2-1 last time out, up to 22-16 overall. Happy Saturday!
Love:
Texas Tech vs. Iowa State 1 p.m. CT ESPNews
It was only a month ago when Iowa State was 18-5 and looking like a real threat in not only the Big 12 Conference but to make a run in the tournament. Since then, they have dropped 5 of their last 7 and are in shambles. Reports came out early in the week of some team chemistry turmoil and I think that was only validated as they went out on Wednesday and got spanked by West Virginia as 7.5 point favorites. Worth noting that the Cyclones best player, Marial Shayok is still a game time decision in this one.
Texas Tech is playing great ball at the moment. They are winners of 8 in a row and need to win this one to help ensure at least a share of the Big 12 regular season conference title. Texas Tech is the best defense in the nation according to KenPom and as we all know defense travels. Even if Shayok plays in this one, Tech's Jarrett Culver is easily the best player in this one. He can do it all on offense and then lock you down on defense.
All-in-all, Tech is rolling at the moment and the Cyclones are limping into this one and have been for a month. We'll look for both trends to continue and take the road favorite.
Pick: Texas Tech -2
Like:
Murray State vs. Belmont 7 p.m. CT ESPN2
Forget about Duke/UNC or Michigan/Michigan State. This game right here is the game of the night. Murray State's Ja Morant is a walking highlight reel, must watch TV if you will. Projected to be a top three pick in this upcoming draft. On track to be the first player to average 20+ points and 10 assists in a season at the D1 level. He is supremely talented and makes for a great watch. This is a must win game for him tonight because his only chance to find his way into the field of 68 is winning his conference tournament, unfortunately the Racers don't have the resume to get an at large bid.
Belmont on the other hand has had a great season. You have to go all the way back to January 17th to find the last time that they lost a game, 26-4 on the year. Both of these teams are at their best when they are firing on offense. Belmont is averaging 90 points on their current 14 game win streak and Murray state is averaging 83.5 points on the year. This one has the makings of a track meet and that will make it that much more entertaining. Take the over, sit back, and watch the Ja show.
Pick: Over 156
Lean:
Louisville vs. Virginia 3 p.m. CT ESPN
I began my freshman year at the University of Louisville in the fall of 2014, also the first year they entered the ACC conference. Point being, since I have began really caring and paying attention to Louisville basketball I have seen all of their games against UVA and for whatever set of reasons Louisville just seems to forget how to play offensive basketball against UVA. Many of them have been close games but none of them have ever been shootouts. This is a tough spot for the Cards going on the road. Their offense has been up and down lately, finally snapping out of it against ND on Sunday but still I think we see the typical UofL/UVA game this afternoon in a sloppy and low scoring game.
As for UVA, I'm not sure I really have to explain why I like an under in any game they play. Expect a sloppy one in Charlottesville.
Pick: Under 126
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