College Hoops Picks - November 11, 2022

I'm awake at midnight writing a blog for 50 people to read the night before meeting executives at a company I'd like to work for. Priorities are important though, and the people need winners. If my current employer is reading this, I'm writing this at a normal hour, and my only obligation tomorrow is my present occupation. Also, can I have the day off? I'd like to take some time to respect the troops. Thanks.

Stanford and Wisconsin are playing in what would be a great 2013 football game. This is basketball though, and both teams have middling expectations coming into the season. Stanford returns most of its team from last season and adds Michael Jones from Davidson, who was terrific in the opener on Monday. Wisconsin, on the other hand, comes into this season having lost their star player Johnny Davis to the NBA. Brad Davison isn't on the roster, but I assume he'll somehow find a way to play his eleventh season in Madison.

I watched Stanford on Monday and wasn't very impressed. They scored 88 against an undersized Pacific team, but many of the possessions felt like hard-earned buckets. The refs were quick on the whistle, and 22 of the points came from the free-throw line. They shot 60% from the field but didn't have to deal with a seven-foot Steven Crowl or an athletic 6'9" Tyler Wahl. With those guys on the floor, Stanford should have to settle for a lot more jumpers rather than easy looks at the rim.

Wisconsin will be the same team they always are, minus the aforementioned Davison. Strong defense, low pace, take care of the ball, grind out wins. Johnny Davis is replaced by his younger brother Jordan, but younger brothers are never as good as the original. Especially when they have the same initials. Right, Josh?

Did I mention the game is in a baseball stadium? Yeah, they're playing this one at American Family Field in Milwaukee. That's not a shooter's background. I won't pretend to know anything about shooting because I'm terrible at it, but it has to be hard to get your depth perception down when there's nothing behind the rim. These two teams will be clanging the rim harder than that reporter who went down the slide earlier this year. Wisconsin/Stanford under 137.0

Speaking of unusual courts, Michigan State and Gonzaga are facing off on an aircraft carrier. A literal aircraft carrier. Outdoors. Aircraft Carrier games haven't happened since 2013 when Syracuse played San Diego State aboard the U.S.S. Midway (62-49, Syracuse).

Let me reiterate, the game is being played outdoors. I haven't checked the weather, it could be a totally clear day, it could also be windy. I know Gonzaga plays a fast-paced, run-it-up offense, but things change in international waters. There are literally no laws.

The first time a game was played at sea, UNC beat Michigan State 67-55. It wasn't actually at sea, but that sounds cooler so I'm rolling with it. That UNC team featured six future first-round picks and averaged over 80 points a game. Michigan State wasn't as prolific but still averaged just over 70. It's gotta be harder to shoot outdoors, right? If I'm wrong, I won't admit it until it's over. I'm going down with the ship. Gonzaga/Michigan State under 146.5