Florida St will be with out their starting PG for this game and may be without their leading scorer as well. I expect Nebraska to start shooting the ball better from deep and to turnover the Noles.
Florida St will be with out their starting PG for this game and may be without their leading scorer as well. I expect Nebraska to start shooting the ball better from deep and to turnover the Noles.
Florida St will be with out their starting PG for this game and may be without their leading scorer as well. I expect Nebraska to start shooting the ball better from deep and to turnover the Noles.
Wow that was one of the worst officiating games I've seen in a while.
The refs were doing ever thing in there power to keep Florida St alive,
but it still wasn't enough
Florida St will be with out their starting PG for this game and may be without their leading scorer as well. I expect Nebraska to start shooting the ball better from deep and to turnover the Noles.
Wow that was one of the worst officiating games I've seen in a while.
The refs were doing ever thing in there power to keep Florida St alive,
but it still wasn't enough
There is a much better slate of games that tip off tomorrow and Wednesday compared to last night's games. The ACC will have some catching up to do after losing both games tonight at home and falling down 2-0 to the Big 10. It's time to make some picks. I'll like these two for now, but will be making more picks later.
12/2 Picks (8-4-2 Overall)
Syracuse(+5.5) Vs. Michigan
I watch Michigan more than any other team from the big 10. I know this team and while they are talented in the back court with a trio of really good players, there still a young team with a lot of inexperience at the back end. Even though Michigan is very efficient team on the offensive side of the ball, they will still have to shoot the ball really well from deep to win this game. They are very capable of doing this with four players shooting over 40% on the year from deep, but I don't expect them to shoot at that high of a rate against this Syracuse Zone. They'll definitely get some open looks, but if you have watch Syracuse over the years you will see that it is pretty common for teams to struggle offensively against this zone. They'll have to look to get out in transition and hit some threes out of it because they will not be getting many second chance opportunities on the offensive end.
A key thing for this game will be Derrick Walton, Michigan's starting point guard. He will be playing limited minutes or will not be playing at all after injuring his toe against Villanova. This doesn't really hurt them at the PG position that much since there backup is solid in Spike Albrecht, but it will hurt Michigan if Caris Levert or Zak Irvin has to come out of the game leaving them with limited scorer on the floor. The wolverines like to play both Spike and Walton together at times or sub in Spike for Walton or Irvin, but they won't be able to do this if Walton is still unable to go. They rely heavily on the triple threat of Levert, Walton, and Irvin to do the majority of the scoring for this offense so with one significant guy out it can damage their offensive production. I expect Syracuse to keep it close on the road whether he plays or not and they will give the young wolverine's front court trouble on the glass. There very weak in that department and it will noticeable in tomorrow's game.
Take Syracuse +5.5
Illinois(+5) Vs. Miami
I watched Illinois play Baylor in the Las Vega Invitational Championship Game and while they did struggle to shoot the ball they managed to come out with an 8 point victory against a pretty good Big 12 team. The Illini looked much improved on the offensive end compared to last season. They have a go to scorer in Ray Rice, a big and physical guard who can shoot, drive, rebound, and play defense. There also getting quality guard play out of transfers Aaron Cosby and Ahmad Starks who both take care of the ball and can hit it from deep as well. The one player who has really helped this team get better is Malcom Hill who has really stepped up his offensive production and improved his shot from his freshman season and Kendrick Nunn continues to be a good wing player who can shoot the ball as well as drive. At the back end for Illinois is Nnanna Egwu who needs to outwork Tonye Jekiri from Miami on the glass and near the rim. If Jekiri happens to get in foul trouble the edge goes to Illinois significantly on the glass and near rim as the hurricanes don't really have another comparable body to throw at the center position.
Overall, I think these two teams are pretty evenly matched and even though Miami is playing at home I'll go with the Illini and the points in game they are very capable of winning outright.
Take Illinois(+5) I took them at (+4.5) since I didn't want to pay the extra juice.
I'll post some more plays later for these exciting games tomorrow.
There is a much better slate of games that tip off tomorrow and Wednesday compared to last night's games. The ACC will have some catching up to do after losing both games tonight at home and falling down 2-0 to the Big 10. It's time to make some picks. I'll like these two for now, but will be making more picks later.
12/2 Picks (8-4-2 Overall)
Syracuse(+5.5) Vs. Michigan
I watch Michigan more than any other team from the big 10. I know this team and while they are talented in the back court with a trio of really good players, there still a young team with a lot of inexperience at the back end. Even though Michigan is very efficient team on the offensive side of the ball, they will still have to shoot the ball really well from deep to win this game. They are very capable of doing this with four players shooting over 40% on the year from deep, but I don't expect them to shoot at that high of a rate against this Syracuse Zone. They'll definitely get some open looks, but if you have watch Syracuse over the years you will see that it is pretty common for teams to struggle offensively against this zone. They'll have to look to get out in transition and hit some threes out of it because they will not be getting many second chance opportunities on the offensive end.
A key thing for this game will be Derrick Walton, Michigan's starting point guard. He will be playing limited minutes or will not be playing at all after injuring his toe against Villanova. This doesn't really hurt them at the PG position that much since there backup is solid in Spike Albrecht, but it will hurt Michigan if Caris Levert or Zak Irvin has to come out of the game leaving them with limited scorer on the floor. The wolverines like to play both Spike and Walton together at times or sub in Spike for Walton or Irvin, but they won't be able to do this if Walton is still unable to go. They rely heavily on the triple threat of Levert, Walton, and Irvin to do the majority of the scoring for this offense so with one significant guy out it can damage their offensive production. I expect Syracuse to keep it close on the road whether he plays or not and they will give the young wolverine's front court trouble on the glass. There very weak in that department and it will noticeable in tomorrow's game.
Take Syracuse +5.5
Illinois(+5) Vs. Miami
I watched Illinois play Baylor in the Las Vega Invitational Championship Game and while they did struggle to shoot the ball they managed to come out with an 8 point victory against a pretty good Big 12 team. The Illini looked much improved on the offensive end compared to last season. They have a go to scorer in Ray Rice, a big and physical guard who can shoot, drive, rebound, and play defense. There also getting quality guard play out of transfers Aaron Cosby and Ahmad Starks who both take care of the ball and can hit it from deep as well. The one player who has really helped this team get better is Malcom Hill who has really stepped up his offensive production and improved his shot from his freshman season and Kendrick Nunn continues to be a good wing player who can shoot the ball as well as drive. At the back end for Illinois is Nnanna Egwu who needs to outwork Tonye Jekiri from Miami on the glass and near the rim. If Jekiri happens to get in foul trouble the edge goes to Illinois significantly on the glass and near rim as the hurricanes don't really have another comparable body to throw at the center position.
Overall, I think these two teams are pretty evenly matched and even though Miami is playing at home I'll go with the Illini and the points in game they are very capable of winning outright.
Take Illinois(+5) I took them at (+4.5) since I didn't want to pay the extra juice.
I'll post some more plays later for these exciting games tomorrow.
I watched the hoosiers lose on their home floor to Eastern Washington in a game that they shouldn't of lost. I actually picked EWU in that game + the points and wasn't surprised when EWU was able to put up that many points against a pretty bad Indiana defense.
Luckily for the hoosiers this Pitt team is a completely different team than EWU that likes to space the floor and has knockdown shooters all over the floor. The one area that Indiana really struggles at is defending the post since their undersized and I took a look at Pitt's team stats from their 3 toughest opponents and they don't really get much scoring down low other than from 6' "9 Michael Young. If Indiana can contain him enough or even get him in foul trouble that will bode really well for them.
The X Factor for this game will be the guard play of both teams. The simple fact is that Trio of Yogi, Blackmon, and Johnson is much better than Pitts. The outside shooting and the overall offensive scoring is going to be too much for Pitt in Bloomington. I was waiting to see if this number would go down after people saw Indiana lose to EWU, but It doesn't look like that will happen.
I watched the hoosiers lose on their home floor to Eastern Washington in a game that they shouldn't of lost. I actually picked EWU in that game + the points and wasn't surprised when EWU was able to put up that many points against a pretty bad Indiana defense.
Luckily for the hoosiers this Pitt team is a completely different team than EWU that likes to space the floor and has knockdown shooters all over the floor. The one area that Indiana really struggles at is defending the post since their undersized and I took a look at Pitt's team stats from their 3 toughest opponents and they don't really get much scoring down low other than from 6' "9 Michael Young. If Indiana can contain him enough or even get him in foul trouble that will bode really well for them.
The X Factor for this game will be the guard play of both teams. The simple fact is that Trio of Yogi, Blackmon, and Johnson is much better than Pitts. The outside shooting and the overall offensive scoring is going to be too much for Pitt in Bloomington. I was waiting to see if this number would go down after people saw Indiana lose to EWU, but It doesn't look like that will happen.
just an fyi for you Syr does not really have a scorer on this team. (and also fyi i have followed syr bball for over 30 yrs) this team is not very good. cooney is their only shooter and he is very very streaky at best underneath they are again without their best big man Coleman who has had an injury riddled career. may not play again this yr. Rakeem Xmas hasnt improved since day 1, 4 yrs ago, still makes dumb fouls after getting beat. Gbinile(trans from duke) hasnt shown much. Fr McCullough may be their best player. I dont see them covering on the rd at Mich gl but Il take Mich at -4 now
just an fyi for you Syr does not really have a scorer on this team. (and also fyi i have followed syr bball for over 30 yrs) this team is not very good. cooney is their only shooter and he is very very streaky at best underneath they are again without their best big man Coleman who has had an injury riddled career. may not play again this yr. Rakeem Xmas hasnt improved since day 1, 4 yrs ago, still makes dumb fouls after getting beat. Gbinile(trans from duke) hasnt shown much. Fr McCullough may be their best player. I dont see them covering on the rd at Mich gl but Il take Mich at -4 now
This is just too many points to give to the buckeyes who have been a better shooting team this year and have gotten a lot out of there guards. Ohio St is the deeper team so foul trouble should be a less of an issue for them compared to the cardinals.
The key in this game for Ohio St will be to limit the turnovers especially ones that lead to transition buckets for Louisville. They will also need to keep Louisville off the glass. This is not a good shooting Louisville team, so if Ohio St can limit them to one shot opportunity they will be in good shape.
Obviously the buckeyes need to limit future NBA player Montrez Harrell as much as they can and Anthony lee is pretty good matchup against him. Lee has the size, length, and speed to keep up with Harrell on the defensive end. I expect Ohio St to go zone a lot in this game though and force Louisville to take perimeter shots that they have been struggling to hit this year.
This is just too many points to give to the buckeyes who have been a better shooting team this year and have gotten a lot out of there guards. Ohio St is the deeper team so foul trouble should be a less of an issue for them compared to the cardinals.
The key in this game for Ohio St will be to limit the turnovers especially ones that lead to transition buckets for Louisville. They will also need to keep Louisville off the glass. This is not a good shooting Louisville team, so if Ohio St can limit them to one shot opportunity they will be in good shape.
Obviously the buckeyes need to limit future NBA player Montrez Harrell as much as they can and Anthony lee is pretty good matchup against him. Lee has the size, length, and speed to keep up with Harrell on the defensive end. I expect Ohio St to go zone a lot in this game though and force Louisville to take perimeter shots that they have been struggling to hit this year.
The first half of the Michigan/Syracuse game was pretty uneventful as both teams struggled to put up points early in the game. Michigan struggled to hit from deep or really anywhere on the court in the first half, but managed to stay with the Cuse as they struggled to hit shots as well. The second half was a little more watchable as both teams started to score at a quicker pace and Michigan began hitting some shots from deep. While Michigan's shooting performance for the game was sub par, they manged to pull of this win by grabbing 17 offensive rebounds and getting a little help at the end from the Orange who had two critical turnovers for a total of 19 turnovers in this game.
Final Score
Michigan 68- Syracuse 65
Pick Illinois(+4.5) Vs. Miami
Illinois really struggled in the first half against the hurricanes, but like Ohio St they made a nice comeback cutting a 13 point deficit at the half to 4 points early in the 2nd half. They couldn't end up riding the momentum however and lost by 9.
Final Score
Miami 70- Illinois 61
Pick Indiana(-3) Vs. Pitt
The Indiana game was close early on, but towards the end of the 2nd half the hoosiers started to break away from Pitt and started to pour it on in the 2nd half. Once the 2nd half started the game was never in doubt as Indiana went up by as much as 23 with less than seven minutes left.
Final Score
Indiana 81- Pitt 61
Pick Ohio St(+8.5) Vs. Louisville
The dam buckeyes couldn't cover after it looked like they were going to
with a nice second half comeback performance. They turnover it over down
7 with around 5 seconds left and than fouled Louisville to send them to
the line. Well you know what happened next
The first half of the Michigan/Syracuse game was pretty uneventful as both teams struggled to put up points early in the game. Michigan struggled to hit from deep or really anywhere on the court in the first half, but managed to stay with the Cuse as they struggled to hit shots as well. The second half was a little more watchable as both teams started to score at a quicker pace and Michigan began hitting some shots from deep. While Michigan's shooting performance for the game was sub par, they manged to pull of this win by grabbing 17 offensive rebounds and getting a little help at the end from the Orange who had two critical turnovers for a total of 19 turnovers in this game.
Final Score
Michigan 68- Syracuse 65
Pick Illinois(+4.5) Vs. Miami
Illinois really struggled in the first half against the hurricanes, but like Ohio St they made a nice comeback cutting a 13 point deficit at the half to 4 points early in the 2nd half. They couldn't end up riding the momentum however and lost by 9.
Final Score
Miami 70- Illinois 61
Pick Indiana(-3) Vs. Pitt
The Indiana game was close early on, but towards the end of the 2nd half the hoosiers started to break away from Pitt and started to pour it on in the 2nd half. Once the 2nd half started the game was never in doubt as Indiana went up by as much as 23 with less than seven minutes left.
Final Score
Indiana 81- Pitt 61
Pick Ohio St(+8.5) Vs. Louisville
The dam buckeyes couldn't cover after it looked like they were going to
with a nice second half comeback performance. They turnover it over down
7 with around 5 seconds left and than fouled Louisville to send them to
the line. Well you know what happened next
Man I hate Duke, but that is not why I'm making this pick. Simply put, Wisconsin doesn't lose in Madison. You'd have to be a fool to bet against the Badgers in this game no matter the outcome. The only way Wisconsin loses this game is if they jack up too many threes and go ice cold. Jahil Okafor could have a career night, it won't be enough if Wisconsin plays well. I really hope the Badgers spank the Dukies at home here.
Man I hate Duke, but that is not why I'm making this pick. Simply put, Wisconsin doesn't lose in Madison. You'd have to be a fool to bet against the Badgers in this game no matter the outcome. The only way Wisconsin loses this game is if they jack up too many threes and go ice cold. Jahil Okafor could have a career night, it won't be enough if Wisconsin plays well. I really hope the Badgers spank the Dukies at home here.
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