Weekend Action: 03/01/08

Let's get to the picks directly, as I'm running late this fine morning.

Rhode Island (-1.0) @ LaSalle

We're going with the home team, as the Explorer's have rattled off five wins in a row, while the Rams have dropped their last five. LaSalle's home record (5-5) is sketchy, but they are amazingly in contention for a second seed in the A-10. The Rhody's, once mentioned as one of the conference's four possible bids, have simply lost it. The last defeat, an 85-68 whoopin' at suckerfish George Washington, is their latest example of impotence. Rhode Island will still be slipping down the slide once this one is done.

Ohio State @ Minnesota (-2.5)

This battle for the fifth-seed in the Big Ten tourney will hinge on the Buckeyes big-boy Kosta Koufas. If G Butler can find his man in the middle consistently, I like Ohio State's chances. It's about time for some "Matta Magic", and I believe the Coach will will his team to a very winnable game, even if it is on the road. The Gophers haven't beaten a decent team at home, and I don't think Tubby's club will do so today.

Missouri @ Baylor (-5.5)

Let's hop back on the Baylor bandwagon. The Tigers lone two road wins, both in conference, were fairly close (66-62 @ Colorado, 86-78 OT @ Nebraska). The Bears need a statement win against an average Big 12 foe, and this seems like the appropriate time. The line is a little heavy, but if Baylor is up half way through the second half, I envision them pouring it on, as opposed to laying low.

Kansas State @ Kansas (-13.0)

Too many points, kids; too many points. There is no way Michael Beasley let's this one get this far gone. K-State's freshman stud will take over the offense when necessary, and might fall short, but not by 13. He has some respectable help underneath the basket with Bill Walker, who will play up to his potential in this rivalry. The Jayhawks have smoked Big 12 competition consistently at the Phog, which is why the V-Boys have this line so high. But I foresee an MJ performance out of MB.

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The Recap

Three-sweep baby! Richmond and Florida both took care of business, and Cincy kept it close enough to beat the spread. 19-16-3 going into the weekend suits me just fine.

Come back Monday to see how the weekend went-A.B.