TSR 12/10/19 CBB Picks

Takeaway
1-Luka Garza is really good. He put up another great game with 21 points and 10 rebounds against a Minnesota team that has some size and talent inside. He has been one of the best players in the Big Ten this season, now averaging 32.5 points per game in conference play and 22.5 points in all games.

2-Duquesne remains undefeated. There are eight teams left (Auburn, Butler, Duquesne, Liberty, Louisville, Maryland, Ohio State and San Diego State). With four non-conference games left against teams that are not phenomenal, the Dukes could be 12-0 entering Atlantic 10 play.

Great Eight Rankings
The latest edition of the Great Eight Rankings are out, as they were released yesterday. We have a brand new number one in two of the three polls, check it out.

Yesterday's Pick Results (Season Pick Standings can be found here)
Sam 4-0
Nick 4-0
Zach 4-0

OUR PICKS FOR TUESDAY’S GAMES Game 1: Texas Tech vs Louisville (7:00, ESPN)

Nick: Louisville--Texas Tech has gotten off to a bad start this season, though I have no doubt that Chris Beard will whip this team into shape. I do not think that this will be the game that that happens however, as Louisville's defense is just too strong. Ryan McMahon has really shined in an increased role this season, averaging over 10 points per game while shooting 45% from the floor.

Sam:  Louisville-- The Cardinals are defending at a very high level, and Texas Tech has played poorly to start the year. Jordan Nwora will once again be the difference for the Cards.

Zach: Louisville-- L1C4, that’s all I gotta say. 

Game 2: Maryland at Penn State (7:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Maryland-- I'm with these guys, there is always a Penn State upset over a top Big Ten team, and this Penn State team is better than most in recent memory. I'll take Anthony Cowan and Jalen Smith in this game, as Maryland should be motivated after their scare against Illinois on Saturday.

Sam:  Maryland-- This is one of those games for PSU that if they want to have any legit tournament hopes they badly need to win. With that being said, I still think Maryland gets it done.

Zach: Maryland-- Every year Penn State seems to upset a top team in the league, I just don’t think it happens tonight 

Game 3: Butler at Baylor (9:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Butler-- I do love Hinkle yes, it is the best arena in college basketball. However, I also think Butler is a good team this season. Kamar Baldwin and the Bulldogs will go on the road and get a big win against Baylor.

Sam:  Baylor-- I’m sure the other two think Butler will win because of their affinity for the Bulldogs, but I think the Bears get it done at home.

Zach: Baylor- I have no affinity for the Bulldogs, Nick is the one who has the love for Hinkle. I’m picking Baylor because they are just the better team. 

Game 4: Northern Iowa at Colorado (9:00, PAC12)

Nick: Colorado

Sam:  Colorado

Zach: Colorado- The Buffs are being a little overlooked and they look to bounce back after the Kansas loss

Game 5: South Dakota State at Colorado State (9:00)

Nick: Colorado State

Sam:  Colorado State

Zach: Colorado State

Game 6: St Joe’s at Temple (7:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Temple

Sam: Temple 

Zach: Temple

Game 7: UMBC at Towson (7:00)

Nick: Towson

Sam:  Towson

Zach: Towson

Game 8: Green Bay at UCF (8:00, ESPN3)

Nick: UCF

Sam:  UCF

Zach: UCF

Game 9: Nevada at BYU (9:00, ESPNU)

Nick: BYU--I believe the Jon Rothstein guy would say something like "Death. Taxes. TJ Haws."

Sam:  BYU

Zach: BYU

Game 10: Indiana vs UCONN (9:00, ESPN)

Nick: Indiana--The Hoosiers were humbled this weekend, but I think this is a great stage for the team to bounce back, as they face the Huskies at MSG. UCONN is much improved from last year, but I don't think they will be able to beat Indiana.

Sam:  UCONN

Zach: Indiana- Bounce back game for the Hoosiers after the drubbing they took against Wisconsin

Upsets:

Nick: Milwaukee over Kansas (+26)--With the other two taking what I feel are the best upsets of the day, let's go with Milwaukee since every big team seems to be losing to small-conference teams at home this year. Why not try and take the shot in the dark here? Darius Roy and Te'Jon Lucas have both played solid this year.

Sam:  Denver over New Mexico St (+11.5)

Zach: Monmouth over Princeton (+6.0)