The Brick's Plays of the Day - Fri Mar 19 (WINNER)

Yesterday's Play

Second half meltdowns are really getting old this week. Richmond looked to be in solid position, tied at the half, with Samhan absolutely dominating them in the first half, but it only got worse from there. I apologize for my recent cold streak, it has come at the absolute worst time for some of you who only follow during tourney time. I'm ready to circle the wagons and find awinner for Friday.

Today's Plays

2* Play on Purdue(-4)

It's a back on track Friday here and I'm backing the Boilers. This team has been written off by most because of the much talked about injury to Robbie Hummel. This team was most likely going to receive a 2-seed, now find themselves as a 4 seed, and what is perceived to be a tough draw with Siena. This Boilers team is still full of talented players, who will be playing with a huge chip on their shoulder.

Siena is a public darling because they have won their first round game the last 2 years. They ended the season with a nice looking 27-6 record. If you look closer though, they were 20-1 in the conference, and just 7-5 outside the conference. Yes, they did play some tough teams in the non-conference (Temple, St.John's, Georgia Tech, Northern Iowa, and Butler), but they lost every one of these games, and I would put Purdue right in there with these teams. Siena is 0-4 SU as an underdog this year, and 1-3 ATS in that role.

Purdue comes into this one with a huge chip on their shoulder. They were knocked down 2 seeds, from a 2 to a 4 because of the loss of Hummel. For the remaining players, this becomes a matter of pride. The Boilers were embarassed in their last game, a blowout loss to Minnesota. Purdue players admitted they were tired following that game. Now they've had 6 days to rest and refocus on a task which even President Obama don't think they can accomplish, that being winning this game over Siena. Yes, Obama picked Siena in his bracket. I really believe that the talent is still here on this Boilers team, and so is the grit and determination to prove the nay-sayers wrong. When I think of playing with pride, I picture Purdue guard Chris Kramer. He is a senior leader on this team, and I believe he will lead this team into gutting out a victory here today. Purdue is the hungrier team here today, and that is strange, as it is usually the lower-seeded team playing with nothing to lose. Well, Siena is almost expected to win here today, which will be a different feeling for them.

The Boilers have lost Robbie Hummel for the year, and that hurts. But the bigger news for THIS game, is that starting Saints guard Clarence Jackson is doubtful to play. He averages 14ppg on the season, and is the Saints 3-point threat. Without him, they really don't have a consistent outside shooter. And if he does try to go, I don't believe he will have the appropriate lift to drain shots with his bum ankle. This Siena team has a real short bench, and losing a key player like Jackson, means that short bench just got shorter. This injury has not been taken into account with this line, and I believe we can take advanatage as Purdue backers. Take Purdue minus the points. They play with pride, grit, and determination, to pull out a victory by 7-9 points.

I orginally had 2 games chosen, but I'm just to go with the best selection. I'm being extra selective here, but really feel this is the best decision.

A writeup for the game will be up by noontime.

Good luck with your plays today. Thanks for reading.

Your boy,

The Brick

SAMHAN DID DAMAGE, AND SAD TO SAY EVEN WITH OUT HIM, SMC WAS KNOCKIN DOWN THOSE 3s...BAD BEAT FOR RICHMOND...GOOD LUCK WIH YOUR PLAYS BRO, I HAVE TEMPLE -4....WAS THINKIN ABOUT LOCKIN IN ON THE TWO YOU HAVE POSTED BUT HAVENT DECIDED YET...

CALI_HUSTLER

SAMHAN DID DAMAGE, AND SAD TO SAY EVEN WITH OUT HIM, SMC WAS KNOCKIN DOWN THOSE 3s...BAD BEAT FOR RICHMOND...GOOD LUCK WIH YOUR PLAYS BRO, I HAVE TEMPLE -4....WAS THINKIN ABOUT LOCKIN IN ON THE TWO YOU HAVE POSTED BUT HAVENT DECIDED YET...

I felt good about Richmond, especially with Mike Hook on it as a 1 unit, and Marco on it as a triple-dime play. Oh well, what can you do. You can't win them all. And even the best get on cold runs. I'm all about the long-term, and although this is the tournament, I'm going with my better judgment and narrowing it down to just one game on Friday. Just going with my very best.

TRUE BRO, I THINK IM GOING TO TAKE PURDUE AND TEMPLE, THAN SEE WHERE IT TAKES ME. LETS DO SOME DAMAGE TODAY!

CALI_HUSTLER

TRUE BRO, I THINK IM GOING TO TAKE PURDUE AND TEMPLE, THAN SEE WHERE IT TAKES ME. LETS DO SOME DAMAGE TODAY!

Smart Man!

Brick, Love the play.  I think this is one of those situations where everyone on earth wants to take Siena, and that's really not justified...  People keep saying Purdue is struggling without Hummell... They won 3 games without him!  They only remember that Minnesota game, and rightfully so, it was a shit show.  Fact is, this team has had TONS of time to get used to playing with Robbie, and I expect them to cover this number as well.  By my estimation, Siena is just 1-5 against teams in the top 100 this year.  Purdue might not be as good without Robbie H.  but they're still a top 100 team.

I like that Purdue play TB21, and good luck to you.

Doc

GL WITH PURDUE

Writeup is complete on the Purdue game. Best of luck today!

BEST OF LUCK BRICK!!