TSR 1/7/20 CBB Picks

TODAY’S GAMES

Game 1: Maryland vs Ohio State (7:00, ESPN)

Nick: Maryland--This is a huge game in the Big Ten race on January 7. Ohio State already has two conference losses, and they cannot afford a third this early in league play to win a title. Maryland is a tough place to play, and this will be a tough game for the Buckeyes to win.

Sam: Ohio State-- A big one between two teams who have struggled lately. I think Kaleb Wesson dominates in the paint for a statement victory for the Buckeyes

Zach: Maryland- The Buckeyes are on a two-game losing streak, and it doesn’t get any easier heading into the XFINITY Center against the 12th ranked Maryland team. Kaleb Wesson will need to dominate this game, but it will be a tough match up against Jalen Smith.

Game 2: Louisville vs Miami FL (7:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Louisville

Sam: Louisville-- Am I the only one who thinks it is crazy that these two will have already played twice  by January 7th?

Zach: Louisville- Won by 13 on the road, expect a bigger defeat this game

Game 3: Penn State at Rutgers (7:00, BTN)

Nick: Rutgers--The wrath of the RAC is real, especially with a team that can actually play. The 1990-91 Rutgers basketball team was the last team to make the NCAA Tournament, a fact that could take another step closer to changing with a victory.

Sam: Penn State-- Who would’ve thought this would ever be a relevant game?

Zach: Rutgers- I absolutely love this Penn State team, and there is no doubt that if this game was at Bryce Jordan, Penn State wins, but everyone knows what happens at the RAC. Rutgers is a legit team this year and is making some noise in the B1G with their 11-3 record. 

Game 4: Marquette vs Providence (7:00, FS1)

Nick: Marquette--The Golden Eagles made a big statement with their home win over Villanova, extending their Fiserv Forum record to 24-3 all-time, including an eight game winning streak. These both improve tonight against a Friars team that has played inconsistent this season.

Sam: Marquette

Zach: Marquette- Same story, different night: Markus Howard will score a lot of points.

Game 5: Texas Tech vs Baylor (9:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Baylor--The Bears are a truly elite basketball team, capable of winning the Big Twelve (or sharing the title with Kansas). A non-basketball note, I don't understand why Matt Rhule left for the Carolina Panthers....

Sam: Baylor

Zach: Texas Tech- After a three game losing streak earlier this season, the Red Raiders are a totally different team. They already took down #1 Louisville, so why not #4 Baylor.

Game 6: Georgia vs Kentucky (9:00, ESPN)

Nick: Kentucky--Anthony Edwards can keep this game close, but Kentucky has too many weapons.

Sam: Kentucky

Zach: Kentucky- Maybe the most overlooked game today (Probably because we are in Big Ten country), has the potential to be one of the best. If Anthony Edwards can get going like he did against Michigan State, this will be a good one. If he plays average like he has been, Kentucky by double digits.

Game 7: Iowa vs Nebraska (9:00, BTN)

Nick: Iowa--There are no answers for Luka Garza found on Nebraska's team. Another HUGE day.

Sam: Iowa

Zach: Iowa- Even at Pinnacle Bank, Nebraska is too overmatched

Game 8: Creighton vs Villanova (9:00, FS1)

Nick: Creighton--The Wildcats STRUGGLE away from home, all three of their losses come away from Philadelphia by an average of fifteen points. Creighton is another tough opponent for them on the road.

Sam: Creighton-- Love this matchup… love Creighton’s backcourt even more

Zach: Creighton- Beat Marquette by 17, Villanova lost to Marquette by 11. This does not mean it will be a 28 point game, but they still get the job done at home.

Game 9: Kansas State vs TCU (9:00, ESPNU)

Nick: TCU

Sam: Kansas State

Zach: Kansas State- A player to watch in this game is Desmond Bane for TCU- a different beast in his senior season for the Horned Frogs.

Game 10: New Mexico vs Fresno State (11:00, ESPNU)

Nick: New Mexico--The MWC appears to be as strong as it has been since the middle of last decade, with the capability of up to three bids for the NCAA Tournament. Makes the 10:00 and later tip-offs in this league must watch television once again.

Sam: New Mexico

Zach: New Mexico- JaQuan Lyle is having himself a year after sitting out last season due to his transfer from Ohio State

Upsets: 

Nick: Northern Illinois over Central Michigan (+4.5) 

Zach: Virginia Tech over Syracuse (+4.5)

FREE TICKET GIVEAWAY: Follow our account and reply the answer to this question. First person to do this gets a free ticket to Marquette vs Providence tonight.

Trivia Question: Who was Marquette’s leading scorer in the 2014 Orlando Classic game against Michigan State?