Zack's Picks (1 Live)
A team that continues to be a top level team in Horizon League play is Wright State. They have a conference best 10 and 2 record, but this is also their third straight road game. Robert Morris may not be as talented as last year’s March Madness team, but when they face Wright State the games are typically close. Two games were decided by three points or less last year. Tail Robert Morris.
One does not typically see a team as a road favorite on a three game losing streak. Arkansas State finds themselves in this spot not only on a losing streak but losing five out of their last six. This is a play where the spread guides you on the right side, even with Coastal Carolina having won six of seven games. Tail Arkansas State.
SMU at home is always a tough road trip for ACC opponents. In February that can sway as the grind of ACC play rises. SMU so far has been excellent at home where their only conference loss was by four points against Virginia. NC State could show tired legs early as this is their fourth road game out of their last five, but the experience of a veteran transfer class is starting to show. Tail the Wolf Pack to get their fifth straight win.
Out in MAC play Miami Ohio continues to gain traction as they are now ranked 23rd in the country. With that has come increased spreads as a favorite whether home or away. They’ve failed to cover in three out of their last four games, and tonight’s opponent in Buffalo had them on the ropes in a 105 to 102 overtime loss. Tail the home team here in Buffalo.
The Philadelphia 76ers have enjoyed playing nine out of their last ten games at home. Travel for a cross country flight to Los Angeles I do believe will have enough of an impact to downgrade Philadelphia tonight. Joel Embiid has scored 29 points or more in seven straight games and had his first forty point outing of the season. Expect a dip against a Clippers team that has already covered the number in a back to bak spot against Philadelphia in November.
University of San Diego has half their wins in conference against Pepperdine who they defeated Wednesday in overtime. The win showed their will to not give up as they trailed nearly the entire game. A big factor was Assane Diop who scored 21 points with 17 rebounds. Look for the Torreros to battle against an Oregon State team that is playing their third straight road game. Back USD.
The Big West has just one school outside the state of California, and that is Hawaii. Tonight, look for Cal State Northridge to be impacted enough after their last game Saturday was at Hawaii. They’ll face a UC Davis team that picked up their first conference win against Cal State Northridge, 89-80, and has won three out of their last four. Grab the slight underdog here with UC Davis.
Charleston Southern is a team that I still believe can go on a run in the Big South. They have lost five straight games, but three of those games have went into overtime. Free throws have been an issue as well as poor starts. Desperate for a win I expect the Bucs to finally execute for two halves. Tail Charleston Southern.
Prior to their latest victory, Florida International was second to last in Conference USA. Two of their three conference wins have been against the same opponent in New Mexico State. Tonight, they will attempt to equal their best win streak in conference as they host Jacksonville State. In the first matchup FIU had a three point lead with 13 minutes left, but just could not sustain to the tv timeout at the seven minute mark. Better execution tonight from the Panthers on their home floor, lay the number.
After an 0-7 start, Nicholls began Southland Conference play with a 7-0 record. That has quickly dropped to 7-4, as they are on a four game losing streak and lost to the worst team in-conference Saturday to Southeast Louisiana. Expect a bounce back spot today against a New Orleans team which was their last win on January 10th. Lay it with Nicholls.
UT Rio Valley Grande is starting to come to life in Southland Conference play. They have won three straight games and had their most impressive win of the season in-conference Saturday against Houston Christian. Their improved play is reflected in the spread today taking on the current third place team in Texas A&M Corpus Christi. The Vaqueros keep their momentum and cover on the road tonight.
The LA Lakers are coming off one of the top seesaw games of the season their last outing against the Dallas Mavericks. They were outscored by 21 points in the third quarter, but still came back and won by six points. The win can mask the lapses the Lakers had, and Monday they will face a Bulls team that has had the upper hand in the series. They’ve won three out of the last four matchups, including both last season. Grab the Bulls.
Jackson State is coming off an embarrassing loss on Saturday against Bethune Cookman 85-48. Now they will face a Florida A&M team that has won five straight games and is undefeated on their home court this season. Traveling with a road and road game Saturday and Monday has this spread skewed just enough. Take the points here with Jackson State.
One thing we have seen with Sean Payton over the years is he is not going to water down his game plan with a quarterback injury. We saw it for years in Nw Orleans with Drew Brees, and don’t expect that today with a bid for the Super Bowl on the line. Backup quarterbacks typically have a connection with rookies, from extended reps in practice. Expect Stidham to lean on Pat Bryant enough for him to clear his yardage prop tonight. Take his over.