Full Court Press: 2008/2009 NCAA Hoops Picks

[EaglesPhan36]

Morehead State/Illinois State OVER 135
ISU is one of the better shooting teams in the country, hitting 48.6% of their FGs and 43% from beyond the arc. Morehead gives up about 73 ppg. ISU home games average totals of 138 and that's with an 86 point clunker thrown in there in a slow down game. Toss that out and it's a 148 average. Morehead has been playing better of late, putting up 70+ in 5 straight games. If Morehead gets anywhere near their season average of 65, ISU does the rest. You've got Eagles. You've got Redbirds. Birds fly. The total flies past the number. Simple, right?

[winchester]

Good call.

[EaglesPhan36]

S.Illinois/Nevada OVER 130
SIU quietly has gone over in 5 of 6 games with posted totals. Nevada has gone under in 5 of 7. SIU though has been prone to giving up more points on the road than expected. Salukis are weird looking mother freeging dogs. Wolf Packs, well there's nothing scarier than a pack of wolves. Mix the weird with the scary and you get we-ary. The defenses will be weary. Tired. Offense wins. Insanity prevails.

[EaglesPhan36]

Stanford/Colorado State UNDER 150
Last one. CSU lost their 2nd scoring option,Andy Ogide, to a hand injury. In their first game without him, they only scored 56 against Colorado. They may do better than that against Stanford, but Ogide had scored in double figures in 6 of the 8 games he was in and he was their leading rebounder. Stanford has Johnny Dawkins running the show. His team shoots like Johnny D. did, but this is only their 2nd roadie and their first game in over two weeks. Rustoleum.

[Rixsaw]

Wow...you are good brother Phan. Wish I had found this page earlier.

[EaglesPhan36]

I wish I woulda stuck with the Gonzaga under instead of the SIU/Nevada over - but hey, I'll take 3-1. Beats the crap I was spewing out earlier this week!

[EaglesPhan36]

MONDAY: 12.15.08
Youngstown State/Kent State OVER 137.5
I grew up with a pair of twin brothers, Kurt & Kent. I never knew Kent would grow into a state. That's BIG. Kent State plays BIG on offense. Averaging almost 80 ppg at home. Youngstown put up 71 on one of the best defenses in Butler. Kent isn't as good defensively as in the past. Given up at least 64 in all games except against NC Central in their opener. Youngstown - Young's town. If he's just fighting for a town and Kent is fighting for his state, you'd have to think bodies hit the floor. And when that happens, it's OVER man.

[EaglesPhan36]

Tennessee-Martin/Middle Tennessee State OVER 140
If you've ever been to Tennessee, you know it's all about the race to get to Jack Daniels. We've got some Skyhawks and Blue Hens here. They figure to fornicate and procreate a mongril called the Blue Skyhawken. That is gonna be a fast muhfuggin bird & that's what we got here with two teams sure to run & gun even if they don't care about percentages.Do it fast. Do it half assed. Get 'er done right in the end.

[EaglesPhan36]

TUESDAY: 12.16.08
Marquette/Tennessee UNDER 164
Gonna be most who are scared to take the under here because sure, both teams could potentially put up 90 and at times, this game will look that way. But while the offenses are prolific, the defenses are where I go tonight. Marquette limits foes to 41% shooting and just 27% from 3. Tennessee hasn't been greating shooting the rock. The Vols have been pretty poor on D as well, giving up close to 46% FG shooting. If this team is going to be a tournament contender, they have to shore that up PDQ. Hunch that Bruce Pearl had them working extra on that end of the floor.

Portland +1
Northern Colorado lost a starter to transfer last week & another to injury. Robert Palacios is likely to miss tonight's game with a sprained ankle. He is NCU's leading rebounder and a good defender. Jefferson Mason was the 2nd best boardsman and he left the team with his 9.7 ppg and 5.8 rpg. Tough place to be against a good Portland squad. Neither team has a great defense, so losing two starters should only inhibit NCU more. let Nik Ravio be your co-Pilot to cash tonight.

[WestsidePete]

Like Portland a lot ....N Colo is also turnover prone...over 18 a game while Portland 14 a game....let's cash winners tonite

[sportsguy04]

Eagles do you know is Raivio is in relationship from the Gonzaga guard a few years back named Raivio? Kid was a stud at Zaga.

[EaglesPhan36]

Yeah, it's his younger brother.

[sportsguy04]

Yeah, it's his younger brother.

Thats what I like to hear. Wonder where his older brother plays these days.

[EaglesPhan36]

He's playing in Germany. Google his name and you can find some freaky stories in German where the only thing you can understand is his name.

[EaglesPhan36]

WEDNESDAY: 12.17.08
St.Mary's -2.5
Sometimes the heart wants what it can have. Tonight, the old blood pump wants the Gaels to make some duck a-la loser. You look at the line & say WTF. Apparently no one wants to give Mary her props. I mean they may not be saints, but these Marys can ball. Oregon still looks lost and they're quacking up the wrong tree here tonight. The Ducks won't make it easy on their home floor, but talent is talent & the greater talent isn't wearing gold & green.

Jacksonville State +11.5
Gamecocks & Blazers oh my! This JAX attack seems legit, shooting 49% from the floor & 42 from 3. They've run and gun with the likes of S.Carolina, VMI, UMASS & Tennessee Tech. UAB ain't gonna scare these cocks. UAB only has two wins by more than tonight's spread, 21 in their opener against a bad Troy team & 15 against Old Dominion. Otherwise, single digits look to be the plan of action for the Blazers. UAB is also down to 8 players. Two transferred & two are academically ineligible. A short bench means less rest for the overworked trio of Delaney, Vaden & Kinnard that account for 75% of the Blazers scoring. They can ill-afford any foul trouble. Hopefully for us, they find it.

[EaglesPhan36]

Syracuse -13.5 (1st Half)
Oh no he didn't! Oh yes, he did! The Orange I believe finally got their wake-up call about showing up to start AND finish games with that Cleveland State loss. Syracuse had trouble in the first half against Virginia, Long Beach, Cleveland State & Cornell. But Daddy, why is this different? This is Canisius SON & Jom Boeheim is pissed. The Golden Griff have been getting the golden shower from opponents early on the road. Buried at Washington State by 24 at the half. Buried by ST.PETER'S by 14 at the half. Buried by Albany by 17 at the half. Those last two came in Canisius' last 2 games & if Da 'Cuse can't muster the same beatdown that lowly St.Pete's administered, well then the Orange deserve to crush my wallet.

[EaglesPhan36]

Syracuse -13.5 (1st Half)
if Da 'Cuse can't muster the same beatdown that lowly St.Pete's administered, well then the Orange deserve to crush my wallet.

What a bunch of idiots. Tied at 20 midway through the 1st. Burn baby burn. No basketball IQ on this team at all. No intensity. Poor Jimmy B. They're gonna get murdered in the Big East if they don't figure out how to show up at the beginning of games.

[MoneySportsGuy]

Yeah just dont like what I have seen so far from Cuse this year its too bad.

[EaglesPhan36]

Looks like everyone is getting buried tonight. ECU down. Jax State looks like dog shit. St.Mary's probably rounds it out.

[sportsguy04]

Looks like everyone is getting buried tonight. ECU down. Jax State looks like dog shit. St.Mary's probably rounds it out.

Yup now Tech wants to F up my night.

[WestsidePete]

If St Mary's loses you'll find me at the bottom of a river...this is pure crap....

[sportsguy04]

Yeah Im about to go all in on St. Marys and if I lose that, I will probably stop posting for atleast a few months.

[WestsidePete]

East Carolina was within 4 then could do anything?? Just needed two lousy pts...I swear I think I'm going to buy the 3 damn pts on plays now...I've lost a lot of game by 1 pt or 2 lately.....

[sportsguy04]

Yup agreed. I just need Celtics and texas tech to cover and St. Marys to do work tonight. Otherwise Im screwed.

[EaglesPhan36]

Well fellas, now is as good a time as any for a break for me too. I am going to be travelling quite a bit over the next couple weeks, so my posts will be sporadic at best. Should be back to full-time status shortly after the New Year begins. GL with your selections until then! Hoping to come back strong to start '09!

[EaglesPhan36]

THURSDAY: 12.18.08
North Texas/UL-Lafayette OVER 141.5
Mean Green of UNT love to run & ULL is coming off a couple 80+ point efforts in a row. The Ragin' Cajuns have shown they'll run with running teams. UNT ranks in the top 40 or so in ppg offensively and is one of the worst ppg on defense. Gotta lust it.

Montana/UC-Riverside OVER 119.5
Montana hits 49% from the floor and gives up close to 50% shooting on the road. UC-Riverside blows dong on offense at only about 56 ppg, but that figure jumps about 6 points at home. Their own D gives up 50% shooting at home and about 57 ppg on the season. It'll be close, but if you shaved today - you'll get by slick.

[EaglesPhan36]

Alright boys. Hoping to end with a winner here. This will probably be my last post until some time after Christmas when I'm done with travelling & family visiting, etc. GL with your selections ... Happy Holidays!

FRIDAY: 12.19.08
Charleston -15
UNC-Wilmington has been absolute dog shit on the road this year. They're 0-4 and have lost by 21, 19, 19 & 32 points. Those losses came to Vermont, Texas A&M, Kent St. & Wake Forest. Overall in their last 4, it's been losses by no less than 14 & that was at home. Most of the damage is due to Wilmington's porous D which is allowing 90 ppg on 50% shooting! Charleston has plenty of talent to take advantage as the CofC averages 80+ ppg and shoots 50% from the floor. Their D at home has been tough, allowing just 38.5% shooting. UNCW is shooting under 40% on the road. Charleston has won their last two games by 15 pts each and is 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games with posted spreads.

[MoneySportsGuy]

Goodluck EaglesPhan tonight I agree with you on Charleston! Might just play the OVER though. Have a safe and Happy Holidays with your friends and family and looking forward to capping games and making money when we all get back!

[WestsidePete]

Have a great holidays eaglesphan....see you back soon

[EaglesPhan36]

'Sup fellas. Might proceed with caution on anything I put up here in the next couple days as I haven't capped a game in almost 10 days. Anywho, diving right back in.

MONDAY: 12.29.08
Niagara -4.5
The Purple Eagles remain a solid ATS (9-1) team, while Murray State has been struggling - losing 4 of their last 5. Only one of Niagara's 9 wins has come by less than 5 pts.

Portland State +13.5
Don't see any reason why PSU shouldn't have a decent shot here with the way they've played Gonzaga & Washington on the road and their road play in general (4-2 ATS). Even though it's not a rival, getting a shot at another Top 25 team should motivate PSU. Baylor is playing their first game since before Christmas. PSU's lack of D could make this one close, but I like the Vikings to stay within the number.

Ball State/UCSB OVER 120
Two untalented offenses. Two untalented defenses. Ugly game. Ugly result. But both teams capable of getting into the 60s to pull this off against listless D's. UCSB games have gone over in 5 of 7 where totals were posted.

CS-Fullerton -4
Keep telling you. Remember the name, Josh Akognon. The Fullerton State star is one of the most explosive offensive players no one knows about. Averaging close to 26 per game. The Titans rely heavily on their free wheeling offense to get it done, but that is a good thing against a Northridge team that has been scuffling on the road all-season, going 0-7 & 2-4 ATS. CSF is 4-0 at home and has won all by more than tonight's number.

E.Washington/Boise State OVER 140
EWU has struggled defensively on the road this season. Allowing close to 48% shooting and over 73 ppg. Boise is humming along at home, getting 79 ppg on 50% shooting. The Broncos should be able to get close to that average if not more. Boise's D is far from impressive as they allow 75 ppg. EWU has had trouble putting the ball in the basket on the road, but Boise home games are 4-1 for the over & 8 of their last 9 homies have gone over as well.

[EaglesPhan36]

Well, 3-2 on the first day back is alright with me. Let's push for better though!

TUESDAY: 12.30.08
Illinois/Purdue OVER 123
You're getting a line here based on the defensive prowess both teams have shown and the Big 10 generally thought more of as a league of defense. However, when these two meet generally the totals are higher than this number. In the last 10 meetings, only 2 of the games have failed to go past 123. Might be ugly at times in the 1st half, but both teams have shown some efficiency offensively and this one should slip by.

BYU -2.5
This one is about belief and I believe that Tulsa hasn't proven much with their 8-4 record. The Golden Hurricane have one win which you could count as solid, an 11 point win over Texas A&M. Otherwise, it's cupcake city. When they've faced any team with talent, they've gotten beat. OU (25), OSU (18), ILL (4) & Ohio (12). BYU surely isn't in the same league as the Sooners, but you can argue that they're every bit as good or better than the other 3 teams to beat Tulsa. BYU is 3-1 ATS on the road. BYU is shooting a robust 55.5% from the field on the road and they've shown (Arizona State) that they can play with anyone.

UMASS +8
If UMASS continues their run of solid play during a four game winning streak, they should be able to stay within this number or perhaps pull of an outright win. The Minutemen have been playing well on both sides of the ball. Upping their defensive pressure to hold opponents under 40% shooting. Houston is always stout at home on the defensive end, but is coming in off a 71-67 loss to Iowa State. The Coogs also haven't played a tough schedule, while UMASS played the likes of Kansas, Memphis & S.Illinois on the road.

Niagara -5
Roll with the Purple Eagles until they prove they can't do it. Niagara has covered in 5 straight games and has won 9 of their last 10 games overall. Tennessee-Chattanooga has just 3 wins this season and all have come against less-than-stellar opposition. Their D is shaky at best, giving up over 47% shooting while Niagara can score in bunches and stop their foes (38% fg shooting).

[EaglesPhan36]

I should have plays on Friday and then I'll be gone for about a week with some more holiday travel. Happy New Year. Let's pound the books in '09!

WEDNESDAY: 12.31.08
Pittsburgh/Rutgers OVER 128
Rutgers has pretty solid defensive numbers, but those have come against cupcakes. Carolina put up 97 on them and while Pitt isn't in the same stratosphere as the Heels offensively, they do average in the high 70s. OVER is 9-1 in Pitt's last 10 Big East games. I think this one gets sloppy late and helps push past the number.

Wyoming +12.5
It's the third game in three days for both Wyoming and Utah State and that could help negate the home court advantage somewhat for Utah State here. Utah State has been walloping teams at home with a 10-0 record. Only two games played within this spread. Brandon Ewing has to be on for Wyoming to stand a chance to cover here, but he's scored 21 & 34 on this court in the last two games. I expect he'll show up. Cowboys have lost twice. Once a blow out to UCLA and a 1 pt. loss to Boise State on the road. Think they squeak it out.

Loyola (MD) +32.5
Let's get this out of the way. Duke will kill Loyola. However, 32.5 is a lot to ask in a New Year's Eve tilt when focus could be a factor. Neither team has great ATS numbers, but Loyola may have some confidence after nearly upsetting NC State on the road in their last game. Duke may ease up late in this one and give the Greyhounds a chance to slip in for the cover.

[bmw530i]

Whats up Eages....nice write-ups
You have me loving the Rutgers/Pitt Over the 128 total here..
Lets it rain 3's on all your Overs in the New year....EAGES!

[EaglesPhan36]

Your avatar has me in a trance!

[bmw530i]

Thank you for Rutgers/Pitt Over...