Allstar's THURSDAY College Basketball Selections

[Allstar]

Wednesday 1-1 +1.95 Units


Here are the early selectiions, check back later for the night action!!!!


10 Units Syracuse -3 (LOST 54-57) -10.80 UNITS

BC (22-8 SU, 11-6 ATS) is on a 9-1 run and one of the hottest teams in the east following Wednesday's 68-57 win over Georgetown in the opening round of Big East Tournament play. Jared Dudley (12 ppg) has emerged as a counterpart to Craig Smith (17 ppg) on the offensive end, which is a big reason for the team's surge. Another is defense like the kind the team showed against the Friars last week and the Hoyas yesterday. Syracuse, despite a modest mid-season slump that saw them lose 3 of 4 to the likes of Connecticut and Pittsburgh, the Orange aren’t dead yet. 6’8 Hakim Warrick has picked up the scoring slack from Carmelo Anthony to lead the Orange in scoring (20ppg) and rebounding (9 rpg) and dunks (led the team with 48 through the first 17 games). 6’2 Gerry McNamara ( 16 ppg) appears to be both healthy and in the zone entering tournament time. If Syracuse can continue to get him free outside, he can drain some NBA-range three-pointers and that frees up the inside for Hakim Warrick and Josh Pace (10-ppg- 5 rpg) and gives the Orangemen a chance for a win anytime. Billy Edelin has been an important part of the team but had some problems, whether he plays or not will be a coaching decision). Syracuse enters the Big East tournament on a five-game winning streak. Over the last two weeks, it has avenged tough losses to conference rivals Pittsburgh and Connecticut and depth to keep on keepin on.

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 11, 2004 at 05:20 PM.]

 

[Allstar]

5 Units Purdue -7.5 (LOST 52-63) -5.20 UNITS

Wins have been hard to come by for the Gophers this season despite having the leagues leading scorer Kris Humphries. Humphries returned from a sore tendon in his ankle to score 25 points on Saturday as the Gophers pulled Penn State into the Big Ten basement with them in a handy 78-62 win. Ben Johnson added 22 points for Minnesota (11-17 SU, 3-13 Big-10) who shot over 50% for the game. In their 63-62 loss to Iowa on Saturday, Ken Lowe had 14 points and David Teague added 14 for Purdue, which fell to 1-7 in games decided by two points or less. This game is like a home game for the Boilermakers (17-12, 7-9) as West Lafayette is a 45 minute drive to Indy. Purdue finished the season in a funk (losing 4 of 5) but they beat up the Gophers 65-47 in Minneapolis just two weeks ago and won the first game of the series 72-65 as well.

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 11, 2004 at 05:21 PM.]

 

[Allstar]

5 Units Auburn +2.5 (Lost 59-73) -5.00 units

The Georgia Bulldogs play their first postseason game under head coach Dennis Felton. Georgia (15-12 SU, 13-10 ATS) is not a deep or tall team, but they play a physical game, led by 6'-3" G Rashad Wright (14 ppg) while 6'-7" senior Damien Wilkens (12 ppg) and 6'-7" F Chris Daniels (8 rpg) work the boards. Fortunately for Georgia, while this is not their home court, it's more of a home game -- and that helps as Georgia was a pitiful 1-9 SU on the road this season allowing 68 ppg! This shapes up as a physical game, as Auburn (14-13, 9-14 ATS) can pound the glass with 6'-7" F Marco Killingsworth (13.5 ppg, 58% FGs), 6'-10" Kyle Davis (7 rebounds pg, 3 blocks pg) and 6’-8” junior Brandon Robinson (12 ppg). But Auburn has been a big bust on the road at 1-8 SU, 2-6 ATS where they get outscored by a 74-64 average! Auburn beat Georgia at home, 57-54, though the Bulldogs got the cover on Feb. 7 as a +6 road dog. Look for a close, defensive game here.

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 11, 2004 at 05:21 PM.]

 

[Allstar]

5 Units South Carolina -6.5 (WON 91-81) +5.00 UNITS

Well you won't see a lot of scoring this game. Arkansas (12-15 SU, 9-14 ATS) scores 60 ppg on the road, and South Carolina is a sensational defensive team allowing 39% shooting and 61 ppg. Arkansas is young and short, with 6'-4" G Johnathan Modica (16 ppg) and 6’-7” freshman Ronnie Brewer leading the way. But the Razorbacks are the worst shooting team in the SEC (42%) from the field and three-point land. Also, Arkansas is 1-9 SU, 3-7 ATS on the road where they give up 72 ppg. South Carolina (21-9 SU) has lost 7 of 10 after starting the season 18-2. Still, they should have little trouble shutting down the anemic Arkansas offense here. South Carolina has 6'-7" Carlos Powell (12 ppg, 6 rpg) and 6'-2" senior Mike Boynton playing a stifling defense. There might be some revenge in the air, too: On Feb. 21. Arkansas destroyed South Carolina 82-66! Dave Odom's team will be up for this one and get their revenge.

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 11, 2004 at 06:13 PM.]

 

[Allstar]

7 Units Stanford -13 (WON 68-47) +7.00 UNITS

A replay from a week ago when the Cardinal held on for a 63-61 win. The Cardinal has beaten WSU 17 straight times, including by 22 points in early January. The streak is over for Stanford and just maybe, that's a good thing. In the loss to Washington on Saturday, Chris Hernandez led Stanford with 21 points while Josh Childress and Matt Lottich were in foul trouble early, and Lottich scored just two points on 1-of-11 shooting from the field. Stanford managed (26-1, 17-1 Pac-10) only 39 percent from the field. Wassou finished the regular season with a win over Cal 70-58 sweeping the season series. Marcus Moore and Thomas Kelati made sure they would be playing a bit longer. Moore and Kelati each scored 16 points as Washington State beat California 70-58 Saturday, qualifying for the Pacific-10 Conference tournament for the first time in 14 years. OK so the Cougars might not be in post season play very long this year, but the Cardinal will lose some sleep on Wednesday.

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 11, 2004 at 05:22 PM.]

 

[Allstar]

7 Units B.Y.U. -9 (LOST 79-74) -7.42 UNITS

MWC tourney game from Denver, Colorado. Wyoming (11-16) has not won a game away from home all season, and they won't get one here. The Wyoming Cowboys (11-16 SU, 5-18 ATS) have been huge money-burners and lack height, which will hurt here as BYU has 6’-11” senior center Rafael Araujo. Wyoming has good guard play behind 5’-11” junior Jason Straight (14 ppg) and 6’-2” senior David Adams (10 ppg), but they are 0-11 SU, 0-10 against the spread on the road! BYU shoots 49% and scores 74 ppg at home. The BYU Cougars (20-7 SU, 15-9 ATS) have 6’-7” senior Mark Bigelow (13 points pg), 6’-11” senior center Rafael Araujo (18 ppg, 57% FGs, 10 rpg) and guard Mike Hall. BYU won 78-64 at home over Wyoming on January 19 and they'll win by double-digits again.

Back Later With Night Action!!!

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 12, 2004 at 12:22 AM.]

 

[jwblue]

Allstar:

What is your take on GW and Rhode Island. I like GW alot.

IS

 

[Allstar]

InSpades

Here what I got:

Rhode Island (19-12, 8-9 Atlantic 10) held La Salle to 25-percent shooting in a 55-42 victory on Wednesday in the first round of the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament. Brian Woodward scored 11 points to lead the Rams, who have won five of their last six. Nine players scored for Rhode Island, which hit just 34 percent of its shots from the field. Previously the Rams overcame an 8-point deficit at halftime and surprised Dayton 65-63 last Wednesday. Dustin Hellenga scored 18 points and led a 16-3 run that put Rhode Island ahead 59-52 with 7:20 to play. The Rams can play with anyone, if they scrap hard on the boards and on defense. Do those things and continue to get nightly perimeter scoring and the Rams will be more than a handful for GW. George Washington was this season's surprise team in the league — finishing a game out of first place in the Atlantic 10 West. Junior T.J. Thompson leads a balanced attack for the Colonials at 14.1 ppg. He's one of three GW players to average in double figures this season — the others being sophomore frontcourters Pops Mensah-Bonsu (11.6 ppg) and Mike Hall (10.3 ppg. In addition they have two of the A-10 best freshmen in J.R. Pinnock (9.5 ppg) and Carl Elliott (8.2 ppg). Karl Hobbs' freshman- and sophomore-laden squad beat Rhode Island 84-72 in their first meeting. Of course that win was a while back and since then the Rams have improved and are on a 4-1 run. Coming off a nice win on Wednesday, the Rams do it again.

Good luck today (This is not a play for me)

Allstar

 

[Allstar]

 

[Allstar]

Not a great start to the day. Let's get it back in the night action!!!

5 Units Western Michigan -11.5 (WON 96-62) +5.00 UNITS

MAC battle from Gund Arena in Cleveland. Marshall has a strong offense (70 ppg), but they give up a whopping 78 ppg on the road! That will hurt here against a dominant WM team. The Marshall Thundering Herd (12-16 SU, 15-12 ATS) are just 4-10 SU/6-7 ATS on the road where they get outscored by a 78-68 average. Marshall has a good frontcourt with 6’-7” senior Marvin Black (12 ppg, 7 rpg), 6’-9” sophomore Marc Patton (5 rpg), 6’-7”, 250-lb sophomore LaVar Carter, and they have a terrific playmaker in 6'-3” junior guard A.W. Hamilton (5.4 assists pg). But Western Michigan has a better frontcourt and plays awesome defense, allowing 42% shooting and 65 ppg, while shooting 47% as a team. The Western Michigan Broncos (23-4 SU, 18-7 ATS) have a great frontcourt and outscores teams by a 74-69 average on the road where they are 9-4 SU/8-4 ATS! They are led by a great front line in 6’-7” senior center Anthony Kann (12 ppg, 7 rpg) and 6’-8” senior Mike Williams (18 ppg, 54% FGs, 7 rpg). 6’-3” sophomore Ben Reed (16.6 ppg) and 6’-4” senior Reggie Berry round out this tall, deep team. These teams met once at Marshall, and Marshall got an 82-76 upset win over Western Michigan as a +7 home dog. Not this time.

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 12, 2004 at 12:23 AM.]

 

[Allstar]

5 Units Air Force -7 (LOST 48-60) -5.40 UNITS

MWC tourney from Denver, CO. It will be Colorado State's frontcourt against Air Force's strong team defense and three-point shooting. During the regular season, Air Force ruled, winning 65-57 and 52-44. Colorado State (12-15 SU, 9-12 ATS) 7-foot center Matt Nelson (15 ppg, 5.7 rpg) up front, along with 6’-5” sophomore Freddy Robinson and sophomore Micheal Morris. But they have lost 7 of the last 8 games and are 3-11 SU, 4-8 ATS away from home. The Air Force Falcons (22-5 SU, 12-6 ATS) shoot 48% from the field looking for the 3-pointer led by 6’-6” senior Joel Gerlach, 6’-3” junior Tim Keller (11 ppg) and 6’-7” sophomore Nick Welch. Air Force plays a slow, strangling defense and went 2-0 SU against Colorado State.

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 12, 2004 at 12:24 AM.]

 

[Allstar]

7 Units Buffalo -2.5 (LOST 85-97) -7.56 UNITS

Wow, Nellie -- if you like a lot of offense, this neutral-court battle is the game for you. Buffalo averages 74.6 ppg and allows opponents 46% shooting, while Toledo outscores teams by a 76-74 average and allows opponents 45% shooting. Buffalo is red-hot, riding an 8-game win streak. In fact, Buffalo is 12-2 SU/ATS the last 14 games! Buffalo (17-11 SU, 16-9 ATS) has two offensive guns in junior point guard Turner Battle (14 ppg, 3.9 apg) and 6'-10”, 250-lb freshman Yassin Idbihi (ppg, 6 rpg), and they've been getting good play from 6’-6” sophomore Mario Jordan, 6’-6” junior Daniel Gilbert and sophomore Calvin Cage. Buffalo is 8-6 SU/9-3 ATS on the road, where they outscore teams by a 75-73 average! The Toledo Rockets (19-9 SU, 12-13 ATS) have had a fine season behind its quick backcourt, anchored by 6’-3” junior Keith Triplett (19 points, 5 rebounds per game, 41% 3-point FGs) and 6’-3” freshman Justin Ingram (10 ppg, 3.5 apg), plus 6’-6” sophomore scorer Sammy Villegas (13 ppg). Toledo is 8-8 SU, 9-4 ATS on the road. These teams met on January 3 and Toledo won 88-83 at home, but Buffalo got the cover as a +12 dog. Look for a close game again with a lot of points.

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 12, 2004 at 12:26 AM.]

 

[Allstar]

10 Units Alabama -3 (WON 84-49) +10.00 UNITS

Slumping Tennessee (15-12) has been battling injuires and is 5-9 SU the last 14 games. The Volunteers have a nice one-two punch in guard Scooter McFadgon (18 ppg) and 6'-10" F Brandon Crump (14 ppg, 7 rpg). But the Volunteers are 1-9 SU, 2-8 ATS on the road! Away from home Tennessee gives up 79 ppg while scoring just 63 ppg. The Alabama Crimson Tide (16-11 SU, 15-8 ATS) comes into the tourney on a 4-1 SU, 5-0 ATS run! They have terrific balance and depth with 6'-7" F Kennedy Winston (17 ppg, 5 rpg) and 6’-7” sophomore Chuck Davis (10 ppg, 5.8 rpg)) up front, and 6’-3” junior Earnest Shelton and 6'-0" G Antoine Pettway running the break. Alabama is 5-6 Su, 7-3 ATS on the road. Alabama smacked Tennessee 83-70 at home as a 6-point favorite on Feb 14. Alabama is athletic and deep, and with Winston now at 100%, they should advance.

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 12, 2004 at 12:27 AM.]

 

[Allstar]

10 Units Missouri -12 (LOST 74-68) -11.00 UNITS

The Texas A&M Aggies (7-19, 0-16) finished Big-12 play without a win following a 70-41 loss to Oklahoma State over the weekend. This matchup between the Big 12's best team and its worst was ugly from the start. Nick Anderson and Acie Law led the Aggies with 10 points each. For Missouri, Arthur Johnson scored a career-high 37 points and had eight rebounds for Missouri (15-12, 9-7 Big 12). But the Tigers, in need of a victory to bolster their hope of a sixth straight NCAA tournament berth, fell just short after rallying from a 10-point deficit in the final 4:54 and fell just short, losing to Kansas 84-82. The Aggies rank last in the conference in field goal percentage defense with a .478 mark while Missouri shoots 45%. Missouri has lost two straight, but that changes here.

Good Luck Tonight

Allstar

[This message was edited by Allstar on March 12, 2004 at 12:27 AM.]

 

[Kodiak7]

all star.. your write-up on the WMU game is interesting...

I love the bronco's tonight and buffalo as you may have saw.. GOOD LUCK!

 

[NYReb]

Hope Bama comes through big-time for both of us tonight.

Wasn't that Syracuse game weird? Frustrating loss.

Hope you enjoy a profitable tournament

 

[thetexaskid]

alab and buff

keep firing at their ass allstar

 

[MGMan]

Didn't see the Cuse loss what happened? I hope Buf, Al and AF all cash tonight. It seems like everyone is on the same sides tonight which hasn't been good for us in the past. Maybe tonight will be different.

GL

 

[Allstar]

Kodiak7

I fixed it. . . some how I posted the same write up of the Air Force game lol!!! Good luck tonight my friend!!!

Allstar

 

[Allstar]

NY Reb

Thanks and good luck to as well my friend!!!

Allstar