Butler at Ball St.

[spang]

Ball St -4 vs 10-0 Butler. This should be one hell of a game . Butler is as tough as they come. They are 10-0 and have won on the road at Purdue. The Bulldogs have taken the last 3 vs. the Cards including an embarassing ass kicking last year. I have not seen them play yet this year but know that they are always very tough.

Ball St. however has the big three of Smith, Williams and Jackson, and any one of the three can take a game over at anytime. This is also the deepest Ball St. team that I've observed. They lose next to nothing when they go to the bench with guys like Robbins and Lynch among others. They like the top 25 action and know they need a win over the Bulldogs to hang around. Add the revenge factor and I think Ball St. is highly motivated to lay one on Butler tonight.

Smaller plays
Det -1 at CMU) Loss of Kaman creates a large hole for CMU. Missing students negate home floor advantage.

Creighton + 10 vs W. Ky, Unless I missed the news that Marcus is coming back for the 'toppers I can not figure out for the life of me why this number is so high. It should stay close throughout.

 

[superbook]

I can't figure which side I'm on in that Butler - Ball State match-up. Butler is tough and they're looking for respect in this one. My lean is Butler, but I'm laying off this one.

With regards to CMU, IMO the line already factors in the loss of Kaman. Otherwise CMU would be favored by 4-5 in this one.

In terms of the home crowd, while you're correct that the school is on vacation keep in mind that most of the students live in the mid-Michigan area and many will travel to see the game. There's also a lot of CMU alumni in the area and they'll fill in for any missing students. Don't worry, the Rose Arena will be full tonight.

The loss of Kaman is huge but IMO Pleiness will step up and Kaman won't be missed vs Detroit as much as he will be in bigger games later on. CMU's leading scorer Webber plays better at home, he'll probably have a big night tonite. Especially since he's playing against his old AAU coach Perry Watson and Webber's entire family (he's from outside Detroit) will be in the stands.

I like CMU +2 in this one.

 

[loophole]

i'm not skilled enough to discern a betting edge in either of these games. if made to pick i'd take the points in both.

 

[xerri]

WKU line may be a little high because Korver is out for Creighton.

 

[boilermaker]

Spang with you on Ball State. I believe these two teams are very even. I think the difference in this game besides the homecourt is that ass kicking that Butler gave last year. Ithink that comes back to haunt them this year.Ball State -4