In the NBA, where the shot clock comes down to tenths of a second, I might have had my third win last night. In college basketball, I had no chance. The ball was clearly still on Isaac Likekele’s hand when the shot clock hit zero, meaning his basket didn’t count and Oklahoma State had to go to overtime rather than grabbing an upset win over Baylor. The Cowboys couldn’t get the job done in the extra frame (their second overtime loss in the Big 12 in Stillwater), costing me a win for the day.
At least that one was close. My other upset went about as well as Dandelion vs. Bulldozer, as Northern Arizona never got started and got smoked at home by 31 by Southern Utah. Considering the Lumberjacks have also both won in Missoula and given up 97 points to Portland State, I’m officially done betting Northern Arizona until November. Here are my plays for February 22.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION TTU 0.5, +155
This might be a bit of a cheat. I don’t care; I’m going for it anyway because the Baggies have been completely punchless on the road as of late. West Brom’s last goal away from The Hawthorns came on Dec. 4 against Coventry, and since then, the Baggies have been shut out in six consecutive road matches. Middlesbrough has three shutouts in its past five home matches, so there’s a good chance West Brom’s road woes continue.
OKLAHOMA TTU 60, -110
The last time Oklahoma faced Texas Tech, the Sooners shot 49% from the floor and 46% from behind the arc. That isn’t likely to happen a second time and certainly not in Lubbock. The Red Raiders’ defense actually needs to step it up a bit as of late, as Baylor and TCU both hit their team totals on their recent trips to west Texas. But after giving up 70 to Oklahoma, the Red Raiders’ defense likely comes out with a point to prove.
TENNESSEE-MISSOURI U130, -110
Missouri in Columbia isn’t quite as automatic of an under bet as Penn State in University Park, but the Tigers are getting close. Missouri has played under at home in five of seven SEC games at Mizzou Arena, including four of its past five. Only Mississippi and Alabama have managed to push Missouri over, but Rick Barnes and the Volunteers will be perfectly happy to grind out a game here. Don’t expect fireworks in this one.
BOWLING GREEN-AKRON O147.5, -110
Bowling Green is going to hit the gas. Bowling Green probably shouldn’t hit the gas because it can’t stop anybody, but that’s beyond the point. The Falcons play at the second-fastest tempo in the country and Akron was just fine playing at BG’s speed last time in a 91-66 win for the Zips. Bowling Green is giving up an average of 99 points per game in its past three games, so I like the over’s chances here.
SAN DIEGO STATE-BOISE STATE U119.5, -110
This total seems absurd, until you remember that San Diego State can’t shoot and these teams already played once before and the final score was 42-37. No, that’s not a football score (the football score was 27-16). These teams are both heavy on the defense and will be from start to finish. This has the makings of a rock fight that makes a Penn State home game look like Phi Slamma Jamma.
