UC-Santa Barbara (-3½) versus Northwestern State
Game Time: 11/09/2007 07:30 PM -
By: Right Angle Sports | handicapper.net
Coming off an 18-11 mark a year ago, UC-Santa Barbara is favored to take home the Big West title this season. Bet the Gauchos at home against Northwestern State.
The Gauchos are preseason favorites to win the Big West. Among four returning starters are two 1st-team all-conference players in senior wing Alex Harris and junior forward Chris Devine, both excellent players.
Point guard Justin Joyner and combo guard James Powell are also back after starting the majority of games last year as freshman. I attended their lone exhibition win and Joyner in particular looks to have advanced his game considerably in the offseason.
UCSB has also added a much needed inside presence with Weber State transfer F/C Nedim Pajevic, and JC All-American D.J. Posley adds depth on the wing and at both guard spots. Head coach Bob Williams is under pressure to win and win now.
Northwestern State enters this game shorthanded and with several lineup questions. The Demons will play this game without a true post player as starting center Jerry Moody is out due to academics and reserve center Demetrius Bell is still playing football.
Point guard Michael McConathy, expected to at least contend for a starting job, has missed both exhibitions with a strained knee ligament and is questionable for this tournament. NWSU can go 10-12 deep and is likely to do a lot of experimenting at this stage of the season. They also have the disadvantage of a long road trip from Louisiana to California.
Expect the Gauchos to take care of business with a nice win in a favorable spot here. Give the points.
Play: UC-Santa Barbara -3½ (½ unit)