UC Riverside (+21.5) at San Diego State - 7:00pm Pacific - Game #743-744
The Highlanders surprisingly have a lot of positives going for them. They have scrapped the full court "system" that failed miserably last season and now are playing a more conventional style. They have their 5th year senior point guard Justin Bell back after missing all of last season with injury. He is the unquestioned leader of the team while ranking first in 3-pointers made, steals, and assists. The team is playing with emotion as head coach David Spencer is out battling cancer and a freshman recruit lost his life in a car accident a month before practice began. In addition to Bell, five solid players are back including athletic junior Larry Cunningham (14.0ppg, 8.2rpg) and Big West defensive POY Dedrick Bates. JC transfer power foward BJ Visman has been impressive in the early going providing a much needed post presence. The Highlanders actually led at half-time in season debut at Iowa State and the outcome was not decided until late. They went 1-1 to finish out the tournament and since have had two easy confidence building wins at home vs NAIA schools. The Big West conference is making noise (14-7 ATS so far) this year and this UCR team is one of the most undervalued in the group.

San Diego State is very talented and I am high on them this year but they are coming off a huge win over Pac-10 foe Cal on Saturday and very likely will underestimate this UCR team. It is a letdown situation in the making with this being the final game before Thanksgiving break. Guard Matt Thomas and forward Kyle Spain have been limited by injuries this season and will likely not be pushed in this matchup. It will take nothing short of an "A" performance from the Aztecs to cover this big number and it is unlikely we will see that. Look for the Highlanders to keep this closer than most expect. Take the points.

RAS Official Play: UC Riverside +21.5   1 UNIT


Return to Record Page