Georgia State at Northeastern (-10) - 11:00am Pacific - Game #523-524
The Huskies have been a surprise this year in the CAA with some impressive showings against big name conference opponents. Northeastern lost by 2 at BC, played close at UConn before losing by 9, forced OT at Maryland, and lost at Illinois by just 8. Just two of their first twelve games have been played at home and despite being a sub .500 team last year have gone 18-2 in their last 20 home games. Reigning CAA freshman of the year G Matt Janning has picked up where he left off scoring 16.3ppg and freshman Allen has been a pleasant surprise directing the offense with 9.9ppg, 5.2apg, and showing athleticism with 5.2rpg, good for second on the team. Georgia State found lightning in a bottle in a weird weekday afternoon matchup vs George Mason but still clearly is a team in full rebuilding mode. Home loss to Bethune Cookman as well a double digit loss at Coastal Carolina within the past two weeks are more representative of their abilities. The Panthers must now overcome the likely letdown after their biggest conference win ever as well as make their longest road trip of the season. Northeastern has been in the CAA for two years and has won home games against Georgia State by 26 and 15 points respectively. Expect another double digit victory from a hungry Husky team today.

Play: Northeastern -10  0.5 UNIT |  LOSS 64-62
Fresno State at New Mexico State (-7) - 6:00pm Pacific - Game #613-614
The Aggies have faced a difficult schedule all season ranking top 40 in RPI index, and more importantly only half of their sixteen games have been at home where they are 25-3 dating back to last season. Starting center Passos was lost to academics three games ago but good looking freshman guard Jahmar Young became eligible four games back and has started last two. NMSU has played their best basketball of the season recently taking Louisville down to the wire on the road, blowing out Alcorn State, and beating Idaho on the road in WAC opener on Wednesday by double digits. This is their conference home opener and they have had two full days to return home and prepare for this match up. Fresno meanwhile will be at a disadvantage having played at La Tech Thursday night, one of the more difficult places to travel to and from in the country. The Bulldogs have covered four straight games but have had favorable circumstances in all four. Fresno is very thin after losing guard O'Neil to a wrist injury and projected starter Sims (Kentucky transfer) never making the floor due to disciplinary and academic issues. Fresno is 2-5 away from home with both wins coming vs very bad teams Winston Salem and La Tech. They have been fortunate recently to not play any athletic teams who will force tempo but that is exactly what they will face tonight. Expect a solid home win from the Aggies. Give the points.

Play: New Mexico State -7  0.5 UNIT |  WIN 77-67
Samford at Tennessee-Martin (-2.5) - 4:00pm Pacific - Game #645-646
The Skyhawks got an infusion of talent this season with the additions of former Tennessee JUCO player of the year Lester Hudson (27.6ppg) and former Tennessee Mr Basketball Marquis Weddle (16.0ppg). They have played four top 50 type teams and have played 9 of 14 away from home. They also had to play five games without starting forward Gerald Robinson (#3 scorer, #1 rebounder) due to suspension. Since his return they played down to the wire at ranked Vanderbilt and forced OT vs league favorite Austin Peay. They now sit 1-3 in conference play and face a must win home game here. Samford has just three upperclassmen on their entire roster and suffered a blow when senior starting guard Curtis West suffered a shoulder injury last month. He was second on the team in minutes played, assists, and rebounds and remains out indefinitely. Samford is coming off a closely contested road win at Tennessee Tech and now play their second road game in three days with travel. The Bulldogs have not overwhelmed anyone this season, and insiders are questioning whether coach Tillette can win with the talent of recruits that have been drawn to his Princeton offense. Their current 3-1 conference record can be credited to two narrow wins and a home heavy early schedule. On the season the Bulldogs are taking 48.6% of their shots from beyond the arc and connecting at just a 32.4% rate. With a full roster available the Skyhawks are being undervalued at home. Lay the small number.

Play: TN-Martin -2.5   0.5 UNIT  |  WIN 63-49


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