New Mexico at BYU (-6.5) - 3:00pm Pacific - Game #565-566
The Cougars showed class early in the season jumping out to a 10-2 start with a win over ranked Louisville and competitive losses to ranked North Carolina and Michigan State. They have gone just 4-3 since which allows a reasonable price here, but they have yet to play their best basketball in conference play. They have shown improved defensive intensity in recent wins at Utah and vs SDSU who was undefeated in MWC play coming into the game. BYU shot under 35% in both games and still emerged victorious. Once they get their offense and defense going on the same day they are going to be very dangerous. New Mexico is still on my list of go against teams, especially when playing away from The Pit. Their lack of size and depth on the interior is going to pose a big problem trying to contain BYU big man Trent Plaisted. The Lobos have needed OT in three of their last four wins. They lost at TCU, and should have lost at Wyoming, in their only two MWC road tests. Now they must play in one of the loudest and most difficult arenas in all of college basketball where BYU has won 41 straight games. Give the points.

Play: BYU -6.5  0.5 UNIT |  WIN 83-66
Santa Clara at San Diego (-4.5) - 6:00pm Pacific
The Toreros continue to improve under first year coach Bill Grier. They have won 4 of last 7 games including big road win at Kentucky and a key WCC road win at Portland last Monday. One loss in the stretch came with leading scorer Brandon Johnson out of the lineup, and the other two were excusable as well (at Gonzaga, and letdown spot at Marshall after Kentucky win). Johnson (25+ points in 3 of last 5 outings) is back healthy and continues to have a breakout season. Junior forward Gyno Pomare remains one of the most underrated inside players in the West. Five freshman contributors now have 20 games under their belts including walk-on guard Devin Ginty who has emerged in last seven games and scored in double figures in both key road wins mentioned above. Santa Clara is just 3-5 in their last 8 games with all three wins coming at home vs hapless Denver, LMU, and Pepperdine. Before exploding for 101 vs Pepperdine, they averaged just 53.4ppg in previous seven games as they struggle to find consistent scoring options outside of center Bryant. They even needed OT to beat Denver and lost at home to both Niagara and San Jose State in the stretch. The Broncos also lost by 31 to St Mary's in their only conference road test this season. Playing at home, San Diego has a clear upperhand in this matchup. Give the points.

Play: San Diego -4.5 1.0 UNIT|  LOSS 53-51
Hawaii at Idaho (-1) - 7:00pm Pacific - Game #649-650
Idaho answered the bell with a wire to wire double digit win over San Jose State on Thursday night. This team continues to improve and continues to be undervalued by both oddsmakers and the betting market. The Vandals may actually be facing a weaker opponent than what they saw on Thursday night as they get another great opportunity for a home win here. Hawaii has struggled all season long as they went just 4-7 in non-conference play with the four wins coming vs Alcorn State, Coppin State, Centenary, and Long Beach State, all at home. Hawaii lost starting center Stephen Verwers to injury 8 games back leaving them thin on the interior. They are 3-3 in WAC play but that is thanks to a very favorable schedule. They knocked off San Jose State twice including a one point win after SJSU point guard Graham went down with injury, and two games back beat a shortanded and weary Fresno State team who had one off day for travel from the mainland and was using a six man rotation. Hawaii is just 1-4 in road games this season and on Thursday night were down by 25 in non-competitive effort at Boise State. A fast paced 106 point second half in that game could have Hawaii even more weary than usual. Meanwhile, Hawaii scoring and assist leader Matt Gipson missed practice Friday and is expected to be a game time decision Saturday night for what is being called a case of insubordination by head coach Nash. Look for the Vandals to continue their momentum with another conference win. Give the small number.

Play: Idaho -1 1.0 UNIT  |  LOSS 53-58
LMU (+11) at Pepperdine - 7:00pm Pacific - Game #651-652
LMU has shown positive signs of a pulse since the start of conference play. They were within 5 of Gonzaga in the second half of their WCC opener and followed that up with a convincing home win over Portland. They were only down 5 at half at Santa Clara on the road before getting blown out at St Mary's in last game. The Lions have developed a decent nine man rotation and clearly are not as bad as some of their early season performances may indicate. Pepperdine is still amid turmoil from the abrupt departure of head coach Walberg last week. Rumors continue to swirl as to the reasons behind Walberg's action, a top recruit for next year has already asked for a release, and two of their most experienced current players, senior guard Walberg (coaches son) and junior center Henry have left the team. Pepperdine showed signs of life in two road games last weekend but they are still a very young and raw team. They have struggled all year with defense, rebounding, and finding any consistency on offense. The Waves are just 1-3 vs D-1 teams at home this year, with the lone win coming in OT vs Long Beach State. This team should not be giving double digits to anyone right now. LMU must only travel 20 minutes for this rivalry. Take the points.

Play: LMU +11  0.5 UNIT  |  LOSS 64-87


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