UCONN is under the leadership of a new coach and lost significant talent from last years underachieving team.* Michigan State will be a force again returning most of their talent with the exception of Green.* UCONN finished last season by struggling to score points away from home.* If this game were being played at a normal location under normal circumstances I wouldn’t touch the line as it stands…however this is a huge play for me due to the following factors:
1.) The game is being played in an Aircraft Hangar in Germany – an atypical environment for a basketball game is not conducive to high scoring (look at recent results from the Maui Invitational matchups which were played in a ballroom last year)
2.)* 2.)*Both teams took redeye flights Wednesday evening (7 Nov) and arrived in Germany today (8 Nov).* Each team has a relatively packed schedule of touring the Air Base, and practice time* to get familiar with the Aircraft Hangar will be limited.
3.)* 3.)*The tipoff time is 11:30pm (Local Germany)/ 5:30 pm (East Coast).* While the players have likely not adjusted to the time zone change, there is no doubt that traveling this far (and changing time zones) can impact the ability of 18-22 year olds to perform at a high level.
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1.) The game is being played in an Aircraft Hangar in Germany – an atypical environment for a basketball game is not conducive to high scoring (look at recent results from the Maui Invitational matchups which were played in a ballroom last year)
2.)* 2.)*Both teams took redeye flights Wednesday evening (7 Nov) and arrived in Germany today (8 Nov).* Each team has a relatively packed schedule of touring the Air Base, and practice time* to get familiar with the Aircraft Hangar will be limited.
3.)* 3.)*The tipoff time is 11:30pm (Local Germany)/ 5:30 pm (East Coast).* While the players have likely not adjusted to the time zone change, there is no doubt that traveling this far (and changing time zones) can impact the ability of 18-22 year olds to perform at a high level.
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