SC--UCLA

[The Hammer]

I love UCLA -8. I thought the spread would be at least 13. I've seen USC 3 times this year including an exhibition game, and they are a very average team destined for the NIT.
USC's big men are pretty good, but neither is in very good condition and the heat in Hawaii will take a huge toll in the third game in 3 days. The starting power forward, Rolando Howell, did not start the Chaminade game b/c of dehydration and he has performed pitifully the whole tournament. Also, USC's returning starting center is ineligible this tournament b/c of the European player sanction the NCAA levied. UCLA getting blown out last night brought this line down, but USC should be the cure for their problems.
Jason Kapano should have a Dunleavy-like performance against USC's soft perimeter defense.
Duke was a 4-star (out of 5) pick yesterday and I mopped up. I rate this at least a 3-star game.

 

[THISclose]

Hammer..I've "loved" UCLA to the tune of mega units lost the last 2 nights. They looked like crap to me against Houston(maybe I'm selling Houston short)and then we know how well they performed last night. I can't bring myself to bet against them, but they sure haven't shown this guy s**t...

 

[USC Gamecock]

Even though you didn't post that '4 star' pick yesterday I will give you props because you called me and told me about it before the game went off. I only wish you would have shared it with everybody here. Not everybody at MadJacks has the inside scoop on the Gamecocks like you do, you should remember that next time and hook some brothers up.

I'll tell everybody here like I told you last night, until I can get a better feel on Dave Odom and how his system will work at S.Carolina I will hold off on any wagering for/against the Gamecocks. You were smart enough to load up on the Dookies last night, so props on that. As for tonight, I'm still not touching the game, but I will tell everybody this...the Hammer usually has a pretty good feel for S.Carolina in games such as this (involving top 20 teams) so take it for what its worth.

 

[The Hammer]

USC Gamecock--you need to learn to bet against your team. If they are going to lose, you mine as well make some $$$ on it. If your team wins, you dont mind the loss of the bet as much. In any event, the cocks have put me back in good position for the finish of football seasons and the bowls.