March 2nd

Good evening streakers, as I write this San Diego is up by 18 with 6 minutes left to play, so I will count that as a win.

Thus I am 4-2 so far on the month, here is my entry just in case you want to double check http://streak.espn.go.com/en/entryStats?entryID=3798197

Some good picks tomorrow, so let's start breaking them down.

1. Da Points or tie vs Graeme McDowell

Da Points has been struggling as of late, having missed the cut at the Northern Trust Open, and placing no better than 45 the two tournaments before that.

McDowell placed 33rd in his only American tournament so far this year.

Yesterday Points shot a 71, (-1 on the front 9) where McDowell shot a 73 (+1 on the front 9)

McDowell is historically the better golfer, but in 9 holes anything can happen.

3 Ball odds: McDowell (+175) Points (+200)

My Pick: McDowell

2. James Madison vs NC-Wilmington

This seems to me to be a type of "trap game" not because I don't think the Dukes will win, I do, but I think the game will be a lot closer than people expect.  They had the same conference record, although JMU did win the only regular season matchup between the two teams on the road, and by 8.

I think in conference tournament games it is important to look at the road record because despite the crowd difference, teams prepare in the same way they do for a road game (travel, etc)

NC Wilmington 4-12 (2-8 conf) on the road
James Madison 5-9 (3-7 conf) on the road

James Madison had the easier non conference schedule which is why they have the better record (also helped to have two less road games)

Odds -2.5 JMU

I do think James Madison will win, but I wouldn't be surprised if NC-Wilmington did, more of a 50-50 game than most people might expect.

3. Hull City vs Blackpool.

Don't have time for a full write up, going Hull City

4. Kent State vs Akron

Kent State is 13-2 at home with losses to Cleveland St. and Charleston.
Akron is 7-7 on the road, but only 2 of those road losses were to conference opponents.

Akron has lost their last 2 games, KSU has lost 3 of their last 4.
Probably going to be a big crowd at KSU tonight on a Friday night, especially against a rival like Akron

Line is -4.0 KSU

I'll tip toe to KSU but I don't think its a very safe pick.

5. Points in 3rd quarter 45- or 46+

This is a total in-game prop, I'll have to decide during the game which way to go with my pick