South Carolina at Baylor (-6) - 3:00pm Pacific - Game #753-754
Head coach Scott Drew is in his fourth season at Baylor and for the first time is playing a full schedule and has a full allotment of scholarships. The Bears have four starters back and a top 15 rated recruiting class. Junior guard Aaron Bruce leads the Big 12 in assist to turnover ratio, sophomore guards Curtis Jerrells and Henry Dugat are versatile double figure scorers, and sophomore center Mamadou Diene leads the Big 12 in blocks. Freshman guard Tweety Carter, the school's first ever McDonald's All-American, provides a spark off the bench along with 7 foot freshman Josh Lomers, a very servicable big body. Baylor started the season with a neutral court win over Colorado State and then lost the next day at Gonzaga. In that game guard Aaron Bruce shot 0-for-12 and the team as a whole shot just 32% but they still only lost by 9. The Bears have since had four easy home games winning each by no less than 24 points.

I still have no problem going against the Gamecocks. They were beaten soundly by Clemson at home two games ago before rebounding with a 12 point win over a 3-6 College of Charleston team. South Carolina now must go back on the road for their toughest away game thus far. This is a very thin team with only six players averaging double digit minutes and Dave Odom has rarely used more than seven players in a game. The Gamecocks rank last in the SEC in scoring offense, scoring margin, field goal percentage, 3-point field goal percentage, 3-point field goal percentage defense, rebounding margin, assists, steals, defensive rebounds, and 3-point field goals made. If they do not shoot well from 3-point range (which they have only done once this year vs USC) this game could get ugly in a hurry. Baylor has a team that will be competitive in the Big 12 this year. They have been pointing to this game for over three weeks and have won 9 of their last 10 home games dating back to last season. Give the points.

RAS Official Play: Baylor -6   1 UNIT

Arizona at San Diego State (+3.5) - 6:30pm Pacific - Game #805-806
I have been very impressed with the play of the Aztecs. They started the season 8-0 which included impressive road wins at St. Mary's and at UCSB and a convincing seven point home win over California. Starting center Jerome Habel (11.8ppg, 7.4rpg) was reinstated from suspension in fifth game of the season and has provided an added boost. This team is very quick and skilled. Senior guard Brandon Heath and senior forward Mohamed Akubar have NBA type talent and can hold their own with any two Wildcat players. Athletic Louisville transfer G/F Lorenzo Wade has emerged as a third scoring option. The Aztecs finally slipped up in last road game at Western Michigan after committing 22 turnovers, but it still was a back and forth game. For the first time all season they have had a full week to prepare for an opponent and this is easily their biggest home game in at least the last couple of years. The Aztecs are 17-2 at Cox Arena since the start of last season. A sell out crowd is expected.

Arizona is off to a great start but is coming off two hard fought games vs big name opponents. They came from behind to beat Illinois in Phoenix last Saturday and on Tuesday got by Louisville in New York. This will be their third straight game away from home and only their second true road game of the season. They lost at Virginia in their only other try. The Wildcats depth has been hurt by illnesses to reserve center Kirk Walters and reserve guard J.P. Prince. Both have returned to practice this week but neither has played in three weeks and their availability remains questionable. Both players may be in the coaches doghouse regardless of health. Arizona has relied too heavily on its starting five in competitive games. They are playing heavy minutes and have accounted for all but four points scored in their last two games. I believe the Wildcats are beatable in this matchup. The Aztecs are a very live home dog.

RAS Official Play: San Diego State +3.5   1 UNIT


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