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I'm back to dedicating myself to the hardwood, as I'm a true believer that college sports is where money can be made.
In one of those unfortunate pieces of scheduling that almost always has an impact, the Iona Gaels are playing their 7th consecutive road game, their 4th of 2010, and their 2nd in 3 days. I don't care if most of that travel has been fairly close to home - tonight they are in Maryland, and I cannot see any reason that they should be favored in this game.
Looking quickly, you could mistake Loyola Maryland as the doormat of the MAAC based on their 1-4 record, but that is deceptive, as the conference's 3 best teams showed up on their docket early. A more realistic gauge is the fact that Loyola is 4-1 at home this season, with their lone loss suffered at the hands of MAAC powerhouse Siena.
I think more than anything, Iona does not have an answer for the tremendous guard play of Harvey and Barney, an all-conference player, and a talented transfer from Maryland. Both players are averaging 14 ppg, and I think their ability to penetrate and score will be more than a tired Iona team can handle on the road. Basically, as a pick 'em on a neutral court, I would take Loyola without hesitation. As a home underdog, against an opponent who hasn't played a home tilt since December 17th!, I love this play.
Loyola Maryland +1.5 Good luck.
In one of those unfortunate pieces of scheduling that almost always has an impact, the Iona Gaels are playing their 7th consecutive road game, their 4th of 2010, and their 2nd in 3 days. I don't care if most of that travel has been fairly close to home - tonight they are in Maryland, and I cannot see any reason that they should be favored in this game.
Looking quickly, you could mistake Loyola Maryland as the doormat of the MAAC based on their 1-4 record, but that is deceptive, as the conference's 3 best teams showed up on their docket early. A more realistic gauge is the fact that Loyola is 4-1 at home this season, with their lone loss suffered at the hands of MAAC powerhouse Siena.
I think more than anything, Iona does not have an answer for the tremendous guard play of Harvey and Barney, an all-conference player, and a talented transfer from Maryland. Both players are averaging 14 ppg, and I think their ability to penetrate and score will be more than a tired Iona team can handle on the road. Basically, as a pick 'em on a neutral court, I would take Loyola without hesitation. As a home underdog, against an opponent who hasn't played a home tilt since December 17th!, I love this play.
Loyola Maryland +1.5 Good luck.
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