TSR 1/31/20 CBB Picks

With a shorter slate of games today, we answered five submitted questions for the TSR Roundtable. Care to have us weigh in on something next week? Simply send us a message, and we will answer the question in next week's roundtable.

1-Which of the following Big Ten teams do you feel is most likely to miss the NCAA Tournament: Michigan, Ohio State, or Purdue?

Nick--Ohio State--For sake of being different, the absence of DJ Carton is a huge blow for the Buckeyes' NCAA Tournament chances. His absence is warranted, and I hope that he is able to rejoin the team soon, but he is a major asset on this team. With a floundering resume in Big Ten play, they are going to need an upset win very soon.

Sam- Michigan- The Wolverines just have too tough a remaining schedule to not drop at least a few more. Rutgers 2X(At MSG, at RAC) OSU 2x, MSU, road games at Purdue and Maryland. But I won’t be surprised if Michigan does get in. After all, they are the only team to beat Gonzaga this season.

Zach-Michigan- I believe that Michigan has the toughest schedule going forward. If Livers comes back healthy, then it’s a different answer. If this Simpson suspension goes any further, then I don’t see them making the tournament at all. What a roller coaster of a season for the Wolverines.

2-Staying in the Big Ten, who is going to win this league?

Nick-Michigan State. The Spartans are still the best team in this league, as we all thought in the preseason. Though they have to go to Illinois still, I think that the fact that they have Cassius Winston, the best player in the title hunt (considering Iowa essentially eliminated), MSU is the team to beat. Plus, how can you bet against Tom Izzo, as he has back-to-back titles, and 9 championships over his entire career?

Sam- Maryland- The Terps have been scorching hot lately and Jalen Smith has been other worldly. Pair that with a favorable schedule down the stretch, and I think Maryland captures its first ever big ten title.

Zach-Michigan State-Illinois has a gauntlet of February, having 5/7 games being Top 25 matchups. Rutgers is 1-4 on the road, and I think that will catch up to them and will slip in a game or two. Maryland is such a weird team and I haven’t quite figured them out yet. I think Iowa has the next best shot behind MSU to win the league. Michigan State is going to lose at Illinois and probably lose one to Maryland, and maybe one to Penn State, putting them at 5 B1G losses, in a season where anyone (except Northwestern) can win a game and the top teams will eat each other, Michigan State will win the Big Ten

3-Biggest question for Michigan State going forward?

Nick: Just to be different, I will be curious to see if they can incorporate Mark Watts and Foster Loyer into the rotation in a position where Cassius Winston could play off the ball a bit more. In a taxing conference run, it has been good to see Cassius get more breaks and time off the ball. In March, this goes out the window, but just something to see in the next month.

Sam: Third guy- Who is gonna be that 3rd guy for MSU? Will it be Aaron Henry, Gabe Brown, Malik Hall, Rocket Watts? If it can find someone to go along with Tillman and Cassius, MSU gets that much better.

Zach: Been the same question all season, so I’ll agree. Who is the third guy that will step up? Different players have done it throughout the season, but someone needs to do it on a consistent basis.

4-With a month to play in the Big Ten, who is your pick for Player of the Year?

Nick: I think Garza is the heavy favorite, but Cassius Winston, Ayo Dosunmu and Daniel Oturu could have something to say if they step it up. Those four, in addition to Lamar Stevens are my picks for the First Team Big Ten at this point.

Sam: Luka Garza and it isn’t very close.

Zach: Averaging 23/10, how is it not Luka Garza?

5-Who wins the MIAA title, Albion, Trine or someone else?

Nick: I think Albion takes home the title, with their undefeated first half. The more intriguing race will be the 2-6 finish, assuming that K College and Olivet won’t move into the mix. I predict the following finish: Albion, Trine, Hope, Calvin, Alma, Adrian, Olivet and K College in eighth. 

Sam: I have Seton Hall winning the Big East. Myles Powell is a monster. Wait, wrong question. Albion.

Zach: Albion, with half of the conference season left to go, Albion went 7-0. Two games up in the next team, I don’t see them falling from the top spot.

TODAY’S GAMES

1. Penn vs Harvard (5:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Harvard--The Palestra is a sweet gym with years of history, but Tommy Amaker's team is a recent power in the Ivy League. A shoutout to Bryce Washington, brother of Michigan State's Brock Washington, who averages 4.1 points in 11.3 minutes for the Penn Quakers.

Sam: Harvard--Can't pick against Tommy

Zach: Harvard

2. Kent State vs Akron (6:30, CBSSN)

Nick: Akron--This is a big rivalry game, with the Wagon Wheel on the line for football.

Sam: Kent State

Zach: Kent State

3. Buffalo vs Bowling Green (7:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Bowling Green--Justin Turner is a dynamic player for the Falcons. We will see if he can do enough to win this game on the road.

Sam: Buffalo

Zach: Buffalo

4. Rhode Island vs VCU (7:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Rhode Island--Fatts Russell. Best name in college basketball.

Sam: VCU

Zach: Rhode Island

5. Milwaukee vs Wright State (8:00, ESPN3)

Nick: Wright State--The Raiders are the best team in the Horizon League, without a question. Milwaukee has some weapons offensively, but I don't think that they will be able to keep up.

Sam: Wright State

Zach: Wright State

6. Green Bay vs Northern Kentucky (9:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Green Bay--The Phoenix get a huge win at home.

Sam: Northern Kentucky

Zach: Northern Kentucky

7. Saint Peters vs Manhattan (7:00, ESPN+)

Nick: Saint Peter's

Sam: Manhattan

Zach: Saint Peter’s

8. Detroit vs Oakland (7:00, ESPN3)

Nick: Detroit--When in doubt in this series, take the home team. Especially when they have Antoine Davis, one of America's most electric scorers.

Sam: Oakland

Zach: Detroit

9. Niagara vs Marist (7:00, ESPN3)

Nick: Niagara

Sam: Marist

Zach: Niagara

10. Yale vs Columbia (7:00, ESPN+)

Nick: Yale--The Elis are going to battle Harvard for the title in the Ivy League this year. This is a game that they need to win to keep pace at the top.

Sam: Yale

Zach: Yale