Regul8er's Tuesday NCAAB Picks

[Regul8er]

I'm liking a few plays early, but I'm going to continue watching the movement.

First pick though is Clemson -11, -102.

Liberty had a great year in 2008-09, but they lost way too much talent in Seth Curry and Anthony Smith. I don't know how a small conference school recovers when players of that caliber transfer. I think they get embarassed on their own court by an uptempto ACC opponent. The Tigers already destroyed Presbyterian (another Big South school) by 43 in their opener. I don't think 11 on the road against Liberty is asking too much. Only thing that concerns me is if Clemson comes with intensity for a 10am game. I'm going to take my chances here. I'll be back throughout the day.

[pjmarley1]

I am leaning that way also. Losing their 2 best players and getting a new coach seems like a difficult situation to be in. Recruiting would have been more difficult, having other guys step up, etc. But it is early in the morning, so that does worry me. I might actually take Clemson -5.5 1h

[Regul8er]

Clemson line jumped to 13 about 15 minutes after this post. Glad I got 11 when I did.

[pjmarley1]

no kidding. i didnt get it at 11..i think im just going to lay off this one and wait for Siena. Im a wuss.

[Shahbucks]

I got it at 13. Little worried but clem should get 15+ turnovers off the press.

[Regul8er]

Clemson with a fairly comfortable 40 point win, haha! They got over the 11 point spread in the first 5 minutes of the game, and never looked back. It's always nice winning the first bet of the day (hasn't been common for me as of late).

I'll be back with more later.

[Regul8er]

2nd pick of the day is Georgetown -9.5, -105

A few reasons why I like this game. First, and most obvious, Temple will have to find a new identity with the loss of Mr. Everything Dione Christmas. I think Ryan Brooks will be fully capable of picking up the load, but it's going to take time. You can't expect him to go out and light up a stingy Hoyas defense. Along with Christmas, the Owls lost two gritty guys in Olmos and Inge, who averaged 8.4 and 7.1ppg respectively. Even with the success the Owls have had the past 2 years, they have gotten off to very slow starts both years, resulting in double digit losses, even though being crowned A-10 champs.

I think the Hoyas get back on track this year in a big way. Following a 28-6 year, the Hoyas got off to a strong start, hit a rough patch last year, and things completely caved in. It's not like the Hoyas don't have talent, they just reeled. I think a fresh beginning is exactly what the doctor ordered, and I expect a strong placing in the Big East. They are led by sophomore big man Greg Monroe, who will undoubtedly be a 1st round pick in the NBA when he decides to declare. It won't be easy matching up with Lavoy Allen, but I certainly give the edge to Monroe with his mature post play. Let's just hope he stays out of foul trouble. He also has solid support from Austin Freeman and Chris Wright, two junior guards who played significant roles as freshman for a Hoyas team in 2008 that was ranked top 10 most of the year. The Hoyas get a bogey last year, and will come out flying and try to earn respect back as being a national powerhouse.

Gimmie the Hoyas to win by double digits against an Owls team that should lack scoring punch early.

[Regul8er]

WOW...this performance by the Hoyas is inexcusable. If I knew they were going to look worse then last year, I would have laid off. This is one of saddest displays of basketball I have seen in my life, and I've seen middle school games.