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NICK PARSONS ***HORIZON LEAGUE GAME OF THE YEAR*** - 3/11/2008 9:00:00 PM
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Sport: College HoopsPick Selection: Cleveland State (+) @ Butler
Play ON Cleveland State (+) @ Butler @ 9 ET ? Opening up in the double digit range, this line appears to be way too steep. These teams split their two regular season games and each one was a very tight ballgame. A third straight time game puts us in the money easily here and we see no reason to believe that the Vikings will not give the Bulldogs a tough game once again tonight. Cleveland State has been a solid team throughout this season as they?ve been quite consistent. The only exception was a stretch straddling late January and early February when the Vikings lost five straight. Since then, Cleveland State has won six of their last seven and the only loss came against, (you guessed it!) Butler! All Cleveland State talked about after that loss was winning out so they could get another shot at the Bulldogs. The Vikings have accomplished what they wanted and they are now fired up for this opportunity as a result. Keep an eye on the rebounding in his game as we expect that to be a big edge for the Vikings. Cleveland State is ranked second in the league in terms of offensive rebounds and they?re facing a Butler team that has been struggling badly on the defensive glass. The Bulldogs allowed 19 offensive rebounds against Illinois-Chicago. Granted, Butler still won and covered the game but they won?t be so fortunate playing like that against Cleveland State. The Vikings won the rebounding battle 34-27 in their game against Valparaiso on Saturday and they have guys that love to crash the offensive glass. Cleveland State is a deep team and that helps insures that fresh legs can be on the floor to make sure the defense stays top notch throughout a game. Having a very solid defender in your back court, like guard Cedric Jackson, also helps as he is capable of taking on Butler?s best backcourt threat. The Vikings had allowed under 59 points in six of their last eight games before giving up 73 to Valparaiso on Saturday. The Vikings know they got away with a less than stellar performance on the defensive end and they will return to their stingy ways tonight and help themselves to hang around in this game. A lot of line value here with the big points!
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