College Hoops Friday
The VCU Rams travels to the Chaifetz Arena to battle it out for 1st place in the Atlantic 10 to face the Saint Louis Billikens.
Legendary basketball coach Rick Majerus once said, “All things move on, good and bad. Never get too high or too low”. Just like in basketball, in this racket you cannot get too high or too low. You just have to keep going forward. We have a great Friday slate before we get to Saturday so let’s jump into.
VCU Rams vs. Saint Louis Billikens (-2.5); total 141.5; 6:00pm ct
The Rams are coming off a loss to St. Bonaventure and close win on the road against Davidson. We know VCU has a great pressure defense but its the offense that holds them back. They managed to defeat VCU without making a single 3PT. VCU leans on its defense but Saint Louis doesn’t turn the ball over. The Billikens have one of the best point guards in the country with Yuri Collins who averages 10 assists per game. If the Billikens rebound, limit turnovers and make some 3PTs I can see them winning and covering. With Saint Louis’ ball handling, I believe it will limit VCU’s transition offense and if the Rams cannot shoot the ball well again then the Billikens should have a strong hold on the game.
Boise State Broncos (+6) vs. San Diego State Aztecs; total 133.5; 8:00pm
The Broncos will stampede into the Viejas Arena to clash with the Aztecs for 1st place in the Mountain West. We will have two of the best defenses in the MWC going at it tonight. Boise State is led by sophomore forward Tyson Degenhart who can play inside the paint or around the perimeter. He can do it all and averages 34 minutes of playing time a game. SDST is lead by a host of veteran players that grind down opponents. Two nights ago we saw New Mexico crack under pressure against Utah State. Will the same happen with Boise State? It’s possible but the current form the Broncos are in I rather take a shot with them. Boise is a good road team and they haven’t loss a MWC game by more than 6 points this season. I’ll take Boise State and Degenhart here.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Akron Zips (-1); total 133.5; 8:00pm ct
We have another matchup that is for 1st place in the MAC Conference. Kent State travels to Akron Ohio to steal a road win and take control of 1st place in what may be a one ticket league. The Zips haven’t dropped a home game yet this season but will have its toughest test tonight. The Golden Flashes bring with them a solid defense and senior guard Sincere Carry. Akron’s offense can play with anyone in the MAC obviously but they have also had plenty of success against Kent State. I rather have the home team here in what is a huge game for the Zips.
Air Force Falcons (+11) vs. Nevada Wolf Pack; total 133; 10:00pm ct
Nevada is coming off a huge home conference win against San Diego State. We saw this exact same situation line up last Friday when Air Force traveled to face New Mexico. Air Force played patient, methodical on offense and solid defense. The Falcons force turnovers and chase teams off of the 3PT line. Nevada is a great home team but they may be looking ahead to New Mexico on deck. Classic sandwich spot and getting double digits is even better. The Falcons are very young but I’ll trust them in this spot because I think they will show up just like they did last Friday.
Thanks to those that took the time to read. Follow along on our socials and good luck to us!
