Desert Dweller Sports Network

View Original

College Hoops Wednesday w/ Last Night’s Recap

We have Bedlam tonight with the Oklahoma Sooners travel to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

The winning streak was snapped yesterday after going (2-3) but we are still above .500. A really bad read on South Carolina who cannot defend the 3PT shot one bit. Ole Miss played a solid game shooting above 46% from the field and making 10 3PT.

In our 2nd game, K-State got out to a big lead but KU came roaring back. The Wildcats had control of this game throughout but Jalen Wilson from Denton, Texas had other plans. Wilson had 38 points and 9 rebounds in great performance but it ultimately was not enough.

We took a loss with Butler at home against Creighton. The loss of Manny Bates was critical as the Bulldogs were out rebounded 47 to 24 and those second chance points were the difference in the game. I don’t know if we can play the Bulldogs until Bates is back. Teams will catch on and attack the glass at will.

In our top 10 matchup between #5 Texas and #7 Iowa State the Longhorns came out hot but the Cyclones eventually woke up and this game played out exactly how we thought. Great Iowa State win.

Finally, the game that decided our night was #2 Alabama traveling to Nashville. The Commodores fought back to try and get the back door cover but their fighting ended up costing us. Vandy had the game with the +8.5 points but continued to foul with the game basically being over. They “fouled” before the ball was even inbounded twice. We take the loss and move on to tonight!

UCONN Huskies vs. Seaton Hall Pirates (+5); total 135.5; 5:30pm ct

Tonight the overrated and struggling UCON Huskies travel to face the Seaton Hall Pirates. UCONN will be without HC Dan Hurley and its assistant head coach due to Covid-19 protocols. That should be an interesting twist. Seaton Hall started the conference schedule slowly but has since won 4 of its last 5. I like the home dogs in this situational spot. UCONN has not faired well on the road and with out its coaches. I’m with the Pirates tonight. If UCONN was at home I would jump on the Huskies. Not tonight.

Florida Gators vs. #23 Texas A&M Aggies (-4); total 137.5; 6:00pm ct

Two of the SEC’s hottest teams not named Alabama face off tonight in College Station. The Aggies come into the week newly ranked in the 24 Pack after some impressive outings. These two faced off earlier in the season in Gainesville and the Aggies took home the victory. Florida out shot A&M from the field, 3PT and with a better FT %. The 20 turnovers for the Gators is what hurt them. The Aggies were able to win an ugly game on the road and I think they will have better success shooting the ball tonight and secure the win at home. I rather have A&M on the road after Florida could not get the job done at home after out playing the Aggies.

SMU Mustangs (-3) vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricanes; total 146.5; 7:00pm ct

The Mustangs have been struggling recently but not as badly as the Golden Hurricanes. SMU is starting to get healthy and let a game against Cincinnati slip away. With a healthy lineup I think it’s time for SMU to get back on track with a nice win against Tulsa. If they can limit Tulsa’s 3PT shot and turnovers the Mustangs will cover this short number.

Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Missouri Tigers (-1.5); total 153.5; 8:00pm ct

In the first meeting between these teams Missouri played great on the road until the last 10 minutes when Arkansas made a great comeback to secure the win. Now, Mizzou at home take on the struggling Razorbacks. This is about an even game so with Arkansas visibly struggling, I’m taking the home Tigers.

#14 Providence Friars (+7.5) vs. #11 Marquette Golden Eagles; total 150.5; 8:00pm ct

The Friars were in a rough game Saturday on the road at Creighton. The Friars were dogs that day and fought hard the whole game. That is the same reason I want to back them again tonight with this inflated line. Marquette is as good as anyone at home and are coming off a tough road defeat at Xavier. This is a huge game for 2nd place in the Big East. Definitely a number play but the spread was about the same against Creighton so one could argue to play on Marquette. I’ll take the Friars in what should be a great game.

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (-2); total 127.5; 8:00pm ct

We’ve got Bedlam tonight in Stillwater at the one of a kind Gallagher-Iba Arena. One thing you will get from the Cowboys is that they will play hard every night. This same situation played out last year, with the same spread and an OSU team that was not as good blew out the Sooners. I like the Cowboys even more tonight if center Moussa Cisse can go tonight. This should be a good Big 12 game but the Sooners have been unable to close out games so far this year as we had to learn with their blown cover on Saturday. Go ‘Pokes.

#18 San Diego State Aztecs (-4.5) vs. Colorado State Rams; total 141.5; 9:30pm ct

The Aztecs coming off of a stunning home loss to New Mexico. This number is far too short for a team with SDST’s defense. The Rams have struggled this year and I’m not expecting a one of a kind performance tonight. Anything is possible but off a loss the Aztecs will be fully prepared and not looking passed the Rams.

Analysis on other games tonight:

#8 TCU Horned Frogs vs. West Virginia (-2.5)

WVU has been in some close games but a home favorite against TCU? This feels more like the Baylor vs. Tech situation last night. I think TCU gets this one but what holds me back is the way the Mountaineers finished their game against OU Saturday. Plenty of fight.

Ohio State Buckeyes (-6) vs. Nebraska Corn Huskers

I was close to pulling the trigger on Nebraska tonight but couldn’t get there. Ohio State is on a losing streak but Nebraska has not been impressive lately. They have enough offense to keep it close but its a tough game.

#16 Auburn Tigers (-4.5) vs. LSU Tigers

LSU has been struggling mightily after losing by 40 against Alabama they look to bounce back. It should be a bounce back game for LSU but they don’t have very much offense. It’s hard to take the road dogs in this spot hoping an offense shows up.

Pitt Panthers (-9.5) vs. Louisville Cardinals

As much as I think Louisville is able to covering this number at home I would definitely need double digits to play the Cardinals in any game. Pitt has gotten off to a great start in the ACC and has been solid on the road. I’d play Pitt before Louisville.

East Carolina Pirates vs. Temple Owls (-9.5)

It feels like too many points for Temple to lay after its home loss to Memphis. ECU offense does not offer very much. If ECU put up a better fight at home against South Florida I would probably take ECU tonight. Again, it’s hard to trust the Pirates offense.

Cincinnati Bearcats (-4) vs. South Florida Bulls

The Bulls have been playing much better recently and newly built confidence after going toe to toe with Houston. This feels like an upset waiting to happen but I couldn’t get there.

#9 Xavier Musketeers (-8.5) vs. DePaul Blue Demons

This feels like too many points to lay on the road for Xavier with no look ahead game on deck. I lean DePaul playing tough at home but its dicey with the way Xavier has been playing.