Cappers Sports Picks

*3 Star Play Under* The Kansas State offense isn't the same without Dean Wade. Wade is a big man who can score in the post or step out and shoot or facilitate the offense. Kansas State becomes too guard-oriented without him. 

The Wildcats can still play elite defense without Wade. Kansas State ranks 4th in the nation in defensive efficiency (one spot ahead of Virginia). Bruce Weber's team is going to be easily the best defense UC Irvine has faced this year. In fact, Irvine hasn't gone against a team in the top 40 in the country in defensive efficiency. 

Kansas State's offense can be a mess without Wade, and UC Irvine has been very good defensively for several years under coach Russell Turner. UC Irvine ranks first in the nation in 2 point field goal percentage defense. 

Both teams play at an extremely slow tempo. This game tips off at 11 am local time, so this is an early start for these teams and that on the whole is a positive for the under.

This total is very low, but UC Irvine has played 8 games under this number this year. Kansas State has played 12 games under this number.

Take the under here. 

*3 Star Play Over* The VCU Rams offense moves at the 40th quickest pace of any team in the country in terms of average possession length. I would expect VCU to move even faster than normal in a game like this. They know they can't get into a halfcourt game against a team with a 7'6 shot blocker like Tacko Fall in the middle. They'll look for every chance to get out in transition. 

UCF hasn't faced a press like VCU's much at all this year, and at times they have struggled with turnovers. VCU should get some easy chances off turnovers.

VCU's defense has been very good this year. Still, I think UCF's ability to draw fouls is key in this one. UCF is second in the nation in FTA/FGA. VCU fouls a lot based on their pressure defense. Look for BJ Taylor to be at the line a lot here. VCU is also good at getting to the free throw line. 

Both teams are good at getting second chance opportunities. With both teams getting second chance points and both teams getting to the line, this is a low total. With the spread where it is, overtime is a possibility and a foul fest late is possible as well.

Take the over. 

*4 Star Play on Utah State* Washington can be a tricky matchup with their zone defense, but I think Utah State matches up really well against them. 

Utah State is one of the best passing teams in the country. Craig Smith has done an amazing job with this team, and their ability to move the ball around quickly should get them better shots against this zone than most teams are able to get against it. I really like Sam Merrill for Utah State. Merrill takes great care of the basketball, and he shoots 90.4% from the free throw line. He does a nice job setting up his teammates as well.

Utah State has been much better than expected this year because Smith has done a great job coaching this team. It has also been because of super freshman Neemias Queta though. He is a great rebounder and shot blocker in the middle. 

Utah State ranks 4th in the nation in defensive rebounding percentage. Washington ranks 343rd in defensive rebounding percentage. I would expect Utah State to control the glass.

Washington's offense isn't any good. The Huskies try to get transition points when they can because they struggle in the halfcourt, but Utah State ranks in the top 6% of defenses in the country in transition defense. 

The way to beat a zone is pass the ball around and have a bunch of good shooters. Utah State does both those things well. 

Washington skidded into the ended of the season in a weak Pac 12.

Take Utah State.