In spite of all the SHARP Moves and Angles against me I won with N.C. Central -7 yesterday. I projected a 12-15 point win and they won by 12.
Notre Dame -1.5 (-110) 1st Half LARGE....well I guess all my plays are for the most part
There are several reasons I really like Notre Dame today and I think the 1st half is the better than the Full-Game.
1. They got rid of the butterflies of the Tournament yesterday with their "ice breaker" game against Ga. Tech and should have a good feel for this arena and able to get off to a fast start.
2. After leading big in the 2nd half (by 15) they let Ga. Tech comeback on them for a narrow 3 point win (67-64). I think the coach will be reminding them of this and after closing out poorly yesterday they should get off to a fast start today.
3. Another reason for favoring the 1st half play, I still have to wonder if due to all of the time that both Matt Farrell and Bonzie Colson missed this season if both of them are still playing themselves back into condition and they might struggle late in games. Certainly, Bonzie Colson is still playing himself back into shape and will tire late in games.
4. Notre Dame has the revenge angle in their favor having lost the first meeting this year 75-80 and in that game neither Matt Farrell (averaging 17 points and 5 assists) or Bonzi Colson (averaging 21 points/10 rebounds) played. The team that Va. Tech faces today is a tototall different team and in that game Va. Tech shot 50% vs. 36% for Notre Dame and they still only won by 5.
5. In the first meeting, Notre Dame only has 7 healthy players that played in that game. They are lucky nobody fouled out. They were playing 7 on 10 and I am sure were not near as agressive on defense as they could have been.
6. Before Colson and Farrell were injured, Notre Dame was thought to be a Top 10-15 ranked team. Back at full-strength that should be the same team that they have on the court now. From top to bottom, Notre Dame has far more talent to put on the court.
7. The loss of Colson and Farrell has made Geben, Pflueger and Gibbs much stronger players and able to step up and make major contributions at any time. Geben and Pflueger are both average double digits and Gibbs is averaging 9 points.
8. Most importantly, Notre Dame knows that they will be given strong consideration by the committee for the loss of their 2 stars and what a different team they are now, BUT they must win at least 3 games in this Conference Tournament. Today they should get #2.
Keep in mind, Notre Dame played most of their Conference schedule with out their top Scorer and Rebounder, Colson and much of it without Farrell, their 2nd leading scorer and leader is assists and Va. Tech only won 1 more conference game that Notre Dame did.
BOL and I may be back with another play. If so, it will be at least 2 hours before tip-off.
Have a great day!!!
Hot Forum Topics
