The MAAC treated me well last night. One of the worst feelings in the world is watching a bad team squander a lead though doing bad things. Siena should have cruised to the win last night, but they played like garbage and had to hold on at the end. I do admire their student section though as it was loud and proud despite a season that might send some to the paper bags.
Record: 19-13
Boston College (Pick) vs. Clemson
The Eagles have had a tough season so far, but they are home for an early start against the Tigers. BC hung tough with the Tar Heels last time out, but just didn't have enough to keep up with them. This is a team that features four double digit scorers led by Ryan Anderson who puts up over 16 per game. This team is no slouch and will bite the right team in the butt when given the chance. Clemson is an inconsistent squad and if BC can hold down Devin Booker inside then they should have a shot. KJ McDaniels and Milton Jennings are hot and cold. Clemson has lost four straight road games including a contest at Coastal Carolina back on December 19th. Let's take the home team in this one.
Dayton (+6.5) vs. St. Louis
This is purely a spot play for me. St. Louis is coming off a huge win over Butler on Thursday night and will be flying high over the victory. They played the perfect game and got the big win over a nationally ranked squad. In comes Dayton who is smarting a bit after a close loss to Xavier on Wednesday. Still, this is a team with wins at Alabama and at Boston College this season. They have a lot of talent backed by Kevin Dillard and Vee Sanford so they should be able to keep up with the Billikens in what should be a low scoring affair.
Long Beach State (-5.5) vs. Cal Poly
The 49ers will be looking for revenge after losing to the Mustangs on the road back on January 3rd 79-73. This is a Cal Poly team that has not won on the road in four straight. They play very well at home, but it has not translated away from there yet. The Beach has won seven straight and are playing good basketball now that all of their players are back. They are deep with seven guys scoring at least seven points per game. They have benefited from Tony Freeland and Keala King getting cleared nine games ago. This is a dangerous squad at home so we'll take them with the short number.
Make sure to follow me on Twitter (@Brosephs950) to get the rest of my selections including a couple of late night contests.