Richie Carrera
of bookie assassins
Miami Ohio +10 over JAMES MADISON 25 Dimes
Initially thought of as a 10 Dime Selection, I decided to make this play my crown jewel. Let me just start by saying that the Redhawks have played the nation's toughest out of conference schedule! Getting out of the gates is tough when you have to travel to theOSU, Duke, Kansas and play San Diego St. at home. That is certainly enough to set any team in the nation back with some L's. Despite the brutal schedule, Miami has found their legs, winning their last 5 (which included 2 road games). They have done so with outstanding play from Julian Mavunga, who netted 17 points and grabbed 17 boards against a good Kent St. team. Both forwards for the Redhawks have really stepped up their play lately and must continue to be effective if they plan on competing with Denzel Bowles.. Bowles is one of the best big men in the country, averaging almost 19 PPG and scoring 40 in his last contest. However, Bowles and James Madison will not have an easy homecoming from their 3 game road trip. Miami Ohio can defend the interior and should match them on the glass. JMU has also dropped 6 of 10 entering play. I look for both teams to come out relaxed in this bracketbuster event as they get a break from conference play. I think Miami has the more consistent team. They have 4 guys who can run the floor all game long, whereas JMU relies more on their big 3. Look for a close game where personal fouls and free throws may come into play. The team that excels in this area to come away with the win.
SMU -1 over Tulsa 15 Dimes
SMU is 12-3 at home and Tulsa is 2-6 on the road. I have no idea how this game started as a pick. SMU won the earlier contest on the road in a 1 point thriller. Both teams have played well since their last matchup, going 4-1. The value is on the home team.. You can't convince me otherwise. Watch Papa Dia and company defend their homecourt and lets cash in on it.
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS -1.5 over Wis. Green Bay 15 Dimes
The Salukis have been the bastard child of the MVC this season. After a terrible offseason, which saw them lose players and prospects alike, they arrive today with a 11-16 record and dim hopes of making a run in the MVC. Lucky for us, Vegas finally adjusted after the Salukis posted a 7-17 record ATS this season! -1.5 is a value, considering that SIU still plays decent basketball at home. Let's watch SIU buck the trend and improve (hahaha) to 8-17 ATS.
Michigan +1 over IOWA 10 Dimes
CHARLESTON -8.5 over Vermont 10 Dimes
STANFORD -1 over Usc 10 Dimes