Allstar's College Basketball March Madness Selections

[Allstar]

**I hope that this problem of posting is over with, I have been trying to post the while day!!! Here are the plays that I posted in Co Captains trend

I will be posting ALL of my selections in under this topic. Here are the early game, and be sure to check back for the night action!!!

5 Units Wake Forest -12.5 (LOST 79-78) -5.30 Units

Clash of styles here, as the CAA takes on the ACC. VCU likes to play tough defense (40% shooting), while Wake Forest likes to run like mad (83.8 ppg). The Virginia-Commonwealth Rams (23-7 SU, 15-12 ATS) have a tough frontcourt of 6’-6”, 300-lb senior center Troy Godwin (11 ppg, 7 rebounds pg) and 6’-6” sophomore Nick George (5.7 rpg). They also have a veteran guard in senior point guard Domonic Jones (16 ppg). VCU played good ball on the road at 8-5 SU/6-5 ATS, but they played one ACC team and got smacked 86-56 at Georgia Tech, failing to cover as a +20 dog! Wake Forest (19-9) has a deep team, led by 6'-2" sophomore Justin Gray (12.7 ppg, 3.5 apg), and a tall frontcourt of 6’-9”, sophomore Eric Williams (16 ppg), 6'-8" junior Vytas Danelius (12.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg) and 6'-8" Jamaal Levy (7.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg). There will be no stumbling in the first round for Wake as they shut down VCU's offense.

Allstar

 

[Allstar]

7 Units Syracuse -2 (WON 80-75) +7.00 UNITS

This game is in Denver, so it's a long road trip for Syracuse and a short trip for Brigham Young (from Utah). BYU is one of the few teams in the nation that topped Big 12 champ Oklahoma State, by a 76-71 score at home as a 3-point favorite. They also lost badly at NC State, 89-62. The BYU Cougars (21-8 SU, 15-11 ATS) have a very strong offense, shooting 49% while averaging 73 ppg. The only concern is that they were sensational at home (15-1) but just 6-7 SU/ATS on the road. The frontcourt is strong with 6’-7” senior Mark Bigelow (13 ppg) and 6’-11” center Rafael Araujo (18 ppg, 10 rpg). The defending National Champs from a year ago lost their best player (Carmelo Anthony) but still managed to go 21-7 SU, 10-15 ATS and made a good charge in the tough Big East. Syracuse's legendary 2-3 zone can make it difficult for opponents to score, and 6'2 Gerry McNamara (16 ppg) and 6'8 Hakim Warrick (20 ppg), give the team credible threats from both the perimeter and the paint. Warrick led the Orangemen in both scoring and rebounding and also dished off nearly three assists per game. Craig Forth is Syracuse's seven-footer in the paint and an efficient rebounder underneath. He also is the team's best shot-blocker and will rub elbows with BYU's Araujo. The Orange have the experience, but how is Syracuse on the road? Very good, at 7-3 SU and 6-4 ATS where they've outscored opponents by a 69-67 average. That's impressive road play. Syracuse is also 7-1 UNDER the total on the road.

Allstar

 

[Allstar]

10 Units Michigan State -2 (LOST 66-72) -10.50 UNITS

This could be a high scoring game from Seattle, Washington. Michigan State did not have a strong year defensively, which -- in the past -- has been its bread and butter. MSU allowed 71 ppg on the road and was 9-3 OVER the total on the road. The Nevada Wolfpack (20-8 SU, 16-9 ATS) shoot 46% from the field outscoring teams by an impressive 76-66 average. Nevada is on a roll, winning 11 of 13 games behind 6’-6” junior Kirk Snyder (18.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game), 6’-10” freshman Nick Fazekas (7.6 rpg) and 6’-9” junior Kevin Pinkney. They beat Kansas 75-61 as a +6 dog! Michigan State (18-11) has the big guy and plenty of shooters. They shoot 50% from the field (best in the Big-10), but they also allow opponents 46% from the field and have been outscored 71-70 ppg on the road. Guard Chris Hill is a go-to player and is connecting on 46 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. 6'-11" Paul Davis scored in double figures in 22 of Michigan State's first 27 games and recorded three double-doubles. Nevada went 4-2 OVER the total on the road, outscoring teams by an impressive 73-71 average, so don't look for a lot of 'D' this game.

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 19, 2004 at 12:51 AM.]

 

[Allstar]

7 Units Connecticut -19.5 (LOST 70-53) -7.63 UNITS

A New England mismatch of Biblical proportions in store. Vermont (22-8 SU, 0-1 ATS) began the season winning their first 12 conference games then Taylor Coppenrath broke his wrist. Coppenrath's returned for the Conference Final and then came Vermont's second trip to the dance after waiting 103 years for its first invitation. Coppenrath returned not only to play, but score a career-high 43 points, in the Catamounts' victory over Maine in the America East title game. UConn won the Big East Championship with a 61-58 win over Pittsburgh behind All-America Ben Gordon. The way Gordon is playing, Connecticut might be the toughest matchup in the tournament, even with Emeka Okafor ailing. Gordon was dominant against all comers. Coppenrath is a player who could have made the Cantamounts a pesky first-round foe but not against this talented Huskies squad.

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 18, 2004 at 09:09 PM.]

 

[Allstar]

7 Units Texas -12 (WON 66-49) +7.00 UNITS

Princeton (20-7 SU, 12-9 ATS) is on a 14-1 run entering the tournament and this is not a team to be overlooked. Princeton has an inside-out offense led by 6'-10" Judson Wallace (16 ppg) the best big man in the Ivy. He played his best over the final month of the season, scoring at least 20 points in seven of the Tigers' last nine games. Princeton shoots 49% from the field and their scrappy defense limits opponents to 41%, but remember that's Ivy opponents. The Longhorns made life interesting in the Big 12 tournament but lost to Champ Oklahoma Stae after beating Kansas and Oklahoma. Shooting guard Royal Ivey is considered one of the best defensive stoppers in the Big 12, Ivey is the Longhorns' top all-around player. Brandon Mouton is their go-to man. Resurfaced from an early-season slump to become a key scorer, netting 20 or more points in seven games for an ultra-deep team. Frosh P.J. Tucker is quite versatile and can either float on offense or station himself underneath, he's a load. Texas is a tough, physical team that can turn a game into a slugfest and win those battles by out-shooting teams from the foul line. Looks to be a great game with Texas pulling away in the end!!!

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 18, 2004 at 09:13 PM.]

 

[Allstar]

7 Units Gonzaga -18.5 (WON 76-49) +7.00 UNITS

You need to have some beef up front if you want to hang with Gonzaga. Valparaiso (18-12) does, with 6’-9” senior Joaquim Gomes (13 points, 8.8 rebounds per game) and 6’-8” sophomore Dan Oppland (17 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 55% FGs) up front. Both are outstanding free throw shooters, too (over 71%). Valparaiso allows teams to shoot 42% and the offense averages 72 points per game. But Valpo went 4-6 SU on the road giving up 76 ppg, which means Gonzaga will be able to score a bunch. Valparaiso lost 75-70 at Marquette and lost 69-48 at home to Cincinnati. Gonzaga (27-2 SU, 17-11 ATS) averages 82 points per game shooting 51% from the field with its terrific front line of 6’-8”, 250-pound senior Cory Violette (13 ppg, 8 rpg) and 6’-9”, 230-pound junior Ronny Turiaf (15 points, 6 rpg). Gonzaga is 11-2 SU/9-4 ATS on the road! Gonzaga also has 6’-4” senior Blake Stepp (14 ppg, 7 apg) from outside. Remember that Gonzaga won 82-68 at Maryland and lost 87-80 at Stanford, so they are battle tested and know how to win, even on the road. Valpo has the frontcourt to score here, but the Zags will score more. Also, there will be more Gonzaga fans in the stands, as this game is being played in Seattle, Washington.

Good Luck Tonight,

Allstar

Early Games Posted Here As Well

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 19, 2004 at 12:50 AM.]

 

[Allstar]

SUNDAY

I need to take care of a few thing yesterday so I was unable to post. If the sitte is had to log into, use the link above to find my plays. I hope that you all had a great day yesterday. Here are today's selections:

5 Units Illinois +1 (SU WINNER 92-68) +5.00 UNITS

Could be a defensive game in Ohio. Illinois' defense was on display the last game, whipping Murray State 72-53, holding Murray State to 34% shooting. The Illini (25-6) are on a roll, surging to the Big Ten title by winning their last 10 regular-season games. They play smart, aggressive basketball led by 6'-10" James Augustine (7.5 rpg) and Roger Powell, and sparkplug G Deron Williams (13.9 ppg). The Illini have the height and athleticism to match up with this Cincy team. Illinois holds opponents to 41% shooting and is 9-4 SU, 4-7 ATS on the road allowing 67 ppg while scoring 68 ppg. The Cincy Bearcats (25-6) are led by 6'-7" Jason Maxiell (14 ppg), the athletic forward who leads the Bearcats in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots. 6'-4" Tony Bobbitt (13 ppg) and shooting guard Field Williams lead this strong all-around team that holds opponents to 39% shooting! The lack of a natural point guard and lack of size in the low post by Cincinnati will be exposed by the right team at some point in the tournament, and this could be the time. Cincy just slipped by East Tennessee State, 80-77, and notice that if East Tennessee hadn't missed 7 free throws (65%), Cincy could have gone down. Illinois is no East Tennessee State!!!

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 21, 2004 at 05:54 PM.]

 

[Allstar]

5 Units Georgia Tech -6 (LOST 57-52) -5.10 UNITS

Boston College's terrific run may come to an end here. The BC Eagles (24-9 SU, 17-11 ATS) carry an 8-1 SU, 6-3 ATS run into this game after shutting down Utah, 58-51. BC has 6'-7" sophomore Craig Smith (17 ppg - 8 rpg), Center Uka Agbai, and Sean Marshall, and they are a strong 7-6 SU/8-4 ATS away from home where they score and allow 65 ppg. BC is 14-4 UNDER the total, but they don't match up well with a tall and talented Georgia Tech squad. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (24-9 SU, 18-14 ATS) have 7'-1" junior Luke Schenscher and 6'-6" Isma'il Muhammad up front and a deep backcourt anchored by guard B.J. Elder (16 ppg) and fiery Jarrett Jack. G-Tech went a strong 9-6 SU on the road. They played a tough schedule, too, beating UConn (77-61), Texas Tech (85-65) and Ohio State (73-53 on the road). Georgia Tech played better than the final score, 65-60, on Friday, a win over Northern Iowa. G-Tech held N-Iowa to 39% shooting and won the battle of the boards 34-25. G-Tech has already blasted UConn of the Big East, and should command the boards here, too.

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 21, 2004 at 05:55 PM.]

 

[Allstar]

5 Units Oklahoma St -6.5 (WON 70-53) +5.00 UNITS


John Calipari's Memphis squad knows how to play good defense (40% shooting allowed, 60 ppg given up). They're going to have to be defensive demons if they want to hang with run-and-gun Oklahoma State. Memphis (22-7 SU, 16-10 ATS) is led by 6'-8" Sean Banks (18 points, 6.7 rpg) and point guard Antonio Burks (16.5 points, 5.3 apg). Before shuutting down ailing South Carolina Friday, 59-43, Memphis had allowed 83 points to Cincinnati and 72 to St. Louis. They better not play soft 'D', or Ok-State will run them silly. Oklahoma State (28-3 SU, 14-12 ATS) has an 18-1 SU run going and they outscore teams by a 74-69 average on the road. Their .517 shooting percentage is tops in the Big 12, led by 6'-4" Tony Allen (16 ppg) and sparkplug G John Lucas (15 ppg, 4 apg), plus power forward Ivan McFarlin (12 points and 6.5 rebounds pg). Memphis played one Big 12 team at home, and barely hung on before beating Missouri, 61-59. Oklahoma State holds teams to just 41% shooting and should advance.

Check Back Later For The Rest,

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 21, 2004 at 05:55 PM.]

 

[jwblue]

Thanks Allstar. Hope all is well.

IS

 

[Allstar]

InSpades

Everything is great. . . just one hell of a week at work!!! Good luck today my friend!!!

Allstar

 

[Allstar]

7 Units Kentucky -9.5 -108

Well Kentucky certainly is rested for this game. Kentucky easily blew by Florida A&M 96-76 Friday, while UAB had a wild, 102-100 upset victory over Washington. UAB (21-9 SU, 17-11 ATS) has very good depth, led by 6'-9" Gabe Kennedy and shooting guard Mo Finley (13.3 points per game). The Blazers depend on depth and defense to win games, but they've struggled at times this season when they've missed shots and lost the battle of the boards. That could hurt here against big Kentucky. Mighty Kentucky (27-4) is a strong 11-2 SU, 7-6 ATS away from home. The Wildcats have plenty of beef in the frontcourt with 6’-5” sophomore Kelenna Azubuike (11 ppg), 6'-8" Erik Daniels (14 ppg, 6 rpg) and 6'-6" 247-lb Chuck Hayes (7.9 rebounds pg). This frees up 6'-3" Gerald Fitch (15.8 ppg) to lead the team in scoring while 6'-1" Cliff Hawkins averages 5.3 assists per game. Kentucky just swept the SEC tourney and carries a 10-0 SU/9-1 ATS run into this game! They had little trouble with Florida A&M on Friday, and has the frontcourt, defense and depth to advance here.

Allstar

 

[Allstar]

5 Units Pacific +11 -104

Kansas certainly would have a home-fan edge this game, as this tourney is from Kansas City. The Jayhawks had little trouble Friday routing Illinois Chicago, 78-53, while Pacific pulled a 66-58 upset of Providence as a +8 dog. Pacific (25-7 SU, 19-9 ATS) is on a roll, winning 21 of the last 22 games. In fact, they carry a 16-game win streak into this game. Pacific is 10-5 SU, 11-3 ATS on the road, with a tall frontcourt that helps it shoot 47% from the field. That outstanding frontcourt consists of 6’-9” sophomore Christian Maraker (14 ppg), 6’-10” junior Tyler Newton and 6’-8” junior Guillaume Yango, while 6'-1" senior guard Miah Davis runs the break. Pacific played Duke early in the season and lost 82-69 but got the cover as a 20-point dog and lost 73-55 as a +22 dog to St. Joe’s. Pacific lost the battle of the boards Friday to Providence, 36-24, but won the game thanks to 48% shooting and big Guillermo Yango's 18 points off the bench. The Kansas Jayhawks have Power forward 6'-9" Wayne Simien (18 ppg - 9 rpg) up fronnt, and guard Keith Langford (16 ppg) in the backcourt. Centers Jeff Graves and David Padgett off the bench form a decent inside rotation. Kansas out-shot Ill-Chicago 61%-to-31% as Simien had 13 points, 9 rebounds. Tough one to call, but Pacific is a long way from home and Kansas is not.

Good Luck Tooday,

Allstar

 

[Allstar]

THURSDAY SELECTIONS

Here we go!!!

10 Units Syracuse -2 -106

Alabama (19-12 SU, 17-9 ATS) is in survival mode having won their opening two games of the tournament by a combined 4 points. Sunday, Kennedy Winston scored 21 points and eighth-seeded Alabama shot 10-of-14 from the free throw line in the final minute for a 70-67 upset of Stanford as a +7.5 dog. The Tide took control by pounding the ball inside to Chuck Davis and Jermareo Davidson. Davis, a 6-7 forward, is aggressive defensively and at knocking down his patented 15-to-18-foot jumpers. Davidson, a 6-10 freshman, scores mostly garbage points on offensive putbacks. His primary role is rebounding. Earnest Shelton averages 16 ppg and is an explosive shooter who is healthy and playing well. Alabama went 6-7 SU, 8-3 ATS on the road, and carries a 7-1-1 ATS run into this game, so they've been hot straight up and against the spread. This is no easy matter for Alabama here against last year's defending National Champion. The Orange beat Maryland 72-70 Saturday in a matchup between the last two NCAA champions. Hakim Warrick had 26 points and nine rebounds. Neither team shot well in the first half but Syracuse (23-7) used runs of 10-0 and 9-0 to take a 32-22 halftime lead. Warrick had 13 points in the half. Point guard Gerry McNamara, a 6-2 sophomore guard, has one of the sweetest shots in college basketball when he's on target. Center Craig Forth, a seven-footer, seems to battle foul problems from the opening tip. The junior center is an excellent free throw shooter at 76 percent, and an efficient rebounder underneath. The Orangemen's zone defense is legendary, but Alabama has enough shooters to thwart it. Especially if Antoine Pettway and Earnest Shelton get on a roll. Warrick has been playing large, very large and taken on the scoring void of the departed Carmelo Anthony. McNamara needs to get back on track. Syracuse is 8-3 SU, 7-4 ATS on the road and 15-5 UNDER the total for the season!!!

Allstar

 

[Allstar]

20 Units Connecticut -9 WON 73-52 +20 UNITS

Upset City last Sunday in the land of the sun when Vanderbilt (23-9) rallied to a 75-73 win over North Carolina State in the second round of the Phoenix Regional. 6'-9" Matt Freije scored 31 points and Corey Smith's three-point play with 21 seconds left helped spearheaded the rally. Mario Moore, a 5'-11" sparkplug who never met a shot he didn't like, has averaged 21 ppg in VU's two NCAA Tournament games. Dawid Przybyszewski is a 7-2 center and Vandy's top 3-point gunner at 44.7 percent. Vandy is 6-7 SU, 5-7 ATS on the road and notice that they went 7-0 OVER the total in their road games, giving up 72 ppg. UConn (29-6) dominated all comers last weekend. Leading DePaul by 19 at the half left the Huskies with no risk of being an upset victim. 6'-9" Emeka Okakor's (18 ppg) back is still the biggest worry for the Huskies, but so far, he's been fine. Charlie Villanueva is a 6-11 freshman who averages 10.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game but has the potential to dwarf those numbers on any given night. Ben Gordon is the leader of this whole thing and the All-America averages 18 ppg. Vanderbilt has shown a lot of defensive grit and calm in the clutch for this run but the Huskies are just too loaded.

Good Luck Tonight,

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 25, 2004 at 10:02 PM.]

 

[thefawv]

Allstar....I'm all over UConn! Let's go Huskies!!

GL - FawvDog

 

[Allstar]

FawvDog

Big night in the hoops tonight!!! Good luck tonight my friend!!!

Allstar

 

[PITBULL]

Whats your record on 20 Unit Plays?

 

[pops69]

good man allstar. gl

 

[jwblue]

The line in the Vandy/UCONN game is inflated for 1 of 2 reasons:

1) Vegas thinks Vandy is going to be blown to pieces.

2) Vegas is compensating for the popularity of UCONN with the betting public.

Allstar believes it is the former.


IS