Monday, November 12th Predictions

Prediction Record: 0-0 (ATS: 0-0)

Note: This is the first year I'm doing predictions with the spreads in parenthesis as opposed to just straight-up like I have done for the past two and a half seasons. I have received many e-mails suggesting I should make picks using betting lines in order to weed out some of the obvious games I predict. I also get feedback asking about my picks with the spread, so I figured I would try it out here for a few days to see if it generates positive or negative feedback.

Feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail at marchmadnessallseason@yahoo.com.

New Mexico State at Duke (-19): The WAC favorite takes on a Duke team primed to bounce back from its disappointing first-round exit a year ago. Unfortunately for the Aggies, they will still be without stud freshman Herb Pope, who has not received clearance from the NCAA yet on whether he can play or not. If they had him, it would be a much closer game as NMSU has a loaded frontcourt led by versatile wing Justin Hawkins and a solid guard in Fred Peete. Expect the Aggies to attack Greg Paulus and try to force turnovers, but Duke just has too many options in this one. Prediction: Duke 83, New Mexico State 62

Siena at Syracuse (-14.5): A solid first-round match-up in the NIT Season Tip-Off. Siena is one of the favorites in the MAAC, and is led by the backcourt of Kenny Hasbrouck and Ronald Moore. Wing Edwin Ubiles will have to come up big in the frontcourt if Siena is to keep it close. On the other side, the Orange have a great backcourt in freshman Jonny Flynn and Eric Devendorf, as well as a talented forward tandem in Paul Harris and freshman Donte Greene. If Siena is able to attack the zone and knock down perimeter shots, it has a chance to hang around for awhile. It certainly has the guards to compete, but I think Syracuse will pull away down the stretch. Prediction: Syracuse 74, Siena 63

Hampton at Maryland (-15): Another match-up in the first round of the NIT Season Tip-Off. Hampton is the favorite in the MEAC, which might mean something come March and conference tournament time, but right now it does not mean much. However, it does have a very good trio in guard Rashad West and forwards Mike Freeman and Matthew Pilgrim. Maryland won its first game without James Gist, and got great production from emerging guard Greivis Vasquez and big man Bambale Osby. Eric Hayes is another good guard. Maryland just has too much talent and depth to keep this game close. Prediction: Maryland 91, Hampton 68

Western Michigan at Oregon (-16.5): An overlooked game on the docket. Western Michigan is one of the favorites in the MAC, while Oregon is lurking as a serious contender in the PAC-10. Western Michigan returns all five starters from last season, including a very good inside-outside duo in guard David Kool and forward Joe Reitz. Oregon has one of the best quartets in the country in guards Tajuan Porter and Bryce Taylor, wing Malik Hairston and forward Maarty Leunen. Western Michigan may have the size up front to give Oregon trouble, but the Ducks have looked very impressive so far this season and should pull away down the stretch. Prediction: Oregon 76, Western Michigan 63