3-3 after an impromptu evening wipe…not terrible. Hand up, Indiana was a terrible play, everybody knows Evanston is one of the toughest places to play, but I’ll die on the Michigan/Marquette takes. We’re turning the page, everyone knows the value is in the crumbs anyway, so let’s find some turds in the punchbowl with the mid-major slate today.
Loyola (MD)-5@Holy Cross (132.5)
The Patriot league is wide open after Loyola Maryland dropped 3 of the last 4 and fell out of first place in the conference. Right now, Colgate (not the toothpaste company, but the school who was on the verge of upsetting Arkansas last year during the first game of the tournament) is in first place, but I’m still sticking to my “BoStOn UnIvErSiTy is one of the more frisky teams in the nation” take and could steal a bid from the top teams in this conference. Oh yeah, a pick, Loyla -5.
Gardner-Webb@Campbell(-2.5) (127.5)
I’m really showcasing this game because I believe either of these teams can upset Longwood or Winthrop in the Big South Tournament. Gardner-Webb lost both games to the frontrunners, on the road at Winthrop by 2 and on the road at Longwood by 6, by a combined 8 points. Campbell lost by 2 to Winthrop on the road and plays Longwood in the last game of the regular season. I like Gardner-Webb’s defense in this one, Bulldogs +2.5.
Oakland(-2)@Youngstown State (144)
There’s some great basketball played in the Horizon league. There are 3 legit contenders between Cleveland State, Oakland and Wright state, but the next 4 teams in the standings are all frisky. I’m cautiously taking Oakland -2 here, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Penguins pull off a shocker.
Richmond(-1)@George Mason (137)
This is tough, due to covid these teams are playing each other back to back with Richmond beating the Patriots by 3 at home last game. The historical probability side of me wants to take George Mason, they’re frisky with wins over Saint Bonaventure and Dayton, but I’ll take the Spiders-1. They’re 6-2 in their last 8, and those two losses came to conference frontrunner Davidson and a VCU team on the verge of another tournament bid. Richmond should be in the conversation come March as well.
Tulane@Memphis(-10) (146)
I’m standing by my take Tulane is one of the friskiest teams in the nation. They’re a covering machine as of late with a couple nice outright wins against Wichita State (twice), Cincy and this Memphis squad. I like Memphis, but I’m taking Tulane to cover.
Missouri State@Drake(-3) (142.5)
Game of the night. Forget Bama/Ole Miss, who cares about Tennessee/Mississippi State, this is the best game on ESPN….+… If you have Disney Plus and Hulu already, then why the fuck don’t you have the Disney/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle yet? It literally saves you a cent if you bundle them altogether. I digress… Drake was every gambler’s darling last year, starting off 15-0 against the spread. This year, they’ve been inconsistent at times, but they will be squarely in the middle of bubble talk up until selection Sunday. Similarly, Missouri State has a Quad 1 win on the road at Loyola Chicago and have already beat Drake this year. That last contest was 61-56, well under the 142.5 here…but it’s a system play for me so HAMMER THE OVER IN THIS BUBBLE TEAM MATCHUP!!
Loyola Chicago(-4.5)@Bradley (131)
There is some really good basketball in the Missouri Valley Conference. At first glance, it looks like Loyola Chicago, Missouri State, Drake and everyone else, but top to bottom there are some solid basketball teams. Loyola Chicago has the best defense in the nation in relation to scoring, but are vulnerable to teams who can shoot threes. Although Bradley is third in the MVC in 3 point%, I still like Loyola Chicago to cover the 4.5 in a close, low scoring affair. (Maybe sprinkle the under too, but I won’t end a blog with that bullshit pick).
The Morning Flush 