The boys went 4-2 last week, and look to build on that today with another great Saturday slate of college hoops. We went from coast to coast to find you winners this week, with selections coming from the ACC, Mountain West, and Big 12.
Year to Date Records:
Pat: 6-1
Alex: 1-4-1
Pat: Notre Dame (-5.5) vs. Boston College
Notre Dame has never started ACC play 0-3, and they’ll look to keep that streak going Saturday versus a visiting Boston College team facing struggles of their own. Mike Brey has absolutely owned the Golden Eagles in recent years; since joining the conference in 2013, the Irish are a perfect 10-0 against their old Big East foes. Boston College star guard Ky Bowman will undoubtedly be a handful for the Notre Dame defense, but the Irish still have T.J. Gibbs running the show, and D.J. Harvey, John Mooney, and Juwan Durham give them a significant advantage in the front-court.
Alex: Nevada (-3.5) at Fresno State
The Wolfpack are looking to put a stop to Fresno State’s hot 3-0 start to conference play. Senior guards Caleb and Cody Martin have been the motors for this team and their playmaking abilities will pose a big challenge for a Bulldogs defense that allows 66 points per game. Nevada has only suffered one loss this season, an 85-58 blowout at New Mexico. Other than their one loss, the Wolfpack have looked impressive. They look to use their potent offense to get back to their winning ways and gain momentum as conference play continues.
Pat: Virginia/Clemson under 124.5
Going back to the well with another Virginia under this week. Even with Marcquise Reed back from injury, Clemson has struggled to score in its first two ACC games, and facing the Cavaliers and their number one scoring defense is not exactly where teams find a cure for their offensive struggles. On the flip side, Clemson is a solid defensive team themselves, and while Kyle Guy has been red hot for the Cavaliers as of late, he has to cool down sometime, and this road game seems like the spot it’ll happen. Expect a close game in this one, but the winner may not hit 60.
Alex: Duke (-7.5) at Florida State
The young Blue Devils look to continue their dominance this season on the road against a tough and experienced Florida State team. Duke has been undefeated since suffering their only loss of the season to Gonzaga in the Maui Invitational, winning eight consecutive games. The impressive freshman trio of Barrett, Reddish, and Williamson will be a handful for a Seminoles defense. Last game was Duke’s first conference road game of the season, which resulted in a 22 point win over Wake Forest. The freshman trio combined for 61 of the team’s points, with Zion Williamson having a brilliant 30 point performance. The Blue Devils as a whole have been playing some of their best basketball as of late. Look for the them to keep their momentum going and pick up another conference win.
Pat: Nevada/Fresno State over 145
This game has the makings for an absolute shootout. Both teams play up-tempo, and Fresno State is at their best when pressing and trying to speed their opponent up. These two squads average a combined 160 points per game and are above average shooting from distance. The strong offenses and fast pace tendencies of both teams is good reason to believe this game is a race to 80 and the over should eclipse with ease.
Alex: Oklahoma (-4) vs. TCU
Both teams are coming off of tough conference losses and are looking to get back in the win column. Oklahoma is at home and has more on the line as they are already 1-2 in conference play, picking up their only win against Oklahoma St. The Sooners have been a good rebounding team thus far, and will need to control the boards in order to take care of the Horned Frogs. So far this season, the Sooners are 12-1 against the spread and look to continue this success on their home court.
