College Basketball Picks 1/6/09: Michigan State-Ohio State, Purdue-Penn State, & Arkansas-Texas
We have a lot going on here at the College Football Place. As I have been talking about for a few months we are going to be adding sites and creating a network that will all be interconnected. While the kinks are being worked on in a few areas, that’s never stopped us from going forward before and it won’t stop us this time.
The look of all of the sites will be similar to one another but even the site here will be changing it’s look slightly, we just need to go more high tech to accommodate all of the things we want to provide and do. In any event I wanted to just get started on the hoops so everyone sees what type of stuff will be on the new site. While it won’t be limited to the what you see here by any means, the flavor as always will be about the games, teams, players and coaches and keeping it real for the fans.
If you are interested in contributing in writing or video for the new site, email me at mitch@cfbplace.com. We are looking to regionalize the coverage as their are so many teams and so many games and we want to cover as many games as possible.
Here’s a few picks for today,
Mitch
Dave’s Picks:
George Mason came out flat, lost their half time lead and won but didn’t cover (by 2 baskets) ending our sizzling hot streak over the last week. I’m looking to the Big Ten today to start another one.
Ohio St. (10-2) at #8 Michigan St. (11-2)
Line: Michigan State -10.5
7pm EST ESPN2
Two teams going in very opposite directions.
Everyone is aware how bad the loss of David Lighty has brought down the Buckeyes. Since his departure with a foot injury, Ohio State is giving up an additional 12 points per game. The latest loss came at the hands of Minnesota 59-68.
Michigan State however, is rolling. Winners of 7 in a row they seem to be getting stronger. The return of Goran Sutan from a knee injury has solidified the deep squad. Raymar Morgan was named the Big 10 player of the week as a result of his play against Northwestern and Minnesota, both on the road.
ATS-
Ohio State is 4-5 and 2-1 on the road ATS
Michigan State is 6-4 and 3-4 at home ATS
The teams are 5-5 SU and 5-5 ATS in last 10 meetings
It’s looking bad for Ohio St. right now and the Breslin Student Event Center in East Lansing is not a good place to get well. I expect this one to get ugly and fast. For the sake of the Buckeye fans, I hope they are on the plane back from the Fiesta Bowl when this one goes down.
Dave’s Pick- Michigan State -10.5
#14 Purdue (11-3) at Penn State (12-3)
Line: Purdue -3
There’s a log jam in the Purdue training room these days. Will the Boilermakers be short handed on the road against PSU? Preseason Big Ten Player of the year Robbie Hummel is doubtful for the game with a bad back. He has not practiced since leaving the court on crutches after Purdue’s overtime loss to Illinois. It was announced that Hummel suffered the injury against Oklahoma in November. Since that game, he has averaged only 7.3 and hasn’t been the same. Makes sense now. Last years Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Chris Kramer has been limited in practice and may not play. Prior to the Illinois loss, Purdue had a 6 game winning streak. The armor may be dented now.
Penn State is coming off a 4 point loss to Wisconsin. While that may not sound like a positive, it is if you look back to the 25 and 36 point losses to the Badgers last year.
5 victories prior to the Wisconsin game affirm that this team is one to look at. Penn State currently is the only Big Ten team with three scorers in the conference top ten.
ATS-
Purdue is 5-6 and 1-0 on the road ATS
Penn State is 6-2 and 3-1 at home ATS
Purdue is going to struggle with the injuries. The physical Big Ten is not a good conference to play in short handed. While Penn State isn’t looking at a big Ten Title, they aren’t to be overlooked. I don’t look for the Boilermakers make it out of this one with a win.
Dave’s Pick-Penn St. +3
BKMHOXX’s Pick:
#7 Texas (-4.5) at Arkansas
ESPN2 9pm EST
This should be a fast-paced entertaining game to watch as both teams like to push the ball. Both teams come into this game on a strong note and we should see some strong effort in this one.
Texas is ranked #7 and has a record of 11-2. Their two losses were against Notre Dame by 1 pt. and Michigan St. by 4 points. They have beaten #10 UCLA by 4, #18 Villanova by 9 and Wisconsin by 5. Texas is 73.7 pf and 59.9 pa. Texas is led by A.J. Abrams who averages 19 ppg. He is backed by James and Johnson who currently avg. double digits as well.
Arkansas comes into this battle at 11-1 and most recently knocked off #6 Oklahoma by 8 points for their signature win so far this season. Their loss came earlier in the season against Missouri St. by 5 points. They are led by Michael Washington who averages 17.4 ppg along with 10.4 rebounds. He is backed by Fortson, Welsh and Clarke who are also averaging double digits. Arkansas is at 82.7 pf and 68.9 pa.
This game should be a close one throughout much of the game. These two teams are very similar. Arkansas turns the ball over a bit more than Texas and Texas play a more physical brand of defense. Texas however has been through 5 very tough battles already this season against some very quality teams. Texas has the kind of players and plays the kind of game that should really be able to show the Razorbacks weaknesses in this game. I think Texas takes control of this game in the second half and puts Arkansas back in their place. 76-63 With Texas coming out on top.
My pick is Texas -4.5 with a rating of 5/10
-bkmhoxx
« Video of the Day 1/6/09 | Home | Ball State vs. Tulsa: The GMAC Bowl 1/6/09 Free Pick ATS »
Comments
nice picks and write ups guys…
like the other way on all these games but my luck lately might want to stay with the picks listed!! good luck!!
thanks for the insight fellas, keep up the good work.
i learned my lesson (twice)!
dont pick against Arkansas at home!
i will write that on the chalkboard 100 times!
Leave a Comment