Thursday, February 2, 2006...It's Groundhog's Day!!

"Rise and shine, campers, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today!"
"It's cold out there every day. What is this, Miami Beach?"
"Not hardly."

Yes, let's hope that like the movie, out luck keeps on repeating, and I don't care what Punxsutawney Phil says, when I am this hot (6 in a row and 8 out of 9!!) there can't be six more weeks of winter ahead. Well onto today's slate:

First, go with Maryland -3 at home against North Carolina. Everyone keeps saying how Maryland is going to go into the tank because McCray is out, but they keep on winning and have a 4-2 ACC record right now. Yes, they lost to Temple last weekend, but that was a blip on the radar, not a sign of the ship sinking. On the other hand, North Carolina is just too young to be a team that will go into college station and get a win. Yes, NC is 2-1 on the road in the ACC this season, but those three games came against Virginia, Vir Tech, and Fla St...not exactly murderer's row. Maryland on the other hand is 11-0 on their home court and will be looking to abuse this Tarheel team after they laid an egg against Temple over the weekend. The line is currently at 3 1/2 but I recommend buying the 1/2 point (just to be safe) and take Maryland -3.

Maryland -3 (**)

My next game is a little random so you are going to have to bear with me. Take Eastern Washington -3 at home against Sacramento State. Yes, Eastern Washington has a losing record and they lost to Sacramento State earlier in the year by 19!! BUT, never judge a book by its cover as they say and when you dig a little deeper you start to realize why E. Wash is favored in this game. E. Wash was unfortunate to play 5 of their first 7 conference games on the road and in doing so have already played on the home court of the top four teams in the league. They still have managed a 3-4 record and are now primed for a strong finish as they play 5 of their last 7 at home. Take away their one loss at home (in non-conference to San Diego State) and E. Wash is 5-0 with an average margin of victory of over 15 points per game!! Sac St. has posted a 2-1 record in Big Sky road games but the two wins both came against teams tied for last in the conference standings. One of the road wins came on a fall away baseline shot at the buzzer for a one point win. Sac State has lost three straight coming into this game tonight. In conference games only, Sac State ranks last in the Big Sky in FG% shooting, FG% defense, and rebounding margin. They rely heavily on forcing turnovers which is a style not conducive of success on the road. Top all that off with E. Wash playing into revenge and you have yourself a winner in E. Wash. This game is at -3 or -3 1/2 but like the one above, I recommend buying the 1/2 point just for insurance. I really like this game though.

Eastern Washington -3 (***)