Word of advice on Thursday's games - Check the venue! A lot of these games are being played at neutral sites. Books often list one team "at" another when in reality the game is not being played on either team's home court. Already seen a few people assuming the Illinois-Mizzou game is in Columbia when it's actually being played in St. Louis.
Anyway, onto a rather large card. Almost feels like a Saturday.
UTEP vs. Clemson Under 118 (1 unit) This would be a play in any venue/setting, but the fact that it's being played in Hawaii at 8:30 A.M. local time only reinforces my sentiments. Both coaches are defensive wizards capable of taking away what the opposing offense does best. In this game, neither offense is capable of doing a whole lot, but more importantly, the tempo should be painfully slow. 8 of Clemson's 10 games have been played at 64 possessions or less (Iowa and Citadel are the exceptions). Pretty amazing stat. UTEP (#297 tempo per KenPom) will be happy to oblige the Tigers' grind-it-out style. Both teams are below-average at the free throw line (UTEP-202, Clemson-205) and allow very few transition baskets. Clemson is easily the best defense this extremely young UTEP team has seen this year. Clemson has faced some terrible defenses to this point (Opp. Def. SOS 313). Should be a lot of missed jumpers on both ends and hopefully no end-of-game foulfest.
Word of advice on Thursday's games - Check the venue! A lot of these games are being played at neutral sites. Books often list one team "at" another when in reality the game is not being played on either team's home court. Already seen a few people assuming the Illinois-Mizzou game is in Columbia when it's actually being played in St. Louis.
Anyway, onto a rather large card. Almost feels like a Saturday.
UTEP vs. Clemson Under 118 (1 unit) This would be a play in any venue/setting, but the fact that it's being played in Hawaii at 8:30 A.M. local time only reinforces my sentiments. Both coaches are defensive wizards capable of taking away what the opposing offense does best. In this game, neither offense is capable of doing a whole lot, but more importantly, the tempo should be painfully slow. 8 of Clemson's 10 games have been played at 64 possessions or less (Iowa and Citadel are the exceptions). Pretty amazing stat. UTEP (#297 tempo per KenPom) will be happy to oblige the Tigers' grind-it-out style. Both teams are below-average at the free throw line (UTEP-202, Clemson-205) and allow very few transition baskets. Clemson is easily the best defense this extremely young UTEP team has seen this year. Clemson has faced some terrible defenses to this point (Opp. Def. SOS 313). Should be a lot of missed jumpers on both ends and hopefully no end-of-game foulfest.
I'd like to add that both teams will lose a few possessions turning the ball over. Considering kenpom has this game totalling 115, and the jet lag associated with West <----- East travel.
5 hours time difference for clemson
4 hours difference for texas el paso
so this to them should be an "afternoon" game
but if they went to bed at 8pm, that is still a midnight or 1am bed time.
I'd like to add that both teams will lose a few possessions turning the ball over. Considering kenpom has this game totalling 115, and the jet lag associated with West <----- East travel.
5 hours time difference for clemson
4 hours difference for texas el paso
so this to them should be an "afternoon" game
but if they went to bed at 8pm, that is still a midnight or 1am bed time.
Bradley +17.5 @ Michigan (1.5 units) The Wolverines have gone from under-the-radar at the start of the year to somewhat overvalued based on success against top-notch competition. But the reality is, this team is not built to blow teams out of the building. UM has two wins by 17 or more points this season, and both of those came against absolutely abhorrent teams (Towson and Alabama A & M). They haven't been remotely tested in two weeks and this is the final game of what has been a highly-productive non-conference schedule. The students are home for break, but more importantly there is a major connection here between the programs. John Beilein's son, Patrick, is an assistant coach for Bradley. The head coach for the Braves, Geno Ford, is a close personal friend of Beilein, who said in the article posted below that he does not enjoy coaching against friends but needed a quality game to close out the non-conference slate. Bradley is hardly a world-beater, but Ford's team is well-coached, gritty, and battle-tested, and I suspect they're going to give Michigan a very good game in Ann Arbor. One concern is the travel for Bradley, which is playing its 4th game in 7 days and lost a heartbreaker Tuesday night against Western Carolina. Still, the motivation probably won't be there for Michigan, and Beilein is not going to run up the score against his own kid and a close personal friend.
Florida Atlantic +14 @ Harvard (1 unit) Few things to note here: Mike Jarvis was an assistant at Harvard a long time ago and this is his first return trip to Cambridge. Probably not significant, but I thought it was interesting. More important note is that Greg Gantt, FAU's leading scorer, will not be playing. He missed the Miami game as well and was admirably replaced by freshman Omari Greer, who poured in 27 points. Anyway, I think FAU will be alright without Gantt. This spread is where it is based on Harvard's Top 25 ranking. The Crimson are one of the "It" teams right now in CBB and attracting a good deal of national attention. These are the types of teams against whom I enjoy betting. I equally enjoy betting on teams whose records appear poor due to the high level of competition played. This applies directly to FAU, which has played the nation's 15th toughest schedule per KenPom and has only been blown out once, a 23-point loss to Kansas at the Phog. Well, Lavietes Pavillion is not the Phog, and Harvard is not a team built to blow anyone out. Other than a 24-point drubbing of Boston U and a shellacking of horrendous Utah, Harvard has yet to beat anyone by more than 10 points. This should be a low-scoring, grind-it-out game with two excellent defenses. It's also worth noting that Harvard hasn't played in 12 days and might be somewhat rusty at the outset. FAU has been off for 5 days since the 2OT thriller with Miami. Jarvis' coaching should keep FAU in the game until the end, though I'd be very surprised if they actually pulled out a win.
Bradley +17.5 @ Michigan (1.5 units) The Wolverines have gone from under-the-radar at the start of the year to somewhat overvalued based on success against top-notch competition. But the reality is, this team is not built to blow teams out of the building. UM has two wins by 17 or more points this season, and both of those came against absolutely abhorrent teams (Towson and Alabama A & M). They haven't been remotely tested in two weeks and this is the final game of what has been a highly-productive non-conference schedule. The students are home for break, but more importantly there is a major connection here between the programs. John Beilein's son, Patrick, is an assistant coach for Bradley. The head coach for the Braves, Geno Ford, is a close personal friend of Beilein, who said in the article posted below that he does not enjoy coaching against friends but needed a quality game to close out the non-conference slate. Bradley is hardly a world-beater, but Ford's team is well-coached, gritty, and battle-tested, and I suspect they're going to give Michigan a very good game in Ann Arbor. One concern is the travel for Bradley, which is playing its 4th game in 7 days and lost a heartbreaker Tuesday night against Western Carolina. Still, the motivation probably won't be there for Michigan, and Beilein is not going to run up the score against his own kid and a close personal friend.
Florida Atlantic +14 @ Harvard (1 unit) Few things to note here: Mike Jarvis was an assistant at Harvard a long time ago and this is his first return trip to Cambridge. Probably not significant, but I thought it was interesting. More important note is that Greg Gantt, FAU's leading scorer, will not be playing. He missed the Miami game as well and was admirably replaced by freshman Omari Greer, who poured in 27 points. Anyway, I think FAU will be alright without Gantt. This spread is where it is based on Harvard's Top 25 ranking. The Crimson are one of the "It" teams right now in CBB and attracting a good deal of national attention. These are the types of teams against whom I enjoy betting. I equally enjoy betting on teams whose records appear poor due to the high level of competition played. This applies directly to FAU, which has played the nation's 15th toughest schedule per KenPom and has only been blown out once, a 23-point loss to Kansas at the Phog. Well, Lavietes Pavillion is not the Phog, and Harvard is not a team built to blow anyone out. Other than a 24-point drubbing of Boston U and a shellacking of horrendous Utah, Harvard has yet to beat anyone by more than 10 points. This should be a low-scoring, grind-it-out game with two excellent defenses. It's also worth noting that Harvard hasn't played in 12 days and might be somewhat rusty at the outset. FAU has been off for 5 days since the 2OT thriller with Miami. Jarvis' coaching should keep FAU in the game until the end, though I'd be very surprised if they actually pulled out a win.
Air Force +15.5 @ Gonzaga (1.5 units) Been eyeing this game for about a week. All about styles and prep time here. The Gonzaga coaching staff had exactly one day of practice to get its team ready to face one of the most efficient Princeton-style attacks in the country. By my account, the Zags haven't seen the Princeton at any point over the last two years, meaning many of the players are completely unfamiliar. In the article posted below, Mark Few says he is highly-concerned about the lack of prep time, especially coming off of three straight big wins over Arizona, Oral Roberts, and Butler. This is the 4th game in 7 days for Gonzaga, meaning there was no time to prepare in advance for the Air Force attack. Plus, the normally raucous "Kennel" will be subdued with the student body home for Christmas break. Air Force has 5 days of prep time and brings an experienced group into Spokane with four juniors and one senior in the starting lineup. The AFA has played a terrible schedule to this point, but the spot and lack of prep time for Gonzaga overrides my concerns regarding the weak schedule. I suspect Air Force will be able to control the pace of the game and keep Gonzaga from quickly extending the lead. Weird feeling this one could come down to the wire...
Air Force +15.5 @ Gonzaga (1.5 units) Been eyeing this game for about a week. All about styles and prep time here. The Gonzaga coaching staff had exactly one day of practice to get its team ready to face one of the most efficient Princeton-style attacks in the country. By my account, the Zags haven't seen the Princeton at any point over the last two years, meaning many of the players are completely unfamiliar. In the article posted below, Mark Few says he is highly-concerned about the lack of prep time, especially coming off of three straight big wins over Arizona, Oral Roberts, and Butler. This is the 4th game in 7 days for Gonzaga, meaning there was no time to prepare in advance for the Air Force attack. Plus, the normally raucous "Kennel" will be subdued with the student body home for Christmas break. Air Force has 5 days of prep time and brings an experienced group into Spokane with four juniors and one senior in the starting lineup. The AFA has played a terrible schedule to this point, but the spot and lack of prep time for Gonzaga overrides my concerns regarding the weak schedule. I suspect Air Force will be able to control the pace of the game and keep Gonzaga from quickly extending the lead. Weird feeling this one could come down to the wire...
-Great buy low opportunity on Washington going against an abhorrent Northridge team. N'Diaye is returning for UW, though he will not start. I'm going to be on U-Dub first half when it comes out tomorrow. At the pace Northridge plays, Washington may hang 60 on 'em in the first half.
Current Leans:
Loyola MD +24, Washington 1H -11(?), Hawaii +1.5, SEMO +4, Elon +16.5, Lehigh 1H +8
A few of these will definitely be plays. Just hoping for better lines, especially on Loyola.
-Great buy low opportunity on Washington going against an abhorrent Northridge team. N'Diaye is returning for UW, though he will not start. I'm going to be on U-Dub first half when it comes out tomorrow. At the pace Northridge plays, Washington may hang 60 on 'em in the first half.
Current Leans:
Loyola MD +24, Washington 1H -11(?), Hawaii +1.5, SEMO +4, Elon +16.5, Lehigh 1H +8
A few of these will definitely be plays. Just hoping for better lines, especially on Loyola.
If you like the UNDER in the UTEP-Clemson game, would you think this game will be close? I'm thinking about taking UTEP +7, but appreciate your thoughts and insight. Thanks in advance and always look forward to your posts.
If you like the UNDER in the UTEP-Clemson game, would you think this game will be close? I'm thinking about taking UTEP +7, but appreciate your thoughts and insight. Thanks in advance and always look forward to your posts.
If you like the UNDER in the UTEP-Clemson game, would you think this game will be close? I'm thinking about taking UTEP +7, but appreciate your thoughts and insight. Thanks in advance and always look forward to your posts.
Probably would lean Clemson, but not interested in laying 7 points with that offense. Still, UTEP is probably gonna have a tough time generating points against the Clemson D. Spread looks accurate to me.
If you like the UNDER in the UTEP-Clemson game, would you think this game will be close? I'm thinking about taking UTEP +7, but appreciate your thoughts and insight. Thanks in advance and always look forward to your posts.
Probably would lean Clemson, but not interested in laying 7 points with that offense. Still, UTEP is probably gonna have a tough time generating points against the Clemson D. Spread looks accurate to me.
I keep looking at Auburn's schedule and thinking how it might be the worst non-conference slate I've ever seen for a BCS school. One road game at Seton Hall and they got spanked. Hawaii will have a big crowd tonight for the nightcap. Haven't seen Hawaii play this year, but very surprised that Auburn is favored as of now.
I keep looking at Auburn's schedule and thinking how it might be the worst non-conference slate I've ever seen for a BCS school. One road game at Seton Hall and they got spanked. Hawaii will have a big crowd tonight for the nightcap. Haven't seen Hawaii play this year, but very surprised that Auburn is favored as of now.
Adding Loyola MD. Love Patsos' ball pressure defense against a UK squad playing in front of a subdued crowd and 40 minutes away from Christmas break. No Terence Jones, which means a very short bench. Just based on reading the papers, it sounds like Calipari just wants to get a win and avoid injuries.
Current Card Bradley +17.5 @ Michigan (1.5 units) Air Force +15.5 @ Gonzaga (1.5 units) UTEP vs. Clemson Under 118 (1 unit) UCSB @ BYU Over 145.5 (1 unit) Loyola MD +24.5 @ Kentucky (1 unit) Florida Atlantic +14 @ Harvard (1 unit) CS-Northridge @ Washington 1H -10.5 (1 unit)
Adding Loyola MD. Love Patsos' ball pressure defense against a UK squad playing in front of a subdued crowd and 40 minutes away from Christmas break. No Terence Jones, which means a very short bench. Just based on reading the papers, it sounds like Calipari just wants to get a win and avoid injuries.
Current Card Bradley +17.5 @ Michigan (1.5 units) Air Force +15.5 @ Gonzaga (1.5 units) UTEP vs. Clemson Under 118 (1 unit) UCSB @ BYU Over 145.5 (1 unit) Loyola MD +24.5 @ Kentucky (1 unit) Florida Atlantic +14 @ Harvard (1 unit) CS-Northridge @ Washington 1H -10.5 (1 unit)
If you choose to make use of any information on this website including online sports betting services from any websites that may be featured on this website, we strongly recommend that you carefully check your local laws before doing so. It is your sole responsibility to understand your local laws and observe them strictly. Covers does not provide any advice or guidance as to the legality of online sports betting or other online gambling activities within your jurisdiction and you are responsible for complying with laws that are applicable to you in your relevant locality. Covers disclaims all liability associated with your use of this website and use of any information contained on it. As a condition of using this website, you agree to hold the owner of this website harmless from any claims arising from your use of any services on any third party website that may be featured by Covers.