Monday's Picks

Because the best way to feign actual knowledge on a subject is an accurate prediction, I introduce The Picks. Every weekday, Monday-Thursday (hopefully) I will pick the televised games of the night, against the spread of course, and follow the results to see if I actually know something about basketball. The results should be both entertaining (for readers) and soul-crushing (for me). And if I'm wrong, I'll just do what all the TV "experts" do: never bring it up again and avoid all accountability. And since I won't be betting actual money (that often), I win every time!

I'll also be occasionally picking against one of my roommates, Craig, so we can have a rational method of settling all disputes involving rent, household matters, etc.

Last Week: On Thursday night, UNC (-19) destroyed BC and Wisconsin (-4) beat down Indiana so I got those correct. Providence somehow pushed Notre Dame (-8.5) to overtime and the Irish still would've covered if it wasn't for three 30-foot bombs that the Friars took and made for no apparent reason (there was like 25 on the shot clock for each one). And NC State... Jesus. They led Duke (-18!) by nine (!) at half (!) but fell victim to the icy wrath of a suddenly not-so-punchable Greg Paulus and were outscored 55-26 (!) in the second half, missing the cover by one. Craig, who said he would beat money on the game, forgot to do so and thus, has not committed any murders in the past 72 hours. He is the luckiest man alive and I hate him for it. Anyway, the 2-2 night still kept me right at .500 for the second straight week and one game over .500 for the year. But shit that was annoying.

Louisville at Marquette (-2)- Although I was nearly assassinated for it, I really like this Louisville team. And I've been pretty critical of Marquette this season, even though they have been solid lately with the emergence of sophomore Lazar Hayward as a big-time player. As much as all signs point to Louisville, I've got to take the homecourt in this game. Although I wouldn't mind seeing the Cardinals pull one off to vindicate my madness.
The Pick: Marquette

Missouri at Kansas (-18.5)- Looks like Vegas has installed a Kansas Tax because of their propensity to destroy teams. That line is too high. Despite the general turmoil surrounding Mizzou, they somehow beat Kansas State Saturday. I think a let-down game is in store and the Jayhawks, anxious to get back on TV to prove they are still really freaking good, will roll.
The Pick: Kansas

Gonzaga at St. Mary's(-2.5)- This is the game I am most interested in. St. Mary's has a chance to temporarily dethrone the Zags and basically lock up an at-large if they need it. Gonzaga is coming off an overtime win against Santa Clara Saturday while the Gaels rolled on Portland. Plus that crowd is going to be incredibly insane tonight and I like Patrick Mills to provide some pretty formidable pressure to the Zags ballhandlers.
The Pick: St. Mary's

Last week's record: 6-6-1
Overall record: 17-16-3

ACC: 3-4
Big 12: 2-3-2
Big East: 4-3-1
Big Ten: 4-1
SEC: 2-2
Missouri Valley: 1-0
West Coast: 1-1
Big West: 0-1
CAA: 0-1

Craig's record: 8-11-2