Dave Essler
Canisius /Manhattan Over 154
A bit square perhaps, and slightly against an early line move (which could be a setup). These two just played a "180" game two weeks ago - and people would expect that to regress, but I don't. I do know that Manhattan will try to play slower at home, but they've got a pretty thin bench, so I almost see this as the same as the first game, with 101 points scored in the second half. Both teams shot lights' out from everywhere and I just don't see how that changes. Canisius has one of the worst rated defenses (efficiency) in CBB and they haven't play a great schedule, so there's no excuse for that. The Jaspers get to the FT line a lot and shoot well from it - and at home you'd expect them to get the calls. Both teams shoot three's and neither team defends the perimeter. The Jaspers do tend to turn the ball over more than I'd like, but if that's the case then Canisius will get some fast-break points - hence I don't see this as anything but a high scoring game that the home team wins - an absolute split at worst.
Bruce Marshall
George Washington +5
With Dayton perhaps a bit compromised if top scorer G Charlie Cooke (15.7 ppg) is slowed or absent due to a strained oblique and F Kendall Pollard having recently missed action, not sure the Flyers are ready to push the margin, especially considering that their recent spread form (only 2-4 last six) is a bit subpar. GW offense is revved up, producing 86 ppg in last two wins over UMass & Duquesne. And rugged 6-9 Wake Forest transfer Tyler Cavanaugh (17.2 ppg) is playing like a man possessed, scoring a combined 56 vs. the Minutemen & Iron Dukes.
OC Dooley
Timberwolves +13
It was about a week ago when Minnesota had a nationally-televised home game where they had a chance to face former star player Kevin Love. Minnesota was also looking forward to facing LeBron who finally had commented publicly about omitting the name of Andrew Wiggins when he originally returned to Cleveland. Due to their current 4-20 skid that included a 26 point home loss to LeBron and company one can argue that Oklahoma City (22-3 tear in this “series”) has been over-priced. The Thunder just played at Minnesota back on Tuesday of this week and the next night had the advantage of facing Dallas who SAT OUT all 5 of their starters (after being extended into overtime the night before). Minnesota is the ONLY team in the league to have not won outright since New Years.