TSR 2/4/20 CBB Picks

TODAY’S GAMES

1. Michigan State vs Penn State (8:00, BTN)

Nick: Michigan State--The Spartans played two completely different halves on Saturday in their loss to Wisconsin. Thankfully, their second half was the better one, and Tom Izzo is a coach that knows how to whip a team back into form. Rocket Watts has shown lately that he could be the third guy for this team offensively, so it will be interesting to see if that keeps up. Look for a bounce back game from Xavier Tillman, who scored 7 points and had 14 rebounds but many remember some easier offensive opportunities ending up without points. He has his way with Mike Watkins, and the Spartans have their way with the Nittany Lions.

Sam: Michigan State-- Considering the struggles it has faced on the road, MSU badly needs to win out at home. Despite the loss Saturday, I think Rocket Watts played tremendously. Penn State is tough, but I think the Spartans grind one out at the Breslin.

Zach: Michigan State- The Spartans seem to always have their way with the Nittany Lions at home, and I expect tonight to be no different, even with this being the best Penn State team in a long time. It really showed against Wisconsin what will happen if Xavier Tillman cannot get going offensively, not that the loss is on him in any way, but if he comes out cold, the team comes out cold, and look for Penn State to take advantage of that just like the Badgers

2. Michigan vs Ohio State (7:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Michigan-- It appears that the Michigan team is finding their stride finally, all it took was their back pressed against the wall. This is a huge week for this team and their season, as they get Ohio State and Michigan State at home. Win these games, and you’re 15-8 overall and 6-6 in the Big Ten. Lose them both, and you’re 13-10 and 4-8 in league play. HUGE week starts off right.

Sam: Michigan-- Michigan has won 2 straight and looked very good on Saturday against Rutgers. Pair that with a Buckeye team who more than likely won’t have DJ Carton, and I think the Wolverines win this one by double digits.

Zach: Michigan- Big stripe out game for the Wolverines, and that is why they win. Teske and Wesson cancel eachother out down low, and right now, I am not sure who the better surrounding cast is. 

3. Maryland vs Rutgers (7:00, FS1)

Nick: Maryland--The Scarlet Knights struggle away from the RAC, cue the surprising loss to Michigan at MSG this weekend. Maryland is also surging, and they may be the best positioned to win the Big Ten after this weekends’ results.

Sam: Maryland-- Rutgers has not been very good away from the RAC, and I don’t see that changing with the way Maryland is playing.

Zach: Maryland- This is a big game for Maryland with all of what happened this past weekend. With a win here, they greatly improve their chances of winning the league, as their schedule is by far the easiest of all the contending teams

4. Arkansas vs Auburn (7:00, SEC)

Nick: Arkansas--This game is a tough battle for Auburn, coming off of a huge victory over Kentucky. At 16-5, Eric Musselman’s Razorbacks have been very successful this season. Mason Jones and Jimmy Whitt Jr scored 56 points combined this Saturday, and they will keep their hot shooting going in a shocking home victory.

Sam: Auburn-- I was very impressed with the Tigers’ win over Kentucky Saturday, and I think they carry that momentum over to a big Auburn W.

Zach: Arkansas- At 16-5, the Hogs are a good basketball team, and I could see a little bit of a letdown coming from the Tigers off of the win against Kentucky

5. Boston College vs Duke (7:00, ESPN)

Nick: Duke-- The Blue Devils are one of three legitimate teams in the ACC (Florida State and Louisville). This league has three of the top 8 teams in the polls, and then the rest of the league is receiving just 1 vote in the poll. 

Sam: Duke

Zach: Duke

6. Alabama vs Tennessee (7:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Alabama-- The Crimson Tide are the home team, and Nate Oats’ bunch needs to win games like this if they want to play their way into the tournament. “The Juniors”, Kira Lewis and John Petty, are scoring in waves this year. 

Sam: Alabama-- Tide have been playing much better as of late

Zach: Alabama- Kira Lewis and John Petty are studs for the Tide and will will them to a big win of the Vols

7. Kentucky vs Mississippi State (9:00, ESPN)

Nick: Kentucky-- Big Blue Nation bounces back from a tough defeat against Auburn with a comfortable victory over Mississippi State. The Bulldogs need a lot more cowbell to pull this off.

Sam: Kentucky-- Bulldogs have played well lately, but coming off a loss, Kentucky wins big.

Zach: Kentucky- Not only did the Bulldogs’ football team get KJ Costello as a transfer, but they are playing some really good basketball right now. Unfortunately, they run into a mad Kentucky team at Rupp

8. DePaul vs Xavier (9:00, FS1)

Nick: Xavier-- I still do not believe in DePaul, though Xavier also makes me nervous. That being said, let’s go with the Musketeers off of a huge win against Seton Hall, rather than DePaul off a narrow defeat against Marquette.

Sam: Xavier-- I have been tough on Depaul so I’ll give them this: They have a lot of very close losses. I think that trend continues and Xavier grinds out a tough win.

Zach: DePaul- Wow have they fallen, and fallen hard. The Blue Demons sit dead last at 1-8 in conference play. At Wintrust though, they are 9-5, and in what has been a disappointment of a season after the start, they find a much needed win. 

9. Texas Tech vs Oklahoma (9:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Texas Tech-- Rumor on the street is that Patrick Mahomes will be in attendance for this game. Unfortunately for Michigan State fans, we remember his appearance at the 2019 Final Four and what that meant. Davide Moretti averages just over two made three-pointers a game, and he exceeds that total tonight.

Sam: Texas Tech

Zach: Texas Tech- This team has had so many close losses that their 13-8 record could easily be 18-3. This is a really good basketball team after losing a lot of players from last year's National Championship run

10. Texas A&M vs Missouri (9:00, SEC)

Nick: Texas A&M-- Big 12 basketball! Oh wait...it’s not the mid-2000’s anymore with legends such as Acie Law IV and Kim English lacing up the sneakers. Nevertheless, the SEC version of this game is less exciting. Let’s go with Buzz Williams over Cuonzo Martin at home.

Sam: Missouri

Zach: Missouri- Dru Smith, Mark Smith, and I guess I’ll toss in Mitchell Smith for fun, lead the Tigers to a nice Big 12, I mean, SEC win over a team that needs it more.