Fargo’s Illinois-Chicago vs Bradley Basketball Picks
November 14, 2008
If you are looking for a handicapper that consistently gives out quality college basketball picks, Matt Fargo is your man! Today we’re taking a look at Matt’s Pick on the Illinois-Chicago/Bradley game. The NCAA basketball odds list Bradley as a 5.5 point favorite. Let’s see what side Mr. Fargo is on and why he chose that side.
Illinois-Chicago is coming off a season where expectations were exceeded and that can only help this year. The Flames are predicted to finish middle of the pack in the Horizon League but don’t be surprised to once again see them rise above the predictions. They went 18-15 last year and it could have been better as five losses were by five points or fewer including three one-point losses. The Flames went 8-5 to end the season and that momentum will carry over into this year.
The Flames have one of the best inside-outside combos in the Horizon with Josh Mayo and Scott VanderMeer respectively. Mayo is lethal from long range as he shot 47 percent from behind the arc and that included everywhere behind the arc meaning the extension of the three-point line this year means little. VanderMeer led the league in rebounding and blocked shots last season and his 7’0” 260 lb. frame is hard to defend. He has expressed the desire to get more involved in the offense.
There are two JUCO transfers that are going to make big impacts. Kris Harris is a guard whose defense is top priority while power forward Robert Eppinger averaged 13.3 ppg and 7.3 rpg at Highland (Ill.) Community College. The Flames are deep in the backcourt as well as down low so they will be able to switch to the right combo when needed. Bradley made a big run in the tournament last season but that tournament was the Inaugural CBI. It was added experience but a lot was lost from that team.
Replacing point guard Daniel Ruffin will be impossible as he was the catalyst for this team. Also gone is shooting guard Jeremy Crouch and center Matt Salley. The backcourt is restocked with some good depth but the frontcourt is pretty bare. The Braves do have a 7’0” center of their own in David Collins and while he showed some promise late last season, he will be overmatched against VanderMeer here. This is anyone’s ballgame and this spread is simply too high. 5* Illinois-Chicago Flames
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