TSR 1/28/20 CBB Picks

TAKEAWAYS FROM MONDAY

1-Brad Davison was back at it last night. In typical "Buzzcut Brad" fashion, his dirty play was back on display last night, when he punched an Iowa player in the groin. I would not be surprised to see this result in some discipline if the video gets to the Big Ten office. TODAY’S GAMES

1. Nebraska vs Michigan (7:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Nebraska--The Vault has already seen two upset victories for Nebraska, as they took down Purdue and Iowa. Make it three, as this Michigan team will look like a chicken with its head cut off with the loss of Zavier Simpson and the potential loss of Isaiah Livers once again, as he appeared to reaggrivate his injury.

Sam: Michigan-- Agreed here with ZT, Nebraska is awful.

Zach: Michigan- With the news that Zavier Simpson will be suspended for this game, this one becomes a little more interesting. Although, I don’t think it makes a difference in outcome. Pinnacle Bank is a tough environment, but Nebrasketball is so bad. 

2. Rutgers vs Purdue (8:00, BTN)

Nick: Rutgers--#RACAttack. Make it 15-0 at home for Rutgers.

Sam: Rutgers-- At what point does it become a thing that Wisconsin and Purdue have lost a lot?

Zach: Rutgers- Will somebody finally win at the RAC? If anyone is going to do it going forward, this is one of the better opportunities. Purdue matches up really well with Rutgers, which makes this a marquee game on the day.

3. Georgetown vs Butler (9:00, CBSSN)

Nick: Butler--The matchup between McClung and Baldwin will be good, but I feel that Kamar Baldwin's supporting cast of Sean McDermott, Bryce Nze and Jordan Tucker seems stronger than what is left at Georgetown.

Sam: Georgetown-- McClung is so good.

Zach: Butler- The Bulldogs have been sliding as of late, and this game could get them right back on track. Mac McClung vs Kamar Baldwin is going to be super fun to watch. 

4. St John’s vs Villanova (6:30, FS1)

Nick: Villanova--The Wildcats are ranked #8, but I feel that they have flown under the radar at points this season.

Sam: Villanova

Zach: Villanova- This is going to be a close game for the number 8 Wildcats at MSG.

5. Ole Miss vs Auburn (9:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Auburn--Kermit Davis is building at Ole Miss, but they aren't good enough to win against this marquee opponent.

Sam: Auburn

Zach: Auburn- Hopefully the Tigers aren’t overlooking the Rebels as they have Kentucky this weekend. If they are, this game could get very interesting, but I don’t see it happening. 

6. Virginia vs Florida State (7:00, ESPN)

Nick: Virginia--As Zach alludes to, this game taking place at Virginia is huge. With their back against the wall, the Cavs get a marquee victory to make their case as an NCAA Tournament team.

Sam: Florida State-- Both teams that played in the natty last year (UVA and Texas Tech) are in serious danger of missing the tournament

Zach: Florida State- The Seminoles are ranked number five in the country, who would’ve thought? The key stat in this game is their offense (76ppg) vs the defense of UVA (50 opp/ppg). The game is at JPJ which will definitely have an impact.

7. Cincinnati vs SMU (7:00, ESPNNEWS)

Nick: SMU--Kendric Davis and Isaiah Mike both have made tremendous strides from last season, and at 15-4 the Mustangs could play themselves into the NCAA Tournament conversation with a few more victories like this one.

Sam: SMU

Zach: Cincinnati

8. VCU vs Richmond (7:00, CBSSN)

Nick: Richmond

Sam: VCU

Zach: VCU

9. Wyoming vs Utah State (11:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Utah State--Though this has all of the makings of a trap game, as the Aggies have the big road showdown on Saturday against San Diego State, I feel that this bunch knows that they need every win possible to make their long shot at-large case.

Sam: Utah State

Zach: Utah State

10. Duke vs Pittsburgh (9:00, ESPN)

Nick: Duke--Coach K against one of his former assistants (2011-2018) in Jeff Capel, who also starred at Duke from 1993-1997. The master wins again, though Pitt is a program on the rise once more after the tumultous Kevin Stallings era.

Sam: Duke

Zach: Duke