Besides, I get Delaney's paid plays, like last night's 20* bailout on Hawaii:
LA Tech does not have the horses to keep up with this Hawaii team. All season we have seen this team search for an identity as its never seemingly recovered from losing their two best players from last season. Yes, they've played some of the top teams in the league tough at home but in making a trip out west and now to the island I don't see it being able to run with a Hawaii team that needs wins in its final six conference games, not to mention key wins in the bracket buster. Hawaii is quick, it scores a lot of points, it creates turnovers, and it is productive in transition. No question; Hawaii win and cover.
the 100* on Xavier: The absolute best team against the number will run the court, will force the uptempo, and will put George Washington in a position of having to play fast-break basketball.
The Musketeers have been quietly getting it done throughout the season, behind a very talented backcourt that controls the tempo from the opening tip and virtually, behind the reserves, never loses control from there. George Washington had high hopes in the beginning of the season, and though it is still a talented team that can challenge every team in this league I simply do not see how this young colonials team can keep up with Xavier's fast paced, athletic roster.
And looking at the remainder of Xavier's schedule this is the statement game it needs to win on the road. Look for this team to utilize precise set plays where certain roll players will get the perimeter back court involved in each play, which essentially will spread the defense and open the lanes.
Bottom line, GW cannot defend this team, cannot keep up with this team, and we are going to see this low chalk win and cover by double digits.
The 20* on West Virginia: It is absolutely ludicrous for a team like UCLA to have to travel completely across the country in mid February to play a non-conference game. If there were ever a game that UCLA can a afford a let down it would be today, as West Virginia matches up well with the Bruins and is in complete revenge mode after being crushed by Pittsburgh a few nights back.
We've seen both of these teams struggle against bigger, stronger, more physical teams this season, and now they get to blend their similar styles, only West Virginia has been at home while UCLA has been traveling. If this game were to be played a month from now--during March Madness--I could understand the line and could see UCLA stepping up. But not today, as WVU, which is 9-2 ATS at home this season will roll to an easy win.
and the 20* on Mississippi St: The Bulldogs are a physical team that is confident whether on the road or at home, and in out manning Auburn will be able to dominate in the paint and push the Tigers around today. I realize the Tigers are a group of gamers but when you get to crunch time in SEC play you cannot succeed when your roster is dominated by underclassmen.
The Bulldogs come in with an agenda having to face the toughest part of the schedule with three of the next five on the road. This win is crucial, the Dawgs get it done.
