Posted:
#1
NCAABB YTD: 39-24-2 (+14.65U) 
Nice 1-0 n Friday as the Gators got the job done at 'Cuse.
My Boilers face a tough challenge when they hit the road to take on #11 Xavier in Cincinnati. Plus, we got a huge slate of games to choose from which is always nice.
Relating to Purdue and Xavier, both teams have been tested so far in this early season. For Xavier, they are coming off a OT win @ Vanderbilt where it took a 10 point 2nd half deficit and a nice comeback for the Musketeers to edge the Commodores. A great win, esp. on the road vs. a ranked opponent (although i think Vandy is way overrated until they get their big back and are at full strength). They also took care of Georgia, who dispite not being as good as what they were a year ago, is still a nice win. For Purdue, they are coming off a solid effort vs. Miami where they shot a season best 55%. Also having defeated temple and Iona, and losing to Alabama has Purdue battle tested.
Whenever I look at Purdue's opponents, I'm immediately drawn to the front court of the opposition and the quality they possess offensively. Theres no doubt Purdue's weakness is its frontcourt scoring and defense, although I really like what redshirt sophomore Sandi Marcius has brought to the table with his big body. Xavier is not a team that's going to over power you, which plays into Purdue's hands. We get a physical, big team (like Bama) Purdue will struggle. But Xavier is centered around their guards in Holloway and Lyons, and although they are very talented Purdue has the guys that can match up with them.
One thing that does concern me is this being Purdue's first true road game, which is always tricky no matter what team it is because its such a different environment. Cintas Center will be rocking I'm sure, but I just like Purdue to cover the two+ buckets. Kelsey Barlow is a great defender with good size (6'4") to cover either the 6'0" or 6'1" Holloway/Lyons and overall, our guard play matches up just as good as Xavier. Hummel will be fun to watch as I don't expect him to have a big day (meaning 25+ points), but create big opportunities to guys like Ryne smith on the perimeter with all the attention he will receive. Vice Versa, Frease for Xavier could have a big impact if Purdue zones in too hard on the guards for X. Should be a good game, and I could be way off, but I like the points and see it being decided in the closing stretches for either team.
Plays for Saturday:
PURDUE +4.5
UNC +6.5
ARKANSAS +13.5
MISSISSIPPI ST -2.5
More to come. This is the first big day of hoops we have gotten this year which is always nice. Lean several others but not trying to make it too wild of a card.
0
....way too many points IMO as I figured it would be 3-4 for KY.
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