Tuesday CBB Play (2-0)

SInce I am below the Mendoza line for the last week or so, fading may be an option, but in continuance with what has worked in the past-----I am backing NC State over South Florida tonight.

The first thing I like about the Wolfpack over the Bulls is that South Florida hasn't played in a week, so I do think they'll be a little stale. They have a very short bench to begin with by comparison to NC State---so some of their role players haven't seen much court time in ten days. USF's bench scored 10 points against Georgetown and only 5 against DePaul in the Big East Tournament.

With respect to post season experience, this is the first for USF since 2002, and they don't have a post season win since 1995. The Sun Dome is not an intimidating place to play, nor is it a terribly long trip for NC State. NC State has proven they can win on the road, having won at Marquette (another Big East team) and both FSU and Miami (both Florida teams).

They (the Pack) are also playing well, having beaten Clemson and FSU (again) in the ACC Tournament before only losing by two to Georgia Tech. NC State has also held four straight opponents under 60 points, and forced and average of 17 turnovers per game in the ACC Tourney. Prior to that they had only forced four of the last 31 opponents to 17 turnovers----so the season longs' stressing of defense by Sidney Lowe is (too little too late) starting to show on the court.

From a matchup perspective USF is a one man show (Dominque Jones) and I beleve that Lowe will have developed some sort of strategy to minimize his impact. NC State is a much bigger team inside and a much more experieneced team inside as well. They've got three low players all over 6'8" with Dennis Horner leading the way, and he's the only player on the court with any post-season experience. USF has only 6'11" Jarrif Famous who can match up size-wise at all, and he's more of a role player who tends to get in foul trouble.

Having gone just 9-22 last year I truly think that USF already considers this season a success, whereas NC State and their tradition is not yet done playing, hence I am taking the Wolfpack---because if the Bulls win this game at all, it will be by a whisker. I also have a strong lean to the under and will look closer later.

After looking closely at USF defense versus NC State's offense, I am taking the under 126.5

North Carolina State +3.5 

 Only Jarrid Famous?!  Come on now.. Augustus Gilchrist baby!  USF has some size, we disagree there.  That being said, NC State has really learned to D up over the past 15 days or so.  And like you said, the Bulls are a one man show, and their one man show can't make jumpers to save his life, so if the Wolfpack bigs can lock down the paint and keep his penetration out they have a great shot at the win.

I'm on the other side with S. Florida, but I do think this is going to be a low scoring affair.

 Sfla 73rd off reb v. ncst 259 def reb  means famous gilchrist gets lots of put backs i'm with oopie here gl

elijah83

 Sfla 73rd off reb v. ncst 259 def reb  means famous gilchrist gets lots of put backs i'm with oopie here gl

They way I've been playing I'd be with Oopie too. Just saw Simon was on NCST---but I am taking the under as well. I don't like having a side and a total in the same game....but since I like both plays---what the heck. GL to you as well, Elijah.

I'll be pulling for you Mr Dave!!!

There's a little cushion plus VCU, Northeastern, asn Fairfield to go into the Tourney with----unless of course it gets risked on a GOY between now and then....props to those of you that steered me in the aforementioned directions.

Congrats on the SWEEP tonight Dave--well done buddy!

DAVE, well done my friend, well done, it's a good feeling.  Let's do it again tomorrow!!