TSR 12/7/19 CBB Picks

Takeaway
1-Despite losing to Michigan last night, Luka Garza was an absolute monster for Iowa. He scored 44 points. Even more remarkable was Iowa's game plan to run the offense through him despite the height Michigan has in Jon Teske, Colin Castleton and Austin Davis. Garza had 32 field goal attempts and 13 free throw shots. This gameplan could provide Iowa some success in Big Ten play against smaller teams, or if their three-point shooters could do better than 3/15.


Big Ten Power Rankings
In case you missed it yesterday, Eric is back joining us for the Big Ten Power Rankings. We have a new number one for the third straight week, is it Ohio State or Maryland? Check out the entire rankings here.

Yesterday's Pick Results (Season Pick Standings can be found here)
Zach 9-1
Sam 9-1

Nick 7-3

Our Picks for Friday's Action

Game 1: Penn State at Ohio State (12:00, BTN)

Nick: Ohio State--Penn State appears to have one of their best teams in recent memory, but so does Ohio State. The Buckeyes have the advantage at the guard position with Duane Washington and DJ Carton.

Sam:  Ohio State-- The battle in the low post between Mike Watkins and Kaleb Wesson will be tremendous

Zach: Ohio State- Ohio State has better matchups across the board against a pretty solid Nittany Lion team

Game 2: Arizona at Baylor (12:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Baylor

Sam: Baylor-- The veteran backcourt trio of Jared Butler, Macio Teague, and Davion Mitchell is tremendous for the bears

Zach: Baylor

Game 3: Florida at Butler (12:00, FOX)

Nick: Butler--The Bulldogs are led by Kamar Baldwin, a senior who is coming into his own after three constant years of improvement. Also a plug for Hinkle Fieldhouse, the best arena in college basketball.

Sam: Florida

Zach: Butler- Kamar Baldwin is a stud and he is putting the Bulldogs on his back this year. And no Nick, Hinkle Fieldhouse is not the best arena in college basketball, towards the top, but not the best.

Game 4: West Virginia at St John’s (12:00, FS1)

Nick: West Virginia

Sam: West Virginia

Zach: West Virginia

Game 5: Nebraska at Creighton (2:30, FS1)

Nick: Creighton--The Bluejays dominate this in-state rivalry for the eighth time in nine seasons. #Nebrasketball never should have fired Tim Miles.

Sam: Creighton

Zach: Creighton

Game 6: Indiana at Wisconsin (4:30, BTN)

Nick: Indiana--The Kohl Center is a tough place to play, but this will be a tough game for them to win. Indiana is playing great basketball right now, and they find a way to win this one.

Sam: Indiana

Zach: Wisconsin- The Badgers are always tough to beat at home, and they hand IU their first loss of the season

Game 7: Illinois at Maryland (5:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Maryland

Sam: Maryland

Zach: Maryland

Game 8: Cincinnati at Xavier (5:00, FS1)

Nick: Cincinnati

Sam: Xavier-- Don’t play in this one if you’re not as tough as a $5 steak

Zach: Xavier

Game 9: Colorado at Kansas (7:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Kansas

Sam: Kansas

Zach: Kansas

Game 10: Marquette at Kansas State (9:00, ESPN2)

Nick: The biggest question here is the health of Markus Howard. If he does not play, the Golden Eagles may have some issues offensively and Kansas State should get a home victory. If Howard does play, I think that the Golden Eagles will win this game.

Sam: Kansas State-- Neither of these teams are very good, so I think the Wildcats win by virtue of being the home team.

Zach: Kansas State

Upsets:

Nick: UNC-Wilmington over Charlotte (+4)

Sam: Syracuse over Georgia Tech (+3)

Zach: Youngstown State over Western Michigan (+2.0)