NCAA Picks, 1/2/05-1/8/05

[BGFalcon]

YTD: 0-0

Kent St. -11.5 over EMU:Don't let the Eagles 8-3 record fool you--they don't guard anyone. Kent shoots almost 47% percent from the field and should easily increase that vs. EMU. KSU can't afford another loss this early, especially at home. EMU's style of play and soft schedule will lead to a decent overall record, but it will not get it done against the good teams in the MAC. Kent will have no problem with EMU tonight, lay the chalk.

Michigan +12 over Iowa Michigan will continue to work the ball inside to their big men and play a much slower game than they have in the past. Iowa hasn't been able to put some teams away that they should have. Look for a fairly low scoring Big Ten opener. Take the points.

 

[spang]

Like 'em both. Good luck tonight

 

[BGFalcon]

Results: 1-1, Kent's second half collapse was amazing.

Thursday selections:
Central Michigan +2 over Buffalo: Buffalo has not shown the ability to win on the road in the MAC and I don't see it happening against the Chips. CMU is starting to play pretty well and had a big second half on the road against Marshall. I'll take the home dog here.

Butler PK over UWM I see the good defense, ball control play of Butler being the difference here. UWM needs this game badly but Butler is 40-6 at home with Lickliter as coach.

 

[BGFalcon]

Adding one total:
Wright St./Cleveland St. over 132: CSU is committed to the running game and Wright St. will run with them. I have this game at 143 points.

 

[gman2]

you really deserve a better fate on these games, especially if butler cant pull it out in OT. led damn near the entire game.

 

[BGFalcon]

It's been a couple of bad beats this week. Buffalo went on a 17-0 run on the road, when does that happen? Butler leads the whole game and gives up a put-back at the end of regulation. Cleveland State can't score 60 in an up-tempo game? Oh well, we'll probably get some wins later on in the same fashion.

Results: 0-3

No picks this Friday

 

[Kdogg21]

how bout that fricking game. unreal how buffalo scored that many pts. good luck this weekend

 

[BGFalcon]

W. Michigan -9 over Akron: Akron had a nice effort against Toledo but came up short. Now they will lay an egg. It's usually the second game after a key player is lost that the team plays poorly. The first game they have the attitude that they will be just fine without him and then reality sets in. Western is a talented team and will win this one going away. They rebound well and are tough at home. Grab the 9 before it moves to double digits.

Wright St. -2.5 over Detroit: Expecting a letdown by the Titans after their big win against UWM. As long as the Raiders can control Brandon Cotton, the rest of the Titans don't shoot it well enough to make up for him.

Penn +3.5 over UIC: I think Penn's big guard Begley will cause some matchup problems and UIC's inability to defend the 3 plays right into the Quakers gameplan. Traveling to UIC won't faze Penn since they have already been to Villanova, Providence, Wisconsin and Temple. UIC has been playing better lately but I think the books have given to much weight to the home court. I have this as a pick'em, so I'll take the points.

 

[BGFalcon]

Results: 1-1-1, another second half dry spell results in a push. Thank you Ben Reed for at least getting the push.

Adding:
Kent St. -6 over Miami (OH): Kent will flex their muscles after the second half collapse against EMU. Their balance will be the key factor against the Redskins.

 

[BGFalcon]

One final pick:
Cincinnati/St. Louis over 115: This number has been dropping all day but I think St. Louis will be able to score 54 or so in this one. UC will need to score 60+ for the cover. 115 is just too low to not play.

 

[BGFalcon]

Saturday results: 3-1-1 (Sides 2-1-1, Totals 1-0)

Week Results: 4-4-1 (Sides 3-3-1, Totals 1-1)