snapped a 24-game, true-road losing streak. Pittsburgh impressively overcame an 18-0 Colonials' run in the first half to record a true-road victory for the first time since Feb.8, 2017, at Boston College. The 6-10 Terrell Brown had eight points, nine rebounds and five blocks in his first start of the season (9.7 & 5.7). "Brown was really the difference in the game," Robert Morris coach Andrew Toole said. "His ability to protect the rim, and make it hard for our guys to finish around the basket had a huge impact on us offensively." Pitt is basically a perimeter-oriented team, with junior guard Murphy (17.0 & 3.7) leading all scorers, joined by sophomore guards McGowens (15.0-6.7-4.0) and Johnson (10.0-5.7-3.7) plus 6-6 freshman guard Champagnie (7.7 & 4.7). This is the 187th edition of the "Backyard Brawl," one which West Va won last season, 69-59. However, I noted above that Pittsburgh snapped its 24-game, true-road losing streak but that's 'chump change' compared to West Va's road woes. The Mountaineers will be seeking their first true road win in 633 days, since a win at Baylor back on Feb 20, 2018! What's more, they will have to do accomplish that against a hated-rival in Pittsburgh, which is 70-3 all-time in the month of November at the Petersen Events Center. At this price, Pitt is the ONLY way to go! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-14-19 | Michigan State v. Seton Hall +6.5 | Top | 76-73 | Win | 100 | 12 h 42 m | Show |
My 10* No. 3 vs No. 12 Showdown is on Seton Hall at 8:30 ET. The Gavitt Tipoff Games wrap up a week-long schedule when No. 3 Michigan State travels to South Orange, NJ to take on No. 12 Seton Hall. The Spartans are coming off a run to the Final Four last season and were voted the AP's preseason No. 1 time for the first time in school history but lost 69-62 to then-No. 2 Kentucky on Nov 5 in the Champions Classic played at MSG. Kentucky rebounded from that season-opening loss with an easy 104-47 home win over Binghamton this past Sunday. Seton Hall returned four starters from last year's 20-win NCAA team and opened as the No. 12 team in the AP's preseason poll. The Pirates have opened 2-0 and held their spot in the first regular season poll but the Hall's 74-57 Saturday home win over Stony Brook came at a high 'price.' Senior guard Myles Powell averaged 23.1 PPG last season and scored 27 in the team's season-opener but he suffered a severe ankle injury early in Saturday's contest (he will NOT play here). Michigan St's loss to Kentucky was a disappointment but paled in comparison to the death of Zachary Winston, the younger brother of Spartans senior PG Cassius Winston (Preseason P-O-Y). Zachary died of an apparent suicide on Saturday night and he was friends with many players on the Spartans squad. However, Winston (19.0 & 7.5 APG) played the very next day and was outstanding against Binghamton, finishing with 17 points, 11 assists and just one turnover. 6-8 junior forward Xavier Tillman (12.0 & 8.5) rebounded from a disappointing opener with 17 points and eight rebounds against Binghamton. He's one of five MSU frontcourt players averaging between 7.5 and 12.5 PPG (the 6-6 Henry leads at 12.5). MSU's weakness is on the perimeter, as outside of Winston, Izzo's team does not have a consistent outside shooter with Langford (15.0 PPG last season) not expected to be available until January at the earliest. Myles Powell was voted the preseason Big East Player of the Year and according to head coach Kevin Willard, his sprained his left ankle will cause him to miss multiple games, although the ankle has reportedly responded well to treatment. Powell will be missed but PG McKnight (12.0 & 5.0 APG) is hardly alone in the backcourt. Rhoden (11.5) and Reynolds (9.0) each played extra minutes after Powell went down, as Rhoden played 27 minutes (11 points) and Reynolds played 28 (9 points). Willard's team features a HUGE frontcourt, with the 6-11 Mamukelashvili (14.0 & 5.) being aided by a pair of two 7-footers, Gill (9.0 & 6.0) and Obiagu (7.5 & 2.5). I'm a HUGE fan of Izzo but Kevin Willard can coach. He's led Seton Hall to four straight 20-win seasons, earning a bid to the "Big Dance" in each one. I had Kentucky when it beat Mich St back on Nov 5 and wrote, " I think MSU is a bit overrated. The Spartans lost the 6-9 Ward (12.9 & 6.1), the 6-7 Goins (7.9 & 8.9) and SG McQuaid (9.8) from LY, will NOT get Langford back as expected (until Jan) and additionally, 6-6 forward Kyle Ahrens (4.7 & 2.5) is nursing a high ankle sprain." Nothing much has changed. Seton Hall took down Kentucky 84-83 (OT) last Dec 8th at MSG and here on its home court, does the same to Mich St. Take the points but expect a SU win by the Pirates. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-13-19 | LSU v. VCU -3 | Top | 82-84 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 31 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on VCU at 6:00 ET. No. 23 LSU (1-0) visits Richmond, Va to take on VCU on Wednesday, which opened No. 25 in the AP's preseason poll but dropped out in Monday's new poll, despite opening 2-0. LSU head coach Will Wade returns to the place where he won 51 games and made a pair of NCAA Tournaments in two seasons as the school's head coach. Wade was 51-20 at VCU from 2015-17 before taking the job in Baton Rouge,where he helped the 28-7 Tigers win their first SEC regular-season title since 2009 last season Lost in the Sweet 16). Mike Rhoads took over at VCU for Wade when he left for LSU and after the Rams won a disappointing 18 games in his first season, went 25-8 last season as VCU earned an NCAA bid for the NINTH time in the last 11 seasons. Most likely remember that Wade was suspended by LSU last March due to allegations over illegal recruiting charges. He's back (for now), so let's talk basketball. Gone from last year's team are PG Waters (15.3 & 5.8 APG) plus frontcourt players the 6-9 Reid (13.6 & 7.2) and the 6-11 Bigby-Williams (7.9 & 6.7). Key players returning this this year are guards Javonte Smart (in the center of LY's recruiting scandal) and Skylar Mays. Smart had 21 points in Friday's 88-79 home win over Bowling Green, while Mays had 18 & 8. Sophomore forward Emmitt Williams had 21 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the floor, after averaging just 7.0 PPG last season. Fellow sophomore forward Davis had 13 points and seven rebounds, coming off averaging 5.3 & 4.0 last year. The team's most promising freshman is the 6-9 Trendon Watford, who debuted with 10 points and seven rebounds. The Rams return all four of their double-figure scorers from last season’s team, as the lone starter lost from the 2018-19 team was the 6-8 Mobley. He started 23 games and chipped in modest totals of 4.2 & 2.5 (no real loss). The core of this year's team will be senior guards Jenkins (14.0 & 4.5) and Evans (12.5), plus 6-7 junior Santos-Silva (12.0 & 12.5). However, don't dismiss senior guard Mike’L Simms just yet, as while he's gone just 2-of-9 from the floor in the first two games, he as just ONE turnover in 49 total minutes. “VCU is a great place,” Will Wade told reporters. “As a coach you travel around a lot. That’s the longest I’ve been in one place. I was there four years as an assistant. I was there two years as the head coach. They’ve got tremendous fans. … It will be rowdy, but it should be fun.” My bet follows the saying, "You can't go home." VCU is well-balanced and well-coached and will be looking to get back into the top-25 by knocking off LSU in this one. This contest is VCU's lone real test before playing in Niceville, Fl (Emerald Coast Classic) Nov 29-30. Wade and his Tigers will fine "nothing fun" about this visit to the Siegal Center! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-12-19 | Memphis v. Oregon -3.5 | Top | 74-82 | Win | 100 | 12 h 15 m | Show |
My 10* Top-15 Showdown is on Oregon at 9:00 ET. Penny Hardaway's first season as head coach of his alma mater (Memphis) resulted in a 22-win season. The Tigers lost all FIVE starters from that team but they've been replaced by what most considered the best recruiting class of the 2019-20 season. However, the situation is not without drama, as the 'jewel' of that class, 7-1 freshman James Wiseman, is the center of an NCAA investigation which ruled him ineligible. Attorneys for Wiseman have since sued the NCAA and while the legal process continue Wiseman, has averaged 22.5 & 10.0 in the Tigers' 2-0 start. Memphis is ranked 13th in the latest AP poll and tonight visits the Moda Center (home of the Trail Blazers) to take on 2-0 Oregon, which is ranked 14th. Oregon opened with a 14-point win over Fresno St and then shot 70 percent from the floor (including 13 of 19 from three-point range), in a 106-75 rout of Boise St. Wiseman leads the consensus top recruiting class in the country, which also includes guard Ellis (15.0), the 6-9 Achiuwa (12.0 & 7.5) and the 6-7 Jeffries (9.5 & 4.0). There's more, in freshman guards Quinones (7.0-3.5-4,.0) and Baugh (4.0 & 6.0 APG). Sophomore guards Alex Lomax and Tyler Harris, the only prominent holdovers from last season’s team, have combined to average 16.5 points in the wins over South Carolina State and the UIC. Oregon's Bol Bol is gone plus a trioo0f 6-9 players, King, White and Wooten, who were major contributors in Oregon's Pac 12 tourney title and Sweet 16 runs, are also gone. However, PG Ptrichard (21.5-6.5-7.0) leads an excellent cast. He teams with fellow senior Mathis (19.5) plus JC transfer Duarte (11.5-6.0-3.5) in the backcourt. Up front, 6-7 freshman Patterson (8.5) joins 6-7 UNLV transfer Juiston (10.5-4.5-5.0) and 6-9 sophomore Okoro. Okoro missed Saturday’s game after posting 10 points and 10 rebounds in the opener. He was struck by a car and is listed day-to-day. The Phil Knight Invitational (named for the Nike co-founder) is technically a neutral-court game, but it's less than two hours from Eugene, home of the Ducks. Dana Altman has led Kansas St, Creighton and Oregon to multiple NCAA tourneys and owns a HUGE coaching edge over the still untested Hardaway. In 'friendly surroundings,' I 'love' the Ducks at this price. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-12-19 | Missouri v. Xavier -5.5 | Top | 58-63 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 6 m | Show |
My 9* Revenge Game of the Month is on Xavier at 7:00 ET. Missouri and Xavier have both opened 2-0, as the two teams meet Tuesday night in Cincinnati (Cintas Center). The Tigers are coming off a 15-17 season and in the preseason, were picked to finish 13th in the 14-school SEC. Xavier is coming off a 19-16 season, although the Musketeers were ranked 19th in the AP's preseason poll (despite a 2-0 start, Xavier was ranked 21st in the first regular season poll). This marks Cuonzo Martin's third season at Missouri. He led theTigers to an NCAA appearance in his first but the Tigers had no such success last season. Missouri has opened 2-0 while holding opponents to 49.0 PPG but the team's opening win was over Incarnate Word. SEVEN of last year's top-nine scorers are back, led by 6-10 junior Jeremiah Tilmon. He's averaging 14.5 & 6.0 but the only other Missouri player in double digits is sophomore guard Xavier Pinson (11.5-3.0-5..5), who comes off the bench. Mark Smith, a 6-5 junior guard who missed the final seven games of last season with a foot injury, failed to score in an opening win over Incarnate Word but rebounded with 19 points in Friday's victory over Northern Kentucky (note: No. Ky won 26 games last year and made the "Big Dance"). Evansville transfer Dru Smith starts alongside of Mark Smith in the backcourt and is averaging 8.5 PPG. Travis Steele was hired by Sean Miller at Xavier for the 2008-09 season. He was retained by Chris Mack after Miller accepted the Arizona head coaching position and has been a part of a Musketeers program that has been to eight NCAA tournaments, including an Elite Eight run in 2017. Steele was promoted to head coach when Mack took the Louisville job. Following Miller and Mack was NOT expected to be easy and it wasn't. However, Xavier rallied to win EIGHT of its final 11 regular season games and went to a postseason tourney (NIT) for the 13th time in 14 seasons. Xavier lost just ONE starter off last year's team, the 6-11 Hankins who averaged 10.6 & 5.3. The Musketeers feature a terrific forward duo, as 6-9 senior Jones is averaging 18.5 & 8.5 plus 6-7 junior Marshall is averaging 18.45-7.0-5.5. Some bad news is that returning guard Paul Scruggs (12.3 PPG last season), who had 12 points against Jacksonville before suffering a knee injury , did not play against Siena and appear s unlikely to play against Missouri (he was a preseason honorable mention all-Big East selection). However, 6-9 freshman Zach Freemantle and 6-8 Ohio U transfer Jason Carter, could play play big roles for Xavier this season. Freemantle is off to a promising start (9.0 & 5.5), while Carter (5.5 & 2.0), not so much. This will be Xavier's first 'test' of the season, or is it? Martin did lead Missouri to the NCAAs in his first season, despite a 5-6 road record. However, the Tigers had gone an "hard-to-believe" 0-30 on the road in the previous three seasons and last year reverted to form by going 2-8 on the road. Why should Missouri win here, where Xavier has gone 88-16 (.846) since joining the Big East back at the start of the 2013-14 season. What's more, 'ringing in Xavier's ear' will be Missouri's 71-56 home win over the Musketeers last season. REVENGE works in a "big way": in this one! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-11-19 | Yale v. San Francisco -5.5 | Top | 79-84 | Loss | -109 | 12 h 38 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on San Francisco at 9:00 ET. Yale's James Jones is the longest tenured coach in the Ivy League. He's led the Bulldogs to three Ivy championships in the last five seasons, including two NCAA appearances. The 2015-16 season was special, as Yale won 23 games (the most since 1906-07) and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 54 years where the Bulldogs upset Baylor to earn the first NCAA Tournament victory in Yale history. Last season wasn't bad either, as Jones guided Yale to Ivy League regular season and tournament titles and a 22-8 overall record. The Bulldogs knocked off Harvard in a thrilling Ivy League Tournament championship game and then nearly upset third-seeded LSU in the NCAA Tournament. Yale has opened 2-0 but gets a real test tonight, when the school visits the San Francisco Dons, who have also started 2-0. San Francisco saw head coach Tyler Smith, after three straight 20-win seasons, leave to take the Washington St job. However, his assistant coach, Todd Golden takes over. The Dons are thrilled with his promotion, as he played at St Marry's and has worked under Smith at Columbia and here at San Francisco, with a 'pit stop' under Bruce Pearl at Auburn, in between. Yale lost four starters (as well as its top-three scorers) of last year's team. Most notable, is the loss of Ivy League POY Miye Oni (17.1 & 6.3). However, Jones feels that the 6-10 Atkinson and guard Swain are almost returning starters, as each played in every game last season. He may be right about that, as Atkinson is averaging 19.0 & 4.5 and Swain 14.0 & 4.5. The team's lone returning starter, the 6-9 Bruner (10.4 & 8.3 LY), is averaging a double-double to open this season at 10.0 & 10.5 The Dons love Golden's pedigree but he will have to replace the heart and soul of last year's team, PG Ferrari (14.7 &5.5 APG). That said, the current team looks very solid and balanced. The Dons have started a trio of guards in Mineland (15.5 & 4.), Bouyea (13.0 & 6.0) and Ratinho (13.0), while Central Washington transfer Shabazz (11.0 & 6.5) looks like an excellent addition. The 7-0 Lull (12.0 & 8.0) and the 6-8 Kunen (7.5 & 7.0) start up front, with the 6-9 Raitanen (6.5 & 5.5) coming off the bench. This contest begins a tough stretch for Yale, which plays at Oklahoma St (11/17) and Penn St (11/23) a part of the NIT Season Tip-Off. San Francisco opens with SIX of its first seven at home and will take the court tonight on a nine-game November winning streak. The Dons went 7-0 in November of 2018 and have opened 2-0 here in 2019. The Dons beat two Ivy League schools in last November's 7-0 run (Harvard and Dartmouth) plus beat Princeton by 10 Saturday at Chase Center (Warriors new home) and will take a seven-game winning streak against Ivy League opponents into tonight's contest. "The Price is Right" and I'm taking the home team. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-08-19 | Davidson +2 v. Auburn | Top | 66-76 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 34 m | Show |
My 10* Tourney Takedown is on Davidson at 6:00 ET. Auburn made an incredible run to last year's Final 4, before losing 63-62 to eventual champ Virginia. The Tigers lost a 'ton' off that team, most notably guards Brown (15.9) and Harper (15.3) plus the 6-8 Okeke (12.0 & 6.8). However, the Tigers will start four seniors in 2019-20. In contrast, Davidson comes off a 24-10 season and returns all five starters. The two schools square off in the Veterans Classic in Annapolis at 6:00 ET with Auburn coming off a nine-point home win over Ga Southern on Nov 5 and Davidson playing its season-opener. The Wildcats return their entire starting lineup from last season, led by Atlantic 10 Player of the Year , PG Jon Axel Gudmundsson (16.9-7.3-4.8). He's joined on the perimeter by Kellan Grady, an all-conference pick who averaged a team-high 17.3 PPG last season and Luke Frampton (10.3 PPG last season). Starting up front are the 6-6 Pritchett (6.9 & 3.6) and the 6-10 (Drogkovic (11.1 & 6.0). Sure Auburn lost five contributors from last season, the Tigers opened this season starting FOUR seniors plus freshman Isaac Okoro, who head coach Bruce Pearl called the best defensive guard he's ever signed. Okoro scored 12 points and added five points in Tuesday's win. He joined those four seniors in the starting lineup. SF Doughtly led with 20 points, while frontcourt mates center Wiley (13 & 9) and PF Purify (13) also scored in double digits. Starting PG McCormick had nine points and four assists. Auburn snuck into the bottom of AP's preseason poll at No. 24, while Davidson was unranked. However, many think (including myself), that the Wildcats could easily be a top-25 team this season. For those "in the know," it should NOT go unnoticed that the Blue Ribbon CBB Yearbook ranked Davidson 17th! Auburn struggled against Ga Southern on Tuesday, most notably turning the ball over 21 times (averaged just 11.7 TOs per game last season). Bob McKillop starts his 31st season as Davidson's head coach and he's had quite a run (578-350 overall, with nine NCAA teams). His best-known team was the 2007-08 edition, when Steph Curry led the Wildcats into the Elite 8. Not ready to say this year's team can match that one but the Wildcats are the A-10's best team and I expect they will be NCAA-bound. Expect the Wildcats to earn a "quality win" right out of the gate. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-06-19 | Cincinnati v. Ohio State -6 | Top | 56-64 | Win | 100 | 12 h 23 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on Ohio St at 8:30 ET. Ohio St and Cincinnati met in last year's season opener with the Buckeyes winning 64-56 at Cincinnati. It was the first regular-season meeting in 98 years, as the school's renewed a dormant in-state rivalry. The two school's open their respective 2019-20 seasons again on Wednesday night, this time in Columbus. The Bearcats are off a 28-7 season, while making their NINTH straight NCAA appearance. However, head coach Mick Cronin has "taken his talents" to Westwood (UCLA), after a terrific 13-year run at Cincinnati. Taking over will be John Brannen, who comes from No. Kentucky, where he won 20-plus games in each of the last three seasons, earning the Norse NCAA bids in 2017 and 2019. Ohio St's Chris Holtmann took over at Butler for Brad Stevens and three NCAA bids later, got the job in Columbus. His first season was a 25-win one but last year, while the Buckeyes did get an NCAA bid, they lost in the first round to finish just 20-15. Senior guard Jarron Cumberland, was the 2019 American Athletic Conference Player of the Year, averaging 18.8-4.4-3.6 assists. He was the ONLY Cincy player to score in double digits. Guards Jenifer and Broome (8.6 & 8.3 PPG) have graduated and the 6-11 Brooks (8.1 & 6.3) transferred to Miami. Returning starters joining Cumberland are senior 6-8 forward Tre Scott (9.3 & 6.9) and junior guard Keith Williams (9.9 & 3.2). However, the Bearcats do have an influx of roster additions including 7-1 transfer Chris Vogt, who followed Brannen from Northern Kentucky plus two highly regarded freshman guards, Zach Harvey and Mika Adams-Woods.Throw in Jarron Cumberland's cousin Jaevin, a graduate transfer from Oakland (17.2 PPG) and the Bearcats will again be a top-contender in the AAC. The centerpiece of Ohio St's team this season will be will be 6-9 junior center Kaleb Wesson, a preseason All-Big Ten pick who shed some weight and could offer more mobility this season (he averaged 14.6 & 6.9 LY). Wesson led the Buckeyes with 23 points and seven rebounds in Ohio State's 95-52 exhibition victory over Division II Cedarville on Oct 30 plus Holtmann saw 5-star freshman recruit PJ Carlton score 15 points. Carlton is a PG but so is FSU transfer CJ Walker (he started for FSU's Elite 8 team in 2017). Ohio St will have a deep backcourt with Carlton and Walker plus returning guards Woods (8.1), Muhammad (7.6) and Washington (7.0). The 6-8 Young (6.0 & 4.4) joins Wesson up front, along with freshman Gaffney (6-9) and Diallo (6-10). Cincinnati's trip to Ohio State marks the teams' first game in Columbus since 1921 and the Bearcats' first opener on the road since 2001 at Oklahoma.What's more, Cincy takes the court with a new head coach for the first time in 14 years! As for Ohio State, the Buckeyes begin a challenging non-conference schedule that includes No. 10 Villanova at home, No. 11 North Carolina on the road, No. 2 Kentucky (now likely No. 1 after the MSU win!) in Las Vegas and West Virginia in Cleveland. However, Ohio St was 12-1 with its non-conference schedule last season, before struggling in the Big Ten. Cincinnati was a 28-win team last season, yet couldn't beat a lesser Ohio St team than it will face here, losing 64-56 at home. The Bearcats first visit to Columbus since 1921, "doesn't end well!" Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-05-19 | Michigan State v. Kentucky +3 | Top | 62-69 | Win | 100 | 12 h 8 m | Show |
My 9* No. 1 vs No. 2 Showdown in on Kentucky at 9:30 ET. For only the second time in NCAA Division I history, the No. 1 and 2 teams will open their seasons against each other, as No. 1 Michigan State takes on No. 2 Kentucky in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York on Tuesday. The Spartans are coming off a run to the Final Four last season and were voted the AP's preseason No. 1 time for the first time in school history. Kentucky reached the Elite Eight of the 2019 NCAA Tournament and is ranked No. 2 in the AP poll, the NINTH straight top-five preseason ranking for the Wildcats (who says One-and-Done can't work?). The leader of Tom Izzo's squad is senior PG Cassius Winston, who averaged 18.8 points and 7.5 assists in winning Big Ten Player of the Year honors a season ago. The 6-8 Xavier Tillman emerged in the second half of the season in 2018-19, finishing with averages of 10.0 points and 7.3 rebounds. MSU also expected SG Joshua Langford (15.0 PPG before getting hurt last season) to be back but his ankle is now expected to keep him out until mid-January. Gone are the 6-9 Ward (12.9 & 6.1), tje 6-7 Goins (7.9 & 8.9) and SG McQuaid (9.8). Winston is getting lots of "pub" (Blue Ribbon named him Player of the Year) but Kentucky also has an outstanding returning PG in Ashton Hagans, who is the team leader in points, assists and steals among returnees. There is a lot of buzz for Hagans' backcourt partner, freshman Tyrese Maxey, a McDonald's All-American who was named to the All-SEC preseason second team before he's stepped on the court. However, like MSU, Kentucky lost guards Herro (14.o) and Johnson (13.5) plus forwards Washington (15.2 & 7.2) and Travis (11.2 & 7.2). The key for me here is that Calipari has become the 'master' of the One-and-Done era and as he has in the past, quickly sees his team mesh. The starting-five will consist of two freshmen and two sophomores, plus graduate transfer Nate Sestina from Bucknell. He figures to be a welcome addition, as he will provide some needed experience. The 6-9 forward averaged 15.8 points and a Patriot League-best 8.5 rebounds a season ago,. I think MSU is a bit overrated. The Spartans lost a lot (see above), will NOT get Langford back as expected (until 2020) and additionally, 6-6 forward Kyle Ahrens (4.7 & 2.5) is nursing a high ankle sprain. I'm calling for a Kentucky "W" and will take the points. Don't call it an upset. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
11-05-19 | Kansas -2 v. Duke | Top | 66-68 | Loss | -107 | 10 h 31 m | Show |
My NCAAB 10* Season Tip-Off is on Kansas at 7:00 ET. Duke reached the 30-win mark for the 15th time in 39 years under Coach K in 2018-19 but despite being led by three top-10 picks in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Blue Devils fell short of a national championship, falling to Michigan State in the Elite Eight. Kansas know more than a little about failing to meet expectations last season, as the Jayhawks did not win the Big 12 for the first time in 15 years, then bowed out of the NCAA Tournament in the Round of 32 against Auburn. Kansas enters this contest No. 3 in the AP's preseason poll and Duke checks in at No. 4. Duke owns a 7-5 series advantage over Kansas but the Jayhawks have won the last THREE meetings, including an Elite Eight overtime thriller at the end of the 2017-18 season. However, only two players from each side that played in that game remain on the roster of their respective teams (turnover is the rule in college hoops these days). Kansas had its season disrupturd early on last year, as center Udoka Azubuike was limited to nine games in 2018-19 due to a torn ligament in his right hand,. However, he's back healthy (averaged 13.0 & 7.0 in his last full season) and it should not go unnoticed that he was voted Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year by the league's coaches. Devon Dotson (12.3 PPG) was also a preseason all-conference first-team selection, after withdrawing his name from NBA Draft consideration this summer. Key new additions are Iowa graduate transfer Isaiah Moss (9.2 PPG and 42.1% from three-point range last season) plus when Michigan head coach John Beilein left for the NBA this summer, Self was able to land the highly-touted Jalen Wilson. The 6-8 freshman will help ease the loss of the 6-9 Dedric Lawson (19.4 & 10.3). PG Tre Jones (9.4 & 5.3 APG) was the only one of the four, five-star recruits from last season's recruiting class to delay his NBA dream (Zion, RJ and Cam all left. Jones is expected to be the only non-freshman starter on this year's team. Vernon Carey Jr. was ranked as the sixth-best recruit in the nation and gives the Blue Devils an interior presence at 6-10 and 275 pounds. that only Zion Williamson was typically able to provide a season ago. The 6-9 Matthew Hurt was Duke's other five-star from the most recent recruiting class, after averaging 36.8 points, 12.4 rebounds and five assists as a senior en route to being named Minnesota's Mr. Basketball. Checking the history books, Duke is the only one of the four programs (Kansas, Kentucky and Michigan State are the others) with a winning record in this event at 5-3. However, it has lost both times it has faced Kansas (2013, 2016). As for Kansas, it has won its Champions Classic game in each of the past THREE seasons. Azubuike's return is a BIG deal, as the Jayhawks have won 47 of 56 career games. as for the Blue Devils, Duke used 11 players in the opening eight minutes of its second exhibition game, so will will have to see if Coach K has settled on which combinations to use. It could take some time. Kansas is the play! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
04-06-19 | Texas Tech v. Michigan State -2 | Top | 61-51 | Loss | -109 | 15 h 60 m | Show |
My 10* NCAA Tourney Game of the Year is on Michigan State at 8:49 ET. The Michigan State Spartans were the fifth overall seed in the tournamen t(one of four, No. 2 seeds) but wound up in the same bracket as Duke, the tourney's overall No. 1 seed. The Selection Committee's explanation was it was based on geographical considerations (anyone buying that?). However, the Spartans just "got to work" and last Sunday earned Tom Izzo's eighth trip to the Final Four with a one-point victory over Duke and freshman phenom Zion Williamson (not to mention Barrett, Reddish and Jones). The 32-6 Spartans will take on 30-6 Texas Tech (the East's No. 3 seed), which took out the West's No. 1 seed (Gonzaga), 75-69 last Saturday. Tech will be making the school's first-ever Final appearance, as will current head coach Chris Beard, who is a relative unknown among the four remaining coaches. Texas Tech isn't a "Johnny Come Lately," as the Red Raiders lost in the Elite Eight to national champion Villanova last season. That said, Tech had some reloading to do. Guard Matt Mooney (11.0) is a transfer from South Dakota and the 6-8 Tariq Owens (8.9 & 5.8) is a St John's transfer. Both are contributing at what Beard said was an "All-Big 12" level. Mooney starts in a three-guard lineup which includes Culver and Moretti. Culver leads the team in scoring (18.9), rebounding (6.4) and assist (3.7), while Moretti (11.6) is Tech's third double digit scorer. Owens is the team's best inside player and gets some help from the 6-8 Odiase (4.2 & 5.2). However, Tech wins with its defense, which comes in allowing 59.0 PPG (3rd) on 36.9% shooting (2nd). Michigan State is led by junior PG Cassius Winston, the team leader in scoring (18.9 points) and assists (7.6). A key to MSU's success has also been the outside shooting of the team's two seniors, guard Matt McQuaid (9.8 PPG with 70 three-pointers) and 6-7 forward Kenny Goins (8.1 & 9.0 plus 56 three-pointers). Goins gets plenty of help up front, as he;'s joined by the 6-18 Ward (13.2 & 7.3), the 6-8 Tillman (10.1 & 7.3) and 6-6 freshman Henry. Since Tillman moved into the starting lineup 12 games ago, he's averaged 13.8 points and 8.1 rebounds, scoring a career-high 19 points twice (including against Duke). Henry has emerged as an important cog for the Spartans in the postseason, as he's averaged 10.2 PPG in the NCAA Tournament Tech is a terrific defensive team (see above) but let's NOT forget Izzo teams always play excellent D, as well. This year's team allows 65.1 PPG (34th) on 37.9% (3rd-best in the nation!). MSU's frontcourt is VASTLY superior to Tech's. Winston has been excellent with the ball in the tournament, averaging 7.7 assists against 2.7 turnovers and he can be counted on to handle the trapping Texas Tech defense. Izzo says he is never worried what his junior captain will deliver. "Cassius is always Cassius," he said. Izzo's team advances to Monday night with a chance to earn that second NCAA title (no small deal!). Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-31-19 | Michigan State v. Duke -2 | Top | 68-67 | Loss | -107 | 11 h 38 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on Duke at 5:05 ET. Top-seeded Duke (32-5) has squeezed by its last two opponents in the final possession and now takes on red-hot second seed Michigan State (31-6) in the East Region final at Washington D.C. The Blue Devils have survived UCF's game-winning shot in the second round and Virginia Tech’s attempt to tie in the final second Friday, in the Region semifinal (Tech missed three shots in the last 10 seconds!) . Meanwhile, Michigan State has taken a rather smooth path to this stage, with three double-digit victory margins in the tournament, including Friday night's 80-63 handling of third-seeded LSU. Senior PG Cassius Winston (18.8 & 7.6 APG) is averaging 18.7 points and seven assists in the tournament and MSU's frontcourt has terrific depth. There's the 6-9 Ward (13.4 & 6.8), the 6-8 Tillman (9.8 & 7.2) and the 6-7 Goins (9.1 & 9.0). What's more, Tom Izzo received career games from freshmen forwards Aaron Henry and Gabe Brown to beat LSU. Henry (6.0 & 3.9) registered career highs of 20 points along with six assists, while Brown chipped in 15 points, also a career high. Duke freshman forward RJ Barrett (22.6-8.7-4.3) told reporters after recording 18 points and a career-high 11 assists Friday. “And we somehow find a way to keep winning at the end. It’s great and we’re not surprised by it, but we’ve just got to keep it up.” Blue Devils freshman phenom Zion Williamson (22.7 & 7.6) scored 23 and added three blocks in the 75-73 victory over Virginia Tech. He is averaging 26.8 points in six games since returning from a knee sprain. However, head coach Mike Krzyzewski called PG Tre Jones’ (9.5-3.7-5.3) performance Friday “magnificent,” after the freshman PG registered season highs of 22 points and five made three-pointers while handing out eight assists with ZERO turnovers in 40 minutes. Freshman swingman Cam Reddish (13.6 points) was a late scratch Friday due to a knee injury and his status for Sunday is uncertain. Here's the bottom line. Mich St is clearly playing better, as the Spartans have rolled in the Big Dance so far and come in on an EIGHT-game winning streak. Meanwhile, it's been 'Escape City' for Duke, a team many think is overrated. That said, Duke holds a 12-2 all-time record against Michigan State, including SEVEN straight victories since a 2005 NCAA Tournament win for the Spartans. Coach K 'owns' Tom Izzo! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-30-19 | Purdue v. Virginia -4.5 | 75-80 | Win | 100 | 13 h 47 m | Show | |
My 9* Elite Eight Situational Stunner is on Virginia at 8:49 ET. 26-9 Purdue blew an 18-point lead in the Sweet 16 against Tennessee (99-94 in OT) but survived behind a career-high 27 points from Cline, a pair of tying free throws late in regulation by Edwards (29 points) and a sweet 15-of-31 performance from three-point range. The Boilermakers hope to end lengthy Final Four drought in the South Region Finals up against No. 1 seed Virginia. 32-3 Virginia has bounced back from last season's embarrassing upset against a 16th seed in its tournament opener, to reach the Elite 8, giving them a chance to advance to the Final Four for the first time since 1984 (note: Purdue's last Final 4 was back in 1980). Edwards (23.8) and Cline (12.1) are Purdue's lone double digit scorers and while the 7-3 Haarms is a huge figure, he averages just 9.5 & 5.5. Purdue has impressively shut down Old Dominion, routed defending champion Villanova and outlasted Tennessee in overtime, in the first three rounds of this event. Purdue has scored an average of 93 points in its last two wins, with Edwards averaging 32.3 points in the tournament. Virginia has reached the Elite 8 by defeating Gardner-Webb, Oklahoma and Oregon (all seeded ninth or lower!). The Cavs are a perimeter oriented team, led by the trio of Hunter (15.1 & 5.1), Guy (14.9 & 4.4) and PG Jerome (13.0 & 5.3 APG). Guy entered the tourney as UVa's leading scorer but made just 8 of 38 shots (21.0%), including 3 of 26 on threes! The 6-9 Diakite is UVa's lone big man of note but he's averaged just a modest 7.3 & 4.2 on the season. However, he's scored 38 points and pulled down 29 rebounds in the three tourney games so far. Guy has HUGELY underachieved so far and Hunter has been disappointing, as well (he has surpassed 16 points only once in his last six games). If those two 'click,' this will be an easy UVa win. If not, Virginia has proven it can win with a defense allowing 54.8 PPG (1st) on 38.1% shooting (4th), including 28.1% on threes (2nd). This could be UVa's year. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-30-19 | Texas Tech v. Gonzaga -4 | Top | 75-69 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 2 m | Show |
My 10* Elite Eight GAME OF THE YEAR is on Gonzaga at 6:0 ET. 29-6 Texas Tech has used its defense to advance to the Elite Eight for the second straight year. After holding Northern Kentucky to 57 poinst and Buffalo to 58 points in the opening week, the Red Raiders held Michigan to just 16 first-half points and a season low in points in a dominating 63-44 victory on Thursday night in the Sweet 16. Awaiting them will be 33-3 Gonzaga, the West's No. 1 seed. The Bulldogs avenged last year's loss to the Seminoles by beating fourth seed Florida State, 72-58, earlier on Thursday. Gonzaga leads the nation in scoring (88.2), field-goal percentage (52.8), scoring margin (23.6) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.76) and will be attempting to reach the Final Four for the second time in three years. Sophomore guard Jarrett Culver, the Big 12 Player of the Year, leads the team in scoring (18.9), rebounding (6.4), assists (3.8) and steals (1.5) and had a team-high 22 points in the win over Michigan. Sophomore guard Davide Moretti is second in scoring (11.6) while shooting a team best 46.2 percent from three-point range and had 15 points. Matt Mooney, a 6-3 graduate transfer from South Dakota, is also averaging in double figures (10.9). 6-10 forward Tariq Owens, a graduate transfer from St. John's, gives the Red Raiders a key shot-blocking presence in the paint with 85 blocks and is also averaging 8.9 & 5.8. As for Gonzaga, the Bulldogs have two 6-8 junior forwards who are likely lottery picks. West Coast Conference Player of the Year Rui Hachimura leads the team in scoring (19.6) while also shooting 45.5 percent from three-point range and WCC Defensive Player of the Year Brandon Clarke is averaging 16.9 points and a team best 8.5 rebounds plus leads the NCAA with 115 blocks (had five against Florida State). Guards Zach Norvell Jr. (15.1) and Josh Perkins (10.9) also are averaging in doubles figures, with Perkins ranking eighth nationally with 228 assists (6.2 per). Chris Beard got his team past John Beilein and Michigan but getting past Mark Few and Gonzaga is a 'bridge too far!' Tech's D is outstanding (58.7 PPG ranks 3rd / 36.7% FG percentage against ranks 1st) but Gonzaga will NOT shoot 32.7% (including 1 of 19 on threes) like Michigan. Gonzaga has won 30 games by double-digits, including 20 by 20 or more points. Lay the reasonable price. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-29-19 | Virginia Tech v. Duke -7 | 73-75 | Loss | -102 | 9 h 38 m | Show | |
My 9* Late-Breaker is on Duke at 9:39 ET. Duke entered the tournament as the favorite to win its sixth national championship but the Blue Devils narrowly avoided a second-round exit against UCF. Duke trailed by three with 14.4 seconds left but got hoops by Williamson and Barrett (off Zion's missed free-throw) and avoided a buzzer-beating defeat when the Knights missed two chances on the final possession. The tournament's overall No. 1 seed (Duke is now 31-5) scored SEVEN of the final nine points to pull out the 77-76 second-round victory. Duke is at this stage of the season for the 27th time, the second-most all-time behind North Carolina's 29. Twenty-five of Duke's Sweet 16 qualifications have come under Coach K. Meanwhile, Va Tech rallied past Saint Louis for a 66-52 first round win, the school's first NCAA win in 12 years! Virginia Tech's 67-58 victory over Liberty on Sunday gives teh Hokies a 26-8 record and puts them in the Sweet 16 for the first time since the tournament expanded in 1985 (26 wins are a program record!). Now the fourth-seeded Hokies take aim at trying to join North Carolina in taking down the Blue Devils twice this season. Virginia Tech won 77-72 on Feb 26 in Blacksburg, Va, although Duke freshman forward Zion Williamson did not play. That said, the Hokies were without senior guard Justin Robinson (13.4-3.2-5.0) in the win over Duke. However, he's returned after missing 12 games with an injured foot to average 11 points in the first two rounds. Sophomore guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (16.4-4.2-3.9) leads the hteam in scoring and he and Robinson are joined in double figurtes by guard Hill (13.1) and the 6-10 Blackshear (14.9 & 7.3). Virginia Tech an outstanding defensive team, allowing 61.7 PPG (9th) and that D came through vs Liberty. After a sluggish start, Va Tech they locked down on defense, allowing only six FGs in the second half. The Blue Devils boast the most dominant freshman duo in the nation in RJ Barrett (22.8-7.8-4.1 assists) and Zion Williamson (22.5 & 8.8 rebounds), who have combined for 99 points in the first two rounds. Fellow freshman Reddish (13.6) and PG Jones (9.2-3.7-5.3) round out Coach K's latest "diaper dandies." Duke averages 83.4 PPG (9th). Does history matter? Virginia Tech head coach Buzz Williams now has two NCAA Tournament wins, which ties him for the most in program history with Howie Shannon and Charles Moir. Meanwhile, Duke's Mike Krzyzewski is 96-29 in the NCAA Tournament and has led the Blue Devils to the Sweet 16, 25 times. One can claim Duke is overpriced, as it has covered only ONE of five games since Zion returned to active duty plus is only 3-10 ATS its last 13 (going to Feb 12, before Williamson’s now-healed injury). That said, it's not as if Duke is laying mid to high double digits. Off its 'escape act' over UCF, Duke rolls. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-29-19 | Auburn v. North Carolina -5 | Top | 97-80 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 28 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on North Carolina at 7:29 ET. 28-9 Auburn has won 10 straight games, after its 89-75 win over Kansas, one of the nation's traditional juggernauts. The Tigers are in teh Sweet 16 for teh first time since 2003 and face Midwest's No. 1 seed, the 29-6 North Carolina Tar Heels (another CBB 'blue blood!'). "What a better way of, or a better opportunity to try to make history, than to have to go through Kansas and then have to go through North Carolina," Auburn coach Bruce Pearl told reporters. North Carolina beat Washington 81-59 in teh second round and look to advance to the Elite Eight for the third time in the last four seasons Senior guard Bryce Brown leads the balanced Tigers, averaging 15.9 PPG. Junior PG Harper adds 15.3 and 5.7 APG. The team's lone big man of note is the 6-8 Okeke,who averages 11.8 & 6.7. The Auburn bench averaged 26.3 points during the SEC Tournament and added 28 points vs New Mexico St but only 17 points vs Kansas. Auburn averages 79.8 PPG and has heavily relied on its three-point shooting during its 10-game winning streak and on the season (421 made three-pointers). Senior guard Cameron Johnson (16.9 & 5.8) and fellow senior, the 6-8 Maye (14.9 & 10.6), plus freshman PG White (16.1-3.6-4.1) have been team leaders all season for the Tar Heels, However, 6-6 freshman reserve forward Nassir Little (10.0 & 4.7) has 39 points and 11 rebounds off the bench in his first two NCAA games. North Carolina averages 86.0 PPG, 3rd-best in the nation entering the Sweet 16. "305 threes ties our school record for makes in a season, that's pretty impressive. They've made 421," North Carolina head coach Roy Williams told reporters. "So our 305 is not quite as impressive." However, knows how to win in this round, as he's 8-1 in the Sweet 16 while with the Tar Heels.In contrast, Auburn is seeking its first Elite Eight berth since 1986. Bruce Pearl’s Auburn team has been living well since suffering an 80-53 blowout loss at Kentucky in late February,However, "Live by the three, die by the three." The Tar Heels are currently 17-2 in their last 19 games (only defeats coming to ACC juggernauts Virginia and Duke) and 27 of NC's 29 victories this year have come by six points or more. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-28-19 | Oregon v. Virginia -8.5 | 49-53 | Loss | -105 | 38 h 26 m | Show | |
My 8* play is on Virginia at 9;59 ET. This year's Sweet 16 almost HAS to be feature the strongest field in NCAA history. The top-three seeds have advanced in all four regions with only two four-seeds not playing this second weekend. 5-seed Auburn beat 4-seed Kansas in the Midwest but since the Tigers were actually favored, that could hardly be seen as an upset. The only so-called 'Cinderella' in this year's tourney is 12-seed Oregon but note that Oregon beat a weak 5-seed in Wisconsin and then drew 13-seed Cal-Irvine. Yes, Oregon is a 12-seed but the Ducks were the preseason favorite to win the Pac-12. So, in Thursday's South Regional, it's No. 1 seed Virgiia (31-3) against 12-seed Oregon (25-12). The red-hot Ducks have won 10 straight contests, after knocking off Wisconsin by 18 points in the first round and rolling past UC-Irvine 73-54 in the second on Sunday. Virginia, which became the first No. 1 seed in history to lose to a 16th seed in the NCAA Tournament last season, rallied from 14 points down to beat Gardner-Webb in the opening round but looked much better in putting the defensive clamps on Oklahoma in the second round Sunday, winning 63-51. PG Payton Pritchard (13.0-3.8-4.6) is the only remaining player from the Ducks’ Final Four team in 2017 and the junior guard is averaging 19.0 points his last five games. 6-9 freshman forward Louis King (13.4 & 5.6) has also raised his production, making 15-of-27 from the from the floor the past three contests. 6-8 senior forward Paul White is the third and final player averaging in double figures (10.6 & 3.8), after totaling 50 points the past four contests. Surprising against Cal-Irvine were senior guard Ehab Amin (5.8), who had 12 points, while 6-9 sophomore forward Kenny Wooten (6.5 & 4.8) had 11 points, eight rebounds and seven blocks in the win! Then there is Oregon's D, The Ducks which is allowing an average of just 54.2 points and 34.9 percent shooting overall (23.0% from three-point range) during its 10-game winning streak. When talking Virginia basketball, defense is what one thinks.The Cavs allow an NCAA-low 55.0 PPG on 38.1% shooting (4th), including 27.8% on threes (2nd). Of note is that Virginia registered a pair of double-digit wins last weekend, despite rough shooting performances from Kyle Guy (15.1), who went 4-of-23 from the floor, including 1-of-15 from three-point range. Sophomore swingman De’Andre Hunter now leads the team in scoring (15.2 & 5.0 RPG), after averaging 16.5 PPG last weekend. PG Jerome contributes 13.0 PPG and a team-best 5.3 assists.The 6-9 Diakite (7.4 & 4.) is a modest contributor, while 6-8 guard Key averages 6.1 PPG and a team-high 5.5 RPG off the bench. The Ducks were 15-12 and going nowhere fast but back-to-back routs over Arizona State (79-51) and Arizona (73-47) sparked a stunning turnaround that included four wins in four days to win the Pac-12 tournament title prior to the back-to-back NCAA Tournament blowout victories (10-0 SU and ATS), Will Oregon get a 'lucky' 11th straight win and cover? I say the answer is a resounding N-O! Expect Kyle Guy to rebound from a dreadful two-game slump plus don't ignore that fact that Mamadi Diakite is averaging 15.5 points and nine rebounds in the NCAA Tournament, well above his season marks of 7.4 and 4.0, respectively. Big things were expected from Tony Bennett’s Virginia team last year but I have a feeling, 2019 will be the Cavs' year! Oregon goes home, as UVa wins "with room to spare!" Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-28-19 | Texas Tech v. Michigan -1.5 | 63-44 | Loss | -109 | 38 h 50 m | Show | |
My 9* play is on Michigan at 9:29 ET. Second-seeded Michigan (30-6) takes on No. 3 seed Texas Tech (28-6) in the West Region semifinal in Anaheim, Calif. on Thursday in a battle of two of the top defensive teams in the country. Michigan allows 58.2 PPG (2nd to only UVa's 55.0 PPG), while Texas Tech ranks 3rd in the nation in allowing 59.2 PPG.First team to 60 wins? Michigan bested Montana (74-55) and Florida (64-49) to advance to the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive year, while notching 30 wins in back-to-back seasons for the first time in program history. Texas Tech knocked off Northern Kentucky 72-57, before shutting down high-flying Buffalo 78-58 to advance to the Sweet 16 for the second time in as many years. The Red Raiders enter having won 13 of their last 15. Sophomore guard Jarrett Culver had 16 points to go along with 10 rebounds in the win against Buffalo, recording his fifth double-double of the season. He leads Texas Tech in scoring (18.8), rebounding (6.5) and assist (3.3). Fellow guards Moretti (11.5) and Mooney (10.9) start, with sixth-man Francis coming off the bench to add 6.2 PPG. The 6-10 Owens (8.9 & 5.7) and the 6-8 Odiase (4.3 & 5.4) start up front. Odiase added a season-high 14 points (his season-high in points had been nine!) plus set a new program record for the most rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game with 15. Still, it was Tech's D which was the ultimate "difference-maker," holding Buffalo to almost 27 points below their season average. Jordan Poole (12.9) scored a team-high 19 points and the 6-7 Isaiah Livers (8.2 & 3.9) was the only other Wolverine to finish in double figures as he added 10 points off the bench. However, PG Xavier Sampson (9.1-5.1-6.8) flirted with his second triple-double of the season by contributing nine points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Guard Charles Matthews (12.2 & 5.1) and Big Ten Freshman of the Year, the 6-7 Iggy Brazdeikis (14.8 & 5.2), who combined for 36 points and 17 rebounds in win against Montana, were limited to 14 points on 6-of-18 shooting. Michigan's D "saved the day," controlling the game in holding Florida to 34.5 percent shooting. I'll argue that the Big Ten is the superior league (over the Big 12), as it placed a conference-record eight teams in the Big Dance TY. Nothing against Tech's Chris Beard but Michigan's John Beilein is 20-7 SU in the NCAAs since 2009. He and his team don't have a number to worry about here. Go Big Blue! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-28-19 | Purdue v. Tennessee -1 | 99-94 | Loss | -110 | 35 h 21 m | Show | |
My 8* play is on Tennessee at 7:29 ET. Purdue has played two very strong games so far in the NCAA Tournament, while Tennessee has managed to log two very impressive halves. The second-seeded Tennessee Volunteers put their 31-5 record on the line in a Thursday matchup with the third-seeded Purdue Boilermakers (25-9). Purdue has put forth two excellent efforts, holding Old Dominion to 26.9 percent shooting in an opening-round 61-48 triumph, before crushing defending champion Villanova 87-61 in the Round of 32. Meanwhile, Tennessee has dominated the first half in each of its first two games, leading Colgate 42-30 and Iowa 49-28 at the break, before barely escaping with a victory each time. In particular, the Volunteers blew a 25-point lead against Iowa and were forced to go into overtime on Sunday, avoiding what would have been a record-setting collapse. Purdue guard Carsen Edwards (23.6 PPG) established career bests of 42 points and nine 3-pointers as Purdue trounced defending national champion Villanova. He is averaging 34 points in the tournament, after scoring 26 in the first-round win over Old Dominion.He's joined on the perimeter by PG Cline (11.7 & 3.4 APG) and Eastern (7.4 & 5.6), while the 7-3 Haarms (9.4 & 5.4) and the 6-6 Eifert (5.6 & 5.1) start up front. Tennessee has no one the size of Haarms but MUCH better balance. The 6-7 Williams (18.8-7.5-3.1) has been voted the SEC player of the year the last two seasons plus FOUR guards average in double digits. Schofield leads the way (16.4 & 6.1), along with PG Bone (13.6 & 5.9 APG), Turner (10.7) and Bowden (10.5). The 6-11 Alexander (7.3 & 6.6) starts up front with Williams. Sure, Tennesse comes in on a three-game ATS slide (SEC title-game embarrassment vs Auburn and now two noncovering NCAA efforts) but the Vols HAVE the better and more-balanced team., Purdue's take down of Villanova (defending champs with two titles in three years) was impressive but should we expect a let down. It's hard to ignore that the Sweet 16 hasn't been kind to Purdue during Matt Painter's 14 seasons as coach, as the Boilermakers are 0-4 under Painter, including losses in each of the last two seasons. Purdue would likely need another super-human effort by Edwards to win here and I'm NOT betting on that. Vols are headed to the Elite 8. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-27-19 | Lipscomb v. NC State -3.5 | Top | 94-93 | Loss | -104 | 13 h 7 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on NC State at 9:00 ET. 24-11 North Carolina State squeezed past Hofstra (84-78) and Harvard (78-77) in the first two rounds of the NIT and Wednesday will host 27-7 Lipscomb, with a trip to New York and a Final Four game at MSG on the line. Both NC St's wins were non-covers but note that Hofstra was the CAA's regular-season champs and Harvard was the Ivy League's co-regular season champs. Nothing new here, as Lipscomb shared the Atlantic Sun regular-season title with Liberty. The Bisons have beaten Davidson (89-81) and UNC Greensboro (86-69) on the road but to reach New York, will have to win at a pretty tough venue, Raleigh's Reynolds Coliseum. Lipscomb features great depth, as 10 players get 10-plus minutes of playing time. Seniors Mathews (120.0 & 5.3) and the 6-7 Marberry (15.0 & 4.3) lead the way, while junior PG Cooper (10.2-3.5-4.2) rounds out teh double digit scorers. The total sems to be more than the sum of its parts with Lipscomb, as the Bisons average 8.7 PPG (). Speaking of depth and balance, NC State has SIX players averaging between 8.9 and 13.4 PPG, led by 6-5 senior guard Torin Dorn (13.4). He also produces a team-high 7.2 RPG. PG Markell Johnson adds 12.4 points and a team-best 4.2 assists per contest, while shooting 40.8 percent from three-point range. Bryce adds 11.6 & 4.6 and the lone non-guard of NC State's "core six" is 6-10 sophomore Funderburk (8.9 & 4.3). The Atlantic Sun co-champs (Liberty and Lipscomb) have acquitted themselves quite well in the postseason, with Lipscomb’s pair of wins (and covers) at Davidson and NC-Greensboro plus Liberty's effort in the San Jose sub-regional (Flames upset Miss St 80-76 as a 7-point dog and then lost by nine to Va Tech, getting anywhere from 8.5 and 9.5 points in a lose/push/win scenario). The Wolfpack played 18 of 19 home games at PNC Arena during the regular season but have used on-campus Reynolds Coliseum.for the NIT games. “The crowd, the atmosphere is awesome,” NC State senior forward Wyatt Walker told the Raleigh News & Observer after Sunday’s win. “Reynolds is awesome.” Yes, NC State has been cutting it close in the NIT so far, but this marks Lipscomb's THIRD road game in nine days. NC State AD Debbie Yow complained the her Wolfpack got snubbed by the Big Dance Selection Committee but getting to Madison Square Garden for next week’s semifinals should be viewed as a nice consolation prize. That's my bet. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-26-19 | Creighton v. TCU -4 | Top | 58-71 | Win | 100 | 13 h 59 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on TCU at 9:00 ET. Both Creighton (20-14) and TCU (22-13) have advanced to this third round game with back-to-back home wins. The winner of tonight's game in Fort Worth, advances to MSG and the NIT's version of its 'Final Four' next Tuesday. The Bluejays have won SEVEN of their last eight contests, including a pair of NIT home games, 70-61 over Loyola-Chicago and a 79-67 over Memphis. The Horned Frogs have earned double-digit home victories over Sam Houston State (82-69) and Nebraska (88-72). Creighton head coach Greg McDermott starts four guards and the 6-9 Martin Krampelj (13.7 & 6.9). All five scored in double digits in the team's win over Memphis, despite Krampelj being limited to just 18 minutes due to foul trouble (he still had 12 points). 6-7 freshman forward Christian Bishop (just 3.9 & 2.0 on the season) tied a season high with 21 minutes and produced eight points to go along with a career-high 10 rebounds. The team's guard quartet includes Alexander (19 & 4.0), Ballock (11.0-4.4-3.2), Zegarowski (10.6-3.2-3.4) and Mintz (9.8-3.0-3.1). TCU starts a pair ov veteran guards, junior Bane (15.6 & 5.7) plus senior PG Robinson (12.6 & 7.1 APG, along with a solid three-man frontcourt. The trio includes the 6-7 Noi (13.8 & 4.9), the 6-8 Miller (10.9 & 6.6) and 6-11 freshman Samuel (7.7 & 6.9). All starters save Robinson (9 points and 9 assists), scored in double digits in Sunday's home win over Nebraska. Bane scored 20 of his 30 points in the second half Sunday, reaching the 30-point mark for the second time in 15 days, after not accomplishing that feat once over his first 105 games! Sure, the Bluejays have surged as of late (see above) but Creighton has NEVER won a true road game in the NIT (0-4) and will be seeking its first NIT victory away from home since 1942, not to mention the chance to win three straight games in the NIT for the first time ever!In contrast, head coach Jamie Dixon has returned to his alma mater and quickly turned around the basketball program upon his arrival in 2016-17. He doubled the Horned Frogs' win total from the year before, en route to the school's first postseason title (2017 NIT). TCU ended its 2017 NIT championship run that season with three blowout wins and has seemingly picked up where it left off, as the Horned Frogs are seeking their EIGHTH straight NIT win. Why won't they get it here? TCU is 29-2 SU at home against non-conference opponents under Dixon and the pointspread and the impost too steep! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-24-19 | Nebraska v. TCU -4 | Top | 72-88 | Win | 100 | 15 h 15 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on TCU at 9:30 ET. Nebraska suffered through a 2-11 stretch (from Jan 21-Mar 5) but erased an early 14-2 deficit at home to beat Butler 80-76 on Wednesday. It was the school's first postseason victory in 11 years! Last year's NIT bid was a let down, as Nebraska won 23 games (finished fourth in the Big Ten) and admitted it was not pumped for last year's NIT. TY's team says it feels different. The fourth-seeded Cornhuskers (19-16) now visit the top-seed in its NIT bracket on Sunday, the 21-13 TCU Horned Frogs. TCU felt it was snubbed by the NCAA this season and came out out sluggish against Sam Houston State. The Horned Frogs trailed by eight before closing the first half on a 15-3 run and then made 11 of their first 14 attempts after intermission to take 17-point lead in an eventual 82-69 win. Nebraska's 6-8 Isaiah Roby (12.1 & 7.1) scored a career-high 28 points in the win over Butler. Starting guards James Palmer Jr. (19.7-4.2-3.0) had 23 points, five rebounds and three assists against Butler, while Glynn Watson Jr. (13.5-4.0-3.0 assists) scored 17 points. That trio has stepped up since Nebraska lost the 6-9 Copeland (14.0 & 5.4) for the season after 20 games. In fact, Palmer is averaging 24.6 points, Roby 17.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.0 blocks, and Watson 18.6 points and shooting 19-of-41 from the arc, over the team's last five games. Six TCU players scored in double digits against Sam Houston St. PG Alex Robinson (12.7-3.7-7.1) recorded his ninth double-double of the season with 13 points and 11 assists. The 6-8 JD Miller (10.8 & 6.6) contributed 15 points and eight rebounds, while leading scorer Desmond Bane (15.2-5.6-2.4) added 13 points and nine rebounds. Freshman center Kevin Samuel (7.6 &.7.0) scored 11 points. TCU's fourth double digit scorer on the season is the 6-7 Noi (13.9 & 4.9). Nebraska may be claiming that the team is "pumped' for this year's NIT but a comeback home win over a Butler team which struggled all season on the road, hardly convinces me. The Huskers’ 80 points against Butler were their most in EIGHT postseason games, dating back to the 2004 NIT. Nebraska travels to Fort Worth tonight to face a TCU team which won the NIT in 2017 and is surely capable of winning it again, this year. Nebraska is 2-9 SU in true road games this season, while allowing 78.6 PPG. End of the 2019 'road' for the Cornhuskers. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-24-19 | Oklahoma v. Virginia -10.5 | 51-63 | Win | 100 | 13 h 28 m | Show | |
My 8* play is on Virginia at 7:45 ET. Virginia became the first No. 1 seed to fall in the NCAA tournament's first round in 2018, losing to Maryland-Baltimore County. It seemed like "deja vu all over again" on Friday, as the top-seed in the South fell behind by double digits in the first half on Friday against Gardner-Webb before pulling away for a 71-56 win (non-cover). Oklahoma improved to 20-13 on the season with its 95-72 rout of Ole Miss. The Sooners were lucky to even be in the tournament after going 4-8 down the stretch, including a loss to last-place West Virginia in the Big 12 Tournament opener. However, they exploded against Ole Miss on Friday (shot 57.6 percent from the floor), rolling up their highest point total of the season and their most in an NCAA Tournament game since they scored 124 against Louisiana Tech in 1989. Four Sooners scored at least 18 points, led by guards Christian James (14.4 & 6.2) and Rashard Odomes (7.1) with 20 each. 6-7 forward Kristian Doolittle (11.4 & 7.2) scored 19 and equaled a career high with 15 rebounds plus the 6-9 Brady Manek (12.2 & 5.9 added 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting. The Cavaliers did connected on 51.9 percent from the floor in Friday's win, as sophomore De'Andre Hunter (15.4 & 5.1)r, who missed last year's tournament with an injury suffered in the ACC Tournament, topped the team with 23 points. The 6-9 Mamadi Diakite (7.2 & 3.9) added 17 points along with a team-high nine rebounds and PG Ty Jerome (13.0 & 5.4 APG) scored 13. Guy (15.4 & 4.4), the third guard in UVa's outstanding perimeter trio, was held to just eight points. However, Virginia out-rebounded Gardner-Webb 35-21 and has now held eight of its last 10 opponents under 60 points. Here's the bottom line. The Cavaliers allow an average of just 55.1 PPG, the lowest in the nation and Oklahoma has struggled with top defenses this season. The Sooners have gone 0-5 against teams that finished the season ranked in the top -10 in defense. No 'scare' here, as UVa romps. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-24-19 | Liberty v. Virginia Tech -8.5 | 58-67 | Win | 100 | 13 h 31 m | Show | |
My 9* play is on Virginia Tech at 7:10 ET. 29-6 Liberty rallied for its first-ever NCAA Tournament win in school history on Friday, beating the East's fifth-seeded Miss St Bulldogs, 80-76 (as 7-point underdogs). Up next for the 12th-seeded Flames will fourth-seeded Virginia Tech (25-8), which rallied past Saint Louis for a 66-52 first round win (BTW...It was Tech's first NCAA win in 12 years!). San Jose, Ca is the setting for Sunday's game with a trip to the Sweet 16 going to the winner. Junior guard Celeb Homesley (12.5 & 5.5) erupted for a career-high 30 points on 10-of-16 shooting in Liberty's Friday win. He's part of an excellent perimeter group. which includes Cabill (12.5 & 5.5) and three other guards averaging between 7.1 and 7.7 PPG. 6-8 junior forward Scottie James leads the team in scoring (12.9) and rebounding (8.7). Liberty is an outstanding defensive team, allowing 61.2 PPG (8th). Not only did Va Tech win its first NCAA game in 12 years but the Hokies got a big boost by the return of senior PG Justin Robinson (13.5-3.2-5.0), who chipped in nine points and a pair of steals after missing the previous 12 games with a foot injury. "It was like riding a bike," Robinson told reporters. "There was a little rust. I had (two) assists, four turnovers." Leading scorer, sophomore guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (16.7-4.1-3.9), not surprisingly led the team with 20 points. Tech has two other double digit scorers in guard Hill (13.0) and the 6-10 Blackshear (14.7 & 7.2), who had 15 points.Like Liberty, Va Tech plays outstanding D, allowing 61.8 PPG (10th). Two excellent defensive teams but Va Tech played the MUCH tougher opponents (schedule). Liberty had its 'day in the sun" on Friday but let's NOT forget the Flames lost 79-70 at Vandy ('Dores went 0-18 in the SEC this season), 88-78 at Georgetown and 84-75 in a neutral game to Alabama. Sure, they won at sad-sack UCLA but the Bruins are "the Bruins" these days in name only. Lay it! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-24-19 | UCF v. Duke -13 | 76-77 | Loss | -104 | 11 h 46 m | Show | |
My 8* play is on Duke at 5:15 ET. Duke pretty much breezed through its first round game beating North Dakota State 85-62, as Duke's heralded freshmen embraced the NCAA Tournament in their first shot. The 30-5 Blue Devils, the top seed in the East Region, now take on ninth-seeded UCF (24-8) in Sunday's second round at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC, after the Knights impressively took down VCU, 73-58. UCF's 7-6 center Tacko Fall (11.0 & 7.7) had 13 points, 18 rebounds, and five blocks in Friday’s win. The Knights are excellent at the defensive end (64.1 PPG allowed ranks 26th in the nation), in no small part because Fall can control the paint. However, the team's scoring 'punch' comes from its backcourt and B.J. Taylor (16.0) and Aubrey Dawkins (15.1 & 5.1) combined for 29 points against VCU. PG Allen (6.8 & 4.2 APG) rounds out an excellent guard trio, while the 6-11 Smith (8.1 & 5.1) has complemented Fall all season. Slow starts have been a bit of a concern recently for the Blue Devils, who led by only four at halftime against North Dakota State. However, Duke can look unstoppable once it gets going. Barrett (23.0-7.7-4.1) and Williamson (22.2 & 8.7) have been dominant all season and were so again vs ND St. Barrett had 26 points and 14 rebounds, while Williamson added 25 points Rounding out the team's "Fab Four" are Reddish (13.6) and PG Jones (9.1 & 5.3 APG). Fall played like "Wilt" vs VCU but he entered the tourney averaging a modest 25 minutes per game. He doesn’t run the floor well and his offensive game is VERY limited! Barrett and Williamson are on pace to become the first freshman teammates in history to each average more than 20 points in a season. Is this duo a 'lock' to reach the Final 4? Maybe not but the Blue Devils WILL reach the Sweet 16 for the 27th time against a UCF team coming off the first NCAA Tournament win in program history. The win comes "with room to spare!" Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-24-19 | Washington v. North Carolina -11.5 | 59-81 | Win | 100 | 9 h 47 m | Show | |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on North Carolina at 2:40 ET. Washington easily won the Pac-12's regular season title with a 15-3 record (three clear of ASU) but lost in the conference tourney title game to red-hot Oregon. The Huskies received a 9-seed in the Midwest Region but bounced back in impressive fashion on Friday with a 78-61 win over 8-seed Utah State. Washington's Jekyll-and-Hyde season continues Sunday in Columbus, Ohio, where the Huskies face top-seeded North Carolina in a Midwest Region second-round matchup of the NCAA Tournament.The Tar Heels had some early struggles against 16th-seeded Iona but shot 63 percent in the second half to secure the 88-73 win. Washington scored a season-low 44 points in a loss to Oregon in the Pac-12 Tournament title game but bounced back by shooting 49 percent from the floor, including 10-of-17 from three-point range against Utah State. Pac-12 Player of the Year Jaylen Nowell (16.3-5.3-3.2) had 19 points, five rebounds and five assists in the win over Utah State, while Nahziah Carter (8.0) stepped up after David Crisp (12.3 PPG) fouled out with eight minutes left and finished with 13 points off the bench. Thybulle (9.3 & 3.5 SPG), the two-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, added 10 points, five steals, three blocks and three rebounds for the Huskies, who held MWC Player of the Year Sam Merrill to 10 points on 2-of-9 shooting. Washington also received a welcome spark from 6-8 senior forward Noah Dickerson (12.4 & 7.5), who broke out of a mini-slump by recording 20 points and 12 rebounds. Senior guard Cameron Johnson (17.1 & 5.9) scored a team-high 21 points for the Tar Heels against Iona.He and fellow senior, the 6-8 Maye (14.8 & 10.4), plus freshman guard White (16.1-3.5-4.2) have been team leaders all season, However, 6-6 freshman reserve forward Nassir Little (9.7 & 4.6) added 19 points for the Tar Heels in his first NCAA Tournament game. Washington’s Jekyll-and-Hyde season continues Sunday in Columbus, Oh and I wonder if the Huskies are in the WRONG place at the WRONG time. Washington's second-year head coach Mike Hopkins (former Jim Boeheim assistant at Syracuse) has effectively implemented his mentor’s 2-3 matchup zone defense, as the Huskies allow 64.3 PPG (28th). However, North Carolina averages 86.1 PPG (3rd-best) and is coming off a sluggish effort. Washington only averages 70.1 PPG (252nd) and I believe will NOT be able to keep up with a North Carolina team headed for yet another Sweet 16. Beating MWC champ Utah St is one thing. Beating (or even staying close) to a blue-blood program like North Carolina is another. Lay it Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-23-19 | Auburn v. Kansas +2.5 | Top | 89-75 | Loss | -110 | 16 h 33 m | Show |
My signature 10* LEGEND Play is on Kansas at 9:40 ET. Auburn and Kansas both played in their respective conference tournament championship games last weekend (Auburn won / Kansas lost) and both advanced to this second round contest. However, 5th-seeded Auburn barely survived 78-77 over 12th-seeded New Mexico St, while 4th-seeded Kansas rode a 32-6 second-half run to coast to an 87-53 win over 13th-seeded Northeastern. Auburn made 15 three-pointers and recorded 14 steals en route to securing its first SEC Tournament title since 1985 with Sunday's 84-64 rout of Tennessee, its fourth game in four days. However, the collective wear-and-tear of a FIFTH game in eight days nearly caught up with the Tigers on Thursday when they escaped with a 78-77 victory over New Mexico State after nearly blowing a seven-point lead in the final minute! Senior guard Bryce Brown leads the balanced Tigers, averaging 15.7 PPG. Junior PG Harper adds 15.3 and 5.7 APG. The team's lone big man of note is the he 6-8 Okeke averages 11.8 & 6.8. he Auburn bench averaged 26.3 points during the SEC Tournament and added 28 points vs New Mexico St. Kansas scored 50 points in the paint for the second straight game in its win over Northeastern and the Jayhawks set several season bests in Thursday's rout, field-goal percentage for a half (70.4), field-goal percentage for a game (55.7) and field-goal percentage defense (28.7). That's not a bad 'trifecta.'The 6-9 Dedric Lawson (19.1 & 10.3) had 25 points and 11 rebounds in only 27 minutes to post his 21st double-double on the season. Freshman guard Devon Dotson (12.3-3.7-3.5) scored 18 points and did not commit a turnover Thursday. Since Vick (14.1 & 4.0) was lost after 23 games, Agbaji (8.9 & 4.8) and Garrett (7.3 & 4.2) have stepped up on the perimeter to complement Dotson. Auburn comes in on a nine-game winning streak but almost didn't survive against New Mexico St. Auburn features a guard-oriented attack and puts up 79.5 PPG but I took New Mexico St against them nothing that playing at altitude (Salt Lake City) could have an effect for a team playing its FIFTH game in eight days. It's now a SIXTH game in 10 days and note that EIGHT of Kansas' nine losses this season have come in true road games (Jayhawks went 3-8 on the season). That makes this Bell Self-coached team 23-1 SU in home and neutral games (16-0 at home / 7-1 in neutral) on the season. Auburn's last Sweet 16 appearance came back in 2002-03, so look for the nation's preseason No. 1 team to make it 24-1 and be the ones advancing to this season's Sweet 16. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-23-19 | Villanova +3.5 v. Purdue | 61-87 | Loss | -107 | 12 h 8 m | Show | |
My 9* play is on Villanova at 9:00 ET. 26-9 Villanova is the South Region's No. 6 seed and will play the No. 4 seed Purdue (24-9) tonight in Hartford, Ct for a spot in the Sweet 16. 'Nova outlasted Saint Mary's 61-57 on Thursday by holding the Gaels to 41.8 percent shooting and limiting them to just six free-throw attempts. "The tempo was excruciating," Wildcats head coach Jay Wright told reporters. "We felt going in we were going to have to grind with them."Meanwhile, Purdue (the Big Ten's regular-season co-champ), held Old Dominion to just 26.9 percent shooting in a suffocating 61-48 triumph on Thursday. The team's leading scorer, Carsen Edwards (23.1), scored 26 points to lead the way. It was no surprise that the Wildcats were led on Thursday by seniors Phil Booth (20 points) and Eric Pachall (14), Both were members of the All-Big East first team, as guard Booth averages 18.7-3.9-3.9 and the 6-8 Paschall 16.5 & 6.2. Sophomore guard Gillespie (10.9) is the team's only other double digit scorer but a trio of frontcourt players (Bey, Samuels and Cosby-Roundtree) combine to chip in about 20 points and 6 rebounds per game. Edwards had 26 points but made just 7 of 23 of shots against ODU. He has really struggled with his shooting over the last four games, connecting on just 27 percent of his shots over that stretch, including 11-of-45 (24.4%) from three-point land. Edwards' backcourt partner Ryan Cline (11.7 & 3.4 APG) was just 1-of-11 fromthree3-point range against Old Dominion and has scored eight points or fewer in FOUR of the last six games. Purdue's lone big man of note is the 7-3 Haarms but he averages a modest 9.2 & 5.3. Villanova has won TWO of the last three NCAA titles and enters this contest 14-1 in its last 15 NCAA Tournament games. In veterans like Booth and Paschall plus head coach Jay Wright, 'Nova has an edge. Booth has not been held below 13 points since Dec 8, while his counterpart, Edwards, is slumping (see above). Jermaine Samuels has scored at least 10 points in FIVE of his last seven contests and along with Bey and Cosby-Roundtree (again, see above), joins the veteran Paschal to give Purdue's so-so frontcourt all sorts of trouble. Even better, we get a few points with the Wildcats,. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-23-19 | Murray State v. Florida State -4.5 | 62-90 | Win | 100 | 10 h 38 m | Show | |
My 8* play is on Florida St at 6:10 ET. Murray State (28-4) pulled off the 12 vs 5 upset Thursday in beating Marquette 83-64. Potential NBA Draft lottery pick Ja Morant (24.4-5.7-10.2) did not disappoint by posting the first triple-double in the NCAA Tournament since Draymond Green recorded one in 2012, scoring 17 points with 11 rebounds and 16 assists. Meanwhile, the fourth-seeded Seminoles (28-7) got a first-round scare from Vermont in the West Region when they found themselves tied with the Catamounts at the half, before pulling away from Vermont in a 76-69 win. Morant scored or assisted on 53 points against the Golden Eagles but the Racers were far from a one-man show. Freshman guard Tevin Brown (12.0 & 4.8) had a team-high 19 points while fellow guard Shaq Buchanan (13.1 & 4.3) added 14. The 6-9 KJ Williams (7.8 & 4.7) had 16 points and is joined up front by the 6-8 Cowart (10.3 & 6.6). Murray St averages 83.3 PPG (11th) on 49.7% shooting (6th). The 6-11 Mfiondu Kabengele(13.1 & 5.9) is FSU's leading scorer and comes off the bench (he's the ACC's Sixth Man of the Year). He scored a game-high 21 points on 6-of-13 shooting while also going 9-of-12 from the free-throw line and adding 10 rebounds against the Catamounts. Senior guard Terance Mann (11.4 & 6.4) helped fuel FSU's second-half surge by scoring 17 of his 19 points in the second half. PG Forrest (9.0 & 3.7 APG) plus Walker (7.8) give FSU a solid guard trio. Up front, the 6-8 Cofer (7.4 & 3.5) plus the 7-4 Koumadji (6.6 & 5.5 in just 15 MPG), make for a very balanced FSU offense. As always, FSU plays solid D, allowing 67.2 PPG (61st in the nation). Murray State has won 12 straight and along with Morant, have received plenty of pre-tournament coverage. However, FSU will be a tough matchup. The Seminoles came out a bit flat vs Vermont but that shouldn't have been too much of a surprise considering they were coming off an intense run to the ACC Tournament championship game. Leonard Hamilton just may have his best-ever team this season, as Florida State’s 28 wins are the most in program history. One more and it's off to the Sweet 16. Bye-bye Ja. See you on draft night. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-23-19 | Florida v. Michigan -6 | Top | 49-64 | Win | 100 | 9 h 54 m | Show |
My 10* play is on Michigan at 5:15 ET. Second-seeded Michigan (29-6) routed No. 15 seed Montana 74-55 on Thursday and now moves on to take on 10th-seed Florida in the West Regional (game is in Des Moines, Ia). Florida nearly squandered an 18-point second-half lead but held on to knock off seventh-seeded Nevada 70-61 on Thursday. The Wolverines's victory over Montana was their 17th NCAA Tournament win since 2013, which is the most of any team during that span. Michigan is looking advance to the Sweet 16 for the fifth time in its last six appearances. As for Florida, the Gators needed a pair of wins in the SEC Tournament to punch their ticket to the Big Dance but have won three of their last four games after dropping the previous three and hope to build off their upset of the Wolf Pack by advancing to the Sweet 16 for the second time in the last three years. Florida center Kevarrius Hayes (8.3 & 6.2) scored a team-high 16 points to go along with three blocks before fouling out with 2:20 to go, as the Gators scored the final seven points to stave off a late rally by Nevada. Guard Jalen Hudson (9.2) added 13 of his 15 points in the first half while SF Keyontae Johnson (8.1 & 6.3) chipped in 10 points and 10 rebounds against the Wolf Pack. KeVaughn Allen (team's leading scorer at 11.9 PPG) scored all 10 of his points in the second half while freshman PG Andrew Nembhard (8.1 & 5.3 APG) had eight points, seven rebounds and five assists. It's no surprise that Florida won with defense (63.6 PPG ranks 21st), as it held Nevada to 34.5 percent from the floor, including 5 of 24 from three-point range. Michigan guard Charles Matthews 12.3 & 5.0) was bothered by an injured right ankle in the Big Ten tourney but looked fine vs Montana, leading the way with 22 points and 10 rebounds to register the seventh double-double of his career in the win. 6-7 Ignas Brazdeikis (15.0 & 5.3) was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and added 14 points and seven rebounds, while PG Zavier Simpson (9.1-5.0-6.7) had just four points but produced 10 assists and seven rebounds against the Grizzlies to become the first player in program history to have eight games with at least 10 assists in a single season. Guard Poole (12.7) and 7-1 center Teske (9.7 & 7.0) round out Michigan's core, one which is more than capable of furthering John Beilein's recent NCAA successes. I noted Florida's strong defensive numbers earlier but Michigan has held 20 opponents to 60 or fewer points this season and enters this contest allowing 58.5 PPG, the second-fewest points in the nation. Michigan is holding opponents to 39.7% shooting (17th), including 28.7% on threes (5th-best). Michigan's D is even better than Florida's plus the Wolverines have more scoring options on the offensive end of the court. Lay the points. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-22-19 | Ohio State +5.5 v. Iowa State | 62-59 | Win | 100 | 15 h 49 m | Show | |
My 8* play is on Ohio St by 9:50 ET. Iowa State entered the Big 12 tourney on a three-game losing streak but came away from Kansas City with the Big 12 Tournament championship trophy for the FOURTH time in six years. The 23-11 Cyclones earned a No. 6 seed in the Midwest Region after a 78-66 victory over Kansas in the Big 12 Tournament championship game. Awaiting them are the 11th-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio St was considered a bubble team entering the Big Ten tourney but a win over Indiana seemingly was good enough to earn an at-large bid., despite the team's modest 19-14 overall record. Iowa State had the better season but both teams experienced an up-and-down stretches Ohio State opened 12-1 but then lost five straight, ending the season with an 8-12 record in Big Ten play. The Buckeyes enter the tournament with four losses in their last five games, but three of those losses were without big man Kaleb Wesson, who returned from a three-game suspension for the Big Ten Tournament. Wesson (14.4 & 6.8) returned from his suspension against Indiana and made a huge impact with 17 points and 13 rebounds before managing only seven points and three rebounds in a loss to Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. Ohio State need production from its guards, point guard C.J. Jackson (12.2-4.0-3.5), heralded freshman Luther Muhammed (8.0) and battle-tested Keyshawn Woods (7.7), a Wake Forest graduate transfer. Let's not forget Wesson's 6-6 brother Andre, who averages 8.8 & 4.0 and typically draws the toughest defensive matchup. Steve Prohm's Iowa St team is loaded on the perimeter with the 6-9 Jacobson (11.5 & 6.0) being ISU's lone frontcourt player of note. Shayok (18.6 & 4.9) is the team's leading scorer, followed by fellow guards Wigginton (13.5 & 4.1), Horton-Tucker (12.1 & 5.0), PG Weiler-Babb (9.2-5.0-4.0 and Haliburton (). When "on its game," Iowa State is one dangerous team. Iowa State is playing in the NCAA Tournament for the seventh time in the past eight years and the 20th time in school history However, which Cyclones team will show up. The one that lost the final three games of the regular season and six of its final eight, or the squad that swept through the Big 12 tournament last week? Sure, Ohio State has had it's fair share of Jekyll-and-Hyde moments but Kaleb Wesson should dominate the much smaller Cyclones plus Ohio St can dominate the glass on both ends. Head coach Chris Holtmann (ex-Butler) loves the role of tournament underdog. Take the points. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-22-19 | UCF v. VCU +1 | Top | 73-58 | Loss | -108 | 15 h 4 m | Show |
My 10* 1st Round Game of the Year is on VCU at 9:40 ET. 23-8 UCF earned an at-large bid for the first time in program history and the 9th-seed in the East Regio. The Knights will face No. 8-seed VCU in a first-round matchup on Friday in Columbia, SC. UCF set a program record with 23 regular-season wins, while posting statement victories over then-No. 6 Houston on the road and then-No. 19 Cincinnati in the span of five days. However, UCF (3rd in the AAC) fell in the quarterfinals of the AAC Tournament 79-55 to Memphis. VCU was predicted to finish seventh in the conference in a preseason poll but claimed the Atlantic 10 regular-season title with a 16-2 league record. However, the top-seeded Rams suffered a 75-70 setback to Rhode Island in the quarterfinals of the A-10 Tournament and take a 25-7 record into the Big Dance. The Knights have an excellent guard trio in Taylor (16.0), Dawkins (15.2 & 5.0) and PG Allen (6.8-3.2-4.3). Up front, it's the 7-6 Fall (10.9 & 7.3) and the 6-11 Smith (8.3 & 5.2). Defense is the team's strength, holding opponents to 64.3 PPG (28th) on 39.5% shooting (13th). VCU's best player Marcus Evans (13.8-3.0-3.2) was forced to leave last Friday’s quarterfinal loss in the first half with a knee injury but is expected to play in the NCAA Tournament. Backcourt mate Jenkins (11.4 & 3.9) joins him in double digit scoring, as do a pair of forwards, the 6-6 Vann (10.9 & 3.5) and the 6-7 Santos-Silva (10.1 & 7.4). Speaking of defense, the Rams allow 61.6 PPG (10th) on 38.4% shooting (6th), including 27.6 on threes (3rd). This marks the first at-large bid in program history for UCF and only its fifth NCAA appearance all-time. UCF has never been seeded higher than 14th before. VCU was just 18-15 in 2017-18, missing the postseason for the first time in 12 years iIt also ended a stretch of SEVEN straight NCAA appearances). This year's turnaround was envisioned by head coach Mike Rhoades, who told his team they could make the tournament after last year's disappointment. Expect the loss to Rhode Island in the A-10 tourney to be a HUGE motivating factor for the Rams. Does VCU have anyone to handle the 7-6 Fall? Not really but Fall only plays about 25 minutes per game, doesn’t run the floor well and his offensive game is VERY limited! VCU wins this battle of defensive teams. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-22-19 | Georgia State v. Houston -12 | 55-84 | Win | 100 | 12 h 24 m | Show | |
My 9* play is on Houston at 7:20 ET. The 31-3 Houston Cougars were American Athletic Conference regular-season champions, posting the fourth 31-win season in the program's history and first since 1983-84. The Cougars were 16-2 in AAC play and earned their first outright regular-season title since 1984, when they were members of the Southwest Conference. However, the Cougars lost to Cincinnati 69-57 in the AAC championship game on Sunday, after beating the Bearcats twice in the regular season. They now must refocus as the No. 3 seed in the Midwest Region with a first round matchup against 14th-seeded Georgia State (24-9), which both the Sun Belt Conference regular-season and tournament championships. Georgia State makes its third appearance in the Big Dance over a five-year stretch and will meet Houston for the first time ever. FIVE players scored in double figures last Sunday as the Panthers beat Texas-Arlington 73-64 in the Sun Belt final (team's fifth straight victory and eighth in nine games). Junior guard D’Marcus Simonds leads the Panthers in scoring at 18.4 PPG (adds 5.0 RPG and 3.7 APG) but 6-6 senior forward Malik Benlevi (12.0 & 5.8) was named the Sun Belt Tournament’s most outstanding player. He's recorded three straight double-doubles, averaging 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds in the process. Mitchell (12.2) and Williams (11.4 & 3.6 APG) join Simonds in the backcourt, while 6-5 SF Thomas (11.7 & 4.5) gives Ga St five double digit scorers. Senior guard Corey Davis Jr. (team-high 16.7 PPG) was bothered by a hip strain Sunday while going 3-of-13 from the floor. Houston expects (hopes?) he'll be fine for this one. Houston regularly plays five guards, as Brooks adds 13.6 PPG (and a team-high 6.5 RPG) plus there's PG Robinson (8.0 & 4.9 APG), Jarreau (8.9 & 3.9) and Hinton (7.6 & 4.4) Houston's strength is a defense allowing 61.2 PPG (8th) on 36.7% shooting (1st), including 27.6% on threes (2nd). Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson has taken four teams to a total of 16 Big Dances in his 26 years of coaching. He was the AAC's coach of the year and said his team needed a rest and welcomed not having to start the tournament with a game on Thursday. Playing Friday plus a short trip from Houston to Tulsa, gives the Cougars an extra day to heal after a 34-game season and a brutal stretch in the AAC tournament. The Panthers, bussing home from New Orleans to Atlanta on Sunday, pulled into a truck stop to watch the NCAA Tournament selection show, where they found out who and where they would be playing. I say Houston was NOT a team Ga St wanted to draw. The Cougars will likely be well-supported in Tulsa and should be primed to extend there season. Expect just that, with "room to spare!" Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-22-19 | Washington v. Utah State -3 | 78-61 | Loss | -102 | 12 h 56 m | Show | |
My 8* play is on Utah St at 6:50 ET 26-8 Washington easily won the Pac-12's regular season title with a 15-3 record (three clear of ASU) but lost in the conference tourney title game to red-hot Oregon. The Huskies received a 9-seed in the Midwest Region and will face 8-seed Utah State. The Aggies have won 10 straight and 17 of their last 18 contests, including a 64-57 title-game win over San Diego St in the MWC finals. Both schools are making their first NCAA appearance since 2011.. The Huskies are led by Pac-12 player of the year Jaylen Nowell (16.2-5.3-3.1) and the league’s defensive player of the year, Matisse Thybulle (9.3 PPG and 116 steals). Guard Crisp (12.5) and the 6-8 Dickerson (12.2 & 7.4) join Nowell in double digits for a team that ranked just 11th in the Pac-12 in scoring at 69.8 PPG (255th nationally). However, Washington's D allows only 64.4 PPG, which ranks 29th in the nation. Utah State was picked ninth in the Mountain West Conference preseason poll but tied Nevada for the regular season title and then won the MWC tourney. MWC player of the year Sam Merrill (21.2-4.0-4.2) scored 24 points in the 64-57 title-game win over the Aztecs, while 6-11 freshman center Neemias Queta (11.1 & 8.9) had 17 points and eight rebounds. Few know much about Queta, a rim protector with a 7-5 wingspan who blocked NINE shots during the MWC tournament. Guards Brito (8.2) and Miller (8.0) complement Merrill in the backcourt, while the 6-8 Taylor (8.0 & 6.3) helps Queta up front. Washington's second-year head coach Mike Hopkins (former Jim Boeheim assistant at Syracuse) has effectively implemented his mentor’s 2-3 matchup zone defense but Utah State has an well-oiled offense that averages 79.2 PPG (10 points more that UW) and ranks 10th in Division I with 17.2 assists per game. FIVE of the Aggies' top-six scorers hit 35% or better from beyond the arc, so watch out! Utah State has to be excited to play a team from the Pac-12 and Washington, which comes in on a 1-6 ATS run, should play the perfect foil. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-22-19 | Oregon v. Wisconsin -1.5 | 72-54 | Loss | -112 | 10 h 52 m | Show | |
My 9* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Wisconsin at 4:30 ET. Oregon was a top-20 team to begin the season and the preseason choice to win the Pac-12. However, the Ducks lost 7-2 freshman Bol Bol (21.0 & 9.6) - a likely NBA lottery pick - to a foot injury just after nine games should didn't have the look of an NCAA Tournament team, with a 15-12 record after dropping three straight on a win-less road trip from Feb 16 to Feb 23. All of a sudden, a 79-51 home win against Arizona State sparked a dominant close to the regular season in which Oregon won all four of its games by an average of 18.3 points. The Ducks kept it going in Las Vegas, claiming an automatic berth by winning the Pac-12 title game with their third double-digit victory in four days following Saturday's 68-48 rout of top-seeded Washington. The 12th-seeded Ducks (23-12) will face No. 5 seed Wisconsin (23-10) in the first round of the South Region in San Jose, Ca. on Friday afternoon. The Badgers finished fourth in the Big Ten (14-6) with a strong finish to the regular season. Wisconsin won FIVE of its last six (lone loss was a double-overtime road loss to Indiana). The Badgers then edged Nebraska in the Big Ten quarterfinals Friday, before bowing out to Michigan State in the semifinals. Oregon PG Payton Pritchard (12.7-3.7-4.5) was the Pac-12's tournament MVP, averaging 19.3 points and 6.7 assists over the last three games in Las Vegas. Three more guards combine to average almost 20 PPG but a trio of 6-9 frontcourt players have been making 'waves.' Freshman King (12.7 & 5.5), joined by fellow forwards White (10.6 & 3.9) and Wooten (6.2 & 4.6) The 6-11 Happ leads Wisconsin in scoring (17.5), rebounding (10.1) and assists (4.6). He is the first player in program history to be named to the All-Big Ten first team three times in his career and he's attempting to join LSU's Ben Simmons as the only Division I players over the last 20 years to averaging at least 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.The 6-11 Reuvers (7.8 & 3.8) plays alongside Happ up front The Badgers own a deep backcourt, led by Trice (11.7) & Davison (10.7) plus a trio of other backcourt players who combine for about 16 points per game. Dana Altman's Oregon teams have been traditionally know for their scoring but this year's edition has won with its defense. The Ducks have forced over 15 turnovers per during their eight-game winning streak and only Arizona State (75 points in overtime) has scored more than 61 points over that span. Then again, don't preach defense to Wisconsin, as the Badgers allow just 61.4 PPG (9th) on 39.3% shooting (11th). Oregon's run ends here, as teams don't out-defense the Badgers! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-22-19 | Iowa +4.5 v. Cincinnati | 79-72 | Win | 100 | 5 h 29 m | Show | |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Iowa at 12:15 ET. The Cincinnati Bearcats won the American Athletic Conference tournament championship by beating then-No. 11 Houston 69-57 on Sunday. 28-6 Cincinnati expected a much higher seed than the one it got (No. 7 in the South Region) but looking on the bright side, the Bearcats will only have to travel 107 miles north (Columbus, Ohio) when they take on 22-11 Iowa (10-seed). The Hawkeyes are back 'dancing' after missing out the last two seasons. Iowa was sitting pretty at 20-5 overall on Feb.16 (9-5 in the Big Ten). The Hawkeyes were ranked for 14 weeks in a 16-week span but they crumbled down the stretch in losing SIX of their last eight games, including a 74-53 setback Friday against Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. 6-9 forward Tyler Cook leads the way for the Hawkeyes in scoring (14.9) - on 52.8 percent shooting from the floor - and rebounding (7.9) for the second straight season. The 6-11 Garza (12.9 & 4.4) and 6-7 Baer (6.7 & 4.6) lend solid support. A four-guard rotation is led by Bohannon (11.3 & 3.4 APG) and Wieskamp (10.8 & 4.8). The Bearcats beat Houston behind 33 points from AAC player of the year Jarron Cumberland (18.8-4.5-3.1). Cincy's depth is good, with five more players averaging between 8.0 and 10.1 PPG. A trio of guards chip in about 25 PPG plus the 6-8 Scott (9.3 & 6.9) and the 6-11 Brooks (8.0 & 6.4) handle the frontcourt. However, Cincy's bread-and-butter is a defense that allows 62.2 PPG (12th) on 40.6% shooting (30th). The Columbus venue is nice but it's NOT Cincy's home floor. Was Cincy's rousing win over Houston last Sunday to capture the AAC’s automatic bid a confidence-builder or does a "let down" lay in wait for the Bearcats? I will note that Cincy limped into the AAC tourney on an 0-8 ATS run, before going 3-0 (2-1 ATS) to win the title. Remember, this Iowa team was ranked for 14 weeks in a 16-week span. I want ANY points I can get. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-21-19 | Baylor v. Syracuse -2 | 78-69 | Loss | -108 | 35 h 38 m | Show | |
My 9* play is on Syracuse at 9:57 ET. Syracuse dropped five of its last seven contests but at 20-13 earned an 8-seed in the West Region. The Orange will met the 9th-seeded Baylor Bears who enter the tourney on a four-game slide. The Bears were picked to finish ninth in the Big 12 preseason coaches' poll and lost 6-9 sophomore forward Tristan Clark (14,6 & 6.3) to a season-ending knee injury Jan 8. They have since navigated injuries to senior guards Makai Mason (foot) and King McClure (knee), who each missed several games. Mson averages 14,6 PPG and McClure 8,7 & 5.2. Mason McClure are the only two players on the team with NCAA Tournament experience. If the Bears are going to get past Syracuse, Mason and McClure will need to be at their best. Junior guard Tyus Battle leads Syracuse with 17.2 PPG but he missed the past two games because of a bruised hip. However, he practiced Sunday and is expected to be close to 100 percent Thursday. PG Howard (8.9 & 2.9 APG) showed some of his offensive ability in the ACC Tournament, averaging 23 points in two games. Part of that was because Battle was sidelined, but if Howard can be more of a scoring threat, Syracuse will greatly benefit. Up front, the 6-6 Hughes (13.4 & 4.4) and the 6-8 Brissett (12.4 & 7.5) should give Baylor fits. The winner of this contest advances to face No. 1 Gonzaga (barring a Fairleigh Dickinson shocker), so this will likely be a "One & DONE" game. We've seen Boejheim 'work his magic' in the NCAAS before and why shouldn't his match-up zone D give a less than 100 percent healthy Baylor team fits. Syracuse limped into the Big Dance as a No. 10 seed three years ago, after losing five of six. The Orange then ripped off four consecutive victories in a thrilling ride to the Final Four, where they were stopped by North Carolina. Last year, the Orange snuck into the NCAAs after losing four of their last six games but then won a First Four game and two more before narrowly losing 69-65 to Duke in the Sweet 16. Same old, same old for Boeheim. Maybe, Gonzaga had better watch out on Saturday. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-21-19 | Seton Hall v. Wofford -2.5 | 68-84 | Win | 100 | 34 h 15 m | Show | |
My 8* play is on Wofford at 9:40 ET. 20-13 Seton Hall of the Big East is a 10-seed in the Midwest Region and will face 29-4 Wofford of the Southern Conference Thursday night in Jacksonville. Yes, Wofford is riding a 24-game win streak but the Terriers' 7-sed raised more than a few eyebrows. After going 9-9 in conference play, the Pirates played their way off the bubble with a run to the Big East Tournament championship game, where they lost 74-72 to Villanova. Seton Hall is playing in its FOURTH consecutive NCAA Tournament and as a No. 8 seed knocked off North Carolina State 94-83 in the first round. Wofford wanted no part of counting on the Selection Committee and ensured its spot in the field with a fifth Southern Conference Tournament championship in the last 10 seasons (first since 2015). It’s the fifth NCAA Tournament appearance for the Terriers, who still are looking for their first victory. Myles Powell (22.9) is Seton Hall's go-to guy and he averaged 26 points and 4.7 assists in the Hall's run to the Big East title game. Fellow guard Cale (10.3) is far behind Powell, even though he's the team's second-leading scorer. PG Quincy McKnight (9.5 & 4.0 APG) is a defensive stopper who is likely to draw the tough task of guarding Fletcher Magee (more later). Up front, the 6-8 Nzei (9.2 & 5.3) and the 6-10 Sandro Mamukelashvili (8.9 & 7.8) could give Wofford's frontcourt players trouble but maybe not (more on that in a bit, too)? The Terriers are one of the most efficient offensive teams in the nation, averaging 83.0 PPG (12th) on 49.3% shooting (10th), which includes 41.6% on threes (2nd). The aforementioned Fletcher Magee (20.5 points) is the Southern Conference's Player of the Year. Backcourt mates Nathan Hoover (13.3) and PG Murphy (7.8 & 3.1 APG) round out the starters. Up front, it's the 6-8 Jackson (14.6 & 7.5) and the 6-9 Aluma (6.9 & 6.8). The Terriers will have heh motivation to prove they’re worthy of their No. 7 seed, much like Belmont had in proving the OVC school deserved an at-large bid. "Mission Accomplished" for Belmont with its 81-70 win over Temple on Tuesday. It's Wofford's turn here and note that the Terriers were 11-1 ATS in their last 12 league games AND they've out-rebounded 27 of their 33 opponents this season, going 26-1 in those games. Wofford's headed to a Round of 32 game on Saturday. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-21-19 | St. Mary's v. Villanova -4.5 | Top | 57-61 | Loss | -105 | 37 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Villanova at 7:20 ET. Villanova is the defending NCAA Tournament champions (two titles in the last three years) and enters the Big Dance after winning the Big East regular-season and tournament titles. 25-9 Villanova earned a modest 6-seed in the South region and opens its quest for third national championship in four years against No. 11 seed Saint Mary's in Hartford, Ct. Saint Mary's was not expected to make this year's field of 68 but it upset then-No. 1 Gonzaga in the WCC championship game, 60-47. Saint Mary's head coach Randy Bennett has led the Gaels since 2001 but 22-11 St Mary's has advanced to the NCAA Tournament for just the second time in the last six years. In contrast, Villanova has made the NCAA Tournament in seven straight years and 14 of the last 15. Junior guard Jordan Ford averages a team-best 21.3 PPG, after averaging 11.1 last season. The only other St Mary's player in double digits is 6-8 sophomore forward Malik Fitts (15.3 & 7.6). Nobody else on the team averages more than nine points, although the 6-10 Jordan Hunter is a presence on the interior with averages of 7.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. Villanova relies heavily on guard Booth (18.6-3.9-3.8) and the 6-8 Paschall (16.5 & 6.2), a pair of first-team Big East selections who have been part of both national title winners. Sophomore guard Gillespie (11.1) is the team's third double-digit scorer plus the 6-8 Saddiq Bey (8.4 & 5.3) has emerged in the second half of his freshman season, registering double-digit points in 11 of the last 16 games. Villanova became the first school to win three consecutive Big East tournaments titles and will likely remember that it was bounced by the Gaels in the second round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament. This Hartford venue is a LONG way from St Mary's home in Moraga, Ca and I don't believe the Gaels can beat the defending champs right after upsetting Gonzaga. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-21-19 | Florida v. Nevada -1.5 | 70-61 | Loss | -110 | 31 h 29 m | Show | |
My 8* play is on Nevada at 6:50 ET THREE of Nevada’s four losses (Wolf Pack are 29-4) have come in the team's last eight games. Nevada lost 81-76 at Utah St on Mar 2 and then lost in the MWC semis 65-56 to SD State, as a 10-point favorite. As a result, the Wolf Pack drew only a seventh-seed in the West Region and will open against 10th-seeded Florida (19-15) in Des Moines, Iowa. The Gators ended the regular season on a three-game slide but then beat Arkansas (66-50) and top-seeded LSU (76-73) in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, before falling 65-62 to eventual-champion Auburn in the semis. Mike White's Gator allow 63.6 PPG (21st) and force an average of 14.8 turnovers per contest. Th guard-oriented team has just one double digit scorer in KeVaughn Allen (12.0). Fellow guards Noah Locke (9.6) and Jalen Hudson (9.0) are close behind plus PG Nembhard adds 8.1 and a team-high 5.3 APG. The 6-9 Hayes and SF Johnson both average 8.1 PPG and combine to grab 12.5 RPG. The Martin twins, Caleb (19.2 & 5.1) and Cody (11.7-4.5-5.1) plus the 6-7 Caroline (17.3 & 9.6) are Nevada's stars. However, six more players contribute about 27 points and 12 rebounds per game. Nevada's D is almost as good as Florida's, as the Wolf Pack allow a modest 66.7 PPG (55th). However, let's NOT ignore that while Florida averages just 68,3 PPG, Nevada averages 80.7 (25th). Florida is making its third straight Big Dance appearance but its No. 10 seed matches its lowest in 22 appearances since the NCAA tourney expanded to 64 teams in 1985. To say the least, this is not a vintage Florida team! Meanwhile, head coach Eric Musselman’s Nevada team opened 24-1, en route to matching the single-season program record for wins with 29. The Wolf Pack are also in the Big Dance for the third straight season. Last March, with virtually the same roster, the seventh-seeded Wolf Pack rallied from double-digit deficits to beat Texas (87-83) and upended second-seeded Cincinnati (75-73), before losing a 69-68 thriller to eventual regional champ Loyola Chicago in the South semifinals.Can Ne vada make another run? Yes, but FIRST things FIRST. Florida has won at least one NCAA tourney game in its last six appearances but that streak ends right here! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-21-19 | New Mexico State +6 v. Auburn | 77-78 | Win | 100 | 31 h 52 m | Show | |
My 9* Situatuional Stunner is on New Mexico St at 1:30 ET. Auburn reached a high of No. 7 in the AP poll but after a slump fell out of the poll for six weeks. However, Auburn won its final four games of the regular season, including an 84-80 home win over Tennessee. The Tigers then won FOUR games in four days to capture the SEC Tournament title, ending with an impressive 84-64 victory in the SEC final over Tennessee on Sunday, The eight-game winning streak earned 26-9 Auburn the fifth seed in the Midwest Region and a first-round matchup with 12th-seeded New Mexico State in Salt Lake City. The Aggies come in 30-4, after winning the WAC tourney for the third straight year and seventh time in the past eight seasons. New Mexico St routed Grand Canyon 89-57 in Saturday’s title game and the Aggies will bring a 19-game winning streak into the Big Dance. First-team All-WAC honoree Terrell Brown is the only player on the roster averaging in double figures, scoring 11.3 PPG. Head coach Chris Jans has 11 more players seeing 10 minutes or more of "PT." FIVE of them chip in between 7.5 and 9.8 PPG New Mexico St plays outstanding defense (64.1 PPG allowed ranks 26th) and is an excellent rebounding team. Bryce Brown (15.8) averaged 16.5 points en route to winning the SEC Tournament MVP. PG Harper adds 15.2 PPG and 5.8 APG and Auburn's best frontcourt player is the 6-8 Okeke averages 11.7 & 6.8. The Auburn bench averaged 26.3 points during the SEC Tournament. The Tigers have made an SEC record 396 three-pointers and rode that prowess to an eight-game winning streak that produced the school's first conference tournament championship since 1985. As for the Aggies, they are in the NCAA Tournament for the seventh time in the past eight seasons but they have been one-and-out in each of their past 10 appearances. In fact, they last won an NCAA Tournament game in 1993, when they beat Nebraska before losing to Cincinnati. Auburn carries what some call the “anti-angle” of being a major conference tournament winner favored in the NCAA First Round. Auburn relies heavily on an overload of the lowest-percentage of shots (three-pointers) and this game will be played at "altitude." The elevation is customary for New Mexico State which is long overdue for a first-round NCAA win. Upset? Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-21-19 | Yale v. LSU -6.5 | 74-79 | Loss | -112 | 30 h 57 m | Show | |
My 9* Eye-Opener is on LSU at 12:40 ET. 22-7 Yale (14th seed) takes on 26-6 LSU (3rd seed) in a first round game from Jacksonville. Yale wrapped up the Ivy League championship with a 97-85 victory over arch-rival Harvard on Sunday to earn the Ivy's automatic bid. LSU coach Will Wade was suspended indefinitely after a Yahoo! Sports report on March 7 detailed his comments from June of 2017 on FBI tape about making an "offer" and a "deal" for current guard Javonte Smart, one of the top recruits in the nation at the time. Neither Wade nor Smart were participants when the Tigers clinched the regular-season title with an 80-59 victory over Vanderbilt (their first title since 2009 under interim coach Tony Benford. However, while Smart played, the Tigers were upset by eighth-seeded Florida in their first game in the SEC tournament Ivy League Player of the Year Miye Oni (17.6-6.3-3.5) starts in the backcourt with Copeland (13.8). Up front, it's the 6-7 Reynolds (11.4 & 4.5), the 6-9 Bruner (10.2 & 8.3) and the 6-11 Atkinson (9.1 & 5.1). Guards Swain and Phills combine to add about 15 PPG, as Yale averages a healthy 81.1 PPG (24th) on 49.8 percent shooting (9th). LSU's sophomore guard Tremont Waters leads the team in scoring (15.1) and assists (5.9). Fellow guards Mays (13.4) and Smart (11.5) give the Tigers a strong perimeter group. 6-10 freshman Naz Reid averages 13.7 & 7.2 and many are touting him as a future NBA star (he had 26 & 14 vin the loss to Florida). Like Yale, LSU averages an excellent 81.4 PPG and let me add, vs a much tougher schedule. The Tigers looked distracted when kicking away their SEC Tourney game to Florida but I'm betting that's "old news." This is just Yale's fifth trip to the NCAA Tournament and its only victory came when the Bulldogs defeated Baylor 79-75 in 2016. Don't expect "lightning to strike twice." Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-20-19 | Arizona State -1.5 v. St. John's | 74-65 | Win | 100 | 29 h 49 m | Show | |
My 9* First Four Play (Part 2) is on Arizona St at 9:10 ET. Bobby Hurley won a pair of NCAA titles as Duke's PG (1991 &1992) and Chris Mullin helped St. John's to the 1985 Final Four, before going on to have an excellent NBA career. The two will now butt heads as coaches, when Arizona State and St. John's meet Wednesday in the First Four at Dayton, looking to advance to a Friday game as the a No. 11 seed (winner will meet No. 6 Buffalo in the West Regional). 22-10 ASU was the Pac 12's No. 2 seed but lost a tough OT game to red-hot Oregon in the semis (Ducks won the Pac 12 tourney). St John's, with the benefit of playing the Big East tourney at MSG (the Red Storm's home-away-from-home), was able to get past DePaul but then got buried 86-53 by a Marquette team seeking double-revenge. The 6-10 center De'Quon Lake (4.5 & 3.8) starts but adds little, a three guards and three forwards comprise ASU main 'guns.' The 6-8 Zylan Cheatham (11.8 & 10.4) was the only Pac-12 player to average a double-double this season, recording 13 double-doubles. The 6-8 White (8.7 & 5.3) starts alongside of him, with the 6-7 Lawrence (8.7 & 3.6) coming off the bench. 6-4 guard Luguentz Dort (16.1 & 4.3) was named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, reaching double figures in 17 of 20 conference games. Sophomore PG Remy Martin adds 13.4 PPG and team-best 5.1 assists. Edwards (11.3) comes off the bench to give ASU four double-digit scorers. St John's features five double digit scorers, including four guards. PG Ponds leads the way (19.5-4.2-5.2 ), followed by Heron (14.9 & 4.7)), Figueroa (14.3 & 6.2) and Simon (10.4). The 6-7 Clark (10.8 & 45.4) is the lone frontcourt player of note. St John legend Chris Mullin is in his fourth season as head coach and has made steady improvement. St. John's is making its first NCAA appearance under Mullin and the Red Storm last made the NCAA Tournament in 2015. The Red Storm opened the season 12-0 but then went 8-10 in Big East play (also lost a non-conference game to Duke on ), before losing to Marquette in the Big East tourney (after beating DePaul). “St. John’s was the last team in,” NCAA Tournament selection committee chair Bernard Muir said on CBS after the bracket was revealed and note teh Red Storm haven't won a Big Dance game since 2000. Meanwhile, ASU is playing well, winning SIX of its last eight games. After Friday's 79-75 overtime loss to Oregon in the Pac-12 semifinals, Hurley proved prophetic by telling reporters: "When the committee looks at our season, I think that we’ll be rewarded for being great in the non-conference, beating the No. 1 team in the country at one point (Kansas in December) and having a very strong effort in the league.” Arizona State is in the First Four for the second consecutive season, but this time around, Hurley is bringing a much better team to Dayton. Last year's team relied too heavily on the three-point shot and didn't have enough easy offense to get past Syracuse in the First Four, losing 60-56. This year's team is bigger and more balanced. St John's Clark will be over-matched by Cheatham, White and Lawrence plus ASU's trio of guards is plenty good enough to 'hang' with St John's excellent perimeter quartet. Arizona State is making back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time since 1981 and Hurley "gets it right" this year against a St John's team that is just 2-5 over its last seven games, with all losses coming by double digits. A win will set up a Friday game against Buffalo, a school he led to a 42-20 record as its head coach from 2013-15, before taking the Sun Devils reins. See you Friday. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-19-19 | Belmont -3 v. Temple | 81-70 | Win | 100 | 14 h 21 m | Show | |
My 9* First Four Opoener is on Belmont at 9:10 ET. Fran Dunphy is a Philadelphia sports icon, having coached Penn for 17 years and now 13 years at Temple. Dunphy announced prior to this season that 2018-19 would be his his final season as a college basketball coach and he's going in style, as Temple is back to the NCAA Tournament. The 23-9 Owls won six of their final seven games before falling to Wichita State 80-74 in the quarterfinals AAC Tournament and likely needed every one of those wins to sneak into the field of 68. The Owls will play Belmont in a First Four game for the 11-seed in the East Regional (winner will play 6-seed Maryland on Thursday). The 26-5 Belmont Bruins were the No. 1 seed in the OVC but were upset by Ja Morant and Murray State in the conference title game. However the Selection Committee gave them a reprieve with an at-large bid (one of seven for a Mid-Major). This marks Belmont's eighth NCAA Tournament but its first with an at-large bid (note: this is the first at-large bid for an OVC team in 32 years!). The announcement of Belmont's at-large selection brought veteran coach Rick Byrd to tears. I'm emotional right now," he said to The Tennessean in Nashville Sunday. "I get that way about those I care about, and I feel that way about this team. We were hopeful but you never know. This is an unbelievable accomplishment for this team and this program. Belmont is led by 6-8 "big guard" Dylan Windler, who averages 21.4 PPG (shoots 43% from three) and an impressive 10.7 RPG. Fellow guard McClain adds 16.3 PPG plus PG Murphy (9.8-4.5-6.6) make up a terrific perimeter trio. Belmont enters the tourney as the second-highest scoring team in Division I behind Gonzaga at 87.4 PPG and its 49.9 percent from the floor ranks fourth-best. It's good news that the 6-11 Nick Muszynski (14.9 & 5.9), who missed the conference title game with an ankle injury, is expected to play. Temple is led by American Athletic Conference scoring leader Shizz Alston (19.7 PPG), who also leads the AAC in free throw percentage (90.7), minutes per game (37.1) and ranks second in assists (5.0). The Owls also have an outstanding perimeter group, as Rose adds 16.5 PPG and Pierre-louis (13.3 & 5.7). At issue is the lack of much of a frontcourt presence, as the 6-10 Aflokoi (5.9 & 7.0) and the 6-7 Moorman (5.8 & 4.1) are not major contributors. Looking closer, Temple's Rose is just 12-of-42 (28.6 percent) from long distance over his last nine games and Pierre-Louis has failed to surpass his scoring average in any of his last four games. Noting the likely return of Belmont big man Muszynski, he has 65 blocks while Temple has only 72 as a team. Dunphy has been an NCAA regular (16 previous appearances with Penn and Temple), but he's won his first game just THREE times (he's NEVER won a second game / 3-16 overall). I will admit that Belmont is winless in seven previous Big Dance appearances but Belmont IS the better team here (87.4 PPG on 49.9% shooting) and I believe won't miss this "at-large" opportunity to finally get the school's first-ever NCAA win. Expect more tears from Rick Byrd and Maryland had better watch out come Thursday. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-19-19 | San Diego v. Memphis -6.5 | Top | 60-74 | Win | 100 | 13 h 2 m | Show |
My NIT 10* Game of the Week is on Memphis at 8:00 ET. The San Diego Toreros finished seventh in the West Coast Conference and lost in the semifinals of the MWC tourney to eventual champion Saint Mary's. At 21-14, the Toreros didn't even bother to hold a team watch party on Sunday night to view the selection show, feeling chances were so slim at garnering the school's first-ever NIT invite. However, San Diego was the 32nd and final team announced to the NIT field (the 6-seed in the TCU bracket). Often, schools invited to the NIT experience a letdown, disappointed after failing to garner a spot in the NCAA Tournament. That is clearly NOT the case with San Diego. However, San Diego opens its first-ever NIT game against a school that is also FAR from being disappointed to be playing in the NIT. 21-13 Memphis is headed to a postseason tournament for the first time since the 2013-14 season as the No. 3 seed in the TCU bracket. The Tigers' last trip to the NIT came in 2010 and Memphis won the tournament in 2002. Under first-year head coach Penny Hardaway, Memphis forced its way to the edge of the Big Dance bubble with a late-season run that ended with a three-point loss to Houston in the AAC semifinals last Saturday. The Toreros are led by an impressive trio of seniors. The 6-7 Pineiro (19.1 & 9.5) will be the best player on the floor, supported by a pair of veteran guards in Carter (14.8) and Wright (13.8 & 4.7 APG). That said, Memphis counters with a superb pair of seniors, as well. PG Martin leads the team in scoring (19.6), assists (4.4) and steals (2.2) and was a first team All-AAC pick. Up front, it's 6-8 senior forward Kyvon Davenport (13.2 & 7.1). Hardaway loves to use multiple players, as while freshman guard Tyler Harris (10.6) also averages in double figures, SIX more Tigers chip in between 4.8 and 8.5 PPG. I wish these teams weren't playing each other but that's the luck of the draw. Memphis was 15-12 SU at home during the regular season (lost to only Tennessee and Cincinnati), while averaging about 85.0 PPG. The Tigers got to play on their home floor (FedExForum), beating Tulane 83-68 and UCF 79-55, before barely losing 61-58 to Houston (31-3 and 11th-ranked in the final AP poll). Memphis will likely have to win on the road the rest of the way in this year's NIT but that's NOT the case here. Lay it! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
03-17-19 | Michigan +1 v. Michigan State | Top | 60-65 | Loss | -108 | 8 h 32 m | Show |
My 10* Rivalry Rout is on Michigan at 3:30 ET. Michigan is 10th in the latest AP poll but opened the Big Ten tourney as the No. 3 seed behind No. 3 Purdue and No. 6 Michigan St. Purdue lost its first tourney game to Minnesota, while Mich and Mich St have each won two straight to advance to Sunday's title game at the United Center in Chicago. Michigan now gets a third crack Michigan State, which owns wins of 77-70 and 75-63 over the Wolverines. The Spartans are positioned for a potential No. 1 NCAA tournament seed with a win Sunday and the stakes are high for the Wolverines, as well. A win would likely elevate them to a No. 2 seed and would also enable them to get the last word in a rivalry that is beginning to approach Duke-North Carolina in terms of national interest. Michigan's 6-7 Ignas Brazdeikis (14.9 & 5.2) was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Guards Poole (12.8) and Matthews (12.3 & 5.0) join him in double digits. However, let's not forget PG Zavier Simpson (9.3-5.0-6.5), who earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors. In fact, the junior PG scored 15 points and dished nine assists Saturday as Michigan routed Minnesota 76-49 for its 10th straight Big Ten tournament victory. That came less than 24 hours after a 10-point, 11-assist performance in a 74-53 blowout of Iowa. Throw in 7-1 center Teske (9.6 & 6.8) and John Beilein has a core that has Michigan on the cusp of a third straight Big Ten championship. Michigan State never trailed in a 67-55 win over Wisconsin on Saturday, as the Spartans led 27-10 just over 12 minutes into the game. However, the win might have come with a price. PG Cassius Winston (19.0 & 7.5 APG) scored 21 points and dished out six assists but played the second half at less than 100 percent and limped off the floor when he was subbed out for good in the last minute (he's gritty but has a very bothersome ankle). Remember, MSU has already lost shooting gaurd Langfors d (15.0), who hasn't played in 2019. Up front, MSU is loaded with the 6-8 Ward (14.4 & 6.4), the 6-8 Tillman (9.5 & 7.0) and the 6-7 Goins (8.5 & 9.0).. Great coaching matchup between Beilein and Izzo but I just HAVE to play Michigan in this "double-revenge" situation, as the Wolerines make it a 'lucky' 11th straight Big Ten tourney win. Good luck...Larry. | |||||||
03-17-19 | Cincinnati +5.5 v. Houston | 69-57 | Win | 100 | 6 h 46 m | Show | |
My 8* play is on Cincinnati at 3:15 ET. Short and sweet with this pick. 31-2 Houston is the AAC's top seed and will try for a three-game sweep of second-seed Cincinnati (27-6) this season when the teams meet in the American Athletic Conference Tournament final on Sunday in Memphis. Both clubs were tested in Saturday's semifinals as the No. 11 Cougars held on to defeat third-seeded Memphis 61-58, before the No. 24 Bearcats ousted sixth-seeded Wichita State 66-63. Houston lost to Cincinnati 56-55 in the 2018 AAC Tournament final but has defeated the Bearcats 65-58 back on Feb 10 and won at Cincinnati 85-69 on March 10 to capture the conference's regular-season title. These teams aver VERY similar, Both have superior defenses, are led by prolific guards and have veteran leadership. The Cougars are allowing 61.0 PPG (8th), while holding opponents to 36.5% shooting (1st). Cincy allows a modest 62.4 PPG (12th). Cincy PG Jarron Cumberland (18.6 & 3.7) was named AAC player of the year, while many thought Houston guard Corey Davis Jr. (16.8) was going to win it. Expect another game like last year's 56-55 Cincy win. Take the points! Good luck...Larry |
Service | Profit |
---|---|
William Burns | $1,395 |
Joey Tron | $617 |
Ray Monohan | $607 |
Ross Benjamin | $583 |
Big Al McMordie | $401 |
Matt Fargo | $327 |
Ricky Tran | $297 |
Sean Higgs | $140 |
Jesse Schule | $98 |
Kyle Hunter | $66 |