9-6-1 on Sat/Sun
Nova +7.5
Based on emotional factors, Syracuse should roll on Monday night. They're playing in the Dome, Big Monday on ESPN, etc. If I was picking with my heart, I'd take Syracuse.
But when you look @ their results, you realize that something is wrong with the Orangemen. After winning 13 in a row (including Mich St, @ Mizzou, @ ND), they've lost 5 of 9. Their only wins were:
1) A 2-point home win over Rutgers (6-7 in Big East).
2) An away win against Miami (3-10).
3) A 12-point home win over Va Tech (4-8).
4) An ugly 3-point away win against Gtown (4-8).
The loss of Edelin is huge. Without Edelin (3rd leading scorer, leading assists), McNamara is forced to be more of a ball-handler instead of a shooter and scorer. Is it any wonder that McNamara is dealing with a shooting slump?
Villanova has been amazingly tough on the road. As the visitor, they have yet to lose by more than 7 points. This includes games @ Kansas, @ BC, @ Providence, @ WVU, @ Seton Hall. If the Wildcats can stay within 7 @ these teams, there is no reason to think they can't do it against a struggling Syracuse team. Plus, as demonstrated during the St Joe's game (L 67-74), Villanova will continue to fight even if they are down double-digits.
Utah Over 126
Totals for last 8 Utah games: 124, 111 (Air Force), 120, 126, 126, 150, 139, 116 (Air Force). Average of non-AF games, 130.8.
Totals for last 15 New Mexico games: 138, 147, 131, 163, 139, 159, 110 (Air Force), 124, 128, 169, 140, 114, 162, 101 (Air Force), 159. Average of non-AF games, 144.1.
I'm sorry, but I refuse to count any of the Air Force games!
With Majerus, Utah played slow and smart. Now that Majerus is gone, it appears that Utah has loosened up their play just a bit. Combined with New Mexico's quick pace, I think 130 is more than realistic. Come on, Utah just hit 116 with Air Force! That converts to 142 against a "normal" college team!
Nova +7.5
Based on emotional factors, Syracuse should roll on Monday night. They're playing in the Dome, Big Monday on ESPN, etc. If I was picking with my heart, I'd take Syracuse.
But when you look @ their results, you realize that something is wrong with the Orangemen. After winning 13 in a row (including Mich St, @ Mizzou, @ ND), they've lost 5 of 9. Their only wins were:
1) A 2-point home win over Rutgers (6-7 in Big East).
2) An away win against Miami (3-10).
3) A 12-point home win over Va Tech (4-8).
4) An ugly 3-point away win against Gtown (4-8).
The loss of Edelin is huge. Without Edelin (3rd leading scorer, leading assists), McNamara is forced to be more of a ball-handler instead of a shooter and scorer. Is it any wonder that McNamara is dealing with a shooting slump?
Villanova has been amazingly tough on the road. As the visitor, they have yet to lose by more than 7 points. This includes games @ Kansas, @ BC, @ Providence, @ WVU, @ Seton Hall. If the Wildcats can stay within 7 @ these teams, there is no reason to think they can't do it against a struggling Syracuse team. Plus, as demonstrated during the St Joe's game (L 67-74), Villanova will continue to fight even if they are down double-digits.
Utah Over 126
Totals for last 8 Utah games: 124, 111 (Air Force), 120, 126, 126, 150, 139, 116 (Air Force). Average of non-AF games, 130.8.
Totals for last 15 New Mexico games: 138, 147, 131, 163, 139, 159, 110 (Air Force), 124, 128, 169, 140, 114, 162, 101 (Air Force), 159. Average of non-AF games, 144.1.
I'm sorry, but I refuse to count any of the Air Force games!
With Majerus, Utah played slow and smart. Now that Majerus is gone, it appears that Utah has loosened up their play just a bit. Combined with New Mexico's quick pace, I think 130 is more than realistic. Come on, Utah just hit 116 with Air Force! That converts to 142 against a "normal" college team!
