On Friday we rested. Let's be honest, even a diehard like me doesn't want to touch a two game card. It's okay because we've got a bonanza of picks for today. Saturday's slate is filled with pretty good games. Granted, we're going to look away from the spotlight a bit for these winners.
Record: 4-3
Xavier -1.5 vs. La Salle
It's rare that you can say this, but La Salle has the more talented team in this matchup. The Muskies were ravaged by losses during the offseason, but have bounced back nicely to a 3-0 start in the A-10 and a 10-6 record overall. X has won three straight after losing five of six as they continue their growth as a team. The Cintas Center is always tough for opponents, but they beat Butler there as well as a good Kent State team. La Salle is an explosive team, no doubt. My problem is backing them away from home where they've lost to Bucknell, Miami and Charlotte. I think the homecrowd is big here. Take X in this one.
Air Force +4 vs. Boise State
The Broncos are coming off a tough overtime home loss to New Mexico and now have to hit the road to take on the Falcons. Prime situation for a letdown. Boise was riding high with a seven game win streak before that tough loss. Certainly this is a good team having a win over Creighton and a four point loss to Michigan State on the docket. This is more of a situational play for me. AFA is a solid team at home. They lost by three to a tough Wichita State team beating Nevada there as well. Sure they've lost four of five, but those were all on the road. Michael Lyons is a stud for the Falcons. I think this is a close game and wouldnt be surprised if there was an outright upset.
UMass -4.5 vs. George Washington
This spread is short because of the Minutemen's loss of second leading scorer Jesse Morgan. They've played one game without him and it wasn't an issue in the win over Duquesne. This is still a talented team with Chaz Williams and Terrell Vinson averaging double digit points. This is a team that has taken care of business at home against teams it's better then. George Washington fits that bill and is coming off a crushing loss to Temple which they went almost eight minutes without scoring. GW is not a good road team losing by double digits at Xavier and at Georgia. This is a deep Colonials team, but not exceptionally talented either.
Richmond -2.5 vs. Charlotte The Spiders have had their problems dealing with the loss of Derrick Williams, but they are a very solid home team. Darien Brothers and Kendall Anthony are one of the best backcourts no one is talking about. The two combine for over 27 points per game this season. Sprinkle in a little Cedrick Lindsay and that's a solid nucleus. They are 11-7, but their poor performances have been on the road in places like Minnesota, Kansas and Butler. This team knows how to hold homecourt beating up on Air Force. Charlotte is 15-2, 3-0 in the A-10 but call me not a believer. Their best win is probably Davidson which isn't saying a ton. They got smoked at Miami and lost a tough one to Florida State. I'm just not a believer in this team despite their hot start. Love the short number. Definitely think the Spiders win so if you are not comfortable with the spread, take the moneyline.
There are more leans and picks that I support today...For those, feel free to check out my twitter feed @Brosephs950 and don't hesitate to ask my opinion on a game. Good luck!
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