College Hoops Picks: Long Beach St vs. Pittsburgh

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Last Updated on Wednesday, 16 November 2011 13:29
Written by BetRepublic
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The Panthers haven't lost a home game vs. a non-conference opponent in Ashton Gibbs' college career and tonight Pittsburgh is a 13.5-point favorite over Long Beach State

The #9-ranked Pittsburgh Panthers are off to a 2-0 start this season but after an inconsistent performance as a big favorite over Rider, they’re not feeling good about their play.

Pittsburgh needed a late surge to come back against Rider and get the win but they failed to cover. Now they hit the floor tonight vs. a Long Beach State team that has experience and rolls out a very competent backcourt.

Checking the lines for this one mid-afternoon on Wednesday, I see Sportsbetting.ag has the number set at -13.5.

There’s no reason for panic for Pitt, as they’re full value for their lofty rankings but they are young and I’ll be looking for spots to play against them in the early going as they go through some growing pains. This is a spot I’m putting a unit down against the Panthers.

The 49ers of Long Beach State ooze experience, which is needed when you take the floor at Pittsburgh where the Panthers haven’t lost in 58 straight home games against non-Big East opponents...that’s 58 straight games.

But Long Beach State plays tough non-conference schedules, as last year they went to Chapel Hill (and only lost by 5), and this year in the next few weeks they’ll face San Diego State, Louisville, Kansas, North Carolina and Xavier - all before Christmas.

College Hoops Picks: I’m a little nervous that Pitt will be ready to thrash someone after the close call vs. Rider but getting the 13.5 points with a veteran, talented team that won’t be intimidated is good value.


I’m taking Long Beach State

Good luck!