College Hoops Sunday
Penn State Nittany Lions host Michigan in an important game to climb up the Big 10 standings to try and earn that NCAA Tournament invitation.
Took some rough bounces on the hardwood yesterday. We had solid reads on some of the games but were totally on the wrong side on a few. Oklahoma absolutely destroyed Alabama in a performance I was not expecting. Arkansas played Baylor tough even though the Bears had a chance to cover at the end of the game. We move on hopefully some had a winning day! Let’s jump into Sunday’s slate.
Providence Friars (-1) vs. Villanova Wildcats; total 139.5; 11:00am ct
Villanova has won two games in a row and host Providence to try and make it three. We have a very short number here for the Friars that have only two losses in the Big East against Creighton and Marquette both road games. Nova only picked up wins against St. John’s and Georgetown. The Wildcats’ strengths are its veteran guards and future NBA 1st round pick Cam Whitmore. Providence has guards that can matchup and they’ll have post players that will be the advantage. The Friars are one of the best rebounding teams in the country. This number feel short but this could be a situation like we saw last night with Clemson vs. Florida State. FSU loss by 1 point. Villanova is coming off a 9 day lay off. I’ll take Providence veteran squad who plays well on the road. Whichever team wins the offensive rebound battle will win the game.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (-3.5); total 141.5; 11:00am ct
Michigan is coming off of a tough home loss to Purdue. Penn State is coming off of a blow out loss on the road to Rutgers. Jett Howard’s ankle has been giving him some issues as he missed the Purdue game this week. As we saw in the Purdue game the Michigan offense struggles without Jett. The Nittany Lions have a good offense especially at home. Even with Jett Howard I like Penn State here. I trust their offense more than Michigan’s on the road. Penn State is one of the best team’s in the country at limiting turnovers, free throw % and 3PT % - great combination. Penn State enjoys playing up tempo so if they can get Michigan to play fast with them I don’t believe the Wolverines will be able to keep up. Laying the points with State College.
St. Joseph’s Hawks (+7.5) vs. George Mason Patriots; total 139.5; 11:00am ct
St. Joe’s has been playing great lately from its defense to offense. They were so close to upsetting George Washington and I expect the same type of effort today against George Mason. The Hawks get blocks, steals and snag rebounds pestering teams for 40 minutes. The Patriots also have a solid defense but its their offense that has been experiencing some struggles. St. Joe’s has had success against George Mason on the road and I’ve been liking their current form so I’ll take the points in what should be a good game.
Michigan State Spartans (+8) vs. Purdue Boilermakers; total 130; 11:15pm ct
Another Sunday and another Purdue high line to work with in Mackey Arena. The Boilermakers have dropped its last two Big 10 games when they were favored by 8 points or more at home against Rutgers and Maryland. Purdue has been winning games but not so much covering larger numbers. Zach Edey had his way with Michigan State in the paint earlier this year in East Lansing. Has MSU found a way to slow him down? The Spartans also sent Purdue to the FT line too many times. Too many points here so I’m still riding with Izzo and the Spartans.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Iowa Hawkeyes (-3.5); total 140.5; 1:00pm ct
Rutgers takes its top defense to Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The last time we saw Rutgers on the road they were destroyed by Michigan State. This is a big game for Iowa in regards to NCAA Tournament seeding / invitation. Iowa has had a lot of success against Rutgers especially on the road winning the past 4 of 5 overall meetings. They also covered 4 of those 5 as well. I like the way Rebraca has been playing on the inside for Iowa. I’m trusting Iowa and its offense at home here against Rutgers. Not sure if Rutgers offense will travel. They aren’t as good on the road.
Thanks to those that took the time to read. Follow along on our socials and good luck to us!
