The Duke's Sports
Wake Forest (-16') for 2 Units
The Demon Deacons are coming off a stunning loss to NC Wilmington on Sunday and should bounce back strong here vs the lightweight Spartans; after all, WF is 5-1 ATS following a loss, 4-0 ATS on Wednesdays, and 11-5 ATS vs a team less than .400. Wake Forest's HC Bsdelik is a stickler to bringing defensive intensity and his men should be ready to smother the struggling Spartans. NC Greensboro is one of the poorest rebounding teams in the nation and challenged defensively allowing nearly 91 ppg. We'll look for WF's C.J. Harris to direct a nice show tonight as the Deacons should slice and dice a Spartans team that's 16-40 ATS in non conference play.
Stephen Nover
75 Dime Cleveland Cavaliers
Derek Mancini
30 Dime South Florada o
Let's begin this analysis by stating what we know: Gilchrist is almost certainly out because of "philosophical differences" with coach Heath. However, Jarrid Famous will be playing for the Bulls tonight. Not surprsingly, the public has jumped all over the Tigers because of this news, overreacting (like they always do) to injury or suspensions of any kind.
The public is also hot and heavy for Auburn based on South Florida current 2-game slide, with the thinking that laying this many points is ridiculous based on their recent play (and the fact one of their best frontline players will be out). Well guys, if you believe that, then you've fallen for the trap oddsmakers have set. Fact is, this young Auburn team is way overmatched, and the absence of the tumultuous Girlchrist may prove to be addition by subtraction, as Coach Heath attempts to teach his troops a lesson - a lesson I expect will resonate tonight.
The biggest problem I see with Auburn tonight is putting a very young team in their first true road game. This is usually a recipe for disaster, and I expect as much tonight in Tampa. Remember guys, we're talking about a Tigers team that shoots 39% from the floor (without having played on the road yet) against a Bulls defense that has been rock-solid all season (60 ppg on 37% shooting). The return of 6'11 forward Famous will only bolster their defense, especially inside.
It's no secret the Bulls offense is to blame for several of their close losses this season (see BYU and Kent State). But what better way to get on track than against this Auburn defense. Bulls have had issues with turnovers, but luckily the Tigers don't force many, so again we see an edge for a Bulls attack just waiting to have that breakout game. When you look at the stats, this game looks close on paper, but stats can be very deceiving, especially when you factor in the Tigers youth on the road. Lay it with South Florida over Auburn Wednesday.