Northeastern @ Michigan - Line Michigan -5.5
Northestern returns all 5 of their starters and only lost 2 players who played any kind of minutes (neither of these players scored much) last season. They are an experienced team and Michigan is not. Northeastern's 6'5 guard Chase Allen is a good defender and would expect him to guard Michigan's Harris who is also 6'5. If you can limit Harris' points you limit Michigan. Looking at last years stats for these teams reveals that they had similar offensive and defensive efficiencies. When things look similar go with experience.
The Pick: I wish this game was not being played in Ann Harbor but take Northeastern plus the +5.5.
UMASS @ Southern Illinois - Line SI -5
UMASS lost 2 of their best players players in Forbes and Brower but return a solid group of guards who can score. The problem is UMASS's defense is trash city. Southern Illinois also lost 2 of their best players in Faulker and Shaw but they are known for good defense (although they kind of sucked last year which was most likely due to lack of effort caused by the previous seasons success). They return their PG who hopefully will get the team to put in more effort when they do not have the ball.
The Pick: On one hand you have UMASS a team with guards who can score but who suck at defense. On the hand you have a team who should be/ is better on defense but who will probably struggle to score. That is struggle to score when not playing UMASS. When you throw in the home court advantage Take Southern Illinois -5 (be prepared to possible sweat this one)
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