TSR 11/16/19 CBB Picks

College basketball never fails to excite. With a lighter schedule on Friday, it would have been reasonable to expect a less exciting night of basketball. Ask TJ Haws (pictured above), who hit a game winner to knock off Houston on the road at the buzzer.

Big Takeaways from Last Night

1-What a week for the A10! The Atlantic 10 moved the needle this past week, proving the depth of their conference in early season matchups. VCU outlasted LSU, St Joe's blasted UCONN, Richmond knocked off Vanderbilt, and Rhode Island controlled from tip to finish against Alabama. They have already staked their claim for more NCAA Tournament bids this season (two in 2019), but they have more opportunities to advance their case. These start Sunday with St. Louis playing host to Seton Hall.
2-Houston and BYU played a phenomenal game on Friday night, one that many probably overlooked on the docket, with it being played late and on ESPNU. These two teams played a tremendous back and forth affair, with TJ Haws hitting a buzzer-beater to lift BYU to victory. The play of these two teams showed that they are both capable of playing in the NCAA Tournament this season. 3-The ACC has some concerns regarding the league's depth with the performance of some of their second/third tier teams on Friday. Pitt was never really in their game with West Virginia, losing by fifteen points. Notre Dame and Florida State each won their games against lesser competition on Friday night, but they had struggles all night long. It will be interesting to see how these teams will turn out this season, as the ACC will try to match their seven bids from last season. Yesterday's Pick Results (Season Pick Standings can be found here) Zach 8-2 Sam 7-3 Nick 7-3 Our predictions for Saturday's action:

Game 1: Oakland at Maryland (12:00, ACCN)

Nick: Maryland--This could have been a fantastic game had Oakland been able to hold onto all of their players from a season ago. After numerous transfers, the Golden Grizzlies have some issues to resolve early in the season. The Terps are loaded with talent, bringing back stars such as Jalen Smith and Anthony Cowan.

Sam: Maryland-- Zach touched on the Maryland “Big 3” but I truly believe the Terrapin with the most upside is sophomore wing Aaron Wiggins. He’s averaging 11 points and 9 rebounds so far this season. His versatility and shooting ability will be key for Maryland moving forward.

Zach: Maryland-- Anthony Cowan, Jalen Smith, and Eric Ayala, Maryland’s Big Three, will be a force this season, and that proves to be true vs Oakland.

Game 2: Temple at LaSalle (2:00, ESPN+)

Nick: Temple--In this Big 5 battle, the Temple Owls are led by Nate Pierre-Louis, who has racked up 17.5 PPG and 10.5 RPG in their two early season victories. He will be able to carry them to victory over the Explorers.  

Sam: Temple

Zach: Temple

Game 3: Harvard vs Buffalo (2:30, ESPN+)

Nick: Harvard--Coach Amaker put together a challenging schedule for the Crimson this year, and this continues with a trip to Toronto to take on Buffalo. Although they aren't as strong as they have been the past few years, this is still one of the MAC's best teams. Injuries deplete the Crimson, but I still feel they have enough to get the victory.

Sam: Harvard

Zach: Buffalo

Game 4: Vermont at St. John’s (4:00, FS2) 

Nick: Vermont--Mike Anderson is still trying to learn what his Red Storm team has besides Mustapha Heron. He got a big boost when Cleveland State transfer Rasheem Dunn was ruled eligible earlier this week. Anthony Lamb leads Vermont once again this year, and the Catamounts will score the big road upset.

Sam:Vermont-- For all my fellow AWL of Pardon My Take, this one has family ties. Sportsbiz minute Jake Marsh is the play by play man for the Catamounts radio. But seriously, Anthony Lamb is amazing and Mike Anderson is still laying the groundwork for the Red Storm program.

Zach: Vermont

Game 5: Montana at Arkansas (5:00, SECN)

Nick: Arkansas

Sam: Arkansas

Zach:Arkansas

Game 6: Washington vs Tennessee (5:00, ESPN+)

Nick: Washington--I'll take the Huskies in a close game. Isaiah Stewart will be the difference in this one, taking advantage of the Tennessee frontcourt.

Sam: Washington-- It’s really too bad this game is on a college football Saturday, forcing a great game to ESPN+. This is a fascinating matchup. The Huskies are led by the uber talented freshman frontcourt duo of Isaiah Stewart and Jaden Mcdaniels while Tennessee is led by the experienced senior backcourt duo that Zach mentions below.

Zach: Tennessee- The Vols lost a lot of talent from last year but still have a few solid playmakers, and Jordan Bowden and Lamonte Turner upset the Huskies in Toronto. 

Game 7: St Bonaventure vs Rutgers (7:30, ESPN+)

Nick: St Bonaventure

Sam: Rutgers-- Geo Baker’s the difference for the Scarlet Knights in this game.

Zach: Rutgers will win this game, but it will be a close one.

Game 8: Troy at Indiana (8:00, BTN)

Nick: Indiana

Sam: Indiana

Zach: Indiana

Game 9: Wofford at Butler (8:00, FS2)

Nick: Butler

Sam: Butler-- Like Zach mentioned, Wofford has struggled early. I love the senior duo of Kamar Baldwin and Sean McDermott for the Bulldogs.

Zach: Butler-- We all knew Wofford would be a different team this year, but they really struggled last game against William and Mary, and Butler will prove to be an even tougher test

Game 10: USC at Nevada (11:00, CBSSN)

Nick: USC

Sam: USC-- A late night game after a tremendous day of college football, what could be better?

Zach: USC

Upset Pick (not in games above): 

Nick: Nicholls State over LSU--The Colonels already knocked off Pittsburgh, and they took Illinois to overtime. Let’s pick the hot hand and see where they can go!

Sam: Belmont over Boston College-- I pick this in part because of my love for Rick Byrd. And while yes, he did retire from Belmont, they still have a great low post player in sophomore Nick Muszynski. Also, I loved the hire of Casey Alexander to replace his former coach.

Zach: Sam Houston St over Central Michigan-- I'll be in attendance, and my allegiance does not lie with the Chippewas. A five point favorite, I'll take them to lose at home against SHSU.