CBKB Saturday
Maryland at VA Tech 12:00 ET from
4* Maryland -5-
After roaming the country from Long Beach St. to S. Florida to VA Tech, how much happier is ESPN analyst, Seth Greenberg, in a studio position that looks like it was his dream job for the last 30 years? Certainly better than agonizing on the Hokie sidelines and hoping for an NCAA invite. Since his departure, Tech has been particularly ineffective in conference play with a mark of 9-18 ATS L2Y, including 0-4 SU ATS at home vs. conference opponents this year. A current 1-9 SU, 1-8 ATS slide indicates the downward spiral is continuing, in light of the 76-52 midweek wipeout at BC. Maryland HC Turgeon knows his own job is in jeopardy if he loses a game like this. Fortunately, his 3 best players, Wells, Allen and Layman are better than anybody the Hokies can put on the floor.
Boston College at Notre Dame 12:00 ET
4* Boston College +7
Notre Dame HC Brey has an excuse for his 2-6 SU ATS record in league play (including an opening night upset of Duke). As expected, the Irish have been awful since losing best boy Grant, just prior to the league season. But, trends continue to work against them as the Irish are 23-39 ATS home off a loss (midweek to Virginia in a 68-53 defeat, not as close as the final score) and a record of 22-33 ATS if this line reaches Notre Dame favoritism of 12 points. No such excuses for BC mentor Donahue who has a veteran roster, 2 quality offensive performers in Hanlin and Anderson. It’s the defense allowing 75/47/37 and forcing only 9 TOs that has letdown the Eagles A mid-week home romp of VA Tech should aid the attitude and Donahue has a history of success in this role, standing 76-41 ATS as road dog (just 2-4 ATS this season).
Providence at DePaul 1:00 ET FSN
4* Providence -4-
Friars hit a speed bump in a 61-50 midweek loss at Marquette when the Eagles played in their usual desperation mode. But Providence, who entered that Marquette game on a 5-0 SU ATS run, cannot afford another misstep if they wish to remain in the bubble conversation. This a good chance to get healthy against a DePaul team that has been ravaged by injury, illness and suspension to post a recent 0-3 SU ATS mark in which they have returned to their former defensive ways in allowing 86 PPG.
UMass at St. Josephs 6:00 ET CBSC
4* St. Josephs -2-
We were right on with these teams midweek, when we predicted that UMass would fall in Olean to the Bonnies (they did, 78-65) and that St. Joes would survive at Dayton which they did , 60-57. In an earlier matchup between these two, the Hawks led for 38 minutes of the game before falling late at the hands of PG Chaz Williams, 66-62. Now with the momentum of that road victory and a record of 4-2 SU in league play (same as Mass.), the Hawks look for their revenge in Hagan Arena. With Kanecivic and Roberts up front, the home team has the ability to play even on the glass. In the backcourt Langston Galloway is a veteran performer capable of competing with Williams. X Factor in this game is frosh Bembry, an Artis Gilmore look alike, who is dramatically improving as the season progresses. If the Hawk can flap its wings for 2 hours, Martelli and company can get their revenge against a Minutemen team who is 1-2 SU (only victory by 1 point vs. winless G. Mason) and 0-3 ATS on the conference trail.