
Azubuike24
Posts: 15,933
Jan 17, 2013 11:15pm
Both are top 5. Just not sure either are the best overall. I'd lean with Kansas right now, but this season is wide open.
Maybe a homer pick, but I still think Florida, when 100%, is as good as anyone.
Maybe a homer pick, but I still think Florida, when 100%, is as good as anyone.

Azubuike24
Posts: 15,933
Jan 17, 2013 11:20pm
Some really good games in the VCU/St. Joe's game. Theus with 22 and 10 assists, Reddic with 15 and 15 boards and Treveon Graham led the Rams with 25.
It's amazing how good the A-10 and Mountain West Conference have become. Legit big 6 leagues with the parity in hoops.
It's amazing how good the A-10 and Mountain West Conference have become. Legit big 6 leagues with the parity in hoops.

reclegend22
Posts: 8,772
Jan 17, 2013 11:23pm
I don't think that's a homer pick. Florida was the first pick I made as part of my Final Four selections in the other thread. This is the year the Gators finally get past the regional finals and return to the final weekend. They looked very impressive on the road tonight in Texas. They just bitched slapped the Aggies around all night.
I also really like Arizona. Mark Lyons is just the kind of experienced guard (having played deep into the tourney with Xavier before) who can carry a team in March with a string of big performances. The Wildcats are very balanced, though.
I also really like Arizona. Mark Lyons is just the kind of experienced guard (having played deep into the tourney with Xavier before) who can carry a team in March with a string of big performances. The Wildcats are very balanced, though.

reclegend22
Posts: 8,772
Jan 17, 2013 11:26pm
The A-10 took a big hit when it lost Majerus, and will take an even bigger hit when it loses Butler probably as soon as next year to the extended Catholic League. Temple is also leaving after this season as well. It's unfortunate, too, because as you said, the conference was arguably on its way to becoming stronger than the Pac 12.Azubuike24;1368810 wrote:Some really good games in the VCU/St. Joe's game. Theus with 22 and 10 assists, Reddic with 15 and 15 boards and Treveon Graham led the Rams with 25.
It's amazing how good the A-10 and Mountain West Conference have become. Legit big 6 leagues with the parity in hoops.

Terry_Tate
Posts: 7,606
Jan 17, 2013 11:31pm
reclegend22;1368817 wrote:The A-10 took a big hit when it lost Majerus, and will take an even bigger hit when it loses Butler probably as soon as next year to the extended Catholic League. Temple is also leaving after this season as well. It's unfortunate, too, because as you said, the conference was arguably on its way to becoming stronger than the Pac 12.
Losing Xavier as well with Butler.

Azubuike24
Posts: 15,933
Jan 17, 2013 11:35pm
Yeah, it's short-lived. I wouldn't say it's unfortunate. I think the A-10 was a stepping stone for those programs anyway as it's not the most natural fit. The new league should be stacked and consistently strong every year, much like the A-10 this year.
Still, Butler, VCU, Temple and St. Louis are all legit teams. LaSalle, St. Joe's, Xavier and Charlotte are also NCAA contenders. 2 or 3 will get edged out but still, we might see a so-called "mid-major" get 6 bids.
The MWC is going to get UNLV, New Mexico, San Diego State, Boise State and possibly Wyoming or Colorado State (although neither have a strong OOC and probably won't finish top 4).
Still, Butler, VCU, Temple and St. Louis are all legit teams. LaSalle, St. Joe's, Xavier and Charlotte are also NCAA contenders. 2 or 3 will get edged out but still, we might see a so-called "mid-major" get 6 bids.
The MWC is going to get UNLV, New Mexico, San Diego State, Boise State and possibly Wyoming or Colorado State (although neither have a strong OOC and probably won't finish top 4).

reclegend22
Posts: 8,772
Jan 18, 2013 12:08am
Ah, good call on Xavier, Tate. Forgot about them. So, in the last year, the A-10 has lost Xavier, Butler, Temple and Rick Majerus. That's a heavy blow. Another historically competitive basketball conference bites the dust. However, with the demise of each the A-10 and the Big East, comes the creation of one of the most exciting and tradition-filled leagues in the country. I cannot for the first the Catholic League tournament. It's going to be a dandy.
I agree with this, with the exception of Temple. John Chaney took an already strong Temple team and turned it into one of the truly elite basketball programs in the country. I think Temple is a destination job at this point. As far as hoops hierarchy, even without ever winning a national championship, I'd rank the Owls right on par with St. John's, Villanova and Georgetown.Azubuike24 wrote:I think the A-10 was a stepping stone for those programs anyway as it's not the most natural fit.

reclegend22
Posts: 8,772
Jan 18, 2013 12:10am
Nevermind, Az. I completely misread your post. At first glance, I thought you were referring to those schools as stepping-stone programs. Nevermind. I need sleep.

killer_ewok
Posts: 11,379
Jan 19, 2013 9:51am
Some great games on today's slate.

reclegend22
Posts: 8,772
Jan 19, 2013 9:59am
It's just too bad Rotnei Clarke is unavailable. That Butler-Gonzaga game would have been a classic, I have a feeling. Still could be, but Butler will need Andrew Smith to have the game of his life against one of the best front lines in college basketball. He'll really need to stretch the defense and hit some threes. He's the key IMO.

Mulva
Posts: 13,650
Jan 19, 2013 11:24am
For sure. Today might be my first all-day basketball marathon of the year. A little disappointed that Creighton-Wichita St and Louisville-Cuse are both at 4.killer_ewok;1369740 wrote:Some great games on today's slate.

SportsAndLady
Posts: 35,632
Jan 19, 2013 12:00pm
#17 Missouri vs. #10 Florida- 1pm
#4 Kansas vs Texas- 1pm
Oklahoma vs #16 Kansas State- 3pm
#6 Syracuse vs #1 Louisville- 3pm
#21 Oregon vs #24 UCLA- 3pm
#12 Creighton vs Wichita St.- 3pm
#11 Ohio State vs #18 Michigan St.- 5pm[B][B]
[B]#8 Gonzaga vs #13 Butler- 8pm[B][B][/B][/B][/B][/B][/B]
Yes Please!
#4 Kansas vs Texas- 1pm
Oklahoma vs #16 Kansas State- 3pm
#6 Syracuse vs #1 Louisville- 3pm
#21 Oregon vs #24 UCLA- 3pm
#12 Creighton vs Wichita St.- 3pm
#11 Ohio State vs #18 Michigan St.- 5pm[B][B]
[B]#8 Gonzaga vs #13 Butler- 8pm[B][B][/B][/B][/B][/B][/B]
Yes Please!

Azubuike24
Posts: 15,933
Jan 19, 2013 12:10pm
Some under the radar games too involving good teams.
Arkansas/Mississippi
Arizona/Arizona State
UNLV/Colorado State
Marquette/Cincinnati
Rutgers/Notre Dame
San Diego State/Wyoming
Wisconsin/Iowa
Great day.
Arkansas/Mississippi
Arizona/Arizona State
UNLV/Colorado State
Marquette/Cincinnati
Rutgers/Notre Dame
San Diego State/Wyoming
Wisconsin/Iowa
Great day.

Azubuike24
Posts: 15,933
Jan 19, 2013 12:14pm
First parlay of the day.
KU -8
Missouri +12.5
Arkansas +9.5
Any other lines that stick out to you folks?
KU -8
Missouri +12.5
Arkansas +9.5
Any other lines that stick out to you folks?

SportsAndLady
Posts: 35,632
Jan 19, 2013 1:13pm
I'm bout to bet something...lost basically everything last night on the damn nuggets. But woman couple hundred at the casino last night so ill play that. Gonna be a great day.Azubuike24;1369817 wrote:First parlay of the day.
KU -8
Missouri +12.5
Arkansas +9.5
Any other lines that stick out to you folks?
Edit:going to the big OSU bar here in Chicago for the msu game. Should be fun, despite not caring much for the game. Hopefully they have other games on. That bar is insanely fun for football games so hopefully it'll be poppin for bball.

SportsAndLady
Posts: 35,632
Jan 19, 2013 1:22pm
My bets today:
Texas straight up 4:1 odds
4 game parlay
Arkansas +9
Texas+9.5
Mizz +12.5
Ok State -17.5
3 game upset specialty parlay (5 bucks to win 380)
Texas
Arkansas
Arizona State
Feeling the underdogs today, obviously.
Texas straight up 4:1 odds
4 game parlay
Arkansas +9
Texas+9.5
Mizz +12.5
Ok State -17.5
3 game upset specialty parlay (5 bucks to win 380)
Texas
Arkansas
Arizona State
Feeling the underdogs today, obviously.

Mulva
Posts: 13,650
Jan 19, 2013 1:25pm
I hate betting away teams, but Boise State -2 against Air Force looks pretty good. I think I also like Iowa over Wisconsin.

wildcats20
Posts: 27,794
Jan 19, 2013 1:46pm
Of course you guys don't include it, but everyone's dark horse to win the ACC just got beat by Carolina and have lost 3 of 4.
Big win for the Tar Heels after a week off.
Big win for the Tar Heels after a week off.

Azubuike24
Posts: 15,933
Jan 19, 2013 1:59pm
Hogs look good early at Ole Miss.

Azubuike24
Posts: 15,933
Jan 19, 2013 2:01pm
Missouri already getting blown out in Gainesville after 3 minutes...ugh. Down double digits.

Mulva
Posts: 13,650
Jan 19, 2013 2:12pm
Temple is down 11 at home to St. Bonaventure. Owls not very good.

Azubuike24
Posts: 15,933
Jan 19, 2013 2:32pm
UNLV getting 4.5 at Colorado State. Gotta like that one too.

Azubuike24
Posts: 15,933
Jan 19, 2013 2:36pm
Florida 35, Missouri 13. Ouch. Missouri really misses Bowers. They have looked awful since he's been out. Blown out badly by Ole Miss and now Florida.

Azubuike24
Posts: 15,933
Jan 19, 2013 2:44pm
Arkansas/Ole Miss started at 1:30 PM. The first half isn't even over yet. After a Mississippi rebound, the entire arena went dark. Game was delayed. Hilarious. The Tad in Oxford is old, but geez. Pay the freaking electric bill...especially with all the green they make from football and the SEC...

Azubuike24
Posts: 15,933
Jan 19, 2013 3:26pm
Thank goodness CBS changed to Kansas/Texas as Purdue is absolutely humiliating West Virginia. What has happened to Hugg's this year?