PREDICTIONS (629-474-28):
Texas Southern has played their typical excessively difficult schedule (with no home games). Mike Davis’ squad is the oldest team in the country, the second smallest team in the country, and they have one of the shortest benches in the country. The addition of Derrick Griffin to the frontcourt has been huge, but because of the lack of depth, particularly on the frontline, Davis has had to use a lot of zone, and the one thing Syracuse’s offense can do is shoot the three. That being said, I think TSU has enough talent to stay in a game that means nothing to Syracuse. TEXAS SOUTHERN +17
Presbyterian doesn’t shoot the three at all, and when they do, they generally miss (350th in both points coming via 3PTA and percentage). The Blue Hose are almost exclusively reliant on one of the most underrated “bigs” (just 6’5) in midmajordom, DeSean Murray, who has one of the highest usage rates in the country. However, that makes them a great candidate for Wojo’s zone. Nibert will bring a ton of ball pressure, and Marquette hasn’t exactly acquitted themselves well against pressure this year, but without a secondary option to Murray, Marquette’s zone should be fine. MARQUETTE -22.5
Simply put, Maryland is an outstanding transition defense, and Marshall is almost entirely reliant on their spread pick and roll transition offense. As usual, motivation for the Terps in this situation is a big question, but on paper, this is a game they dominate, and the Herd is fresh off a 2 games in 2 days Vegas tourney. MARYLAND -22
MTSU and South Dakota State is a great midmajor battle, but both teams are missing key pieces. Giddy Potts is out for the Blue Raiders, and SDSU will be without Jake Bittle and George Marshall. The Jacks have been on an absolutely ridiculous travel schedule, and I think MTSU’s defense and glass work keep them in this game. MTSU +5
South Carolina State isn’t a good shooting team, but at the very least they won’t turn the ball over against Ohio State’s high pressure zone. I would like to see Tashombe Riley get more involved offensively for SC State. In terms of athleticism, he’s arguably the most talented player on the court today. SOUTH CAROLINA STATE +25
Loyola Maryland is a bit better than what the numbers say, but they’re a dribble drive based offense reliant on Andre Walker’s penetration, and that’s not the best route to take in terms of beating Northwestern. NORTHWESTERN -20
Staring at the Floorboards 
Leave a comment