Picks 11/26/08 - Adds

Finally an under game that does not go to OT. Now for the additional picks:

Richmond vs Bradley (Neutral Site) - Line: Richmond -3

Richmond is a very scrappy team with one of the A-10 better backcourts. They were able to hold their own against Syracuse at the Dome. Bradley, on the other hand, has struggled this year being blown out by Florida, losing to the UMKC Kangaroos, losing to Wisconsin-Platteville in an exhibition game (yes a division III school), and just barely edged Florida Gulf Coast in their game. This is not the same Bradley team that was doing damage in their NCAA Tourney in years past.

The Pick: Richmond -3

Purdue vs Boston College - Line: Purdue -8

Purdue is a very good team and really locks down on defense (I can't till they play Duke). They are also averaging almost 80 a game on offensive. Boston College just played a good defensive team in St Louis and they lost 53-50 and shot only 33.3% from the field. If you take away Tyrese Rice Boston College struggles. Purdue is good enough to do just that.

The Pick: Purdue -8

Cleveland St at Florida International - Line: Cleveland St -5

Cleveland St is one of the better teams in the Horizon League and is returned 4 of their starters this season. I am making a play on this game because both of these teams have 2 common opponents already. Cleveland st fared better in those games and Florida International is coming off of a loss West Georgia and has to turn right around play the next day.

The Pick: Cleveland St -5

The last 3 picks are all totals and Overs:

Central Florida / Mississippi - Over 146 (Mississippi plays 0 defense and plays their games in the high 70's and 80's. UCF has put 70 on the board twice already this season)

Alabama Birmingham / Oklahoma - Over 143 (UAB can flat out shoot but will have no defense answer for Oklahoma and Griffen. I think this game will have a similar pace and feel to when Oklahoma played Davidson which had 160 combined points. Oklahoma has also scored over 80 in every game they have played and gave up 76 to Gardner Webb in their last game and Gardner Webb is no UAB)

Air Force / Stanford - Over 135 (Stanford is averaging 89 a game / Air Force 65. Both teams give up 70 plus. This line is low because Air Force runs a pseudo Princeton style offense which typically run down the clock. However, I expect Stanford's D to be so undisciplined that they give up layups early in the shot clock. Stanford also really attacks the lane which gets them a lot of FT's (30+ pga) and really extends the game)

I have decided to start playing 1st and 2nd half lines if I see something I really like. I will be posting those plays as well. By actually watching a first half of a game value can sometimes be found in the 2nd half. 2nd half lines also afford one the ability to hedge out a bet.