TSR 11/26/19 CBB Picks

Takeaways from Monday's Action
1- We did not recognize him yesterday, but Ron Hunter has done a tremendous job in year one at Tulane. In just six games, he has already surpassed last season's win total. They had a very impressive showing in Myrtle Beach this weekend, defeating Middle Tennessee and Utah. Things are looking up in New Orleans.

2- It was an interesting day in the Big Ten yesterday. The perennial league favorite Michigan State played some sloppy basketball, leading to a shocking loss against Virginia Tech in Maui. Over in Brooklyn, the Wisconsin Badgers were stifled by Richmond, as the Spiders came out with a 62-52 win. On the other side of the spectrum, Nebraska earned its first win against a Power 5 team when it went to the Cayman Islands and defeated Washington State. Northwestern also won its second in a row, as they knocked off Bradley to advance to the Fort Myers Tip-Off Championship Game against Pittsburgh.

3-Obi Toppin showed his incredible skills to the world yesterday. While many diehard college hoops fans knew of his ability, his 25 point effort yesterday at the Maui Invitational may have put him in the national spotlight. He was phenomenal yesterday, carrying Dayton to a huge early lead and the 80-61 victory. He will be back in action in the Maui Semifinals today against Virginia Tech, and could play his team to a title game matchup with Kansas.

Yesterday's Pick Results (Season Pick Standings can be found here)
Sam 6-4 (upset pick of South Alabama (+3) defeated Northeastern) Zach 5-5
Nick 5-5 (upset pick of Nebraska (+1.5) defeated Washington State)

Game 1: Dayton vs Virginia Tech

Nick: Dayton-- I am with Sam on this one. The Hokies looked much better than a ACC bottom feeder yesterday, as Mike Young's bunch can really shoot the lights out. However, I like the play of Obi Toppen to carry the Flyers to the title game.

Sam:  Dayton-- While the Hokies were very impressive in an upset over Michigan State last night, I think the Flyers still win this one. Obi Toppen was as advertised in the first round win scoring 25 points and missing just 2 shots. I also think Dayton is a better offensive team than the Spartans and likely won’t turn it over as much as MSU did.

Zach: Dayton

Game 2: Michigan State vs Georgia

Nick: Michigan State-- I could see this one getting ugly. Tom Izzo has to be frustrated with the play of the team yesterday, so I could see an angry Spartans team rolling to a big win.

Sam: Michigan State-- If MSU loses this one, then there is officially a big time problem in East Lansing.

Zach: Michigan State- Spartans bounce back and win, but I have a feeling this could be an ugly win

Game 3: Kansas vs BYU

Nick: Kansas-- I am with Sam again here in that BYU did not impress me last night. Their early season win over Houston had me thinking that this would be a great game, but I didn't feel that way after last night.

Sam: Kansas-- Kansas got a very easy draw in this tournament and I would be shocked if they don’t get to the championship with some ease. I wasn’t very impressed with BYU in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, and the Jayhawks should win this game with ease.

Zach: Kansas

Game 4: Richmond vs Auburn

Nick: Richmond--The Atlantic 10 has had a phenomenal non-conference season. It continues tonight with an upset in Brooklyn.

Sam: Auburn

Zach: Auburn

Game 5: Wichita State vs South Carolina

Nick: Wichita State

Sam: Wichita State  

Zach: Wichita State  

Game 6: Arizona State at Princeton

Nick: Princeton--Echoing Sam's point, I love that Bobby Hurley is playing at Princeton. In my opinion, each Power 5 team should be required to play one lower-major school on the road. 

Sam: Arizona State--Props to Bobby Hurley for scheduling this game. 

Zach: Arizona State 

Game 7: Butler vs Stanford  

Nick: Butler 

Sam: Butler 

Zach: Butler- 6-0 vs 7-0, Butler wins the matchup of undefeated teams and improves to 7-0 thanks to a big performance from Kamar Baldwin 

Game 8: Wisconsin vs New Mexico  

Nick: Wisconsin 

Sam: Wisconsin-- Man what a dissapointing loss by the Badgers last night to Richmond. They were never able to get into a rhythm and the Spiders always seemed to have an answer 

Zach: Wisconsin- JaQuan Lyle, the former Buckeye who hadn't played in two years who has become a new player in New Mexico, is just not enough to propel the Lobos to a win 

Game 9: Wofford vs Maryland Eastern-Shore

Nick: Wofford 

Sam: Wofford

Zach: Wofford 

Game 10: Chaminade vs UCLA  

Nick: UCLA

Sam: UCLA 

Zach: UCLA 

Upsets: 

Nick: Clemson over Colorado (+4.5) 

Sam: Central Michigan over DePaul (+12) 

Zach: Western Michigan over Seattle (+1.5)