ORIGINAL POST IN BLACK
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Thanks everyone for the well wishes. I can only hope this one plays out like I imagine it should.
For what it's worth, there are several other games tonight that I have ideas and/or opinions about. These are not official picks, but just thoughts about each game.
I would not want to be the team that plays Gonzaga -7.5 after their nationally televised loss to BYU on Thursday. Looks like it's the Torreros turn in the barrel. I also think this one goes over the 130.5 total.
Gonzaga just didn't have it. The BYU loss took more out of them than anyone anticipated. SD is fair to good, but 9 times out of ten the Zags win this one. Ooops! We did however hit the 130.5 total 66-69.
New Mexico -4, is building confidence with every game and it's about time. They play San Diego State who still hasn't demonstrated and real notable offense and it's going to be hard for the Aztecs to dictate the pace at the Pit in Albuquerque. Should be a close game and I think we get over the 132 total.
The Lobos played just as I expected, exposing the Aztecs lack of high-performance offense. New Mexico built on their dominant wins vs Nevada and at UNLV. Ironically, these two meet up again for the last game of the season on March 8th. The Lobos are now the team to beat in the MWC with Boise making some waves. Note - New Mexico plays a deceptively good Utah State team on Tuesday in what should be a big letdown spot for them. This one went way under the 132 total 44-58.
Irvine -5.5, 142 OU, should handle Northridge pretty easily, but my only concerns are they just played an OT game at Hawaii on Thursday, they had to fly home yesterday, and gear up for cross town rival Northridge. And to add to that, they play #2 Santa Barbara on Thursday in a game that could determine who wins the conference. Reggie Theus has these guys playing well, but I just don't think they have the depth, height, or athleticism to bring down the Anteaters. I'd pass on the game, but would look for a 2nd half total play. I think the only way Matadors have a chance is to come out fast and try to catch UCI napping.
UCI was flat and the Matadors jumped all over the opportunity. Bingo! We did however hit the 142 total 75-81.
Hawaii -14 should have their way with Davis. This is a tough road trip for most teams and the Aggies are struggling. No play for me, but I won't be surprised if the Rainbows win this one by 20. But then I won't be surprised in UCD keeps it close either. Tough one to call.
Hawaii had their way with the Aggies, but just couldn't build a blowout margin. Hawaii could be a sleeper in the Big West Conference tourney.
Arizona -5 is coming off two overtime games and week by week the opposition has learned how to stop them. Colorado, although they won 5 of their last 6 games lost 92-74 to a very athletic UCLA squad. I have to believe AU has addressed some of their problems and will put forth a great effort, but the Buffaloes have only lost 1 game at home this year and you know they've got to be jacked up for this one. I'll go with the home team on this one.
This was a coin flip for me and initially I wanted to go with Arizona, but I flip-flopped and went with the home team. This game was never close and AU showed an offensive prowess we haven't seen much of this year. This win should give them a bump in the rankings.
E. Washington should cover the 8 points at S. Utah, but this will be the Thunderbirds best chance to get a win this season. I'd love to see them get rewarded for the hard work and commitment they've put in, but we'll see how it goes.
E. Washington won 85-74. The window for S. Utah to win a conference game is closing. Hopefully N. Colorado will play the reserves the last game of the year and the TBirds can notch a win.
N. Colorado -3, seems to have found whatever it is they lost in early Feb. and have strung together 3 good wins. They easily handled N. Arizona 74-59 in Flagstaff on Thursday and this should be a good one in Sacramento tonight. NCU is in the hunt for the top spot in the Big Sky and I think they continue what they started on Thursday.
N. Colorado lost this one 79-58 and it wasn't even close. Sac State is near-impossible (7-1) to beat at home.
As always, these are just opinions so do your own work before taking my or anyone's advice. Enjoy the games and best of luck tonight.