“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
Yes, it may be a little early for bowl commercials, but with the NFL in midseason form, college football entering rivalry/championship weekends, NBA entering early season stride, and ESPN’s 24 hour college bball marathon; it’s the perfect time to begin cataloging what is sure to be a whole lotta gambling. Let us begin:
NCAA bball-How could we forget the run William and Mary had at the end of the 2009 season? They almost beat, and definitely covered, UNC in the NIT (Oh, yeah, there was another tourney going on as well)? I didn’t forget, though. I also didn’t forget that they beat Richmond last year, either. They did lose several key players to graduation(shocking), but at a program like W&M they don’t rebuild, they reload. All joking aside, experience and home court will be with the Spiders tonight. However, playing a half within a basket of UVA on the road gave these kids all the confidence they need to know they can compete. Marcus Kitts (center) missed most of the second half due to illness and foul trouble, and perhaps their best gaurd, Kendrix Brown, was slowed due to an ankle injury. Both of these guys will be looking to redeem themselves on Monday. W&M also didn’t shoot very well. Their mantra is DEFENSE, ball control, and 3-pt jump shots. Fortunately, defense is the one thing they can control, and getting back to familiar competition in a smaller arena will make these shooters feel right at home. The pick: W&M +16
Now, if you know me, you would be very familiar with the fact that I sabotage all good picks with unnecessary, ridiculous ties to parlays and teasers. So here’s how I’ll ruin this one:
1. Tribe- +23, St Johns +11, VCU -5.5…Why, you ask? First, St Johns. Four words: Steve Lavin, ten seniors. St Mary’s better muster up all that magic from last season, and hope that the bongs were put down 3 months ago instead of 3 weeks ago. Second, VCU. VCU has consistently been a competitive mid major. I see no reasons why this won’t continue. Winthrop, however, I think is a far cry from the team that made a NCAA run several years ago. They opened this year with an unimpressive win over Queens, NC. Seriously, I’m not sure if this was a rec team, tech school, or a legitimate college bball team. I’ve lived in NC and never heard of Queens. I think it may be in Charlotte but I’m not sure. Either way, VCU should win fairly easily. The lines listed above reflect a -130 7 pt teaser. I also took Tribe +20, St Johns +8, and VCU -8.5 in a risk 40 to win 72.
