Tuesday was almost an even split for me, but Sacramento State just had to keep shooting and pushed the total over by three points at the end of the night, resulting in a 2-3-1 day for me overall. And that wasn’t even the most frustrating result, as Bucknell and Mercer went ice cold and failed to score in the final two minutes, leaving the total four points shy of an over in the early game.
Luckily, another Tuesday is past us, so we’re back to it with Wednesday’s picks. Here are my best plays for November 24.
SAINT MARY’S +3.5, -110
There are two reasons I want the Gaels in this one. First, Wisconsin isn’t a great shooting team under normal circumstances, and now we’re throwing in that the Badgers have to play their third game in three days against the always frustrating Saint Mary’s defense. Second, this game means everything to the Gaels. With another win here, Saint Mary’s will walk away with three Power 6 wins and a 7-0 record, meaning that all they need to do is run through the non-Gonzaga portion of the West Coast Conference schedule and they’ll get an at-large bid if they need one. Wisconsin will have plenty of chances, but this is a must-have for Saint Mary’s.
RANGERS-ISLANDERS U5.5, -110
I’m not bold enough to pick another loss for the Isles in their new building to their hated rival, but I will pick a defensive struggle. The under has cashed in seven of the past eight games between the New York rivals, and the Islanders’ power play hasn’t been getting the job done. The Rangers have struggled in this rivalry in recent years, but I think they can play defense well enough to cash the under.
XAVIER -9, -110
I’m not sure why Iowa State is getting the tickets here, because the Cyclones are likely looking at a serious rebuild this season. Xavier is coming off a big win over Ohio State two games ago, and the Musketeers shouldn’t have too many problems with a Cyclones team that turns the ball over far too much and doesn’t shoot it well from behind the arc. As long as Xavier isn’t looking past this game, this should be comfortable.
ARIZONA STATE U64, -110
Let me get this straight: Arizona State lost at home to UC Riverside, and I’m getting close to even money to take the Sun Devils to go under 64 against a Baylor defense that hasn’t given up more than 60 points yet this season? Yeah, sign me up for that one. The Sun Devils aren’t a good matchup for the Bears, and I expect Baylor both covers the 12 with ease and holds Arizona State in the 50s here.
SPURS +4, -110
I hate to say it because I love my Hawks, but Atlanta is really awful at covering away from home. The Hawks are 0-9 ATS outside of Georgia, and the Spurs have been competitive in their most recent stretch of games. I’m a bit worried with San Antonio only catching four, but the Spurs are 4-3 ATS at home this year, so there’s a decent shot.
