TSR 12/11/19 CBB Picks

Takeaway
1-It's a hard life being undefeated in college basketball, especially on Tuesday night. Louisville lost to Texas Tech at the Garden in a slugfest of a game. Just moments earlier, Maryland was knocked off at the Bryce Jordan Center, when the court was stormed by a two point favorite. Finally, Butler lost at Baylor in what was perhaps the worst one point game of all time. There are now just five undefeated teams left in college basketball (Auburn, Duquesne, Liberty, Ohio State, and San Diego State).

2-Indiana grinded out a tough victory at MSG against UCONN on Tuesday night. The Hoosiers fell behind early, but clawed their way back with a big run at the end of the first half to take the lead entering the locker room. It was great to see them respond after getting dominated by Wisconsin on Saturday, and for the Hoosiers to get their first win away from home.

3-Northern Iowa with an upset on the road against Colorado on Tuesday night as well. The Panthers always seem to win games against strong Power 5 teams under Ben Jacobson, and it appears that the Panthers will be a key player in the MVC race this year. Despite being preseason selected third, the team has appeared as the strongest in the conference during the non-conference season.

Yesterday's Pick Results (Season Pick Standings can be found here)
Zach 7-3 (upset pick on Monmouth (+6) over Princeton also won)
Nick 6-4
Sam 6-4
OUR PICKS FOR WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Game 1: Yale at UMASS (7:00, ESPN+)

Nick: Yale--The Ivy League race between the Elis and the Crimson is going to be fantastic this year.

Sam:  Yale

Zach: Yale

Game 2: Wisconsin at Rutgers (7:00, BTN)

Nick: Wisconsin--While this appears to be a game that Rutgers would win, I think that the Badgers are coming in with a confidence after demolishing a strong Indiana team. I expect this to be a fantastic back and forth contest, with the gritty Buzzcut Brad drawing a key charge late.

Sam:  Rutgers-- RAC Attack!!

Zach: Rutgers- Geo Baker>Brad Davison

Game 3: Winthrop at TCU (8:00, ESPN+)

Nick: TCU

Sam:  TCU

Zach: TCU

Game 4: Boise State at Tulsa (8:00, ESPN3)

Nick: Tulsa--The Golden Hurricane are off to a hot start this year under Frank Haith. Perhaps this team will be a sleeper in the AAC race, or at the worst they will be a factor in determining who wins.

Sam:  Boise State

Zach: Tulsa

Game 5: UT Arlington at Houston (8:00, ESPN3)

Nick: Houston

Sam:  Houston

Zach: Houston

Game 6: Alabama State at Kansas State (8:00, ESPN+)

Nick: Kansas State--Another SWAC blowout on hands for the Wildcats. The real question will be how many points can we expect out of Levi Stockard? I think the magic number is 8 today, tying a new career high.

Sam:  Kansas State

Zach: Kansas State

Game 7: Chattanooga at Virginia Tech (8:30, ACC)

Nick: Virginia Tech

Sam: Virginia Tech

Zach: Virginia Tech

Game 8: Michigan at Illinois (9:00, BTN)

Nick: Illinois--This has all the makings of a good ol' trap game. There may not be a tougher road trip than a 9:00 tipoff in Champaign. The Orange Krush should be rocking for this game, and I think that Illinois has the weapons to hang in this game until the end, ultimately prevailing.

Sam:  Michigan-- I just can’t believe in a Brad Underwood coached team

Zach: Michigan- Late night game, at Illinois, coming off an emotional game, good recipe for a tough game. This seems to be a game Michigan could lose just as much as they could win. Michigan in a close one.

Game 9: Fresno State at California (10:00, PAC12)

Nick: Fresno State

Sam:  Cal

Zach: Cal

Game 10: North Dakota State at CSUN (10:00)

Nick: North Dakota State

Sam:  North Dakota State

Zach: CSUN

Upsets:

Nick: St. Peters over Fairleigh Dickinson (+4)

Sam:  Cal State Fullerton over San Diego(+2)

Zach: SC State over UNC Asheville (+6.5)