Usually, when the Big Sky doesn’t come through for me, it’s not going to be a very successful day. That’s especially true on a day like yesterday, when Montana’s game got cancelled and Weber State and Idaho missed the total by half a point.
But that wasn’t the case yesterday, as eight out of my nine picks hit, meaning my Horizon League and NHL parlays both cashed and landed me 6.5 units. My Patriot League parlay was close, but Navy’s defense never got going and that one fell on its face.
We’ve had probably my best week since I joined the network, and we’ll try to keep the momentum going during a light slate of Friday action. Here are my picks for today.
MONMOUTH-SAINT PETER’S U135, -110
This total shouldn’t be climbing, because these are not great offenses. Monmouth and Saint Peter’s are both defense-first teams who aren’t great shooters. As long as you can keep the Hawks off the free throw line (Monmouth is sixth in the nation from the stripe), you can keep them from taking over the game. Monmouth has gone 12-1 ATS, but with the Hawks giving points on the road, I think I’d rather trust the total.
DAVIDSON-RICHMOND O145, -110
The Wildcats play at a slow tempo, but it doesn’t matter because Davidson shoots the ball so well. The Wildcats rank sixth in the nation in field goal percentage and second from behind the arc, and Richmond doesn’t exactly play first-rate defense. What the Spiders do well is taking care of the basketball. Richmond’s assist to turnover ratio ranks sixth in the nation, so I expect the Spiders to do their share of the scoring in this one.
VCU +2.5, -110
Both the under and the Rams look pretty good in this matchup, because the Bonnies haven’t been very good ATS and the Rams have been excellent. VCU is pretty much all defense, no offense this season, as the Rams rank third in defensive efficiency but 255th in offensive efficiency. That’s a good recipe for a cover with a team getting points.
DUCKS TTU 2.5, -125
Anaheim just can’t seem to score outside of Southern California. In the Ducks’ past 10 games played anywhere besides Anaheim or Los Angeles, they have scored two goals or fewer in regulation. The lone exception was a trip to Washington, and the Capitals haven’t played great defense lately. Minnesota has held its past two opponents to two or less, and there’s a good chance the Wild make it three here.
ILLINOIS -9.5, -110
Illinois has covered in seven of its past nine games and Michigan seems to be spiraling out of control this season. The Wolverines just aren’t playing all that well at the moment, and the Illini are hitting on all cylinders and playing at home. A Michigan team that lost by 10 at home to Minnesota is certainly capable of doing the same against Illinois.
