A10 Bread

We have some games on the board tonight, most notably 2 in the NIT where the 2 most dangerous Atlantic 10 teams that didn't make the NCAA's look to make a point, an NIT final 4 point. Virginia Tech (25-8) hosts The Rhode Island Rams (25-9) in the NIT quarters, and Im not about to stick up for VA Tech in regards to getting ripped off by the selection committee for scheduling weak and having an RPI of 1000- i don't think much of them anyways. The Hokies are favored by 6 tonight, I like Rhode Island to get it done on the grit in Blacksburg- thats where my read goes. Rhode Island (+6 or +7)

The 2nd game involves the Red-nosed Pits of the Atlantic 10, Dayton Flyers as they go on the road to Champaign to lock jaws with an Illinois team that can get up for a tough test. I have respect for Illinois, more than the bookmakers do. With that being said, I don't think they should be favored in this game. Dayton's 1-2 punch at PG, Lowery and Warren just press and press and turn you over. I think the Flyers sweep Illinois off their feet to kick the game off. I expect a catchup period, but not enough to pull it off. Since the points are offered, I'll take Dayton to cover but I expect a win. Dayton (+3 or +4).

The final A10/other conference game in the board tonight is not an NIT game, and Im sure Majerus and his St. Louis squad think it should be. They were barely on the bubble for the NCAA's towards the end of the season, after a hot streak where they started running through the top teams in the conference, most notably sweeping Dayton and a home win over Rhode Island. However, after close home losses to Xavier and Temple and a rematch L to Rhode Island in the conference tournament, Saint Louis was clearly cut off the bubble, but an NIT bid seemed likely. Fast forward, after getting passed up by Dayton and Rhode Island- the Billikens have played in the CBI with a bit of a chip on their shoulder. They play outstanding ball at home and take on the Ivy League powerhouse Princeton Tigers who just ran through A10 disappointment, schizophrenic and disorganized Duquesne, and a pretty good IUPUI team to reach the CBI semi's. Princeton walks into a hostile territory against a coaching mastermind and a Saint Louis team that has hit their stride late season. The Billikens are 4 point favorites at home against a 3 point reliant Princeton team who have proven not to be overlooked this year. Im good with the Billikens -3 in this game, and think they advance to face VCU in the CBI final. Saint Louis (-3).

*Note: VCU hosts the Boston Terriers tonight in the other CBI semi-final, and I think they get by the Terriers with flying colors. Boston is also missing their starting PG, a valuable asset as the team assist leader and contributing 14 ppg. VCU is getting 11.5 points, I think they win by 12+.

Cheers.