TSR 11/25/19 CBB Picks

Takeaways from Sunday's Action

1-Florida had a big weekend, as they won the Charleston Classic on Sunday against Xavier. After some surprising early season losses to Florida State and UCONN, the Gators showed the country that they are still a contender with their showing this weekend.

2-Baylor is for real. The Bears, who may have been over-seeded a year ago, have stepped up to the task early this season. Their victory against Villanova is a statement that the Bears can contend for the Big 12 title this season. Especially if Jared Butler and MaCio Teague can contribute like they have thus far in 2019-20.

3-No offense? No problem. Virginia continues to win games with a remarkable defense. They held Arizona State to just 45 points, forcing fifteen turnovers. The Cavaliers are 6-0 despite scoring 65 points or fewer in every game, including two wins (Syracuse and Arizona State) with 48 points. This is an elite defense, perhaps Tony Bennett's best ever.

Yesterday's Pick Results (Season Pick Standings can be found here)
Zach 7-3 (upset pick of Detroit (+12.5) defeated UC-Irvine) Nick 6-4 Sam 6-4

Game 1: Michigan State v Virginia Tech (5:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Perhaps I am missing something, but I do not see this game being as daunting as the other two. Sure the Hokies are unbeaten, but they haven’t played anyone. First year coach Mike Young has a lot of things to resolve still in this program. Cassius Winston will spearhead the offense, and the depth of threats such as Aaron Henry, Gabe Brown, Malik Hall and perhaps even Rocket Watts will lift MSU to a comfortable fifteen point win.

Sam: Much as Zach said I don’t exactly love this matchup and really would not be shocked if this comes down to the wire. I think Cassius Winston will be the difference however.

Zach: Michigan State-- Really don’t like this matchup for the Spartans, but outside of Landers Nolley II (20.2) ppg, scoring could be a premium and this depth gives Michigan State the edge

Game 2: Dayton v Georgia (2:30, ESPN2)

Nick: Dayton--I think that the Flyers are the third best team at Maui. Obi Toppin is one of college basketball’s best athletes, and he will carry them to the semifinals with this win.

Sam: Dayton-- You wanna talk about someone who isn’t getting talked about enough nationally? Try Dayton’s Obi Toppin. The do it all forward is averaging 24 points and 10 rebounds per game. I cannot wait to see what he does in front of a national audience.

Zach:Georgia-- Anthony Edwards is a freshman that isn’t getting talked about enough nationally for the Bulldogs

Game 3: UCLA v BYU (11:30, ESPN2)

Nick: UCLA--Consider it the Bill Walton curse. If we have to listen to his horrible announcing, then we will get an ugly game that results in a Bruins victory.

Sam: BYU-- This game might get weird by virtue of being a 11:30 tip and possibly Bill Walton being on the call. 

Zach:BYU-- TJ Haws

Game 4: Yale v WMU (Noon, ESPNU)

Nick: Yale

Sam: Yale

Zach: Yale-- Brandon Johnson is the X-Factor in this game and I think he will struggle inside against Paul Atkinson and Jordan Bruner for the Bulldogs.

Game 5: Kansas State v PITT (6:00, FS1)

Nick: Kansas State--I think that Xavier Sneed is the difference here for the Wildcats.

Sam: Kansas State

Zach:Kansas State

Game 6: Northwestern v Bradley (8:30, FS1)

Nick: Northwestern

Sam: Northwestern

Zach: Northwestern- Pete Nance is having a breakout sophomore year and he helps lead Northwestern to a win over Bradley

Game 7: Butler v Missouri (7:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Butler

Sam: Butler-- Bulldogs win in a slugfest.

Zach: Butler-- Smith and Smith not enough to propel Missouri over the Bulldogs 

Game 8: Wisconsin v Richmond (7:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Wisconsin

Sam: Wisconsin

Zach: Wisconsin-- Badgers win a close game.

Game 9: Oklahoma v Stanford (9:30, ESPN2)

Nick: Oklahoma--The Sooners have impressed early, with two Power Five wins already (Oregon State and Minnesota). They are my favorite to get two more this weekend in Kansas City.

Sam: Oklahoma-- I really like Lon Krueger’s bunch this season.

Zach: Oklahoma-- Matchup of two undefeateds and the Sooners remain that way

Game 10: Auburn v New Mexico (9:30, ESPN NEWS)

Nick: Auburn

Sam: Auburn-- New Mexico has themselves a couple of big time transfers though. Remember Kansas’ Carlton Bragg, Ohio State’s JaQuan Lyle, UCONN’s Vance Jackson and Texas A&M’s JJ Caldwell? They all start for the Lobos. Tigers in a close one.

Zach: Auburn

Upsets:

Nick: Nebraska over Washington St

Sam: South Alabama over Northeastern

Zach: Oakland over Northern Illinois