One that I LOVE for tonight - Pitt -6 1st Half

[LexingtonBrass]

Here is one for tonight. This one is simple in my opinion. Pitt is simply bigger, stronger, faster and more athletic vs a struggling Manhattan team. Manhattan lost a number of starters from last year and simply are not good in all facets of the game. They will be outmatched.

Pitt has a few key players back who will help balance their offense. Also, look for Pitt to also have a decisive rebounding advantage.

The Panthers haven't been overly convincing either, however they are sporting a 3-0 home record, while the Jaspers are 0-4 on the road.

I fully expect Pitt to jump out to a nice lead and control this game from start to finish.

$500 Pitt Panthers 1st Half -6

This is a classic don't overthink it play. GL people!

 

[OzCap]

I basically agree with your analysis Lex (not that you need my validation lol). Manhattan squad is downright awful and Pitt at the Pete is a very difficult proposition for any team, let alone one playing as poorly as the Jaspers. The last couple of games Dixon has moved Artis back to power forward and ultimately this will give them the ball-handling/shooting ability they need in that position. If Pitt hits the boards hard early there should be not stopping them.

Pitt has bunch of cupcake out-of-conference games coming up over the winter break and they should cruise through them before hitting conference play. So there should be no concern with "looking past" Manhattan either.

My only concern is that Pitt has been so unpredictable (feels like they are reverting to pre-Ben Howland Pitt in some ways) destroying Chaminade (mind you many high school teams could do that) but giving it up to an inexperienced Hawaii team and barely squeaking by an average Bonnies squad. They should win this one comfortably but the concern is by how much. Definitely like Pitt on the ML (game and 1H), but I am going to go with you on Pitt 1H (-6). Strongly considered taking the full game to give them a chance to fully leverage their size and physicality, but Pitt's free throw shooting is poor enough that I fear a backdoor for Manhattan.

Good luck
Oz

 

[LexingtonBrass]

I basically agree with your analysis Lex (not that you need my validation lol). Manhattan squad is downright awful and Pitt at the Pete is a very difficult proposition for any team, let alone one playing as poorly as the Jaspers. The last couple of games Dixon has moved Artis back to power forward and ultimately this will give them the ball-handling/shooting ability they need in that position. If Pitt hits the boards hard early there should be not stopping them.

Pitt has bunch of cupcake out-of-conference games coming up over the winter break and they should cruise through them before hitting conference play. So there should be no concern with "looking past" Manhattan either.

My only concern is that Pitt has been so unpredictable (feels like they are reverting to pre-Ben Howland Pitt in some ways) destroying Chaminade (mind you many high school teams could do that) but giving it up to an inexperienced Hawaii team and barely squeaking by an average Bonnies squad. They should win this one comfortably but the concern is by how much. Definitely like Pitt on the ML (game and 1H), but I am going to go with you on Pitt 1H (-6). Strongly considered taking the full game to give them a chance to fully leverage their size and physicality, but Pitt's free throw shooting is poor enough that I fear a backdoor for Manhattan.

Good luck
Oz

Oz all very good points and thanks for adding some color to some of my general angles. I think Pitt comes out motivated and gets a nice lead and the cover going into halftime. I see that rebounding edge as being key, especially against a poor shooting team like the Jaspers.

The full game scares me a bit as I have been burned too many times this year on backdoor covers. Pitt simply is not a good free throw shooting team and that could lead to a serious problem.

In general I have been focusing more and more on first half plays this year as to escape these awful meltdowns by good teams, let alone teams like Pitt.

GL tonight Oz and let's get this one! My last play was Ohio State and they blew a huge lead. Historically, I lose one and then I bounce back with a win. Let's hope that trend continues tonight!

 

[varkeyboy]

Good luck Lex!

 

[LexingtonBrass]

Pitt starts the game 11-2 run and can't sustain the lead to cover 6 points. 5 point lead at half doesn't work you clowns. That program is going down hill quick. I really thought they were better than that. I guess I was wrong.

 

[United]

Pitt starts the game 11-2 run and can't sustain the lead to cover 6 points. 5 point lead at half doesn't work you clowns. That program is going down hill quick. I really thought they were better than that. I guess I was wrong.

you can get them at -5 2nd half

 

[LexingtonBrass]

you can get them at -5 2nd half

Thanks United! U may be right but I would rather wager on better teams at this point. Pitt just is not it for me.