TSR 1/9/20 CBB Picks

Takeaways

1- North Carolina is in some major trouble. They lost another game against a weak foe, this time falling to Pittsburgh at home. The Tar Heels are now 8-7 overall and 1-3 in the ACC. What appeared to be a manageable start to league play with eight games against unranked teams, five of them at home, is already off to an 0-2 start. Trouble in Chapel Hill.

2-Illinois gets another big conference win, this time taking down Wisconsin. The Fighting Illini snapped a 15 game losing streak to Wisconsin, and they now sit at 3-2 in the league. 

3-Auburn escaped against Vanderbilt, and San Diego State blitzed Wyoming. We still have two undefeated teams in college basketball. They’re both in action Saturday once again, and they both have favorable matchups against Georgia and Boise State respectively.

TODAY’S GAMES (Thursday)

Game 1: Michigan vs Purdue (7:00, FS1)

Nick: Purdue--The Wolverines are struggling as of late, and Purdue is growing increasingly desperate for a statement league victory. Whether or not Isaiah Livers plays is vital to this game, as he helps the Michigan offense go. You saw this on Sunday when they struggled at times without him in the lineup.

Sam: Michigan-- Purdue is just so offensively challenged

Zach: Michigan- Purdue can struggle at times to score and I think the post play for the Wolverines is much greater, as Teske can just bully Haarms down low.

Game 2: Michigan State vs Minnesota (9:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Michigan State--Cassius Winston is the best player in America, and he showed that in the past two games against Illinois and Michigan. While Daniel Oturu will still get his points and rebounds (he averages 19.1 points and 12.4 rebounds per game), they will struggle on the wing to contain Aaron Henry and Gabe Brown. Minnesota will need a career night from Gabe Kalscheur to win this ballgame.

Sam: Michigan State-- Daniel Oturu is a monster in the paint for the Gophers, but I think the Spartan guards will be the difference in this one. Rocket Watts is playing with more confidence every passing game, and Aaron Henry and Gabe Brown provide so much with their length and athleticism. And of course, Cassius is Cassius.

Zach: Michigan State- Can Minnesota stop Cassius Winston? I’m just gonna go out on a limb and say no. Not sure if anyone can right now. The key to the Spartans victory will not be slowing down Daniel Oturu, as he will probably still get his own, although Xavier Tillman showed how good of a defense he can be against Illinois and Michigan, but rather making sure none of the other guys for the Gophers really get going.

Game 3: Oregon vs Arizona (9:00, ESPN)

Nick: Oregon--Payton Pritchard showed his leadership and ability to step up in big games when he led the Ducks to a Pac 12 Tournament title last year, and he also defeated Memphis, Seton Hall and Michigan this season. Add this to the list of impressive wins under his direction of the offense.

Sam: Oregon-- Experience matters… Sure, Arizona has very talented freshman, but the Ducks have the experienced backcourt led by Payton Pritchard. Ducks in a close one

Zach: Oregon- The freshman of Arizona keep it close but Oregon make a late surge at home to win, and cover the 3.5

Game 4: Oregon State vs Arizona State (11:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Oregon State--Tres Tinkle is averaging 19.7 points per game this season, and the Beavers are 11-3, though neither of them is really being talked about in the college basketball landscape. 

Sam: Oregon State

Zach: Oregon State- Guards of Arizona State vs the bigs of Oregon State. Tres Tinkle, what a name.

Game 5: San Francisco vs Santa Clara (11:00)

Nick: Santa Clara--This is a tremendously underrated game in the WCC on Thursday night. The Broncos are 14-2, while the Dons are 12-6 with many strong losses. Though Gonzaga is the #1 team in the country and the clear favorite in the league, the depth in this league below them is as strong as ever.

Sam: San Francisco

Zach: San Francisco- The Dons have lost three in a row, but they find a way to get back in the win column at home in a big WCC matchup

Game 6: Saint Mary’s vs BYU (11:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Saint Mary’s--I LOVE the WCC night games, and this is another epic contest. The Gaels rebound from the 4OT defeat against Pacific with a big victory at home.

Sam: Saint Mary’s-- A great WCC game! TJ Haws vs Jordan Ford? Yes please. Gaels win a close one by virtue of being the home team.

Zach: Saint Mary’s- I like Jordan Ford in a big scoring game for the Gaels, as they win this one at home. The WCC is definitely the most underrated conference in college basketball.

Game 7: Northeastern vs Hofstra (8:00, CBSSN)

Nick: Northeastern--This is another great game in a mid-major league, as the CAA appears to have multiple contenders for the league title. Mathews Arena will be rocking for this game, and Jordan Roland will carry the Huskies to victory. 

Sam: Hofstra

Zach: Northeastern- Jordan Roland, once at the top, now at 15 nationwide in scoring 

Game 8: Wichita State vs Memphis (7:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Wichita State--Koch Arena is going to be a rowdy atmosphere for this game, and the Shockers are underappreciated in the AAC title race. 

Sam: Wichita State-- The Shockers are a very quiet 13-1 this season. Gregg Marshall gonna Gregg Marshall

Zach: Wichita State- Never doubt a Coach Marshall team, and they are slowly becoming a top team in the country. He’ll get his guys amped to go and they find a way at home

Game 9: Cal State Fullerton vs Hawaii (10:00, ESPN3)

Nick: Hawaii

Sam: Hawaii

Zach: CS Fullerton

Game 10: Jacksonville State vs Murray State (9:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Murray State

Sam: Murray State

Zach: Murray State

Upsets: 

Nick: Detroit over Cleveland State (+2.5)

Zach: Idaho State over Southern Utah(+5.5)