Updated Picks for March 11 ESPN Streak for the Cash
March Madness invades Streak for the Cash with more sports picks for tonight. One of the teams looking to go dancing is the Davidson Wildcats. Here, forward Jake Cohen (15) chases a loose ball during the first half against the Appalachian State Mountaineers in the semifinals of the Southern Conference tournament at US Cellular Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
As is sure to be the case for the rest of this week, Streak for the Cash added some extra picks for the evening once lines and tournament schedules were all finalized. Click here for my full picks for today, but here’s an add-on group of picks and the confidence I have in them:
Bonus Picks for 3/11 Streak for the Cash
7:03- Florida International Golden Panthers: The Sun Belt tournament final features a pair of underdogs after the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers dispatched Arkansas State in the semifinals 58-56 and FIU upset Middle Tennessee 61-57. The Hilltoppers are favored by 2 1/2 but I think the Golden Panthers will be the ones crashing the Big Dance with a ticket they earn tonight. The two teams split their regular season meetings with both teams winning at home. This matchup is in Arkansas on a neutral floor. The Panthers did have a better conference record by a game and looked better in their last win than WKU in my opinion. FIU’s coach is Richard Pitino the son of the the famous Louisville coach and looks to have his team ready to finish their magical run. Over the season, they’ve seemed close multiple times, but it looks like they’re putting the pieces together at just the right time. This should be a good, close game and come down to the end in true “March Madness” Style. Confidence Meter: 4 (out of 10)
7:04- Davidson Wildcats winning Margin: Davidson is favored by seven as they take on Charleston in the Southern Conference Final. The Wildcats won both their meetings with Charleston this season by nine at home and by 16 on the road. Davidson had a close call in the last round beating Appalachian State by just three, but I think they’ll bounce back and win this by 10-15. Charleston averages just over six three’s per game. Look for the Wildcats to finisht their dominating season in the Southern conference with a win here on their way to the NCAA Tournament. Confidence Meter: 6
Mar 10, 2013; Richmond, VA, USA; The Northeastern Huskies celebrate on the court after beating the George Mason Patriots in the semifinals of the CAA Tournament at the Richmond Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
7:04- Northeastern: The Northeastern Huskies face James Madison in the CAA Men’s Championship Final after their stunning comeback to knock off George Mason. The Huskies will be in hostile territory on this “neutral” court in Richmond, but are still favored by two and had the better regular season conference record. It should be another classic March finish, but the Huskies will be loaded with confidence and beat James Madison earlier this year. Confidence Meter: 3
9:07- Manhattan 3-pointers made or tie: In the MAAC finals tonight the Manhattan Jaspers take on the Iona Gaels. Iona is favored by just four after taking out top-seeded Niagara in the semi-finals. The Jaspers will prove a tough test for Iona as Manhattan knocked off the Gaels in double-overtime about a month ago. In their earlier season meeting Iona pulled out an eight-point win on their home floor after rallying from an early deficit. Manhattan may pull this upset straight-up, but I definitely think they make a good pick getting their 3PM against the winning margin. They average only 5.58 three’s per game, so don’t expect a ton of three’s, but I do think they’ll get enough to cover this spread. Confidence Meter: 4
Mar 9, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the ball next to Milwaukee Bucks forward Mike Dunleavy (17) in the third quarter at ORACLE arena. The Bucks defeated the Warriors 103-93. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
10:35- Golden State Warriors: The Warriors look to avenge their loss in Madison Square Garden tonight as they host the Knicks. The Warriors are favored by 2 1/2 even though they’ve lost their last two at home while New York has won three of their last four. David Lee and Carmelo Anthony are expected to return, but the Knicks will be without Amare Stoudemire. Steph Curry lit up the Knicks in their last meeting but didn’t get any help. At the ORACLE, the Warriors are 20-9 so I think they bounce back and get the win tonight. Confidence Meter: 5 if no ‘Melo, 4 if Melo and D-Lee play, 3 if ‘Melo goes but not David Lee. I’ll update you on twitter @FantasyCPR on their availability as gametime approaches.