If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
2-Unit Play. Take #546 Virginia (-3.5) over Wisconsin (2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 23)
This should be a close, low-scoring, cleanly-played game between these two teams. But I think that Virginia is the better team. Nothing that Wisconsin does on either end of the floor is going to bother the Cavaliers. But the Cavs have more high-end talent, more depth, and more experience. Virginia is pretty obviously the best team in this field and that should result in a win here in the championship.
1-Unit Play. Take #547 Stanford (-7) over Middle Tennessee State (7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 23)
The Cardinal hit rock bottom yesterday against Florida. But after three straight tough games against Top 25 opponents I think they will be able to stretch out a bit against a below-average Middle Tennessee State team. Stanford needs to salvage something positive from this tournament whereas MTSU is just happy to be here. Stanford's size should wear down the Blue Raiders and lead to a blowout win.
1-Unit Play. Take #556 Florida State (-5.5) over LSU (4:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 23)
I'll take experience over talent. LSU is a really good team. But Florida State can match their size and athleticism. The Seminoles have a huge advantage in experience, though, and that should pay off. LSU starts three freshmen and a sophomore. And after playing well yesterday I think they will struggle against the Seminoles defense here.
2-Unit Play. Take #563 George Mason (+11) over Cincinnati (7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 23)
George Mason has been playing like trash. But they are better than their record suggests. I also don't think that the Bearcats are quite as good as their recent results. They have two really good players in Jarron Cumberland and Cane Broome. But they also lost a ton of talent from last year's team and I don't think thye are going to be quite as dominant this season.
7-Unit Play. Take #590 Michigan State (-4.5) over Texas (6:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 23)
Texas had its fun yesterday in an upset win over North Carolina. But I don't see them doing it twice in a row. Michigan State lost its best player from last year. But the guys that stayed in school are no joke. This is a vintage Tom Izzo team in that they defend, rebound, hustle and play hard in every game. They also have talent and experience. Texas peaked yesterday. And they are in a killer letdown spot here. UNC doesn't play any defense, so it isn't a stunner that Texas shot 53 percent from the field. But they aren't going to do that against Michigan State. And when their first two options are taken away the Longhorns should crumble into the muddle, confused mess that they normally are. I think Michigan State wins this one by double-digits.
1-Unit Play. Take #596 Marquette (-3.5) over Louisville (7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 23)
This whole year is going to be a slog for Louisville. They just aren't any good. This is a transitional season for Chris Mack and he just doesn't have much to work with. Marquette has the best player on the floor in Markus Howard. And if they can hold their own on the interior then they just have too much backcourt talent.
4-Unit Play. Take #598 Kansas (-3.5) over Tennessee (9:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 23)
These are two Top 5 teams and this should be a really good game. But Kansas has more talent and I think that they will control this game. Tennessee is really tough. But if you look back at what this group did last year they really didn't do much in the nonconference. They haven't looked that great in wins over Georgia Tech and Louisville, whereas Kansas has already posted impressive wins over very good Michigan State and Marquette teams. Kansas just has too much depth here and they will win this mini-tournament.
3-Unit Play. Take #625 North Carolina (-10) over UCLA (4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 23)
UCLA got run out of the gym last night and I think that they are going to struggle again today versus a pissed off North Carolina team. UCLA doesn't play any defense so the Tar Heels should shoot the ball a lot better than they did yesterday. The Bruins just don't have the guns for a game like this and UNC should take out its frustration on them here.
1-Unit Play. TEASER: Take #571 Miami (-3.5) over Fresno State (2 p.m.) AND Take #574 Northwestern (-5.5) over LaSalle (4:30 p.m.)
Comment