Two from the MVC (with anlaysis)...

EliteSports · Feb 12, 2005

I know there are some really strong locals on this site with this conference... Here's what I came up with for today.

Creighton at Southern Illinois 6:05
Play on Creighton plus the points

Bucking a very formidable home court here, but note that although Sulukis get it done at home, they often have trouble doing it by margin. They are only 21-37 as a HF the last 4 seasons, and only 8-24 at home vs. revenge. This Dana Altman Blue Jay squad maybe not up to par with past editions, but not exactly chopped liver either. They have wins away from home over Northern Iowa, Bradley, Xavier, Missouri, Nebraska and Ohio St. That's an impressive road slate. These two have played some huge games the last couple of seasons. Southern Ill. may have bigger fish to fry, but Creighton steaming over that nip and tuck home loss earlier this season.

Wichita St. at Bradley 8:05
Play on Bradley plus the points

Bradley Braves seem to hitting a bit of a wall with their young players after a red hot start. They have lost 5 straight, and are desperately seeking a win. Nothing wrong with Wichita St. squad, sitting at 11-2 on top of the conference. However, Bradley 6-2-1 last 4 seasons as a home dog, and they do have one of the strongest home courts in the Valley at 15-2 SU their last 17. Despite the recent slump, we note that statistically, the Braves still rebound well (+3.0 pg), shoot free throws well (71%)and defend fairly well (42% from the floor). With the visitor perhaps looking ahead to Creighton revenger, we think Bradley has a chance at Shocking the Shockers today in Peoria.

Got Cre (+8), Bradley (+4'), also recommending money lines and 1st half bets.

Illini · Feb 12, 2005

Bradley has been losing, because they are undisciplined. They play out of control, and don't know how to make the extra pass. They don't even get the ball inside on most trips down the court, even though they have 7-footer, who is a freshman and will have a chance at the NBA in 4 years. I was high on Bradley early in the year, but I've seen their last 4 games, and I wouldn't risk a penny of my money on this team. I went to the Wichita game on Thursday, and they are the complete opposite. They get the ball and go, but it's under control, as they find open shooters for wide open threes. They get the ball inside well, and their big man can score or kick to someone open on the outside. They are very disciplined, and reverse the ball well. Bradley is outmatched and outcoached in this one, and that is why I'm playing Wichita, despite the fact that I hate road favorites. I got -3.5, so maybe we'll both win. Bradley's home court was strong early in the year, so anything can happen, but Wichita is going to have miss a lot of wide open looks for this one to be close.