Picks 11/22/08 Continued

Here are the rest of tonight plays:

Virginia Commonwealth +1 @ Rhode Island

VCU is a better team than RI and better at most positions. RI is not a great home team and the line is where it is because everyone remembers RI hanging with Duke and Jimmy Baron lighting the scoreboard up. VCU plays real stingy D and will be all over Baron. Stop Baron and you stop RI. Take VCU.

Arkansas @ Missouri St -3

Missouri St typically plays well at home but this will be a special home game as it is their first game in their new arena. The lace is sold out and will have 11K fans rocking the building. This is not the same Arkansas team from last year. This team starts 3 Freshman. I do not like to rely on youth in spots like this and expect them struggle in their first road game given the special circumstances. Go with Missouri St.

Old Dominion -2.5 vs UAB

ODU is very underrated team. They play very well at home and have a strong backcourt to match up with UAB. They have had 6 days to prepare for this game and it is their home opener. Meaning while UAB has had to fly back from West Coast and will still be high from their upset win at Arizona. This is a tough spot for UAB and I expect a let down performance. Take Old Dominion.

Nevada -14 vs Oregon St

Nevada is at home playing one of (if not the ) worst major conference programs. Nevada should be returning one of their best players from a suspension and I like them to roll over Oregon St. Take Nevada.

Iona / Valparaiso -3 (Neutral Site)

Iona played the latter game last night losing to Wisconsin as a big dog in Over Time. They nearly pulled a major upset and now have to turn around a play a very solid Valparaiso squad that played San Diego tight. I expect a letdown by Iona following yesterday's tough emotional lost. Take Valpo.