The easiest way to say it: Nothing made sense yesterday. I don’t go into Thursdays expecting to do great, but I usually think there’s at least a chance that something is going to go my way.
Yeah, about that…not even close. The Eastern Parlay at least had a shot until Purdue Fort Wayne backed off and allowed IUPUI to come in the back door, but the Blues gave up seven to New Jersey and the Senators got shut out by the Penguins’ backup goaltender. The Big Sky then saw Montana lose in Missoula (to Northern Arizona?) and Idaho State win on the road. Both of those things hadn’t happened this year, and then they happen on the same day. Incredible.
When that happens, all you can do is write it off as a bad day at the office and move on. Here are my best bets for February 11.
RIDER-SAINT PETER’S U130.5, -110
Saint Peter’s has been gold for me, but Rider just doesn’t get blown out. The Broncs have played 10 games in 2022 and their biggest margin of defeat was seven points at home against Saint Peter’s. That could be because Rider hasn’t played Iona since the calendar turned (the Gaels won that game by 26), but it likely has more to do with Rider’s defense. This looks like a rock fight.
WRIGHT STATE TTO 77, -115
Boy, is Milwaukee a mess right now. I have literally no idea what I’m getting with the Panthers, who shot 27 percent in a 36-point loss to Northern Kentucky. They could play Wright State tight, or it could be a total blowout. All I can confidently say is that they probably can’t stop the Raiders, as they gave up 80 to Wright State last time and the Raiders have scored 75 or more in seven of their past 10 league games.
NORTHERN KENTUCKY -7, -110
I get the feeling Green Bay is toast. The Phoenix haven’t looked competitive in their recent contests and the Norse have won and covered in seven of their past eight contests. Green Bay covered in Highland Heights, but that was also because Chris Brandon got in foul trouble and only played 21 minutes. Brandon hammered Milwaukee for 17 points last time out, and if he’s on the floor, the Norse take this.
UNLV TTU 60.5, -110
Boise State loves clamping down on opposing offenses at home, and the Broncos should do it again here. Except for Saint Louis, nobody has gotten above 60 points against the Broncos in Boise this year, and I don’t think a UNLV squad that shoots 43 percent from the field is going to do it either.
UTAH STATE -11, -110
I think Nevada might also be cooked. Utah State slammed the Wolf Pack in Reno and Nevada is just 2-8 ATS in its past 10 games. That is not where you want to be when you’re going into the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. Utah State has won its past four games in Logan by an average of 19 points, and this shouldn’t be much more of a challenge.
