As we have noted before, STRANGE things happen on Sundays in College Hoops. Good teams take the day off and cellar dwellers find their wings for a day. We have been burned by this phenomenon before, so Sunday is often a “tread lightly day”. After handicapping every game on the college board we originally had 5 selections; one 3* and four 1*, but in light of the “Sunday Bermuda Triangle” we decided to release only the TOP PLAY which was a 3* VERY STRONG selection on MANHATTAN -1.5. The Jaspers were an easy 85-70 WINNER over flailing Niagara. As it turns out, the four 1* selections would have split 2-2 so we made the right call. The win on Sunday added 3 Units to bring our stellar 7 day run to 22-8 for PLUS 42 UNITS! We know this won’t last forever but let’s enjoy it as we head into Monday’s card.
3* VERY STRONG – Manhattan -1.5 (85-70) WIN
WRITEUP: 3-2-25: 3* VERY STRONG – Manhattan -1.5: Today we have a MAAC battle with the Manhattan Jaspers (9-8) visiting the Niagara Purple Eagles (5-16). The analytics strongly favor the Jaspers in this matchup, which is likely why the line has moved from Niagara being 1.5 favorites to 1.5 underdogs, and we agree. Niagara has lost 4 in a row and 11 of their last 17. They are just 3-5 ATS as a Home Favorite, average just 67 points in conference play and possess the WORST 3 point defence in the conference. Manhattan won the first meeting between these two 72-65 on their home floor. They have 3 players averaging 18+ ppg and have averaged 78 ppg over their last 10. The Jaspers have won 9 of their last 12 on the road and are 8-3 ATS as Road Dogs. It’s difficult to make a compelling case to back the Purple Eagles in this contest as Manhattan is simply in better current form, has the more potent offense and should take care of business this afternoon.