Bob's Picks (1 Live)
Belmont already beat the Braves by 10-points in the first meeting. Bradley relies heavily on their guard play and the three ball but struggle inside the arc, where the Bruins have a big edge. Belmont’s defense isn’t as good as their offense but they defend the floor better than the Braves. Belmont has much better ball movement on offense along with defending the perimeter, and limits second-chance opportunities. It’s hard to go against the number one team in the nation when it comes to effective field goals.
Louisville has covered in four straight against the Wolfpack, despite being 1-3 SU in those games. These are two very similar teams, stats wise. However, NC State has versatility on defense to be able to limit the Cardinals three-point volume which could end up being the difference maker, along with protecting the ball edge to NC State.
This doesn’t feel great as a New York Giants fan taking the Patriots to cover but here we are. Seattle is the better overall team, but Mike Vrabel has an underdog is something that can't be ignored. Vrabel won a league-high 23 games has an underdog in his time in Tennessee and 4-2 ATS as one this season. The experienced play calling by Josh McDaniels, coaching in his 10th Super Bowl may prove to be a difference maker tonight, as Vrabel won three as a player, so they know what it takes to win. Not saying the Patriots are going to win but this should be closer than expected. Also, LeBron James picked Seattle to win, so we’ll roll with the Patriots and the points.
On paper, this game seems like an under with these two defenses. But, New England has gone over the total in six of their last eight games and the Seahawks have also gone over in five of their last seven. Seattle has scored 72 points combined in both playoff games and the Patriots have averaged over 27 points on the season. Sharps are on the under, public is on the over but the big game has over gone over 45 points in four of the last six and wouldn’t be shocked if this is a tight game in the mid 20’s late in the game to push this one over with a game winning field goal.
Both teams come into this one 12-10 ATS on the season. However, Memphis is not a team that's trustworthy to be laying this many points. The Tigers have been better offensively of late but they're still very inconsistent. Charlotte has been the better team this season and trending upwards in the AAC. The 49ers as they are 7-2 SU in their last nine games and 6-3 ATS. Memphis is 3-7 ATS in their last 10 while facing a 49ers team playing well on the road of late, 4-1 SU in its last five road games.
Two teams with contrasting styles as Murray State wants to play very fast and the Salukis don’t. Southern Illinois leans heavily on their defense, top-50 in the nation, but their offense struggles to score, failing to reach 70 points in seven of their last eight games. The Salukis are also near the bottom of the country in shooting from beyond the arc and free throw line. Murray State has struggled from beyond the arc of late and lost four of their last five. This total seems high with the current form of each team but even if Racers score in the 80’s, Southern Illinois may have difficulty keeping up offensively.
These are two of the slower tempo teams in the country, each averaging less than 67 possessions per game. As a team, Rider has near the bottom in both offensive and defensive efficiency. The Red Foxes have a top-50 defense in the nation and should have no problem keeping a Rider team in check as they only average a little over 63 points per game. Neither team shoots the three well, gets to the free throw line, or turns the ball over which should lead to another low scoring contest.
New Mexico does a good job creating fouls to get to the free throw line. With a short number like this, the Lobos are the better free throw shooting team. They also have an edge on the boards along with one of the best home court atmospheres in the country. Mountain West home favorites have done very well over the years and New Mexico is 12-0 SU at home.
New Mexico State is just 1-5 SU on the road on the year, with their lone victory was over the Blue Hens of Delaware near the bottom of the country in the NET rankings. LA Tech is 11-1 SU at home on the year and has one of the more efficient defenses in the country. The Bulldogs are 3rd in the country in scoring defense and holding their opponents to under 63 points, on average, at home thus far. This is certainly a fishy line with New Mexico State desperate for a win but the defensive abilities from the Bulldogs, especially at home, should be enough tonight.
Florida Atlantic is another team desperate for a win, losers of three straight. The Owls may have got caught looking ahead in their last home loss against East Carolina. Tulsa is the much better overall team despite the Owls, most likely, having more success offensively at home. However, Florida Atlantic is trending towards in the bottom of the country in scoring defense and they are not playing well at the moment. The Owls are 5-5 ATS against conference opponents while Tulsa is 6-3 ATS.
Buffalo caught the Redhawks sleeping and should’ve won the first meeting. Miami Ohio is not going to be taking the Bulls lightly tonight. Buffalo hit 13 threes in first match but the Red Hawks, coaches and players, have said they’re looking to improve their defense. Miami Ohio spaces the floor almost as good as anyone in the country and for the Bulls to win they might need to reach the century mark tonight. Buffalo’s defense is one of the worst in the country and the Redhawks should be ready tonight.
This is a revenge spot for Sacramento State. The Wildcats got the first meeting at home but now they’re shorthanded in the second matchup. Sacramento State’s Mikey Williams and Prophet Johnson are playing at a high-level and the Hornets are winners of four of their last six. Their also 8-1 SU at home as well as 5-1 ATS, where they push the pace and play uptempo.
Nebraska returns home after three of four on the road and after being handed their first loss of the season. Both teams take more than half of their shots from three but the Cornhuskers defend the perimeter better than Illinois. The Fighting Illini are due for some regression after winning eight straight conference games and this is a focused spot for Nebraska off a loss with a good home court advantage.
No Braden Huff for Gonzaga tomorrow and Graham Ike is currently questionable. Ike has been sidelined for 15 day and even if he does play, he may not be 100%. This is matchup that the Gaels and Randy Bennett know well. Saint Mary’s has won and covered three of the last four meetings while also winning outright five of the last seven. There’s something about Bennett's ability to game plan for the Bulldogs and make them play his style. Without Huff, and maybe Ike, the Gaels have a better chance to battle on the boards.