PREMIUM
Rogers' 10* NCAAB PLAY OF THE DAY (TOTAL) >> +$20K ALL SPORTS RUN!
(NCAAB) Niagara vs. Minnesota,
Total: 154.50 | -109.00 Over
Result: Loss
Total: 154.50 | -109.00 Over
Result: Loss
The set-up: Richard Pitino's Minnesota Golden Gophers are 2-0 and ranked 15th in the latest AP poll. It's safe to say that regardless how the Gophers' season plays out, the 2017-18 season will have gone much better for Richard Pitino, than for his dad, Rick. Minnesota will try to avoid an emotional letdown after a huge road victory when it returns home Wednesday night to take on Niagara in a non-conference contest. The Golden Gophers put up 50 points and shot better than 60 percent from the floor in the second half to rally for an impressive 86-74 victory in front of a raucous crowd at Providence on Monday. Niagara was just 10-23 last season but opened this season with a 77-75 win over St. Bonaventure 77-75 on Friday, the first time the school has won its season-opener since 2011-12!
Niagara: The Purple Eagles did win just 10 games last season but all five starters are back, including return one of the top backcourts in the MAAC, featuring seniors Kahlil Dukes and Matt Scott, who combined to average 32.5 PPG last season, while making 130 three-pointers. That duo led the way against St. Bonny's, as Dukes made 8-of-14 for 23 points, while Scott had 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Minnesota: Pitino's 'ride' at Minnesota has been of the roller coaster variety. A 25-win season in his first year (won NIT!), 18 wins in his second but then just EIGHT in his third. Minnesota bounced back with 25 wins last year (lost in the 1st round of the Big Dance) and now a top-25 ranking early in this season. All five starters return for Minneoita as well and it's a talented group. Junior forward Jordan Murphy was named the Big Ten player of the week Monday, leading the way during two victories in averaging 29 points on 23-of-37 shooting and adding 14.5 RPG. Guard Nate Mason (14.0 & 5.5) checks in behind Murphy plus the 6-10 Lynch (13.5 & 7.5) and 6-8 swingman Coffey (11.5 & 4.5) are off to good starts as well.
The pick: As noted above, all five starters returned for the Purple Eagles but let's add here that it's a welcome change from the transition that's ravaged the program. A whopping 20 players exited the program from Casey's arrival before the 2013-14 season through last season. "It's the first time we've had some carryover and haven't had to replace a large piece of the roster," Casey said. "Transfers really hurt us." Will Niagara win here? Probably not but off Minnesota's nice road win, expect the Golden Gophers to be a little flat. Take the points or go under? I say make the Under a 10* play.
Niagara: The Purple Eagles did win just 10 games last season but all five starters are back, including return one of the top backcourts in the MAAC, featuring seniors Kahlil Dukes and Matt Scott, who combined to average 32.5 PPG last season, while making 130 three-pointers. That duo led the way against St. Bonny's, as Dukes made 8-of-14 for 23 points, while Scott had 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Minnesota: Pitino's 'ride' at Minnesota has been of the roller coaster variety. A 25-win season in his first year (won NIT!), 18 wins in his second but then just EIGHT in his third. Minnesota bounced back with 25 wins last year (lost in the 1st round of the Big Dance) and now a top-25 ranking early in this season. All five starters return for Minneoita as well and it's a talented group. Junior forward Jordan Murphy was named the Big Ten player of the week Monday, leading the way during two victories in averaging 29 points on 23-of-37 shooting and adding 14.5 RPG. Guard Nate Mason (14.0 & 5.5) checks in behind Murphy plus the 6-10 Lynch (13.5 & 7.5) and 6-8 swingman Coffey (11.5 & 4.5) are off to good starts as well.
The pick: As noted above, all five starters returned for the Purple Eagles but let's add here that it's a welcome change from the transition that's ravaged the program. A whopping 20 players exited the program from Casey's arrival before the 2013-14 season through last season. "It's the first time we've had some carryover and haven't had to replace a large piece of the roster," Casey said. "Transfers really hurt us." Will Niagara win here? Probably not but off Minnesota's nice road win, expect the Golden Gophers to be a little flat. Take the points or go under? I say make the Under a 10* play.
