[nekbug]

Six pack for Saturday

James Madison @ Wake Forest -17

Bigger number than i usually give up this early in the season but no escaping the value in this one. Deamons fell hard last yr in their first campaign without Chris Paul and essentially are starting over this year. Scoring could be a challenge with alot of pressure being put on youngsters in the backcourt, F Ishmael Smith or SO Shamaine Dukes (in over his head last year), so defense and in particular rebounding is going to be essential. Key here will be health of Cameron Stanley...if he's fully recovered from knee injuries Deamons could have a star in the making. All in all while a young team without senior leadership isn't typically a recipe for success, and no doubt Deac's will struggle at times this season causing backers to lose some of our follicles...today shouldn't be one of those days. At home against sad sack Dukes (5-23 2005) Prosser's boys in a walk.

George Mason -6.5 @ Clevland St

While Patriot's won't be taking another Cinderella midnight ride this year let there be no doubt this is still a very solid squad. Losses of Lewis, Skinn and Butler not as huge as might at first appear. Jr Will Thomas (11.8 ppg 7.2 rb) is a rock inside. Joined by JC transfer Darryl Monroe, SO Sammy Hernandez and Sr Gabe Norwood up front Pat's should be competitive on the boards and tough in low post. Very little went right for Clevland St last season and they tied the can to coach Garland. Gary Waters is an intriguing hire and will undoubtedly improve this team but it's going to take time. Big man Ije Nwankwo is gone leaving a hole in the middle to be filled.


Depaul @ Bradley +3

I'm one of those who think DePaul is very much the dark horse to come out of the Big East this year. That said I don't see them getting past Braves today. Bradley's not as strong as last year but backcourt of Ruffin and Franklin see to it that they hold their own.


Monmouth v Clemson -13

K.C. Rivers scored 15 points, James Mays had 13 and Clemson coach Oliver Purnell made his return to his alma mater last night as the Tigers beat Arkansas State 83-44. Getting scoring from 12 players in the rout they should be hungry for more today against overmatched Hawks who dropped their opening tourney game to host Old Dominion 40-54. Gave up 17 last night and covered with Tigers so we'll ride em again today.

Navy +20 v St Johns

Red Storm didn't need to work up much of a sweat last night in beating N Florida and as i expected didnt cover a huge number (+30.5). Today they face Midshipmen who rallied from 13 to beat Loyola Md by 12 yesterday. Navy's an incredibly raw squad with 10 players either freshmen or sophomores which ordinarily should throw up some red flags. Still, despite St J's being at home, I don't see them covering this number either. Red Storm win but plucky midships will give them enough to keep it under the line.

Wash St @ Wisconsin-Milwaukee +120

Panthers with edge of being home tilts this one. Not a huge extra value in taking ML over +2.5 pts but every little bit counts. Numbers suggest it should be close. Panthers 69-63


YTD 2-2 -.18

happy hunting mes amis