Jeff Nadu:
But Matt’s right, I mean, and look, I even mentioned this Gonzaga for a while was really just kind of moving through. They weren’t shooting the ball real well from three. But I mean, that’s all of a sudden really good. They’ve been rolling offensively, and it’s not going to change much in the next couple of weeks either. Pacific, Loyola, Portland, Pepperdine, they’re kind of front loaded early on with easy games. And then back loaded they obviously have the St Mary’s games, the BYU trip, San Francisco again away. So yeah, this offense is fun to watch. What a joy it is to watch this team on a regular basis.
T.J.:
They’re good. And again, they’ll play an early game, Pacific Time against Santa Clara for what it’s worth on Saturday. So they got to come right back on less than 48 hours notice. Let’s see how they look on the road. They look good. Another one that was kind of odd late night, last night, fantastic finish Oregon gets the win over UCLA. Oregon coughed up a six point lead in the final minute, a four point lead in the final 25 seconds, only to come back, bounce back and win in overtime at UCLA where there were no fans. Again, somebody’s got to help me. You guys got to help me. We got to come up with what is going on with… All right there’s no fans at Pauley Pavilion, but 15 miles away, the Lakers are playing in a full arena at Staples Center.
T.J.:
But wait a minute, if we’re having the Grammy Awards in that same arena, that used to be the Staple Center, Crypto.com arena, we can’t have the Grammy Awards because we can’t have fans, but the Rams are playing a playoff game Monday night at SoFi Stadium. Okay, we’re going to have that full with 70,000 people there. None of this again, I know I’m playing your song Nadu, none of this makes any sense. And in, from UCLA standpoint, they got no benefit from a home crowd to help spur them on in the great comeback and maybe win an overtime. If I’m Mick Cronin I ain’t happy about that, that we didn’t at least have some crowd there last night guys.
Jeff Nadu:
Yeah, it’s the continued just weirdness of all this. And again, F NCAA, nowhere to be found. No unified rules, no uniformed rules. Just do what you do. We’re still going to have these idiotic protocols that make no sense. As far as the games concerned, I mentioned this when we did the Q&A yesterday, I didn’t really understand this line. Look, I know Oregon hasn’t played great, but to give them double digits, I thought that was a little disrespectful. I mentioned it, it looked like to me that Texas A&M and Baylor game a little bit. I didn’t know if Oregon would win, but I thought they’d use it as a springboard to maybe say, “You know what, we’re still around. Oregon’s still a team that we have to worry about.”
Jeff Nadu:
They’re back on everybody’s wavelength again, after we thought this is UCLA and Arizona’s group. Do I think it ultimately still is? Probably, but Oregon looked really good. They were able to score, which I think defensively, they still have some issues, but I mean, Jacob Young was awesome. I think every starter was in double figures. And you’re right, I think, if you UCLA has a home crowd they probably do win that game. But yeah, it’s very odd. Very odd.
T.J.:
There were two critical turnovers at the end of the game where UCLA scored twice. Bam, bam. And I could only imagine, I mean even half full, it would’ve been electric in there for the overtime. So Oregon got a bit of a break on that one. By the way, pop quiz for Mid Major Matt and The Big Man on Campus, Dana Altman hit a milestone win last night. Do either of you know or do you have an educated guess how many wins in his career now, as he won one at Pauley Pavilion?
Matt Joseph:
Wow. He was 700 last night was the victory.
T.J.:
Boom. 700 career wins for him. That’s a few, when you start calculating 20 wins a year and how many years you have to coach to win 700 games. That’s a few. And he’s got an all time story. We won it at UCLA with no one there to talk about-
Jeff Nadu:
By the way.
T.J.:
… after it’s over. Yeah?
Jeff Nadu:
Dana Altman is Ian Cameron at about 25 years. I’ll say that till I’m blue in the face. They’re the same person. They look exactly the same.
T.J.:
You think Ian Cameron is his doppelganger, right?
Jeff Nadu:
Oh yeah.
T.J.:
That’s what they call it in Germany, that’s his long lost twin.
Jeff Nadu:
When he is 63 years old like Dana is, that’s him.
T.J.:
Okay. All right. I don’t know how we segue off of that into our records, but we are going to do that from yesterday’s show. We did have, as it turns out a two and two night with The Big Man going one and one, including getting the team total on Gonzaga. So there’s The Big Man’s record. Also, Kyle Hunter comes up one and one on the night as well. And Kyle back at the 500 mark, Mid Major Matt above the 500 mark. Let’s get into our games for a Friday. Again, it’s a lighter card. We’ll get to the Q&A and some questions about Friday and Saturday. But first let’s talk about some games that are on the docket. St. Bonaventure, Virginia Commonwealth, 8:10 Friday night game, right in the wheelhouse of Mid Major Matt with the Bonnies laying two and a half. And the total at 130 and a half. Matt, what do you like and why?
Matt Joseph:
I mean, this is as you said, this is my neck of the woods. Love watching the VCU Rams. Sporting the VCU sweatshirt today. But look, this has been such a weird series between these two. If you remember, a couple years ago in Olean New York, St. Bonaventure was going to go on their way to a victory and the fans stormed the court before the game’s over, a technical foul. VCU wins the game in over time. And you look at these two teams and what they’re doing St. Bonaventure playing their second game off a very long pause. This is pretty much their second game within a month. And they’re coming off a contest at La Salle where they played the bench for three minutes. And you’ve got guys like Osun Osunniyi, who’s got the chronic back issues and you’ve got these other guys on St. Bonaventure who probably need some time. And now you’ve got a quick turnaround. You come home, you’re playing havoc. VCU’s going to turn up the pressure for 40 minutes. And look, it’s been kind of a mixed bag.
Matt Joseph:
You look at some of the last couple scores in this series, sometimes St. Bonaventure’s handled it, sometimes they have not. You look at this VCU defense second in three point percentage defense, 15th and two point percentage defense. Third in turnover percentage. They’re going to crank up the pressure and force this to be a quicker game. Now I did look this up, because Jeff showed us where, on the calendar the winter term is over at St. Bonaventure today. I don’t know how many kids are there for winter term, but the students won’t be back until Monday. So you might get a little bit more of a neutered atmosphere in Olean, New York.
Matt Joseph:
You guys know I don’t love taking unders, but I think under for St. Bonaventure’s team total. I just think they’re going to struggle to score tonight. If, if a Osunniyi gets in foul trouble, which we know some games he has two, it feels like the moment he gets out there, and sometimes he doesn’t. If he’s not out there, then I think that St. Bonaventure’s going to struggle a little bit. I think this is a low scoring game, and I’ll take the under for St. Bonaventure’s team total. VCU’s defense, just clamps down on everybody, and there’s not going to be a pace to this game where I don’t think either team’s going to get to 70.
T.J.:
I love how he worked neutered into that analysis for a Friday. Big Man, you’re on this game as well. What do you like about St. Bonaventure Virginia Commonwealth?
Jeff Nadu:
Yeah, I mean, I think, look Matt is, he’s made a lot of good points in his breakdown. I mean, there are a lot of concerns for St. Bonaventure from a personnel standpoint. They only have, I mean, this is one of, I think they’re the second worst team in the country as far as bench minutes. They just don’t have a bench. And that is problematic. Look, I had them the other night. I obviously wasn’t happy with the outcome. I thought in overtime, there was a point when they went up six and I thought, “Oh, is this going to be one of those, outscore 12 two in the overtime and I cover. They didn’t up doing it, but, all in all look, I might say something right now that’s going to get me a lot of what?
Jeff Nadu:
Look, I think VCU’s a bit fraudulent. I’m just going to say it. Look at their wins. Oh, since December 4th, I’m just being honest. There’s nothing there. Nothing. You have 53-52 win against Dayton. I mean, if a ball goes the wrong way there you lose that game. We have a home atmosphere tonight and Matt’s right. I would have to imagine most of the kids are back with, with school starting Monday, maybe they’ll use today or yesterday to get all that straightened out. But I think at the end of the day, I trust Kyle Lofton to be able to handle what VCU is going to throw at him. Look, this is always a great series. I have to imagine when they go to VCU, maybe VCU will get the job done there.
Jeff Nadu:
But in last year’s game, in Olean, I believe they took care of business. They took care of business quite easily. They used a good second half St. Bonnie to really pull away. I just think for me, when I look at last year’s games, the big name on that scorecard, Bones Hyland, who’s now gone. Look, I like ACE ball, but I like what they have here. But when we look at over the last, let’s say month plus, I’m just not that enthralled about what VCUs done. Every time they’ve stepped up, they’ve not taken care of business. I think this is a step up against a team that’s struggling right now. I feel like the world knows all about VCU and they know that Bonnies are struggling. I think St Bonnies are a sharp side here. I’m going to get on them to just take care of business and win by six or seven and say, “Oop, we’re back.” Kind of like Oregon last night.
T.J.:
Virginia Commonwealth lost what four games during a COVID pause at the end of last year and the beginning of this year? And again, they did beat Dayton in a 53-52 game, in their most recent game. Let’s lock in the official plays. Both handicappers are on this for tonight. Mid Major Matt is on the specific St. Bonaventure team total to go over 66 and a half. And The Big Man-
Matt Joseph:
Under. Under. Under.
T.J.:
… I’m sorry. My mistake. I read it incorrectly. Under the 66 and a half. He believes VCU’s defense will clamp down. That’s why he is in the sweatshirt. Thank you. And The Big Man is on St. Bonaventure laying the points here. Again, La Salle we talked about them earlier in the week, that game with St. Bonaventure, they really outperformed their offense and played great just to get it into overtime in that game. So what, is that an omen here for St. Bonaventure, do they respond? Let’s see. So again, Matt, under on the St. Bonaventure-
Matt Joseph:
Over.
T.J.:
… total, and The Big Man is laying the points. Yes, sir.
Jeff Nadu:
Hey T.J., what do you think about this? How about a 65-61 game, St. Bonnie wins. Everybody’s happy. Matt wins. I win. Sounds perfect.
Matt Joseph:
Let me-
T.J.:
From your lips to the Bonnies. Yeah, go ahead.
Matt Joseph:
T.J., let me just add something here. So I mean the same problem I’ve had, the reason why… I mean, look, I looked at VCU plus two and a half. The reason why I didn’t take them is because their half court offense is atrocious. I mean, and I’ve said this for years and I’ve said it on the radio. I’ve never actually said it to Coach Rhodes, heaven forbid. I’ve had him on the air, but I’ve never told them. But VCUs half court offense is just not very good. When they’re not forcing turnovers, when they at speeding things up, when they’re not using the great home crowd that they have and you actually get them into a hey, pass it around, find an open shot… I don’t love their half court offense, which I think St. Bonaventure is going to make them do. Ace Baldwin’s been great. He’s going to be the next Bones Hyland, the more that he’s at VCU. But VCUs half court offense is terrible and that’s why I considered the Rams plus two and a half, but I didn’t actually end up doing it.
Jeff Nadu:
This game is going to come down to one person. Well, two people. Obviously Osun Osunniyi, because without him in the game they have no rim protector. But Kyle Loftan, if he can break the press, look, you look at the game last year they won, Kyle Lofton had 23 points. In the game they lost, he had eight points. If he can break the press, they will win this game at home. Because again, as Matt alluded to… Look, Matt, get me Mike Rhodes, I’ll tell him the half court offense sucks. I’ll gladly tell him that because it does. But I get it. You don’t want to make him look-
T.J.:
Hey, we got all kinds of audience in all kinds of reach on the BetUS College Basketball Show, he’ll likely find out that you’re knocking him. But you are in a VCU sweatshirt for today. And I should make mention that I did pick up on what Jeff said. They beat Dayton by 1, 53 to 52, but that was over a week ago. They’ve now, VCU also beaten La Salle and GW and scored over 80 points in both of those games. Let’s see what happens in this matchup tonight. Spent a lot of time on that 8:10 Friday night game. Again, Friday night, a lot of time for the Mid Major conferences. Let’s see what happens in that one.
T.J.:
Power conference game is in the Big 10. The Big 10’s gone to playing more and more Friday night conference games once you get to January and beyond. Illinois laying 10. Can that be the pre-season top 10? Michigan Wolverines, they’re getting 10 points as the road underdog at Illinois. It is in fact the case. 145 is the total in this game. And again for Michigan, so much promise. So much expectation has basically gone down the drain in a seven and six start. They’re going to try to get it back on track despite back to back losses to UCF and to Rutgers before having to go on COVID pause themselves. They missed the Michigan State game. They missed the Purdue game because they’ve been on COVID pause. All right, no official plays from our guys. Big Man, why don’t you begin? Because let’s just say you’ve been unloading on Juwan Howard in Michigan, and they are getting a lot of points here at Illinois. Any thoughts here? No official play, but any thoughts?
Jeff Nadu:
Well, this is an interesting scheduling spot, because you play December 30, you lose UCF. You bounce don’t bounce back, you lose to Rutgers five days later. Now you have 10 days off and you have a game here again on the road. So three straight road games, but they’ve been in the middle of some longer breaks off of a pause. When you look at Michigan, the interesting thing about them, when they lose every game this year they have bounced back and won the next game, outside of the last two games. So this is one of those, I’d have to think. And I continue to ask what is going on at Michigan? Is Juwan Howard having these come to Jesus moments with this team, where it’s like, “Okay, we’re seven and six now, we haven’t been good in conference, in fact we’re one in three, but we’re going on the road here.” I mean, I’ll ask Matt-
T.J.:
Is it their guard play? Can I interject? Is it their guard play? And Matt, you can get in on this too.-
Jeff Nadu:
Oh yeah, it definitely is.
T.J.:
… It’s not as good. That’s a big part of it. Matt, what do you say?
Matt Joseph:
I mean, it’s Dickinson has no help or at least he has no consistent help. I mean, he’s still going to get his and very few people are going to shut him down. But other than that, who else scares you in their offense right now?
Jeff Nadu:
And that’s the thing, but here’s what I’ll say. And it’s actually weird it’s so similar. This is Oregon, UCLA. It’s the same game. The same game. I mean, road team, the only difference here is Illinois is going to have a bit of a crowd behind them. But I’m going to say to Michigan and maybe they’re starting to become Florida where it’s like, I just… they’re never going to respond and they’re always just going to be a 500 team. I made the premonition on a show that I do that it wouldn’t surprise me if Michigan does not make the tournament at this point. They have very little of an out of conference resume, quite frankly. They have no real quality win outside of San Diego State. These are games that are starting to fall through their fingertips. You need a performance. But I’ll also say this, if Michigan comes out tonight and wins 76-72, wouldn’t surprise me. It wouldn’t. I think this number-
T.J.:
And it would be a huge win for their resume. And it’s a conference game.
Jeff Nadu:
… Yes.
T.J.:
But I just wonder where the firepower comes from.
Jeff Nadu:
Gone to my head, I want 10. I guess the firepower for me, I’ll say, well, A, you have Dickinson. And B, you have three top 10 class kids here in Devante, Collins and Houstan. At some point they’re going to step up. At some point, you’re going to get a really good Devante Jones game. I mean, you’ve had a few, maybe this would be the coming out party. I don’t know. This is a fascinating game because I’ve also been down on Illinois. There’s also been some back and forth between these two teams. I think this is going to be a great game. I think you actually get a decent Michigan performance. If they can’t get off the mat for this game, truly, I don’t know what to say. I will swear off Michigan. I’m not backing them here. I’m just really interested as a viewer to watch this game and see if you finally get a performance out of this team.
T.J.:
Matt, any final thought here? Illinois has won five in a row in and around a COVID pause, including beating Minnesota, Maryland, and winning at Nebraska in conference play. Any final thought? I know no official play.
Matt Joseph:
Jeff said a lot of the same stuff I would’ve said in the similarities between UCLA and or Oregon. And then how this is the line you draw on the sand if you’re Michigan. I mean, look, the one thing you could also say is, and I don’t think this is going to happen, but Illinois, could they be looking ahead to the Purdue game on Monday night? You get Purdue at home. It’s a lot bigger game. Michigan’s not what they used to be, at least so far this season. And Illinois is possibly one of those teams who could get a little ahead of themselves and worry about Monday before tonight. I would like this game to be in Michigan. I think that the double digits is quite a bit here for the Wolverines. But the problem is what have they shown you lately to say, “Yeah, I’m ready to go run out and back them with double digits.” So the only thing I could think of is if the Wolverines play their best game and Illinois is looking to Monday, then maybe Michigan gives him a shot here. I
Jeff Nadu:
I will say this, and one final thing on this game. Okay. You look at the three games that Illinois is won against top 50 teams in Notre Dame, Iowa and there’s one other one. One other one, I believe. All of them have come by 10 points or less. Now obviously playing Jackson State and Arkansas State and Missouri, they’ve blown those teams out. But against the higher end competition that they’ve beaten, they’ve been close games. Again, I would advise, I think if you’re going to play this it’s Michigan or pass. I would be blown away if Michigan just completely no-show in this game. This would be broken time for them if they [crosstalk 00:19:57].
T.J.:
Do they play with some pride, and they are getting 10 in the matchup. Again, our guys do not have an official play on this one. We will get to your questions in the Q&A. We’ve got time as you see on our schedule, we have one more game on the slate that we’re talking about, then we’re going to get to some of your feedback. That game is right back to the Atlantic 10 with Richmond and Davidson. This one will be hotly contested. Richmond Spiders, only a one point favorite at home, the number at 147 and a half. And both of our guys have a play in this game. Let’s begin with Mid Major Matt and what you like and why?
Matt Joseph:
Well, I mean, and we have the same play and I think we’re going to have a lot of the same reasoning for this. Look, I’ve talked about the Spiders a few times they’ve come up on this show. They’re Charmin soft. I mean, this is a team that wants to play this flowery game. And I’ll say this right up front, last night I took over 143. Loved it at 143. It’s way too high now. I would, if I was a middler, I would consider taking the under, if I held that ticket for the 143. I’m not a Middler, but I mean, I think it could be getting a little bit too high when it comes to the total here. But look, I mean, Richmond and Davidson, it’s one of those things where these two teams know each other really well. The coaching advantage goes to Coach McKillop because he’s a lot better coach than Coach Mooney.
Matt Joseph:
And this is a Richmond team that doesn’t play good defense. You look at some of their efforts at home. They just gave up 72 points to UMass. They gave up 76 to St. Louis who was coming off a COVID pause themselves. They just gave up 83 at home to St. Joe. A trend to look for here, and I didn’t play it here, Richmond’s three and five against the spread at home in the first half. I believe all five are of those, they were losing outright. So this is a team that does not come out at home and doesn’t play really well. Now, school did unveil some sort of light show they’re going to do in the pregame. That’s going to get things really wild.
Matt Joseph:
But look, I just, I trust Davidson. Look at this offense and look how machine like it is. And the only thing you can worry about here is Grant Golding getting Brajkovic in trouble with some fouls, but then you could just move Mennenga over and hope he doesn’t get in the foul trouble. But this is a machine on offense. And Richmond’s defense is not very good. They had a little bit of a COVID issue where they haven’t played a game for about a week or so. I just like Davidson’s offense here. And I thought it was a very manageable number to once again, just isolate the side I really trust and that’s Davidson’s offense. So I’ll take the team total over there.
T.J.:
Today is a rarity on this Friday. It’s kind of like Nadu picking up the dinner check. He’s in agreement on a play, on an official play with somebody else on the show. Big Man, why do you like Davidson in the team total?
Jeff Nadu:
You know, there’s an episode of the Sopranos where Tony gets upset at Meadow’s boyfriend because he paid for the check in front of Tony, and Tony has a great line. I pay, you eat, or something along those lines. When you-
T.J.:
It would’ve been so good if you’d have gotten the line, right. I was hanging on the line.
Jeff Nadu:
… When you sit with me, I pay.
T.J.:
Oh, I gotcha. Okay.
Jeff Nadu:
That’s how it works.
T.J.:
All right. That’s good.
Jeff Nadu:
But it’s interesting that Matt mentions Mr. Mooney, who is from the Philadelphia area like Matt and I. A great guy. I would agree, and I think even he would agree. In fact, I actually interviewed him last year and I made that actual case that coach you’re to me a legend, but McKillop’s more of a legend, and he kind of agreed. And he also told me, okay, I went on my Rainman thing like me and Matt do, and he said, “Wow, man, you really know your basketball.” I said, “Well, thanks coach, I know.” That being said, I agree with Matt wholeheartedly. I don’t know if Davidson’s going to win this game. I think this should be a great game. A lot offensive talent in the court. Both offenses are fun to watch. The wizard McKillop. Mooney with that Princeton offense.
Jeff Nadu:
But I agree with Matt. I mean, this total was punished. I mean, I would’ve loved the 143. Time I got it, I’m seeing 147, and that’s a miso my part. But I’m willing to believe. I mean, you look at Davidson, 78 points a game this season. I’m willing to believe this game is mid 70s. It’s just that simple. I’m going to back this terrific offense. I think they have the best pure shooter in the country in Foster Loyer. Lee has been terrific, and Brajkovic as well. I think as Matt alluded to and he made a great point, Richmond’s just kind of that ole team. And if you’re not turning the ball over with Jacob Gillard getting in your grill, they’re going to be pretty soft defensively and you’re going to get what you want. I’m going to trust Davidson’s offense to get the job done here. I don’t really care if they win or lose. I just want them to get the 74 or more points.
T.J.:
To that end, let’s lock in the official plays. The boys are in agreement. Mid Major Matt and The Big Man on Campus, both like the Davidson Wildcats and their team total to go over tonight in this matchup at Richmond. We have a few minutes here. There’s obviously a Saturday slate that we’re going to ask a couple things about, but a couple people are asking in the chat about a couple of other games on Friday, and I have one as well. Rob wants to know any thoughts on Monmouth and their matchup tonight? We have talked about Monmouth on this show. They’re at St. Peters. Matt, this is again, bread and butter for you here in the Metro at Atlantic-
Jeff Nadu:
He hates this conference.
T.J.:
… I know. I know, but do you like the mid majors? Is Monmouth a darling here? I know you don’t like the conference necessarily, but Monmouth is the road team and they’re the road favorite tonight.
Matt Joseph:
I mean, as I said, I don’t really look at the MAAC at all, because I just don’t understand the conference. And I don’t think the basketball’s that great. Although, I did actually play a MAAC thing today. I like the team total over-
Jeff Nadu:
He’s got the lamb accent going on that with his MAAC. Not the MAAC, but go do it again please.
Matt Joseph:
I actually played the team total over for Iona. I think they’re going to have fun in their game. So look, you’ve got a Monmouth team that hasn’t played since December 22nd going to a St. Peter’s team that hasn’t played since December 18th. I don’t know what to expect. I don’t know who’s going to play in this game with these two. There’s a chance that somebody’s not going to play for either of them. So it was an easy pass for me.
Jeff Nadu:
This is really interesting this game. You look at St. Peter’s who I’m a big fan of over the years. I love Shaheen Holloway. Look, these teams are not pretty offensively, St. Peter’s, but they get after you on the defensive end. You look at four of the last six between these two, they’ve been decided by three points or less. So this game is close generally. Two New Jersey teams, one from Jersey City, the other from Long Branch, not too far away. But Matt said it, both teams coming off a pause. We haven’t seen St. Peter’s since December 18th. Now, from what I understand, some of the reporting I saw most of the cases involving St. Peter’s were asymptomatic. From what I understand they have been practicing.
Jeff Nadu:
Look, they are a dogged defensive team. They have a couple of kids, the Drame brothers, they played in the African country at Mali. I watched them play in the FEBA African games. Absolutely terrific defenders. I mean they just get after you. This team plays Manmouth well. I think it’s a closed game. Manmouth has been a darling for gamblers. They are the best ATS team in the country and I think you have that working for you here. What Shaheen’s teams are going to do, they’re always going to defend you. They’re going to press, they have 10 bodies they can throw out there, so I think when a COVID… When you talk about COVID, they definitely, I think are a little more suitable because they can throw out 10, 11 kids every night. So I got to be honest, I like St. Peters a little bit. I think this game’s probably low to mid 50s, probably. Low scoring game. I’ll take the points if I had-
T.J.:
All right, another viewer watching us on the live Friday show is Dempsey. It’s not Jack Dempsey the famous boxer, it’s just Dempsey. Dempsey wants to know is Akron a winner or a play to look at tonight? Aron and Kent State tonight. Akron getting some points on the road. That’s the MAC, not the MAAC, but the MAC tonight. Any thoughts on Akron, guys?
Jeff Nadu:
Well look, Matt just said he hates the MAAC. I’ve actually, I can’t remember the last time, but the MAAC in foot… I don’t hate football. I don’t like basketball though, for sure. I think it’s a complete flip. I would probably lean on the home team here in Kent, but it’s a flippy game. Two solid teams. Two that can contend to win this conference. But I think it’s an impossible game to pick.
T.J.:
Matt, any thoughts? No official play?
Matt Joseph:
I just want to know where this Justin Hamilton was when he was with Temple. He was a spaz with Temple and now he looks like a competent player. I just want to know where this was. I mean, I enjoyed watching Sincere Carry Duquesne, I think he’s a very good player. But coming off a home loss to Northern Illinois, you’re either going to get a team that’s a little hung over after that, or you’re going to get a team that’s pissed off, because I don’t like Akron very much, so I would lean to Kent State. But I mean, they just lost at home to Northern Illinois and that’s pretty bad.
Jeff Nadu:
Here’s the one reason I would take Akron here. Well, two reasons. They’re at home, and you look at both these teams, very dependent on the free throw line to manufacture points. Here’s the problem though. When we look at Akron, 65.9% from the line. Kent 81% from the line, fifth in America. I think that’s a stone cold reason to probably back them here. That will come in to play in this game. It’s pretty obvious both these teams and what they want to do. So I’m going to definitely just trust Kent at home and the fact that they can just rock it from the line.
T.J.:
Okay. We’ll get to Saturday in a second. I’ll interject UNL, Fresno State, and this game will be on national cable TV on Fox Sports One. A Friday night game, Thomas & Mack Center at Vegas. And I think maybe a sneaky good game with UNLV as a home short dog, a one and a half point underdog at home. Fresno State is 11 and four, but Kevin Kruger, the son of Lon Kruger, has done a solid job so far for what it’s worth with the schedule and the level of competition. Any thoughts on this game, guys, out in the Mountain West Conference for Friday night, late night?
Jeff Nadu:
Well, I’ll say this and I’ll go, I love Hudson, Justin Hudson. The kid is, he is a kid, he’s a young guy, Steve Fisher, disciple. Brian Dutcher, disciple. They are San Diego State light. It’s exact what they are as a basketball team. You got a score against this team to have a shot. They are actually quite solid offensively as well. They’ve gotten some kids back healthy again and they’ve been good. Jamari Baker came back and he’s been good for them. I love them on the defensive end. UNOV, you talk about spazzy, I believe Matt used that word a little earlier, I think they’re a bit spazzy.
Jeff Nadu:
But I will admit Kruger has done a nice job. The problem that you have here, T.J., you look at the wins that they do have, I mean lately. Seattle, Hartford, Omaha, San Diego and New Mexico. By the way, Omaha, I think you make the case, they might be the worst team in America defensively. I think me, Matt, T.J., Alejandro and Natalie Rydstrom, one of our people down at that BetUS could probably score against Omaha. So I don’t put a lot of stock into their nine wins, quite frankly. They also beat something called Whittier. I don’t know what that is. Give me Fresno. Flippy game. Defensive stalwarts. Justin Hudson, baby.
T.J.:
Whittier is a town in California, I do know that. That’s probably where the school is. By the way, Donovan Williams is a transfer from Texas I believe and he lit up New Mexico the other night and he’s had a couple of 20 point games. I’ll be very curious to see what UNLV might have tonight in this game with Fresno State. Matt, did you have any thought on this game on a Friday night?
Matt Joseph:
Not particularly. I mean, Fresno State playing a lot of games in the 50s and low 60s possession wise. I mean certainly UNLV doesn’t want to run, but they should try and run or at least speed things up a little bit here, because Fresno State’s defense is very good in the half court. So we’ll know early if this thing’s got any sort of pace, UNLV will be in it. If there’s no pace and this thing’s a snail, then that’s exactly what Fresno State wants to do.
Jeff Nadu:
Keep in mind this game obviously lined near a pick’em. We have to imagine, I think the likelihood this game’s close is there late in the game. Matt already alluded to the tempo in this game. I think they really struggle to get… I think this is a first to 60 wins. I think 129 and a half at BetUS looks pretty nice to be honest. I think this is a good old fashioned rock fight here. They won in the 50s. I don’t know if it’ll be 50s, maybe high 50s, frankly. I think this is going to be a tough one, and possessions will matter late in the game. That means good news for under-betters if this is a low scoring game, it’s going to take longer possession wise.
T.J.:
Not exactly the running rebels tonight, at least The Big Man doesn’t think that that is the case. A couple of games to look ahead for, for Saturday. Just real quick in the Q&A, Paul wants to know thoughts on Tennessee and Kentucky early game in the SEC, and that is Rupp Arena, correct me if I’m wrong. Right, that’s at Kentucky for Saturday? Don’t have a line for that one yet, but obviously Kentucky got a midweek win over Vanderbilt. Any thoughts guys on that one for or Saturday? No plays obviously, because there’s no spread.
Jeff Nadu:
Yeah. I would say it’s probably four. I would think, something like that. [inaudible 00:33:07] has five. I would think it’s probably a little lower than that. But yeah, look, I’m going to challenge Tennessee. I know I had them in that one game against Arizona, that was just a real spot decision for me. I don’t know. Tennessee’s tough, man. They just, they’re not very good on offense. That’s just a real issue. Probably under, I think this is first to 70 wins. I look towards hopefully getting something at 140-ish, something like that. But not a game I’ll probably be betting on.
T.J.:
Again. Tshiebwe, who you’ve talked about a couple times has been devastating as a double-double machine and on the glass for Kentucky. Let’s see if that continues. Matt, did you have any thought on Volunteers, Kentucky early Saturday?
Matt Joseph:
I’d like to see the status of Wheeler before I play anything. If Wheelers in, I definitely like Kentucky. If he’s not in, I probably still lean to Kentucky, but would need a shorter number to do so.
T.J.:
All right. We have another viewer question, and that is Dalton wanting to know Texas Iowa State in the Big 12, that one at Ames for Saturday. Any quick thoughts on that from either of you guys?
Jeff Nadu:
This is, it’s going to be a tough game to watch. I think it’s just two great defenses. But I’m going to look… It’s crazy because even tonight with Davidson and some of the other games, there’s a lot of small road favorites or even flip dogs that I like. I think this is going to be a similar one. Texas is going to be probably a flip in this game, and I’m going to probably have to back them here. I think offensively, I’m just more interested in what I think they can do as opposed to what I think Iowa State can do. Sometimes it’s going to come down to just… And obviously they’re going to have the home atmosphere, which will help them. But obviously we need to know what Tre Mitchell’s status is. He didn’t play the last couple. I think he’s got a COVID. We’ll see if he’s passed the protocols.
Jeff Nadu:
I just think for me, Texas, I’m a little bit more interested in what I can get out of them offensively as opposed to Iowa State. This will be a great game. But another spot for a team in Texas who has kind of just gotten by every step up game. They’ve not found a way to win. This is going to be a huge opportunity for them. I’m willing to take Chris Beard over Otzelberger, even though Otzelberger’s been good. I’m going to call it Texas. I have a weird affinity for them. I don’t know if I’m willing to let it go just yet. I think they get a big road win here, I really do. I’ll see about Tre Mitchell though.
T.J.:
And Iowa State had the big finish with Kansas where they had the lead. They scored late and had the lead. Then let Kansas score late. Then had the winning shot. The winning three attempt playing off the rim at Phog Allen, where they would’ve had a huge upset potentially there earlier in the week. So there’s that match up. By the way, we do have an Arkansas LSU game on Saturday where the Arkansas coach, Eric Mussleman is not able to coach. I don’t know how aware you guys are of this. In their blowout win over Missouri, he had a collision with one of his own players diving for a loose ball and Mussleman ends up tearing his rotator cuff and has had to have shoulder surgery. He is out for this game and probably the next couple of games with postop from surgery. Keith Smart. Hello. The Indiana hero is the coach for Arkansas in this game with LSU. I see you guys kind of smiling, nodding your head. Matt, did you have any thought about Keith? Keith Smart is in as the interim coach here for the Hawks.
Matt Joseph:
Yeah. That’s a curse word in my Syracuse alumni world. I don’t like that guy. I mean, look, I’ve said all, I mean, LSU has a horseshoe so far up their ass that eventually it’s going to fall out. And I’m hoping it’s the first round loss. I’m hoping like a Winthrop or UNC Asheville gets him in the first round and beats them, because this is a fraudulent team.
T.J.:
Wow.
Jeff Nadu:
Whoa. Slow down, Matt.
Matt Joseph:
I’m just saying. How many missed open threes have been against LSU this year? I just don’t understand it. I don’t think Will Wade’s a great coach. I think he just hands out a lot of money to good players. I mean, I don’t have a lot of respect for him.-
Jeff Nadu:
Right about that.
Matt Joseph:
Problem is that Arkansas has-
T.J.:
Well, it’s pretty well a proven fact right about now, but LSU still didn’t do anything about it. Yes.
Matt Joseph:
… Arkansas outside of Bud Walton’s not very good. So I would love to back them. I wish it was a home game, but what was it, do they play? March 2nd, I might be backing them at home, but I can’t do it here on the road. Because that-
T.J.:
And again… I don’t mean to interrupt, but this is hard to figure out from Arkansas because that’s a Missouri team that beat Alabama and Arkansas beat them by 40 points the other night. Even in the game with Mussleman getting injured. That’s hard to-
Jeff Nadu:
LSU-
T.J.:
… Is Missouri just that bad or Arkansas was that good that night and does it translate with LSU? I don’t know.
Jeff Nadu:
LSU is, and I’m sorry if I offend anyone, obviously… Listen, we have, I mean, a lot of fans are just so out of touch with reality because they’re fans. It’s like, “Oh, we’re willing to look away from someone that beats their kid or does this because he’s a football player or he’s a basketball player.” It’s like, we’re willing to look ahead of completely being scumbags and paying players for years on end. But everybody does it, so it’s okay. LSU is everything wrong with sports. That’s been pretty evident for a long time in the way they do things. I like them though as a team this year. I do agree though, they are very lucky. I don’t think they’re the best defensive team in the country. I said the other night, I didn’t necessarily get a reprieve, but I didn’t think they looked as good without Pinson. We may not see him again. Look, I think I’m going to get doubles with Arkansas, honestly. I think they’re going to be 10 point dogs in this game. I will be all over the Razorbacks tomorrow. All over them.
T.J.:
All right. Fair enough on all of those. Let us circle back to our best bets for a Friday night. And again, you’re going to see that both guys are on two separate games together. They’re both essentially on this same side. Matt, well, Matt likes the under for St. Bonaventure and their team total. Jeff is on the side with the Bonnie’s at home and A10 matchup. And then they are together with the same Davidson to go over the team total in the game at Richmond and the other Atlantic 10 game of the night. Both going over the team total of 73 and to half.
T.J.:
So with that, there’s the official plays. Anything else as we head to the weekend and get done here guys for a Friday. I mean, there are a truckload of games on Saturday. I counted over 75 of them it looked like in Division One because everybody’s getting off COVID pause and trying to play a conference game, it looks like, this weekend. Any thoughts as we head to the weekends? So Friday night action and then another big Saturday, obviously as well.
Jeff Nadu:
Just looking forward to it. Obviously, sorry if you’re confused by our plays, but that’s what happens sometimes on a small card. Sometimes there’s mixing and matching and that’ll happen. But yeah, good luck to everybody out there and enjoy the weekend.
T.J.:
Matt, anything else?
Matt Joseph:
Yeah, bet online responsibly. You don’t have to have a 20 play card. You can do five or six plays, it’ll still be good. And yo yeah, go Birds this weekend.
T.J.:
I know you boys are the Eagles fans and I work and am associated with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and live in Tampa, obviously, for the Buccaneers hosting the Eagles in NFL playoff action. So if you’re with us on Monday when Matt and Jeff are here, there will either be two guys smiling at me or one guy smiling at both of them, when it’s all said and done for Sunday in the NFL playoffs. It’s going to be a great weekend with college hoops, the NFL playoffs getting underway. Going to be a blast. Boys, have a great weekend. And we thank you for hanging out here with us, Jeff Nadu and Matt Josephs. Thank you, boys, and don’t forget to check out our sportsbook.
Jeff Nadu:
Thank you.
