POSTS 2-0 +10.00 UNITS
Here is tonights selection:
5 Units Minnesota U -17 -107
Mo-KC returns high scoring 6'-1" scoring guard Michael Watson and his 25.5 ppg, 3.8 apg with a pair of big guys, 6'-9" Carlton Aaron and 6'-8" soph Brandon Lipsey to do some real damage. The Gophers (LY 19-14 SU, 11-17 ATS) ended last season in the semi-final NIT loss to Georgetown and hope to use that experience as a stepping stone to the future. It will not be easy unless highly-touted recruit Kris Humphries steps in to replace Rick Rickert, who decided to test his mettle in the NBA and junior Maurice Hargrow (13.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg) can hit the three and isn’t afraid to go to the basket. Forward Michael Bauer (11.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg) brings a lot of energy to the floor, and his gritty defense and willingness to get on the floor for loose balls sets the tone. Both teams can score, so look for a shootout.
5 Units Utah -16 -101
Long road trip for Georgia State, but they do have some big men to throw at Utah's strong frontcourt. G-State's 6'-11" Nate Williams (18 ppg-6.6 rpg last year) is the preseason Sun Conference POY and has help on the boards with 6'-11" Reo Logan (6.5 ppg-6.8 rpg). Utah has muscle of its own to throw around. Utah coach Rick Majerus has a big team again led by 6'-10" senior Tim Frost (12.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg last year) and 6'-11" sophomore Chris Jackson. This will be the debut of Utah's 6'-9" sophomore Andrew Bogut, a highly heralded Australian prospect. Utah also has a strong backcourt and knows how play defense, giving up just 60 ppg last year and went a solid 17-3 SU at home.
5 Units Nevada -9.5 +101
Vermont is coming off consecutive 21-win seasons and its first trip to the Big Dance. 5'-11 T.J. Sorrentine and 6'-9" Taylor Coppenrath -- the last two America East Players of the Year -- so they are a competitive club. Nevada is home here for this NIT preseason battle and the Wolfpack went 12-3 SU/8-6 ATS at home last season. Head coach Trent Johnson's squad is led by 6'-6" junior Kirk Snyder, an all-conference performer a season ago (16 points and 8 rebounds per game). He teams with 6'-9" junior Kevin Pinkney (6.2 rpg) to form a nice punch in the paint, while senior shooting guard Garry Hill-Thomas (10.6 ppg) round out a good Nevada squad. Nevada has the home court and a height advantage down low.
Good luck tonight my friends
ALLSTAR
Here is tonights selection:
5 Units Minnesota U -17 -107
Mo-KC returns high scoring 6'-1" scoring guard Michael Watson and his 25.5 ppg, 3.8 apg with a pair of big guys, 6'-9" Carlton Aaron and 6'-8" soph Brandon Lipsey to do some real damage. The Gophers (LY 19-14 SU, 11-17 ATS) ended last season in the semi-final NIT loss to Georgetown and hope to use that experience as a stepping stone to the future. It will not be easy unless highly-touted recruit Kris Humphries steps in to replace Rick Rickert, who decided to test his mettle in the NBA and junior Maurice Hargrow (13.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg) can hit the three and isn’t afraid to go to the basket. Forward Michael Bauer (11.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg) brings a lot of energy to the floor, and his gritty defense and willingness to get on the floor for loose balls sets the tone. Both teams can score, so look for a shootout.
5 Units Utah -16 -101
Long road trip for Georgia State, but they do have some big men to throw at Utah's strong frontcourt. G-State's 6'-11" Nate Williams (18 ppg-6.6 rpg last year) is the preseason Sun Conference POY and has help on the boards with 6'-11" Reo Logan (6.5 ppg-6.8 rpg). Utah has muscle of its own to throw around. Utah coach Rick Majerus has a big team again led by 6'-10" senior Tim Frost (12.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg last year) and 6'-11" sophomore Chris Jackson. This will be the debut of Utah's 6'-9" sophomore Andrew Bogut, a highly heralded Australian prospect. Utah also has a strong backcourt and knows how play defense, giving up just 60 ppg last year and went a solid 17-3 SU at home.
5 Units Nevada -9.5 +101
Vermont is coming off consecutive 21-win seasons and its first trip to the Big Dance. 5'-11 T.J. Sorrentine and 6'-9" Taylor Coppenrath -- the last two America East Players of the Year -- so they are a competitive club. Nevada is home here for this NIT preseason battle and the Wolfpack went 12-3 SU/8-6 ATS at home last season. Head coach Trent Johnson's squad is led by 6'-6" junior Kirk Snyder, an all-conference performer a season ago (16 points and 8 rebounds per game). He teams with 6'-9" junior Kevin Pinkney (6.2 rpg) to form a nice punch in the paint, while senior shooting guard Garry Hill-Thomas (10.6 ppg) round out a good Nevada squad. Nevada has the home court and a height advantage down low.
Good luck tonight my friends
ALLSTAR
