Solid pick for Thursday. . .

[Nickelback]

Perhaps one of my strongest plays of the year, but I will have to look into this game at every single angle before making such a decision:

Take UTEP over Hawaii!

Sounds like a foolish play right? Well, here's my reasons:

1. First game for Hawaii on the road.

2. UTEP plays well at home, horrible on the road.

3. The public may be all over Hawaii for this one (obviously remains to be seen) because it appears that the Bows should be favored based on how they have played. The oddsmakers know better!

In the end, it could be very rough for Hawaii when they have played a couple months on the same court with the same rims, etc. Now they have a long flight and have to play for the first time without their home crowd to back them.

I absolutely love this one. Additional thoughts always welcome.


[This message has been edited by Nickelback (edited 01-03-2002).]

 

[Time Will Tell]

good stuff those are all real good reasons to consider/ whats the line, an whats uteps record at home? let me know what you think

 

[wigs]

dont know if all the students are back yet, during the academic year a definite home court advantage, just curious if that is still the case on jan 3? i only ask b/c when i go to University of Texas games during the winter break, the crowds are laughable(they played #2 illinois at the time and no one was there) good luck..

 

[bryanz]

Utep-2/5-1@home/last:Utep85-77,3/01

 

[NJO]

at first glance, I like this play, as well, but will the long flight affect them here?

I ask because they are probably not in school, meaning they may have left Hawaii sooner for El Paso, and may be there well-rested (as opposed to during the school year, when their time isn't so free).

 

[Venom boy]

I was going to start a thread about Hawaii's first raod game , beat me to the punch !!!
hope for imput from hoops or ray on this .
gl Venom

 

[gridman]

Tread lightly my friends. Hawaii has the makings of a very good team this year. They have players and they play as a TEAM. Also, they have been consistently playing good defense. This is key especially on the road, where the environment can get to you. Although I live in Hawaii, I try not to be biased as I do go against them at times. Call it a hunch or a "heart play", I am playing Hawaii but very lightly. This team just seems to have that "aura". Could be wrong so will tread lightly on their current road trip. Will try to keep you fellahs posted from a local aspect.
GM

 

[Nickelback]

lol Gridman. . . I suggest you take a look at UTEP before going with your heart play.

Good luck either way!

 

[Nickelback]

Regarding when the Bows traveled to the mainland for this game, I have no idea. . . I would assume that it was on or after the 1st of the year. Can't imagine them not celebrating the New Year on the island just because they have a game on the 3rd, but what do I know?!?!

Maybe gridman can help us out with this???

Anyways, Hawaii has played their games for the past 2 months on the same rims in the same court, etc. I would expect them to have the record they do! I am not convinced they are a great team yet because other Rainbow teams have had similar success when they play at home but a complete reversal when they travel to the mainland.

First road game of the year almost 2 months into the college basketball season. . . even if they play a great game, UTEP has a chance at home.

Decided not to make this a "play of the year" type of bet, but instead a strong wager nonetheless.

 

[gridman]

FYI I believe Hawaii left on Sunday and spent New Years in LA. All what you say is true about Hawaii's road woes and that is why I am treading lightly. It's just that this edition is something special or has the makings of something special that makes me feel the road won't give them trouble this year. Remember the WAC tournament where they came from 6th seeded to win it all @ Tulsa? And because I feel they have a better team leads me to believe they just might be better on the road. Guess only time will tell. GO Warriors!
GM

Ps. Technically, this is Hawaii's 2nd road trip of the year. They went 2-1 in their first road trip. (Hilo Tournament)

 

[Nickelback]

Decided to go with only two for the night:

Utep laying 2.5 and Ill. Chicago laying 3. . . playing both for the same amount. Only other play for the day will be Miami in THE GAME tonight over Nebraska.

Feel very good about coming away with a winning night. Good luck to all.

 

[Nickelback]

Added James Madison +4.5 with 100% credit going to Ray (afterall, I don't want to be called out for not giving credit where credit is due).

LOL. . . lets bring in another winning night!

 

[boozee11]

i was right there with you nb with both close losses.lets get it back tonight.i like what you are saying about oregon on the road but not sure arizona ready to lay this kind of number to a good in-conference foe.

 

[gridman]

One down and one more to go for da Warriors this Saturday. Well, despite having control of the game for the most part, Hawaii managed a close win as Savovic went bananas with 29pts. Boise State next. Should be a good one. Supposedly, UTEP is better than Boise but Boise is always tough at home. Plus the altitude. Will say this much - if Hawaii plays like they did vs UTEP, they will win. Otherwise . . .

Go Warriors!

GM