TSR 3/4/20 CBB Picks

TAKEAWAYS

1- The Big Ten race continues to be incredible. Michigan State recovered from a 19 point deficit against Penn State, taking down the Nittany Lions. At the RAC, Rutgers upset Maryland and gave the Terps their sixth conference loss. This now puts MSU and Maryland at 13-6, with Illinois and Wisconsin at 12-6. These four teams can now all possibly tie for the Big Ten title. It’s going to be a wild ride to the finish in the Big Ten, and an equally thrilling B1G Tournament next week. 2-It was an interesting start to conference tournaments last night, as the better seeded team won all 12 matchups. This will be a trend to follow as two-week Champ Week continues. The Mountain West, Northeast Conference and Ohio Valley start their tournaments tonight.

TODAY’S GAMES

1. Indiana vs Minnesota (7:00, BTN)

Nick: Indiana- The Hoosiers are still on the NCAA Tournament bubble, but this win could get them to 9-10 in league play. Though they have some issues, I like their ability to score in the backcourt and on the wing. I think that the big question will be if Joey Brunk can contain Daniel Oturu to a reasonable amount of offensive production.

Sam: Indiana-- Can’t lose at home to Minny if you want to make the NCAA Tournament.

Zach: Indiana- The Hoosiers won big at The Barn, I think they will win handily again at home. Indiana really needs this win and they get it

2. Wisconsin vs Northwestern (9:00, BTN)

Nick: Wisconsin- The Badgers have the easiest path to a share of the B1G title, starting with this game against the Wildcats. Northwestern is coming off of a victory at Nebraska, but this team is too overmatched in this contest. It’s improbable to think about the fact the Badgers have a very favorable shot at the B1G title, and that it’s not impossible to think they win it outright.

Sam: Wisconsin-- Greg Gard. Silent Assassin.

Zach: Wisconsin- Northwestern is currently on a winning streak tied for their second longest of the season-1. Their longest was 2, after beating Norfolk State and Bradley, which is actually a nice win. It is no shock to anyone that this team is horrible and Wisconsin will run them out of the gym early.

3. Seton Hall vs Villanova (8:30, FS1)

Nick: Seton Hall- The Pirates are a fantastic team at full strength, as they can score inside and on the perimeter. I think that Myles Powell is a truly elite guard, and Sandro is an underappreciated player. His stellar play can take this team to the next level, as you saw Saturday against Marquette.

Sam: Seton Hall-- Can’t wait for this one. I think Villanova is going to have a tough time finishing at the rim with Romaro Gill roaming. Pirates clinch the Big East outright.

Zach: Seton Hall- The Pirates are a really dangerous team that I believe will make a run in the tournament. With a win tonight, they clinch the league crown and I see no reason why they don’t do it at home

4. Rhode Island vs Dayton (9:00, CBSSN)

Nick: Dayton- The Rams could use this win in the worst way, with their resume placing themselves firmly on the bubble. I think that they are a team that deserves to make the tournament, especially over teams like Texas and Oklahoma, but they need some more wins.

Sam: Dayton-- Really wish this game was on like ESPN… but, regardless, huge one for Rhody. They are definitely trending in the wrong direction, and I disagree with Nick. Their best win was vs Providence when Providence was still bad… They had opportunities(LSU, Maryland) and weren’t exactly competitive in either.

Zach: Dayton- Rhode Island really needs this game for their tournament chances, but unfortunately Dayton is just too good. I have a feeling about this Dayton team that they are going to be just like the Wichita State team a few years ago that ran the table and then lost in the second round. I am coming back to this when it happens

5. Butler vs St. John’s (7:00, CBSSN)

Nick: Butler- The Bulldogs are a confusing team, as they have lost some games that they should have won this year against inferior competition. The Red Storm are coming off of a remarkable upset against Creighton, but I don’t think they can make it two in a row. I will take Kamar Baldwin and the Bulldogs.

Sam: Butler-- Remember when Butler was a top 5 team? Yeah, me either.

Zach: Butler- St. Johns is coming off an excellent win over Creighton, however, the rims at Hinkle are not as forgiving, and there is no way they shoot the same way. Because of this, Butler wins handily

6.  Providence vs Xavier (6:30, FS1)

Nick: Providence- The Friars are hot, with four straight wins. It would be hard to pick against them this point, as they have played their way into the NCAA Tournament and possibly a top four finish in the Big East.

Sam: Providence-- Ed Cooley is an animal. One of the most underrated coaches in all of college basketball

Zach: Providence

7. Creighton vs Georgetown (8:00)

Nick: Creighton- The Bluejays are still within striking distance of the Big East Championship, if they can get some help on Wednesday. They also need to take care of business on their own accord, and this starts against a Georgetown team that has lost four straight with some injuries piled up.

Sam: Creighton-- After shockingly getting obliterated by St John’s, I think Creighton bounces back in a huge way. Georgetown has really struggled with injuries and just won’t be able to defend Creighton for 40 minutes.

Zach: Creighton- The Bluejays need this game to have a chance at winning the league, as well as Villanova picking up the game against Seton Hall. If they both happen, Saturday becomes a lot more interesting.

8. Notre Dame vs Florida State (9:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Florida State- The Fighting Irish have played their way into 7th place, a half-game back of Syracuse in the ACC. I think that they are playing better as of late with John Mooney stepping up his game, but I don’t think they can top the Seminoles. Florida State was stunned against Clemson over the weekend, and I think they won’t lose two games in a row.

Sam: Florida State-- Noles have themselves a chance to win the ACC

Zach: Florida State- This game will be a lot closer than people might think. ND played pretty solid basketball in February and with a few more big wins they could have a case for the tournament. It starts with this one tonight, but they will fall just short.

9. Miami vs Virginia (9:00, ACC)

Nick: Virginia- The Cavs still have a long shot at the ACC title, but they have guaranteed themselves a Top 4 Double Bye in the ACC Tournament. Given their early season struggles, can you imagine that this would be where we found them? Remarkable. The Cavs are perhaps even more dynamic on defense, they just have offensive consistency issues.

Sam: Virginia-- Tony Bennett. 

Zach: Virginia- What a turnaround for the Hoos, back in the Top 25, right where they belong.

10. Arkansas vs LSU (7:00, SEC)

Nick: Arkansas- The Razorbacks are on the bubble, and a win over LSU would advance their case as an at-large. I like Eric Musselman’s team to get this game, and perhaps earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Sam: Arkansas-- It would take a lot to leave them out, but LSU was once damn near a lock and are now trending in the wrong way.

Zach:  Arkansas- The Razorbacks are on the outside looking in, but can easily change that with two wins to end the regular season, and a win or two in the SEC tournament. Gotta have this one