TSR 1/23/20 CBB Picks

Today’s Games

1-Indiana vs Michigan State (8:30, FS1)

Nick: Michigan State—The Hoosiers have the home court advantage, nearly a victory in itself in the Big Ten this year. However, the Hoosiers do not have a matchup for the nation’s best player in Cassius Winston. The X-Factor here will be at the 3 and 4 position, as Michigan State’s Achilles heel has been most of the season. Can the Spartans get key contributions out of guys like Aaron Henry, Malik Hall, Markus Bingham or Thomas Kithier? Someone will need to limit Justin Smith and Trayce Jackson Davis. This will be a critical week in MSU’s quest for a three-peat, and it starts off on the right foot.

Sam: Indiana-- The Hoosiers have seemed to have the Spartans number of late, and this is a game they badly need. The size inside with Brunk, Trayce Jackson Davis and Justin Smith will be too much to handle for MSU. 

Zach: Michigan State- Do I ever feel confident in the Spartans heading into Assembly Hall? No. Do I feel confident in them tonight? No. But after almost a week off, the Spartans find a way to get it done, having to play excellent defense and they do. Cassius Winston gets back on track and has a Cassius-like game.

2-Ohio State vs Minnesota (6:30, FS1)

Nick: Minnesota—The panic button has been hit in a Columbus, as they are tied for 11th in the Big Ten with Michigan. The matchup between Oturu and Wesson will be an exciting one to watch, but I think that ultimately the play of Marcus Carr will propel them to a huge win.

Sam: Minnesota-- Yes, the Gophers have yet to win on the road but I see their fortunes changing tonight. To say OSU is reeling would be a big time understatement. Oturu and Carr propel Minnesota to a huge road W.

Zach: Ohio State- The Buckeyes are at home, and Minnesota struggles on the road. Ohio State is falling hard as of late and this game can get them back

3-Houston vs UCONN (9:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Houston—This team was overshadowed by all of the Memphis hype in the preseason, but they are a force to be reckoned with in the AAC and the NCAA Tournament. Their backcourt could carry them to the second weekend once again.

Sam: Houston-- Quentin Grimes has really turned it on for the Cougars.

Zach: Houston- I don’t know how many times I have said this, but I love the Houston backcourt

4-Oregon vs USC (11:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Oregon—Elite players win games. Payton Pritchard is one of those guys.

Sam: Oregon-- Payton Pritchard is so darn good.

Zach: Oregon- USC could keep it close for a little while but Oregon will win handily in the end

5-Oregon St vs UCLA (11:00, FS1)

Nick: Oregon State

Sam: Oregon State

Zach: Oregon State- Tres Tinkle. That’s it.

6-Utah vs Washington (8:00, PAC12)

Nick: Utah—This team is up and down, with their inability to match that performance against Kentucky. At home, they get a solid PAC 12 victory over the Huskies.

Sam: Washington

Zach: Utah

7-Colorado vs Washington State (10:00, PAC12)

Nick: Colorado—A shout-out to Nick Rolovich, the former Hawaii coach who took the Wazu job.

Sam: Colorado

Zach: Colorado

8-St. Mary’s vs San Francisco (10:30, CBSSN)

Nick: St Mary’s

Sam: St Mary’s

Zach: St Mary’s 

9-Youngstown St vs Milwaukee (7:00, ESPN+)

Nick: Milwaukee—The Panthers need this win in their quest for a home game in the first round of the Horizon League tournament. Te’Jon Lucas and Darius Roy need to be on their A-game tonight.

Sam: Youngstown St

Zach: Youngstown St

10-Murray St vs Belmont (7:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Murray State—The OVC’s biggest game each year, live on ESPN2. Racers at home, get it done.

Sam: Belmont-- So fired up for this one. The OVC always seems to come down to these two.

Zach: Murray State- This game is a coin flip, I’m taking the home team