College Hoops w/ short write-ups 1/24/14

2-2-1 last night..ouch missed the ASU game by the hook, essentially the last free throw of the game cost me. I was dead on about the over, but didn't have the sac to follow up on it. PSU came storming back for the push. Unfortunately with 72 games to look over the night before I didn't have time to bet the number @ 3.5, which would've got me the win. I don't know how these fucking pros go thru a THUR or SAT night slate to pick out the best games and still have time to bet them early. There's only so much time and so many fucking games. I guess its because I cap the ol' fashioned way...coffee, pencil, and notebook. Ok I'm done ranting. Slate is small for tonight so I can take a breather.

MILW -4

Not an ideal scheduling spot with DET having nearly a week off while MILW has only a day rest following a 3 game road swing. Vegas has these teams nearly identical in terms of power ranking based on common opponents, but I see some value in the matchup, as well as an unforeseen home edge by the bookmakers. MILW will be playing in the downtown gym (as opposed to on campus) where it has garnered tremendous success since 2003...try 97-39 including the post season. "The Cell" is in the heart of downtown and you can bet that on a FRI night it will be stacked. Now, MILW likes to get to the line, which exposes one of DET weaknesses. They allow opponents an average of 28 free throws a game. When you get a quarter of your points from the charity stripe, that is a huge advantage. MILW also gets a third of their points from downtown. Another DET weakness as they allow opponents to shoot almost 33% from there. Hopefully the quick turnaround doesn't affect MILW too much. They are also coming off an embarrassing effort @ Wright St, so I expect them to be focused.

IONA -6

I wanted so many reasons to take QUIN here, but after a careful look I was convinced to take IONA. This is a classic defense v. offense matchup, and normally I would take the defense, but the situation lines up for IONA. Not only is this a quick turnaround revenge spot from two weeks ago (also from last year), but this win will decide who leaps to 1st place in the conference standings. In this situation I favor the home team. QUIN will dominate the boards, but I'm suspect if they can keep IONA to 42% or less like their last matchup. If IONA plays even an iota of defense and keeps the pace high, they should easily cover.