TSR 1/17/20 CBB Picks

What's On Tap This Weekend

Look back to our site this weekend for all sorts of exciting news. We have a pair of guest pickers, plus an updated Big Ten Power Rankings all coming out this weekend. Friday Games

1-Michigan State vs Wisconsin (7:00, FS1)

Nick: Michigan State--The Spartans bounce back with a huge home victory. While it has been since 2004 that Wisconsin won in EL, that surely makes it feel like they are due based upon their close calls. I think that Cassius Winston returns to form, as Purdue has been the one team that has consistently given him fits. Brad Davison and D’Mitrik Trice will not be able to match the star power in the MSU backcourt. 

Sam: Michigan State-- The Badgers are on a roll, and MSU was humiliated its last time out. I think the Badgers will do what they do best in this one-- Muck up the game and make very timely shots. But in the end I think Cassius Winston makes some big plays down the stretch to will the Spartans to victory

Zach: Michigan State- The Spartans have had since Sunday to prepare for this game after getting ran out of the gym at Purdue. I think this could be a bounce back game like no other at the Breslin tonight. Wisconsin has had some nice wins, but I’m just not seeing it happen tonight.

2-Saint Louis vs Dayton (7:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Dayton--Obi and the gang get a victory to remain unbeaten in the A10. 

Sam: Dayton-- Really good game, but Obi Toppen is sensational

Zach:Dayton- I feel like not enough people are talking about the Flyers, and they’re number 13 in the country...

3-Canisius vs Siena (7:00, ESPN+)

Nick: Siena--Remember when Fran McCaffrey was the coach at Siena and the Saints won in the first round in back-to-back seasons over Vanderbilt and Ohio State?

Sam: Siena

Zach: Canisius

4-Iona vs Fairfield (7:00, ESPN3)

Nick: Iona--Always gotta take the 4x defending champs at home in the MAAC.

Sam: Iona

Zach:Iona

5-Niagara vs Rider (7:00, ESPN+)

Nick: Rider--Niagara has been unable to recover after the surprising resignation of Patrick Belein. Greg Paulus has struggled in year one at Niagara, and they lose this game.

Sam: Rider

Zach: Rider

6-Wofford vs Furman (7:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Wofford--It’s a home game, so that means no #SnackTime, but a big win for the Terriers.

Sam: Furman

Zach:Furman- I hate picking against Wofford but they have struggled more that I thought they would this year

7-Yale vs Brown (7:30, ESPN+)

Nick: Yale--The Elis are an at-large candidate if they can run the table in the Ivy League.

Sam: Yale

Zach: Yale

8-Iowa vs Michigan (9:00, FS1)

Nick: Iowa--In the Ann Arbor matchup, Luka Garza had a remarkable performance in a narrow defeat. Without Isaiah Livers and now on the road, Iowa wins. Garza is a first team Big Ten player, along with Daniel Oturu in the frontcourt.

Sam: Iowa-- The Wolverines never seem to play well at Carver-Hawkeye arena and Isaiah Livers being out again is a tough blow. Luka Garza has been dominant this season, and had him most impressive performance against Michigan the first time around. He’ll have another big game and lead Iowa to the win

Zach: Iowa- Luka Garza isn’t being talked about enough on a national stage, and he’s averaging 22/10. Without Livers, whether at home or on the road, this is a totally different game for the Wolverines and the fact this it is at Carver-Hawkeye doesn’t help. I like Iowa pretty handily 

9-California Baptist vs Bethesda (10:00)

Nick: Cal Baptist--In 2016-17, Bethesda became just the third NCCAA team to defeat a Division 1 opponent when they took down Cal State Northridge. Another fun fact, coach Leo Balayon is the only Filipino to serve as a head coach in the United States. The 4-15 Flames are on a two-game winning streak thanks to back-to-back wins over Portland Bible, but they will not be able to defeat Cal Baptist.

Sam: Cal Baptist

Zach: Cal Baptist

10-Dallas Mavericks vs Portland Trailblazers (9:30, ESPN)

Nick: Mavericks--LUKAAAAAAAAAAA. The Mavericks already had the greatest international player of all time in Dirk, but Luka will challenge that title on his current career trajectory.

Sam: Mavericks-- I am beyond proud to say that besides a couple of the Christmas Day games, I have watched absolutely no NBA this year.

Zach: Mavericks- Even with Porzingis out, the Mavericks win because Luka is Luka and Mark Cuban is their owner, moreso the second one.