Two College Hoops Plays For Friday Night

Well, that didn't work out very well for me. I had one of the worst losses I've ever taken in college basketball. No, it wasn't like I blew my entire bankroll. I didn't lose more than normal on any bet that I made, but I was very sure that Arizona would beat Washington State as -13.5 point favorites, and the Wildcats lost the game outright. I actually wrote that I thought the line was a little high, but I was pretty confident that Washington State would have no chance to beat Arizona at home. The same Arizona team that had already lost to Washington State earlier in the year. I suppose that was a nice reality check for myself. Tonight, I have a couple of smaller plays on the hardwood in what is a smaller slate before tomorrow's packed agenda. 

Nevada vs. San Jose State, 10:00 ET

We have two teams playing in this game tonight that are college basketball teams. You would think this is an obvious statement, but I need to confirm it for you, considering just how bad San Jose State has been this season and how brutal they have looked in the MWC. San Jose State is the home team in this game and are 9-18 for the season with a 2-12 record in the conference. They have won just won game in their past 10 games. Even that was a seven-point victory, so still a bit sweaty. Nevada, on the hand has been dominant for the majority of the season with a 21-6 record, but they have struggled a bit against MWC. After starting 2-0 over Fresno State and Air Force, Nevada dropped three straight games, including two on the road. then they played a stretch where they had to play four ranked opponents in five games. They went 3-1 in that stretch, only losing at New Mexico. It was a brutal loss, they fell by 34, and was probably the worst loss of the season. Since that game though, they've won five of six games and the only loss they had was against New Mexico, a one-point home loss. Nevada and San Jose State have already squared off once this season. In that game it was clear who the better team was. Nevada won on their home court by 30 points. Now they have to play on the road where the biggest win they've had this season was against Fresno State, a 15-point win. Tonight, the line is -10, but I think Nevada can cover it. They only need to be about a third as effective as they were in the first game. One word of warning, this is a bit of a look-ahead spot because they play Colorado State next, but back Nevada to cover the big number on the road. 

 (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Duquesne vs. Fordham, 8:30 ET

Yes, I've shifted from the MWC to the A-10, that's how far down in the barrel we are going for college hoops plays today. I think we have a good edge in this game though so who cares what league the teams are in? This game is even on ESPN2 so you will have no problem finding it and watching it. Finding or identifying where these schools are on a map is a different story, but again, that's not important to the overall goal: winning money. And, remember, these games cash the same as a game between Purdue and Kansas. Duquesne comes into this game with a 16-10 record for the year and a solid stretch of basketball having won seven of their past nine games. Prior to this turnaround, they dropped five straight and six of seven games. All of that came after an 8-2 start to the campaign. What that shows me is they are a streaky team. The question is how good they will be moving forward. Looking at the results, they don't look to be in jeopardy of dropping games any time soon. And, if they do drop a game they will probably be blown out. Fordham, on the other hand, is 10-16 this season and just 4-9 in their conference. They are playing bad basketball as well with a 2-8 record over their last ten games, including four straight losses. The margin of defeat in those games: 15, 18, 8, 15. They haven't even really been able to keep games close. They played Duquesne once already this season, it was a road game, and they lost by nine points. In this one, they are at home and getting 2.5 points. I think the best way to play this game is to take the over 138. I expect both teams to score 70 points and we should get some added free throws close to the end of the game that will put us over the total. 

For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on Twitter: @futureprez2024