Gus Augustine
Big one from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas late tonight as Arizona State and Mississippi State will jump ball in the Heavyweights Tournament.
Both teams off to 3-0 straight up starts, as both enjoyed playing all 3 of their games on their home court. Interestingly enough, both teams played Long Beach State in their last games, the Bulldogs taking their game against the 49ers, 79-51, while the Sun Devils were 90-58 winners over The Beach. The Devils did have their scheduled Friday night game at San Francisco postponed due to the air quality conditions in California due to the wildfires, so we shall see how the change in schedule effects Bobby Hurley's team tonight.
Do keep in mind that Arizona State did lose their top three scorers from a season ago, and while they have good depth, that depth doesn't necessarily have the experience at this point in the season to deal with Miss State's depth and experience - all 5 of their starters back. You saw that depth on display when starting guard Nick Weatherspoon left last Friday's game with an ankle injury (questionable for tonight), as key reserve Tyson Carter stepped up with 17 points on the night.
Both teams play air-tight defense, so do not expect this game to be played in the 70's. Miss State is allowing just 59 points per game while holding teams to right at 39% shooting. The Bulldogs defense will need to keep close guard on Luguentz Dort who has gotten off to a fast start for the Sun Devils. The Top-50 High School prospect leads the team with 21+ points per game through the first 3.
The Weatherspoon injury is of concern, but this Bulldogs team feels this is their season, and they will be looking to put the memory of being snubbed for the Big Dance last season in their rear-view mirror. Beating a quality team like this Pac 12 rep will help build the 'Dogs resume. Miss State has gone 5-1-1 against the spread when playing teams with a winning record, while Arizona State is just 1-8-2 ATS when they face teams with a winning percentage of .600 or better. Both scenarios apply tonight in Sin City.
Going to lay the small chalk with Miss State to remain unbeaten.
4* MISS STATE
Big one from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas late tonight as Arizona State and Mississippi State will jump ball in the Heavyweights Tournament.
Both teams off to 3-0 straight up starts, as both enjoyed playing all 3 of their games on their home court. Interestingly enough, both teams played Long Beach State in their last games, the Bulldogs taking their game against the 49ers, 79-51, while the Sun Devils were 90-58 winners over The Beach. The Devils did have their scheduled Friday night game at San Francisco postponed due to the air quality conditions in California due to the wildfires, so we shall see how the change in schedule effects Bobby Hurley's team tonight.
Do keep in mind that Arizona State did lose their top three scorers from a season ago, and while they have good depth, that depth doesn't necessarily have the experience at this point in the season to deal with Miss State's depth and experience - all 5 of their starters back. You saw that depth on display when starting guard Nick Weatherspoon left last Friday's game with an ankle injury (questionable for tonight), as key reserve Tyson Carter stepped up with 17 points on the night.
Both teams play air-tight defense, so do not expect this game to be played in the 70's. Miss State is allowing just 59 points per game while holding teams to right at 39% shooting. The Bulldogs defense will need to keep close guard on Luguentz Dort who has gotten off to a fast start for the Sun Devils. The Top-50 High School prospect leads the team with 21+ points per game through the first 3.
The Weatherspoon injury is of concern, but this Bulldogs team feels this is their season, and they will be looking to put the memory of being snubbed for the Big Dance last season in their rear-view mirror. Beating a quality team like this Pac 12 rep will help build the 'Dogs resume. Miss State has gone 5-1-1 against the spread when playing teams with a winning record, while Arizona State is just 1-8-2 ATS when they face teams with a winning percentage of .600 or better. Both scenarios apply tonight in Sin City.
Going to lay the small chalk with Miss State to remain unbeaten.
4* MISS STATE
Tommy Brunson
Let's take care of business here on Monday.
Great value in the NHL tonight with the Buffalo Sabres as they take on the slumping Pittsburgh Penguins.
Buffalo is on a roll, winners of 5 straight and 6 of their last 7 overall. They are feeling supremely confident as during this hot stretch, the Sabres have won a pair of games in shootout fashion, and have also won one in overtime.
On the home bench, the Penguins are playing some uninspired hockey this season in general. The Pens have won just once over their last 9 games! 1-7-1 is not a mark I want to be laying this kind of lumber with, especially since Sidney Crosby is not skating due to injury.
This is Buffalo's longest win streak in 6 years, and they have their biggest 20 game point total since the 2009-10 campaign!
Pittsburgh is just 3-5-1 on their home ice this year, and while they have won the last 5 series meetings, I say the time is right, and the price is most definitely right to back the searing Sabres in the big dog role.
3* BUFFALO
Let's take care of business here on Monday.
Great value in the NHL tonight with the Buffalo Sabres as they take on the slumping Pittsburgh Penguins.
Buffalo is on a roll, winners of 5 straight and 6 of their last 7 overall. They are feeling supremely confident as during this hot stretch, the Sabres have won a pair of games in shootout fashion, and have also won one in overtime.
On the home bench, the Penguins are playing some uninspired hockey this season in general. The Pens have won just once over their last 9 games! 1-7-1 is not a mark I want to be laying this kind of lumber with, especially since Sidney Crosby is not skating due to injury.
This is Buffalo's longest win streak in 6 years, and they have their biggest 20 game point total since the 2009-10 campaign!
Pittsburgh is just 3-5-1 on their home ice this year, and while they have won the last 5 series meetings, I say the time is right, and the price is most definitely right to back the searing Sabres in the big dog role.
3* BUFFALO
