Dec. 4
When: 7 p.m.
Full Court Press: The Bulldogs are really struggling having lost to Youngstown State among others, and have scored 60 or fewer points in their last six games. Tech is coming along, though it’s certainly capable of dropping this rivalry game. It has more depth (plays 10 guys) and length. The key is to jump on top of the Dawgs early.
Pick: GT, 77-64.
When: 7 p.m.
Full Court Press: The Crimson has won four straight games over BC at BC by an average of 12 points per contest. They won last year’s meeting by 21 points. Harvard isn’t as good this season (lost to Vermont) so maybe the Eagles can finally end the embarrassing skid. Ryan Anderson and freshman guard Olivier Hanlan need to have nice games.
Pick: BC, 70-63.
When: 9 p.m.
Full Court Press: This is a very important game for the Wolfpack. Its confidence will take a hit if UConn wins, but with a win it can generate some real nice traction. State fought back in a loss last week at Michigan, but just hasn’t played that well overall in its last four contests. If State avoids foul trouble and collectively plays hard it will win because when intense and focused the Pack is better than most teams, including the Huskies. UConn lost to a very good New Mexico team, but otherwise has beaten Michigan State, and Wake. Some of the wins over patsies haven’t been impressive.
Pick: N.C. State, 73-67.
Dec. 5
When: 7 p.m.
Full Court Press: With some bad early losses already on the resume, FSU really needs to score this upset. The Gators have been awesome at times, last week clobbering Marquette by 33 points. Florida has also routed Wisconsin and everyone else in its path. UF’s top three scorers are seniors, led by guard Kenny Boynton, and next four are juniors. FSU must get help up front from its young players or it could also get blown out. As important is Michael Snaer and Ian Miller must take this personally and will the Seminoles to victory.
Pick: Florida, 75-69.
When: 7 p.m.
Full Court Press: Two of High Point’s wins are over Division II teams and its three defeats are to William & Mary and at Indiana State and Western Michigan. Wake has been pretty bad, but it should beat the Panthers. No excuses in this one.
Pick: Wake, 74-62.
When: 7 p.m.
Full Court Press: Very big game for both teams, but as for the Cavaliers, this could help erase last month’s home loss to Delaware. The Volunteers are an improving club under Cuonzo Martin, though some of their results have been quite ugly. The Vols have beaten UMass and lost to Oklahoma State and Georgetown, scoring 45 and 36 points in the latter two games, respectively. UVa is known for its defensive play, and with UT struggling to find scoring, all Virginia must do is hit some shots, get to the line and get some easy baskets in transition.
Pick: Virginia, 58-51.
When: 7 p.m.
Full Court Press: This will be really ugly. Alex Len may not even play 20 minutes. Good game to build some depth.
Pick: Maryland, 91-60.
Season record: 61-12
