TSR 12/8/19 CBB Picks

Takeaways
1-Ohio State continues to look dominant. They destroyed a Penn State team that was playing great basketball by 32 points. Kaleb Wesson had 28 points and 10 rebounds, another fantastic effort for him. There may not be a better team in the country at this point.

2-Memphis escapes Birmingham with a victory over UAB. The young Tigers team hit the road for the first time this season, and they trailed by 14 at halftime. They responded by holding UAB to just seventeen points in the second half, and behind another double-double by Precious Achiwu (14/11), the Tigers are 8-1.

3-Perhaps everyone overreacted to Indiana's hot start. The Hoosiers had played all eight of their games at home, seven of which were against low ranked teams. They went to Madison on Saturday and got dominated from the opening tip, an 84-64 contest. Wisconsin shot tremendously well, 54% from the floor, 40% from three and 89% from the free throw line.

Yesterday's Pick Results (Season Pick Standings can be found here)
Zach 8-2
Nick 7-3
Sam 6-4 (upset pick of Syracuse (+3) over Georgia Tech also won)

Our Picks for Today's Action

Game 1: Houston at South Carolina

Nick: Houston--The Cougars are one of the premier challengers to Memphis for the AAC Championship. The guard play of Quentin Grimes and DeJon Jerreau are too much in this game.

Sam:  Houston

Zach: Houston- I do not want to say that they are better than last year's team yet, but I really like this Houston team. Today is a big one for the Cougars in reaching last year's team.

Game 2: Rutgers at Michigan State

Nick: Michigan State--It will be interesting to watch the lineups that Tom Izzo rolls out on the floor given the injury to Rocket Watts. Will we see more of Foster Loyer or Jack Hoiberg, or will he play bigger lineups with Kyle Ahrens, Gabe Brown and Aaron Henry at the 2 guard position? In the latest edition of "Who gets their career high against MSU", Geo Baker has had a career of 29, so expect 30 if the Scarlet Knights are in this game.

Sam: Michigan State

Zach: Michigan State- The Spartans bounce back with a win, but it’s gonna be an ugly win 

Game 3: Clemson at Florida State

Nick: Florida State

Sam:  Florida State

Zach: Florida State

Game 4: Wichita State at Oklahoma State

Nick: Wichita State

Sam:  Oklahoma State

Zach: Oklahoma State

Game 5: Texas at Texas A&M

Nick: Texas

Sam:  Texas

Zach: Texas

Game 6: Dayton vs Saint Mary’s

Nick: Dayton--What a shame to mid-major basketball that this game is pushed to ESPNU on a Sunday. These are two of the best non-power conference teams in the country, and fans should be treated to this game on a bigger network. This is appointment TV at 3:00.

Sam:  Dayton

Zach: Saint Mary’s 

Game 7: North Carolina at Virginia

Nick: North Carolina--In this matchup of teams coming off of embarrasing defeats, I'll take UNC. The Hoos struggle too much offensively to win this game. North Carolina is without Armando Bacot, but I think Cole Anthony has shown that he can bear the burden.

Sam:  Virginia

Zach: Virginia- What a shame that this Top 10 matchup is so early in the season, this is the only reason why I have a problem with early conference play

Game 8: Northwestern at Purdue

Nick: Purdue

Sam:  Purdue

Zach: Purdue

Game 9: Gonzaga at Washington

Nick: Gonzaga

Sam:  Gonzaga

Zach: Gonzaga

Game 10: Seton Hall at Iowa State

Nick: Seton Hall--Someone told me that you don't win in Ames due to "Hilton Magic", but have you ever seen Myles Powell play? This man can win any game. I will admit though, that the fact that they played on November 29 concerns me, as it is hard to beat a team twice in a season.

Sam:  Iowa State

Zach: Iowa State- Ames, Iowa...Tough

Upsets:

Nick: William & Mary over Fairfield (+1.5) Sam: Buffalo over DePaul (+9)

Zach: CMU over Valparaiso (+3.0)