Ncaa Basketball Expert Picks - November 18, 2008
Last night we went 3-0 for +8.2 units. Over our last six CBB plays we are 5-1 for 83% and +10.7 units. Today we feature four CBB picks.
In case you missed it, take a look back at our Preseason Top 25 and our Top Ten Mid-Major Conference Teams.
Today's NCAA Basketball Picks:
Game: Idaho at Gonzaga (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Idaho +27.5 (+100) (risk 3 to win 3)
It is hard to even refer to Gonzaga as a mid-major anymore, as they have been a fixture in the top 25 for years, and this year are ranked No. 9 in the early going. The Vandals certainly are nowhere near that lofty status, but they are capable of staying around an inflated number, as they have four scorers that are averaging double-digits so far. Idaho has been money against the better teams that call off the dogs against them as they have logged a 14-6 ATS mark against teams with a .600 winning percentage or better. Gonzaga is clearly the better team in this matchup, but they have not covered well against the WAC as they are just 1-4 in their last five. Even if the Vandals don't hang within the number, there is a second chance here for a backdoor late cover. I'll take the Vandals and the bushel of points.
Game: Central Florida at Valparaiso (8:05 PM Eastern)Pick: 3 units on Valparaiso -173 (moneyline) (risk 3 to win 1.7)
Valparaiso made some noise a few years ago in the NCAA Tourney. They went on to win 22 games last year and have a lot of those key parts back. The Crusaders may be better than advertised if what Michael Rogers did in the opener is signs of things to come. Last year's reserve that averaged a meager three points per game poured in 23. Combine that with the fact that Valpo got 39 points from three freshmen and the Crusaders are off and running to another good season. Central Florida was basically a breakeven team last season, finishing at 16-15. They do have one powerful weapon in Jermaine Taylor who scored 21 a game last year, netted 28 in the opener with 10 boards. The supporting cast for Central Florida is not as talented as Valpo, and Taylor can't beat a team of this caliber himself. I'll take the Crusaders here on the moneyline.
Game: Kentucky at North Carolina (9:00 PM Eastern)Pick: 3 units on North Carolina -17 (+100) (risk 3 to win 3)
Two of the top all-time programs in NCAA-B history will clash tonight in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels already beat the Wildcats in a sense, as they had one eye looking ahead to this one, and were embarrassed on their home floor by VMI. The bottom line is that Kentucky made 25 turnovers, and couldn't play the fast pace that VMI threw at them. The problem is that they are going to have tonight is that UNC plays the same game - only faster, with five future NBA players on the court, that have now experienced each other for an extensive period of time. Even without Hansbrough, North Carolina has the better talent at every position, and because it says Kentucky on the opponent’s jersey, the heels will bring it here. That makes this game a no-contest. The ‘Heels by 20+ points in this game.
Game: Arizona State at San Diego State (11:00 PM Eastern)Pick: 3 units on Arizona State -3.5 (+100) (risk 3 to win 3)
The Sun Devils are ranked No. 15 in the country after a 21-win season and are poised to add to that win total this year. Those expectations are led by sophomore All-American in-the-making James Harden, who connected on a double-double in his first outing of the season, netting 24 points and dishing out 10 assists. Arizona State can play big inside or shoot on the perimeter and will be a difficult matchup for the Aztecs. The Aztecs are not used to playing on this level as they have not hosted a top 25 team in two years. They are way over-matched here, so I'll back the Sun Devils to get win number two.
Results: 3-1
NCAA Basketball Picks Resources:
Check out the last five NCAA Basketball Picks Newsletters:
NCAA-Basketball-Picks-November-17-2008
Many wondered if when Gene Keady retired if Purdue could find its way back onto the national scene again. After a struggle, Matt Painter logged a 22-win season with the Boilers last year. This season,...
NCAA-Basketball-Picks-November-16-2008
Kansas State took care of business on Friday, dispatching of Florida A&M 96-57. SE Missouri State lost 102-59 at New Mexico. So, easy blowout winner for the Wildcats here, right? Not so fast. This...
NCAA-Basketball-Picks-November-14-2008
Iowa State is host to The World Vision Classic opening in Ames tonight, taking on the UC-Davis Aggies. The Aggies were not a competitive team last season as they dropped 22 games. Even in the Big West...
NCAA-Basketball-Picks-November-10-2008
...
