Allstar's NIT College Basketball Selections

[Allstar]

Here are tonight's selections:

5 Units CREIGHTON -1.5 (LOST 71-70) -5.50 UNITS

The Cornhuskers (R: 2-9 SU, 6-5 ATS) backed into the NIT losing five of their last seven. They've been particularly vulnerable on the road and rely on defense to set the offense in motion. They held opponents to 54 ppg at home but gave up a whopping 73 ppg on the road. 6'2 Nate Johnson (13 ppg) and 6'8 270 lb Andrew Drevo (11 ppg) supply the first line of offense. The Huskers do shoot a respectable 46% from the floor while holding opponents to 39%. Creighton (H: 14-2 SU, 7-7 ATS) finished the season on a 2-5 run after losing to Southwest Missouri State 84-75 in a Missouri Valley Conference Tournament quarterfinal game Saturday. Nate Funk and Joe Dabbert paced the Bluejays with 17 points apiece and Mike Grimes added 13. Creighton committed 17 turnovers to just eight for Southwest Missouri. The Bears outscored the Bluejays 23-7 off turnovers. Nebraska's tough defense should be a hindrance for Creighton but, the road continues to be a problem for the Huskers. They've won just once in their last 19 conference road games so that's the Creighton edge.

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 22, 2004 at 10:57 AM.]

 

[Allstar]

5 Units ST LOUIS -2.5 (LOST 70-69) -5.50 UNITS

Iowa (R: 5-8 SU, 6-6 ATS) lost 79-70 to Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on Friday. Pierre Pierce had 28 for Iowa (16-12), The depleted Hawkeyes, however, just didn't have enough to compete with fifth-seeded Michigan. Iowa lost senior Jared Reiner to injury in January. Reserves Nick DeWitz and Mike Henderson were ruled academically ineligible and Sean Sonderleiter left the team for personal reasons. Greg Brunner had 10 points and 11 rebounds for Iowa. In what was their worst game of the season, The Billikens shot a season-low 27.5 percent from the field, including 4-of-23 from behind the arc in losing 66-46 to nemisis Cincinnati in the semifinals of the Conference USA tourney Friday. Josh Fisher led Saint Louis with 14 points. Saint Louis must do better a better job shooting the ball in the NCAA tournament. The Billikens (H: 13-3 5-8 ATS) SU, have been a solid offensive team most of the season, using their patterned offense to create good shots, but they've less than 40 percent from the field in five of the past seven games. After losing to rugged Cincinnati, the Bills offense gets a chance to open up at home against the undermanned Hawkeyes.

Good Luck Tonight,

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 16, 2004 at 10:23 PM.]

 

[Co-Captain]

Glad we agree on both plays. gl to us today, Aloha CC.

 

[Allstar]

Here are tonight's selection:

5 Units Tennessee +2.5 (LOST 55-58) -5.15 UNITS

The SEC meets the Colonial Athletic Association. The Tennessee Volunteers (15-13) have guard Scooter McFadgon (18 ppg) and 6'-10" F Brandon Crump (14 ppg, 7 rpg), who is a strong force inside. The Volunteers were horrible on the road, however, at 1-10 SU and 2-9 ATS! The defense gives up 80 ppg on the road. The George Mason Patriots (21-9) have good balance with 5’-9” junior Terry Reynolds (6.3 assists pg), 275-lb sophomore 6’-7” Jai Lewis (15 ppg, 7 rpg, 61% FGs), and 6’-5” swingman Mark Davis (16 ppg). George Mason is 14-1 SU, 10-4 ATS at home where they tally 75.8 ppg. But Tennessee has the bigger frontcourt and steps down in competition here. Early in the season, Tennessee played at UMass and won 74-66 as a 3-point favorite, its only road victory.

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 17, 2004 at 11:06 PM.]

 

[Allstar]

7 Units Niagara -2.5 (WON 87-83) +7.00 UNITS

Two run and gun teams meet that average over 80 points per game. Troy State (24-6) is a sizzling 11-3 SU on the road where they outscore teams by an 82-71 average. Troy State is led by 6’-7” senior Rob Lewin (15 ppg, 8 rpg) up front, while 6’-1” senior Greg Davis (15.5 ppg, 8.4 assists pg) handles the backcourt. They also have a good role player in 6’-4” junior Jerome Stamper (5.6 rpg). Niagra (21-9 SU, 15-11 ATS) has great balance with a frontcourt of 6'-8" senior James Reaves (9.7 rpg) and 6'-7" junior Juan Mendez (20 ppg, 8.6 rpg), while 6'-4" senior Tremmell Darden and junior G Alvin Cruz (6 apg) run the backcourt. They have strong depth and outscore teams by an 83-75 average at home. Niagra has too much height, depth and the home court.

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 17, 2004 at 11:07 PM.]

 

[Allstar]

10 Units Virginia -3.5 (WON 79-66) +10.00 UNITS

GW (R: 5-8 SU, 6-6 ATS) coach Karl Hobbs has built a deep, young, talented squad, a team that thrives on pressure defense and balanced scoring. In the A-10 Conference semifinal Friday J.R. Pinnock scored 12 points and Mike Hall 10 for the Colonials, who came in shooting 47 percent from the field but managed just 17 of 56 (30.4 percent). GW (18-11) trailed by 25 with 12 minutes remaining. George Washington is home to two of the A-10 best freshmen in J.R. Pinnock (9.5 ppg) and Carl Elliott (8.2 ppg). Virginia (H: 14-4 SU, 8-7 ATS) lost to Duke 84-74 in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament quarterfinals. Freshman J.R. Reynolds scored a career-high 20 points to lead the Cavaliers (17-12), who have lost 19 of 21 to Duke dating to the 1995-96 season. Elton Brown added 14, but Todd Billet -- who came in averaging 10 points per game -- scored just two on 0-for-5 shooting. They defeated Clemson in the opening round 83-79. GW hasn't been much on the road, Virginia at home shoots 46% and has compiled an impressive collection of wins there including highly rated Wake Forest and Georgia Tech. Look out GW.

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 17, 2004 at 11:07 PM.]

 

[Allstar]

5 Units Colorado +4.5 -102

The Buffs (R: 6-6 SU, 7-4 ATS) might have had some impressive Big-12 wins this season but they're still a better team than their record indicates. David Harrison (16.8 points and 8.6 rebounds and blocked 82) and Mickey Morandais are quality scorers. Both have had several off-night performances recently, as Morandais scored just 8 points on 3-for-14 shooting in Colorado's loss to Texas Tech and he also committed 5 turnovers. Harrison managed to stay out of foul trouble against Texas Tech, logging 36 minutes. However, he got few touches and made 3 of 4 shots in finishing with 8 points. Senior guard Blair Wilson tried to keep Colorado in it against Texas Tech, canning four 3-pointers and leading the Buffs with 16 points. The Buffs shoot 46% from the floor while holding opponents to 42% Oregon (H: 10-4 SU, 5-9 ATS) might have lost their last tourney game to Stanford, but they did put up a good fight in the 70-63 loss. The Ducks stood strong and outrebounded Stanford 38-34 and led 24-23 at the end of a very rough first half. Senior guard Andre Joseph, earned all-tournament honors, shooting 8-for-14 from 3-point range and averaging 17.5 ppg for two games, while senior forward Luke Jackson had 31 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists in two Pac-10 tournament games, but shot just 33 percent from the field. The matchup will be the third this season for Colorado against a Pac-10 opponent. Colorado defeated Oregon State and Cal earlier in the year. Colorado has a solid nucleus of players plus the big guy. Oregon has the home court but that doesn't defend the aircraft carrier.

 

[Allstar]

POSTS 3-3 +5.85 UNITS

**Doesn't include the Colorado selection**

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 17, 2004 at 11:14 PM.]

 

[Allstar]

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 17, 2004 at 11:10 PM.]

 

[Allstar]

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 17, 2004 at 11:08 PM.]

 

[Allstar]

5 Units West Virginia +7.5 (SU WINNER 65-54) +5.00 UNITS

The Mountaineers (R: 5-8 SU, 6-7 ATS) offense has had scoring deficiencies all season and finally seemed to break out of their offensive slump in their last regular season game against Miami, but still managed just 58 points in the victory. In their conference tournament loss to Notre Dame 65-64, Kevin Pittsnogle had 13, and J.D. Collins 10 for West Virginia (15-13). WV has been without scoring leader Drew Shifino, who played just 11 games this season. 6’11 D'or Fischer ended the regular season on a positive note, scoring 19 points in back-to-back games against Syracuse and Miami. Kent State was crumbling at season's end, losing 5 of 7 including a 77-66 loss to Western Michigan in the Mid-America tournament. The Flashes dropped their final two regular-season games by a combined five points. Miami (Ohio) became the only MAC team to sweep Kent State following a 59-57 win on senior night at the M.A.C. Center. Kent State went 9 of 17 from the free throw line against Miami and failed to box out on the game-winning bucket on a putback in the final seconds. Someone needs to take over the scoring load if West Virginia hopes to win a game this postseason. They’ve been outscored on the road 67-62. Both teams are crumbling, expect a close game, with Kent pulling out a squeaker at home.

Good Luck Tonight,

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 17, 2004 at 11:11 PM.]

 

[thetexaskid]

wow, you really love colo, lol.

good luck

 

[jwblue]

Yea...hey Allstar..should I play 15 units on Colorodo? LOL.

Any lean in the Drexel/Villanova game? I like Villanova alot.


IS

 

[Allstar]

Thetexaskid & InSpades

I think that you both are drinking to much of that green beer tonight!!! Colorado is only 5 UNITS or a small play tonight. I hope that you are both having a great night as well. I'm just getting in for a very busy night as capping a few game for tommarrow.

Allstar

 

[Allstar]

These were all played early this morning and I was unable to post a seprate trend for them!!! Once the problem is fixed they will be in a diffenent 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 -106

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

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 18, 2004 at 04:57 PM.]

 

[Allstar]

 

[Allstar]

MONDAY SELECTIONS

Here are todays selections:

7 Units Notre Dame -5.5 -103

St. Louis has won 8 of 11 games, but they haven't looked impressive. The Billikens barely beat Iowa 70-69, and before that got smacked by Cincinnati, 64-44. In fact, St. Louis is 4-10 ATS the last 14 games! In the loss to Cincy, the Billikens shot a season-low 27.5 percent from the field, led by Josh Fisher. The Billikens (19-12) are just 5-9 SU on the road (though 8-6 ATS) where they average just 60 ppg. Notre Dame (18-12) has also won 8 of 11 games. After losing to UConn in the Big East tourney, the Irish showed some pride by topping Purdue, 71-59. Notre Dame is led by junior guard Chris Thomas (16 ppg) and 6'-4" Torian Jones, but is still without 6'-11" Torin Francis, Notre Dame's best big man (back). Notre Dame is still young but they have a good outside offense, and is a decent 6-6 SU, 8-4 ATS away from home. The Irish have the better offense and should get the win.

Allstar

 

[Allstar]

10 Units Rutgers -5.5 -102

NIT battle and a Big East rematch. West Virginia (17-13) likes defense, and they are 10-6 UNDER the total for the season. Over the last nine games, WV is 7-2 UNDER the total. The Mountaineers (R: 6-8 SU, 7-7 ATS) offense has had scoring deficiencies all season, but they are playing better, winning three of four and scoring 79 points in a win over Rhode Island the last game. They are led by 6’-11" D'or Fischer, Kevin Pittsnogle and J.D. Collins, and WV has been without scoring leader Drew Shifino most of the season. West Virginia gets outscored on the road 67-62. Rutgers (17-12) is very strong at home (H: 14-2 SU, 9-3 ATS) and has the potential to frustrate anyone it faces because of its rigorous defense. Rutgers outscores teams by a 75-62 average at home. These teams met on this court Feb. 25, and Rutgers rolled, 74-53!!!

Allstar

 

[Allstar]

5 Units Michigan -3.5 -107

Banged up Oklahoma (20-10) continues to play well, riding a 4-1 SU/ATS run. The Sooners are without 6'-8" sophomore Kevin Bookout (dislocated shoulder) and C Jabahri Brown (suspension), their two best rebounders. Oklahoma is led by 6'-5" senior Jason Detrick and a couple of freshmen in G Drew Lavender, Lawrence McKenzie and Brandon Foust. Foust spent much of his freshman year on the bench, a forgotten member of an Oklahoma recruiting class that included his high school buddy Drew Lavender. But Foust set a career high in points for the second-straight game with 19 and Lavender added 15 points and five assists, leading Oklahoma past LSU 70-61 in the first round of the NIT on Wednesday night. Still, Oklahoma is 4-7 SU, 4-6 ATS on the road. Michigan (19-11 SU, 11-14 ATS) has won three of four, led by Dan Horton and Bernard Robinson Jr. At home, the Wolverines (H: 14-3 SU, 6-6 ATS) play their best ball, where the offense averages 72 ppg.

Allstar

 

[Allstar]

5 Units Hawaii -3 -102

The Huskers set up a Monday NIT game against the Rainbow Warriors by beating Niagara 78-70 on Friday. John Turek and Nate Johnson had 17 points apiece, and the Huskers (18-12) made 12-of-12 free throws in the final 57 seconds to secure the victory. "I'd like to say we're going to play just another road game," Turek said, "but it will be a fun trip." But the Cornhuskers are just 3-9 SU, 7-5 ATS on the road, and this is one long road trip. They've been particularly vulnerable on the road and rely on defense to set the offense in motion. They held opponents to 54 ppg at home but gave up a whopping 73 ppg on the road, led by 6'-2" Nate Johnson (13 ppg) and 6'-8", 270-lb Andrew Drevo (11 ppg). The Huskers do shoot a respectable 46% from the floor. But Hawaii (20-11 SU, 15-14 ATS) is tough at home (13-3 SU, 6-8 ATS) where they beat teams by a 73-63 average. Hawaii has a strong frontcourt with 6’-10” senior Haim Shimonovich (9 ppg, 7 rpg) and 6’-9” sophomore Julian Sensley (12 ppg, 7.5 rpg), while 6’-5” senior Mike Kuebler (18 ppg) leads the team in scoring. Hawaii showed a lot of heart the last game, with an 85-74 win at a very good Utah State team. Nebraska is 10-6 OVER the total and has gone OVER in 5 straight games, so there could be plenty of points on the Islands.

Good Luck Today,

Allstar