Bob Balfe
College Basketball
6:30 PM EST
Rotation #672
Seton Hall -3.5 over Providence
Providence is on the road against a hot Seton Hall team. The Ed Cooley era is over, so new head coach Kim English will have a tough time coaching in his first year, especially on the road. The Pirates have the experience edge over the Friars. Al-Amir Dawes, Dre Davis, and Kadary Richmond are senior leaders who should take over this game on their home court. Providence brought in a few transfers from George Mason, but it’s a step up in competition for them. The talent edge is vast in this game and favors the Pirates. Take Seton Hall.
College Basketball
9:00 PM EST
Rotation #727
Illinois -2.5 over Northwestern
All hope was lost when senior guard Terrence Shannon was arrested and suspended for a rape charge. Shannon has been allowed to rejoin the team before his trial. Illinois has learned to play well without him, so the bench is well-oiled. One thing that stands out in this game is the pure size and athletic ability of the Illini. It’s one thing to be long, but everyone on the Illinois roster is over 200 pounds. Look for the Illini to bully their way to points and to be active on the glass. Northwestern had a great season last year and has veteran leadership, but it will take a lot of work to duplicate the success from a season ago. Illinois plays fast and will get the Wildcats out of their average slow pace, affecting their shooting. Take Illinois.
College Basketball
11:00 PM EST
Rotation #742
Washington +2.5 over Colorado
Colorado and Washington were mirror images of each other last year as they finished 8th in the PAC 12 last season. Washington added four senior transfers to the program, while the Buffs brought in just one. Colorado has yet to win a road game, and it won’t be easy against a veteran Huskies team. Keion Brooks should take over the game and is grateful for transfers Sahvir Wheeler, Moses Woods, and Paul Mulcahy. The Huskies played a more demanding schedule and should outplay the Buffaloes at home. Take Washington.
