COVERS - PICK 'N' ROLL
(Tracking Started On 2/22/2011)
13-19-2 (NBA)
13-9-0 (NCAA HOOPS)
TUESDAY 3/22/2011
NBA
Washington Wizards at Portland Trail Blazers (-15)
After a hard-fought loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Trail Blazers need to be careful not to overlook the Wizards, who still have only one straight up victory on the road this season.
Portland ended up dropping an 84-80 decision to L.A. on Sunday and it doesn’t sound like coach Nate McMillan is content with staying competitive as the club continues on its playoff push.
"Once again, we have control of a game, and we don't execute down the stretch, and (the Lakers) tighten up their defense," McMillan told reporters. "We have a few turnovers and miss a few shots. We had an opportunity. The things we've been doing well, we didn't do them.”
Meanwhile, Washington actually looked pretty good in a 98-92 win over New Jersey as a 2.5-point underdog on Sunday thanks to 26 points from rookie John Wall, but you have to think Portland – which has covered in four straight - comes out looking for blood in this one.
Pick: Trail Blazers
NCAAB
Kent State Golden Flashes at Colorado Buffaloes (-9)
You can’t blame the Golden Flashes for being pretty pleased about their run in the NIT so far. They became the first team to win its first two games on the road since the tournament switched back to 32 teams in 2007.
And they had to overcome some adversity in a 72-68 win over Fairfield as a 5.5-point underdog on Sunday. Starting point guard Michael Porrini was forced to leave the game with five minutes remaining when he had his bell rung on a screen.
''We're resilient and tougher than any team I've had as a head coach,'' KSU coach Geno Ford told reporters. ''Here we are at the end of the game without our best player and have guys step right in and keep us from missing a beat. No one on this team is afraid to compete or lay it on the line.''
Word has it that Porrini should be OK to go Tuesday against Colorado, but the Golden Flashes will need a huge game to stay within striking distance here. We’re not counting on it considering the roll the Buffaloes are on right now.
Pick: Buffaloes
http://www.covers.com/articles/articles.aspx?theArt=227641