Front Page NCAAB Picks (Wed, Nov 19)

[Willie Bee]

Wake Forest Demon Deacons -18 vs. UNC-Wilmington Seahawks

Game Time: 11/19/2008 07:00 PM -
By: Dave Cokin | playbook.com

It's rare to see an ACC team underrated, but the Demon Deacons are under the radar starting the season. Win with Wake Forest as the big faves against UNC-Wilmington.

It's rare that a team from the always publicized ACC is underrated, but I believe that's exactly the case for Wake Forest.

The Demon Deacons are in my preseason Top 20 and I see them having a legit chance to be dancing well into March. James Johnson is already a star, Jeff Teague is heading in that direction, and the Demon Deacons have some tremendous incoming talent. They're young, but this team has a huge ceiling and they're presently undervalued.

NC-Wilmington will be overmatched inside in this contest, and while the Seahawks are an okay team, they're literally over their heads here. Wake Forest should win going away.

Free Pick: Wake Forest -18 (-110)

[Willie Bee]

Villanova Wildcats -19 to rout Niagara Purple Eagles

Game Time: 11/19/2008 07:00 PM -
By: Brad Diamond | playbook.com

Joe Mihalic and Niagara will be a top squad in the MAAC this season, but the Purple Eagles don't have enough to hang with a Big East power like the Villanova Wildcats.

Honestly, the line is a little high with the long range options the Niagara Purple Eagles possess in the starting lineup and bench wise.

However, we must give great respect for recharged 'Nova who is sitting back, taking notes for a major run at the Big East and the national title. With the Wildcats playing in one of the major conferences, while dialing up a huge array of top-100 recruits, the future looks bright.

Head coach Joe Mihalic of Niagara has a nice club once again, but not at this "Class A" level. Granted the transfers, including Bilal Benn from Villanova, and frosh talent should send the Eagles on the up-tick as the season progresses, but not at Villanova, even at this overpriced number.

Free Pick: Villanova -19 (-110)

[TPowell]

Recharged Nova? They havve a starter and key reserve out for the game as well as center Casiem Drummond who is questionable. Niagara is an upper tier mid major this year. I'm thinking of playing them tonight