Picks for Friday, November 12

I've had some success in college in the past but have never really posted here on covers. I'll post my plays with short write ups.

I take a very aggressive approach with my wagers, usually playing teams on the ML who I feel have very  little chance to lose. Yes, that is a risky way to go but it has worked for me.  Except for very early in the season, I also don't believe in teasers and parlays as I think they're sucker bets.  

*Note* -  I usually never play this many games. However, I think that there are some nice spots to open the season.

Princeton ML -330 over Rutgers - Princeton returns its top 5 scorers from last season and is the favorite to the win the Ivy League.  Rutgers is a mess, losing its leading scorer Rosario (16.7 ppg) and shot  blocker Ndiaye from last season.  Princeton should win this game on its home floor.   600 to win 200

Northern Arizona +6.5 over Iowa State - The Lumberjacks bring back 4 starters and should contend in the Big Sky Conference.  Meanwhile, the Cyclones have a lot of work to do under new coach Fred Hoiberg.  Two starters return from last season's 15-17 team.  I'll take the points.   55 to win 50

Loyola Chicago -3.5 over Eastern Kentucky - Loyola started 11-2 last season before falling apart. All 5 starters are back, including the Sixth Man of the Year in the Horizon League. Eastern Kentucky returns 3 starters from its 20-13 team, but did lose its leading scorer and leading assists man. I'll lay the small
number.  35 to win 31

VCU -19.5 over UNC Greensboro -  Even without their man inside presence in Larry Sanders, the Rams should still win the Colonial as they return 4 starters. UNC Greensboro has just 1 starter back from a team that went 8-23 last season.   30 to win 27

Two-team 6-point teaser - I usually don't like these bets but ...

Southern Miss +7.5 over South Florida -  Larry Eustachy returns all 5 starters from what he is calling his best team at Southern Miss.  South Florida lost three starters, including Dominique Jones (21.4 ppg) That's a lot of production to replace.

Northwestern -3.5 over Northern Illinois - This may be the year the Wildcats reach the NCAA Tournament. Five of their top six players are back. Team also toured Italy this summer beating some professional teams.  Northern Illinois is a complete mess as the No. 2, No. 3 and No.4 scorers all left the team.  After Xavier Silas (19.7 ppg), this team has little depth.   150 to win 100

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Wisconsin Milwaukee +11.5  over Portland -  Wisconsin-Milwaukee returns 3 starters, including shooting guard Tom
Boyle who missed all of last season with a back injury. Another team who toured Europe in the summer.  Portland
has a lot of production to replace, losing 4 starters from its 21-win team from last season.   I'll take the more experienced team here.

Samford +9.5 over Youngstown State - Samford plays that slow, Princeton-style offense.  It's an offense which can
be very frustrating to play against.   Samford returns 3 starters from last season's disappointing 11-win team.
Youngstown State won just 8 games last season and is very young with just 1 starter returning.  Think Samford
frustrates this team.   75 to win 50

Leans - Other games I like but will not be playing.
Iona +2 over Kent State
Santa Barbara -4 over Denver

Results for Friday, November 12

Not the start I envisioned, but was able to turn a $171.00 profit on the day.

Princeton ML -300 over Rutgers - Was very surprised that the game reached OT. Rutgers shot very well and got a
huge performance out of Beatty.   WON +200

Northern Arizona +6.5 over Iowa State - Northern Arizona was pretty much overhelmed from outset.  Got off to an extremely slow start, missing 9 of their first 10 shots and never were in the game.  LOSS -55

Loyola Chicago -3.5 over Eastern Kentucky  - Loyola pretty much controlled this game, pulling away in the second half.  WON +31

VCU -19.5 over UNC Greensboro -  VCU was just never able to pull away, winning by 15. Saw the Rams were up 15 midway through 2nd half, just never were able to get over the hump. LOSS -30

Teasers
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Southern Miss +7.5 over South Florida -  Weird game. Southern Miss had nice run in first half, then fell behind by 8 points in second half before using strong finish to win game outright.

Northwestern -3.5 over Northern Illinois -  Northwestern struggled early, but cruised after about the 10-minute mark of the first half.  WON +100

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Wisconsin Milwaukee +11.5  over Portland -  Wisconsin-Milwaukee was very disappointing, neaver leading. UWN
pulled within 9 a few times in the 2nd half but the Pilots pretty much dominated.

Samford +9.5 over Youngstown State - Pretty close throughout with Youngstown pulling out a close win.  LOSS -75