TSR 2/20/20 CBB Picks

TODAY’S GAMES

1. Nebraska vs Michigan State (8:30, FS1)

Nick: Michigan State- This game is a pivotal point in Michigan State’s season. They have struggled lately, losing 4 of their last 5 games. The Spartans also have four tough games after this one. It is vital that Michigan State wins this game. Knowing the urgency to get the ball rolling and win some basketball games, I feel that the supporting cast steps up and helps Cassius and Tillman bring home a victory. I see this as an opportunity for a guy like Gabe Brown to get things started once again.

Sam: Michigan State-- The Spartans need this one in the baddest of ways. If they don’t win tonight, I don’t know where another win comes this season. MSU should be able to pound the ball down to Tillman and he should feast on the Nebraska frontcourt. I expect a Sparty blowout, but if this is close or ends in a Nebraska win, MSU may be in legitimate trouble of making the tournament.

Zach: Michigan State- If the Spartans do not win this game, it’s officially panic time in East Lansing. Fortunately for them, Nebrasketball is absolute trash. Spartan fan favorite Jack Hoiberg will get to face up against his dad, in what should be an easy win. Key words “should be”

2. Iowa vs Ohio State (7:00, ESPN)

Nick: Ohio State- The inside matchup between Luka Garza and Kaleb Wesson ought to be entertaining, and the Hawkeyes will be without CJ Fredrick. The Buckeyes have played much better as of late, and I think that this continues with a huge road victory.

Sam: Iowa-- Hawkeyes are really tough at Karver Hawkeye arena

Zach: Iowa- Ohio State, welcome back into the Top 25, could be a short stay after this one and Sunday’s matchup with Maryland

3. Temple vs UCONN (7:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Temple- I never pick UCONN with Danny Hurley. Can’t stand him. That’s all.

Sam: UCONN-- I LOVE DANNY HURLEY. He is absolutely the right man to get Uconn basketball back on track

Zach: UCONN- I have no feelings towards Danny Hurley, but Christian Vital, I like him alot 

4. Wichita State vs South Florida (7:00, CBSSN)

Nick: Wichita State- The Shockers need this victory, more than anything to simply avoid the bad loss. This team has NCAA Tournament talent, they just need to build the resume.

Sam: Wichita State

Zach: Wichita State

5. Stony Brook vs Vermont (7:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Vermont- The Seawolves are the best competition for Vermont in their pursuit for a fourth straight regular season title and a third NCAA Tournament bid in four seasons. Behind Anthony Lamb, I would be shocked to see anything other than this team playing at home in Patrick Gym for a shot at the NCAA Tournament.

Sam: Vermont-- Sure, they’re good, but I don’t see this team giving any team a run for its money in the tournament.

Zach: Vermont- Catamount is short for “Cat of the mountain”, believe it or not

6.  Arizona State vs Oregon (9:00, ESPN)

Nick: Oregon- Payton Pritchard is an All-American guard. He has the talent alone to carry this team to a victory in this game, and why they are my favorite to win the Pac 12.

Sam: Oregon-- Great guard matchup with Remmy Martin and Pritchard.

Zach: Arizona State- The Ducks are a really good team, led by a really good player, but they may be overlooking this Arizona State team. It was a nine point game in Eugene and in Tempe is a whole different story. They could be looking forward to their trip to Tucson on Saturday, and let this one slip away.

7. Liberty vs North Florida (7:00, ESPN+)

Nick: Liberty- The Flames are a truly great team with only three losses on the year, two of which happened in this weekend doubleheader of UNF and Stetson. With slim at-large hopes left, the Flames retake the ASUN lead.

Sam: Liberty- Ritchie McKay!

Zach: Liberty- Scottie James, good player-not a fan

8. BYU vs Santa Clara (9:00, CBSSN)

Nick: BYU- The Cougars are an NCAA Tournament team, and the Broncos don’t have Steve Nash out there anymore..

Sam: BYU

Zach: BYU

9. Gonzaga vs San Francisco (11:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Gonzaga- The Zags are perhaps their best version since the 2017 national runner-up team. They will get this victory on their way to another WCC title.

Sam: Gonzaga

Zach: Gonzaga- When this game is in San Fran, it is always close, and this year’s game didn’t disappoint. Unfortunately for the Dons, this one is at The Kennel, where they are going to get obliterated just like every other team this year. 

10. UC Riverside vs Hawaii (11:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Hawaii- I LOVE Big West 11:00 basketball on ESPNU. Though this isn’t my favorite arena in the league (The Matadome holds that honor), I am amped to watch this game. The lone team outside of the state of California gets the victory to snap their four game losing skid.

Sam: Hawaii

Zach: UC Riverside