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December 19, 2007
Games To Watch - 12/19/07
Things basically went as planned last night, with only five losses for the MRI out of 32 games. The biggest shocker was South Carolina Upstate getting their first Division 1 win of the season. Other than that, the most surprising victory might have been Mount St. Mary's taking out Winthrop. Given the way things have gone for Winthrop and Davidson this season, maybe we are seeing a rotation of the powers at the low major level.
Big slate of games tonight. Let's see where the MRI stands.
MRI #11 Memphis at Cincinnati: Remember when this was one of the biggest games in Conference USA? Not anymore. I wouldn't be surprised if Memphis won by about 30.
MRI Predicts: Memphis Confidence Factor: 70.69%
Wofford at Purdue: Purdue might also win this game by 30. If you want a sleeper surprise team in the early going this season it might be the Boilermakers. It is too bad they will beat up on the MRI's mascot team tonight.
MRI Predicts: Purdue Confidence Factor: 92.03%
Bradley at Butler: A great contrast in styles will go at it in Indianapolis tonight. This is another of those seeding-type games, since I am betting on both of these teams to make it to the NCAA tournament. I know the Bradley pick is a stretch but a strong showing in the Missouri Valley will likely give them the benefit of the doubt considering the league's "image" which has been much improved over the last few seasons. The MRI likes the home team tonight though.
MRI Predicts: Butler Confidence Factor: 78.76%
New Mexico State at New Mexico: Here is a chance for New Mexico to avenge their loss to their in-state brethren earlier this season. Apparently the loss didn't sway Vegas very much. The Lobos opened as a 9 point favorite although the line has come back. The MRI likes New Mexico in this one, much like the first time around.
MRI Predicts: New Mexico Confidence Factor: 83.00%
Arizona at UNLV: Given all that is going on in Lute Olson's life right now, it is not hard to imagine that next season, when he will be back, will be his last in charge of Arizona. For a man who has done so much in his career and sent more than his fair share of players to the NBA, it will be the passing of an era in the game. Olson is a sure fire Hall of Famer and a legend of the game. Arizona is making a strong run for the Top 25 in the MRI after a slightly rocky start. That said, tonight might be more difficult than you would expect for the Wildcats. This is my "Win the games you are expected to win" game for the night.
MRI Predicts: Arizona Confidence Factor: 51.05%
Ohio vs. St. John's in Hawaii: Ohio is a dangerous team. The win over Maryland showed that. The blowout loss to Kansas didn't. Not that we expected them to win at Kansas, especially given how well the Jayhawks are playing. This may be one of the closest games ever in the MRI, as the two teams are only 0.09 points apart in the rankings. The neutral court makes it even more even. A slight advantage in the MRI for St. John's but this is really anyone's game.
MRI Predicts: St. John's Confidence Factor: 51.05%
MRI Stats:
Yesterday: 27 - 5
This Season: 560 - 204, 73.30%
All Time: 12247 - 4806, 71.82%
The MRI is a computer basketball ranking system. It has been picking games since 2003. Ben Miraski writes for MRISports.com and is a featured blogger on FanIQ. Readers can contact Ben at bmiraski@mrisports.com
Posted by bmiraski at December 19, 2007 11:50 AM
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