Posted on
3/14/2008 6:16:36 PM
NCAA Hoops Conference USA Semifinal Pick – Tulsa vs. UTEP
By Eric Williams
The Tulsa Golden Hurricane, (19-12 SU, 15-10 ATS, 15-10 O/U), are a red-hot 8-2 in their last ten games, including consecutive Conference USA Tournament wins over East Carolina, (66-49) on Wednesday and 78-68 in overtime over UAB last night.
The Texas-EL Paso Miners, (19-12 SU, 13-13-1 ATS, 18-9 O/U) are just 5-5 in their last ten games but have been on fire lately, winning three consecutive games coming into this matchup, including consecutive Conference USA wins over SMU, (71-49) and Houston, (80-77) the last two days.
The Golden Hurricane are averaging 71.3 points per game on 45.1 percent shooting while allowing 65.0 points per game on 40.6 percent shooting.
The Miners are averaging 77.3 points per game on 43.9 percent shooting while allowing 73.2 points per game on 43.2 percent shooting.
The teams split two regular season games with each squad winning at home. The Miners won 65-61 on Jan. 26 while Tulsa returned the favor, 73-50 on Feb, 16.
Each team has recorded three consecutive ATS wins coming into this matchup.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my NCAA Basketball Picks.
The Golden Hurricane are 4-0 ATS in their last four games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5.
The Golden Hurricane are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games as a favorite.
The Miners are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games following a S.U. win.
The Under is 5-1 in Golden Hurricane last six games as a favorite.
The Over is 4-0 in Miners last four games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
The Golden Hurricane are 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.
The Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
Analysis: I’ll be totally honest and admit that the best pick in this contest is to take the ‘Over’ as each club averages over 70points per game this season. I also think Tulsa is the slightly better team as they proved by their emphatic victory on Feb. 16.
NCAAB Free Picks: Over 140 Total Points/Tulsa -1 Point
07:00 PM EST NCAAB Betting Odds
Tulsa -1 -110
UTEP +1 -110
Over 140 -110
Under 140 -110
Conference USA Semifinals @ Fedex Forum, Memphis, TN
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