Reasoning: The Rams have not come close to the level of today's opponent in Temple but Fordham has improved dramatically of late as Tommy Pecora continues to implement his system to the benefit of top college basketball handicappers. I'm not saying that Fordham will win this game as that is probably too tall of a task but the situation is not that much different from a few weeks back when they stormed back from a 21 point deficit to shock St. John's and look what those Johnnies have done since with victories at West Virginia and Providence along with the mild upset in that last game against a very good Georgetown team.
The crazy snow last week prevented the travel to Hotlanta and the game against Georgia Tech meaning that Chris Gaston and company have only played two games in the past few weeks. Both were losses, at American and Santa Clara, but the road is never easy and to get a dozen plus in this spot with an improving team like Fordham in-conference here against a good but certainly not great Temple squad is enough to give it a shot.
The Owls are top 20 worthy but they are also in a perfect letdown spot. Juan Fernandez and the UT guards should be way too good on the perimeter but these guys just played a total hard nosed rivalry game against Villanova and have also played against the likes of Maryland, Georgetown, Texas A&M, Georgia and Cal. I just do not see Fran Dunphy's boys putting their best foot forward tonight in a very spirited effort. This is a lull portion of their schedule as St. Louis, St. Bonaventure, Duquesne and Penn are on the horizon making me believe that the team may be going through the motions a bit in practices that are far from perfect leading to less than spectacular play during the games.
Fordham isn't the dreadful garbage they used to be and therefore in this home dog spot the number is way too large.
Top expert pick on this game: Fordham (+16.5)
For more information: 400,000* Ohio State and 200,000* Providence took care of business in a third straight winning day for Matt Rivers. He says: I'm feeling great and absolutely dropping that hammer tonight!
That's right, a rare highest rated 500,000* combined with a beyond rare "Game of the Year" title. Normally I'll leave the titles for the scamdicappers out there but today's play from Beantown is worth it. 500,000* San Antonio-Boston is involving a game where the Spurs are on a tough back-to-back but the Celtics are without their leader in Kevin Garnett. What gives? Bonus 300,000* college lock between BYU and UNLV. Matt Rivers premium picks are up
Now to the NBA rest report:
Bucks vs. Orlando
Milwaukee is playing back-to-back nights.
Bulls vs. Nets
Chicago is playing back-to-back nights.
Raptors vs. Cavaliers
Toronto is playing their third game in four nights including playing back-to-back nights.
Spurs vs. Celtics
San Antonio is playing back-to-back nights, while Boston is playing their third game in four nights.
Blazers vs. Rockets
Portland is playing their third game in four nights including playing back-to-back nights. Houston is playing their third game in four nights.
Hawks vs. Jazz
Atlanta is playing their third game in four nights including playing back-to-back nights.
Lakers vs. Suns
Los Angeles is playing their third game in four nights including playing back-to-back nights.
NFL playoffs preview: video for the wild card games or the podcast are both up now.