02-26-20 |
Virginia v. Virginia Tech OVER 111 |
Top |
56-53 |
Loss |
-107 |
13 h 52 m |
Show
|
My 10* Total of the Month is on UVA/Va Tech Over at 7:00 ET.
Virginia won the school's first-ever national championship last season but gone from that team are its top-three scorers, guards Guy (15.4 & 4.5), Hunter (15.2 & 5.1) and Jerome (13.6 & 4.2). The Cavs opened 7-0 and were ranked 5th when they lost 69-40 at Purdue on Dec 4. UVA was 11-2 (3-0 ACC) and ranked 18th when it lost and is now 19-7 and at 11-5, is solidly in 4th-place in the ACC. Mike Young spent 17 years at Wofford, where he led the Terriers to five NCAA appearances, including last season. Wofford defeated Seton Hall 84-68 in LY's Big Dance, giving him the first NCAA Tournament win of his career. He took over at Va Tech, when Buzz Williams used Tech's Sweet 16 appearance last season to take the Texas A&M job. Young lost Va Tech's leading scorer from last year (Alexander-Walker at 16.2) to the NBA and couldn't convince the 6-10 Blackshear (14.9 & 7.5) to stay (he's a graduate transfer at Florida). The Hokies surprised by opening 6-0 and after a two-OT win over UNC on Jan 22, were 14-5 (5-3 in the ACC). However, 'the bottom has fallen out' for Va Tech, with SEVEN losses in its last eight games.
UVA's "Core 4" this season has been its unique guard duo of 5-9 PG Clark (10.8-4.2-6.0) and the 6-8 Key (10.0 & 7.2), teamed with the 6-9 Diatke (13.4 & 6.7) and the 7-1 Huff (8.1 & 6.0). However, after a poor start to the season, Tomas Woldentensae (a 6-5 junior guard from Italy) has emerged as the offensive wild card the Cavaliers have been seeking. He's now 30 of 67 (44.8%) from three-point range over his last eight games, while averaging 13.3 PPG. Virginia has found some nice offensive balance in winning SEVEN of eight (lone 'clunker' was a 50-49 OT win over Notre Dame) and has had a different player lead in scoring in each of its last four games.
While UVA has won seven of eight, Va Tech enters this contest having lost seven of eight. The Hokies dropped an 88-64 decision to then-No. 6 Duke the last time out, sinking to 11th in the ACC (15-12 / 6-10). SEVEN of Va Tech's top-eight scorers are guards. Two freshman lead the way, Landers Nolley II (16.7 & 6.1) and Tyrece Radford (10.4 & 6.3). However, Nolley is mired in a dismal shooting slump that has seen him make just 8-of-44 shots, including 2-of-17 from three-point range, in a three-game stretch. Radford is trending in the other direction and after leading the Hokies with 16 points in the loss to Duke, is averaging 16.3 points over a seven-game span on 57.1 percent shooting. 6-5 SF Horne (7.1 & 4.3) is the lone frontcourt player of note but note that Va Tech's two freshman guards are the team's top rebounders (see above).
UVA has a HUGE edge inside with Diatke and Huff plus while the Cavs are surging, the Hokies' season is slipping away. When these teams met back on Jan 4, UVA won 65-39, as Va Tech was a HORRIFIC 13 of 48 from the floor (27.1%), including 4 of 25 on threes. The Hokies CAN'T shoot that poorly again, plus the Cavs have found, at least for them, an offensive 'groove.' Va Tech averages 70.6 PPG and allows 66.8 PPG on the season, so a LOW over/under like this (total opened 113 and immediately, fell) is VERY tempting. A look at Va Tech's entire schedule finds just THREE over/under numbers (of 27 games) closing at less than 130 points. Va Tech has averaged 75,4 PPG at home this season and will bring its "A-game" against the defending champs, after that 'ugly' 39-point effort Jan 4 in Charlottesville. FOUR of UVA's last five games have gone "over the total,' including the last three. Make it FOUR straight 'overs' here!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-25-20 |
Missouri State v. Valparaiso -2 |
Top |
74-89 |
Win
|
100 |
14 h 30 m |
Show
|
My 9* Oddsmaker's Error is on Valparaiso at 8:00 ET. The 14-15 Missouri State Bears and the 15-14 Valparaiso Crusaders meet Tuesday in MVC action (both schools are 8-8) at Valpo's Athletics-Recreation Center. The Bears hired Dana Ford as their head coach in 2018, after he was an unimpressive 57-65 in four years at Tennessee St. Not sure the school should have been too surprised with last year's 16-16 and not much has changed this season, either. Matt Lottich's first season at Valpo saw the Crusaders go 24-9 (2016-17) but the next two seasons saw them finish 15-17 and 15-18. Not much has changed this season for the Crusaders, either.
The Bears are led by guard Cook (14.8 & 4.8) but the loss of PG Dixon (7.2-4.0-3.6) to season-ending shoulder surgery (last played Jan 11), has left the team with a shortage of quality perimeter players. The frontcourt is rotating five players, chipping in between 5.4 and 13.5 PPG. The top performers are 6-8 forwards Prim (13.5 & 4.8) and Da Silva (9.8 & 7.0). The Crusaders are led by freshman PG Freeman-Liberty (19.3-6.0-3.2), who gets help from a trio of guards combining for 17.5 PPG. The 6-8 Ryan Fazekas, a graduate transfer from Marquette, was lost in early January to an ankle injury but he returned in late January. He's played 38 and 37 minutes the last two games, scoring 31 points and is now the team's second-leading scorer at 11.8 PPG. Four other frontcourt players chip in between 5.9 and 9.4 PPG, led by McMillan (9.4 & 3.2) and Clay (8.7 & 4.4).
Missouri St is just 3-9 SU on the road. Two of those wins have come at Illinois St (4-12 in MVC play) and Evansville (0-16). Meanwhile, Valpo is 10-2 SU at home this season, posting a MONEY-MAKING 8-2-1 ATS mark. Valpo is a MUCH-improved team with Fazekas back on the court, giving us great value at this price.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-25-20 |
Drake v. Loyola-Chicago -7 |
Top |
60-64 |
Loss |
-107 |
13 h 20 m |
Show
|
My 10* Revenge Rout is on Loyola-Chi at 8:00 ET.
Drake hired Darian DeVries, a longtime assistant at Creighton, as its new head coach a year ago. It was DeVries' first head coaching job and he led the Bulldogs to a 24-10 season. Drake returned four starters from that team but while the Bulldogs are 18-11 overall, they are just 8-8 in MVC play. Porter Moser's Loyola-Chicago Ramblers made that great run to the Final 4 in 2018, finishing with 32 wins. Last year's team won a more modest 20 games, after losing in the NIT. The Ramblers welcome the Bulldogs to Chicago at 19-10 overall, including 11-5 in MVC play (just ONE game back of conference-leader Northern Iowa, which is 12-4).
Drake is led by 7-0 sophomore Liam Robbins, who tops the team in scoring (14.0) and rebounding (6.7). The rest of the major contributors are all guards, with a bevy of six perimeter players chipping in between 6.0 and 11.7 PPG. That group is led by PG Penn, who averages 11.7-4.6-5.7. Three starters returned for Loyola this season and are contributing as expected. 6-9 center Krutwig leads in scoring (15.2), rebounding (8.1) and assists (4.3). FOUR guards play 20-plus minutes, chipping in between 8.9 and 13.2 PPG, led by Hall (13.2 & 4.0) and Clemons (10.0). The 6-7 Uguak (5.4 & 3.4) helps Krutwig up front.
Drake is an excellent home team (14-1) but is just 2-9 on the road, including 1-7 on the MVC road (note: lone win came at Evansville, which is 0-16 in conference play). Loyola is 13-2 at home, losing only to Coppin St back on Nov 12 as a three 'TD' favorite (?) and by three points to Davidson on Dec 22. Loyola has NOT lost at home since, winning EIGHT in a row while going 6-2 ATS. The Ramblers are an excellent defensive team (allow 62.3 PPG to rank 21st in the nation) and while they score a modest 68.8 PPG, the team shoots an impressive 50.1% from the floor (4th-best in the nation). Loyola lost at Drake just 65-62 back on Jam 7 and gets some revenge here with a convincing win that keeps them "right there" with Northern Iowa. Lay the points!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-23-20 |
Butler v. Creighton -5.5 |
Top |
59-81 |
Win
|
100 |
7 h 9 m |
Show
|
My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on Creighton at 4:00 ET.
Creighton jumped from No. 23 to No. 15 in Monday's AP poll and then won 73-65 at No. 19 Marquette on Tuesday. That comes after winning at then-No. 8 Villanova on Feb 1 and at then-No. 10 Seton Hall on Feb 12. The 15th-ranked Bluejays, who were picked to finish seventh in the 10-team Big East prior to the season, will attempt to earn four wins against ranked opponents in the same month for the first time in school history on Sunday, when they host No. 21 Butler. The Bulldogs made six NCAA trips from 1997-2007, before Brad Stevens took them to FIVE tourneys in six years, including back-to-back runner-up finishes in 2010 and 2011. Chris Holtmann led Butler to three straight NCAA appearances from 2015-17 and LaVell Jordan followed with an NCAA berth in 2018 but the Bulldogs finished just 16-17 last season. Butler opened the season 7-0 and on Dec 2 entered the AP poll at No. 24, ending a span of 43 consecutive polls on "the outside, looking in!' Butler sat at 15-1 through mid-January and rose as No. 5 in the AP poll (highest rating in school history) but will enter this contest 19-8 (7-7 Big East), having gone just 4-7 its last 11 (all conference games).
Butler's frustrating stretch continued Wednesday when Seton Hall's Sandro Mamukelashvili hit an off-balance shot in the lane as time expired to send Butler to a 74-72 defeat. All-American candidate Kamar Baldwin (16.3-4.5-3.3) led the Bulldogs in scoring for the 11th time in the last 14 games Wednesday with 20 points and ranks third in the conference with 18.4 points per game during league play. 6=6 senior Sean McDermott (11.9 & 6.0) is the only other player on the team averaging in double digits. Playing up front with him are Nze (9.3 & 6.5), Tucker (9.0 & 3.9) and Golden (8.5 & 3.7). PG Thompson (6.8 & 4.9 APG) returned from a one-game absence due to a concussion and contributed 12 points in the loss to Seton Hall.
Creighton opened the season starting a trio of guards in Ty-Shon Alexander, Marcus Zegarowski and Mitch Ballock (12.3 & 5.5). However, highly touted 6-5 guard Denzel Mahoney became eligible in mid-December and Creighton now goes with a four-guard lineup. Alexander (16.9 & 5.3) poured in 22 points Tuesday and is averaging 18.5 points while shooting 32-for-80 beyond the arc in his last 11 games (he also owns a 32:9 assist-to-turnover ratio and has accumulated 15 steals, over that same stretch). Zegarowski (15.8-3.7-5.1), Mahoney (12.4 & 3.5) and Ballock (12.1 & 5,4) join Alexander to give Creighton an awesome perimeter group. The 6-5 SF Jefferson (9.6 & 5.5) and the 6-7 Bishop (8.4 & 5.3) are the team's top frontcourt performers.
Greg McDermott is in his 10th season as head coach of Creighton. He arrived in 2010-11 and led the Bluejays to a runner-up finish in the CBI. Three straight NCAA teams followed, as Creighton won 29, 28 and 27 games. His lone losing season came in 2014-15 but Creighton's now won 20-plus games the last five years. Butler is one victory shy of reaching 20 wins for the 20th time in the last 24 seasons but win No. 20 WON'T come here. Creighton can tie a single-season program record with a FIFTH straight regular-season Big East victory with a win on Sunday and that "W" comes "with room to spare," avenging a 71-54 Jan 4 loss at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Lay the points!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-23-20 |
Rutgers v. Wisconsin -4.5 |
Top |
71-79 |
Win
|
100 |
4 h 10 m |
Show
|
My 9* Eye-Opener is on Wisconsin at 1:00 ET.
Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell is in his fourth season at the school, having gone 44-54 in his first three. Coming off a 14-17 season a year ago, Rutgers was picked 12th (of 14 schools) in the Big Ten preseason polls but the Scarlet Knights got off to their best start since the 1996-97 season and earned an AP ranking for the first time since the end of the 1978-79 season back on Jan 20. However, the Scarlet Knights are just 4-5 since losing at Iowa on Jan 23, including its first home loss of the season, 60-52 to Michigan on Wednesday. Wisconsin has been to the "Big Dance" in 20 of the last 21 seasons and Sunday, the Badgers look to take another step towards securing an NCAA Tournament bid when they hosts Rutgers. Wisconsin (16-10 / 9-6 Big Ten) has won three consecutive games, including a 69-65 victory over Purdue on Tuesday, to move within a game of reaching double-digit wins in Big Ten play the 13th time in the last 14 seasons. Wisconsin lost 72-65 to the Scarlet Knights back on Dec 11 at "The RAC" (Rutgers Athletic Center).
Pikiel took his team to Spain in August and Rutgers went 4-0, while jelling as a unit. The "breakout star" of that trip was guard Ron Harper, who averaged 17.0 PPG on 53 percent shooting. He's currently Rutgers' leading scorer, averaging 11.9 PPG and adding 5.6 RPG. PG Baker (10.25& 3.5 APG) plus a trio of other of guards combine to add 22.4 PPG. Up front, the 6-6 Yeboah (10.1 & 4.8) and the 6-10 Johnson (8.0 & 7.9) are the biggest contributors. Baker scored a team-high 16 points against Michigan to finish in double figures for the 13th time this season. Harper scored 13 points and Yeboah added 10 points and five rebounds, but the Scarlet Knights were doomed by an 0-of-10 performance from three-point range in the final 20 minutes.
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 but the Badgers have a solid returning core. The 6-11 Reuvers (13.5 & 4.8) may not be Happ but he's a quality man. Wisconsin owns a 'DEEP' backcourt in King (10.0), Trice (9.7-4.2-4.0), Davison (9.4 & 4.7) and Pritzl (7.7 & 3.7). King left the team four games ago, but Wisconsin is 4-1 without him. The 6-10 Micah Potter, an Ohio St transfer who became eligible in December, has averaged 8.9 & 5.8 since joining the team and along with the 6-8 Ford (8.3 & 4.1), support Reuvers up front. In fact, Ford knocked down five 3-pointers en route to a career-high 19 points and pulled down seven rebounds as the Badgers hit EIGHT straight free throws down the stretch to stave off a late rally by Purdue. Pritzl scored eight of his 13 points from the FT line and grabbed six rebounds while Brad Davison also tallied 13 points as Wisconsin finished 19-of-20 from the foul line. Reuvers chipped in 12 points, six rebounds and a pair of blocked shots. Wisconsin is a VERY disciplined team, ranking fifth nationally in fewest turnovers per game (10.3).
Kudos to Rutgers for its excellent season but The Kohl Center has been a "House of Horrors" for visiting teams for two decades and the current season is NO different, with the Badgers going 12-1 (lone loss was 71-70 to Illinois). Wisconsin has beaten Maryland, Michigan St, Ohio St and Purdue (all four have been ranked at some time this season) at this venue already, so why won't the Badgers add a "revenge win" here vs Rutgers? After all, Rutgers is 1-6 SU away from "The RAC" in Big Ten play, winning only at Nebraska (7-19 / 2-13 Big Ten).
Good luck...Larry
|
02-22-20 |
Fresno State v. Nevada -6.5 |
Top |
76-78 |
Loss |
-110 |
16 h 17 m |
Show
|
My 10* CBB Game of the Year is on Nevada at 10:00 ET. Justin Hutson spent two 'tours' as an assistant at SD St, sandwiched around a stint as an assistant at UNLV, before getting his first head coaching job at Fresno St for the 2018-19 season. He took over a program that had won 20-plus games the previous three seasons and continued that success by leading last year's Bulldogs to a 23-9 season, including a 3rd-place finish in the MWC (13-5). However, he lost THREE starters off that team, including his two highest scorers, guards Huggins (18.5 & 4.3) and Taylor (17.9-3.7-5.0). Fresno has struggled in Hutson's second season, entering this contest 10-17, including 6-10 in league play.
Eric Mussleman led Nevada to the CBI title in his first season (2015-16) and then to three straight NCAA appearances with win totals of 28, 29 and 29. However, Musselman left for Arkansas and was replaced by Steve Alford. The former Indiana star 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 took over a Nevada team that lost all FIVE starters but Alford's done a good job, as the Woolf Pack enter this game 17-10 overall, including 10-5 in the MWC (currently 3rd). ALL schools are "looking up" at SD St but 2nd-place and sixth-place in the MWC finds teams bunched with in 1 1/2 games of each other.
Fresno St beat Air Force 71-62 at home on Thursday, as guard senior Blackwell (9.7-3.1-3.1) matched a career high with 25 points and is joined in the backcourt by fellow senior Williams (11.9). 6-10 freshman Robinson (12.7 & 6.8) and 6-8 senior Grimes (11.6 & 10.0) are Fresno's top frontcourt players. Nevada is led by a deep backcourt. Jalen Harris, a La Tech transfer, leads the way averaging 21.8-6.5-4.0. He's joined by returning guards Johnson (16.2 & 3.4), Drew (11.1-6.7-4.3) and Zouzoua (9.6). No frontcourt player averages more than 20 minutes per game but a "group of four" combine to add 18.6 PPG and 16.5 RPG. Two 6-10 big men, freshman Meeks (6.9 & 4.0) and senior Reyes (4.7 & 4.4), are the best of the bunch.
Beating Air Force at home is no big deal (Falcons are 4-1 in MWC play) and I'll note that FSU entered that contest on a 2-6 ATS run. This marks Fresno’s final road game and it's being played at elevation like at Colorado St, where the Bulldogs lost by 18 points! Meanwhile, Nevada comes in on 4-0 SU & ATS run (not to mention the school's 8-1 ATS mark since mid-January). Nevada is in "prime" position to finish among the top-5 in the Mountain West, thereby earning a first-round bye (note: Wolf Pack are just a HALF-GAME behind second-place Utah St). Lay the points!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-22-20 |
Alabama v. Ole Miss -2 |
|
103-78 |
Loss |
-109 |
15 h 51 m |
Show
|
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Ole Miss at 8:30 ET.
Alabama takes a 14-12 overall record (6-7 in the SEC) into a game Saturday night in Oxford against the 13-13 Ole Miss Rebels (4-9 SEC). The Crimson Tide have been competitive against the best in the SEC but come to Mississippi losers of FIVE of seven, after an 'ugly' 74-68 home loss to a 13-12 Texas A&M team. Any more losses like the one suffered Wednesday and Alabama can probably 'kiss an at-large NCAA berth goodbye!" Ole Miss won three straight from Feb 5-11 but enters this contest off back-to-back road losses, 67-62 at Kentucky and 71-68 at Missouri. Ole Miss is now 1-6 in games decided by fewer than six points, including 0-5 in the SEC.
Alabama owns a deep backcourt, with three in double digits. Lewis (17.5-5.1-5.0) leads the way, along with Petty (15.0 & 7.0) and Shackelford (14.7 & 4.3). The 6-9 Reese (9.4 & 4.6) and the 6-7 Jones (8.9 & 6.6) are the top frontcourt performers. Ole Miss counters with a deep backcourt, as well. Tyree (20.3) is outstanding and is joined by Shuler (11.2-4.7-3.5) and Hinson (10.3 & 5.0). The 6-67 Buffen (9.9 & 6.1) and the 6-10 Sy (9.4 & 5.5) give the Rebels a small edge up front.
Senior guard Breein Tyree has been on a tear, averaging 29.8 points in the last five contests, including games of 38 points and a career-high 40. The worst Ole Miss home-floor performance has been a four-point loss to then-No. 18 LSU and I'll take them here vs an Alabama team that opened 15-3 ATS but enters this contest just 3-5 ATS over its last eight.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-22-20 |
Florida State -1 v. NC State |
Top |
67-61 |
Win
|
100 |
11 h 33 m |
Show
|
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Florida St at 4:00 ET.
22-4 Florida St is 12-3 in the ACC (tied with Duke, right behind 13-3 Louisville) and the No. 8 Seminoles, who have been ranked in the top-10 for a school-record seven straight weeks, will visit the 17-9 North Carolina St Woflpack on Saturday. NC State came up huge its last time out, taking down No. 6 Duke 88-66 at home, handing the Blue Devils' their largest margin of defeat to an unranked opponent in 40 seasons under Mike Krzyzewski. The win gives NC State an 8-7 record in ACC play (5th) but the Wolfpack are just one game in front of FOUR 7-8 teams!
Leonard Hamilton-coached teams are always known for playing excellent defense but his teams have shown more offensive 'punch' the last few seasons. That's continued in the 2019-20 season, as the Seminoles are holding opponents to 65.6 PPG, but are also scoring 75.6 PPG,.The Seminoles wear down teams with their depth and balance on offense, as the top-four scorers produce between 9.2 and 13.0 PPG. Sophomore guard Devin Vassell leads the team at 13.0 PPG (also leads with 5.3 RPG), just ahead of senior guard Trent Forrest (11.6-4.4-4.3). Junior guard M.J. Walker (10.5) is the third double digit scorer, while fellow guard Polite (9.2) just misses. A trio of forwards combine for 21.2 PPG and 12.0 RPG plus 7-1 freshman center Kuprivica adds 5.1 & 2.7.
PG Markell Johnson (13.2-4.6-6.4) led NC State with 28 points against Duke and fellow guard Daniels (12.6 & 5.2) added 25 points (both were career highs!). C.J. Bryce, is the team's leading scorer (13.7) and rebounder (6.3) but had an off night with just seven points on 3-of-10 shooting. However, he led the team with 10 rebounds. The 6-10 Funderburk (12.6 & 6.0) and the 6-7 Hellems (9.5 & 3.6) are NC State's top frontcourt players.
FSU won 26 games in the 2016-17 season and 29 games last year but while the 2017-18 team won "only" 23 games, it reached the Elite 8. Some feel that this is arguably Hamilton's best team at Tallahassee (time will tell). As for NC State, the Wolfpack are in a classic "let down" situation, as the 22-point win over Duke was NC State's largest margin of victory over a top-10 foe since 1965. "Right TIME & PLACE" for FSU to be visiting Raleigh.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-22-20 |
SMU v. Tulsa -1 |
Top |
57-79 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 27 m |
Show
|
My 9* Oddsmaker's Error is on Tulsa at 3:00 ET.
It's 18-7 SMU at 17-9 Tulsa on Saturday in AAC play. Both schools come off losses on Wednesday, as SMU fell 80-72 at Tulane (now 8-5 in league play), while Tulsa lost 76-43 at No. 22 Houston (now 9-4 in league play). Losing at ranked at Houston (Cougars sit atop the AAC at 11-3) is understandable but losing at Tulane (Green Wave entered on a NINE-game losing streak and is just 3-11 in AAC), is another thing altogether.
Tim Jankovich won 20-plus games in four of his five seasons at Illinois St, making four NIT appearances. He was announced as SMU's Associate Head Coach and coach-in-waiting in April of 2016 and then as head coach on July 8, 2016.. He's had to bear the full force of NCAA sanctions due to Larry Brown's tenure but things are looking up this season. SMU breezed through a not-so-difficult non-conference schedule and few are complaining in Dallas with the Mustangs' 18-7 record. Jankovich has two guards and two forwards making most of the contributions for his SMU team this season. PG Kendric Davis (a TCU transfer) owns a line of 15.3-4.5-7.0 and is joined in the backcourt by JC transfer Tyson Jolly (14.7 & 6.2). Then there are two 6-8 forwards, Isiaha Mike (14.2 & 6.4) and Feron Hunt (12.0 & 6.8). The 6-9 Chargois, who averaged 12.4 & 6.2 last season, continues to under-performed (6.8 & 3.8
Tulsa head coach Frank Haith has had stops at Miami-Fl and Missouri before coming to Tulsa, where he led the Golden Hurricane to back-to-back 20-win seasons in his first two seasons at the school. However, Tulsa entered this season on a three-year postseason drought, so the team's 17-9 record so far, is "big news" in Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane are led by the trio of guard Rachal (19.9 & 6.1) plus forwards Igbanu (12.9 & 4.8) and Hunt (11.1 & 5.1). Four more guards all play 20-plus minutes, combining for 26.3 PPG.
SMU has been sensational at Moody Coliseum (14-1) but have managed just a ONE victory in SIX opportunities on the road during league play (an upset of Memphis on Jan 25). Tulsa 'fell apart' Wednesday at Houston (got outscored 50-23 after the break) but has been tough here at home, going 12-3. The team's 'resume' includes home wins over now-No. 22 Houston (63-61), then-No. 20 Memphis (80-40!) and then-No. 23 Wichita St (54-51). Not sure why a team 1-6 in league play is 'priced' this way on Tulsa's homecourt? I guess we'll find out who is right. I've got the home team.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-22-20 |
Virginia v. Pittsburgh OVER 108 |
Top |
59-56 |
Win
|
100 |
7 h 29 m |
Show
|
My 10* Eye-Opener is on UVA/Pitt Over at 12 noon ET.
Virginia lost FOUR of five games from Jan 7 thru Jan 20 and that slide began talk that the reigning national champions might not even make the NCAA Tournament, as the Cavs were just 126, including 4-4 in ACC play. However, Virginia appears to finally have found some answers to its season-long search for offensive weapons, as the Cavs cored a season-high 78 points in a 13-point win over Boston College on Wednesday in reaching 10 ACC wins for a school-record eighth straight season (18-7 overall / 10-5 in ACC). UVA looks for its SEVENTH win in its last eight games at Pittsburgh on Saturday, in the only game between the teams this season. Jeff Capel's team lost its SIXTH game in its last eight in Tuesday's 82-67 home loss to No. 8 Florida State, but the head coach Jeff Capel was quick to point out that the team has already surpassed last season's win total and has more ACC wins then the last two years combined.
UVA's "Core 4" this season has been its unique guard duo of 5-9 PG Clark (10.6-4.2-6.6) and the 6-8 Key (10.0 & 7.2), teamed with the 6-9 Diatke (13.5 & 6.6) and 7-1 Huff (8.2 & 6.2). However, after a poor start to the season, Tomas Woldentensae (a 6-5 junior guard from Italy) has emerged as the offensive wild card the Cavaliers have been seeking. In THREE of his previous six games, he'd made six or more three-pointers, and in Wednesday win made four of eight on his way to 14 points. He's now 28 for 60 (46.7%) over his last seven games, averaging 13.7 PPG. Pittsburgh has FIVE guards all playing 28-plus minutes per game, chipping in between 8.9 and 12.4 PPG. Freshman Champagnie leads in scoring (12.4) and rebounding (7.2), while sophomores McGowens (12.1-3.5-3.6) and Johnson (11.8-3.8-5.1) join him in double digits.
Virginia has won four straight in the series and 11 of 12.The Cavs come in off their beat offensive game of the season and the Panthers have struggled on defense, ranking last in ACC games in effective field-goal percentage (51.9) and defensive rebound percentage (66.3). On the season, Pitt scores 65.9 PPG and allows 64.6. Looking at Pitt's entire schedule, this is the lowest over/under number posted on a Pittsburgh game (opened 109). One has to go back to neutral-site games vs Kansas St on Nov 25 (total closed 117.5) and Northwestern on Nov 27 (120) to see anything close to this low. FYI...Both of those games went over, as will this one!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-20-20 |
UCLA v. Utah -3 |
Top |
69-58 |
Loss |
-109 |
13 h 0 m |
Show
|
My 9* play is on Utah at 10:30 ET.
Mick Cronin started his career by leading Murray St to two NCAA tourneys in his three seasons at the school and then took over at Cincinnati for Bob Huggins. He didn't get the Bearcats to the "Big Dance" until his FIFTH season (2010-11) but that began a run of NINE consecutive NCAA appearances. He took the UCLA job before the start of the current season but the 15-11 Bruins got off to a slow Pac-12 start, winning only one of their first four contests. However, UCLA has gone 7-2 since, and will bring a three-game win streak into Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Utes. Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak is in his ninth season at Utah but after back-to-back NCAA teams in 2014-15 (26 wins) and 2015-16 (27 wins), the Utes began this season off three straight non-NCAA seasons. The Utes were 9-3 in non-conference action but are just 5-8 in Pac 12 play. Utah has dropped four of six entering this contest, falling into a three-way tie for eighth place in the conference at 5-8.
6-9 swingman Chris Smith is the only UCLA player averaging double figures with 13.3 PPG (also 5.5 RPG) and he’s stepped things up of late, averaging 19.3 points, seven rebounds and three assists during UCLA's three-game winning streak. SEVEN more UCLA players are averaging 15 minutes or more and chip in between 4.3 PPG. The 6-10 Jalen Hill tops that group at 9.5 PPG plus also owns a team-best 7.0 RPG. Freshman PG Campbell leads the way with 4.4 assists for the Bruins, while adding 7.8 PPG.
6-6 forward Timmy Allen (17.6 & 7.2) and guards Rylan Jones (10.5 points) and Both Gach (10.1) are the team's double digit scorers but Allen needs to bounce back from a poor two-game trip to Oregon where he totaled just 16 points on 5-of-16 shooting while making nine turnovers. Joining Allen up front are the 6-9 Battin (9.2 & 5.2) and the 6-8 Jantunen (6.9 & 4.4) and the 7-0 Carlson (6.9 & 4.0).
The Bruins won Feb 2 in LA by the score of 73-57 but the Utes are 10-1 SU and 8-3 ATS here at home. At this price, the Utes are the play.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-20-20 |
Stanford v. Washington -2 |
|
72-64 |
Loss |
-112 |
15 h 51 m |
Show
|
My 8* play is on Washington at 10:00 ET.
Stanford was coming off a 15-16 season but opened the 2019-20 season 11-2 in non-conference play and then went 4-0 to begin Pac 12 play. However, Stanford is clearly trending in the wrong direction with SEVEN losses in its last eight games. The Cardinal are 16-9 (5-7 in the Pac 12) as they visit Seattle to take on the Washington Huskies. Washington knows "all about" trending in the wrong direction, as they were 10-2 and ranked 21st in the AP poll when they coughed up a lead and lost 75-71 to Houston in the title game of the Diamond Head Classic on Christmas Day. Not much of anything has gone right, since. Washington welcomes Stanford to Hec Edmundson Pavilion on a NINE-game losing streak. The Huskies are now 12-14 overall, including a Pac 12 -worst 2-11.
Some think that Stanford has a chance to make some 'noise' in the Pac 12 tourney and that's because of the potent duo of 6-9 forward Oscar da Silva (15.9 & 6.3) and freshman PG Tyrell Terry (15.2-4.7-3.1). Five other chip in between 4.9 and 9.1 PPG, led by 6-7 freshman Jones (9.1 & 3.6) and guards Davis (8.2 & 3.1) and Wills (7.2 & 4.3). Washington won 27 games and earned an NCAA bid last season but FOUR starters from that team are gone, including three NBA draft picks. That's never good but head coach Mike Hopkins (a long-time Boeheim assistant) recruited a pair of McDonald's All-Americans plus added a third with the transfer guard Quade Green from Kentucky. 6-9 freshmen Isaiah Stewart (17.1 & 8.8) and Jaden McDaniels (12.8 & 6.0) have played well but when Green (11.6 points and 5.3 assists per game) was ruled academically ineligible, the team has fallen apart (1-10 without him). Hopkins needs more production from guard Nahziah Carter (12.3 & 5.0) and 6-9 forward Hameir Wright (5.4 & 4.5) but the duo combined on 7-of-27 shooting in back-to-back losses to the Los Angeles schools last weekend.
Yes, Washington is in a 'free-fall' but Stanford can be had on the road and isn't NINE straight losses, enough?
Good luck...Larry
|
02-20-20 |
Oregon v. Arizona State +2 |
Top |
72-77 |
Win
|
100 |
12 h 32 m |
Show
|
My 9* play is on Arizona St 9:00 ET.
No. 14 Oregon is 20-6 and 9-4 in the Pac 12, tied with Colorado for first-place . However, 17-8 Arizona State has positioned itself firmly in the Pac-12 title race discussion thanks to a league-best FIVE-game winning streak that included a road sweep of the Bay Area schools last weekend. The Sun Devils, tied with in-state rival Arizona (both 8-4) for third place just a half-game out of first, as they return home to host conference co-leader Oregon on Thursday.
Dana Altman has led Kansas St, Creighton and Oregon to multiple NCAA tourneys and 2019-20 Ducks opened this season No. 15 in the AP's preseason poll. Oregon wrapped up non-conference play at 11-2 and as 2020 dawned, was ranked No. 4, the first time the Ducks had been in the AP top-5 since the 2016-17 team made the Final 4. A four-game win. It hasn't been 'smooth sailing' in Pac 12 play, though. Bobby Hurley won two national titles as Duke's PG (1991 and 1992) but was always destined to get into the 'family business,' as his father is Bob Hurley, Sr, the legendary high school coach of St Anthony's (NJ). Hurley's first job was at Buffalo and in his second season, led the Bulls to an NCAA berth. He used that as springboard to take the Arizona St job in 2015-16. However, he opened with back-to-back losing seasons (15 wins each year). Hurley's 2017-18 squad snuck into the "Big Dance" as a First Four team and the Sun Devils were back 'dancing' again last season, losing in the Round of 64 to finish 23-11. As noted above, this year's team is making a strong surge.
Senior PG Payton Pritchard (lone holdover from Oregon's Final 4 team) earned national player of the week honors for the third time this season on Monday when the Naismith Trophy recognized his efforts in the wins over the Buffaloes (15 points, career-high 11 rebounds) and the Utes (25 points, 5-of-9 three -pointers). He's averaging 19.5-4.3-5.8 on the season and is joined by Duarte (13.4 & 5.5), Richardson (10.7) and Mathis (7.9) in the backcourt. The Ducks’ frontcourt has been minus 6-11 center N’Faly Dante (6.2 & 2.7) due to a knee injury and 6-9 forward Francis Okoro (3.5 & 4.5) went back to Nigeria for the funeral service for his father (he's played the last two games but has scored only six points). However, freshmen like the 6-8 C.J. Walker (4.7 & 2.6) and the 6-8 Chandler Lawson (4.7 & 4.0) have seen more playing time, joining 6-7 UNLV transfer Juiston (7.7 & 6.5).
While Pritchard was claiming national player of the week honors, Sun Devil junior PG Remy Martin picked up Pac-12 player of the week honors for the second time this season after averaging 23 points on 67 percent shooting (16-of-24), including 5-of-6 three-pointers, and 3.5 assists in ASU's weekend sweep in the Bay Area. Martin leads the Pac-12 in scoring (19.6) and also tops the team in assists (4.0) and steals (1.6) while guard Alonzo Verge Jr. (14.0), 6-8 forward Romello White (10.5 & 9.3) and guard Rob Edwards (10.4) are also averaging double digits.
Oregon has been no better than mediocre on the Pac 12 road, while Arizona St is 10-2 SU at home on the season, losing to only Creighton (now-No. 15) and Colorado (now-No. 18). Is Oregon comparable to those schools? Yes, but ASU is hitting on all cylinders now, having won SEVEN of eight and has averaged 78.2 PPG during its current five-game winning streak. Home team earns the win.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-20-20 |
Connecticut v. Temple |
|
89-93 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 38 m |
Show
|
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Temple at 7:00 ET.
Connecticut is playing its final season in the American Athletic Conference and all indications are that the Huskies "can't wait" to return to the Big East. UConn is 14-11 overall, including 5-7 in AAC play as it travels to Philadelphia on Thursday for a matchup with the Temple Owls, who are 13-12 (5-7 in the AAC). The teams look to break a tie for seventh in the league.
Danny Hurley is in his second season at Storrs and his first (16-17) didn't go any better than UConn's two previous seasons (16 and 14 wins). The Huskies have been through an up-and-down campaign thus far. UConn had lost four in a row and six of seven entering its first matchup with Temple (Jan 29), which the Huskies won 78-63 behind six double-digit scorers. The Huskies have won FOUR of six since. Senior guard Christian Vital (14.5 & 6.4) has reached double figures in each of the last 11 contests plus leads the AAC in steals per game (2.4) and free-throw percentage (90.7). Freshman guard James Bouknight (12.5) has come into his own lately, averaging 18.3 points over the last seven games. Fellow guards Gilbert (9.0 & 4.1 APG) and Adams (7.2) give the backcourt excellent depth. However, UConn lost the 6-9 Polley (9.5 & 3.2) to a torn ACL back in mid-January (out for the season) and Sunday, 6-9 freshman Akok (5.8 & 5.5) tore his Achilles' tendon and will miss the rest of the season. That leaves UConn with only the 6-11 Carlton (8.2 & 6.6) up front.
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 and that's where the Owls currently reside. Senior guard Quinton Rose (16.4-4.9-3.6) and junior guard Nate Pierre-Louis (11.4-8.2-3.0) lead the way. Fellow guards Moore (8.5) and Scott (6.1) in a four-guard rotation, joined by the 6-8 Forrester (8.4 & 4.1). The 6-7 Perry (6.1) and ty=the 6-7 Moorman (5.8 & 5.2) bot get significant minutes, up front.
UConn is off THREE highly-competitive games, winning 72-71 in OT vs Cincy, losing by four at SMU and then edging Memphis by three at home. Games like that wear on a team. I DON'T like the Huskies' chances here at Temple, as UConn is just 1-6 SU in true road games this year and needs to win to cover this contest. The home team IS the play!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-20-20 |
Ohio State v. Iowa -2.5 |
Top |
76-85 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 37 m |
Show
|
My 10* Game of the Week is on Iowa at 7:00 ET.
17-8 Ohio State (7-7 in the Big Ten) and 18-8 Iowa (9-6) square off for the only time this season Thursday night in a Big Ten matchup of top-25 teams in Iowa City. Ohio State had climbed to No. 2 in the polls (at 9-0) before suffering its first loss Dec 15 at Minnesota. Ohio St sat 11-1 after beating then-No. 6 Kentucky on Dec 21 but then lost SIX of seven. Ironically, Ohio State has won FIVE of its last six games since freshman guard D.J. Carton (10.4) announced in late January that he was taking time away to deal with mental health issues. The Buckeyes re-entered the ranking Monday at No. 25. Iowa enters the game ranked 20th in the latest AP poll and return home after a two-game road trip ended with a come-from-behind 58-55 win at Minnesota on Sunday. Tonight's matchup is the only regular-season meeting between the Buckeyes and Hawkeyes and it could be an especially important one for conference tournament seeding. The top-four teams in next month's Big Ten tournament receive an automatic bye to the quarterfinals, avoiding the extra game that comes with finishing fifth through 10th , or two extra games, finishing No. 11 or worse.
The 6-9 Kaleb Wesson (14.1 & 9.4) is the centerpiece of Ohio St's team this season (was a preseason All-Big Ten pick) but Chris Holtmann's team has great depth, as SIX more players (not counting Carton) chip in between 5.9 and 10.6 PPG. Guard Duane Washington (10.6) joins Wesson in double digits but Wesson's 6-6 brother Andre adds 9.0 & 4.1. Underappreciated floor general C.J. Walker (Florida State transfer) is chipping in 7.6 PPG and 3.2 APG plus 6-8 junior Kyle Young (7.7 & 5.8) gave the Buckeyes a significant boost in their 68-52 victory over Purdue on Saturday, scoring a career-high 16 points while adding seven rebounds. When Young is effective, he provides a second inside presence to supplement Kaleb Wesson.
The 6-11 Luka Garza scored 24 points in Iowa's Sunday win at Minnesota. He's a national player of the year contender, averaging 23.7 PPG (4th-most in the nation) and 9.7 RPG He can score both inside, shooting 59.8 percent from inside the three-point arc, and from long range with 38.8 percent accuracy (33 of 85) behind the arc. Sophomore guard Joe Wieskamp (14.9 & 6.2) is an excellent "second option" on offense for Iowa but freshman guard CJ Fredrick (10.7) is the only other double-digit scorer. Guards Toussaint (6.4) and Connor McCaffrey (6.0-4.3-3.8) help give Iowa a strong perimeter group, while the 6-10 Ryan Kriener (7.7 & 4.1) helps Garza up front. The bad news is, Fredrick has a bum ankle is NOT expected to play in this one. Then again, McCaffrey (the coach's son), leads the country in assist-to-turnover ratio at 4.26 with 96 assists and 23 turnovers in 26 games.
As noted, this is the ONLY meeting this regular-season between the two schools and it holds SIGNIFICANT importance (review above). The Buckeyes are just 3-5 in true road games and Carver-Hawkeye Arena is known for its hostile crowds and is ONE a tough venue. Iowa has won 11 consecutive home games since a loss to DePaul back on Nov 11, taking a 12-1 home record this season into this game, as well as a 30-5 SU the last two seasons at home. Lay the small points!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-19-20 |
California v. Washington State -5.5 |
Top |
66-57 |
Loss |
-105 |
11 h 3 m |
Show
|
My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on Washington St at 10:00 ET.
Mark Fox had a terrific run at Nevada, winning 20-plus games in each of his five seasons at Reno, making three NCAA tourneys. He used that as a 'springboard' to coach in the SEC at Georgia but his nine-year stay in Athens was a huge disappointment, with just four, 20-win seasons and only TWO appearances in the "Big Dance." This is his first season at Berkeley and Cal enters this contest 10-15, including 4-8 in Pac 12 play. However, Cal has already reached double-digits in wins, after recording EIGHT victories in each of the last two seasons. Kyle Smith began his coaching career at Columbia, then moved to San Francisco, where he won 20-plus games in three straight season (Dons finished second in the CBI in 2018). This is his first season at Pullman and Washington State is 14-12, although just 5-8 in Pac-12 play. However, considering the Cougars have averaged 11.6 wins per season the previous five years, NO ONE is complaining in Pullman.
Cal's offense revolves around sophomore guard Matt Bradley, who averages 17.8 PPG (also adds 5.1 RPG). Two senior guards join him on the perimeter in South (9.1) and Austin (8.3). Bradley scored 22 points before fouling out against the Sun Devils in Sunday's 80-75 home loss, while senior PG Paris Austin contributed 17 points, five assists and five rebounds. The Bears were hoping to jump-start their offense by starting freshman guard Joel Brown in place of Kareem South, but the two combined for just eight points on 3-of-9 shooting. A pair of 6-8 forwards, Anticevich (8.4 & 5.6) and Kelly (7.4 & 5.2), are the team's top frontcourt performers. Anticevich had 18 points and eight rebounds against Arizona State, while Kelly is averaging 8.7 rebounds over his last three games.
6-6 sophomore forward CJ Elleby leads Washington St the team in scoring (18.7) and rebounding (7.5). Guard Isaac Bonton, a Montana St transfer, adds 14.8 PPG and a team-high 4.0 APG. However, a hip injury caused him to miss Saturday’s 70-51 loss at USC. Elleby continued to impress with 22 points and 13 rebounds against the Trojans .but Bonton’s injury forced Smith to rely heavily on freshmen Noah Williams and Ryan Rapp, who combined for 14 points on just 6-of-19 shooting. Williams (6.0 & 3.5) and senior guard Robinson (4.8 & 2.8) will need to play better in this one. The 6-9 Pollard (9.1 & 4.3) just misses averaging in double digits, while 6-8 senior Kunc averages 5.3 & 3.5.
Here's the bottom line. Washington St will miss Bonton but Cal is winless in 10 games away from Haas Pavilion this season. The Bears are 0-5 on the Pac-12 road, averaging a pathetic 51.6 PPG in those contests, losing by an average margin of 15.8 points! The Cougars have recorded noteworthy wins over UCLA, Arizona State, Washington and both Oregon schools this season, so why won't they avenge a 73-66 loss at Cal back on Jan 9 against a team that has yet to win a SINGLE game away from home, while losing all five Pac-12 road games by about 16 PPG? Cougars win "with room to spare."
Good luck...Larry
|
02-19-20 |
Boston College v. Virginia OVER 114 |
Top |
65-78 |
Win
|
100 |
12 h 10 m |
Show
|
My 10* Total of the Week is on BC/UVA Over at 8:00 ET. Virginia won its first-ever NCAA basketball championship last season but the Cavs opened at just No. 11 in the preseason AP poll. Gone from last year's champs are the team's top-three scorers, guards Guy (15.4 & 4.5), Hunter (15.2 & 5.1) and Jerome (13.6 & 4.2). However, the Cavs opened 7-0 and were ranked 5th when they lost 69-40 at Purdue on Dec 4. UVA was 11-2 (3-0 ACC) and ranked 18th when it visited Chestnut Hill on Jan 7 to take on Boston College. The Eagles upset UVA 60-53 in that contest and that loss began a midseason slump for the Cavs, as UVA lost three straight and FOUR of five. However, the defending champs have managed to rebound of late with a series of close wins, going 5-1 since that 1-4 stretch.
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). BC knew it would really miss Jerome Robinson (20.7) but the Eagles got off to a 4-1 start. However, the team has been exchanging wins and losses for about a month and enters this contest 13-13, including 7-8 in ACC play. Case in point being, losing 85-58 at Miami (Fla) last Wednesday, only to knock off North Carolina State 71-68 on Sunday at home. FYI...BC's seven ACC wins matches its best ACC win total under Christian.
Senior guard Derryck Thornton, USC grad transfer, has been a big addition. He scored 22 points in BC's win over NC St and averages a team-high 13.1 PPG. Freshman guard Jay Heath contributed 16 points in Sunday's win and is second on the team in averaging 12.6 PPG. The 6-11 Popovic (10.5 & 5.2) is the team's third double digit scorer plus the Hamilton brothers, 6-8 sophomore Jairus (9.7 & 4.4) and senior guard Jared (8.1), are quality players. The 6-8 Mitchell (7.2 & 8.4) is the team's leading rebounder plus 6-7 freshman Felder (5.8 & 4.0) has had a nice season.
The Cavaliers' recent surge gives them a 17-7 record (9-5 in the ACC) and has greatly improved their NCAA Tournament resume. This season's UVA team has been led for most of the season by its unique guard duo of 5-9 PG Clark (10.3-4.3-6.1) and the 6-8 Key (9.7 & 7.2). Up front, it's the 6-9 Diakite (13.7 & 6.5) and the 7-1 Huff (8.0 & 6.2). Those players have been UVA's "Core 4" but recently, junior guard Tomas Woldetensae (6.9) has been the team's breakout star. He scored 27 points in an 80-73 loss at Louisville on (73 points scored are a season-high for UVA this season) and then his three-pointer with 0.8 second remaining was the difference in UVA's 64-62 win Saturday at North Carolina. Also, freshman guard Casey Morsell (4.3 PPG) scored 10 points - more than twice his season average - and collected a career-high three steals at North Carolina.
Revenge should work well for UVA here but note that all FIVE of the team's wins over this current six-game stretch have come by single digits, including two in overtime plus that last-second 64-62 triumph at North Carolina. However, I'm expecting Braxton Key to break out of a three-game slump in which he has produced a total of 12 points on 5-of-19. BC's leading scorer, Thornton, missed the first matchup while Heath led the Eagles to a 60-53 win with 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Virginia has won five straight meetings at home vs BC and makes it SIX straight but Goin' Over this VERY low total is "the play!"
Good luck...Larry
|
02-19-20 |
Michigan v. Rutgers -1 |
Top |
60-52 |
Loss |
-115 |
13 h 39 m |
Show
|
My 9* Conference Crusher (Big Ten) is on Rutgers at 7:00 ET.
John Beilein left Michigan to take the head coaching job with the Cleveland Cavaliers (that went well, didn't it?), 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 had 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 began 7-0, after winning the Battle 4 Atlantis (Thanksgiving week). The Wolverines shocked then-No. 6 North Carolina (73-64) and now-No. 2 Gonzaga in the championship game. When "the dust had settled," Michigan wound up No. 4 in the AP poll on Dec 4. However, the Wolverines then went 4-9 over their next 13 games to fall to 11-8, including 2-6 in the Big Ten. Michigan has rebounded though, to win FIVE of six, including THREE straight by an average margin of 19 points.
Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell is in his fourth season at the school, having gone 44-54 in his first three. Coming off a 14-17 season a year ago, Rutgers was picked 12th (of 14 schools) in the Big Ten preseason polls but the Scarlet Knights got off to their best start since the 1996-97 season and earned an AP ranking for the first time since the end of the 1978-79 season back on Jan 20. However, Rutgers fell out of the top-25 by losing THREE of four, before besting then-No. 22 Illinois 72-57 last Saturday. The Scarlet Knights welcome the Wolverines to The RAC (Rutgers Athletic Center) on Tuesday, having lost all 11 games it has played against Michigan in program history. However, Rutgers is a PERFECT 17-0 at home this season. Something has to give!
Michigan's woes coincided with an injury to the 6-7 Livers in mid-December. Livers scored 43 points and grabbed 14 rebounds the last two games (leads all Michigan players by averaging 13.0 PPG) rolled his ankle in the second half of Sunday's 89-65 rout of Indiana and will be a game-time decision on Wednesday. PG Zavier Simpson (12.5-4.3-8.2) registered 12 points and 11 assists to become the winningest player in program history (105 career victories), along with 7-1 center Jon Teske (12.3 & 7.6), who had six points, seven rebounds and four blocks against Indiana. Guards Brooks (11.4 & 3.8) and Wagner (10.3 & 5.4) have also contributed regularly for Michigan this season.
Pikiel took his team to Spain in August and Rutgers went 4-0, while jelling as a unit. The "breakout star" of that trip was guard Ron Harper, who averaged 17.0 PPG on 53 percent shooting. He's currently Rutgers' leading scorer, averaging 11.8 PPG and adding 5.7 RPG. PG Baker (10.2 & 3.6 APG) plus a quartet of other of guards combine to add right around 23 PPG and 10.5 RPG. Up front, the 6-6 Yeboah (10.1 & 4.8) and the 6-10 Johnson (8.3 & 8.0) are the biggest contributors.
The Wolverines played the Scarlet Knights as part of the Big Ten’s Super Saturday series at Madison Square Garden on Feb 1 and won, 69-63. However, this rematch will be played at The RAC, where Rutgers is 17-0. Livers could miss (he didn't play in the Feb 1 game, either) but more notably, the Scarlets Knights lost by just FOUR points at MSG, despite their top-two players (Harper & Baker) combining to shoot 2 of 19 from the floor. That's NOT happening at this venue!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-18-20 |
Creighton v. Marquette -2.5 |
Top |
73-65 |
Loss |
-112 |
14 h 46 m |
Show
|
My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on Marquette at 8:30 ET.
Creighton jumped from No. 23 to No. 15 in Monday's AP poll and the 20-6 Bluejays have won SEVEN of eight (now 9-4 in the Big East, ) as they visit 17-7 Marquette tonight, which saw a four-game winning streak end with a 72-71 loss at Villanova on Saturday. The Bluejays' 9-4 record leaves them just ONE game back of 10-3 Seton Hall in the Big East, the Golden Eagles are only 7-5, 2 1.2 games back of the Pirates.
Greg McDermott is in his 10th season as head coach of Creighton. He arrived in 2010-11 and led the Bluejays to a runner-up finish in the CBI. Three straight NCAA teams followed, as Creighton won 29, 28 and 27 games. His lone losing season came in 2014-15 but Creighton's now won 20-plus games the last five years. Creighton opened the season starting a trio of guards in Ty-Shon Alexander (16.7 & 5.3), Marcus Zegarowski (15.8 & 5.2 APG) and Mitch Ballock (12.3 & 5.5). Highly touted 6-5 guard Denzel Mahoney became eligible in mid-December and is averaging 12.6 & 3.4 PPG. The 6-5 SF Jefferson (9.5 & 5.4) and the 6-7 Bishop (8.5 & 5.4) are the team's top frontcourt performers.
Marquette went 24-10 last season but lost in the NCAA's first round. In the off-season, head coach Steve Wojciechowski got great news as Markus Howard, the Big East player-of-the-year, would return for his senior year. However, three days later, the Hauser brothers, Sam (14.9 & 7.2( and Joey (9.7 & 5.3), announced that they were transferring. That said, the Golden Eagles are headed for another 20-win season and a likely NCAA at-large bid. Howard leads the team and the nation in scoring (27.3) and is joined in the backcourt by fellow senior guard Sacar Anim (13.1 & 4.0) and junior guard Koby McEwen (10.7-5.4-3.3 & 5.2). The 6-8 Bailey (7.8 & 5.5) is Marquette's top frontcourt producer but three others (forwards John and Cain plus the 7-0 Johnson) combine for 17. PPG and 15.0 RPG.
Marquette flopped in a 92-75 loss at Creighton back on Jan 1 but the team has won SIX of eight since Jan 15, going 7-1 ATS in that stretch (team's lone loses were in OT at Butler and by ONE point at 'Nova). No doubt Creighton is playing well and talented but note that the Bluejays closed 2 1/2-point road underdogs at Providence (4-12), at DePaul (13-12 / 1-11 in Big East play) and at Georgetown (15-10 / 5-7 in Big East). Here, the number is "about the same" against a 17-7 team that is 12-1 SU at home and owns the nation's leading scorer.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-18-20 |
Purdue v. Wisconsin -4 |
Top |
65-69 |
Push |
0 |
9 h 3 m |
Show
|
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Wisconsin at 7:00 ET.
Purdue is coming off a 26-win season, after reaching the Elite 8 last year (lost in OT to eventual champ UVA), but Purdue lost outstanding guard Edwards (24.3) from that team, as well as the team's second-leading scorer Cline (12.0). The Boilermakers opened the season ranked 23rd in the AP preseason poll but Purdue takes the court tonight 14-12 overall, including just 7-8 in the Big Ten. Wisconsin has 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 tonight's game 15-10, including 8-6 in the Big Ten. Purdue enters off back-to-back losses, while Wisconsin is looking for a THIRD straight win.
Purdue has nice balance, as FIVE players average between 8.8 and 11.0 PPG. The 6-9 Williams leads in scoring (11.0) and rebounding (7.4) and is joined up front by the 7-3 Haarms (9.3 & 4.7). A trio of guards follow, including Hunter (10.4), Proctor (9.8) and Stefanovic (8.8) and Filling out the roster are guards Thompson (5.5) and Eastern (4.9 & 4.1), while the 6-8 Boudreaux (5.2 & 3.5) and the 6-9 Wheeler (3.8 & 4.5) help out Williams and Haarms up front.
Wisconsin's 6-11 Reuvers (14.0 & 5.4) may not be Happ but he's a quality man. Wisconsin owns a 'DEEP' backcourt in King (10.0), Trice (9.8-4.3-3.9), Davison (9.3 & 4.7) and Pritzl (7.5 & 3.6). King left the team four games ago, but Wisconsin is 3-1 without him. The 6-10 Micah Potter, an Ohio St transfer who became eligible in December, has averaged 9.5 & 6.1 since joining the team and along with the 6-8 Ford (7.9 & 4.), support Reuvers up front.
Purdue is an excellent home team but the Boilermakers have dropped SEVEN of their 10 road games this season, going, 0-6 as a road dog (100% "go-against"). The Kohl Center has been a "House of Horrors" for visiting teams for two decades and the current season is NO different, with the Badgers going 11-1 (lone loss was 71-70 to Illinois). Wisconsin has beaten Maryland, Michigan St and Ohio St at this venue already, so why not the poor-traveling Boilermakers?
Good luck...Larry
|
02-16-20 |
Arizona State v. California +5 |
Top |
80-75 |
Push |
0 |
9 h 3 m |
Show
|
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Cal at 6:00 ET.
Bobby Hurley won two national titles as Duke's PG (1991 and 1992) but was always destined to get into the 'family business,' as his father is Bob Hurley, Sr, the legendary high school coach of St Anthony's (NJ). Hurley's first job was at Buffalo and in his second season, led the Bulls to an NCAA berth. He used that as springboard to take the Arizona St job in 2015-16. However, he opened with back-to-back losing seasons (15 wins each year). Hurley's 2017-18 squad snuck into the "Big Dance" as a First Four team and the Sun Devils were back 'dancing' again last season, losing in the Round of 64 to finish 23-11. The Sun Devils, who have won SIX of their last seven games to reach 16-8, including 7-4 in Pac 12 play. That leaves them ONE game back of 1st-place Colorado (9-4) and a half-game back of Arizona and Oregon (both 8-4).
Mark Fox had a terrific run at Nevada, winning 20-plus games in each of his five seasons at Reno, making three NCAA tourneys. He used that as a 'springboard' to coach in the SEC at Georgia but his nine-year stay in Athens was a huge disappointment, with just four, 20-win seasons and only TWO appearances in the "Big Dance." This is his first season at Berkeley and Cal enters this contest 10-14, including 4-7 in Pac 12 play.
ASU has four, double digit scorers but no other player chips in as much as 5.0 PPG. PG Remy Martin (19.5-3.4-3.9) leads the way, while fellow guards Verge (13.6 & 3.5) & and Edwards (10.5 & 3.4) make for a strong perimeter trio. The 6-8 White (10.5) is the fourth double-digit scorer and the team's top rebounder (9.2). Verge has emerged as a difference-maker over the last five games, averaging 17.2 points while shooting 55.4 percent from the floor, including 53.8 percent from three-point range.
Sophomore guard Matt Bradley scored 19 points in Thursday’s 68-52 loss to Arizona and is the team's LONE double-digit scorer at 17.7 PPG (adds 5.2 RPG). Senior guards South (9.2) and Austin (7.9) are solid contributors, while a pair of 6-8 players, Anticevich (8.0 & 5.5) and Kelly (7.3 & 5.1) while sophomore forward Andre Kelly added eight points and nine rebounds. Bradley is the only player scoring in double figures for the Bears (17.7 per game), and work up front. Cal was picked to finish last in the Pac-12 preseason poll and while Cal's 4-7 league mark leaves them ahead of only 2-11 Washington, a win here would vault them into a tie for sixth in the conference.
ASU is on a roll but be careful. The team has won four straight Pac 12 games for the first time since the 2009-10 season. Cal has shown improvement under first-year coach Mark Fox and checks in 10-4 SU at home, going 5-1 ATS in Pac 12 home games. What's more, the home team is 9-2 ATS (82%) in Cal's 11 conference games this season. The home team is my bet, here. Take the points.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-16-20 |
San Diego State v. Boise State +6 |
Top |
72-55 |
Loss |
-115 |
7 h 37 m |
Show
|
My 9* Underdog Shocker is on Boise st at 4:00 ET.
No. 4 San Diego State (25-0 / 14-0 in the MWC) has already clinched its seventh regular-season title. "The hardest thing in basketball, obviously other than winning the Final Four, is winning a regular-season conference title because you have to do it over the whole season," Aztecs head coach Brian Dutcher said in his postgame press conference after Tuesday’s 82-59 victory at New Mexico. The Aztecs look to maintain their perfect record on Sunday against Boise State at ExtraMile Arena, where the Broncos are 12-1 this season, after Tuesday’s 74-57 victory over Air Force. Leon Rice is in his 10th season as Boise's head coach and while his teams have won 20-plus games in SEVEN of his first nine, the Broncos are coming off a 13-20 season in 2018-19. Boise's head for another 20-win season this year at 17-9 and at 9-5 in MWC play, are just a half-game back of second-place Utah St in league play.
The Aztecs are led by likely Mountain West player of the year Malachi Flynn (16.4-4.1-5.1), who is averaging 17.6 points, five rebounds and five assists over his past 10 games. The Aztecs rely on basically five players, as guards Schakel (10.0 & 3.4) and Feagin (8.7-3.1-3.2) join Flynn on the perimeter, while the 6-6 Mitchell (12.5 & 4.8) and the 6-10 players Wetzell (12.0 & 6.5) start up front. Dutcher was on Fisher's staff in Michigan and SDSU, and like his mentor, 'preaches' defense. The Aztecs are allowing just 58.4 PPG (4th) on 37.6% shooting (6th).
Boise St features the "big" backcourt duo of the 6-9 Alston (18.4 & 5.2) and the 6-7 Jessup (15.7 & 4.3). Senior Hobbs (8.6) is a more traditional guard plus the 6-6 Kigab (12.4 & 4)3.6and the 6-7 Williams (11.5 & 8.2) have proven to be solid frontcourt players. Kigab was an Oregon transfer who became eligible in December and he's really helped this team in 14 games (team is 10-4). Jessup scored 18 points and Williams posted his eighth double-double of the season with 16 points and 12 rebounds in Tuesday’s 74-57 victory over Air Force. Boise St also received a welcome boost from forward Abu Kigab, who returned after missing two games with a hip pointer and had six points, two rebounds, an assist and a blocked shot in 15 minutes off the bench.
The Aztecs raced to a 23-point lead at the half and cruised to an 83-65 victory at Viejas Arena over Boise back on Jan 11 but as noted, the Broncos are 12-1 SU at home this season (lone loss way back on Nov 15 vs UC-Irvine). San Diego State has lost its last three games against the Broncos at ExtraMile Arena (lost by 22 points last season) and Boise owns a 122-29 record at home in ExtraMile Arena under Rice. Take the points but I'm calling for the OUTRIGHT win.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-16-20 |
Memphis v. Connecticut -3.5 |
Top |
61-64 |
Loss |
-110 |
8 h 51 m |
Show
|
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on UConn at 3:00 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 were replaced by what most considered the best recruiting class of the 2019-20 season. However, the 'jewel' of that class, the 7-1 James Wiseman, was the center of an NCAA investigation and after just three games (19.7 & 10.7), Wiseman was 'done.' He decided to NOT fight anymore and is currently preparing for the next NBA Draft. Memphis went 11-1 in non-conference play Memphis was ranked and looked like a surefire NCAA Tournament team but now appears to be "sitting on the outside looking in," after two straight losses, The Tigers are 17-7 overall but just 6-5 in AAC play.
Danny Hurley is in his second season at Storrs and his first (16-17) didn't go any better than UConn's two previous seasons (16 and 14 wins). The Huskies have been through an up-and-down campaign thus far, going 13-11 (4-7 in the AAC) and the conventional wisdom is, the Huskies can't wait to return to their former home, the Big East (that happens next season). However, UConn does own home wins over then-No. 15 Florida and Cincinnati (last Sunday) plus has lost in OT at home to two of the AAC's best teams, Wichita St and Tulsa.
Since James Wiseman left the program after playing three games, the 6-9 Precious Achiuwa has established himself as the best freshman in the AAC, averaging 15.0 PPG and 10.1 RPG. Fellow freshmen, the 6-7 Jeffries checks in at 10.8 & 4.3, while guard Lester Quinones adds 11.1 PPG and 3.6 APG. Four more guards check in averaging between 4.5 and 8.5 PPG. Jerffries is out with a knee injury (hasn't played in Feb) but while Achiuwa was injured late in the South Florida contest, he managed to play against Cincinnati, scoring 22 points to go with a career-high 17 rebounds, his 13th double-double of the season. Freshman guard Lester Quinones has stepped up since D.J. Jeffries went down, reaching double figures in all four contests and shooting nearly 53 percent from the floor in that span.
Senior guard Christian Vital is averaging team highs of 14. p2oints and 6.3 rebounds. The only other player in double digits is freshman guard James Bouknight (12.0 & 3.3), who has elevated his level of play in two victories last week, by scoring 45 points to earn conference player of the week honors. Fellow guards Gilbert (9.3 & 4.2 APG) and Adams (7.1) typically come off the bench, The loss of the 6-9 Polley (9.5 & 3.2) to a torn ACL (out for the season) has hurt, leaving UConn with only the 6-11 Carlton (8.3 & 6.3) and 6-9 freshman Akok (6.0 & 5.9), up front.
The Tigers want to stay on the safe side of the Big Dance cut line but a loss here in Storrs would hardly help that effort. UCon comes in 7-2 ATS (or 6-2-1) over its last nine games and recent home wins over Temple and Cincy suggest UConn is more than capable of winning here. The Huskies lost 70-63 at Memphis back on Feb 1 but that game was tied inside of three minutes to play. James Bouknight has emerged as the best player on the Huskies, averaging 18.5 points over the last six games, eclipsing the 20-point mark in his last three. Fellow freshman and backcourt mate Jalen Gaffney (just 3.4 PPG on the season) experienced growing pains after entering the starting lineup, but scored a career-high 13 points on 62.5 percent shooting against SMU this past Wednesday. Leading scorer Christian Vital has reached double figures in each of the last 10 contests plus leads the AAC in steals per game (2.5) and free-throw percentage (89.8). Memphis is VERY beatable and UConn 'gets the job done!"
Good luck...Larry
|
02-16-20 |
Iowa v. Minnesota -4.5 |
Top |
58-55 |
Loss |
-109 |
6 h 55 m |
Show
|
My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on Minnesota at 1:00 ET.
No. 17 Iowa (17-7) was hoping to stay in the hunt for its first Big Ten regular-season championship since 1979 when it visited Indiana on Thursday. The Hawkeyes had won SEVEN of their last nine contests but Iowa delivered another lackluster defensive performance away from home in an 89-77 loss. The defeat drops Iowa to 17-8, including just 8-6 in the Big Ten (Maryland's win at Mich St on Saturday gives the Terps an 11-3 Big Ten mark). The Golden Gophers haven't played since a week ago Saturday, when trailed by as many as 19 points with just under 14 minutes remaining, before closing the gap in an 83-77 loss at now-No. 13 Penn State. Minnesota is just 12-11 on the season, including 6-7 in the Big Ten.
Iowa lost at Indiana, despite a 38-point performance from 6-11 senior Luka Garza. The Big Ten has yet to find a way to contain Luka Garza, who is averaging 23.7 PPG and 9.8 RPG. Garza is one of only two players nationally to average at least 23.5 points and nine rebounds, and he owns the two highest single-game point totals in the Big Ten this season (38 points against Indiana and 44 vs Michigan on Dec 6). Sophomore guard Joe Wieskamp (15.4 & 6.1) is an excellent "second option" on offense for Iowa but freshman guard CJ Fredrick (10.7) is the only other double-digit scorer. Guards Toussaint (6.6) and Connor McCaffrey (6.0-4.3-3.6) help give Iowa a strong perimeter group., while the 6-10 Ryan Kriener (7.2 & 4.0) helps Garza up front. Note that McCaffrey is the only player in Division I with at least 90 assists and fewer than 25 turnovers, allowing him to lead the country in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.96)
Richard 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. Pitino opened the current season without 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. 6-10 sophomore center Daniel Oturu hasn't quite been able to match Garza's gaudy offensive production but he is coming off a 32-point, 16-rebound effort Feb 8 in an 83-77 defeat at Penn State. He is averaging 20.1 points and 11.5 rebounds per game to go along with 2.7 blocked shots. Fellow sophomore, PG Marcus Carr, is averaging 15.7-5.8-6.7.(15.7 points, 5.8 boards, 6.7 assists). Gabe Kalscheur (11.7) has knocked down a conference-high 56 three-pointers, while guard Willis (9.2 & 3.5) and the 6-9 Demir (7.4 & 4.7) round out Minnesota's starting-five (Gophers don't have much depth).
Iowa's loss at Indiana on Thursday marked its third straight double-digit loss on the road, with the team surrendering an average of 91.7 points during its road skid to a trio of teams (Maryland, Purdue and Indiana) that rank no higher than 129th in the country in scoring offense. Garza is terrific but Oturu is hardly 'chopped liver,' so I expect Iowa's road woes to continue. Iowa's D just doesn’t travel well, allowing 80 PPG away from home, compared to a 66 at home. Its NOT good news for Iowa that CJ Fredrick exited Thursday's contest late in the first half with a sprained right ankle, and coach Fran McCaffery didn't sound overly optimistic about his status for Sunday when asked about his freshman guard following the game. Minnesota's 72-52 setback at Iowa on Dec 9 was its most lopsided loss of the season (Carr was 1 of 10 from the floor in that one), so expect "payback" to be in play in this one and note that Pitino's Gophers are 8-2 as a hone favorite this season. Minnesota wins "with room to spare.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-15-20 |
Virginia v. North Carolina OVER 118 |
Top |
64-62 |
Win
|
100 |
16 h 35 m |
Show
|
My 10* Total of the Week is on Virginia/North Carolina Over at 8:00 ET.
North Carolina is already aware it will need to win the ACC Tournament if it wants to make the NCAA Tournament (fat chance!) but defending champion Virginia still has hope that a strong finish will help it avoid a similar fate. The Cavaliers held on for a 50-49 overtime home victory Tuesday over Notre Dame, prevailing despite making only one FG over the final 6 1/2 minutes of regulation and settling for just THREE free throws in the extra period. As for the Tar Heels, they hit a new low on Tuesday, falling into last place in the ACC following a 74-57 loss at Wake Forest three days after nearly upsetting No. 7 Duke. North Carolina is in the midst of its third losing streak of at least four games in 2019-20, something that had never happened in program history prior to this season.
I'm just "cutting to the chase" for this one. Virginia's 'ugly' performance against Notre Dame (just 50 points in a 45-minute OT win), followed UVA's best offensive effort of the season in the Cavs' previous game. UVA lost 80-73 at Louisville (a good defensive team!), shooting 53.1% overall, including 11 of 22 on threes (went just 5 of 20 on threes vs ND!). As for the Tar Heels, they shot 33.3% for the game, including an abysmal 1 of 16 on threes against Wake (a notably poor defensive team), coming off a 98-96 OT loss vs Duke. Against Coach K's team, North Carolina shot 52.2% for the game and had 84 points in regulation.
As Vince Lombardi one famously cried out, "What the hell is going on out there!" When these two schools met at Charlottesville back on Dec 8, they combined to shoot 22.6% on threes in a 56-47 UVA win. With both coming off horrendous shooting efforts on Tuesday, my bet is we'll see some 'real' basketball played. Go OVER!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-15-20 |
Tennessee v. South Carolina -3.5 |
|
61-63 |
Loss |
-104 |
11 h 54 m |
Show
|
My 8* play is on South Carolina at 6:00 ET. No analysis available.
|
02-15-20 |
UNLV v. New Mexico -2.5 |
Top |
78-73 |
Loss |
-116 |
11 h 56 m |
Show
|
My 10* Game of the Week is on New Mexico at 6:00 ET.
The UNLV Rebels (12-14) and the New Mexico Lobos (17-9) meet in Mountain West Conference college action from the Dreamstyle Arena in Las Cruses on Saturday. The Rebels are sub-.500 overall but are 7-6 in MWC play, a game better than the Lobos, who despite that 17-9 overall mark, have gone just 6-7 in league play. That said, NEITHER team has nor will make any 'waves' in a conference dominated by No. 4 SD State (25-0, including 14-0 in league play). The Rebels had little patience with Marvin Menzies, who was fired after just three seasons. Taking over has been TJ Otzelberger, who in three seasons at South Dakota St, went 70-33 with two NCAA teams. However, as UNLV's record indicates, it's been a tough first season for Otzelberger. New Mexico's Paul Weir is in his third season at Las Cruses and after 19-and 14-win seasons, he's headed for his "best year" at New Mexico.
Now that Mitrou-Long is back healthy, the Rebels have a trio of guard scoring in double digits. Hamilton (15.2 & 5.2) leads the way, followed by Hardy (14.1) and Mitrou-Long (10.9-3.2-3.5). Up front, it's the 6-7 Tillman (10.1 & 4.7) and the 6-11 Diong (7.9 & 8.3).The suspension of the 6-10 Bragg (12.6 & 10.3 after playing 15 games) was NOT good news for the Lobos but they've survived. FOUR players still average in double digits. PG Lyle (16.1-4.2-4.7) leads the way, followed by the 6-9 Manigault (12.7 & 5.0), plus guards Martin (11.2) and Hendrix (10.1 & 4.0). Just under 10 PPG are Jackson (9.6 & 4.7) and Maluach (9.,3 & 4.1).
UNLV is just 2-7 SU in true road games third season and is not getting NEARLY enough points to draw ANY interest here against a Lobo team 14-1 SU at home in "The Pit," with its lone loss coming against unbeaten SD State! Here's "payback" for that 99-78 loss in Las Vegas!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-15-20 |
Wake Forest v. Miami-FL -3 |
|
54-71 |
Win
|
100 |
7 h 55 m |
Show
|
My 8* play is on Miami-Fl at 2:00 ET.
Wake Forest comes to "South Beach" just 11-13 overall, including 4-10 in ACC play. The Miami Hurricanes are only slightly better (12-12) and like Wake, just 4-10 in ACC play. The ACC now has 14 schools and INCREDIBLY, it's the famed North Carolina Tar Heels, who are the only school with a worse conference record than Wake and Miami, at 3-10.
Danny Manning is now in his sixth season as Wake's head coach and it would be hard to say that things are headed in the right direction. He had just ONE winning season in his first five (65-93, .411 overall) and as noted, is 11-13 (4-10 ACC) so far this season. However, the Demon Deacons just beat North Carolina 74-57 in their last game. Wake never trailed in the rout of North Carolina and at one point early in the second half, led by 26, its largest lead of the season. Wake features FOUR double digit scorers in veteran guards Childress (15.0 & 4.8 APG), Brown (12.4 & 6.1) and White (10.3 & 4.0) plus 7-0 junior center Sarr adds 12.9 & 9.0.
Jim Larranga famously led George Mason to the Final Four back in 2006 and has been at Miami since the 2011-12 season. He won 20-plus games in SIX of his first seven years at Miami (four NCAA teams) but the team was just 14-18 last year and now 12-12 this season. However, like Wake, the Hurricanes are also coming off a dominant performance, Wednesday's 85-58 win over Boston College was their largest ACC victory since they defeated the Eagles by the same margin back on Feb 22, 2014. "I thought everybody was ready to play, I thought everybody gave great effort and I thought everybody executed the game plan," Larranaga said. "Sometimes guys want to just go on their own, but tonight everybody was sharing the ball. We had 17 assists, which is a season high." It's important to note that the Hurricanes are close to full strength with Chris Lykes (16 points), Kameron McGusty (12) and Rodney Miller (11) all back from injuries. Lykes (15.3) leads a solid guard trio that also includes Vasiljevic (14.0 & 4.2) and McGusty (13.1 &n 4.0). Then there is freshman guard Isaiah Wong (6.5), who continues to show a hot hand. He had 21 points vs BC to become the first Hurricane freshman with back-to-back 20-point outings since January 2001 (Marcus Barnes), as he scored 23 against Florida State in the previous contest. The 7-0 Miller (7.6 & 5.7) is joined up front by the 6-10 Waardenburg (6.4 & 6.3).
Yes, this year's Tar Heels as 'imposters' but still, trouncing North Carolina is still a big deal for Manning's Wake team. However, the Demon Deacons are a woeful 1-8 SU in true road games this season and they'd basically have to win to cover here. Miami's perimeter group is looking healthy and VERY good these days and WON"T oblige Wake's D by shooting 1 of 16 on threes, ala North Carolina. Home team gets the "W" and the cover.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-15-20 |
Bradley v. Southern Illinois +1 |
|
69-67 |
Loss |
-109 |
7 h 55 m |
Show
|
My 8* play is on Southern Illinois at 2:00 ET.
The Bradley Braves and the Southern Illinois Salukis meet in college basketball action from SIU Arena on Saturday. Bradley is 17-9 on the season, while Southern Illinois is 15-11, but the Salukis are 9-4 in MVC play (tied with Loyola-Chicago behind 11-2 Northern Iowa). Bradley lost back-to-back games but then the Braves won each of their last two, against Evansville and Indiana State (Braves now sit 8-5 in MVC play). As for SIU, the Salukis had a SEVEN-game winning streak snapped in their last outing, falling 55-38 at Valparaiso.
Brian Wardle took the Bradley head coaching job in 2015-16, after having no success at Green Bay. That first season was a disaster (5-27) but in his fourth season (last year), Wardle led the Braves to the NCAA Tournament by winning The Missouri Valley’s “Arch Madness” Tournament (first MVC title for Bradley since 1988), as the Braves overcame an 18-point deficit to beat Northern Iowa 57-54. The win led to Bradley's first NCAA Tourney appearance since 2006. Bradley won't catch Northern Iowa in the regular season but there's always "Arch Madness." Bradley's a veteran team, led by returning guards Brown (14.7 & 4.4 APG) at the point and Kennell (12.3). LSU transfer Kingsby (8.1) starts with the aforementioned duo in the backcourt, with the 6-7 Childs (14.9 & 9.0) and the 6-11 Bar (6.4 & 7.4) starting up front. The 6-6 Henry (9.7 & 6.0) is also a frontcourt contributor.
Southern Illinois is coming off a 17-15 season (10-8 in MVC play) and opened the year with a new head coach, Bryan Mullins. Mullins was the starting point guard on SIU's 2007 Sweet 16 team and is in Southern Illinois' Hall of Fame. Marcus Domask is a 6-6 freshman swingman and he is the leading scorer for Southern Illinois with an average of 14. PPG (also adds 5.3 RPG), while the 6-10 Barret Benson is the leading rebounder with an average of 5.7 per game, while adding 10.7 PPG. Senior guard Mc5Gill (11.2 & 4.2) and freshman guard Jones (7.3) are the team's top-producing guards but SIU has depth on the perimeter, as four other guards are combining for about 16 PPG.
Bradley's Childs missed almost all of January but he returned for Bradley's last two games (both wins), scoring 19 points in each one. He MAKES a difference but Bradley 'limps' in with a 2-7 SU record in true road games, while SIU in is 11-1 SU at home. The Salukis seven-game winning streak ended in a THUD at Valpo, as they shot 23.6% from the floor, including 17.9% on threes. Now SIU is no offensive juggernaut but they are shooting 42.5% for the season, including 33.4% on threes. A "typical" shooting performance should allow SIU to move to 12-1 at home on the season. That's my bet vs the poor-traveling Braves.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-15-20 |
Purdue v. Ohio State -5 |
Top |
52-68 |
Win
|
100 |
7 h 36 m |
Show
|
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Ohio St at 12:00 ET.
The Purdue Boilermakers visit Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio for a Big Ten matchup Saturday afternoon against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Purdue opened the season ranked 23rd in the AP preseason poll, after winning 26 games last season, before losing in OT to Virginia in the Elite 8. Gone from that squad is Purdue's best player, Carsen Edwards (24.3PPG), as well as its second-leading scorer, Ryan Cline (12.3 PPG). This year's Boilermakers are well-balanced (FIVE players average between 9.1 and 11.2 PPG) but at 14-11, Matt Painter's team has already surpassed its loss total from last season in league play (7-7, after going 14-4) and has surpassed last season's total of 10 losses.
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. Ohio State had climbed to No. 2 in the polls (at 9-0) before suffering its first loss Dec 15 at Minnesota. Ohio St sat 11-1 after beating then-No. 6 Kentucky on Dec 21 but then lost SIX of seven. Ohio St has recovered to win FOUR of its last five (now 16-8) but at 6-7, is an afterthought in the Big Ten standings.
Purdue is off an 88-76 home loss to Penn St on Tuesday. Purdue took the court in that contest having gone 17-1 in its previous 18 Big Ten home games, while 'taking down' SEVEN of the last eight ranked teams it has faced at home. So much for that. Sophomore forward Trevion Williams led the way in the loss, recording 17 points and 10 rebounds. The 6-8 Williams leads the ream in scoring (11.2) and rebounding (7.4). The 7-3 Haarms (9.4 & 4.7), the 6-8 Boudreaux (4.8 & 3.5) and the 6-9 Wheeler (4.0 & 4.6) all lend a 'helping hand.' Hunter (10.5 &), Proctor (9.6) and Stefanovic (9.1) are the backcourt's top-three producers, but Thompson (5.8) and Eastern (5.1 & 4.2) also contribute.
Ohio St won its most recent home game 72-66 over Rutgers. Leading the way for the Buckeyes was 6-9 junior Kaleb Wesson with 16 points. He's the centerpiece of Ohio St's team this season (was a preseason All-Big Ten pick) and he leads in scoring (14.1) and rebounding (9.4) Holtmann's team has great depth, as EIGHT players are averaging between 6.1 and Wesson's 14.1 PPG. Two guards join Wesson in double digits, sophomore Duane Washington (10.8) and 5-star freshman recruit PJ Carton(10.4). Underappreciated floor general C.J. Walker (Florida State transfer) is chipping in 7.5 PPG and 3.2 APG, while Wesson's 6-6 brother Andre, adds 9.0 & 4.0.
Purdue is a terrific home team (notwithstanding Tuesday's 'clunker') but the Boilermakers 'flopped' on the road this season, checking in at 0-5 as a road dog (100% "go-against"). Ohio St is 11-2 SU at home, including a money-making 10-5 as a home favorite. This is the only regular season meeting between the schools this year and with contests against ranked teams Maryland and Iowa up next, the Buckeyes could really use a "W." After losing BOTH meetings against last season, I'm laying the points with this "double-avenger."
Good luck...Larry
|
02-14-20 |
Davidson v. St Bonaventure -4 |
Top |
93-64 |
Loss |
-105 |
10 h 9 m |
Show
|
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on St Bonaventure at 7:00 ET.
Bob McKillop is in his 31st season as Davidson's head coach and he's had quite a run (578-350 overall with nine NCAA teams entering the current season). His best-known team was the 2007-08 edition, when Steph Curry led the Wildcats into the Elite 8. Davidson came into this season off a 24-10 year, while returning all five starters. However, the Wildcats are a modest 12-11 overall (10-13 ATS), including a 6-5 record in the A-10.
Mark Schmidt's St Bonny's team lost in the A-10 championship game last season and at 18-16, did not play in any postseason tourney. That came on the heels of three consecutive 20-win seasons, including a 26-win campaign in 2017-18 in which the Bonnies earned an NCAA bid. However, expectations were high for this season, as the Bonnies overcame a ton of injuries last season and last year's sensational freshman class all returned as sophomores. Bonaventure is 17-8 (15-8-1 ATS) overall, including 9-3 in the A-10, trailing only 11-0 Dayton (No. 6 in the nation) and 10-2 Rhode Island.
Davidson saw the 6-6 Pritchett lost for the season with a knee injury and SG Frampton leave for personal reasons after FIVE games. That's TWO of last year's five returning starters. PG Jon Axel Gudmundsson was the A-10s P-O-Y last season and is averaging similar numbers, checking in at 14.0-7.0-4.6. Fellow guard Kellan Grady averaged a team-high 17.3 PPG last season and leads the way again, averaging 16.3 PPG. The 6-10 Luka Drogkovic (10.3 & 5.2) is the third starter back from last season, while returning guard Collins (10.7 & 3.9) and a pair of freshman, round out Davidson's main contributors. The freshman are the 6-7 Lee (8.2 & 3.6) and guard Jones (5.7) .
St Bonny's six-deep main rotation features FIVE sophomores (remember, last year's freshman class?) and 6-8 freshman Winston (8.5 & 3.1). Now to those sophs. PG Lofton (14.2 & 6.1 APG) leads a backcourt which also includes Welch (11.7 & 6.6) and English (11.4 & 4.3). The 6-10 Osunniyi (10.5 & 9.1) gets help up front from the 6-8 Planutis (5.7 & 4.6) plus emerging freshman Winston (20 points in Tuesday's win at St Joe's).
That Tuesday win was St Bonaventure's FIFTH consecutive SU & ATS, since falling 81-75 at home to Rhode Island on Jan 25. The Bonnies are 7-3 SU at home (6-2-1 ATS), while Davidson is 5-2 SU & ATS in is last seven overall, the Wildcats are just 1-5 SU & ATS in their six post-Christmas road games (lone win and cover at Fordham, which is 1-10 in A-10 play). It's "that time of year" for Marc Schmidt’s Bonnies, as they are a 'sweet' 30-7 SU in the month of February since 2015-16. Davidson swept St Bonny's injury-hampered team last season, so expect "double-revenge" to work nicely tonight in Olean.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-13-20 |
Utah v. Oregon State -5 |
|
51-70 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 9 m |
Show
|
My 8* play is on Oregon St at 9:00 ET.
Utah and Oregon State are both 14-9 overall plus each resides in the lower half of the Pac-12 standings, with the Utes sitting at 5-6 and the Beavers at 4-7. However, after Utah lost six of its first nine Pac-12 games, the Utes swept a two-game homestand last weekend with wins over Stanford (64-56 in OT) and California (60-45). Oregon St played just one time last week, hosting in-state rival Oregon, but the Beavers were able to beat the then-No. 11 Ducks 63-53, knocking Oregon out of first place in the Pac 12 with that 10-point upset win at Gill Coliseum. Tonight's game will be also be in Gill Coliseum, with the Beavers looking to avenge an 81-69 loss at Utah back on Jan 2.
Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak and his Oregon State counterpart (Wayne Tinkle), were teammates at Montana during the 1985 and ’86 seasons. The former teammates will meet for the NINTH time as opposing head coaches (Krystkowiak owns a modest 5-3 advantage). As noted above, the Utes dominated the Cardinal and Golden Bears with defense, holding them to a combined 33.9-percent shooting and forcing 37 total turnovers in the two games. 6-6 forward Timmy Allen, the team’s leading scorer (18.4 points per game) and rebounder (7.3), scored more than 20 points for the first time since Jan 2 with a game-high 21 against Cal last Saturday, accounting for more than a third of Utah’s points. Guards Both Gach (10.6 points) and freshman PG Rylan Jones (10.5-3.2-4.9) are the only other Utes averaging double figures but Gach has missed the last four games with a knee injury and his status remains uncertain heading into this week’s two-game Northwest road trip. The 6-9 Battin (9.5 & 5.5) and 7-0 freshman center Carlson (6.5 & 3.7) complete the starting lineup when Gach is healthy. Two more freshman are contributing for the Utes as well, the 6-8 Jantunen (7.0 & 4.5) and guard Brenchley (4.5), who has been starting in place of Gach.
Coach Wayne Tinkle’s Beavers have won two of their last three after a 2-6 conference start and are in the midst of a three-game homestand before heading out for three straight on the road. Tinkle’s son Tres, a 6-7 senior forward, leads the team in scoring (19.0) and rebounding (6.8) and continues to rank as the only player in the Pac-12’s top-10 in scoring (fourth), rebounding (10th), assists (10th with 3.7) and steals (first with 2.0). Guard Ethan Thompson (15.1-4.3-4.0) and the 7-0 Kylor Kelley (11.1 & 5.1 plus aPac-12-leading 3.7 blocks) also average double digits for the Beavers. Guard Reichle (8.4) and 6-6 forward Hollins (5.8 & 3.1) round out the Beavers' main contributors.
Utah rolled to an 81-69 home win over Oregon State back on Jan 2 but the Beavers have won 11 of the 14 all-time meetings in Corvallis. Utah is averaging 72.4 PPG on shooting 44.9% shooting but in Pac-12 play, those numbers shrink to 64.9 PPG on 40.4% shooting. Tres Tinkle has scored in double figures in 88 straight games and will do so again here, as Oregon St wins "with room to spare!"
Good luck...Larry
|
02-13-20 |
Washington v. USC -3 |
Top |
56-62 |
Win
|
100 |
14 h 39 m |
Show
|
My 10* Situational Stunner is on USC at 09:00 ET.
The schools with the two longest losing streaks in the Pac-12 collide on Thursday night when 12-12 Washington (2-9 in Pac 12) visits LA to take on 17-7 USC (6-5 Pac 12). The Huskies have lost SIX in a row, while the Trojans have lost three straight. Washington comes in off a 79-67 loss at in-state rival Washington State on Sunday and resides in last place in the conference. However, one of the Huskies' two conference wins came against USC, routing the Trojans 72-40 back on Jan 5 in Seattle. USC (tied with crosstown rival UCLA for fifth place in a very tight Pac-12 race) comes into this game having been swept on its Arizona trip last weekend, including a bitter 66-64 loss at Arizona State on Saturday that saw the Trojans blow a 13-point lead and give up the final SEVEN points of the game.
Mike Hopkins spent more than 20 years as an assistant to Jim Boeheim at Syracuse, before taking the job at Washington for the 2017-18 season. His first team won 21 games and an NIT berth but last year's team won 27 games and earned an NCAA bid. However, FOUR starters are gone from that team, including three NBA draft picks. That's never good but Hopkins recruited a pair of McDonald's All-Americans plus added a third with the transfer guard Quade Green from Kentucky. The Huskies were 10-2 and ranked 21st in the AP poll when they coughed up a lead and lost 75-71 to Houston in the title game of the Diamond Head Classic on Christmas Day. Not much of anything has gone right, since. I noted earlier that Washington routed USC back on Jan 5 but the Huskies' tailspin started the day after their rout of the Trojans when PG guard Quade Green, a transfer from Kentucky who was averaging 11.6 points and 5.3 assists per game while also shooting 44.7 percent from three-point range, was ruled academically ineligible. Washington has averaged just 10.9 assists in the nine games since, while turning it 15.3 times per contest. Washington is just 1-8 without Green. 6-9 freshman Isaiah Stewart leads the team in both scoring (17.4) and rebounding (8.7), while his freshman cohort Jaden McDaniels adds 12.4 & 5. 9. Junior guard Nahziah Carter (12.8 & 5.1) is the team's third double digit scorer but he Huskies rank ninth in the Pac-12 in scoring with an average of 65.8 PPG in conference contests.
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. Yes, USC has lost THREE in a row but this year's 17-7 season has USC back in consideration for an at-large NCAA bid. 6-9 freshman Oneyka Okongwu, a former prep teammate of Lonzo Ball at Chino Hills High School where he twice was named California's Mr. Basketball, has been as good as advertised for the Trojans. He leads the team in scoring (16.4), rebounds (8.9) and blocks (3.0), while shooting 60.9 percent from the floor. Senior guard Jonah Mathews (13.0) and 6-11 Nick Rakocevic adds 11.1 & 8.6. Earlier this season, the duo became the 41st and 42nd players in school history to reach the career 1,000-point mark. Guards Utomi (7.3 & 3.4), Weaver (6.8) and Anderson (5.8-3.0-4.5) join Mathews on the perimeter and 6-10 freshman Mobley (6.7 & 5.3) adds help up front.
Here's the bottom line. Washington's play continues to be erratic and 'limps' into LA in last-place (2-9) in the Pac-12, having gone 0-5 SU & ATS on the Pac-12 road, averaging 61.6 PPG (includes an OT game). USC needs a strong finish for at-large consideration and has a HUGE revenge motive in this one from that Jan 5 embarrassment. The Trojans are 9-2 at home and the 'free-falling' Huskies will play the perfect foil
Good luck...Larry
|
02-13-20 |
Colorado v. Oregon -4.5 |
Top |
60-68 |
Win
|
100 |
13 h 51 m |
Show
|
My 10* Revenge Game of the Month is on Oregon at 9:00 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 opened 7-0 and enter this showdown with Oregon at 19-5, including a Pac 12-best 8-3 record. The 16th-ranked Buffs beat the Ducks 74-65 in Boulder to tip off Pac-12 play back on Jan 2 and hope to complete a series sweep, tonight.
Dana Altman has led Kansas St, Creighton and Oregon to multiple NCAA tourneys. The Ducks opened this season No. 15 in the AP's preseason poll and jumped out to a 6-0 start. Oregon wrapped up non-conference play at 11-2 and as 2020 dawned, was ranked No. 4, the first time the Ducks had been in the AP top-5 since the 2016-17 team made the Final 4. A four-game winning streak to end January had Oregon atop the Pac 12 at 7-2 but back-to-back 10-point losses at Stanford (Feb 1) and rival Oregon State (Feb 8) has seen the school drop to 7-4, a game behind Colorado and only a half-game ahead of Arizona and Arizona State (7-5).
Colorado has won five of its last six to surge to the top of the conference. “It’s a bigger challenge (now),” Buffs coach Tad Boyle said earlier this week. “… We’ve put ourselves in good position, but it’s also a very small margin. If we don’t win on Thursday, we’re not in sole possession of first place anymore. We know that, and that’s the challenge.” PG McKinley Wright (13.8-5.2-5.2), 6-7 swingman Tyler Bey (13.6 & 9.1) and guard D’Shawn Schwartz (11.2 & 3.7) are the leading scorers for the Buffs. The 6-8 Battey (9.2 & 6.0) and the 6-7 Siewert (8.3 & 4.6) bring some 'muscle' up front.
The Ducks shot 32.8 percent in the loss to Stanford and 40 percent in the loss at Oregon State, as they posted their two lowest point totals of the season. Senior PG Payton Pritchard (the last holdover from the 2017 Final Four team) is on pace for a "career season," averaging 19.5-4.3-6.0. He teams with JC transfer Duarte (14.2 & 5.6) to arguably give Oregon the Pac-12's best guard duo. Richardson (10.0) and Mathis (8.0) provide solid depth on the perimeter. However, the Ducks’ frontcourt has been minus 6-11 center N’Faly Dante (6.2 & 2.7) due to a knee injury and 6-9 forward Francis Okoro (3.5 & 4.6) has been home in Nigeria for the funeral service for his father. Dante is not expected to play but Okoro could return. However, freshmen like the 6-8 C.J. Walker (5.0 & 2.7) and the 6-8 Chandler Lawson (5.0 & 4.3) have seen more playing time, joining 6-7 UNLV transfer Juiston (7.6 & 6.6).
This is a HUGE game for Oregon. Colorado has won nine of the 15 meetings vs Oregon since entering the Pac-12 in 2011 but only ONE of those wins have come in Eugene. Oregon is the Pac-12’s only undefeated team at home in 2019-20 (12-0, including 4-0 in conference play), while Colorado is 3-3 in true road games, including 2-2 in Pac-12 play. Oregon is riding a FOUR-game home win streak in the series. Oregon head coach Dana Altman recently told the Oregonian, “I don’t think we’ve gone backward. People are getting better, and we’re not.” It's time for Oregon to "put up shut up!" I'm betting on "put up!"
Good luck...Larry
|
02-13-20 |
Iowa v. Indiana -1.5 |
|
77-89 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 54 m |
Show
|
My 8* play is on Indiana at 8:00 ET. No. 17 Iowa (17-7) looks to stay in the hunt for its first Big Ten regular-season championship since 1979 when it visits 15-8 Indiana on Thursday. The Hawkeyes have won SEVEN of their last nine contests, including a 96-72 rout of Nebraska on Saturday, to move within two games of ninth-ranked Maryland (10-3) at the top of the conference standings (Hawkeyes are 8-5). In contrast, Indiana is heading in the wrong direction following a 74-62 home loss to Purdue on Saturday. The Hoosiers have now dropped FOUR consecutive games, including their last three by an average margin of 12 points, to leave them on the outside looking in for a potential NCAA Tournament berth (Indiana is now just 5-7 in the Big Ten).
Head coach Fran McCaffrey came to Iowa back in the 2010-11 season (off three straight NCAA trips with Siena). His 2013 team was the NIT runner-up and he then led the Hawkeyes to three straight NCAAs. Iowa missed the "Big Dance" the next two years but last year's 23-win team was back in. The Hawkeyes opened 1-3 in Big Ten play but is now back in contention, plus has to feel good about an at-large bid. Sophomore Joe Wieskamp (15.4 & 6.1) poured in a career-high 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the floor to go along with seven rebounds and three assists as the Hawkeyes scored a season-best 96 points in the win against Nebraska. The 6-11 Luka Garza (22.9 & 10.2) added 22 points, eight rebounds and a pair of steals against the Cornhuskers to notch his NINTH straight 20-point game in Big Ten play while moving into 17th place on the program’s all-time scoring list. Freshman guard CJ Fredrick (11.2) joins Toussaint (6.7) and Connor McCaffrey (6.1-4.4-3.7) to make a strong perimeter group. The 6-10 Ryan Kriener (7.3 & 4.0) helps Garza up front.
Archie Miller began his third season as Indiana's head coach in 2019-20 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 got off to an 11-1 start. That said, the early schedule had been home-based and 'soft.' Indiana enters this game on a four-game slide and the Hoosiers are almost assuredly on the outside looking in for a potential NCAA Tournament berth. Highly-touted 6-9 freshman Jackson-Davis (13.8 & 7.9) has been as good as advertised plus he's joined up front by returning 6-7 forward Smith (11.3 & 5.4) and 6-11 Butler graduate transfer Brunk (8.0 & 6.0). Jackson-Davis had a team-high 16 points to go along with eight rebounds, four assists and three blocked shots in the loss to Purdue, while Smith added 11 points and five rebounds. The backcourt has depth in Green (10.2), Durham (9.7) and Phinisee (7.0 & 3.1) but doesn't quite match Iowa's perimeter group.
Indiana has dropped THREE out of four games against teams currently ranked in the top-25 but the Hoosiers are 12-3 SU at home this season. Iowa is just 3-4 in true road games and has lost Big Ten road games at Michigan (by 12), at sad-sack Nebraska (by six)m at Maryland (by 10) and at Purdue by a whopping 36 points! Talking after Saturday's loss at home to hated-Purdue, Archie Miller said, “It’s not about the doom and gloom. It stinks and you’re really disappointed and it makes you sick, but the doom and gloom has to go away as soon as possible because the next one is coming right down the line.” “We need some guys to respond on Thursday,” Miller added. “One way or another you have to earn the right to break through and we’re at home again on Thursday and we’ve got to find a way to do that.” It's 'Miller Time' tonight.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-13-20 |
Memphis v. Cincinnati -6 |
|
86-92 |
Push |
0 |
12 h 44 m |
Show
|
My 8* play is on Cincinnati at 7:00 ET.
Memphis (17-6 / 6-4 in AAC) will visit Fifth Third Arena to take on conference rival Cincinnati on Thursday night. Both schools are in need of resume' booster,' as each had winning streaks snapped with narrow losses over the weekend. The Tigers had a three-game winning streak snapped in losing at home 75-73 to USF (as a 7 1/2-point favorite), while the Bearcats' five-game winning streak ended with Sunday's 72-71 OT loss at UConn.
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 were replaced by what most considered the best recruiting class of the 2019-20 season. However, the 'jewel' of that class, the 7-1 James Wiseman, was the center of an NCAA investigation and after just three games (19.7 & 10.7), Wiseman was 'done.' He decided to NOT fight anymore and is currently preparing for the next NBA Draft. Memphis went 11-1 in non-conference paly but as noted, is just 6-4 in league play. Since James Wiseman left the program after playing three games, the 6-9 Precious Achiuwa has established himself as the best freshman in the AAC, averaging 14.7 points and 9.8 RPG. Fellow freshmen, the 6-7 Jeffries checks in at 10.8 & 4.3, while guard Lester Quinones (10.7 & 3.7). Four more guards check in averaging between 4.5 and 8.4 PPG.
The Bearcats are off a 28-7 season, while making their NINTH straight NCAA appearance. However, head coach Mick Cronin left for UCLA (he may want to come back?), with John Brannen coming from No. Kentucky to take over. He won 20-plus games in each of the last three seasons, earning the Norse NCAA bids in 2017 and 2019. Cincy's five-game run pushed their Bearcats into the NCAA Tournament bubble picture but that ended with a thud in Sunday. Leading scorer Jarron Cumberland (15.1-3.7-4.6) will be looking to bounce back after he was 1-of-11 from the floor at UConn, although he did hand out a career-high 10 assists. Unlike last season when Cumberland was Cincy's LONE double-digit scorer, three other teammates join him in double digits this season. 7-1 center Chris Vogt, (12.7 & 6.1), guard Williams (12.3 & 4.9) and the 6-8 Scott (10.0 & 9.5) Right behind that quartet is Jaevin Cumberland (Jarron's cousin), who's averaging 9.4 PPG.
I'll forgive Cincy for Sunday's OT loss at UConn but Memphis home loss to USF (11-13 / 4-7 in AAC) is troubling. What's more, that loss was made even more crushing when the team lost its leading active scorer and rebounder, freshman forward Precious Achiuwa, with an undisclosed injury that leaves his status for tonight in doubt. The Bearcats are 12-1 at home this season, upping their home record at Fifth Third Arena to 114-12 (.905) since joining the AAC back in the 2013-14 season. Lay the points!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-12-20 |
Marquette v. Villanova -5 |
Top |
71-72 |
Loss |
-108 |
12 h 59 m |
Show
|
My 10* "signature" 36-Club Play is on Villanova at 8:30 ET.
Marquette went 24-10 last season but lost in the NCAA's first round. In the off-season, head coach Steve Wojciechowski got great news as Markus Howard (25.0 PPG), the Big East player-of-the-year, would return for his senior year. However, three days later, the Hauser brothers, Sam (14.9 & 7.2( and Joey (9.7 & 5.3), announced that they were transferring. Marquette opened the season 10-2 but began 2020 by losing THREE of four. However, the Golden Eagles have won SIX of seven since (lone loss in OT at Butler) and Monday entered the AP top-25 for the first time this season (No. 18). Jay Wright took over at Villanova at the start of the 2001-02 season and this marks his 19th season with the school. The Wildcats have averaged 31.8 wins per season over the previous six seasons, while winning national titles in 2016 and 2018. However, after opening 17-3 (7-1 in the Big East) climbing to No. 8 in the AP poll, the Wildcats enter this contest off THREE straight losses (all in Big East play!).
Marquette avenged its lone loss in its last seven games by crushing Butler 76-57 at home on Sunday. Markus Howard led the way with 17 points vs Butler, but that was a very quiet night for the nation's leading scorer at 27.4 points per game, including performances of 38, 40, 42 and 51 this season (he's had 10 games of 30-plus points). Fellow senior guard Sacar Anim (13.0 & 4.0) and junior guard Koby McEwen (10.6 & 5.2) are Marquette's three double-digit scorers. The 6-8 Bailey (8.1 & 5.7) is Marquette's top frontcourt producer but three others (John, Cain and Johnson) combine for 13.3 PPG and 14.7 RPG.
After ascending to No. 8, the Wildcats have since dropped home games to Creighton and Seton Hall, sandwiched around a road loss at Butler. Saturday's 70-64 home loss to Seton Hall ended a 17-game home winning streak vs the Pirates (what's up, Jay?). 6-8 sophomore Saddiq Bey (15.9 & 5.1) and junior PG Collin Gillespie (15.7-3.6-4.6) and have led 'Nova all season. Bey continued his solid sophomore season against Seton Hall with 22 points but Collin Gillespie and 6-9 freshman Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (10.8 & 9.6) combined to shoot 8-of-29 from the floor. Freshman guard Moore (10.7) and the 6-7 Samuels (10.5 & 5.0) round ot the starting-five (all are in double digits) The 6-9 Swider (6.8 & 3.0) is the "first man off the bench."
Bottom line is, Villanova needs to 'stop the bleeding,' NOW! The Wildcats began the season 10-0 at home before recent losses to Creighton and Seton Hall. This home matchup against Marquette will take place at their cozy arena on Philadelphia's Main Line (Finneran Pavilion), which holds about 6,500 people. I see it as "the perfect" venue for a "must-win" game. Howard is terrific but Villanova owns the edge in ALL other matchups, plus will surely remember losing in Milwaukee 71-60 back on Jan 4. Lay the points!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-12-20 |
Kansas v. West Virginia -1 |
Top |
58-49 |
Loss |
-113 |
12 h 29 m |
Show
|
My 9* Top-15 Showdown is on West Va at 7:00 ET.
Kansas did not win the Big 12 for the first time in 15 years last season, then bowed out of the NCAA Tournament in the Round of 32 against Auburn. Kansas opened the 2019-20 season at No. 3 in the AP's preseason poll and lo and behold, enters this game at West Va ranked No. 3 in the latest AP poll (Feb 3). The Jayhawks are 20-3 overall but at 9-1 in teh Big 12, find themselves trailing the nation's top-ranked team, Baylor, which is 22-1 overall (11-0 in teh Big 12). 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). However, this year's Mountaineers are one of FOUR Big 12 schools ranked in the AP top-25, checking in at No. 14 (18-5 overall / 6-4 in Big 12).
Kansas had its season disrupted 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 and averaging 13.0 & 9.7. He had a terrific effort in Kansas' 60-46 victory over TCU this past Saturday with 20 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks, earning him Big 12 Player of the Week honors. . Devon Dotson was a preseason all-conference first-team selection and is living up to expectations with a line of 18.0-4.0-4.4. Guards Ajbaji (10.3 & 4.3), Garrett (9.2-4.2-4.5) and Moss (8.1) give Kansas strong perimeter game, while the 6-10 McCormack (7.3 & 4.6) teams with Azubuike up front.
West Va big men, 6-9 freshman Tshiebwe (11.45 & 9.1) and 6-10 Sophomore Culver (10.8 & 8.9) won't back down from Azubuike and McCormack, plus get some help from the 6-7 Matthews (6.9 & 3.7). The solid guard duo of freshman McBride (9.8) and senior Haley (9.4 & 4.7) headline a quartet of guards, joined by Harler (5.3) and McNeil (5.0), that will battle the Jayhawks excellent perimeter group.
Azubuike had a big game vs Mountaineers in the Jayhawks' 60-53 win over West Virginia back on January 4 at Allen Fieldhouse, scoring 17 points to go along with 11 rebounds and six blocks. The Jayhawks seek their NINTH straight win tonight (last lost to now-No. Baylor on Jan 11) but winning in Morgantown will be no easy chore. The Jayhawks are just 2-5 vs West Virginia in Morgantown (just ONE win at WVU Coliseum since 2013), while West Va takes the court tonight a perfect 6-0 in home Big 12 games this season. Azubuike had an excellent game against West Va back in Kansas but note that West Va freshman Tshiebwe sure didn't 'back down,' as he posted a double-double with 17 points and 17 rebounds. Kansas' winning streak ends at EIGHT!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-12-20 |
Connecticut v. SMU -4.5 |
Top |
75-79 |
Loss |
-106 |
9 h 30 m |
Show
|
My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on SMU at 7:00 ET.
Danny Hurley is in his second season at Storrs and his first (16-17) didn't go any better than UConn's two previous seasons (16 and 14 wins). The Huskies have been through an up-and-down campaign thus far, going 13-10 (4-6 in the AAC) and the conventional wisdom is, the Huskies can't wait to return to their former home, the Big East (that happens next season). Tim Jankovich won 20-plus games in four of his five seasons at Illinois St, making four NIT appearances. He was announced as SMU's Associate Head Coach and coach-in-waiting in April of 2016 and then as head coach on July 8, 2016.. He's had to bear the the full force of NCAA sanctions due to Larry Brown's tenure but things are looking up this season. SMU breezed through a not-so-difficult non-conference schedule and enters this game at 16-6, including 6-4 in AAC play.
UConn comes in having posted back-to-back wins over teams that were sitting atop the AAC standings, picking up its first true road win 72-56 at Tulsa on Feb 6, before knocking off Cincinnati 72-71 at home in OT this past Sunday. "We’ve beaten the two hottest teams in the conference in back-to-back games,” Hurley said after Sunday's victory over Cincinnati. “We’ve developed resilience and toughness." Senior guard Christian Vital is averaging team highs of 14.3 points and 6.4 rebounds. The only other player in double digits is freshman guard James Bouknight (11.6 & 3.4), who has elevated his level of play in the last two victories by scoring 45 points to earn conference player of the week honors. Fellow guards Gilbert (9.4 & 4.3 APG) and Adams (7.0) typically come off the bench, The loss of the 6-9 Polley (9.5 & 3.2) to a torn ACL (out for the season) has hurt, leaving UConn with only the 6-11 Carlton (8.4 & 6.3) and 6-9 freshman Akok (6.3 & 6.0), up front.
Jankovich has two guards and two forwards making most of the contributions for his SMU team this season. PG Kendric Davis (a TCU transfer) owns a line of 15.8-4.8-7.3 and is joined in the backcourt by JC transfer Tyson Jolly (14.8 & 6.5). Then there are two 6-8 forwards, Isiaha Mike (14.3 & 6.7) and Feron Hunt (11.9 & 7.0). So far, the 6-9 Chargois, who averaged 12.4 & 6.2 last season, has under-performed (7.1 & 4.0). Davis barely missed a triple-double with 18 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds in a win over Tulane, before registering his third career double-double with 23 points and 10 assists in the loss at Temple.
The Mustangs, who lead the AAC in field goal percentage (45.9), free-throw percentage (76.3), assists (16.8) and 3-pointers made (8.6 per game). SMU has won five of the past seven meetings between the two schools, including a 77-59 victory at home last season.This is the ONLY meeting of this season and it's HARD to ignore that SMU is 12-1 at Moody Coliseum this season, while UConn is 1-5 SU in true road games. The pointspread is reasonable and I expect a double-digit win by the home team.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-12-20 |
Xavier v. Butler -5.5 |
|
61-66 |
Loss |
-109 |
9 h 1 m |
Show
|
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Butler at 6:30 ET.
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 (10.6 & 5.3). Xavier is 16-8 but only 5-6 in Big East play, although the Musketeers roll into Indianapolis to take on Butler Wednesday night on a three-game winning streak.
The Bulldogs made six NCAA trips from 1997-2007, before Brad Stevens took them to FIVE tourneys in six years, including back-to-back runner-up finishes in 2010 and 2011. Chris Holtmann led Butler to three straight NCAA appearances from 2015-17 and LaVell Jordan followed with an NCAA berth in 2018 but the Bulldogs finished just 16-17 last season. Butler opened the season 7-0 and on Dec 2 entered the AP poll at No. 24, ending a span of 43 consecutive polls on "the outside, looking in!' Butler sat at 15-1 through mid-January and rose as No. 5 in the AP poll (highest rating in school history) but then lost THREE straight from Jan 15-21. The Bulldogs rebounded to with THREE of four but were beaten 76-57 at Marquette on Sunday. Butler welcomes Xavier to Hinkle Fieldhouse 18-6 overall, including 6-5 in Big East play.
As noted above, Xavier came on strong late last season and while inning away from home is difficult in the Big East, the Musketeers bring a two-game road win streak into Hinkle Fieldhouse. One of the catalysts for the recent surge is the 6-9 Tyrique Jones (13.5 & 11.1), who totaled 14 points and 18 rebounds in Saturday's 64-58 victory over Providence for his SIXTH consecutive double-double. The 6-7 Naji Marshall is Xavier's leading scorer at 16.0 PPG (also adds 5.9 RPG) but had an off night with five points against Providence.Guard Paul Scruggs (13.3 & 4.7) is Xavier's third double-digit scorer and he teams with senior Goodin (7.3 & 3.7 APG) and freshman Tandy (6.1) in the backcourt. Joining Marshall and Jones up front are 6-9 freshman Freemantle (6.9 & 3.9) and 6-8 junior Carter (6.8 & 5.2).
The Bulldogs' 19-point loss at Marquette was their largest margin of defeat this year and it put them four games behind Big East leader Seton Hall in the standings. All-American candidate Kamar Baldwin is Butler's leader (team-best 16.3 PPG) but recently, the team's success or failure has hinged on second-leading scorer Sean McDermott. The 6-6 senior forward is the only other player on the team averaging in double digits (11.8 & 6.0) but he's averaging 16.8 points in the Bulldogs' six Big East wins and 7.0 in their five losses. Playing up front with McDermott are Nze (9.7 & 6.7), Tucker (8.9 & 4.0) and Golden (8.5 & 3.8). PG Thompson (6.6 & 5.0 APG) has returned to the court to team with Baldwin after three-game absence due to a wrist injury.
Butler is hoping the return to the friendly confines of the Hinkle Fieldhouse helps build some momentum for the stretch run in the Big East. This is the first of two meetings with Xavier down the stretch (schools end the regular season with a game in Cincinnati on Mar 7) and if the Bulldogs can win here, they will be solid favorites to beat Georgetown, DePaul and St John's in their remaining three Big East home games. The road may not be as kind, with games at No. 10 Seton Hall and No. 23 Creighton, before ending at Xavier. Butler could really use a "W" in this one and I'm betting the Bulldogs get it!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-11-20 |
Utah State v. Colorado State +2 |
Top |
75-72 |
Loss |
-109 |
11 h 12 m |
Show
|
My 10* Conference Crusher (MWC) is on Colorado St at 9:30 ET.
Utah St and Nevada tied for the MWC regular season title last year, with Utah St winning the tourney (both schools advanced to the "Big Dance"). However, all MWC schools are 'looking up' at San Diego St this season, as the Aztecs are 24-0, including 13-0 in league play. Utah St and Nevada are both 8-5 in MWC play so far this season but both find themselves a half-game back of 2nd-place Colorado St, which is 8-4. The 19-7 Aggies will visit Moby Arena in Fort Collins on Tuesday night to face those surprising 17-8 Rams.
Utah St head coach Craig Smith had a remarkable first season at Logan, tying for the regular season MWC title and then taking the conference tourney (three wins in three days). Last year's 28 wins tied for the third-most in school history. The Aggies were supposed to repeat as MWC regular season champs but that won't happen. Senior guard Sam Merrill was the Mountain West player of the year last season and is again leading the Aggies by averaging 17.8-4.3-4.0. 6-7 sophomore forward Justin Bean (12.4) is the team's second-leading scorer and its top rebounder at 10.4 per game. 7-foot sophomore Neemias Queta missed much of the first month of the season but he's a regular now, averaging 12.3 & 6.5. The Aggies have solid depth with 6-6 forward Anderson (8.8 & 4.0) plus guards Miller (9.3), Brito (8.5 & 4.5) and Porter (6.3 & 3.6 APG).
The Rams hired Niko Medved prior to the 2018-19 season and one could reasonably ask why. He spent four seasons as Furman's head coach, posting a 62-70 record. He then moved to Drake, where he went 17-17. He took over at Fort Collins last season and surprise, the Rams went 12-20 (7-11 in MWC play). However, CSU is greatly improved this season, as noted above. This year's team is led by a pair of freshman, PG Stevens (13.4 & 4.5 APG) and 6-5 swingman Roddy (12.2 & 5.8) plus 6-11 senior Carvacho (12.6 & 10.8). Returning guards Moore (8.8) and Martin (7.5) help make up a solid perimeter group, while 6-6 forward Thistlewood (10.9) gives CSU four, double digit scorers.
Utah State defeated Colorado State in Logan 77-61 back on Jan 25 but that game is Colorado St's ONLY loss in its last NINE games. Maybe CSU knew what it was doing by hiring Medved? The Rams were awful last season (see above) and opened this season just 7-6, including 0-2 in MWC play. However, the Rams are 10-2 since Dec 21, including 8-2 in league play. The two loses have come on the road at LY's MWC co-champs, Nevada and Utah St. The Rams have already avenged the loss to the Wold Pack here at Moby on Jan 29 and now it's the Aggies' turn to lose. That's my bet. "Give 'em hell, Niko!"
Good luck...Larry
|
02-11-20 |
Penn State v. Purdue -4 |
Top |
88-76 |
Loss |
-110 |
13 h 37 m |
Show
|
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Purdue at 6:30 ET.
Penn St won the NIT back in 2018 (26 wins) but fell off badly last season, finishing 14-18 (7-13 in the Big Ten). However, the Nittany Lions returned FOUR starters and have impressed so far this season, checking in at 18-5, including 8-4 in the Big Ten. Penn St entered the AP poll back on Dec 16 (at No. 23). That gave the school its first top-25 ranking since March of 1996. Sounds impressive, right? It's even more so when one realizes that Penn St's previous top-25 ranking (to 1996) came back in 1954! Penn St 'jumped' NINE spots in Monday's latest AP poll (up to No. 13), off the school's SIXTH straight win (beat Minnesota 73-67 on Saturday). The Nittany Lions were picked to finish 9th in the Big Ten this season but visit Purdue tonight ONE game out of first-place at 8-4 (Maryland is 9-3) with the school's highest AP ranking since 1995-96.
Purdue opened the season ranked 23rd in the AP preseason poll, after winning 26 games last season, before losing in OT to Virginia in the Elite 8. Gone from that squad is Purdue's best player, Carsen Edwards (24.3PPG), as well as its second-leading scorer, Ryan Cline (12.3 PPG). This year's Boilermakers are well-balanced (FIVE players average between 9.3 and 11.0 PPG) but at 14-10, Matt Painter's team has already surpassed its loss total from last season in league play (7-6, after going 14-4) and has matched last season's total of 10 losses. However, Purdue has won three consecutive games to climb over .500 in conference play, as the Boilermakers hope to take another step towards securing their SIXTH straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
Lamar Stevens scored a career-high 33 points and pulled down seven rebounds in the win against Minnesota, moving him into fourth on the program’s all-time rebounding list with 821. The 6-8 Stevens leads the team in scoring (17.6 PPG) and adds 7.0 RPG. The 6-10 Mike Watkins (9.6 & 7.8) has become the third player in program history to grab 900 rebounds in his career, as he leads the team in rebounding. Sophomore guard Myreon Jones (14.1) ranks second to Stevens in scoring and is expected to return to the lineup after missing the previous game due to illness. Brockington (9.0), Dread (7.8) and Curtis Jones (7.1) round out a solid backcourt.
Purdue's coming off a big win Saturday at Indiana, winning 74-62 and giving the school FOUR straight wins in Assembly Hall for the first time in program history (in front of the visiting Bob Knight, no less!). I talked about that Purdue balance and the 6-8 Williams (11.0 & 7.3) and the 7-3 Haarms (9,6 & 4.7) lead the way up front, while the 6-8 Boudreaux (5.0 & 3.6) and the 6-9 Wheeler (4.2 & 4.7) lend a 'helping hand.' Hunter (10.4 & 3.5), Proctor (9.4) and Stefanovic (9.3) are the backcourt's top-three producers, but Thompson (5.4) and Eastern (5.0 & 4.2) also contribute.
Penn St has NEVER won a Big Ten regular season title and just maybe, this is the year. One thing looks certain, the Nitany Lions will return to the "Big Dance" in 2020 for the first time since 2011. That said, I do NOT like Penn St in this contest. Purdue is playing with confidence and its record here at Mackey Arena is notable. Purdue took the court Jan 21 against then-No. 21 Illinois having won its last 15 Big Ten home games (dating to February 2018) plus having won SIX consecutive home games against ranked teams. The Boilermakers were beaten badly that night but have since won FOUR of five, including home wins over Wisconsin (70-51) and then-No. 17 Iowa (104-68). That means Purdue takes the court 17-1 in its last 18 Big Ten home games, while 'taking down' SEVEN of the last eight ranked teams it has faced at home. Lay the points.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-09-20 |
Washington v. Washington State +3 |
Top |
67-79 |
Win
|
100 |
7 h 17 m |
Show
|
My 10* Rivalry Game of the Month is on Washington St at 6:00 ET.
Mike Hopkins spent more than 20 years as an assistant to Jim Boeheim at Syracuse, before taking the job at Washington for the 2017-18 season. His first tea but just in pac 12 play. However, m won 21 games and an NIT berth but last year's team won 27 games and earned an NCAA bid. However, FOUR starters are gone from that team, including three NBA draft picks. That's never good but Hopkins recruited a pair of McDonald's All-Americans plus added a third with the transfer guard Quade Green from Kentucky. The Huskies were 10-2 and ranked 21st in the AP poll when they coughed up a lead and lost 75-71 to Houston in the title game of the Diamond Head Classic on Christmas Day. Not much of anything has gone right, since (more in a bit). Kyle Smith began his coaching career at Columbia, then moved to San Francisco, where he won 20-plus games in three straight season (Dons finished second in the CBI in 2018). This is his first season at Pullman and Washington State is 13-10, although just 4-6 in Pac-12 play. However, considering the Cougars have averaged 11.6 wins per season the last five years, NO ONE is complaining in Pullman.
Washington visits Pullman just 12-11 on the season, including 2-8 in the Pac-12. Doing the math from that 10-2 start, the Huskies have gone just 2-9 over the 11 games played since "Christmas in Hawaii." 6-9 freshman Isaiah Stewart (17.7 & 8.8) has met expectations but the 6-10 Jaden McDaniel (12.2 & 5.8) has fallen off after a strong start. PG Quade Green (the above-mentioned Kentucky transfer) was averaging 11.6 & 5.3 APG but was suspended due to academics and last played on Jan 5. Junior guard Nahziah Carter (12.5 & 5.7) is the team's third double digit scorer but Washington no longer has a PG to run the show (1-7 without Quade). Washington St doesn't have the size that Washington has but 6-6 sophomore forward CJ Elleby leads the team in scoring (18.3) and rebounding (7.2). Guard Isaac Bonton, a Montana St transfer, adds 14.5 PPG and a team-high 4.0 APG. The 6-9 Pollard (9.0 & 4.1) just misses averaging in double digits.
Here's the bottom line. Washington's play contiunes to be erratic and 'limps' into Pullman in last-place (2-8) in the Pac-12, having gone 0-4 SU & ATS on the Pac-12 road, averaging 60.3 PPG (includes an OT game). Washington State is only a couple games ahead in a tie for ninth place in the Pac-12 entering the weekend, but the Cougars are 11-3 SU on their home floor, including Pac 12 wins over ASU, OSU, Oregon and UCLA. No Apple Cup at stake here but wouldn't Kyle Smith just 'LOVE' to win his FIRST contest in the 290th game of the series against WSU's in-state rival. Home dog won't need the points to ca$h this 'ticket.'
Good luck...Larry
|
02-09-20 |
Butler v. Marquette -3 |
Top |
57-76 |
Win
|
100 |
6 h 33 m |
Show
|
My 9* Eye-Opener is on Marquette at 12:00 ET.
Marquette went 24-10 last season but lost in the NCAA's first round. In the off-season, head coach Steve Wojciechowski got great news as Markus Howard (25.0 PPG), the Big East player-of-the-year, would return for his senior year. However, three days later, the Hauser brothers, Sam (14.9 & 7.2( and Joey (9.7 & 5.3), announced that they were transferring. Howard (27.9) is again leading the way for the Golden Eagles, as they welcome No. 19 Butler to Milwaukee for a 12 noon ET tip. Butler has had a 'rich' recent history on the basketball court. The Bulldogs made six NCAA trips from 1997-2007, before Brad Stevens took them to FIVE tourneys in six years, including back-to-back runner-up finishes in 2010 and 2011. Chris Holtmann led Butler to three straight NCAA appearances from 2015-17 and LaVell Jordan followed with an NCAA berth in 2018 but the Bulldogs finished just 16-17 last season.The Bulldogs have rebounded nicely this season (are an at-large 'lock') and will look to sweep the season series against Marquette this afternoon.
Butler opened the season 7-0 and on Dec 2 entered the AP poll at No. 24, ending a span of 43 consecutive polls on "the outside, looking in!' Butler sat at 15-1 through mid-January and rose as No. 5 in the AP poll (highest rating in school history). However, Butler lost THREE straight from Jan 15-21, before rebounding to with THREE of its last four. The most-recent win came at home this past Wednesday, 79-76 victory over No. 10 Villanova. Leading scorer Baldwin (16.0-4.5-3.1) drained a step-back three-pointer as time expired. Joining Baldwin in the backcourt is PG Thompson (6.8-3.4-6.9), while a quartet of forwards round out the core of Butler's team. 6-6 senior forward Sean McDermott (12.2 & 56.1) is the only other player on the team averaging in double digits. Playing up front with McDermott are Nze (9.5 & 6.7), Tucker (9.0 & 4.1) and Golden (8.5 & 3.7). McDermott topped 16 points for the third time in four contests on Wednesday, finishing with 21 points. Golden contributed a career-high 18 points, while Thompson scored nine points in his return from a three-game absence due to a wrist injury.
Howard is the nation's leading scorer and was forced from Marquette's double-overtime victory at Xavier on Jan 29 with a bloody nose but appeared to be no worse for wear as he scored 31 points in a 76-72 comeback win over DePaul on Feb 1. That contest marked the 10th time this season Howard has scored 30 or more points.Fellow senior guard Sacar Anim (13.3 & 4.0) battled foul trouble last Saturday and managed only four points, ending a three-game run during which he averaged 23.7 and scored at least 20 each time. Junior guard Koby McEwen (10.3 & 5.3) is Marquette's third double-digit scorer. He had 13 points and nine rebounds against DePaul.
Marquette does NOT have Butler's depth nor a frontcourt that can match up very well. However, despite Howard being held to just EIGHT points in the second half of the team's Jan 24 meeting at Butler, Marquette forced OT, before falling 89-85. Marquette has had EIGHT days off since beating DePaul a week ago Saturday, while Butler is off that buzzer-beating Wednesday win over Villanova, a game in which the Bulldogs shot 57.7 percent and committed a season-low five turnovers. Those numbers will be hard to replicate here in Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee (Golden Eagles are 11-1 at home), against a Marquette team which has won FIVE of its last six, with the lone loss coming at Butler in OT. Payback works in this one!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-08-20 |
Oregon -2.5 v. Oregon State |
Top |
53-63 |
Loss |
-105 |
19 h 39 m |
Show
|
My 10* "Signature" LEGEND Play is on Oregon at 10:30 ET.
Dana Altman has led Kansas St, Creighton and Oregon to multiple NCAA tourneys. The Ducks opened this season No. 15 in the AP's preseason poll and jumped out to a 6-0 start. Oregon wrapped up non-conference play at 11-2 and as 2020 dawned, were ranked No. 4, the first time the Ducks had been in the AP top-5 since the 2016-17 team made the Final 4. Oregon travels to Corvallis to take on in-state rival Oregon St at 18-5 overall (ranked 14th), including 7-3 in the Pac-12 (tied with Colorado for first-place). Oregon State head coach Wayne Tinkle got great news when both 6-7 senior Tres Tinkle (his son) and junior guard Ethan Thompson decided to come back this season and play for the Beavers. Oregon State’s 10-2 start in non-conference play matched the 1989-90, 2011-12 and 2015-16 teams for the program’s best start in 35 years but the Beavers welcome the Ducks to Gill Coliseum just 13-9 overall, after opening Pac-12 play at 3-7.
Senior PG Payton Pritchard (the last holdover from the 2017 Final Four team) is on pace for a "career season," averaging 19.6-4.3-5.8. He teams with JC transfer Duarte (14.3 & 5.7) to arguably give Oregon the Pac-12's best guard duo. Richardson (10.2) and Mathis (8.0) provide solid depth on the perimeter. However, the Ducks’ frontcourt will be minus two players as 6-11 center N’Faly Dante (6.2 & 2.7)) will miss his fifth straight game due to a knee injury and 6-9 forward Francis Okoro (3.5 & 4.6) will be home in Nigeria for the funeral service for his father. However, freshmen like the the 6-8 C.J. Walker (5.1 & 2.7) and the 6-8 Chandler Lawson (4.9 & 4.3) will likely see more playing time (not much of a drop-off), joining 6-7 UNLV transfer Juiston (7.8 & 6.4).
Oregon State gets almost all of its production from its starting-five. Tinkle (19.2-6.8-3.6) and Thompson (15.1-4.3-4.0) lead the way. Tinkle is joined in the frontcourt by the 7-0 Kelley (11.0 & 5.0) and the 6-6 Hollins (5.9 & 3.2), while Reichle (8.3) starts in the backcourt with Thompson. The Beavers dropped to 11th place in the Pac-12 following last Saturday’s 69-67 loss to Cal and enter this contest having lost FIVE of their last six games.
This contest marks 353rd meeting between the two schools in the basketball version of what's known locally as the Civil War, which makes it the most contested rivalry in NCAA basketball (how may knew that?). Yes, all three of Oregon's conference losses have come on the road and Gill Coliseum has long been a tough place to play for the Ducks, as the Beavers are 103-64 in Civil War games played in Corvallis. I will also acknowledge that Oregon St has recorded impressive wins over Colorado and Arizona this season but it has also fallen to Utah, California and both Washington schools.The Beavers are averaging a woeful 63.3 PPG in losing FIVE of their last six and Oregon comes in averaging 76.8 PPG on 47.0% shooting (33rd). Oregon lost BOTH games last season to Oregon St and "payback" will be sweet against its Civil War rival!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-08-20 |
Providence v. Xavier -4 |
Top |
58-64 |
Win
|
100 |
13 h 49 m |
Show
|
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Xavier at 8:00 ET.
Ed Cooley's Providence team returned all five starters from last year's 18-16 team and expectations were high. Yes, the Friars opened 3-0 in Big East play but they were just 10-6 overall. Losing FOUR of their next five in league play, dropped Providence to 11-10, including 4-4 in the Big East. However, the Friar beat then-No. 16 Butler 65-61 last Saturday plus followed by routing No. 21 Creighton 73-56 at home on Wednesday. After FIVE straight games against ranked opponents (Providence was 2-3), the Friars travel to Cincinnati to take on Xavier.
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 (10.6 & 5.3) but Xavier is only 4-6 in Big East play, although the Musketeers are 15-8, overall.
Sophomore guard AJ Reeves (7.3) can be a difference-maker when he get as hot as he was Wednesday night in the win over Creighton, hitting 6-of-8 three-pointers en route to 22 points. 6-7 senior Alpha Diallo remains the team's leading scorer (12.9) and rebounder (7.8). He's surrounded by excellent depth on the perimeter, as along with Reeves, there is PG Duke (12.6-4.6-3.5), Pipkins (9.0) and White (8.1). Key contributors up front are the 6-10 Watson (9.8 & 4.5), the 6-7 Holt (5.9 & 4.5) and the 6-9 Young (4.72 & 5.).
The 6-7 Naji Marshall (16.5-6.0-3.6), one of 10 candidates announced this week for the national Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award, ranks third in the Big East in scoring and eighth in assists. Fellow forward Tyrique Jones (13.5 & 10.8) has posted double-doubles in each of the last five games (including 18 rebounds in each of the wins over Seton Hall and DePaul) and is on track to become the first Xavier player to average a double-double for the season since David West in 2003 (pretty good company). Freshman KyKy Tandy (5.9) has given Xavier a scoring boost in its two recent wins, averaging 13 points per game. Rounding out the backcourt are junior Scruggs (13.4 & 4.7) and disappointing senior Goodin (7.5 & 3.8 APG). Contributing up front are 6-8 junior Carter (7.0 & 5.3) and 6-9 freshman Freemantle (6.7 & 3.9).
Providence has to happy about NOT facing a ranked team for the first time in SIX games but then again, maybe NOT so much. As noted above, this Xavier program has been to the postseason in 13 of the last 14 years and with a strong finish, could earn an at-large NCAA bid. Xavier teams ALWAYS play hard-nosed defense and defense has helped dictate Xavier's last three Big East wins, as the Musketeers have held opponents to 62 or fewer points in each game.The Friars shot 49.1% in blasting Creighton, including 60.0% on threes (12 of 20). However, Providence checks in shooting a poor 40.4% on the season (323rd), including 32.4% on threes (236th). Those latter numbers seem more likely, here!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-08-20 |
Minnesota v. Penn State -6 |
|
77-83 |
Push |
0 |
12 h 11 m |
Show
|
My 8* play is on Penn St at 4:00 ET.
Richard 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. Pitino opened the current season without 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. Minnesota entered Wednesday's game vs Wisconsin having dropped three of their previous four games but gave their NCAA Tournament hopes a boost with a 70-52 win, its largest margin of victory over the Badgers in 26 years, Can 12-10 Minnesota (6-6 in the Big Ten) build on that impressive win by completing the season sweep of Penn State in State College?
Penn St won the NIT back in 2018 (26 wins) but fell off badly last season, finishing 14-18 (7-13 in the Big Ten). However, the Nittany Lions returned FOUR starters and have impressed so far this season, checking in at 17-5, including 7-4 in the Big Ten. Penn St remains 22nd in the AP poll, after entering the AP poll back on Dec 16 (at No. 23). That gave the school its first top-25 ranking since March of 1996. Sounds impressive, right? It's even more so when one realizes that Penn St's previous top-25 ranking (to 1996) came back in 1954! Penn State looks to stay on track for its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2011, as the Nittany Lions enter on a five-game winning streak, after an impressive 75-70 road victory over 14th-ranked Michigan State on Tuesday,
Leading Minnesota all season are the 6-10 Daniel Oturu (19.6 & 11.3) and PG Marcus Carr (15.5-5.7-6.8). Oturu was named one of 10 finalists for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, given annually to the nation's top center. Payton Willis (9.5 points) knocked down five 3-pointers en route to a career-high 21 points in the win over Wisconsin after missing the previous game with a shoulder injury. Oturu added 17 points and 14 rebounds against the Badgers to register his 12th double-double of the season, while Carr flirted with a triple-double after finishing with 12 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Guard Gabe Kalscheur (11.7) is Minnesota's third double-digit scorer, with guard Williams (9.5) and the 6-9 Demir (7.5 & 4.9) representing Minnesota's only other significant contributors.
The 6-8 Lamar Stevens scored 13 of his team-leading 24 points in the second half and added seven rebounds to help the Nittany Lions knock off Michigan State in East Lansing for the first time since 2009. He leads the etam ins coring a 16.9 PPG and adds 7.0 RPG. The 6-10 Mike Watkins (9.8 & 8.2) finished with 10 points and eight rebounds to become the third player in program history to grab 900 rebounds in his career. Sophomore guard Myreon Jones (14.1) went 6-of-8 from three-point range en route to 20 points to go along with five assists. Brockington (8.9), Dread (7.8) and Curtis Jones (7.1) round out a solid backcourt.
Minnesota was great vs Wisconsin but how does one trust the Gophers on the road, where they are 1-7 SU? Penn St is looking to continue what's shaping up as a memorable season (Nittany Lions will surely remember getting beat 75-69 at Minnesota on Jan 15, as the team hasn't lost since, winning FIVE straight Big Ten games for the first time in school history. Penn St is 11-1 SU at home and wins here, "with room to spare!"
Good luck...Larry
|
02-08-20 |
Seton Hall v. Villanova -3.5 |
Top |
70-64 |
Loss |
-110 |
7 h 33 m |
Show
|
My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on Villanova at 2:30 ET.
It's No. 10 Villanova hosting No. 12 Seton Hall on Saturday afternoon at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Both schools are 17-5 but the 9-1 Pirates own a two-game lead over the 7-3 Wildcats in the Big East. Kevin Willard's team snuck into the "Big Dance" last season (lost in first round) with just 20 wins but there will be no need to 'sneak' this season, as the Pirates own wins over then-No.3 Michigan St, then-No. 7 Maryland and then-No. 5 Butler. Jay Wright spent seven years at Hofstra, before taking over at Villanova at the start of the 2001-02 season. This marks his 19th season with the school and the last six years, the Wildcats have averaged 31.8 wins per season, while winning national titles in 2016 and 2018. The Wildcats enter this contest off back-to-back losses but fell to just No. 10 in last Monday's AP poll (from No. 8).
Seton Hall rebounded from its first league defeat (74-62 home loss to Xavier on Feb 1) by topping Georgetown 78-71 its last time out, as Myles Powell scored 34 points. Powell's offensive outburst marked a season-high for the preseason All-American in Big East play and was the most points he's scored since dropping 37 in a Nov 14 loss to Michigan State. Powell is averaging 22.0 PPG and is joined by PG McKnight (11.3 & 5.5 APG) in the backcourt, along with Rhoden (9.2 & 6.5) and Cale (6.7 & 4.0). Willard's team features a HUGE frontcourt. The 6-11 Mamukelashvili (9.8 & 4.8) is back after missing some time with an injury. He's played in three straight, with efforts of 10 & 3 and 8 & 12 in his last two games. He's aided by a pair of 7-footers, Gill (7.5 & 5.5) and Obiagu (3.0 & 2.4).
Villanova lost 76-61 at home last Saturday to Xavier and on Wednesday, fell at No. 19 Butler 79-76 on Kamar Baldwin's three-pointer at the second-half buzzer. Junior PG Collin Gillespie (15.9-3.5-4.6) and 6-8 sophomore Saddiq Bey (15.6 & 5.2) have led 'Nova all season but it's NOT good when the duo combines for 57 of the team's 76 points, like happened against Butler (rest of the team combined for only six baskets!). DO NOT expect that duo to go without help here, as 6-9 freshman Robinson-Earl (10.9 & 9.4) and freshman guard Moore (10.8) have contributed regularly all season. The fifth starter is the 6-7 Samuels (10.5 & 5.1), while the 6-9 Swider (7.0 & 3.1) is the "first man off the bench."
This is the first of two regular season meetings for the two schools (teams meet again March 4 on the Pirates' home court) and clearly, this is a HUGE game for the Wildcats, off back-to-back losses. Noting the following, I like Vilalnova's chances. NO Seton Hall team has won at Villanova since 1994 and the series has been especially lopsided in Powell's previous three trips, as the Wildcats have won those matchups by 30, 16 and 28 points! I don't know about you but I'm "all over" Villanova!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-08-20 |
Purdue v. Indiana -2 |
Top |
74-62 |
Loss |
-119 |
5 h 44 m |
Show
|
My 9* play is on Indiana at 2:00 ET.
Purdue opened the season ranked 23rd in the AP preseason poll, after winning 26 games last season, before losing in OT to Virginia in the Elite 8. Gone from that squad is Purdue's best player, Carsen Edwards (24.3PPG), as well as its second-leading scorer, Ryan Cline (12.3 PPG). This year's Boilermakers are well-balanced (FIVE players average between 9.3 and 11.2 PPG) but at 13-10, Matt Painter's team has already surpassed its loss total from last season in league play (6-6, after going 14-4) and has matched last season's total of 10 losses. Archie Miller began his third season as Indiana's head coach in 2019-20 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 got off to an 11-1 start. That said, the early schedule had been home-based and 'soft.' Indiana enters this game 15-7, including 5-6 in the Big Ten.
Purdue comes in off a 104-68 steamrolling of No. 17 Iowa on Wednesday, the team's THIRD third win in its last four games. The 36-point win over Iowa was the largest in school history against a ranked opponent. Balance has been the team's strength but only the 6-9 Williams, who leads in scoring (11.2) and rebounding (7.4) plus guard Eric Hunter Jr. (10.3-3.4-30) are averaging double figures. Williams is joined up front by the 7-3 Haarms (9.7 & 4.8), while guards Proctor (9.6), Stefanovic (9.3), Thompson (5.3) and Eastern (4.9 & 4.2) support Hunter.
While Purdue comes in playing well (see above), Indiana has lost THREE in a row after an upset win over then-No. 11 Michigan State back on Jan 23. The good news for Indiana is that the Hoosiers are finally healthy in the backcourt, with Devonte Green (10.6), Al Durham (9.9), Rob Phinisee (7.1 & 3.2) and Armaan Franklin (4.4.4) all able to play major minutes if called upon. Highly-touted 6-9 freshman Jackson-Davis (13.7 & 7.9) has been as good as advertised plus he's joined up front by returning 6-7 forward Smith (11.3 & 5.4) and 6-11 Butler graduate transfer Brunk (8.0 & 6.2).
Purdue made 19 three-pointers and shot 63.1 percent from the floor in its rout of Iowa but there is no way the team comes anywhere near that kind of performance here, as the Boilermakers are only 2-6 in true road games this season (1-6-1 ATS!). The Boilermakers have won five straight overall against the Hoosiers, including three in a row here in Bloomington. However, in Purdue's history, it has never beaten Indiana four consecutive times in Assembly Hall. The Hoosiers have had a chance to regroup after not playing a game since they lost 68-59 on Feb 1 at Ohio State and they are 12-2 SU at home this season. Indiana IS the play!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-08-20 |
Kentucky -2 v. Tennessee |
Top |
77-64 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 43 m |
Show
|
My 8* play is on Kentucky at 1:00 ET.
It's No. 15 Kentucky (17-5 / 7-2 SEC) at Tennessee (13-9 / 5-4 SEC) on Saturday afternoon from Knoxville. Wildcats vs Vols is the oldest SEC rivalry and Saturday's contest will mark the 229th all-time meeting. The Wildcats seek their first victory over the Volunteers in Knoxville since Feb 17, 2015, while Auburn will be hosting first-place LSU in a game slated to start about an hour earlier. Wins by Kentucky and Auburn would create a three-way tie for first with Kentucky, Auburn and LSU all with 8-2 conference records. Rick Barnes lost plenty from last year's team, most notably, two-time SEC player of the year, Grant Williams. He then lost senior PG Lamonte Turner (12.3-3.5-7.1) for the season after 11 games to shoulder surgery. The Volunteers lead the SEC in fewest points allowed at 61.5 per but at 5-4 in the SEC, are in a four-way tie for 5th in the SEC.
John Calipari spent part of Friday shooting down rumors that he will become the NY Knicks head coach but Kentucky is looking to make it SIX wins in its last seven, while rooting for Auburn against LSU (see above). Calipari is the master of the 'One & Done" generation but THREE of Kentucky's top-four scorers are non-freshman (what's going on here?). Sophomore guard Quickly (14.6 & 4.3) leads the team ins scoring and 6-11 junior (Richards (14.6 & 8.3) is just barely behind him, while leading the team in rebounding. Freshman guard Maxey (13.4-4.1-3.0) and sophomore PG Hagans (12.5-4.0-7.0) give Calipari a STRONG three-guard perimeter group.
The loss of Turner hurt but the good news was freshman guard Santiago Vescovi surprisingly became eligible in December and he's averaged 10.1-4.1-3.7 in 10 games since joining the team. Veteran guards Bowden (13.0 & 3.8) and Pons (11.2 & 5.2) are both in double figures, as is the 6-9 Fulkerson (12.0 & 5.9). 6-6 freshman Jordan-Jones (7.8 & 5.) is averaging more than 30 minutes per game.
I realize the Wildcats haven't won in Knoxville since Feb 2015 but this year's Vols have lost at home to Memphis (scored just 47 points), to Wisconsin (scored 48), to LSU (scored 64) and even lost to 11-10 A&M, while scoring only 58 points. Kentucky gets that breakthrough win in Knoxville.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-07-20 |
Maryland v. Illinois -3 |
Top |
75-66 |
Loss |
-102 |
10 h 2 m |
Show
|
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Illinois at 8:00 ET.
Maryland lost the 6-10 Fernando and his double-double average (13.6 & 10.6) from last year's 23-11 NCAA team (lost in the 2nd round) but FOUR starters returned. Mark Turgeon's team was ranked 7th in the AP's preseason poll. The Terps opened 10-0 and were ranked No. 4 when they lost Dec 10 at Penn St. That defeat started a 3-4 run but Maryland takes a five-game winning streak into Friday's game at No. 20 Illinois. The Terps jumped from No. 15 to No. 9 in Monday's new AP poll, and are currently 18-4 overall, including 8-3 in the Big Ten.
Brad Underwood was a head coach at Stephen F Austin and Oklahoma St before being hired at Illinois back on March 18, 2017. He signed a six-year contract through 2023 worth $18 million but after two seasons in Champaign, his Fighting Illini were just 26-39 (11-27 in Big Ten play). However, as Underwood entered the current season, he returned FOUR starters from last season's team plus added 6-9 freshman center Kofi Cockburn. The Fighting Illini last played on Sunday, falling 72-65 at now-No. 17 Iowa. However, surprising Illinois is 16-6 overall, including 8-2 in the Big Ten. Illinois entered the top-25 back on Jan 13 for the first time since Dec 1, 2014 and is currently ranked 20th but more importantly is tied with Maryland for first-place in the Big Ten (preseason No. 1 Mich St is 8-4).
PG Anthony Cowan Jr. (16.3-3.7-4.3) went 8-of-9 from the free throw line en route to a game-high 17 points in the win against Rutgers. The 6-10 Jalen Smith (15.2 & 10.0) added 14 points, 15 rebounds and a career-high six blocked shots to register his fifth straight double-double, while guard Darryl Morsell (8.3 & 5.0). finished with 14 & 6. Guards Aaron Wiggins (10.6 & 5.6) and Ayala (7.9) plus the 6-8 Scott (5.1 & 3.5) round out Maryland's main contributors.
The Fighting Illini held a one-point lead against the Hawkeyes at Iowa last Sunday but were outscored 11-3 down the stretch in a 72-65 loss. “We couldn’t get a stop for some reason,” junior guard Trent Frazier told reporters. “The ball just kept going to them and every bounce was just going their way but no excuses.” Leading scorer Ayo Dosunmu (15.8-4.0-3.4) scored 11 points to finish in double figures for the seventh straight game but fellow guard Andres Feliz (11.1-4.8-3.0) led the way with 17 points. Frazier added 12 points and three steals but 6-9 freshman phenom Kofi Cockburn (14.0 & 9.2) was held to six points. Rounding out Illinois' main contributors are guard Griffin (8.3 & 4.3) and the 6-9 Bezhanishvili (8.2 & 5.0).
Maryland is 13-0 at home but just 2-4 SU in true road games, including Big Ten road losses at Penn State (76-69), Iowa (67-49) & Wisconsin (56-54). Illinois opened its Big Ten season with a 59-58 loss at Maryland back on Dec 7, when the inside-outside duo of Kofi Cockburn and Ayo Dosunmu combined to shoot only 8 of 19 from the floor for 18 points (duo combines for 30 PPG on the season!). Note that Illinois is 12-1 SU at home this season (lone loss came by two points to Miami back on Dec 2), including a PERFECT 5-0 in Big Ten contests. "The Price is Right" for another home "W" and more importantly, a COVER!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-06-20 |
Cincinnati v. Wichita State -5.5 |
Top |
80-79 |
Loss |
-105 |
10 h 25 m |
Show
|
My 10* Feb Game of the Month is on Wichita st at 7:00 ET. The Cincinnati Bearcats are off a 28-7 season, while making their NINTH straight NCAA appearance. However, head coach Mick Cronin left for UCLA (he may want to come back?), with John Brannen coming from No. Kentucky to take over. He won 20-plus games in each of the last three seasons, earning the Norse NCAA bids in 2017 and 2019. The Bearcats are 14-7 (matching their loss total from last season) but at 7-2, are "right there" in the AAC (Tulsa leads at 7-1) after their 64-62 home win over Houston on Saturday. Gregg Marshall led Winthrop to seven NCAA appearances in nine seasons and since taking over in Wichita, entered this season with a string of 10 consecutive seasons of 22 or more wins, including FOUR, 30-win seasons. In that 10-year span, the Shockers have been to seven NCAA tourneys (including a Final 4 appearance in 2013) and in three NITs (won title in 2011). Wichita State opened the current season 15-1 (3-0 in AAC play) but has since lost THREE of five (all in league play) after the Shockers fell 54-51 at Tulsa on Saturday on a three-point buzzer-beater by the Golden Hurricane.
Cincy's Jarron Cumberland was the 2019 American Athletic Conference Player of the Year, averaging 18.8-4.4-3.6 assists. However, he was the ONLY player on the team to average in double digits last season. Cumberland and Brannen supposedly had some issues early on but that seems to be in the past, as he's averaged 22.3 PPG the last three games and leads the team at 15.0 PPG on the season (also adds 3.7 RPG & 4.3 APG). Unlike last season, two other teammates join him in double digits, 7-1 center Chris Vogt, (12.8 & 6.2) plus guard Williams (12.0 & 5.1). Right behind that trio are Jaevin Cumberland (Jarron's cousin), who's averaging 9.5 PPG and the 6-8 Scott (9.3 & 9.3). Cincy's always been know for playing defense and the Bearcats enter on a four-game winning streak, having allowed 62 points or less in THREE of them (64.7 PPG allowed ranks 68th in the nation).
The Shockers have SEVEN players averaging between 7.7 and 12.1 PPG, led by sophomore guard Erik Stevenson (12.1 & 4.7). 6-10 senior center Echenique (11.1 & 6.1) comes in right behind Stevenson and just ahead of a trio of guards, Burton (10.5-3.7-3.4), Etienne (9.8) and Sherfeld (8.8). The 6-6 Wade (7.8 & 6.1), a transfer from UTEP. starts up front plus guard Dennis (7.7 & 4.7) and the 6-8 Udeze (5.0 & 3.2) provide excellent depth.
Yes, Cincy is playing well coming in (especially on D) but the Shockers will NOT take a backseat on the defensive end. Wichita St allows 63.2 PPG (38th), while holding opponents to only 38.4% shooting (18th in the nation!). Cincinnati won the regular-season matchups last season by 11 and 10 points, respectively, before earning a three-point win in the semifinals of the conference tournament. This marks the first of two meetings this season (rematch will be in Cincinnati on Feb 23) and marks the LONE home game in a four-game stretch for Wichita State. Gregg Marshall will coach his 202nd game at Charles Koch Arena tonight, where he owns a 174-27 record in 13 seasons. A little "triple-revenge" from last season works well in this one. Lay the points!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-05-20 |
Creighton v. Providence |
|
56-73 |
Win
|
100 |
12 h 0 m |
Show
|
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Providence at 7:00 ET.
Greg McDermott is in his 10th season as head coach of Creighton. He arrived in 2010-11 and led the Bluejays to a runner-up finish in the CBI. Three straight NCAA teams followed, as Creighton won 29, 28 and 27 games. His lone losing season came in 2014-15 but Creighton's won 20-plus games the last four years, with two NCAA appearances and two in the NIT. Creighton knocked off now-No. 10 Villanova 76-61 on the road this past Saturday and returned to the AP poll on Monday at No. 21. The 17-5 Bluejays (6-3 in teh Big East) will put their four-game winning streak on the line tonight when the visit Providence.Ed Cooley's Providence team returned all five starters from last year's 18-16 team but the Friars have disappointed so far (12-10 / 5-4), although they are coming off a 65-61 road victory at now-No. 19 Butler this past Saturday.
Creighton opened the season starting a trio of guards in Ty-Shon Alexander (16.5 & 5.7), Marcus Zegarowski (16.1 & 5.0 APG) and Mitch Ballock (13.0 & 5.4). Highly touted 6-5 guard Denzel Mahoney became eligible in mid-December and scored 21 points in the win over Villanova and he has now scored in double digits in NINE of his 11 games (13.0 PPG). 6-5 SF Jefferson (8,5 & 5.4) and the 6-7 Bishop (8.3 & 5.6) are the team's top frontcourt performers.
Ed Cooley made some changes to his lineup for the visit to Butler, moving struggling leading scorer and rebounder Alpha Diallo (12.8 & 7.9 ) to the bench. Senior guard Luwane Pipkins (9.3), who started the first 19 games before being brought off the bench for the past three, scored a season-high 22 points in 26 minutes in the win. The Friars have depth on the perimeter with Duke (12.6-4.5-3.5), White (8.20 and Reeves (6.5) plus up front have the 6-0 Watson (9.3 & 4.4), the 6-7 Holt (5.9 & 4.5) and the 6-9 Young (4.7 & 5.1).
Providence is better than its record and after losing both times to Creighton last season and just 78-74 this season at Creighton on Jan 18, should get some "payback" here, catching the Bluejays off their upset at Villanova.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-05-20 |
Clemson v. Virginia OVER 107 |
Top |
44-51 |
Loss |
-109 |
12 h 57 m |
Show
|
My CBB 10* Total of the Week is on Clemson/Virginia Over at 7:00 ET.
Clemson's Brad Brownwell is in his 10th year as the school's head coach and the season is NOT going well. He led the Tigers to an NCAA bid in his first season but over the next eight years, made just one NCAA appearance (Sweet 16 trip in 2018 in which Clemson won 25 games). However, the Tigers settled for the NIT last season and just 20 wins. Clemson returned just ONE starter this season and currently sits 11-10, including 5-6 in ACC play as it travels to Charlottesville to take on Virginia. The Cavs won the national championship last April (school's first-ever) and began the season ranked 11th in the AP preseason poll. UVA opened 7-0 and was ranked 5th when they Cavs lost 69-40 at Purdue on Dec 4. The Cavs began 2020 with a dominating 65-39 win over Va Tech (Jan 4), giving them an 11-2 overall record, including 3-0 in the ACC but then lost THREE in a row (all league games), before winning THREE of their last four.
6-8 junior forward Aaamir Simms leads Clemson in scoring (13.3) and rebounding (7.6), while senior guard Tevin Mack is the only other player averaging in double figures scoring (12.1 PPG and 5.5 RPG). Sophomore guard John Newman III (9.6) is just shy of double digits and the reason is that he hasn't scored in double figures since posting 14 at Duke on Jan 14. Clemson is coming off perhaps its worst game of the season, losing 56-44 at Wake Forest (Demon Deacons are 10-11 overall, including 3-8 in ACC play). The Tigers connected on just 30.5% of their shots, including a 4 of 21 (19.0%) effort on threes.
Gone from last year's champs are the team's top-three scorers, guards Guy (15.4 & 4.5), Hunter (15.2 & 5.1) and Jerome (13.6 & 4.2). Those current NBA players have proven hard to replace. This season's UVA team features an unique guard duo, the 6-8 Key (10.2 & 7.4) and 5-9 PG Clark (10.3-4.5-5.9). The team's most consistent player is 6-9 senior forward Mamadi Diakite, who leads the team in scoring (13.5) and is second to Key in rebounding (6.9). The 7-1 Huff (8.4 & 6.0) joins Diatka up front and this "Core 4" represents Virginia's main contributors, although three other guards do combine to chip in 14.5 PPG.
UVA is once again the nation's best defensive team, allowing just 50.7 PPG on 35.8% shooting (rank 1st in both categories). So why go "Over?" Clemson's going nowhere this season but the team CAN"T possibly shoot as poorly as it did the last time out, even against UVA's great D. Note that Clemson shoots 42.4% on the season (NOT 30.5% like vs Wake), including 31.6% on threes (NOT 19.0% like vs Wake). In fact, Clemson is averaging 67.9 PPG on the season (more than three 'TDs' higher than the 44 it scored vs Wake). As for Virginia, the team's ov/un lines on games have averaged 112.0 (closing number) over its last 10, with SEVEN of then Goin' Over! Expect a final in the mid-120s or higher!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-05-20 |
Duquesne v. St. Louis -4.5 |
Top |
82-68 |
Loss |
-109 |
7 h 15 m |
Show
|
My 10* Atl-10 Game of the Year is on St Louis at 7:00 ET.
Duquesne was one of the surprise teams of this year's CBB season early on, led by head coach Keith Dambrot. Dambrot coached LBJ to back-to-back HS titles and then spent 13 seasons at Akron, winning 19 games in his first season and 20-plus games in each of the next 12. He signed a 7-year, $7 million contract. with Duquesne and went 16-16 in his first season, after the Dukes had finished 10-22 the season before. In his second season (2018-19), he led the school to its first winning record since the 2011-12 season with 19 wins and 13 losses. Duquesne opened the 2019-20 season with 10-0 mark, the team's best start since 1953-54 but the Dukes have come back to earth by going 6-5 over their last 11 games. Travis Ford made a name for himself at Oklahoma St, leading the Cowboys to FIVE "Big Dance" trips in eight seasons. However, after OSU finished 12–20 (3–15 in Big 12 play) in the 2015-16 season, it was announced that Ford and the Cowboys agreed to part ways after eight years as head coach in March of 2016. St Louis University hired him as the head basketball coach some two weeks later and he inherited a Billikens team that had gone a disappointing 11-21 each of the previous two seasons under head coach Jim Crews. However, in just his third season at St Louis (last year), Ford led the Billikens to 23 wins and an NCAA berth.
Dayton (9-0) and Rhode Island (9-1) sit atop the A-10 but St Louis (17-5 / 6-3 in the A-10) and Duquesne (16-5 / 6-3) are both quietly having excellent seasons. The Dukes visit Chaifetz Arena in St Louis, Mo for an important A-10 game tonight against the Billikens. Duquesne's 6-5 SF Weathers (14.5 & 7.9) is the team's leading scorer and rebounder, while PG Carry (11.4-3.9-4.6) leads in assists. Dunn-Martin (9.1) and freshman Austin (8.3 & 4.2) join Carry in the backcourt, while the 6-8 Hughes (10.1 & 6.7) and the 6-11 Steele (8.8 & 4.9) are the team's best big man. The 6-6 Javonte Perkins scored a career-high 33 points, as St Louis defeated St Joseph's 78-73 on Saturday night for the Billikens' third straight win. Perkins is averaging 13.4 PPG, right behind junior guard Goodwin who is averaging 14.8 PPG and 10.9 RPG. The 6-7 French adds 12.2 PPG and matches Goodwin with a team-high 10.9 RPG. PG Collins leads the Billikens in assists with 5.5 APG.
The Dukes beat the Billikens in the first meeting but as noted, Duquesne has 'cooled' after its red-hot start. Duquene enters this game 1-5 ATS its last six and will face a St Louis team which is 11-2 SU at home, losing only to now-No. 12 Seton Hall and to now-No. 6 Dayton (in OT) here at Chaifetz Arena. The 'price' is more than manageable and avenging a 14-point loss to the Dukes back on Jan 2 seems HIGHLY-likely! Lay the points.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-03-20 |
Eastern Washington v. Northern Arizona -1 |
Top |
77-66 |
Loss |
-110 |
11 h 6 m |
Show
|
My 10* Revenge Rout is on Northern Arizona at 8:00 ET.
Shantay Legans was named the coach at Eastern Washington in March of 2017, after Jim Hayford left to take the Seattle job. Legans was an assistant under Hayward and has led the Eagles to back-to-back Big Sky championship games, although Montana has beaten Eastern Washington both times. The Eagles are currently 14-6 overall, including 7-2 in league play just percentage points ahead of 8-3 Montana in the Big Sky. The Eagles travel to Flagstaff, Az on Monday to take on the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks. Shane Burcar was coaching at Mesa HS in the spring of 2017 but spent last season as an assistant to Jack Murphy at Northern Arizona. He was named interim head coach for the 2019-20 season when Murphy took an assistant's job at Arizona. Burcar has done an excellent job, as No. Az comes in on a five-game winning streak, which leaves them 12-7 overall, including 6-4 in league play (more in a bit).
Eastern Washington also comes in on a five-game winning streak, the most recent win coming 59-54 Sacramento State. That 59-point effort was an aberration, as the Eagles are averaging 82.2 PPG (5th in the nation). The team's 'Core 4' is lead by junior guard Jacob Davison (17.9 & 3.7), 6-8 senior Mason Peatling (15.9 & 8.4), 6-7 sophomore Kim Aiken Jr. (14.8 & 10.2) and freshman PG Ellis Magnuson (6.1 & 5.3 APG). Leading Northern Arizona in scoring is sophomore PG Cameron Shelton (13.7-6.1-4.2), while 6-9 senior Brooks DeBisschop adds 11.2 PPG and a team-high 7.8 RPG. Guards Avdalovic (10.9) and Satterwhite (8.8) plus the 6-7 Andre (8.5 & 6.3) round out the main contributors.
Here's the rub. A 12-7 mark may not seem like a big deal but it IS when one considers that Northern Arizona is coming off seasons of 10, 5, 9 and 5 wins! Much like in the Big Ten, home courts are proving formidable throughout the Big Sky this season. The Lumberjacks are 7-2 SU at Walkup Skydome and Eastern Washington 'limps in' on a 3-6-1 ATS its last 10 games. The Lumberjacks were not able to compete against the Eagles last season (lost both) but it's a different story this season. The Eagles' run game doesn’t "get up and go' as easily away from Cheney, Wa (see final score at Sac St, above) and the 7,000-foot Flagstaff elevation won't help. Eastern Washington is allowing 74.5 PPG (298th), so the home team is the play in this one.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-02-20 |
Georgetown v. St. John's -1.5 |
Top |
73-72 |
Loss |
-115 |
5 h 53 m |
Show
|
My 10* Conference Game of the Year (Big East) is on St John's at 1:00 ET.
Georgetown and St. John's were once 'giants' in the Big East but when the two schools meet on "Super Sunday" at Madison Square Garden (for the 115th time!), it will be to stay out of the conference 'basement.'. The Hoyas went 10-3 in non-conference games but are 2-6 in the Big East, leaving them 12-9, overall. The Red Storm opened with an 11-2 non-conference mark but are 2-7 in Big East play, giving them a 13-9 record, overall. This is NOT "Big John" vs "Little Lou" nor Patrick vs Chris but at least ONE of those four will be present this afternoon for this game at "The World's Most Famous Arena."
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 entering the current season was, FOUR starters returned. Losing Jessie Govan (17.5 & 7.5) from last year was a big deal but what was NOT expected was that returning guard Akinjo played just seven games before deciding to transfer (he was averaging 13.4 & 4.4 APG) plus the 6-7 LeBlanc (averaging 7.2) also decided to transfer. Georgetown's best player is the 7-0 Omer Yurtseven, who averages 16.3 & 9.7 but note that sophomore guard Mac McClung, who had 24 points in the first game against St. John's (an 87-66 Georgetown home win), has overtaken Yurtseven for the team lead in scoring at 16.4 PPG. McClung is surrounded by a trio of guards combining for 22 PPG. The 6-8 Pickett (8.7 & 6.1) starts up front, while 6-11 freshman Qudus Wahab (4.7 & 3.5 in 11 1/2 minutes per game) continues to try to make the most of the limited minutes he gets as the backup to Yurtseven.
Chris Mullin resigned after last season, ending a disappointing four-year run at his alma mater.The Red Storm posted losing records in his first three seasons but last year's team went 21-13 and did make an NCAA appearance (no small deal, as it was just this once-proud basketball program's THIRD Big Dance appearance in 17 years!). Taking over was Mike Anderson, who came to renown at UAB and Missouri, before returning to Arkansas . His eight-year run with the Razorbacks didn't go as planned, as the school made just three NCAA appearances. At the end of last year (18-16, including 8-10 in the SEC), he was fired, marking the end of a 25-year association with Arkansas as both an assistant and head basketball coach. Anderson is 59-years-old and had NO connection to NYC, so he was a surprise choice. As noted, the non-conference part of the season went well for St John's and the Red Storm did beat then-No. 16 Arizona in San Francisco plus won at home now-No. 12 West Va. The 6-6 Figueroa (15.1 & 4.8) and the 6-5 Heron (13.7) returned in the backcourt plus guard Dunn has averaged 12.6-3.9-3.2 after being given the OK to play (was a transfer from Cleveland St). 6-7 freshman Champagnie (8.3 & 6.0) has not been quite as good as advertised but he's been solid. Returning forwards Earlington (8.0 & 4.4) and Roberts (5.9 & 6.2) have both been steady performers.
OK, this is no longer a "must-see" rivalry but I really like St John's in this one. It's still a "Big Game" for the Red Storm, playing at their home away from home on "Super Sunday," against a longtime rival and playing with revenge for that '3 TD' loss in D.C. Georgetown is 0-4 on the Big East road, losing by 16 at Providence, 16 at Seton Hall, 14 at Villanova and by nine at Xavier. Sure, the Red Storm's lone Big East wins have come over DePaul (1-8 in Big East play) but St John's barely lost here to now-No. 16 Butler (60-58) and now-No. 10 Seton Hall (82-79). The Hoyas are 'ripe for the plucking' and that's my bet!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-01-20 |
Nevada v. Boise State -4 |
Top |
64-73 |
Win
|
100 |
17 h 16 m |
Show
|
My 10* "Signature" 36-Club Play is on Boise St at 10:00 ET.
All teams in the MWC are "looking up" at SD State, which is 22-0 overall, including 11-0 in conference play. Nevada (13-9) and Boise State(14-8) met tonight at Taco Bell Arena with the two schools tied at 6-4 in MWC play with Utah St and Colorado St, just a half-game back of second-place UNLV (6-3). Eric Mussleman led Nevada to the CBI title in his first season (2015-16) and then to three straight NCAA appearances with win totals of 28, 29 and 29. However, Musselman left for Arkansas and was replaced by Steve Alford. The former Indiana star 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 took over a team that lost all FIVE starters. Boise State's Leon Rice is in his 10th season and Boise and he's led the Broncos to 20-plus wins in seven of his first nine, although the Broncos are coming off a 13-20 season a year ago, going 7-11 in league play.
Nevada is led by a deep backcourt. Jalen Harris, a La Tech transfer, leads the way averaging 19.5-6.1-4.2. He's joined by returning guards Johnson (16.3), Drew (11.8-6.3-4.4) and Zouzoua (9.4). The Wolf Pack feature a pair of 6-10 big men but neither freshman Meeks (6.7 & 3.8) nor senior Reyes (4.7 & 4.4) are much of a factor. Boise St features a "big" backcourt of the 6-9 Alston (19.5 & 5.3)) and the 6-7 Jessup (15.3 & 4.4). Senior Hobbs (7.9) is a more traditional guard plus the 6-6 Kigab (13.7 & 4.0) and the 6-7 Williams (12.0 & 8.2) have proven to be solid frontcourt players. Kigab was an Oregon transfer who became eligible in December and he's really helped this team.
Hard to see Nevada being in a good frame of mind after it blew a 10-point lead with eight minutes to play in a stinging, last-second 92-91 loss at Colorado State on Wednesday. That defeat dropped the Wolf Pack to 1-6 in true road games on the season. Nevada's D has been horrible on the road with its lone win coming 100-85 at Air Force and the team has allowed 79.3 PPG in its six road defeats. Boise St is averaging 79.3 PPG (22nd) on the season and likely can't wait to get a shot at Nevada, which beat them all THREE times last season, plus handled them easily (83-66) in Reno back on Jan 4. Boise St is 10-1 SU at home this season (current NINE-game winning streak), going 8-2 ATS. "The Price is Right" for a Boise win AND cover!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-01-20 |
Wichita State v. Tulsa +2 |
Top |
51-54 |
Win
|
100 |
13 h 56 m |
Show
|
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Tulsa at 6:00 ET.
Wichita St is 17-3 and ranked 23rd in the AP poll and the Shockers will visit Tulsa to take on a Golden Hurricane team which is 14-6. However, Tulsa has 'caught fire' since the American Athletic Conference portion of its schedule began. The Golden Hurricane have won FIVE in a row and at 6-1, trail only 7-1 Houston in the AAC standings. Wichita St may be the ranked team but the Shockers are 5-2 in AC, behind not only Houston and Tulsa but also 6-2 Cincinnati (Bearcats host the Cougars, tonight).
Gregg Marshall led Winthrop to seven NCAA appearances in nine seasons and since taking over in Wichita, entered this season with a string of 10 consecutive seasons of 22 or more wins, including FOUR, 30-win seasons. In that 10-year span, the Shockers have been to seven NCAA tourneys (including a Final 4 appearance in 2013) and in three NITs (won title in 2011). Wichita St hasn't played since last Saturday, when the Shockers won 87-79 victory over Central Florida. The Shockers had one of their best all-around performances against UCF as they assisted on 20-of-24 made baskets, outrebounded the Knights 45-28, and grabbed nine offensive boards leading to a 19-3 disparity in second-chance points. Marshall's team goes eight-deep, led by sophomore guard Erik Stevenson (12.4 & 4.9). 6-10 senior center Echenique (10.9 & 5.8) comes in right behind Stevenson and just ahead of a trio of guards, Burton (10.5-3.8-3.5), Etienne (9.9) and Sherfeld (8.8). The 6-6 Wade (8.1 & 6.2), a transfer from UTEP. starts up front plus guard Dennis (7.8 & 4.8) and the 6-8 Udeze (5.3 & 3.4) provide excellent depth.
Tulsa head coach Frank Haith has had stops at Miami-Fl and Missouri before coming to Tulsa, where he led the Golden Hurricane to back-to-back 20-win seasons in his first two seasons at the school. However, Tulsa entered this season on a three-year postseason drought, so the sudden surge has been "big news" in Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane are coming off a pair of memorable victories last week, as they routed then-No. 20 Memphis 80-40 at home, before earning a 79-75 overtime triumph on the road Sunday against UConn. Much like Wichita St, Tulsa has EIGHT players averaging between 4.9 and 14.8 PPG. The top-five producers are all juniors and seniors, so experience helps. Guard Rachal leads in scoring (14.8) and rebounding (6.3), followed by the 6-7 Horne (12.1 & 5.3) and the 6-8 Igbanu (11.0 & 4.7). The second unit played a decisive role in Sunday’s win against the Huskies as they accounted for 46 of the team’s 79 poins, including a career-best 28 from Igbanu. Guard Darien Jackson (9.0 & 3.7) scored 14 points in 30 minutes off the bench, while Elijah Joiner (6.6-3.7-3.4) flirted with a triple-double as the guard finished with seven points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
I'm a big Wichita St fan but Tulsa comes in 6-2 SU (7-1 ATS) since Dec 29 and 10-1 SU at home on the season, with that lone loss coming back on Dec 7 to Ark St, as 12 1/2-point favorite (hiccup). Tulsa just double-upped Memphis 8-40 on this court and not lomg ago, handed Houston its lone conference loss, 63-61 here at at the Reynolds Center. Tulsa 'rolls on' with another win over a ranked team.
Good luck...Larry
|
02-01-20 |
Houston v. Cincinnati -3 |
Top |
62-64 |
Loss |
-110 |
13 h 54 m |
Show
|
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Cincinnati at 6:00 ET.
Kelvin Sampson's squad lost FOUR starters from last year's 33-4 team that reached the Sweet 16. However, his Cougars were still picked to win the American Athletic Conference, and so far, so good. The 21st-ranked Cougars are 17-4 and sit atop the AAC at 7-1.However, the AAC is tightly-contested this season, as Houston lead Tulsa by a half-game, Cincy by one and Wichita St by 1 1/2. The Bearcats are off a 28-7 season, while making their NINTH straight NCAA appearance. However, head coach Mick Cronin left for UCLA (he may want to come back?), with John Brannen coming from No. Kentucky to take over. He won 20-plus games in each of the last three seasons, earning the Norse NCAA bids in 2017 and 2019. The Bearcats are 13-7 (matching their loss total from last season) but at 6-2, are "right there" in the AAC. The Cougars are riding a five-game winning streak and a big reason is the emergence of redshirt freshman guard Caleb Mills, who's averaging 13.1 PPG coming off the bench for the season (which leads the team) and 16.3 in the last seven games after scoring a team-high 18 in a 69-59 victory over East Carolina on Wednesday night. Kansas transfer Quentin Grimes averages 12.4 & 3.8, while 6-5 guard Nate Hinton adds 10.4 PPG plus a team-high 9.3 RPG. The 6-7 White (10.3 & 5.5) is a fourth double digit scorer, while guards Jarreau (9.8-4.2-3.8) and Sasser (6.2) are solid contributors.
Jarron Cumberland was the 2019 American Athletic Conference Player of the Year, averaging 18.8-4.4-3.6 assists. However, he was the ONLY Cincy player to average in double digits last season. Cumberland and Brannen supposedly had some issues early on but that seems to be in the past, as he's coming off a season-best 28-point, nine-rebound effort in a 65-43 rout of SMU on Tuesday to boost his scoring average to a team-best 14.9 PPG (also adds 3.7 RPG and 4.1 APG). Unlike last season, two other teammates join him in double digits, 7-1 center Chris Vogt, (13.0 & 6.5) plus guard Williams (12.1 & 5.2). Right behind that trio are Jaevin Cumberland (Jarron;'s cousin), who's averaging 9.8 PPG and the 6-8 Scott (9.0 & 9.2).
No arguing that Kelvin Sampson has another quality team, as Houston's only AAC loss was by two points to Tulsa, and its other three setbacks came by a combined 19 points to BYU, Oregon and Oklahoma State. However, winning at Cincy's Fifth Third Arena is no easy task, which is actually a HUGE understatement. The Bearcats are 11-1 at home this season, upping their home record to 113-12 (.904) since joining the AAC back in the 2013-14 season. Lay the 'short' price!
Good luck..Larry
|
02-01-20 |
Rutgers v. Michigan |
Top |
63-69 |
Win
|
100 |
12 h 32 m |
Show
|
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Michigan at 4;30 ET.
No. 25 Rutgers (16-5 / 7-3 Big Ten) is looking to stay on track for its first NCAA Tournament berth in 28 years in 2020 and will take on 12-8 Michigan (3-6 Big Ten) as part of the Big Ten’s Super Saturday series at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday. Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell is in his fourth season at the school, having gone 44-54 in his first three. Coming off a a 14-17 season a year ago, Rutgers was picked 12th (of 14 schools) in the Big Ten preseason polls but the Scarlet Knights are off to their best start since the 1996-97 season and is ranked for the first time since the end of the 1978-79 season,
John Beilein left Michigan to take the head coaching job with the Cleveland Cavaliers, 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 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 began 7-0, after winning the Battle 4 Atlantis (Thanksgiving week). The Wolverines shocked then-No. 6 North Carolina (73-64) and now-No. 2 Gonzaga in the championship game. When "the dust had settled," Michigan wound up No. 4 in the AP poll on Dec 4. However, the Wolverines have gone 5-8 over their last 13 games and will need a STRONG finish to garner any support for an at-large NCAA bid.
The Scarlet Knights have won back-to-back games against Nebraska (75-72) and Purdue (70-63), moving into a tie for second place in the Big Ten standings. Pikiel took his team to Spain in August and Rutgers went 4-0, while jelling as a unit. The "breakout star" of that trip was guard Ron Harper, who averaged 17.0 PPG on 53 percent shooting. He's currently Rutgers' leading scorer, averaging 12.0 PPG and adding 5.9 RPG. PG Baker (10.1 & 3.6 APG) plus a trio of guards (Young, McConnell and Mathis) combine to add right around 23 PPG. Up front, the 6-6 Yeboah (19.9 & 4.4) and the 6-10 Johnson (9.21& 8.0) are the biggest contributors. McConnell went a perfect 12-of-12 from the free throw line, en route to 16 points and seven rebounds in the win against Purdue. Yeboah, Harper and Baker all scored 10 points while Mathis finished with nine to help the Scarlet Knights improve to 15-0 at home, which is the best record in the nation.
Michigan ended a four-game losing streak with a 79-68 at Nebraska on Tuesday. The Wolverines were missing two key starters after Zavier Simpson was suspended for violating team policies and Isaiah Livers re-aggravated a groin injury, which kept him out of the lineup for six games, but they grinded out their first road win of the season. Eli Brooks (11.3) filled in admirably at point guard with Simpson suspended as he scored a game-high 20 points to go along with nine rebounds and four assists in the win. Franz Wagner (10.6) added 18 points and nine rebounds while the 6-7 Johns (5.7 & 4.3) finished with a career-high 16 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the floor. Simpson (12.8-4.3-8.3) leads the nation in assists but saw his streak of consecutive games played end at 135 due to the suspension. He is expected to be reinstated for Saturday, while the 6-7 while Livers(13.1 & 3.4) is considered day-to-day. Getting Livers back would be a real help to the 7-1 Teske, who is Michigan's top scorer (13.7) and rebounder (7.7)
I've played Rutgers a number of times at home but away from "the RAC," I am not sold on the "overachieving" (?) Scarlet Knights. The Wolverines are 3-0 in neutral site games this season (see performance at Battle 4 Atlantis) and earning their first true road win (albeit against Nebraska), had to be a boost. What's more, it can't hurt Michigan's confidence that Rutgers has lost ALL 10 games it has played against Michigan in program history. Michigan has won the last five meetings with Rutgers by an average margin of 10.4 PPG, including the only meeting between the schools last season, 77-65.Michigan makes it a "lucky 11" straight wins over Rutgers at historic MSG!
Good luck...Larry
|
02-01-20 |
Kansas State v. West Virginia -12 |
Top |
57-66 |
Loss |
-109 |
7 h 43 m |
Show
|
My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on West Va at 2:00 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). However, this year's Mountaineers are 16-4 (4-3 in the Big 12) and ranked 12th in the latest AP poll. West Va welcomes Kansas St to Morgantown on Saturday afternoon. The Wildcats are led by Bruce Weber, who also owns an impressive coaching resume. He spent five seasons at Southern Illinois, with his last two teams earning back-to-back NCAA bids while winning 52 games. He then spent nine seasons at Illinois, going to the "Big Dance" six times, highlighted by a loss in the national championship game in 2005 to North Carolina (team finished 37-2). He's in his eighth season at Kansas St, earning NCAA bids in FIVE of his first seven (last two teams have each won 25 games) but the Wildcats are just 9-11 so far this season, including 2-5 in the Big 12.
Weber lost three key players off last year's 25-win team, guard Brown (14.6 & 4.1) and Stokes (11.0) plus the 6-9 Wade (12.9 & 6.2). Weber hasn't been able to replace those losses, as 6-5 SF Sneed (14.6 & 4.7) and PG Diarra (13.0-4.3-5.0) are the team's lone double-digit scorers. Kansas State beat Oklahoma 61-53 on Wednesday.The Wildcats held the Sooners to 35 percent shooting, including 4-of-21 beyond the arc, and won for the seventh time when holding the opposition to under 60 points. "We talked about energy and effort," Bruce Weber said. "That was our number one thing on the board. I thought we had great effort. They're one of the best teams at taking care of the ball in the country. You get 19 (turnovers) and you get 18 points off those turnovers. We were very, very active."
West Va has two very good big men in 6-9 freshman Tshiebwe (11.4 & 9.1) and 6-10 Sophomore Culver (10.7 & 9.0) plus a solid guard duo in freshman McBride (10.4) and senior Haley (9.4 & 4.7). Bob Huggins' teams have always been known for playing defense and West Va began Wednesday's game at Texas Tech as one of the top defensive teams in the nation but the Red Raiders shot a season-high 64.7 percent beyond the arc, making 54.3% overall. Culver scored 16 points on 14-of-16 from the free-throw line but was limited to 17 minutes by fouls, while his frontcourt partner Tshiebwe managed only four points, three rebounds and three blocks in 21 minutes.
Talk about walking into a 'hornet's nest?' Kansas St has the unenviable task of visiting Morgantown with Huggins' team coming off allowing 89 points in the loss to Texas Tech. Despite that effort, West Va is allowing only 61.6 PPG (23rd) on 36.6% shooting (3rd), including 27.2% (4th) on threes. What's more, the Wildcats shocked the Mountaineers 84-68 at Manhattan (as a six-point home dog) a little more than two weeks ago (Jan 14)., shooting 59.2% from the floor (9 of 18 on threes). Want more, Kansas St beat West Va both times last season, as well. Huggins crew will be 'breathing fire' in this contest and K-St is is the WRONG place at the WRONG time! Blowout alert.
Good luck...Larry
|
01-31-20 |
Northern Kentucky -2.5 v. Green Bay |
Top |
71-62 |
Win
|
100 |
12 h 58 m |
Show
|
My 10* Conference Game of the Year (Horizon) is on Northern Kentucky at 9:00 ET.
John Brannen led the Northern Kentucky Norse to three straight 20-plus winning seasons the previous three years and to the "Big Dance" in two of those three seasons. However, he left for the 'greener pastures' of Cincinnati after the conclusion of last season. Darrin Horn, who and excellent head coaching success at Western Kentucky but flopped at South Carolina, took over. Horn had recently been an assistant for Shaka Smart at Texas and his Norse are 14-7 overall, including 6-3 in Horizon play. Hosting Northern Kentucky on Friday is the Green Bay Phoenix, who are just 10-12 on the season, including 6-4 in Horizon action. Head coach Linc Darner is in his fifth season at Green Bay and opened this season with four returning starters from last year, when the Phoenix made it to the CIT championship game with four straight wins, before losing 90-70 at Marshall.
Northern Kentucky's 6-7 senior Dantez Walton was averaging 18.4 & 7.2 but hasn't played since Dec 30 because of an arm injury. It's helped that 6-6 redshirt junior Jalen Tate (9.9-4.3-3.9) returned from an injury about the same time. Full-season contributors have been senior guard Tyler Sharpe (16.5) and sophomore guard Trevon Faulkner (13.0 & 4.0). The 6-8 Adrian Nelson (4.7 PPG) is the team's leading rebounder (6.2) with Walton sidelined. Despite the loss of Walton, the team's leading scorer and rebounder, Northern Kentucky had won FIVE in row before 'running into a brick wall' at Wright St last Friday, losing 95-63.
Green Bay saw its three-game winning streak get snapped with a 98-94 road loss in overtime against Youngstown State last Saturday. The Phoenix are a guard-oriented team, led by three double digit backcourt starters. Seniors McCloud (16.3-5.0-4.9) and Pipes (10.9) are joined by freshman Davis (15.7 & 3.6). Up front, the 6-8 Patterson (5.8 & 5.0) and the 6-6 McNair (5.8 & 3.7) represent a very so-so frontcourt presence.
Green Bay can score (81.9 PPG ranks 8th) but the Phoenix play very loose on the defensive end (80.7 PPG allowed ranks 344th). Northern Kentucky isn’t the best team in the Horizon League, as Wright State proved that last Friday, but I believe the Norse are still the SECOND-BEST team. Northern Kentucky has had a week to 'stew' since that embarrassing loss last Friday at Dayton against the Raiders and I expect an excellent "bounce-back" effort here. Northern Kentucky was 7-3 ATS on the road prior to last Friday and should find Green Bay a much more 'welcoming' host, as the Phoenix are a money-burning 1-6-1 ATS at home this season. Small road fave is the play!
Good luck...Larry
|
01-30-20 |
Iowa v. Maryland -5.5 |
Top |
72-82 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 28 m |
Show
|
My 10* CBB Weekly Wipeout is on Maryland at 8:30 ET.
The No. 18 Iowa Hawkeyes have won FIVE consecutive games, including a 68-62 victory against Wisconsin on Monday, and are 15-5 overall and tied for fourth with the 15th-ranked Maryland Terrapins (16-4) in the Big Ten (both schools are 6-3). The Terps have won three consecutive games, including a pair of victories on the road (at Northwestern and Indiana), to move up in the national rankings for the first time in a month.
Iowa is looking to complete a season sweep of Maryland (won 67-49 at home back on Jan 10), in hopes of staying in the mix for its first Big Ten regular season championship in 40 years. Fran McCaffrey came to Iowa back in the 2010-11 season (off three straight NCAA trips with Siena). His 2013 team was the NIT runner-up and he then led the Hawkeyes to three straight NCAAs. Iowa missed the "Big Dance" the next two years but last year's 23-win team was back in. The Hawkeyes opened 1-3 in Big Ten play but has won FIVE in a row to reach 6-3 in Big Ten play. The 6-11 Luka Garza (23.0 & 10.7) scored 21 points and matched his career high with 18 rebounds in Monday's win against Wisconsin, registering his Big Ten-leading 12th double-double of the season. Freshman guard CJ Fredrick (11.2) added 17 points while sophomore guard Joe Wieskamp (14.1 & 6.2) finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Rounding out Iowa's main contributors are the 6-10 Ryan Kriener (7.8 & 4.1) plus guards Toussaint (7.2) and McCaffrey (6.4-4.7-3.6).
Maryland lost the 6-10 Fernando and his double-double average (13.6 & 10.6) from last year's 23-11 NCAA team (lost in the 2nd round) but FOUR starters returned. Mark Turgeon's team was ranked 7th in the AP's preseason poll. The Terps opened 10-0 and were ranked No. 4 when they lost Dec 10 at Penn St. That defeat started a 3-4 run but Maryland takes a three-game winning streak into this contest. The 6-10 Jalen Smith (15.2 & 9.6) was named the Big Ten’s Player of the Week after averaging 27 points, 11 rebounds and 1.5 blocked shots in the wins over Northwestern and Indiana. Smith racked up a career-high 29 points to go along with 11 rebounds to record his third straight double-double while Anthony Cowan Jr. (15.5-3.6-4.3) added 18 points and four assists, as the Terrapins scored the final SEVEN points of the game against Indiana. Guard Darryl Morsell (7.9 & 5.0) produced 10 points and six rebounds while fellow guard Wiggins (10.7 & 5.7) finished with eight points to help Maryland earn its first win in Bloomington since joining the Big Ten. Guard Ayala (8.4) and 6-7 freshman forward Scott (5.4 & 3.6) round out Maryland's main contributors.
Carver-Hawkeye Arena is known for its hostile crowds and is a tough venue, as Iowa is 12-1 at home this season (Hawkeyes are 27-5 SU the last two seasons at home). However, winning at Xfinity Center in College Park will be tough, as the Terps are 11-0 at home this season and have won 19 of their last 20 home games. Iowa's Garza is a 'beast' but Maryland's Smith is no slouch (see recent efforts above). This is a HUGE game for Maryland, as after Iowa, it's games vs No. 25 Rutgers and No. 19 Illinois on tap. Revenge from that 67-49 loss at Iowa back on Jan 10 won't hurt Maryland's motivation, either. Expect Maryland to "win big!"
Good luck...Larry
|
01-30-20 |
Minnesota v. Illinois -4.5 |
Top |
51-59 |
Win
|
100 |
11 h 27 m |
Show
|
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Illinois at 7:30 ET.
Richard 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. Pitino opened the current season without 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. The Golden Gophers visit The Fighting Illini tonight at just 11-9. Minnesota fell to .500 in conference play (5-5), following a 70-52 home loss to then-11th-ranked Michigan State on Sunday.
Brad Underwood was a head coach at Stephen F Austin and Oklahoma St before being hired at Illinois back on March 18, 2017. He signed a six-year contract through 2023 worth $18 million but after two seasons in Champaign, his Fighting Illini were just 26-39 (11-27 in Big Ten play). However, as Underwood entered the current season, he returned FOUR starters from last season's team plus added 6-9 freshman center Kofi Cockburn. The Fighting Illini are 15-5, including 7-2 in the Big Ten (just a half-game back of 8-2 Mich St). Illinois entered the top-25 back on Jan 13 for the first time since Dec 1, 2014 and is currently ranked 19th.
Leading Minnesota are the 6-10 Daniel Oturu (19.7 & 11.3) and PG Marcus Carr (16.1-5.4-6.9). Oturu scored a game-high 19 points and added six rebounds but it wasn’t enough against the Spartans, as the Golden Gophers shot a season-low 28.1 percent from the floor in the loss to Michigan State. Guard Gabe Kalscheur (12.0) is Minnesota's third double-digit scorer, and he added 15 points, four rebounds and a pair of steals. Carr produced 11 points, seven boards and six assists, but the two players shot a combined 7-of-26 from the floor, including 4-of-16 from three-point range against Michigan St. Guards Williams (8.8 & 3.5) and the 6-9 Demir (7.6 & 4.9) are Minnesota's only other significant contributors.
In stark contrast, Illinois has EIGHT players getting 15-plus minutes with SIX averaging between 8.4 and 16.2 PPG. Guard Ayo Dosunmu (16.2-4.3-3.5) poured in a career-high 27 points, including the game-winning jumper with 0.5 seconds remaining, and pulled down seven rebounds to power the Fighting Illini past Michigan 64-62 in Ann Arbor for the first time since Feb 23, 2010 this past Saturday. Guard Andres Feliz (10.5-4.7-3.1) added 15 points and seven rebounds while fellow guard Trent Frazier (9.9) scored 10 points as Illinois matched its win total from last season in conference play (the Illini were just 7-13). The 6-9 Kofi Cockburn was named the Big Ten’s Freshman of the Week for the SENTH time this season after he averaged 13.5 points, nine rebounds and 1.5 blocked shots in wins over Purdue (79-62) and Michigan. He's averaging 14.5 & 9.4 on the season, more than living up to expectations.
The Fighting Illini have racked up SIX consecutive wins but will be highly-focused on this home game with the Golden Gophers, as after hosting Minnesota, Illinois will face FIVE straight games against ranked Big Ten opponents.Minnesota 'limps' in 1-6 in true road games this season, with its lone win coming at slumping Ohio St back on Jan 23. A win here at Illinois, would mark the first time in more than three years that Minnesota would put together two straight road victories in conference play. NOT!
Good luck...Larry
|
01-29-20 |
Nevada v. Colorado State -3.5 |
Top |
91-92 |
Loss |
-112 |
13 h 46 m |
Show
|
My 10* West Coast Crusher is on Colorado St at 9:00 ET. Eric Mussleman led Nevada to the CBI title in his first season (2015-16) and then to three straight NCAA appearances with win totals of 28, 29 and 29. However, Musselman left for Arkansas and was replaced by Steve Alford. The former Indiana star 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 took over a team that lost all FIVE starters and the Wolf Pack enter this contest at Colorado St 13-8 overall, including 6-3 in the MWC. The Rams hired Niko Medved prior to the 2018-19 season and one could reasonably ask why. He spent four seasons as Furman's head coach , posting a 62-70 record. He then moved to Drake, where he went 17-17. He took over at Fort Collins last season and surprise, the Rams went 12-20 (7-11 in MWC play). However, CSU is greatly improved this season, checking in at 14-8 overall, including 5-4 in MWC play.
Nevada is led by a deep backcourt. Jalen Harris, a La Tech transfer, leads the way averaging 18.9-6.2-4.0. He's joined by returning guards Johnson (16.8), Drew (11.7-6.2-4.4) and Zouzoua (9.0). Zouzoua led the Wolf Pack with 20 points in their 96-74 victory over New Mexico on Saturday, as Nevada increased its winning streak at home to SEVEN straight. Colorado State comes off a 77-61 loss at Utah State, allowing the Aggies to shoot 68% in the second half and 59% overall. This year's team is led by a pair of freshman, PG Stevens (13.1 & 4.3 APG) and 6-5 swingman Roddy (12.0 & 5.7) Returning guards Moore (8.5) and Moore (8.0) help make up a solid periemter group. Two frontcourt players also average in double digits, 6-11 senior Carvacho (12.0 & 10.4) and 6-6 sophomore Thistlewood (10.1 & 3.3).
Alford hasn't done a bad job with no returning starters at Nevada but his Wold Pack have been very 'meek' away from home this season, going 1-5 SU in true road games (FOUR of the losses have been by double digits). Meanwhile I wondered at the top just why CSU chose Medved but he HAS done a solid job with the Rams this season. CSU played an awful second half the last time out but entered that contest on a 7-1 SU run, having gone 6-1 ATS (one non-lined game). Nevada has dominated this series recently but remember, this season's Wolf Pack do NOT resemble the NCAA teams of the previous three years (28, 29 and 29 wins). The Rams 'hung in there' at Reno (lost 67-61 as a 7-point dog) and here at Moby Arena in Fort Collins, should win "with room to spare!"
Good luck...Larry
|
01-29-20 |
Marquette v. Xavier -2.5 |
Top |
84-82 |
Loss |
-110 |
11 h 19 m |
Show
|
Marquette went 24-10 last season but lost in the NCAA's first round. In the off-season, head coach Steve Wojciechowski got great news as Markus Howard (25.0 PPG), the Big East player-of-the-year, would return for his senior year. However, three day later, the Hauser brothers, Sam (14.9 & 7.2( and Joey (9.7 & 5.3), announced that they were transferring. Marquette saw its three-game winning streak end Friday with an 89-85 (OT) loss at now-No. 16 Butler. The 14-6 Golden Eagles (4-4 in the Big East) remain on the road tonight as they go for a regular-season sweep of Xavier when the Big East teams square off Wednesday night in Cincinnati. 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 (10.6 & 5.3) but Xavier has struggled since Christmas, losing FIVE of its last seven (all in Big East play). The 13-7 Musketeers' latest defeat came Sunday when Creighton took care of Xavier for the second time this season with a 77-66 decision. Howard is the nation's leading scorer at 28.3 PPG and enters the game eight points away from 2,500 for his career (he will become the 72nd player in NCAA history to reach 2,500 points ). Senior guard Sacar Anim ranks second to Howard on the team in scoring at 13.0 PPG. PG McEwen checks in at 9.8-5.2-3.2 plus a trio of frontcourt players, the 6-8 Bailey (8.1 & 5.5), the 6-7 Cain (5.0 & 4.3) and John (5.0 & 5.0) round out Marquette's main contributors. Xavier is led by the 6-7 Marshall (16.7-5.7-3.5) and the 6-9 Tyrique Jones (13.3 & 9.9). Joining that duo up front are the 6-8 Carter (7.3 & 5.2) and 6-9 freshman Freemantle (6.8 & 4.0). SG Scruggs (13.8 & 4.6) is having a solid season but senior PG Goodin (6.8 & 4..0 APG) has struggled (I'm being kind). Goodin is averaging fewer assists this season (four) than in each of the last two seasons and his shooting has been atrocious. He has missed the last two games with an apparent knee injury but had gone 2-of-28 from the floor (that's 7.1%) in hsi previous four games, including 0-of-20 from three-point territory in the last last six. Freshman KyKy Tandy (5.4) and senior Byrce Moore (3.4) are filling in. Howard torched Xavier in the first meeting, an 85-65 Marquette victory, with 35 points back on Jan 15 in Milwaukee. However, Marquette can be had on the road, while Xavier is 10-3 at home. Howard will "get his" but Xavier should dominate inside with Marshall and Jones plus note that 6-9 freshman Freemantle posted career highs of 18 points and nine rebounds against Creighton. Xavier is looking to avenge not only that Jan 15 loss but TWO losses from last season. Howard will easily surpass the 2,500-point mark but Xavier gets the win AND the cover! Good luck...Larry
|
01-29-20 |
Loyola-Chicago v. Southern Illinois OVER 118 |
Top |
63-68 |
Win
|
100 |
11 h 45 m |
Show
|
My 10* Total of the Week is on Loy-Chi/Sou Ill Over at 8:00 ET.
Porter Moser's Loyola-Chicago Ramblers made that great run to the Final 4 in 2018, finishing with 32 wins. Last year's team won a more modest 20 games, after losing in the NIT's first round. Gone from last season were Custer and Townes, who won back-to-back POY honors in the MVC, as well as Ingram. However, the Ramblers are making a strong run at winning the MVC this season. However, the Ramblers lost a tough one this past Sundat at Cedar Falls, losing 67-62 in OT to Northern Iowa. Loyola-Chicago fell to 14-7 overall and 6-2 in the MVC, dropping them into a tie with Northern Iowa for first place.
Southern Illinois is coming off a 17-15 season (10-8 in MVC play) and opened the year with a new head coach, Bryan Mullins. Mullins was the starting point guard on SIU's 2007 Sweet 16 team and is in Southern Illinois' Hall of Fame. Ironically, he's spent the last four years as an under Porter Moser at Loyola. Southern Illinois improved to 11-10 overall and 5-3 in MVC play following its 58-55 victory at Illinois State on Saturday. The victory was the first for the Salukis at Redbird Arena since 2006.
Three starters did return for Loyola this season and are contributing as expected. 6-9 center Krutwig leads in scoring (15.2), rebounding (8.13 and assists (4.5). He led the Ramblers with 19 points and 14 rebounds in Sunday's loss. Guard Williamson chips in 8.9 & 3.5 and the 6-7 Uguak adds 5.3 & 3.2. Also making a big impact are 6-6 swingman Hall (13.8 & 4.1), a JC transfer, and freshman guard Kennedy (9.0). Keith Clemons averaged 15.1 points and 5.1 assists per game in 2018-19, while helping Vincennes to a 34-2 overall record and the NJCAA Division I national championship, became eligible at the start of December and has averaged 8.8 points in 13 games.
Marcus Domask is a 6-6 freshman aswingman and he is the leading scorer for Southern Illinois with an average of 14.1 PPG (also adds 5.2 RPG), while the 6-10 Barret Benson is the leading rebounder with an average of 5.4 per game, while adding 9.7 PPG. Senior guard McGill (10.3 & 4.3) and freshman guard Jones (7.30 are the team's top-producing guards but SIU has depth on the perimeter, as four other guards are combining for 17.5 PPG.
Loyola is holding opponents to 60.5 PPG (15th) but while the Ramblers average 69.5 PPG, the team shoots 50.9% from the floor (3rd-best in the nation). This is a VERY low over/under number but note that here at home, SIU lost early in the season to San Francisco at SIU Arena but has since won EIGHT in a row at home. The Salukis check in 9-1 at home, averaging 67.9 PPG. The Salukis were awful at Loyola back on Jan 16, shooting 36.0% from the floor, including 4 of 25 on threes, while scoring just 48 points. Revenge may be the way to go but even more, I expect SIU to play and shoot MUCH better plus I'm NOT discounting Loyola's 50.9% shooting, either. This LOW total is Goin' Over!
Good luck...Larry
|
01-29-20 |
Dayton v. Duquesne +9 |
Top |
73-69 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 28 m |
Show
|
My 9* Underdog Shocker is on Duquesne at 7:00 ET.
Anthony Grant had success at both VCU and Alabama, before taking Dayton job for the 2017-18 season (he had a successful four-year playing career as a Flyer). His current Dayton team is ranked No. 7 in the latest AP poll and the 18-2 Flyers (7-0 in the A-10) are just two overtime losses (vs Kansas and Colorado) away from matching San Diego State as the nation's only unbeaten team. Dayton heads to Pittsburgh on Wednesday to face Duquesne, looking to go 5-0 in true road games on the season, while extending its current win streak to 10.
Duquesne was one of the surprise teams early on, led by head coach Keith Dambrot. Dambrot coached LBJ to back-to-back HS titles and then spent 13 seasons at Akron, winning 19 games in his first season and 20-plus games in each of the next 12. He signed a 7-year, $7 million contract. with Duquesne and went 16-16 in his first season, after the Dukes had finished 10-22 the season before. In his second season (2018-19), he led the school to its first winning record since the 2011-12 season with 19 wins and 13 losses. Duquesne opened the 2019020 season with 10-0 mark, the team's best start since 1953-54 but the Dukes (15-4, 5-2) have come back to earth in their last nine games and have lost two straight.
Dayton ranks third in the nation at 83.2 PPG and 1st by shooting 52.6% from the floor. Leading the way is 6-9 All-America candidate Obi Toppin, who is a certain NBA first-round pick if he decides to forgo his final two seasons. Toppin leads the team in scoring (19.7) and rebounding (8.0), while a trio of guards join him in double digits. That group includes PG Jalen Crutcher (14.7 & 5.2 APG), Ibi Watson (12.0) and Trey Landers (10.9 & 5.9). Junior guard Chatwood adds 8.0 PPG and Toppin is joined up front by 6-7 senior Mikesell, who adds 9.9 & 4.8. The Flyers are also a solid defensive team, holding opponents to 66.0 PPG.
Duquesne's latest loss came Saturday at UMass, where the Dukes were outscored 27-13 at the free-throw line and got clobbered on the boards, 52-34. 6-5 SF Weathers (14.2 & 8.2) is the team's leading scorer and rebounder, while PG Carry (11.5-3.7-4.5) leads in assists. Carry was the Dukes' best player at UMass, scoring 20 points while adding seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Dunn-Martin (8.7) and Austin (8.7 & 4.2) join Carry in the backcourt, while the 6-11 Steele (9.0 & 5.1) is the team's best big man.
There is no denying that Dayton deserves its top-10 ranking but winning will NOT be easy, as despite playing at different venues as their home court is being renovated, the Dukes sport an 8-0 "home" record. Wednesday's game will take place at PPG Paints Arena, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Duquesne makes its mark on defense, allowing just 62.7 PPG (38th) and I'm taking the points. Dayton may escape with a win but then again, the Flyers may not.
Good luck...Larry
|
01-28-20 |
Purdue v. Rutgers -3 |
Top |
63-70 |
Win
|
100 |
13 h 36 m |
Show
|
My CBB 10* Jan Game of the Month is on Rutgers at 8:00 ET.
Purdue opened the season ranked 23rd in the AP preseason poll, after winning 26 games last season, before losing in OT to Virginia in the Elite 8. Gone from that squad is Purdue's best player, Carsen Edwards (24.3PPG), as well as its second-leading scorer, Ryan Cline (12.3 PPG). Howevcer, this year's Boilermakers are well-balanced (FIVE players average between 8.9 and 11.0 PPG) but 11-9 Purdue has already surpassed its loss total from last season in league play (4-5, after going 14-4) and is a loss away from matching last season's total of 10 losses. The Boliermakers are in New Brunswick, NJ tonight to face one of this season's "surprise teams," Rutgers. Head coach Steve Pikiell is in his fourth season at the school, having gone 44-54 in his first three. Coming off a a 14-17 season a year ago, Rutgers was picked 12th (of 14 schools) in the Big Ten preseason polls but at 15-5, the Scarlet Knights are off to their best start since the 1996-97 season. Rutgers coughed up a 14-point lead early in the second half and trailed by six with just over three minutes left before the Scarlet Knights clamped down and scored the final nine points of the game, including Geo Baker's game-winning three-pointer with just over a second remaining in Saturday's 75-72 win over Nebraska. Rutgers is ranked for the first time since the end of the 1978-79 season, checking in at No. 25 in the latest AP poll..
The Boilermakers were routed 63-37 by the Fighting Illini on Jan 5 while being held to a program-worst 25 percent shooting from the floor, before suffering a 79-62 setback last Tuesday against the Illini, to see their 15-game conference home winning streak come to an end. However, Purdue is coming off one of its best performances in a conference game this past Friday, when the Boilermakers took control in the first half by holding an 18-point halftime lead and a 45-17 edge early in the second half and cruised to a 70-51 win over Wisconsin. Evan Boudreaux (4.1 & 3,3) was rewarded with his first start of the season after head coach Matt Painter identified him as the player who brought the most energy to practice after last Tuesday's loss to Illinois, and he delivered with 10 points and 13 rebounds for his first double-double of 2019-20.Getting back to Purdue's balance, the 6-9 Williams leads in scoring (11.0) and rebounding (7.5) and is joined up front by the 7-3 Haarms (10.1 & 5.2). A trio of guards follow, including Hunter (10.2 & 3.4), Stefanovic (9.7) and Proctor (8.9),. Filling out the roster are guards Eastern (5.4 & 4.4) and Thompson (5.4), while the Boudreaux (see above) and the 6-9 Wheeler (3.9 & 5.1) help out Williams and Haarms up front.
Pikiel took his team to Spain in August and Rutgers went 4-0, while jelling as a unit. The "breakout star" of that trip was guard Ron Harper, who averaged 17.0 PPG on 53 percent shooting. He's currently Rutgers' leading scorer, averaging 12.0 PPG and adding 6.0 RPG. PG Baker (11.0 & 3.7 APG) plus a trio of guards (Young, McConnell and Mathis) combine to add right around 23 PPG. Up front, the 6-6 Yeboah (10.0 & 4.5) and the 6-10 Johnson (9.2 & 8.1) are the biggest contributors. Yeboah contributed a season-high 20 points vs the Cornhuskers to push him over the 1,500-point mark for his career (1,317 of which came in three years at Stony Brook) plus Johnson blocked a career-high five shots, the most ever by a Scarlet Knight in a Big Ten contest , while collecting 11 rebounds for his NINTH double-digit effort on the glass this season.
Rutgers' 75-72 win over Nebraska ended a run of 10 straight ATS wins by the Scarlet Knights and it also upped the tam's home record to a perfect 14-0 (9-3-1 ATS / one non-lined game). Meanwhile, Purdue is 9-2 at home but just 2-7 outside of West Lafayette, including 1-5 in true road contests. Rutgers moves to 15-0 at the RAC (Rutgers Athletic Center) with the victory coming "with room to spare!"
Good luck...Larry
|
01-28-20 |
Florida State v. Virginia +1 |
Top |
56-61 |
Win
|
100 |
11 h 51 m |
Show
|
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Virginia at 7:00 ET.
Virginia won the national championship last April (school's first-ever) but the Cavaliers appear to be just another middle-of-the-pack ACC team as January 2020 nears its end. The Cavs began the season ranked 11th in the AP preseason poll and opened 7-0. They were ranked 5th when they lost 69-40 at Purdue on Dec 4 and as 2020 dawned, the Cavs began with a dominating 65-39 win over Va Tech (Jan 4), giving them an 11-2 overall record, including 3-0 in the ACC. However, the Cavs have lost FOUR of their last six, checking in 13-6 overall and only 5-4 in ACC play. UVA welcomes Florida St to John Paul Jones Arena Tuesday night and the Seminoles come onto the contest 17-2 overall, including 7-1 in the ACC. Leonard Hamilton's team has won 10 in a row after Saturday's 85-84 victory over Notre Dame and is just a half-game out of first place in the ACC (Louisville is 8-1) and ranked No. 5 in the current AP poll.
Leonard Hamilton-coached teams are always known for playing excellent defense but his teams have shown more offensive 'punch' the last few seasons. That's continued in the 2019-20 season, as the Seminoles are holding opponents to 64.6 PPG, but are also scoring 76.0 PPG, The Seminoles wear down teams with their depth and balance on offense, as the top-four scorers produce between 8.1 and 13.1 PPG. Sophomore guard Devin Vassell leads the team at 13.1 PPG (also leads with 5.2 RPG), just ahead of senior guard Trent Forrest (11.8-4.1-4.3). Junior guard M.J. Walker is third on the team at 11.4 PPG, while the 6-8 Williams (8.1 & 3.2) ranks fourth on the team in scoring. Following behind those four are guard Polite (7.), the 6-8 Gray (6.1 & 3.6), ythe 7-1 Kuprivica (6.0) and the 6-0 Osborne (5.9 & 4.9).
Gone from last year's champs are the team's top-three scorers, guards Guy (15.4 & 4.5), Hunter (15.2 & 5.1) and Jerome (13.6 & 4.2). Those current NBA players have proven hard to replace. This season's UVA team features an unique guard duo, the 6-8 Key (10.0 & 7.3) and 5-9 PG Clark (10.9-4.5-5.9). The team's most consistent player is 6-9 senior forward Mamadi Diakite, who leads the team in scoring (13.2) and is second to Key in rebounding (6.8). The 7-1 Huff (8.7 & 6.0) joins Diatka up front and this "Core 4" represents Virginia's main contributors. Three other guards do combine to chip in 14.5 PPG. In dire need of some scoring options, the Cavaliers may have found one in the form of junior guard Tomas Woldetensae, who scored a career-high 21 points on seven 3-pointers against Wake Forest in Sunday's 65-63 OT win (we'll see).
UVA made a STRONG run at FSU in Tallahassee back on Jan 15 (lost just 54-50) and for all of its offensive woes this season, the Cavs remain CBB's stingiest team, allowing 50.4 PPG on 35.2% shooting (No. 1 in both categories). Great spot for UVA to remind all that last year's champs are far from 'dead.'
Good luck...Larry
|
01-27-20 |
North Carolina v. NC State -5 |
Top |
75-65 |
Loss |
-106 |
9 h 51 m |
Show
|
My 10* ACC Game of the Year is on NC State at 7:00 ET.
The North Carolina Tar Heels (9-10 / 2-6 in ACC) snapped a FIVE-game losing streak with a 94-71 victory over Miami-Fl on Saturday. Senior guard Brandon Robinson (13.3-3.4-3.1) was involved in a car accident on Jan 11 and did not play in Wednesday’s loss at Virginia Tech but scored a career-best 29 points against the 'Canes. The NC State Wolfpack (14-6 / 5-4 in ACC) saw their three-game winning streak end with a disappointing 64-58 defeat Saturday at Georgia Tech. NC State was outscored 14-3 after taking a 55-50 lead with 6:21 remaining and senior guard C.J. Bryce, the Wolfpack’s leading scorer at 13.9 PPG, went scoreless on 0-for-4 shooting from the floor. “It's disappointing because I just didn't think we brought it today,” NC State head coach Kevin Keatts told reporters after the game.
The Tar Heels continue to miss freshman PG Cole Anthony (19.1-6.3-3.6), who had knee surgery in December (last played Dec 8). Joining Robinson as the Tar Heels' main contributors are 6-9 junior Garrison Brooks (15.1 & 9.2) and 6-10 freshman Armando Bacot (10.6 & 7.9). He flirted with a triple-double against Miami (19 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists). North Carolina's win over Miami snapped its longest losing streak since 2003. Carolina shot 58 percent from the floor, a season high for the Tar Heels.
NC State opened its season (Nov 5) with a home game against Ga Tech and lost, 82-81 (OT). That made the loss at struggling Ga Tech (9-11 / 4-6) even harder to take. Senior PG Markell Johnson (13.2-4.5-6.5) led the Wolfpack on Saturday with 21 points on 8-for-16 shooting. Joining him and Bryce (see above) in double digits are 6-10 junior forward D.J. Funderburk (18.8 & 5.9) and junior guard Daniels (11.1 & 4.9). Also contributing are the 6-7 Hellems (9.6 & 3.7) and 6-11 freshman Bates (5.7 & 4.0), although Bates missed Saturday's game with a concussion.
Here's the bottom line. It's been 'dark' days for North Carolina BKB this season (can you say "Matt Doherty?") and a win over sad-sack Miami (2-7 in the ACC) is hardly a big deal. NC/NC St is NOT Carolina/Duke (no rivalry is) but with the Wolfpack coming off a HUGELY disappointing loss at Ga Tech, they should be PRIMED to avenge their two losses to the Tar Heels last season. I noted above the NC State opened its season with a home loss (to Ga Tech) but the team has won 11 in a row at PNC Arena, since. Lay the points.
Good luck...Larry
|
01-26-20 |
Loyola-Chicago v. Northern Iowa -4 |
Top |
62-67 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 46 m |
Show
|
My 10* Conference Game of the Year (MVC) is on Northern Iowa at 4:00 ET. Porter Moser's Loyola-Chicago Ramblers made that great run to the Final 4 in 2018, finishing with 32 wins. Last year's team won a more modest 20 games, after losing in the NIT's first round. Gone from last season were Custer and Townes, who won back-to-back POY honors in the MVC, as well as Ingram. However, the Ramblers are making a strong run at winning the MVC this season at 14-6 overall and more importantly, 6-1 in league play (currently reside in 1st-place). Northern Iowa' Ben Jacobson is in his 14th season at Cedar Falls and has led the Panthers to four NCAA berths. Most notably a Sweet 16 trip in 2010 (30 wins) and a 31-win season in 2015, when Northern Iowa surprisingly lost in the Round of 32. However, Northern Iowa opened this season off season of 14, 16 and 16 wins. Clearly, the team's current 16-3 record (5-2 in the MVC, 2nd to only Loyola), proves the last three seasons are "in the past."
Three starters did return for Loyola and are contributing as expected. 6-9 center Krutwig leads in scoring (15.0), rebounding (8.1) and assists (4.6). Guard Williamson chips in 8.5 & 3.5 and the 6-7 Uguak adds 5.4 & 3.2. Also making a big impact are 6-6 swingman Hall (14.0 & 4.2), a JC transfer, and freshman guard Kennedy (9.3). Keith Clemons averaged 15.1 points and 5.1 assists per game in 2018-19, while helping Vincennes to a 34-2 overall record and the NJCAA Division I national championship, became eligible at the start of December and has 9.0 points in 12 games.
The Panthers are off a 68-66 loss at Southern Illinois, snapping a five-game winning streak. Four starters return form last season's team and guards Green (19.5-3.1-3.1), Berhow (14.4 & 5.0) and Haldeman (8.7 & 3.5) have all performed as expected. Brown is a senior guard and has added 8.4 & 4.7. The 6-9 Phyfe played just SEVEN games last year due to an illness but is healthy this season, adding 10.1 & 7.4. The 7-0 Dahl averages just over 11 MPG but has added 4.5 & 2.7.
Loyola shoots 51.9 percent from the floor (2nd-best in the nation) but its deliberate style of play has them scoring a modest 69.9 PPG (227th). The Ramblers' D is top-notch, allowing 60.2 PPG (13th). However, after edging Northern Iowa's 16-win team of a year ago just 61-60 and 56-55 in two meetings, I believe the Ramblers are in the WRONG place and the WRONG time here at Northern Iowa's McLeod Center. A win here ties Northern Iowa atop the MVC in what is developing into a "big season" for the Panthers.
Good luck...Larry
|
01-26-20 |
Virginia v. Wake Forest OVER 118 |
Top |
65-63 |
Win
|
100 |
6 h 14 m |
Show
|
My 10* Total of the Month is on Virginia/Wake Forest Over at 12:00 ET.
Virginia won the national championship last April (school's first-ever) but the Cavaliers appear to be just another middle-of-the-pack ACC team as January 2020 nears its end. The Cavs began the season ranked 11th in the AP preseason poll and opened 7-0. They were ranked 5th when they lost 69-40 at Purdue on Dec 4 and as 2020 dawned, the Cavs began with a dominating 65-39 win over Va Tech (Jan 4), giving them an 11-2 overall record, including 3-0 in the ACC. However, the Cavs have lost FOUR of their last five, as they try to "right the ship" Sunday at Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons have also lost four of five after Tuesday's 71-68 defeat at Clemson, leaving them 9-9 overall and just 2-6 in ACC play (Cavs are 4-4)
Gone from last year's champs are the team's top-three scorers, guards Guy (15.4 & 4.5), Hunter (15.2 & 5.1) and Jerome (13.6 & 4.2). Those current NBA players have proven hard to replace. This season's UVA team features an unique guard duo, the 6-8 Key (10.2 & 7.2) and 5-9 PG Clark (9.8-4.3-5.9). The team's most consistent player is 6-9 senior forward Mamadi Diakite, who leads the team in scoring (13.1) and is second to Key in rebounding (6.8). The 7-1 Huff (9.0 & 6.1) joins Diatka up front and this "Core 4" is basically Virginia's team this season.The Cavs broke a three-game slide witha 63-58 win at Ga Tech on Jan 18th but dropped a 53-51 decision at home Monday to North Carolina State, after fighting back from an 11-point, second-half deficit to take a four-point lead with 4 1/2 minutes left. Clark led the offense with 10 points Monday and Diakite blocked three shots to move into third on Virginia's career list with 142. Freshman guard Casey Morsell (4.6 PPG) tallied nine points and five rebounds in 32 minutes off the bench. However, after shooting 47.2% in the win over Ga Tech, the Cvs shot just 36.0& against the Wolfpack.
Danny Manning is now in his sixth season as Wake's head coach and it would be hard to say that things are headed in the right direction. He had just ONE winning season in his first five (65-93, .411 overall) and as noted, is 9-9 (2-6 ACC) so far this season. The Demon Deacons led by six at the half against Clemson but the Tigers rallied and freshman Ismael Massoud's game-tying three-point attempt missed in the closing seconds. Wake has THREE double digit scorers in veteran guard Childress (15.2 & 4.7 APG) and Brown (13.3 & 6.5) plus 7-0 junior center Sarr adds 13.0 & 9.5. The bad news is, Brown is out with a leg injury. Sarr had 16 points and 12 rebounds vs Clemson (his seventh double-double of the season), while Childress added 14 points and six assists. Andrien White (8.8 points), a grad transfer from Charlotte, scored a season-high 22 points.
Virginia has won SEVEN straight in the series, including three straight at Wake Forest. The Cavaliers won 68-45 at home in last season's lone meeting. The Cavs are shooting just 40.4 percent on the season but 'getting well' vs Wake Forest seems HIGHLY-LIKELY! The Demon Deacons rank 13th in the ACC in defensive efficiency (108.8 points per 100 possessions), are last in forcing turnovers (13.3 percent) and 14th in two-point field-goal percentage (53%).Yes, UVA is allowing just 49.7 PPG (1st) but Wake is averaging 72.5 PPG. Wake games have averaged 147.9 PPG over its last nine, with those contests going 8-0-1 in favor of the Over. On average, Wake's last nine game totals are 4 'TDs' HIGHER than the opening total of this one. This one is Goin' Over!
Good luck...Larry
|
01-25-20 |
Baylor v. Florida -2 |
Top |
72-61 |
Loss |
-109 |
13 h 16 m |
Show
|
My 10* Big-12/SEC Showdown is on Florida at 8:00 ET.
Baylor head coach Scott Drew took the head coaching position at Baylor after the resignation of Dave Bliss due to scandal. Four years of sanctions later, Drew got things turned around and Baylor has had 12 straight winning seasons, making eight NCAA tourneys plus finishing as runner-up in the 2009 NIT and winning it in 2013. Baylor is currently working on a 2019-20 season that could be VERY special. The Bears (16-1, 6-0 Big 12) are coming off a 61-57 home victory against conference rival Oklahoma on Monday, hours after becoming the SEVENTH different team to move atop the AP top-25 this season (note: It's just the second time Baylor has been ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, the first time coming in 2017). Scott Drew takes his team's blue-collar work ethic into a hostile Stephen C. O'Connell Center for a game in the Big-12/SEC Challenge, where the Bears will take on the Gators. Expectations were high for Florida entering this season, as the Gators were able to get the most sought after graduate transfer on the market in the 6-10 Kerry Blackshear. The Orlando native played at Va Tech but when Tech head coach Buzz Williams left for A&M, Blackshear decided to 'come home.' The Gators were ranked 6th in both preseason polls but Florida is a disappointing 12-6 (4-2 SEC).
Baylor hung on at home against Oklahoma on Monday to win six straight Big 12 games in the same season for the first time in school history, forcing a miss on a potential go-ahead three-pointer by the Sooners with six seconds left to pull out a 61-57 victory. The Bears' 6-0 start in conference play is their first such run since they won their first 10 SWC games in 1948 en route to thei school's only appearance in the national championship, a runner-up finish to Kentucky. Baylor has been greatly helped by two transfers this season, guard MaCio Teague (13.6 & 4.8) and fellow guard Mitchell (9.7), an Auburn transfer. The duo joins a deep backcourt which also features leading scorer Butler (16.1), Bandoo (7.5 & 4.3) and Vital (6.1 & 6.0). The 6-8 Gillespie (9.9 & 9.3) has been the team's best frontcourt player, as the 6-10 Clark (14.6 & 6.3 last season before being lost for the year to an injury) has played in just 13 games and is NOT the same player, averaging 4.5 & 2.3.
The Gators are wrapping up what will likely be their most difficult three-game stretch of the season. The run began with last Saturday's 69-47 home rout of then-No. 4 Auburn. Florida then nearly rallied from a 10-point deficit with just over a minute remaining Tuesday at LSU (the lone remaining unbeaten team in SEC play), but the comeback attempt fell just short in an 84-82 loss. Kerry Blackshear Jr. leads the team in scoring (14.8) and rebounding (8.7) and ranks second in the SEC with eight double-doubles (note: he has recorded two performances of exactly 24 points and 16 boards in the Gators' last three home contests). PG Andrew Nembhard (11.0 & 6.1 APG) produced 15 points and 10 assists Tuesday to become the first Florida player with multiple points/assists double-doubles in a season since Nick Calathes in 2008-09. Fellow sophomore guard Noah Locke (10.5 points) extended his streak of burying at least one 3-pointer to 15 games, the longest such run by a Gator since at least 1996. Joining Nembhard and Locke in the backcourt are Lewis (8.6 & 4.5), Glover (5.3) and Mann (5.1). SF Keyontae Johnson (12.7 & 6.7) ranks second on the team in scoring and rebounding, while 6-10 freshman Payne (5.3 & 4.8) also contributes up front. In fact, he had his first career double-double (19 & 11) in the win against Auburn.
These are two excellent defensive teams, as Baylor is allowing 5.8.5 PPG (5th in the nation) and Florida 66.3 PPG. The Gators have disappointed so far but take note that Florida has averaged 83.4 points over its last seven contests, after failing to top 83 points in any of its first 11 games. Florida was obviously rated too high at the start of the season but this team has the talent to make some 'noise' come March.How about 'making some noise' here in late-January by taking down No. 1 Baylor? That's my bet.
Good luck...Larry
|
01-25-20 |
Ole Miss v. Georgia -7 |
Top |
70-60 |
Loss |
-108 |
9 h 27 m |
Show
|
My 9* Conference Crusher (SEC) is on Georgia at 5:30 ET.
Kermit Davis spent 16 seasons at Middle Tenn St and led the Blue Raiders into the postseason in SEVEN of his final nine seasons at Murfreesboro. That included THREE trips to the Big Dance and his 2017 team won 31 games. He took over at Oxford last season ans the Rebels were able to 'sneak' into the NCAA tourney but lost their first game, finishing 20-13. However, Year 2 has NOT gone as planned, as Ole Miss is 9-9, including an 0-5 start in SEC play. Tom Crean had success at Marquette (five NCAAs, including a Final 4) and Indiana (four NCAAs, including three Sweet 16s) but his first season at Georgia (2018-19) produced an 11-21 record, including 2-16 in SEC play. This year's team went 10-3 in non-conference play but is off to a 1-4 start in league play.
The Rebels losing streak stretched to six games Tuesday at Tennessee with a 73-48 setback. Senior guard Breein Tyree (18.9) leads the SEC in scoring in conference games at 26.8 points and surpassed the 1,500-point career mark Tuesday, but was limited to 18 points (four in the first half) on 7-for-22 shooting. “We got outclassed in every phase,” Ole Miss coach Kermit Davis told the media postgame. Hinson (11.0 & 5.2) and Shuler (10.3-4.6-3.7) join Tyree in the backcourt, while the 6-7 Buffen (9.9 & 6.40 and the 6-10 Sy (8.5 *& 5.10 are the team's top frontcourt producers.
The Bulldogs lost for the fourth time in five SEC games at No. 15 Kentucky on Tuesday (89-79) but Crean saw some encouraging signs. The Bulldogs trailed by 10 points nearly eight minutes in, but fought back to take a brief lead, and in the second half closed within three points twice before Kentucky pulled away for the 10-point win. Guard Anthony Edwards scored 16 points against Kentucky and is the nation’s highest-scoring freshman at 18.9 points (second overall in the SEC). Fellow freshman, PG Wheeler, adds 7.4 & 4.5 APG plus senior guards Crump (7.3) and Gresham (6.4 & 5.1) give Georgia an excellent perimeter group. 6-9 junior forward/center Rayshaun Hammonds averages 13.9 points and 8.2 rebounds plus is starting to get some help up front from 6-8 freshman Camara (6.4 & 4.3).
Ole Miss swept the season series from Georgia in 2018-19 but this year's team does not resemble last year's NCAA-bound one. As for the vastly improved Bulldogs (remember, 11-21 LY), they are 9-1 at Stegeman Coliseum, the lone defeat being a 78-69 setback to Kentucky on Jan 7. Ole Miss is NO Kentucky. The Rebels come in on an 0-8-1 ATS run and "double revenge" works in Athens for this one..
Good luck...Larry
|
01-25-20 |
Oklahoma State v. Texas A&M +2.5 |
|
73-62 |
Loss |
-110 |
8 h 49 m |
Show
|
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Texas A&M at 4:00 ET.
Head coach Mike Boynton's Cowboys won 20 and 21 games in his first two seasons at Stillwater but OSU was just 12-20 last year. However, all FIVE starters returned this season. That sounded good as the Cowboys opened 7-0 and began Big 12 play at 9-3 but OSU has opened conference play 0-6, including 0-6 ATS. Buzz Williams spent five seasons at Marquette, leading the Golden Eagles to five NCAA tourneys, including two Sweet 16s and an Elite 8. It was then on to Va Tech for five years, ending in three straight NCAA bids, making the Sweet 16 last year. Williams is always on the move and he took the job at Texas A&M to start this season. After a 3-1 start, the Aggies lost FOUR in a row. However, the team is starting to jell, having gone 6-3 SU and ATS its last nine games. Oklahoma State and Texas A&M step out of conference to meet in the Big 12/SEC Challenge on Saturday in College Station, Texas.
The change in scenery could be a welcome sight for the Cowboys, as they are 0-6 in the Big 12 for the second time in four seasons. Senior guards Lindy Waters (12.1 & 4.8) and Thomas Dziagwa (8.9) plus the 6-7 Cameron McGriff (10.1 & 6.7) were named tri-captains at the start of the season. Joining them as main contributors are sophomore PG Isaac Likekele (11.5-4.9-4.2) and 6-10 sophomore Yor Anei (8.3 & 4.7).
Texas A&M has split six SEC games after a 66-64 victory at Missouri on Tuesday, behind guard Savion Flagg's 14 points and six rebounds. Aggies 6-9 forward Josh Nebo paces the team with 12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.6 blocks. Flagg (11.2) is the only other A&M player in double digits but FOUR more guards chip in between 6.6 & 8.2 PPG, led by freshman Gordon. Another freshman, the 6-7 Miller, adds 4.9 & 5.9 up front with Nebo.
Oklahoma State won 23 of 33 meetings when Texas A&M was a member of the Big 12 from 1996-2012 but that's "old news." Buzz Williams is finding some scorers who are beginning to comprehend his motion offense and it sure helps to be able to "get the ball inside" to the 6-9 Nebo, who has averaged 17.3 points his last three. No way this sad-sack Oklahoma St team should be a favorite on the road!
Good luck...Larry
|
01-25-20 |
SMU v. Memphis -5.5 |
Top |
74-70 |
Loss |
-109 |
8 h 59 m |
Show
|
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Memphis at 4:00 ET.
Tim Jankovich won 20-plus games in four of his five seasons at Illinois St, making four NIT appearances. He was announced as SMU's Associate Head Coach and coach-in-waiting in April of 2016 and then as head coach on July 8, 2016.. He's had to bear the the full force of NCAA sanctions due to Larry Brown's tenure but things are looking up this season. SMU breezed through a not-so-difficult non-conference schedule and has opened 4-2 in the talented. 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 were replaced by what most considered the best recruiting class of the 2019-20 season. However, the 'jewel' of that class, the 7-1 James Wiseman, was the center of an NCAA investigation and after just three games (19.7 & 10.7), Wiseman was 'done.' He decided to NOT fight anymore and is currently preparing for the next NBA Draf. Memphis is 14-4 (3-2 in the AAC) and ranked 20th in the latest AP poll but got 'waxed' 80-40 at Tulsa on Wednesday.
SMU is 14-4 overall and comies into Saturday's matchup off a dominant performance in which the Mustangs routed East Carolina 84-64. "It was our best offensive game of the year. Best ball movement, best execution, best spacing and best basketball we have played all year without question on the offensive end," Tim Jankovich said in his postgame press conference. The 84 points marked the team's highest output in regulation since a Dec. 23 win over Georgia State, and the Mustangs' scoring high in league play. Jankovich has two guards and two forwards making most of the contributions for his SMU team this season. PG Kendric Davis (a TCU transfer) owns a line of 15.9-4.5-7.4 and is joined in the backcourt by JC transfer Tyson Jolly (14.8 & 6.8). Then there are two 6-8 forwards, Isiaha Mike (14.8 & 7.1) and Feron Hunt (13.1 & 7.5). The 6-9 Chargois, who averaged 12.4 & 6.2 last season, has under-performed (8.1 & 4.6).
Since center James Wiseman left the program after playing three games, the 6-9 Precious Achiuwa has established himself as the best freshman in the AAC, averaging 15.1 points and 10.2 RPG (he's the only AAC player to average a double-double). Fellow freshman, the 6-7 D.J. Jeffries checks in at 11.1 & 4.6 but has failed to score in double figures in three of the last four games. One of three non-freshmen on the roster is sophomore PG Alex Lomax, who has started the last three games and is now averaging 7.5-4.0.47. Freshman guard Quinones (10.5 & 3.40 leads a group of FIVE guards scoring between 5.2 and 10.5 PPG.
Memphis was dealt an embarrassing 40-point beatdown at the hands of unranked Tulsa, the worst loss by a ranked team against an unranked opponent since 1993! Memphis scored only 40 points against Tulsa while shooting 28.6 percent from the floor and 2-for-21 from three-point range (all season lows) and allowed the Golden Hurricane to shoot 50 percent from the floor. However, despite the poor defensive showing against Tulsa, the Tigers still lead the country in field goal percentage defense (35.7%). It's "bounce-back" time in a BIG way. Lay the points with Memphis.
Good luck...Larry
|
01-25-20 |
TCU v. Arkansas -6.5 |
Top |
67-78 |
Win
|
100 |
4 h 2 m |
Show
|
My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on Arkansas at 4:00 ET.
Jamie Dixon had great career at Pitt, taking the Panthers to 13 straight postseasons (11 NCAAs), before returning to his alma mater, TCU. He's won 20-plus games in his first three seasons at Fort Worth, winning the NIT in hid first season (2017) and making the NIT semis last season, sandwiched around an NCAA appearance in 2018. His Horned frogs are 13-5 this season, including in 4-2 in the Big 12.
Mike Anderson never fulfilled his promise at Arkansas and was let go after eight seasons (just three NCAA bids). To the 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. The Razorbacks were coming off a 18-16 season but enter this contest 14-4 (3-3 in the SEC).
The two schools step outside of conference play for this Big-12/SEC Challenge game. There is a little more optimism around the TCU program after its 65-54 home victory over Texas Tech (Tuesday) since that broke a two-game losing streak in which the Horned Frogs were outscored by a combined 52 points. The Horned Frogs are led by one of the top scorers in the Big 12, senior guard Desmond Bane, who averages 17.2-6.7-3.4. He's joined by three more guards in the starting lineup, including Nembhard (12.2-3.80-3.3), Dennis (7.7) and Grayer (7.1). 6-10 sophomore center Kevin Samuel is the only non-guard in the Horned Frogs' starting lineup, but he's a force in the paint, averaging 10.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks.
Arkansas has a similar starting five, led by four guards, including three that are averaging at least 15.1 points. Mason Jones (18.3-6.2-3.5) leads the way, followed by Isaiah Joe (16.8 & 4.7) and Jimmy Whitt Jr.(15.1 & 5.2). Whitt is the only one of those five transfers making a significant contribution. Arkansas does not have anyone to match TCU's Samuel, as its best frontcourt player is the 6-6 Bailey (6.4 & 4.8).
Expect Arkansas to be totally focused here, after back-to-back bitter losses at home to Kentucky (73-66) and at Mis St (77-70). Arkansas is 10-1 at home (lone loss to Kentucky), while TCU is playing only its FOURTH true road game and is already 0-2 as s road underdog. Arkansas win this one "with room to spare!'
Good luck...Larry
|
01-24-20 |
Marquette v. Butler -6 |
Top |
85-89 |
Loss |
-109 |
12 h 10 m |
Show
|
My 10* LEGEND play is on Butler at 9:00 ET.
Marquette went 24-10 last season but lost in the NCAA's first round. In the off-season, head coach Steve Wojciechowski got great news as Markus Howard (25.0 PPG), the Big East player-of-the-year, would return for his senior year. However, three day later, the Hauser brothers, Sam (14.9 & 7.2( and Joey (9.7 & 5.3), announced that they were transferring. The Golden Eagles travel to legendary Hinkle Fieldhouse on Friday night to take on the Butler Bulldogs. Butler has had a 'rich' recent history on the basketball court. The Bulldogs made six NCAA trips from 1997-2007, before Brad Stevens took them to FIVE tourneys in six years, including back-to-back runner-up finishes in 2010 and 2011. Chris Holtmann led Butler to three straight NCAA appearances from 2015-17 and LaVell Jordan followed with an NCAA berth in 2018 but the Bulldogs finished just 16-17 last season. However, Butler opened 7-0 and on Dec 2 entered the AP poll at No. 24, ending a span of 43 consecutive polls on "the outside, looking in!' Butler sat at 15-1 at the beginning of last week and was ranked 5th in the latest AP poll, the highest rating in school history. However, Butler's red-hot start to the season has disappeared in a flash. Butler dropped an eight-point decision against Seton Hall (then ranked 18th but now ranked 10th) on Jan 15, got stunned by a 13-point loss at DePaul on Saturday (a team that had opened 0-4 in Big East play) and lost badly at No. 9 Villanova on Tuesday, 76-61. In contrast, 14-5 Marquette (4-3 in Big East) comes on a three-game winning streak, trending in the opposite direction of Butler and its three-game slide.
Markus Howard (28.4) is averaging 31.7 PPG in Big East play, after averaging 36.3 over his last three games (all Big East wins). Senior guard Sacar Anim ranks second to Howard on the team in scoring at 12.5 PPG, after recording 21 to tie a season high in the team's 82-68 victory over St John's on Tuesday. PG McEwen checks in at 9.6-4.8-3.2 plus a trio of frontcourt players, the 6-8 Bailey (7.7 & 5.4), the 6-7 Cain (5.0 & 4.3) and John (4.9 & 4.9) round out Marquette's main contributors.
Butler held each of its first 16 opponents to 67 points or fewer in going 15-1 but has now allowed an average of 77.7 PPG during its three-game slide. Senior guard Kamar Baldwin paces the squad with 15.4 PPG (adds 4.2 RPG) and played well in the loss to 'Nova, scoring 21 points. PG Thompson (6.6-3.5-5.1) joins Baldwin in the backcourt, while a quartet of forwards round out the core of Butler's team. 6-6 senior forward Sean McDermott (11.0 & 5.7) is the only other player on the team averaging in double digits but is coming off an 'ugly' performance against the Wildcats in which he was 1-of-11 from the floor, including 0-of-7 from three-point range. Playing up front with McDermott are Tucker (9.5 & 4.1), Nze (9.4 & 7.0) and Golden (8.0 & 3.6). Golden had 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting in the Villanova loss, Nze notched his third double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Marquette 'kicked' Butler last year when the Bulldogs were down (16-17), winning both meetings, 76-58 at Butler and 79-69 at home. Howard scored 60 points on 23-of-43 shooting in two wins against Butler last season but expect Butler's Baldwin, an outstanding defender, to bring his "A game" with Butler in dire need of confidence-building win. Butler is 9-1 SU at home (7-3 ATS), while Marquette is 1-3 SU &ATS as a road dog this season. I won my most recent "signature" play in CBB last Saturday on UVA, which broke its own three-game losing streak. It's deja vu all over again" right here with Butler.
Good luck...Larry
|
01-24-20 |
Wisconsin v. Purdue -4 |
Top |
51-70 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 22 m |
Show
|
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Purdue at 7:00 ET.
Wisconsin has 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 have a solid returning core. The Badgers got off to a disappointing 5-5 but is 12-7, after the Badgers set a program record with 18 three-pointers en route to an 82-68 victory over Nebraska Tuesday, moving them into a tie for third place in the conference standings at 5-3. Purdue is coming off a 26-win season, after reaching the Elite 8 last year (lost in OT to eventual champ UVA), but Purdue lost outstanding guard Edwards (24.3) from that team, as well as the team's second-leading scorer Cline (12.0). The Boilermakers opened the season ranked 23rd in the AP preseason poll but Purdue takes the court tonight looking to pick up the pieces after suffering its first season sweep at the hands of No. 20 Illinois since the 2008-09 campaign. The Boilermakers were routed 63-37 by the Fighting Illini on Jan 5 while being held to a program-worst 25 percent shooting from the floor before suffering a 79-62 setback Tuesday to see their 15-game conference home winning streak come to an end.
The 6-11 Reuvers (14.0 & 5.4) may not be Happ but he's a quality man. He finished with 12 points and four blocked shots against Nebraska to overtake Rashard Griffith (124) for fourth place on the program’s all-time blocks list. Davison (9.3 & 4.6) scored 11 of his team-high 14 points in the second half as the Badgers shot 52.9 percent from beyond the arc, eclipsing the previous school record of 17 three-pointers set on Dec 23, 2010 against Coppin State. Fellow guards Brevin Pritzl (7.4 & 3.3) had 12 points while D’Mitrik Trice (9.0-4.2-3.5) added 11 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists to register the first double-double of his career. The 6-10 Micah Potter, an Ohio St transfer who became eligible in December, has averaged 9.3 & 5.8 in nine games, with teh Badgers going 7-2 since he joined the team.
Purdue has nice balance, as FIVE players average between 9.2 and 11.3 PPG. The 6-9 Williams leads in scoring (11.3) and rebounding (7.5) and is joined up front by the 7-3 Haarms (10.0 & 5.3). A trio of guards follow, including Hunter (10.5 & 3.4), Stefanovic (9.6) and Proctor (9.2),. Filling out the roster are guards Eastern (5.3 & 4.4) and Thompson (4.9), while the 6-9 Wheeler (4.1 & 5.1) helps out Williams and Haarms up front. Eastern scored 14 points and grabbed five rebounds while Trevion Williams continued his stellar play of late by adding 12 points in the loss to Illinois to finish in double figures for the eighth time in his last 10 games. Matt Haarms produced 10 points, six rebounds and all three of the team's blocked shots while Sasha Stefanovic finished with nine points but the Boilermakers lost the battle of the boards 37-19. “We just got out-toughed it’s just that easy,” Haarms told reporters. “You’ve got to hit a guy on a rebound and we failed to do that … so that’s what happened.”
I have to expect this is a great bounce-back spot for Purdue, as the Boilermakers had won 15 straight Big Ten games at home prior to Tuesday's defeat. They are looking to beat the Badgers for the SIXTH time in their last seven meetings, a streak which includes three straight home wins over Wisconsin by an average of 16.6 PPG. This is Purdue's game!
Good luck...Larry
|
01-23-20 |
UCLA v. Oregon State -7 |
Top |
62-58 |
Loss |
-110 |
19 h 33 m |
Show
|
My 9* Conference Crusher (Pac 12) is on Oregon St at 11:00 ET.
Mick Cronin started his career by leading Murray St to two NCAA tourneys in his three seasons at that school and then took over at Cincinnati for Bob Huggins. He didn't get the Bearcats to the "Big Dance" until his FIFTH season (2010-11) but that began a run of NINE consecutive NCAA appearances. He took the UCLA job before the start of the current season but the 9-9 Bruins (2-3 in Pac 12) aren’t playing defense the way Cronin would like plus have yet to identify a go-to score. Up in Corvallis, Oregon State head coach Wayne Tinkle got great news when both 6-7 senior Tres Tinkle (his son) and junior guard Ethan Thompson decided to come back this season and play for the Beavers. Oregon State’s 10-2 start in non-conference play matched the 1989-90, 2011-12 and 2015-16 teams for the program’s best start in 35 years. The Beavers welcome the Bruins to town just 2-4 in Pac 12 play, as their record now sits at 12-6.
Junior guard Chris Smith (12.3 & 5.6) is UCLA's lone double digit scorer but he has averaged 15.6 points & 8.6 rebounds in league play. 6-10 forward Jalen Hill (9.9 & 7.3) is about to climb into double digits, as he has scored at least 11 points in each of the Bruins’ last three games. Senior guard Prince Ali (8.9) plus freshman guards Jaquez (8.1 & 4.5) and Campbell (7.2 & 4.5 APG) plus the 6-9 Riley (8.4 & 4.8) round out the main contributors.
Oregon State gets almost all of its production from its starting-five. Tinkle (19.7-9.6-3.7) and Thompson (16.1-4.2-4.6) lead the way. Tinkle is joined in the frontcourt by the 7-0 Kelley (11.4 & 4.9) and the 6-6 Hollins (6.1 & 3.5), while Reichle (8.6) starts in the backcourt with Thompson. Thompson is shooting 50.3 percent from the floor, while Kelley has scored in double figures in FIVE consecutive games and is second in the nation in blocked shots per game (3.94).
Oregon St has already beaten likely Pac-12 Big Dance reps Colorado and Arizona here at Gill Coliseum and it's HARD to ignore that UCLA comes in 2-7 ATS in its last nine games. Oregon St beat UCLA 79-66last season here in Corvallis and that margin seems about right in this one.
Good luck...Larry
|
01-23-20 |
Michigan State -3.5 v. Indiana |
Top |
63-67 |
Loss |
-108 |
13 h 49 m |
Show
|
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Michigan St at 8:30 ET.
Michigan St made last year's Final Four and was voted the AP's preseason No. 1 time for the first time in school history. However, it hasn't been a 'smooth ride' this season for Tom Izzo's Spartans, who are currently 11th in the latest AP at 14-4, although they do lead the Big Ten at 6-1. Archie Miller began his third season as Indiana's head coach in 2019-20 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 got off to an 11-1 start. That said, the schedule has been home-based and 'soft.' The Hoosiers can match MSU's overall record of 14-4 but they are just 4-3 in Big Ten play.
Senior PG Cassius Winston leads the way for Michigan State, pacing the team in scoring (18.1 points) and assists (6.1). 6-8 forward Xavier Tillman has become a solid second scoring threat by averaging 13.9 PPG plus leads the team with 10.0 RPG. MSU had expected SG Joshua Langford (15.0 PPG before getting hurt last season) to be back this season but his ankle just hasn't improved. Gone from last season's Final 4 team are the 6-9 Ward (12.9 & 6.1), the 6-7 Goins (7.9 & 8.9) and SG McQuaid (9.8). The 6-6 Henry (9.9 & 4.4) and 6-7 Brown (8.6 & 4.4) have been solid players plus freshman guard Watts (7.0) and 6-7 freshman forward Hall (4.8 & 3.3) have been steady contributors.
The good news for Indiana is that the Hoosiers are finally healthy in the backcourt, with Devonte Green (11.1), Al Durham (10.5), Rob Phinisee (7.1) and Armaan Franklin (4.7) all able to play major minutes if called upon. Highly-touted 6-9 freshman Jackson-Davis (14.2 & 8.2) has been as good as advertised plus he's joined up front by returning 6-7 forward Smith (12.2 & 5.4) and 6-11 Butler graduate transfer Brunk (8.1 & 6.6).
It's payback time for Tom Izzo after his team was stunned twice by Archie Miller’s underdog Hoosiers a year ago (note: those two wins were enough for Indiana to get an at-large NCAA bid last year). Indian is 11-1 SU at home this season (lone loss to Arkansas on Dec 29) plus the Spartans NEED to put their last road game , a 29-point loss at Purdue on Jan 12, behind them. However, that's EXACTLY what I expect then to do, led by Winston, who averaged 23 points and 9.0 assists against the Hoosiers in the two meetings a season ago. Road favorite "get the cash" in this one!
Good luck...Larry
|
01-23-20 |
Minnesota v. Ohio State -7.5 |
Top |
62-59 |
Loss |
-109 |
8 h 21 m |
Show
|
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Ohio St at 6:30 ET.
Richard 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. Pitino opened the current season without 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. The Golden Gophers visit Columbus just 10-8, including 4-4 in the Big Ten. 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. Ohio State had climbed to No. 2 in the polls before suffering its first loss Dec 15 at Minnesota. The now 12-6 Buckeyes have gone 3-5 since and find themselves in the lower third of the Big Ten standings at 2-5.
In handing Ohio State its first loss of the season in an 84-71 win at home last month, Minnesota received 35 points from sophomore Marcus Carr, while 6-10 sophomore center Daniel Oturu held his own against Buckeyes center Kaleb Wesson, finishing with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Wesson leads Minnesota in scoring (20.2) and rebounding (11.9), while Carr checks in at 16.1-5.2-7.2. Sophomore guard Gabe Kalscheur (11.8) is the conference leader in three-pointers made with 43.
The centerpiece of Ohio St's team this season is 6-9 junior center Kaleb Wesson, a preseason All-Big Ten pick, who leads the team in scoring (14.7) and rebounding (9.3). Holtmann's team has great depth, as EIGHT players are averaging between 6.5 and Wesson's 14.7 PPG. Two guards join Wesson in double digits, sophomore Duane Washington (11.3) and 5-star freshman recruit PJ Carton(10.1 & 3.1 APG). a major issue in the team's recent woes has been that Ohio State's primary ball-handlers C.J. Walker and Carton, have combined for more turnovers (34) than assists (31) in the team's last SIX games.
However, a favorable upcoming schedule gives slumping Ohio State an opportunity to regain its footing, starting Thursday night at home against Minnesota. The Golden Gophers are a different team on the road than at home, going 0-6 overall away from Williams Arena, including 0-4 SU & 1-3 ATS in the Big Ten. Talk about "adjusting" the line. Ohio St was a 7 1/2-point road favorite when it lost at Minnesota back on Dec 15 and is basically favored by the same amount here at home. Minnesota's road woes help Ohio St 'get well' in this one!
Good luck...Larry
|
01-22-20 |
Rutgers v. Iowa -5.5 |
Top |
80-85 |
Loss |
-105 |
13 h 41 m |
Show
|
My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on Iowa ta 9:00 ET.
Rutgers (14-4 / 5-2 Big Ten) travels to Iowa City on Wednesday to take on Iowa (13-5 / 4-3 Big Ten) in Big Ten play. Both schools entered the AP's latest top-25 poll on Monday but while Iowa's winning three straight games allowed them to climb back into the top-25 after a disappointing loss to Nebraska back on Jan 7, Rutgers is ranked for the first time since the 1978-79 NCAA tournament team finished the season at No. 18.
Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell is in his fourth season at the school, having gone 44-54 in his first three. Coming off a a 14-17 season a year ago, Rutgers was picked 12th (of 14 schools) in the Big Ten preseason polls but at 14-4, the Scarlet Knights are off to their best start since the 1996-77 season. Guards Montez Mathis (6.9 & 3.4) and Ron Harper Jr. (11.8 & 5.8) each scored 11 points as the Scarlet Knights held Minnesota to 18 points below its season average in Sunday's 64-56 win. Fellow guards Jacob Young (8.9) also added 11 points while Caleb McConnell (7.4 & 4.5) finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds, giving him his the first double-double of his career. PG Geo Baker (10.7 & 3.9 APG) also returned on Sunday, after missing the previous two games. The Scarlet Knights are a guard-heavy team,with the 6-10 Johnson (9.2 & 8.2) and the 6-6 Yeboah (9.1 & 4.4) being the only significant contributors up front.
Head coach Fran McCaffrey came to Iowa back in the 2010-11 season (off three straight NCAA trips with Siena). His 2013 team was the NIT runner-up and he then led the Hawkeyes to three straight NCAAs. Iowa missed the "Big Dance" the next two years but last year's 23-win team was back in. The Hawkeyes opened 1-3 in Big Ten play but has won THREE in a row to reach 4-3 in Big Ten play. Iowa rolled over then-No. 12 Maryland 67-49 at home on Jan 10, before winning 75-62 at Northwestern on Jan 14 and back at home 90-83 over Michigan on Jan 17. The 6-11 Luka Garza (22.9 & 10.2) was named the Big Ten Player of the Week after averaging 30 points, five rebounds and 1.5 blocked shots in wins over Northwestern and Michigan. Garza made a career-best 11 free throws en route to a game-high 33 points to go along with seven rebounds against the Wolverines. Guard CJ Fredrick (11.1) earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors, adding 21 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Sophomore guard Joe Wieskamp (14.8 & 6.1) produced 20 points and five rebounds, while the 6-10 Ryan Kriener (7.8 & 4.3) scored 14 points vs Michigan. Iowa has even more depth on the perimeter in Connor McCaffrey (6.7-4.6-3.7) and Toussaint (6.6).
The Scarlet Knights have won EIGHT of nine while leading with defense. None of their last EIGHT opponents have shot better than 36.1 percent overall (starting with a 68-48 victory over now-No. 10 Seton Hall), while holding their last NINE opponents to 65 points or fewer. However, Iowa leads the Big Ten in scoring at 79.9 PPG and in Garza has an "irresistible force." Garza entered the week ranked first in the Big Ten and sixth in NCAA Division I in scoring at 22.9 points per game. He's averaging 10.2 rebounds and was tied for first in Division I with seven games of at least 20 points and at least 10 rebounds. He was one of just FIVE players averaging 20 and 10, including one of just TWO in a Power 5 conference. Carver-Hawkeye Arena is known for its hostile crowds and is a tough venue, as Iowa will look to extend its home winning streak to EIGHT games (Hawkeyes are 26-5 SU the last two seasons at home) against a Rutgers team that upset them 86-72 in Iowa City last season. The Scarlet Knights are seeking their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1991 and are 13-0 at home but have lost FOUR of five on the road. Make that FIVE of six, as Iowa wins "with room to spare!"
Good luck...Larry
|
01-22-20 |
Penn State v. Michigan -5 |
Top |
72-63 |
Loss |
-105 |
7 h 45 m |
Show
|
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Michigan at 7:00 ET.
Penn St won the NIT back in 2018 (26 wins) but fell off badly last season, finishing 14-18 (7-13 in the Big Ten). However, the Nittany Lions returned FOUR starters and have impressed so far this season, checking in at 13-4. Penn St entered the AP poll back on Dec 16 (at No. 23), giving the school its first top-25 ranking since March of 1996. Sounds impressive, right? It's even more so when one realizes that Penn St's previous top-25 ranking (to 1996) came back in 1954! However, Penn St lost THREE in a row from Jan 7 through Jan 15, before ending that three-game skid with an impressive 90-76 win against Ohio State on Saturday.
John Beilein left Michigan to take the head coaching job with the Cleveland Cavaliers, 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 began 7-0, after winning the Battle 4 Atlantis (Thanksgiving week). The Wolverines shocked then-No. 6 North Carolina (73-64) and now-No. 2 Gonzaga in the championship game. When "the dust had settled," Michigan wound up No. 4 in the AP poll on Dec 4. However, the Wolverines have gone 4-6 over their last 10 games and have fallen out of the latest AP poll.
The 6-8 Lamar Stevens scored 14 of his game-high 24 points in the second half against Ohio State, en route to becoming the second player in program history to reach 1,000 Big Ten points. Stevens (16.6 & 6.9) leads the etam in scoring) and is joined up front by the 6-10 Watkins, who lerads teh team in rebounds (8.1) plus adds 10.1 PPG. Guards Myreon Jones (14.2) and and Brock (10.1) join those two big men in double digits. Jones added 20 points, four assists and a pair of steals against Ohio St, while the 6-6 Lundy (4.6) finished with 12 points, five rebounds and two blocked shots.
Michigan guard Eli Brooks (11.2) knocked down five 3-pointers en route to a career-high 25 points, but the Wolverines dropped their FIFTH straight road game of the season despite shooting 50 percent from the floor and committing only eight turnovers at Iowa last Friday. Franz Wagner (10.3 & 4.) added 18 points, five rebounds and four assists while the the 7-1 Jon Teske (14.3 & 7.6) produced 14 points, a career-best seven assists, four steals and a pair of blocked shots in the loss. PG Zavier Simpson (12.2-4.3-8.7) dished out six assists to overtake Rumeal Robinson (575) for second place on Michigan’s all-time list with 579. The good news here is, the 6-7 Isaiah Livers (13.6) could return to the lineup after missing the last five contests with a groin injury.
The Nittany Lions scored the most points in a regulation game over a top-25 opponent in team history in its 90-76 win over Ohio St but the Buckeyes are in a 'free fall,' having lost FIVE of six. Clearly, the Wolverines are NOT as good as the etam looked in the Battle 4 Atlantis but Michigan has won EIGHT of its last nine overall meetings with Penn State, not to mention NINE straight home wins over the Nittany Lions. It would be great if Livers could bet back on the court but I'm on "Big Blue," regardless.
Good luck...Larry
|
01-22-20 |
Georgetown v. Xavier -4.5 |
Top |
57-66 |
Win
|
100 |
11 h 4 m |
Show
|
My 9* Conference Crusher (Big East) is on Xavier at 6:30 ET.
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 entering the current season was, FOUR starters returned. Georgetown is 12-7 but just 2-4 in Big East play.The Hoyas head to Cincinnati on Wednesday night to take on Big East rival Xavier.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 (10.6 & 5.3) but Xavier has dropped three straight games (all by double figures) and take the court tonight 12-6, including 1-4 in Big East play.
Losing Jessie Govan (17.5 & 7.5) from last year was a big deal and it sure didn't help that returning guard Akinjo played just seven games before deciding to transfer (he was averaging 13.4 & 4.4 APG). The 6-7 LeBlanc (averaging 7.2) has also decided to transfer. Georgetown relies on Omer Yurtseven, a 7-foot center from Turkey. Yurtseven (16.9 & 9.9) has recorded a double-double in two straight and three of the last four games. Guard McClung is averaging 16.45 PPG while a trio of other guards (Blair, Mosely and Allen) combine for right around 22 points per game. The 6-8 Pickett (9.5 & 6.1) works up front with Yurtsen.
Xavier's 6-9 Tyrique Jones (13.6 & 9.6) will need to come up big vs Yurtsen, although he's far from alone up front. The 6-7 Marshall (16.7-5.8-3.4), the 6-8 Carter (7.1 & 5.1) and 6-9 freshman Freemantle (6.3 & 3.6) are around to help out. SG Scruggs (14.7 & 4.4) is having a solid sesosn but senior PG Goodin (6.8 & 4..0 APG) has been really hurting the team, lately. Will Steele making change? Goodin is averaging fewer assists this season (four) than in each of the last two seasons and his shooting has been atrocious. He has gone 2-of-28 from the floor (that's 7.1%) in the last four games, including 0-of-20 from three-point territory in the last last six. The problem is, his potential replacement is freshman KyKy Tandy, who has made just 16-of-55 (29.1%) on the season.
Here's the rub. The Musketeers hadn't suffered three straight losses by double figures since February 2017 and had never started 1-4 in the Big East, which it joined in 2013-14, but that's EXACTLY where they stand entering this game. However, Xavier is 14-5 overall against Georgetown and 10-3 since joining the Big East. I expect this quality program to "get this one right!"
Good luck...Larry
|
01-21-20 |
Illinois v. Purdue -5.5 |
Top |
79-62 |
Loss |
-110 |
13 h 58 m |
Show
|
My 10* Game of the Week is on Purdue at 7:00 ET.
Brad Underwood was a head coach at Stephen F Austin and Oklahoma St before being hired at Illinois back on March 18, 2017. He signed a six-year contract through 2023 worth $18 million but after two seasons in Champaign, his Fighting Illini were just 26-39 (11-27 in Big Ten play). However, as Underwood entered the current season, he returned FOUR starters from last season's team plus added 6-9 freshman center Kofi Cockburn. The Fighting Illini are 13-5 (5-2 in the Big Ten) and entered the top-25 back on Jan 13 for the first time since Dec 1, 2014. Matt Painter's Purdue is coming off a 26-win season, after reaching the Elite 8 last year (lost in OT to eventual champ UVA). However, Purdue lost outstanding guard Edwards (24.3) from that team, as well as the team's second-leading scorer Cline (12.0). The Boilermakers opened the season ranked 23rd in the AP preseason poll but will welcome Illinois to West Lafayette just 10-8, including 3-4 in the Big Ten.
The Fighting Illini have won four consecutive games, including a 75-71 victory over Northwestern on Saturday, to move one game behind 11th-ranked Michigan State at the top of the conference standings. Trent Frazier drained four 3-pointers en route to a team-high 16 points and grabbed five rebounds in the win against Northwestern to become the 50th player in program history to reach 1,000 points for his career. The junior guard also added three assists and finished without a turnover for the SIXTH consecutive game. Frazier (9.3) is part of Illinois' four-man guard rotation, led by Dosunmu (15.4-4.2-3.1), along with Feliz (10.6-4.7-3.1) and Griffin (8.9 & 4.4). As expected, 6-9 freshman center Kofi Cockburn has made a HUGE impact, averaging 14.6 & 9.4. the 6-9 Giorgi Bezhanishvili adds 8.6 & 4.9.
Purdue has nice balance, as FIVE players average between 9.6 and 11.2 PPG. The 6-9 Williams leads in scoring (11.8) and rebounding (7.8) and is joined up front by the 7-3 Haaarms (10.0 & 5.3). A trio of guards follow, including Hunter (11.2-3.5-2.8), Proctor (9.7), and Stefanovic (9.6)). Filling out the roster are guards Thompson (4.8), Eastern (4.8 & 4.3) and the 6-9 Wheeler (4.2 & 5.2). plus the the 6-9 Williams (9.7 & 7.1).
These teams met back on Jan 5 at Illinois, with the Fighting Illini winning 63-37. Purdue's 37 points were the fewest allowed by Illinois this season and the Boilermakers' shooting percentage of 25.0 percent (15 of 60), was the lowest allowed by Illinois in program history. The 25 percent overall shooting was also the worst mark in the history of Boilermakers basketball. Yes, Purdue has eight losses but SEVEN have come on the road. Purdue takes the court tonight having won its last 15 Big Ten home games, dating to February 2018. Purdue has won EIGHT straight home meetings with Illinois and the Boilermakers have won SIX consecutive home games against ranked teams, including a dominating 71-42 decision against then-No. 8 Michigan State on Jan 12.Gotta 'love' the home team here!
Good luck...Larry
|
01-21-20 |
Wichita State -3.5 v. South Florida |
Top |
56-43 |
Win
|
100 |
13 h 53 m |
Show
|
My 9* Conference Crusher (AAC) is on Wichita St at 7:00 ET.
Gregg Marshall led Winthrop to seven NCAA appearances in nine seasons and since taking over in Wichita, entered this season with a string of 10 consecutive seasons of 22 or more wins, including FOUR, 30-win seasons. In that 10-year span, the Shockers have been to seven NCAA tourneys (including a Final 4 appearance in 2013) and in three NITs (won title in 2011). Wichita State opened last week 15-1 and ranked 16th in the AP poll but it was a "week to forget" for the Shockers. Wichita St was coming off an emotional double-overtime road victory over UConn (on Jan 12 and seemed to be running on fumes when it saw its eight-game true road winning streak come to an end Wednesday at Temple and then and its 14-game home winning streak end with Saturday's 65-54 loss to Houston. The Shockers will look to get back in the win column and end a two-game slide when they visit Tampa on Tuesday for a game with South Florida.
USF won the CBI last year and ended with a 24-14 record, overall. Expectations were high for the 2019-20 season, as all FIVE starters were back. However, the 6-8 Yetna (12.3 & 9.6 LY) was lost for the year to a knee injury, before playing a single game. Then, head coach Brian Gregory announced former four-star forward Mayan Kiir, who hadn't played all year because of personal issues after appearing in every game in 2018-2019, was leaving the program. .USF is showing a lot of fight during its American Athletic Conference schedule but it is not resulting in wins, as the Bulls lost their third game in a row by less than five points Saturday with a 55-54 setback to UCF. The Bulls are just 8-10 overall, including 1-4 in AAC paly.
Sophomore guard Jamarius Burton (11.2-3.7-3.6) had complied seven straight double-figure scoring efforts entering Saturday but managed nine points on 2-of-9 shooting against the Cougars. The key for Wichita St has been balance, as EIGHT players post between 5.5 and 12.9 PPG. Sophomore guard Erik Stevenson is the team’s leading scorer at 12.9 PPG, while adding 5.1 RPG. Burton checks in right behind him (see above) and freshman Etienne (9.8) also starts in the backourt. 6-10 senior center Echenique (10.8 & 5.8) and the 6-6 Wade (8.1& 6.2), a transfer from UTEP. start up front. Guards Sherfield (8.7) and Dennis (6.9 & 4.3) plus the 6-8 Udeze (5.5 & 3.6) provide excellent depth.
The Bulls' outstanding guard duo of Collins (14.7 & 3.5) and Rideau (12.7-4.5-4.4) are leading the way but the team has little size outside of the 7-0 Durr, who is averaging modest totals of 6.2 & 6.3. 6-6 junior forward Justin Brown(8.3 & 4.8) is the team's 'barometer,' as the Bulls are 15-4 since the start of last season when he scores at least 10 points. Now to the bad news...he hasn’t reached double-digits in EIGHT straight games!
I really like this Wichita St team and I see them "getting back on track" here vs a VERY beatable USF team, which has been unable to notch its first signature win of the season. The Shockers may just also remember last season's 'ugly' 54-41 loss on this same floor in Tampa, when the then-slumping Shockers connected a season-worst 28.3% from the floor, including 2 of 18 from three-point range. Road favorite rolls to an easy win in this one.
Good luck...Larry
|
01-21-20 |
Butler +5 v. Villanova |
Top |
61-76 |
Loss |
-109 |
11 h 40 m |
Show
|
My 9* Revenge Rout is on Butler at 7:00 ET.
My 9* Revenge Rout is on Butler at 7:00 ET. Butler has had a 'rich' recent history on the basketball court. The Bulldogs made six NCAA trips from 1997-2007, before Brad Stevens took them to FIVE tourneys in six years, including back-to-back runner-up finishes in 2010 and 2011. Chris Holtmann led Butler to three straight NCAA appearances from 2015-17 and LaVell Jordan followed with an NCAA berth in 2018 but the Bulldogs finished just 16-17 last season. However, Butler opened 7-0 and on Dec 2 entered the AP poll at No. 24, ending a span of 43 consecutive polls on "the outside, looking in!' Butler sat at 15-1 at the beginning of last week and was ranked 5th in the latest AP poll., the highest rating in school history. However, Butler's red-hot start to the season has disappeared in a flash. Butler dropped an eight-point decision against Seton Hall (then ranked 18th but now ranked 10th)on Jan 15, before getting stunned by 13-point loss at DePaul on Saturday, a team that had opened 0-4 in Big East play.
The now 13th-ranked Bulldogs travel to the Philadelphia area to take on 14-3 (4-1 in Big East) Villanova, a team that knows more than a little about winning. Jay Wright spent seven years at Hofstra, before taking over at Villanova at the start of the season. This marks his 19th season with the school and the last six years, the Wildcats have averaged 31.8 wins per season, while winning national titles in 2016 and 2018. The Wildcats are 3-0 on their current four-game homestand, giving them 10 wins in their last 11 games. They were ranked 9th in Monday's new AP poll, the highest ranking the team has held this season.
The Bulldogs entered last week, having not given up more than 67 points in a game this season, before yielding 78 and 79 in the two losses. Leading scorer Kamar Baldwin (15.1 & 4.3) has generally been consistent of late, although he is just 1-of-8 from three-point range in the last two games. Joining Baldwin in the starting backcourt is PG Thompson (6.7-3.7-5.1) but Butler's real strength has to be its depth up front. Forwards McDermott (11.5 & 5.5), Tucker (115 & 5.5), Nze (9.3 & 6.7) and Golden (7.8 & 3.7) are an excellent 'quartet.' Despite a poor week on the defensive end, Butler ranks 5th in points allowed (57.1), 15th in FG percentage against (37.7%) and 10th in three-point shooting (27.9%).
Villanova is off a less-than-impressive 61-55 home win over UConn. The 6-7 Jermaine Samuels (10.9 & 5.2) had 19 points, including several big plays down the stretch, while 6-9 freshman Robinson-Earl (10.8 & 9.5) chipped in 11 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two assists. The team's leading scorer is the 6-8 Saddiq Bey (15.1 & 5.0) but he had nine points, the FIFTH time in the last seven games that he's registered 11 points or less. Junior PG Gillespie (14.9 & 4.5 APG) has gotten plenty of support from freshman guard Moore (10.6), plus the 6-9 Swider (8.2) helps out up front. 'Nova knows defense as well, as the Wildcats enter this game playing its most consistent basketball of the season, limiting opponents to 63.2 points over its their 10 games(66.8 PPG ranks 123rd on the season).
Prior to losing twice last week, Butler's only previous loss was 53-52 at now-No. 1 Baylor. The Bulldogs can take their 'act' anywhere and after losing to Villanova in last year's two meetings by eight and 21 points (remember, Butler finished just 16-17 last season), I expect Butler will have EXTRA motivation to win and get back in "winning mode." Take the points.
Good luck...Larry
|
01-19-20 |
Minnesota v. Rutgers -4.5 |
Top |
56-64 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 38 m |
Show
|
My 10* Game of the Week is on Rutgers at 1:00 ET.
Richard 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. Pitino opened the current season without 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. The Golden Gophers are just 10-7, including 4-3 in the Big Ten. Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell is in his fourth season at the school, having gone 44-54 in his first three. Coming off a a 14-17 season a year ago, Rutgers was picked 12th (of 14 schools) in the Big Ten preseason polls but at 13-4 (4-2 Big Ten), the Scarlet Knights are off to their best start since the 1996-77 season.
The Golden Gophers have won back-to-back home games over Michigan and Penn St, giving them SIX wins their last eight games to climb over .500 in conference play. Minnesota will have the two-best players on the court in the 6-10 Daniel Oturu (20.3 7 12.2) and PG Marcus Carr (16.5-5.3-7.3). Carr went 10-of-11 from the free throw line en route to a team-high 27 points and nine assists Wednesday to help the Golden Gophers improve to 9-1 at home this season in beating Penn St. Oturu continued his inspired play as well, adding 26 points and 14 rebounds to record his 11th double-double of the season.
Rutgers does not have a 'one-two punch" like Oturu and Carr but the Scarlet Knights have a very well-balanced group. Pikiel took his team to Spain in August and Rutgers went 4-0, while jelling as a unit. The "breakout star" of that trip was guard Ron Harper, who averaged 17.0 PPG on 53 percent shooting. He's currently Rutgers' leading scorer, averaging 11.8 PPG and 6.0 RPG, teaming with PG Baker (11.1 & 4.0 APG). A trio of guards (Young, McConnell and Mathis) combine to add right around 23 PPG. Up front, the 6-6 Yeboah (9.4 & 4.6) and the 6-10 Johnson (9.3 & 8.1) are the biggest contributors.
Yeboah scored a team-high 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds in Wednesday's 59-50 home win against Indiana to finish in double figures for the 78th time in his career. Caleb McConnell added 10 points and six rebounds while Myles Johnson scored eight, as the Scarlet Knights held the Hoosiers to season lows in points, field goal percentage (31.7) and three-point field goal percentage (10.5). Of real importance, Geo Baker returned from a three-game injury absence (thumb) to finish with seven points, four assists and a pair of steals.
Rutgers is a PERFECT 12-0 at "the RAC" (Rutgers Athletic Center), claiming wins over ranked teams Seton Hall and Penn St plus quality Big Ten programs like Wisconsin and Indiana. Minny's Daniel Oturu won’t easily establish a post game vs Rutgers' rugged 6-10, 255-pound soph Myles Johnson and Rutgers has been terrific defensively as of late, allowing 52.1 PPG over its last seven. The Gophers have not been so 'Golden' in true road games this season, going 0-5 SU. Lay the points.
Good luck...Larry
|
01-18-20 |
Utah State -2 v. Boise State |
Top |
83-88 |
Loss |
-108 |
13 h 5 m |
Show
|
My 9* West Coast Crusher is on Utah St at 10:00 ET.
Utah St travels to Idaho to take on Bosie St in MWC play. No. 7 San Diego St is 18-0, including 5-0 in league play, so all teams figure to chasing the Aztecs all season long. However, UNLV may be just 10-9 on the season but the Rebels have opened 5-1 in MWC play, leaving schools like Utah St (14-5) and Boise St (11-8) to chase them as well. Utah opened league play 2-0 but then began January with three straight MWC losses (at UNLV, home to SD St and at Air Force). The Aggies rebounded with an 80-70 win at Nevada last Saturday and at 3-3 in league play, take on Boise St tonight. The Broncos welcome Utah St to to Taco Bell Arena off THREE losses in their last four games, leaving them 3-4 in league play.
Senior guard Sam Merrill was the Mountain West player of the year last season and is again leading the Aggies by averaging 16.9-4.9-3.6. 6-7 sophomore forward Justin Bean (12.8) is the team's second-leading scorer and its top rebounder at 10.3 per game. The win at Reno was much-needed, as was the inspired play of of 7-foot sophomore Neemias Queta, who missed much of the first month of the season. He scored a season-high 19 points, just seven days after a 15-point, 14-rebound effort in the home loss to SD St. Guards Miller (10.1), Brito (8.7 & 4.6) and Porter (7.0 & 3.9 APG) join Merrill on the perimeter, while the 6-6 Anderson (10.1) gets time up front with Bean and now, Queta (he's played just seven games this season).
Boise St features a backcourt of the 6-9 Alston (19.5-5.4-3.2) and the 6-7 Jessup (14.8 & 4.2). Senior Hobbs (8.3) is a more traditional guard plus the 6-6 Kigab (14.0 & 4.3) and the 6-7 Williams (11.8 & 8.2) have proven to be solid frontcourt players. Boise St seemingly 'has the talent," but the Broncos are clearly under-achieving. In particular, Boise is suddenly having all sorts of problems on the defensive end, allowing 83 or more points in THREE of the team's last four games. I get the feeling that Utah St , which won 28 games last season, is ready for a late-run. Catching SDSU during the regular season is unlikely but there is always the MWC tourney, which the Aggies won last year by winning three games in three days. First things first. Take Utah St tonight at Boise.
Good luck...Larry
|
01-18-20 |
Virginia v. Georgia Tech |
Top |
63-58 |
Win
|
100 |
16 h 43 m |
Show
|
My 10* "signature" 36-Club Play is on Virginia at 8:00 ET.
Virginia won its first-ever NCAA basketball championship last season but the Cavs opened at just No. 11 in the preseason AP poll (note: it marked the lowest preseason ranking for a defending champion since UConn opened 17th at the start of the 2014-15 season, after winning the title in April 2014). Gone from last year's champs are the team's top-three scorers, guards Guy (15.4 & 4.5), Hunter (15.2 & 5.1) and Jerome (13.6 & 4.2). However, the Cavs opened 7-0 and were ranked 5th when they lost 69-40 at Purdue on Dec 4. However, the defending champs have lost back-to-back games for the first time since 2017, falling 60-53 at BC on Jan 7 and then 63-55 (OT) at home to Syracuse on Jan 11. The 11-4 Cavs fell out of the AP's latest top-25 poll on Monday and the lost 54-50 at No. 9 Florida State on Wednesday, committing 18 turnovers, making just 3 of 15 on three-pointers and shooting 62.5 percent from the free-throw line (5 of 8) to lose its THIRD straight game for the first time in nearly three seasons.
The now 11-5 Cavs (3-3 in the ACC) travel to Atlanta to take on Georgia Tech, which is 8-9 overall, including 3-4 in the ACC. Josh Pastner is in his fourth season with the Yellow Jackets but after winning 21 games in his first year, Ga Tech is coming off seasons in which the team has won just 13 and 14 games. The Yellow Jackets have dropped their last FOUR home games, including a 78-74 setback on Wednesday against Notre Dame, despite shooting 67.9 percent from the floor in the second half. Ga Tech is scoring 67.9 PPG and allowing 67.9, so I guess the old Bil Parcell's line applies, "You are who your record says you are!"
This season's UVA team features an unique guard duo, the 6-8 Key (10.4 & 7.2) and 5-9 PG Clark (10.0-4.3-5.9). The team's most consistent player is 6-9 senior forward Mamadi Diakite, who leads the team in scoring (13.1) and is econd to Key in rebounding (6.8). Diakite has scored 29 points on 11-for-21 shooting from the floor over his last two games, after recording just 15 points across his previous two contests. The 7-1 Huff (8.6 & 6.1) joins Diatka up front and this "Core 4" is basically Virginia's team this season.
Speaking of a 'Core 4," the Yellow Jackets have four players all averaging 30-plus minutes. SG Devoe (16.5 & 3.8) and PG Alavarado (10.4 & 5.3 APG) run the backcourt, while the 6-9 Wright (13.8 & 8.0) and the 6-10 Banks (10.4 & 7.5) ahve done a solid job up front. Wright continues his breakout season, ranking sixth in the ACC in field goal percentage (55.1 percent). He finished with 16 points and five rebounds Wednesday, while Devoe shot 9-for-15 from the floor. Georgia Tech shot 51.7 percent from the floor against Notre Dame, the FOURTH time in the past six games it has hit at least half of its shot attempts.
Now there's the rub. Teams just DON'T shoot 50% against UVA, as in fact, they don't shoot even 35% against them! UVA ranks first in the nation by allowing opponents to shoot just 34.8%, while holding them to 49.0 PPG (also No. 1 in the nation). For all of UVa's woes vs FSU (the nation's 9th-ranked team), the Seminoles came into Wednesday's contest averaging 76.4 PPG, yet were held to just 54 points (that's three 'TDs' below their average!). Despite 18 TOs and going 3-15 on threes, UVA lost by just FOUR points against a team that is 9-0 at home. As noted, Ga Tech has lost its last FOUR home games plus Virginia has won its last FIVE matchups against Georgia Tech, holding the Yellow Jackets to 54 points or less in EACH won. Virginia head coach Tony Bennett is preaching for his team to stay upbeat during the defending national champions’ three-game losing streak entering Saturday’s road contest at Georgia Tech. "Our inexperience shows at times,” Bennett told reporters postgame. “It takes courage to not get discouraged. You can’t be soft.” Looking for a 'silver lining' for the UVA offense? The Cavs may have been 3 of 15 on threes vs FSU but they were 18-of 31 (58.1%) inside the arc. Better shot-selection and fewer turnovers and UVA wins this one HANDILY
Good luck...Larry
|
01-18-20 |
Houston v. Wichita State -3 |
Top |
65-54 |
Loss |
-110 |
10 h 6 m |
Show
|
My 9* play is on Wichita St at 4:00 ET.
Kelvin Sampson's squad lost FOUR starters from last year's 33-4 team that reached the Sweet 16. However, his Cougars were still picked to win the American Athletic Conference. Houston earned its SIXTH victory in seven games Thursday with a 71-62 triumph over SMU and travels to Wichita at 13-4 overall, including 3-1 in AAC play. That 3-1 league mark leaves them tied atop the AAC with Saturday's opponent, as well as with Memphis and Tulsa. Gregg Marshall led Winthrop to seven NCAA appearances in nine seasons and since taking over in Wichita, entered this season with a string of 10 consecutive seasons of 22 or more wins, including FOUR, 30-win seasons. In that 10-year span, the Shockers have been to seven NCAA tourneys (including a Final 4 appearance in 2013) and in three NITs (won title in 2011). Wichita State is looking to get back in the win column Saturday, when the 16th-ranked Shockers (15-2 / 3-1) host Houston. Coming off an emotional double-overtime road victory over UConn last Sunday, the Shockers seemed to be running on fumes against the Owls as they recorded a season low for points in a 65-53 loss at Temple on Wednesday. It not only wended Wichita St's nine-game win streak but the Shockers were also dealt their first true road loss after eight straight victories (it was the second-longest active streak in the country).
Houston has FIVE players averaging between 9.1 and 13.1 PPG. Leading the way has been freshman guard Caleb Mills (13.1) and sophomore guard Quentin Grimes (13.0-3.8-2.9), who started every game for Kansas last season) and was given a waiver to be able to play this season for Houston and is averaging 18.3-5.3-3.3. 6-5 sophomore guard Nate Hinton averages 12.0 PPG, as well as a team-high 9.9 RPG. The 6-7 White (10.7 & 5.7) added 15 points and 11 rebounds for the second double-double of his career vs SMU and guard Jarreau (9.1-3.6-3.3) rounds out Houston's top-five scorers. Freshman guard Marcus Sasser (6.6) and the 6-10 Harris (4.1 & 5.0) have also contributed. The Cougars have out-rebounded every one of their opponents this season, while leading the nation in rebound margin (plus11.5).
The Shockers made just 30.2 percent of their shots against the Owls, while suffering through their worst three-point shooting effort of the season (a 3-for-21 showing, including 0-for-10 in the second half). The team’s lone senior, 6-10 center Jaime Echenique, scored season highs of 20 points and 13 rebounds against Temple. The key for Wichita St has been balance, as EIGHT players post between 5.8 and 13.2 PPG. Sophomore guard Erik Stevenson is the team’s leading scorer at 13.2 PPG, while adding 5.41RPG. The other starters are guards Burton (11.4-3.8-3.7) and Etienne (9.8), along with Echenique (11.0 & 5.1) and the 6-6 Wade (8.2 & 6.2), a transfer from UTEP. Guards Sherfield (8.9) and Dennis (7.1 & 4.4) plus the 6-8 Udeze (5.8 & 3.7) provide excellent depth.
These teams met just once last season, as Houston won 79-70 at home. However, this year's Wichita St team is greatly improved from last year's squad, while Houston is good not not nearly in the class of last season's 33-win team. Gregg Marshall will coach his 200th game at Charles Koch Arena on Saturday, where he owns a 173-26 record in 13 seasons. That includes 14 straight wins since Memphis beat the Shockers 88-85 back on Feb 23 of last season. "The price is right!" Lay the modest number.
Good luck...Larry
|
01-18-20 |
Purdue v. Maryland -5 |
Top |
50-57 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 5 m |
Show
|
My 9* play is on Maryland at 2:00 ET.
Purdue is coming off a 26-win season, after reaching the Elite 8 last year (lost in OT to eventual champ UVA). Purdue lost outstanding guard Edwards (24.3) from that team, as well as the team's second-leading scorer Cline (12.0), but the Boilermakers opened the season ranked 23rd in the AP preseason poll. Purdue started just 4-3 but on Dec 4, got its revenge on Virginia, handing the Cavs their first loss of the current season, 69-40! However, the Boilermakers are just 10-7 on the season (3-3 in the Big Ten), despite coming off another "big win," routing now-No.15 Michigan State 71-42 last Sunday. The Boilermakers held the Spartans to 35.3 percent shooting en route to matching their largest margin of victory over a ranked opponent.
Maryland returned four starters from last year's 23-11 NCAA team (lost in the 2nd round) and Mark Turgeon's team was ranked 7th in the AP's preseason poll. The Terps opened 10-0 and were ranked No. 4 when they lost Dec 10 at Penn St. Now, No. 17 Maryland (13-4) looks to avoid dropping THREE straight Big Ten games for the first time in nearly three years, when it hosts Purdue on Saturday. The Terrapins lost a pair of road games to Iowa (67-49) on Jan 10 and Wisconsin (56-54) on Tuesday to fall to .500 in conference play (3-3). The 7-3 Haarms (10.4 & 5.5) teams with Williams up front, while a trio of guards round out Purdue's starting-five. Hunter (10.8-3.5-3.0), Proctor (10.2) and Stefanovic (9.80 make up a a quality group. The 6-9 Wheeler (4.4 & 5.2) offers Williams and Haarms support up front.
Maryland lost the 6-10 Fernando and his double-double average (13.6 & 10.6) but the core of last year's team is back. PG Cowan (16.2-3.8-4.0) and the 6-10 Smith (13.6 & 9.4) are the top contributors. Smith narrowly missed out on his ninth double-double of the season as he scored 18 points and pulled down nine rebounds in the loss to Wisconsin. Anthony Cowan Jr. added 16 points but missed a potential go-ahead three-pointer with less than three seconds remaining in the game. Joining that duo are guards Wiggins (10.4 & 65.8) and Ayala (8.9) plus SF Morsell (8.2 & 5.3).
Purdue's win over Mich St gave the Boilermakers their 16th consecutive Big Ten home win but this game is NOT in Mackey Arena but rather it's in Xfinity Center in College Park. I've noted all season that the Big Ten is ultra-competitive AND that the home teams have been dominant. Maryland has done its part going 10-0 SU. Maryland has won its last three home games by an average margin of 14 point and that sounds about right, here!
Good luck...Larry
|
01-18-20 |
South Carolina v. Texas A&M -1.5 |
Top |
81-67 |
Loss |
-115 |
4 h 20 m |
Show
|
My 9* play is on Texas A&M at 1:00 ET.
The fiery (I'm being nice here) Frank Martin led Kansas st to FOUR 'Big Dance" appearances in his five season at Kansas St, before taking over at South Carolina in the 2012-13 season. he won just 14 games in each of his first two years with the Gamecocks, before eking out a winning season (17-16) in his third season. A 25-9 season followed in 2015-16 and then came the "breakout," as Martin led the Gamecocks to the Final 54 in 2017, finishing 26-11. However, success has not lasted, with South Carolina winning 17 and 16 games the past two seasons. Thai year's team is a modest 9-7 but the season does include two HUGE upsets, a 70-59 win Dec 22 at Virginia (the defending champs were ranked 9th at the time0 and this past Wednesday's 81-78 home win over No. 10 Kentucky.
Buzz Williams spent five seasons at Marquette, leading the Golden Eagles to five NCAA tourneys, including two Sweet 16s and an Elite 8. It was then on to Va Tech for five years, ending in three straight NCAA bids, making the Sweet 16 last year. Williams is always on the move and he took the job at Texas A&M to start this season. After a 3-1 start, the Aggies lost FOUR in a row. However, the team is starting to jell (more later), having won FIVE of seven.
South Carolina snapped its three-game losing streak on Jermaine Cousinard's three-pointer to beat the Wildcats on Wednesday, Cousinard's game-winning shot capped his career-high 26-point night in his first collegiate start, as coach Frank Martin was trying to shake things up to snap the losing streak. Guard AJ Lawson leads the Gamecocks in scoring on the season with 13.9 PPG but he's averaged just seven points in SEC play, connecting on just 12.9 percent of his shots from the floor. Cousinard is a redshirt freshman and averages 10.1 PPG, as does the 6-11 Kotsar (10.1 & 6.1). Guard Bryant is back from a knee injury and has averaged 9.4 PPG in eight games. A pair of forwards, Minaya and Frink combine to add 12.5 & 9.9 RPG.
The Aggies come into this one off a difficult overtime loss to visiting LSU on Tuesday but despite the loss, Texas A&M has been showing more consistency with its offense, The Aggies scored a season high in points against the Tigers with 85 and hit 40 percent from three-point range. The Aggies also finished with a season-low seven turnovers in the game. The offense is paced by 6-9 senior forward Josh Nebo, who leads the team in scoring (12.1), rebounding (7.9) and blocks (2.7). Freshman guard Andre Gordon (8.2) has stepped up his offensive game in conference play, averaging 13 points, and is coming off a 17-point outing in the loss to LSU. PG Flagg (11.3-4.7-2.3) joins Nebo as A&M's only double digit scorers.
Timing is everything and after winning at UVA on Dec 22, South Carolina lost THREE in a row, before Wednesday's upset of Kentucky. No reason NOT to think that the Gamecocks will be 'flat' here and it should NOT go unnoticed that the A&M is 4-0 ATS in SEC play plus is playing with "double-revenge" against an opponent that at best, is its equal. Home team wins "with room to spare!"
Good luck...Larry
|
01-17-20 |
Michigan v. Iowa -4.5 |
Top |
83-90 |
Win
|
100 |
13 h 27 m |
Show
|
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Iowa at 9:00 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 is 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 began 7-0, after winning the Battle 4 Atlantis (Thanksgiving week). The Wolverines shocked then-No. 6 North Carolina (73-64) and now-No. 1 Gonzaga in the championship game. When "the dust had settled," Michigan wound up No. 4 in the AP poll on Dec 4. However, the Wolverines have gone 4-5 over their last nine games and have fallen to No. 19 in the latest AP poll.
Head coach Fran McCaffrey came to Iowa back in the 2010-11 season (off three straight NCAA trips with Siena). His 2013 team was the NIT runner-up and he then led the Hawkeyes to three straight NCAAs. Iowa missed the "Big Dance" the next two years but last year's 23-win team was back in. The Hawkeyes opened 1-3 in Big Ten play but rolled over then-No. 12 Maryland 67-49 at home last Friday, before knocking down 10 three-pointers en route to a 75-62 triumph at Northwestern this past Tuesday. Iowa welcomes Michigan to Iowa City 12-5 overall, including 3-3 in the Big Ten (note: Michigan is just 2-3 in conference games).
Michigan's most recent game was last Sunday at Minnesota, when the Wolverines were outscored 11-2 in the final three minutes of a 75-67 setback. PG Xavier Simpson (12.6-4.5-8.9) produced 19 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Freshman Franz Wagner had 17 points and is now averaging 9.7 PPG. The 7-1 Jon Teske (14.3 & 7.9) and guard Eli Brooks (10.3) each scored just nine points. More troubling is the duo shot a combined 7-of-20 from the floor against the Golden Gophers. The 6-7 Isaiah Livers (13.6) is Michigan’s second-leading scorer but he's expected to miss his FIFTH consecutive game with a groin issue, and there’s no timetable for his return (last played Dec 14)..
Iowa's 6-11 Luka Garza is averaging 22.3 & 10.4 on the season. He's played a HUGE role in the team's last two wins, as he contributed 21 points and 13 rebounds against Maryland and 27 points in 24 minutes against Northwestern. Guard Joe Wieskamp (14.5 & 6.2) is Iowa's second-leading scorer and he added 11 points, six rebounds and three assists to finish in double figures for the EIGHT straight game at Northwestern. Freshman guard C.J. Fredrick (10.4) scored 11 points and five assists vs the Wildcats, after missing the previous two games with a stress reaction in his foot. Veteran guard Bohannon (8.8) is out for the season but Connor McCaffrey (7.1 & 4.1) and Toussaint (6.8) provide Iowa with plenty depth on the perimeter. The 6-10 Kreiner (7.5 & 4.4) comes off the bench to help Garza (who needs little), up front.
Michigan defeated Iowa 103-91 in the conference opener for both schools back on Dec 6 but that victory came despite a career-high 44 points from Garza. "Big men" keep enjoying "big games" against Michigan, as Minnesota center Daniel Oturu torched the Wolverines for a career-best 30 points one game after Michigan survived a double-overtime thriller despite a career-high 36 points from Purdue power forward Trevion Williams. Michigan is 0-3 in true road games during its 4-5 run since returning from Atlantis, losing by 15 at Louisville, nine at Illinois and 18 at Michigan St. Carver-Hawkeye Arena is known for its hostile crowds and is a tough venue, as Iowa is 25-5 SU the last two seasons at home. Garza and the Hawkeyes continue Michigan's recent slide, as the Wolverines' wonderful Atlantis performance is fast becoming a distant memory!
Good luck...Larry
|
01-16-20 |
Oregon State v. Washington -3.5 |
Top |
56-64 |
Win
|
100 |
14 h 9 m |
Show
|
My 9* West Coast Crusher is on Washington at 11:00 ET.
Oregon State head coach Wayne Tinkle got great news when both 6-7 senior Tres Tinkle (his son) and junior guard Ethan Thompson decided to come back this season and play for the Beavers. Oregon State’s 10-2 start in non-conference play matched the 1989-90, 2011-12 and 2015-16 teams for the program’s best start in 35 years but the Beavers opened 1-2 in conference play, before Sunday's impressive 82-65 home win over then-No. 24 Arizona last Sunday. Mike Hopkins spent more than 20 years as an assistant to Jim Boeheim at Syracuse, before taking the job at Washington for the 2017-18 season. His first team won 21 games and an NIT berth but last year's team won 27 games and earned an NCAA bid. However, FOUR starters are gone from that team, including three NBA draft picks. That's never good but Hopkins recruited a pair of McDonald's All-Americans (big men Isaiah Stewart and Jaden McDaniels) plus added a third with the transfer of guard Quade Green from Kentucky. However, after a 10-2 start, Washington has lost FOUR of its last five games and sits tied for last place in the Pac-12 with a 1-3 record.
Oregon State get almost all of its production from its starting-five. Tinkle (19.9-6.8-3.9) and Thompson (16.8-4.2-4.7) lead the way. Tinkle is joined in the frontcourt by the 7-0 Kelley (11.2 & 5.0) and the 6-6 Hollins (6.4 & 3.8), while Reiche (9.5) starts in the backcourt with Thompson. The Beavers are one of the nation's better shooting teams (48.4% ranks 11th) and they had all five starters in double-figure scoring for the first time this season in Sunday's win over Arizona. That victory also gave OSU its first win over a top-25 team for the first time since 2016
The Huskies have struggled without starting PG Quade Green (11.6 & 5.3 APG), who has been ruled academically ineligible and is out through at least the Pac-12 tournament. Washington averaged 56.5 points while shooting 34 percent from the floor, including 21.3 percent from three-point range in last week's losses to Stanford and California. Freshman Stewart (18.2 & 8.6) and McDaniels (13.5 & 6.4) have been as good as advertised, but Hopkins has been disappointed in the play of juniors Nahziah Carter and Hameir Wright, who scored a combined 15 points on 3-of-14 shooting in last Saturday’s 61-58 loss to Cal. However, Carter is averaging 13.2 & 5.4 on the season. Hopkins tinkered with his lineup on Saturday and started Jamal Bey (5.8) at point guard in place of Elijah Hardy, who struggled in last Thursday’s 61-55 loss to Stanford.
12-4 Oregon State is off to its best start since 1989-90 but the Beavers lost 15 straight games to the Huskies in Seattle. Washington is 39-7 SU at home under Hopkins and 'stops the bleeding' with a COMFORTABLE win here!
Good luck...Larry
|
01-16-20 |
Colorado v. Arizona State +2 |
Top |
68-61 |
Loss |
-110 |
12 h 8 m |
Show
|
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Arizona St at 9:00 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 opened 7-0 but lost at then-No. 2 Kansas and home to Northern Iowa their next two games. However, Boyle’s Colorado squad is hot as it heads to the state of Arizona for a pair games, having won SIX of seven to reach 13-3 (2-1 in Pac 12).
Bobby Hurley won two national titles as Duke's PG (1991 and 1992) but was always destined to get into the 'family business,' as his father is Bob Hurley, Sr, the legendary high school coach of St Anthony's (NJ). Hurley's first job was at Buffalo and in his second season, led the Bulls to an NCAA berth. He used that as springboard to take the Arizona St job in 2015-16. However, he opened with back-to-back losing season s(15 wins each year). Hurley's 2017-18 squad snuck into the "Big Dance" as a First Four team but the Sun Devils were back 'dancing' again last season, losing in the Round of 64 to finish 23-11. However, Arizona State is off to a 1-2 start in the conference and sits a modest 10-6 overall.
Colorado has beaten then-No. 13 Dayton (78-76 in OT) and then-No. 4 Oregon (74-65) in its current stretch, which has seen them return to the top-25 at No. 20. PG McKinley Wright (13.6-5.4-5.1), swingman Tyler Bey (13.0 & 9.8) and guard D’Shawn Schwartz (11.2) are the leading scorers for the Buffs, who are averaging 82.2 points over their last six games. The 6-8 Battey (9.9 & 6.7) and the 6-7 Siewert (7.4 & 4.4) bring some 'muscle' up front. Rebounding and defense remain Colorado strengths,as the Buffs lead the Pac-12 with a plus-8.0 rebound margin and rank second in allowing 61.3 PPG (27th nationally).
PG Remy Martin (19.1-3.3-3.9) leads the way for ASU and he comes in averaging 24 points over his last four outings, including a season-high 29 in Saturday’s 78-69 loss at Oregon. Fellow guard Verge (12.8 & 3.8) and the 6-8 White (10.5 & 9.6) join Martin in double figures.Adding perimeter depth are guards perimeter from Edwards (9.3 & 3.4) and House (6.5), while the 6-8 Lawrence (5.1) and the 6-8 Cherry (4.9) join White up front.
These conference rivals opened the current season playing each other in Shanghai, China on Nov 8 (did not count as a conference game), with the Buffaloes’ winning 81-71. However, the Sun Devils played that contest without two suspended starters, center Romello White and wing Taeshon Cherry. Colorado is getting better with its turnover problems but the Buffs still have more turnovers (228) than assists (220) on the season. Colorado has dropped SIX straight in Tempe, including an 83-61 loss a season ago, and I expect them to make it SEVEN straight losses, tonight!
Good luck...Larry
|
01-16-20 |
Cincinnati v. Memphis -4 |
Top |
49-60 |
Win
|
100 |
12 h 51 m |
Show
|
My 10* Revenge Game of the Month is on Memphis at 7:00 ET. Full, detailed analysis by 9:00 ET Thursday morning.
|