NCAA Basketball - Week of 11-26-12

I can't think of a better way to start off this blog than with some Top 25 picks from the young college basketball season during Jimmy V. Week, so here we go!

"Don't give up. Don't ever give up." - Jim Valvano

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

1. #18 NCST @ #3 MICH

Line: MICH -5.5

Chris' Take: The #18 Wolfpack (4-1) may come up short when they head to Ann Arbor to face the Tim Hardaway Jr. and the undefeated Wolverines (5-0), but the underdogs should at least keep it close.

Chris' Pick: NCST +5.5

Matt's Take: I don't think the ACC/B1G challenge has been as compelling as it is this year. The B1G owns the top 25 SEC football style right now including 3 of the top 4. NC State came into the year loaded with veteran and freshman talent. The kind combination that would avoid slow starts and hiccups in the road that other similarly loaded young teams like UCLA has already seen this year. But NC State has already lost and faces a tough road test at a Michigan program that has been dying for relevance since the Fab Five took booster money all the way to the championship game. NC State simply hasn't looked ready for this stage yet this year. Wolverines cover.

Matt's Pick: Mich -5.5

2. #14 UNC @ #1 IND

Line: IND -10

Chris' Take: The #1 Indiana Hoosiers (6-0) should roll in this game over the #14 Tar Heels (5-1) who go into a hostile Assembly Hall without sophomore guard P.J. Hairston.

Chris' Pick: IND -10

Matt's Take: This line is massive and clearly based on Hairston missing. North Carolina is athletic and versatile but missing Hairston really dilutes some of the advantage outside North Carolina has on a big team like Indiana. I wavered a bit here, but Indiana is pure silk on offense. If UNC can't compete from 3 this one isn't close. I'll take the Hoosiers at home.

Matt's Pick: IND -10

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

3. #4 OSU @ #2 DUKE

Line: DUKE -6

Chris' Take: You have to like Duke's strong start to the 2012-2013 campaign. The play of big-man Miles Plumlee and guards Quinn Cook, Seth Curry, and Rahsheed Sulaimon has been solid, and the Blue Devils seem to be the real deal. But I also like the strong defense of Ohio State's Aaron Craft and Deshaun Thomas to keep it close. I'll take the points.

Chris' Pick: OSU +6

Matt's Take: Uggghh. Picking between these two games is like picking between burning yourself to death or drowning. Both choices are painful. I have significant bias against Ohio State from past sports dealings with Florida and Urban Meyer quitting on us to coach them a year later. Duke is, well, Duke. The B1G has fared well thus far in this ACC/B1G challenge, but the contests have been at home for the B1G schools. This is the ACC's chance to save some face. But we live in a world where Miles Plumlee is the Blue Devils best player. Duke already has good wins against Kentucky and Lousiville, but I like Ohio Stat and Dehsaun Thomas to keep it close. This has the makings a traditional grind 'em out Big 10 game.

Matt's Pick: OSU +6