Chris Johnson and Dayton will look to rebound from recent setbacks. (Photo courtesy of Dayton athletics)

By Paul Casey Gotham

Cheeseburger. Mac. Home fries. Everything. Make sure to include the shavings off the grill and onions, plenty of onions. That is how it gets done in Rochester. Rules of decorum be danged. Food for the sake of sustenance. Slop it on and let it stick to the ribs.  Here is your basketball plate for the gorging from the Atlantic 10 to the Metro Atlantic Athletic to the Patriot League. Plenty of meat in the hot sauce this weekend.

Friday, February 3rd

Rider (6-5/9-14) at Loyola (9-2/16-5) 7PM ESPN2

After starting 1-10 the Broncs are within sniffing distance of a first-round bye in next month’s MAAC tournament. Rider has as many wins as fourth place Fairfield with one more in the loss column. The emergence of Junior Fortunat has been one reason for Rider’s improvement. After sitting out the first nine games (eight for a loss), Fortunat has steadily increased his production getting seven points and two rebounds against Canisius, then eight and five versus St. Peter’s and 10 and three in the Broncs triumph over Siena. The Greyhounds completed program-first Buffalo Sweep beating both Canisius and Niagara last weekend – this without leading scorer, Dylon Cormier, whose injured ankle has left his status unclear for the weekend.  Loyola has one loss at home this season, and that occurred a month ago to Niagara. That streak figures to continue.

Loyola by six.

Niagara (4-7/9-14) at Fairfield (6-4/11-10)  7:30PM

Fairfield’s perimeter shooting woes will take center stage against Niagara’s zone. The Purple Eagles like to extend into trapping areas. The Stags have not done well with pressure this year. Niagara also has the players to get into the paint and attack the basket.  Fairfield’s Ryan Olander at 7′ will be there waiting. But for how long? The senior has fouled out of three of his last seven and picked up four infractions on two other occasions. Juan’ya Green has comfortably settled into a play-making role averaging nearly seven assists in his last five games. The Purple Eagles play without fear.

  Niagara by three.

Saturday, February 4th

La Salle (6-2/17-6) vs. St. Joseph’s (4-4/14-9) at The Palestra – High Noon CBS Sports Network

Like Sgt. Sefton (William Holden’s character in the 1953 classic Stalag 17) the Explorers have their doubters. Sefton’s barrack mates thought he was a Nazi informant. Pundits are wondering when La Salle will drift back to reality. The Explorers find themselves in first-place at the mid-point. That is a far cry from the pre-season prediction of 13th. La Salle gets it done on the arc – both scoring and stopping. Tyreek Duren, Ramon Galloway and Earl Pettis lead an aerial attack that is ranked top ten nationally connecting on more than 40 percent of long ball attempts. At the same time, La Salle’s opponents hit less than 32 percent from long range.  C.J. Aiken’s four blocks per game rank fourth in the nation, but the Hawks’ forward might not get a chance to prove himself with La Salle letting fly from outside.

Explorers by two.

Xavier (6-3/15-7) at Memphis (6-2/15-7) 1PM

Atlantic 10 meets Conference-USA in a late-season non-conference showdown.  The Tigers continue their Mickey Rourke-like fall into anonymity. Once lauded as a top ten team in pre-season polls, Josh Pastner and his crew have lost to, among others, Southern Miss and Central Florida. Now Memphis finds themselves not even among “Others receiving votes.” Chances for a rescue equivalent to The Wrestler seem remote. As does the subsequent construction-sign orange suit. The Musketeers have won three in a row on the road and appear to be a team ready to recapture their early-season momentum.

Xavier by eight.

Temple (5-2/16-5) at Rhode Island (2-6/5-18) 2PM ESPN2

Ten days ago this game didn’t look like much. Then the Rams took St. Bonaventure to overtime, went to Dayton and knocked off the Flyers and finally upset UMass on Wednesday. The Owls have quietly made their move and sit in a virtual tie with La Salle for first place. The Rams have nothing to lose. TU can’t afford to slip. URI will make it close, but Juan Fernandez, Ramone Moore and Khalif Wyatt won’t overlook this challenge.

Temple by five.

American (5-2/14-8) at Colgate (1-6/7-15) 2PM

Colgate a spoiler? That’s what is at stake. The Eagles are waiting for Bucknell to slip. The Raiders would like nothing more than to ruin a few dreams.C’mon, everybody know that the bird is the word.

Eagles by 14.

Holy Cross 3-4/9-12) at Lehigh (5-2/17-6) 2PM

Last time these two met was the PL opener. Dave Dudzinski scored 23, and the Crusaders held off the Mountain Hawks in front of the home crowd at Hart Recreation Center.  Holy Cross looked ready to challenge for the top of the Patriot. Since then, the Crusaders have dropped four of six.  Instead of looking like Andy Dufresne tending to his boat in Zihuatanejo, the Crusaders resemble Santiago rowing to shore with the remains of an 18′ marlin. This one does not exactly reach baby-treating-a-diaper status. But it is worthy of that consideration.

Lehigh by 14.

Dayton (4-4/14-8) at St. Louis (5-3/17-5) 5PM

The Flyers are reeling. The Billikens are trying to hang on. Looks like early season injuries have finally caught Archie Miller’s group. After winning four of five in the A-10 including an overtime victory the last time these two met, UD has dropped three in a row – not to mention two at home.  SLU is in search of consistency. Despite recent setbacks Dayton still maintains a rebounding margin of +3.3. SLU’s advantage on the boards is +2.0. Dayton hits 35 percent from behind the arc while St. Louis holds teams to 34 percent from the land of trifecta.  The Flyers recapture the magic.

Dayton by four.

Richmond (3-5/12-11) at Duquesne (4-4/13-9) 7PM ESPNU

Can the Dukes win two in a row? They did it earlier with back-to-back triumphs over URI and UMass. Richmond’s 512 attempts from behind the arc rank number one in the conference. The Spiders won’t get much room against Duquesne’s defense.

DU by six.

Iona (10-2/18-5) at Manhattan (10-2/17-7) 7PM ESPN3

Like a poor man wants to be rich. Rich man wants to be king, and the king ain’t satisfied until he rules everything, Steve Masiello has the Jaspers where few thought possible: with a chance to ascend to the top. If the Jaspers are to reach the mountain, Michael Glover, Scott Machado and “Momo” Jones stand in the way. Manhattan’s zone should slow Glover’s production, but not stop it. The Gaels had their way with Niagara’s zone earlier this season. Can they do it on the road?

Iona by three.

Sunday, February 5th

Niagara (4-7/9-14) at Rider (6-5/9-14) 1PM

Niagara is more talented, but two road games in one weekend will take its toll on the young Purple Eagle squad.

Rider by six.

Siena (5-6/10-11) at Fairfield (6-4/11-10) 3:30PM

Fairfield’s woes continue courtesy of Siena’s resident double-double manufacturer, OD Anosike.

Siena by seven.

Dylon Cormier and the Loyola Greyhounds will try and survive the Buffalo weekend. (Photo courtesy of Loyola athletics)

By Paul Casey Gotham

Time for the Garbage Plate – a Rochester delicacy. Take your choice. Me? I prefer cheeseburger, mac, home fries, everything. Everything being ketchup, mustard, meat hot sauce, onions and any other shavings  off the grill. You can go with a hot dog or egg plate. Some even prefer fish. I have heard they serve it meatless. Seems to defeat the purpose. Plop it on  a reinforced plate with no regard for culinary boundaries. Make sure and get it with bread to soak up the juices, and you have yourself a meal that sticks to the ribs…and a few other parts.  Napkins are optional, but suggested.

The Pine’s plate throws  the Atlantic 10,  Metro-Atlantic, Patriot and some junior college, from time to time, together. You add the hot sauce.

Friday, January 27th

Loyola (7-2/14-5) at Niagara (4-5/9-12) 7PM

Jimmy Patsos and the Greyhounds make their way to Western New York for the annual swing. The Purple Eagles haven’t lost at home in the month of January. Granted that only consists of two games, but the freshmen in purple are starting to get a swagger about them. Juan’ya Green has taken to the play-making role which will give the rest of the MAAC fits. Niagara surprised Loyola earlier in the month at the Reitz.  Erik Etherly was held to five points and five five rebounds on that night. Loyola has payback in mind.

Greyhounds by five.

Iona (7-2/15-5) at Fairfield (5-3/10-9) 7PM ESPNU

Most figured the Stags would be Iona’s primary competition in the MAAC. Something happened along the way. Everyone figured out Fairfield can’t hit consistently enough from the perimeter to win the games necessary to challenge for the conference title. Most have chosen to go zone against Fairfield. Iona probably won’t. This will make the game look close. The Gaels are coming off a beat down courtesy of Siena. Gael-force winds will blow into Bridgeport.

Iona by 7.

Saturday, January 28th

American (4-2/13-8) at Lafayette (4-2/9-12) 1PM

The Eagles and Leopards make up two-thirds of a second-place log jam in the Patriot. American is coming off a loss at first-place Bucknell. The Eagles have something prove, and this is their opportunity.

American by four.

St Louis (4-2/16-4) at Massachusetts (4-2/15-5) 2PM CBS Sports

The Minutemen season is playing out like a Seinfeld episode. Everything will even out. Picked in the pre-season to finish 12th, UMass finds itself in the A-10′s first-place log jam. The Minutemen catching St. Louis right now is like George landing a job with the Bronx Bombers. The Billikens are ripe for a letdown after ending Xavier’s 43-game home winning streak in A-10 play.  Minutemen at home with a chance for legitimacy?

UMass by seven.

St. Joseph’s (3-3/13-8) at Temple (3-2/14-5) 4PM

Juan Fernandez, Ramone Moore and Khalif Wyatt account for more than 44 of point per night for a Temple squad that is scoring more (74.3) than any in Fran Dunphy’s tenure. The Owls have now won three straight. With Michael Eric back in the lineup, Fran Dunphy’s squad is beginning to gather steam. The Hawks will need to show they can win two big games in a row. Defeating Dayton at home was a nice notch in the belt. Now, the young Hawks have a chance to prove their worth. Temple is too much.

Owls by two.

La Salle (4-2/15-6) at Duquesne (3-3/12-8) 7PM

Duquesne ranks fourth (behind Syracuse, Ohio State and VCU) in the nation with a 6.1 turnover margin. The Dukes convert defense into points with 16.1 assists – most in advantage situations after getting 8.3 steals. La Salle brings guards, guards and more guards. Which team will be their opponent’s  kryptonite? Duquesne has had a week to prepare for a home game.

Dukes by five.

Rhode Island (0-6/3-18) at Dayton (4-2/14-6) 7PM

Two teams unalike in dignity of their current records, but both are coming off losses. Dayton at St. Joseph’s. Rhode Island at home in overtime to St. Bonaventure in a game that the Rams showed some life. Has URI put their struggles behind them? Perhaps. But winning at UD Arena with a young team?

Dayton by 13.

Richmond (3-3/12-9) at St. Bonaventure (4-2/11-7) 7PM

The over/under on back door cuts run by Richmond? 10. The Spiders with their Princeton-style offense against the Bonnies who like to extend their man-to-man outside the three-point arc.  Darrius Garrett vs. Andrew Nicholson. This will make for great theater. One of the nation’s premier interior shot blockers against arguably the best post player in the Atlantic 10. Can Garrett stay out of foul trouble when Nicholson steps away from the basket? Can Nicholson stay out of foul trouble? Darien Brothers leads four Spiders in double figures. Brothers and Kendall Anthony hit more than 40 percent from long range. A nasty combination when thinking about the room created for backdoor cuts. But this game will be played in Olean…on a Saturday night…with classes in session.

SBU by two.

Xavier (4-3/13-7) at Charlotte (2-4/14-9) 7PM

Xavier coming off a rare home loss heads out on the road for three games shouldering a two-game losing streak. Be careful to judge this Musketeer team. During the press conference after their game with Bona, Chris Mack was asked about the play of Tu Holloway and his recent decline production. To which Mack replied: “I want him to not settle for jumpers, but to get in the lane and do what the game tells him.” Sounds like some heady stuff, and it will take time to work through this. But Holloway settling for jump shots was how X lost in the. first round of last year’s NCAA tournament. The 49ers will be without Pierria Henry who was injured in practice this week.

Xavier by 11.

Bucknell (6-0/16-6) at Navy (0-6/3-17 )7PM

The Mids lost by 11 AT Lehigh. The Mountain Hawks are no Bucknell, but this road game will test the Bison. Navy will make Bucknell play this game in the 60s. Can it happen?

Navy by three.

Sunday January 29th

Loyola (7-2/14-5) at Canisius (1-8/4-15) 2:15PM

“Get out of my Van Halen T-shirt before you jinx the band, and they break up.”  Jimmy Patsos will need to keep his squad from enduring an Adam Sandler-like hangover of waking up next to his unwelcomed ex-girlfriend. The Buffalo trip poses its challenges to MAAC teams. Sweeping the weekend is the difference between playing in the opening round of the MAAC or getting a bye.  Loyola beat Canisius earlier in the month. That trend figures to continue.

 Loyola by six.

Manhattan (7-2/14-7) at Niagara (4-5/9-12) 4PM

Manhattan first-year coach Steve Masiello must feel like he is driving on the Rattlesnake Speedway because the Promised Land seems within reach.  Halfway through the slate and Manhattan is tied for first? George Beamon leads with 17 a game, but five other Jaspers score six or more.  Nine Jaspers play double-digit minutes including two freshmen. “But your eyes go blind. Your blood runs cold. Sometimes you feel so weak you just want to explode.  Niagara will bring their zone schemed with plenty of traps. Freshmen Emmy Andujar in the middle of the floor will make or break Manhattan. The wily Joe Mihalich will find a way.

Niagara by five.

Garbage plates always go down better after a night enjoying The Chinchillas.

What games are on your plate for the weekend? Let us know in a comment.

Like Smokey and the Bandit, Dylon Cormier (3) and the Loyola Greyhounds are arriving ahead of schedule. (Photo courtesy of Loyoal athletics)

By Paul Casey Gotham

Time for the Garbage Plate – a Rochester delicacy. Take your choice. Me? I prefer cheeseburger, mac, home fries, everything. Everything being ketchup, mustard, meat hot sauce, onions and any other shavings  off the grill. You can go with a hot dog or egg plate. Some even prefer fish. I have heard they serve it meatless. Seems to defeat the purpose. Plop it on  a reinforced plate with no regard for culinary boundaries. Make sure and get it with bread to soak up the juices, and you have yourself a meal that sticks to the ribs…and a few other parts.  Napkins are optional, but suggested.

The Pine’s plate throws  the Atlantic 10,  Metro-Atlantic, Patriot and some junior college, from time to time, together. You add the hot sauce.

Friday, January 20th

Manhattan (5-2/12-7) at Marist (2-5/7-11) 9PM ESPN3

The Jaspers are coming off a 19-point win over Siena. Letdown is possible. Canisius and Niagara chased the Red Foxes out of Western New York last weekend. Can the young Marist team recover in time? George Beamon will continue his recent hot-shooting. The Jaspers will lock down the Marist offense.

Manhattan by seven.

Rider (3-4/6-13) at Iona (6-1/14-4) 10PM ESPNU

After a dismal non-conference performance, the Broncs are showing signs of life winning a pair on the road in the MAAC, but they’re catching Iona at the wrong time. The Gaels overlooked Manhattan last week and fell. That won’t happen two weeks in a row. Especially, not in New Rochelle. New Rochelle? On a Friday night? Tim Cluess might have trouble cleaning the bugs off the windshield his Caddy might get going so fast. Denizens of the Hymes will want one thing. Cue it Ace.

Iona by 15.

Saturday January 21st

Maryland (2-2/12-5) vs. Temple (2-2/12-5) at The Palestra 11AM ESPNU

Like a Johnny Cash song, the Owls have been everywhere, so to speak. They have beaten Duke, but lost to Bowling Green. Went to St. Louis and trimmed a surging Billiken club, then fell at Richmond.  Beating Maryland will make it two wins in a row for Fran Dunphy’s team. TU does well with challenges. Mark Turgeon is in his first year with Maryland. The Terps are playing okay on the defensive end. Khalif Wyatt figures to test their three-point defense.

Temple by four.

Xavier (4-1/13-5) at Dayton (3-1/13-5) 1PM ESPN2

White bread. Toasted white bread. No butter or jam. That is Archie Miller’s Dayton Flyers. Rebounding is what they do. Creating contact in the lane is what they get, and the Flyers have used that to win three of their last four. Xavier’s Kenny Frease rolled his ankle last Saturday. Matt Kavanaugh will test Frease. Kavanaugh hit 13-14 from the line against La Salle.  That trend will continue. Kevin Dillard and Josh Parker can get in the lane against the Musketeers.  In Chris Johnson and Paul Williams, Xavier will face its toughest perimeter defenders to date.

UD by five.

Fordham (1-3/8-9) at St. Bonaventure (2-2/9-7) 2PM CBS College Sports Network

The Rams are not to be overlooked and Bona coach Mark Schmidt knows it: “Chris Gaston has been getting a double-double since elementary school.”  Earlier this season Fordham trimmed top 25 Harvard on the road. SBU’s Andrew Nicholson is returning to his old ways. Unless the Rams can get Nicholson in foul trouble, it will be a long day.

SBU by 12.

UMass (3-2/14-5) at Richmond (2-2/11-8) 5PM

Early jockeying for position in the A10. The Minutemen have lost twice on the road in league. Richmond beat Temple at home but fell at George Washington (7-11). Two teams looking for Spackler’s total consciousness from the “Dolly Lamma.”  UMass holds opponents to 31.4 percent behind the arc. Darrien Brothers should increase that number.

Richmond by seven.

St. Joseph’s (2-3/12-7) at Penn (2-0/9-9) 7PM

A-10 meets Ivy in Philly 5 action at The Cathedral.  SJU is coming off a loss at Xavier. Carl Jones didn’t play in the defeat in part due to a sprained ankle, but also because he didn’t go for treatment the day after the injury. The Hawks should be at full strength on Saturday.

St. Joseph’s by 11.

Holy Cross (2-2/8-10) at Bucknell (4-0/14-6) 7PM

The Crusaders can challenge the top of the PL. Holy Cross trimmed Lehigh just two weeks ago. That game was at home. Holy Cross will travel to Bucknell for this one. The Bison carry a 14-game winning streak against Patriot League opponents into the contest, and have won 11 in a row against League foes at Sojka Pavilion…Holy Cross was the last Patriot League team to win in the arena, beating Bucknell 67-64 in the 2010 Patriot League Tournament quarterfinals.

Bison by seven. But on February 18th….

Duquesne (3-2/12-7) at St. Louis (2-2/14-4) 8PM

Five of Duquesne’s seven losses have come on the road. Ron Everhart’s club is in search of that signature win. The Billikens need to be careful and not look ahead to their date at Xavier. The Dukes press and play up-tempo averaging nearly 77 ppg. Duquesne forces an average of 18.6 turnovers per game and  scores over one quarter of its points off opponent miscues (20.8 ppg.). SLU has committed an average of 11.2 turnovers per game, which ranks 12th nationally. The Bills rank 10th nationally holding opponents to 56.4ppg. T.J. McConnell will cause problems for St. Louis, but the Dukes won’t have an answer for Brian Conklin.

St. Louis by six.

Sunday, January 22nd

St. Peter’s (3-5/4-15) at Loyola (6-2/13-5) Noon

Jimmy Patsos and his crew might look like Cledus Snow and Bo Darville arriving a little earlier than expected. The Greyhounds have already beaten Fairfield. They lost at Iona, but Loyola looks poised to challenge for the MAAC title. The Peacocks will make Loyola grind it out. St. Peter’s Chris Prescott and Lamin Fulton can stretch a defense. But can they handle Loyola’s pressure?

Loyola by 12.

Lehigh (2-2/14-6) at Lafayette (3-1/8-11)2PM CBS College Sports Network

Coming off a loss at Bucknell, CJ McCollum and the Mountain Hawks will look to take out their frustrations on Lafayette. Lehigh Valley bragging rights and positioning in the top half of the Patriot League standings are at stake when these two tip off The Mountain Hawks have won the past three games against the Leopards, including a season sweep last year. Lehigh has won two of the last three meetings at Kirby Sports Center.  Lafayette aims to start 4-1 in the Patriot League for the third time in the past five years, and first since 2010.  Lafayette holds a 138-77 edge in the series, with Lehigh holding a slight 24-22 lead as Patriot League members.

Lehigh by three.

Niagara (4-4/9-11) at Manhattan (5-2/12-7) 2PM

I wanna go fast. I wanna go fast. Two up and coming MAAC teams. Juan’ya Green knows how to pick his spots. The Niagara freshman is unafraid to occupy a role as distributor. The schedule works to Niagara’s advantage. This won’t be the usual weekend road trip. Niagara played at Canisius Thursday night and returned to campus after the game. They will get plenty of rest for their date in Riverdale. George Beamon leads seven Jaspers averaging six or more per game.

Niagara by two.

What say you? What fixins are you putting on your garbage plate? As for liquid refreshment, the plate is versatile. Any ol’ drink can compliment it. My preference? I’ll let the Chinchillas take care of that one. Pete? Bill? Paulie? Motorcycle? Hit it boys.

Dayton's got the "Juice." La Salle might need a bigger boat. (Photo courtesy of Dayton athletics)

The annual inverted relationship is in full effect: as the outside temperature drops in the northeast, the action heats up in the gyms. Atlantic 10, MAAC and Patriot conference  play is in full swing bringing the truth to the surface.

Friday, January 14th

Marist (2-3/7-9) at Canisius (0-5/3-12) 7:00 PM

The young Red Foxes come to the Koessler Athletic Center on a stormy, stormy night in Buffalo, New York. Freshmen Chavaughn Lewis, Isaiah Morton and Manny Thomas account for a combined 28 points and 10 rebounds per night. How does that convert when the Griffs play 2-3 zone showing some match-up tendencies? Could get tricky for these frosh making their first Buffalo swing through the MAAC ledger. It’s all part of ooh, ooh Growin’ Up…Chris Manhertz will add to his list of double-doubles. Harold Washington will slice and dice.

Griffs by five.

Loyola (4-1/11-4) at Fairfield (3-2/8-8) 9:00 PM

Fairfield’s inability to score from the outside has been exposed of late. Siena played a tight zone, and the Stags lacked a response. The Greyhounds might be able to hang with the Stags playing man-to-man, but don’t be surprised if Loyola plays “hands up harry” in the second half.

Loyola by a deuce.

Saturday, January 15th

St. Bonaventure (2-1/9-6) at Xavier (2-1/11-5) Noon

The Musketeers continue to wear the Scarlet Letter. Judging by Xavier’s recent thrashing of Duquesne, like Hawthorne’s heroine, the penalty might make them stronger. The Bonnies are Slim Pickens and gang pulling up to the Gov. William J. Le Petomane toll stop. Now? The Bonnies have to play Xavier now? Ten days ago would have been better for the Brown and White. Bona might need a whole “pocketful” of dimes like . Demitrius Conger matching up with Dez Wells should be intriguing. Will the Bonnies attack the offensive glass? Or choose to stymie Xavier in transition? Expect the Bonnies to defend Kenny Frease before he gets the ball. Tu Holloway will put up more shots than of late.

X wins, but not by a lot.

Duquesne (1-2/10-7) at Rhode Island (0-2/3-14) 2:00 PM

Rhody is taking on the look of a sea-faring vessel like the one in Poseidon Adventure that unknowingly came upon an underwater earthquake.  It might take an act such as that of Belle Rosen (played by Shelley Winters in the 1972 version) swimming underwater to find safe passage for the others on board. The Rams might also find Rosen’s undoing. It’s not life or death, but coming off a loss at GW, the Rams are getting desperate. Don’t expect the Dukes to help. TJ McConnell, Sean Johnson and Eric Evans will see to it.

Duquesne by 7.

Holy Cross (2-0/8-8) at American (1-1/10-7) 2:00 PM

A match up of last week’s headline grabbers. Holy Cross reminded everyone they are still contenders with a six-point victory over Lehigh. American dominated the Patriot individual honors for the week with Charles Hinkle (POTW) and John Schoof (ROTW) getting the job done. American has not lost at home this year. That trend will continue.

AU by six.

St. Louis (1-2/13-4) at Charlotte (2-1/9-6) 2:00 PM

The Billikens look to right the ship after a couple of stumbles. Pierria Henry leads a surprising 49er club. Defense travels well, and the Billikens play it.

St. Louis by 4.

Army (0-2/7-10) at Navy (0-2/3-13) 2:30 PM

The 115th meeting of the service academies. The Mids come in limping – losers of their last nine. Ella Ellis and Julian Simmons lead a Black Knight squad that is ready to show the lessons of some road losses.

Army by five.

La Salle (2-0/13-4) at Dayton (2-1/12-5) 7:00 PM

You’re going to need a bigger boat. Dr. Giannini might want to consider Brody’s advice given to the grisly Quint in the 1975 classic, Jaws. Yeah, the Flyers are down one, probably two guys, but Archie Miller is not making excuses. After Wednesday’s loss to SBU at the Reilly Center Miller stated:“I don’t care who is on our team. When we show up, we have to be ready to battle. We have to be ready to play and compete.” Is that a gulp I just heard from the City of Brotherly Love? This will be the Explorers first conference road game. They have made their mark by slowing the opposing team’s leading scorer. Which Flyer do you pick? The Bonnies needed 30 from Andrew Nicholson at home to beat UD.  Josh Parker led the Flyers in scoring. Known as “Juice” because he plays with so much energy, Parker scored 19 off the bench.

Dayton by six.

Temple (1-1/11-4) at Richmond (1-1/10-7) 7:00 PM

Not that we at Pickin’ Splinters want to encourage alcohol consumption (although it does not make someone a bad person if they partake), but did Fran Dunphy find a Bloody Mary that works? After knocking off nationally ranked Duke, the Owls looked out of synch against Dayton. The Flyers do play stingy defense, but a 10-point loss in Philly? Temple is coming off a five-point win in St. Louis. Did they leave their game in the shadow of the Arch? Or is it in their gunny sack ready to travel to Richmond. The Owls have Darien Brothers in the sights.

Temple by three.

Siena (3-3/8-8) at Manhattan (4-2/11-7) 7:00 PM

Perhaps rumors of Siena’s demise were greatly exaggerated by myself …and others. The Saints recovered from a nearly 40 point thrashing at the hands of Iona to win three straight all at home. This game is on the road. Coach Masiello might be calling Fran Dunphy for his Bloody Mary concoction after coming from 17 down to hand Iona its first defeat.

The Jaspers by two.

Sunday, January 15th

Marist (2-3/7-9) at Niagara (1-4/6-11) 2:00 PM

The second game of the Buffalo swing? Against a feisty Niagara team? Marist meet Juan’ya Green and company.

Purple Eagles by five.

Loyola (4-1/11-4) at Iona (5-1/13-4) 3:30 PM

Any chance that Jimmy Patsos and his Loyola Greyhounds could sneak up on Iona evaporated when the Gaels fell at the buzzer to Manhattan. Now, Patsos might as well drive that dusty road from Monroe to Angeline  because Tim Cluess will make sure his Gaels prove it all night…or evening as it pertains here.

Iona by seven. But look out when the Gaels head to Baltimore.

Give us your take. What games are on your radar?

Deflections and a hand in the passing lane; nobody affects more plays than Duquesne's T. J. McConnell (Photo courtesy of Duquesne athletics)

By Paul Casey Gotham

Bill Murray, the A-10, MAAC and Patriot. Plenty on tap for the weekend.

Friday, January 6

Fairfield (3-0/8-6) at Siena (0-3/5-8) 2pm Time Warner Cable

Siena will need to prove they are not like Murray’s character in Charlie’s Angels, John Bosley, who was cruising on his reputation. Not too long ago, the Saints were the toast of the MAAC (“Where have you gone Kenny Hasbrouck, Loudonville turns its lonely eyes to you woo, woo, woo”). Now, Fairfield wants to grab their piece. Rakim Sanders, Derek Needham, Ryan Olander and Maurice Barrow lead a Stags club with NCAA tournament visions.

Fairfield by six.

Niagara (1-2/6-9) at Iona (3-0/11-3) 9pm ESPNU

Niagara’s Juan’ya Green, Ameen Tanksley, Josh Turner and Antoine Mason are young and brash like Peter Venkman – the best paranormal exterminator in the business. The Purple Eagles went into Reitz Arena and took a conference, road win from Loyola. Playing at the Hynes will challenge that confidence. This will be the first home game for the Gaels since November 28th. Expect a warm from the denizens of New Rochelle for Michael Glover, Scott Machado, Momo Jones and company.

Iona by four.

Saturday January 7

Xavier (0-1/9-5) at Fordham (0-1/7-7) noon 

Xavier is in need of as much image repair as Murray’s character, Phil, in Groundhog Day. A month removed from an ugly incident that needs no introduction, the Musketeers looked aimless at times in a road loss Wednesday to La Salle. Fordham celebrated a home victory over Georgia Tech by trumping nationally-ranked Harvard. The Rams fell on Thursday at UMass. Will the loss snap the Rams back into shape? Who are the Rams? Are they searching for an identity like Bob Wiley?  Fordham’s Chris Gaston has 11 double-doubles this season and 47 in his career. Will the flavor of Rose Hill intoxicate the Muskies?

X by2.

Canisius (0-4/3-11) at Loyola (3-1/10-4) noon 

“Cinderella story here at ‘The Reitz.’” Jimmy Patsos and his Loyola Greyhounds got it going. The Greyhounds might not have enough to take the MAAC this year, but…

Canisius will slow down the game and force Loyola to execute against a zone. As long as Harold Washington is on the floor for Canisius, the Griffs can make it interesting. Loyola is coming off a last-second win over Manhattan. This will be the second road game in three days for Canisius.

Loyola by 7.

Charlotte (1-0/8-5) at Saint Joseph’s (1-0/11-4) 2pm

St. Joseph’s (and the city of Philadelphia for that matter) will need to avoid any hangover from Wednesday night – oh, what a night. While the country focused on Temple’s upset of Duke, the Hawks came back from 16 down to trim Duquesne in overtime. Charlotte took care of Richmond, 75-70.  Langston Galloway is on pace to break Jameer Nelson’s school scoring mark. The Hawks are at home.

SJU by 5.

Lehigh (12-4) at Holy Cross (6-8) 3:30 

Patriot League opener. Lehigh’s C.J. McCollum is only a junior, but he has scored over 1,600 points and is 14th all-time in the Patriot. He might make this game as unwatchable as Osmosis Jones.

Lehigh by…you fill in the blank.

Saint Bonaventure (1-0/8-5) at Duquesne (0-1/9-6) 4pm

St. Bonaventure beat a pesky George Washington club on Wednesday. Duquesne, as stated above, lost a heartbreaker to St. Joseph’s. The Dukes will be playing without B.J. Monteiro. The Bonnies point guards have been as coach Mark Schmidt describes: “a work in progress.” Duquesne presses, traps and plays up tempo. T.J. McConnell affects more plays than anyone in college basketball.  SBU’s Andrew Nicholson has struggled of late with foul troubles.  Demitrius Conger has been filling the void. Statement win on the road for the Brown and White.

SBU by four.

Dayton (1-0/11-4) at Temple (11-3) 4pm

Both teams dealing with season-ending injuries to starters. UD recently lost Josh Benson. Their bench was already thin and the Flyers resemble Lost in Translation because they can not afford to lose any characters from the cast. The Owls continue to play without Michael Eric. Scootie Randall might be lost for the season. Temple comes in riding high like Ernie McKracken of Kingpin hitting 56.4 percent (31-55) from the field against Duke. Can the Owls find a Bloody Mary for their hangover? Chris Johnson and Paul Williams give the Flyers plenty of perimeter defense. Dayton’s Kevin Dillard and Josh Parker can get into the paint and create. The Flyers will catch Temple off guard.

UD by four.

Bucknell (10-6) at Army (8-8) 4pm 

Bucknell’s Mike Muscala and Army’s Ella Ellis – “That’s the fact, Jack!” Two of the Patriot’s best. Bucknell’s Bison will flex their muscles in this road win.

Bucknell by nine.

Sunday January 8

UMass (1-0/12-3) at La Salle (1-0/11-4) 2pm

Both teams come in with gaudy records, but questions exist. Are these teams as good as their ledgers  suggest? Or did they load up on inferior competition? Recent wins by UMass (Fordham) and La Salle (Xavier) suggest relevancy. The Minutemen have more work to do lest they reap the fate of failing to deliver like Raleigh St. Claire and the Royal Tennenbaums. The Explorers, on the hand, might, like Rushmore, need multiple viewings to be appreciated. Sam Mills. Ramon Galloway. La Salle might have surprises in store.

La Salle by seven.

Fairfield (3-0/8-6) at Manhattan (2-2/9-7) 2pm

The second game of the weekend in MAAC play usually favors the home team. Being away from the friendly confines tends to create weary legs, but this Fairfield team has plenty of veteran leadership. Olander and Sanders are both seniors. Needham is a junior. Frank Cross has nothing on Steve Masiello when it comes to changing  the culture. Once cellar dwellers of the MAAC, Masiello has changed the attitude of the Jaspers. George Beamon leads the way. Seven Jaspers score seven or more points. It’s all about team in Riverdale. Fairfield proved earlier this season it can handle a weekend on the road when it swept Niagara and Canisius. The trend will continue.

Fairfield by four.

Niagara (1-2/6-9) at Siena (0-3/5-8) 1pm 

You could title this MAAC future vs. MAAC past.  On a neutral court, first game of the weekend, Niagara probably wins hands down. But the Purple Eagles are young, and this poses quite the test. Siena’s Kyle Downey will have to step up on both ends of the floor. O.D. Anosike (12.1 rpg) presents problems in the for the Purple Eagles.

Siena by two.

Your take? What will you be watching?

Props to Ian Levy at Hickory-High for the Bill Murray references.

You can follow Ian on Twitter @HickoryHigh.

"When you hang a man..."

By Paul Casey Gotham

Ringing in the New Year with a full slate of games before conference play kicks into high gear. Conference play? Yes, when counterfeiters are brought out into the open. When everyone starts “driving all night chasing some mirage.”

Friday, December 30th

St. Bonaventure (6-5) at Niagara(5-8/0-2)

The Bonnies head to Monteagle Ridge trying to get momentum against Big 4 rival, Niagara. The Purple Eagles toppled the Bonnies 69-61 at the Reilly Center last year.  Juan’ya Green leads Niagara. The Bonnies attack starts with National Player-of-the-Year Candidate, Andrew Nicholson. Niagara is at its best when Green is getting into the lane off the dribble. Charlon Kloof and Eric Mosley will share the responsibility of keeping Green in front of them. Demitrius Conger has scored at least 16 in each of Bona’s last three. That trend will continue as SBU wins by eight.

Ole Miss (9-3) at Dayton (9-4) 7pm

After winning nine of ten, Ole Miss fell to Southern Miss and Middle Tennessee. Dayton looks to take a second game from the SEC. The Flyers bounced then #14 Alabama, 74-62. Chris Johnson played injured as the Flyers lost to Seton Hall ten days ago. UD only hits 34 percent from behind the arc, but they have to be defended from long range, or the Flyers can win games by virtue of the three. Ole Miss opponents have attempted 209 shots from long range. UD has let it fly 268 times from behind the arc. Kevin Dillard’s ability to create will lead the Flyers to a three point triumph.

Temple (8-3) at Delaware (5-5/1-0) 7pm

Atlantic 10 meets Colonial Athletic.  Temple is averaging 75.5 PPG – more than any Owl team in the past 20 years. Backcourt play of Juan Fernandez, Ramone Moore and Khaliff Wyatt dictates the tempo, but the absence of Scootie Randall and Michael Eric is holding back TU as evidenced by the negative rebound margin. Temple wants a game in the 70s. The Hens prefer 60s. Temple hits 39 percent from behind the arc, and Delaware holds opponents to 32 percent from long range. Wyatt will lead the Owls to a seven-point victory.

Manhattan (8-5/2-0) at Binghamton (0-11) 7pm

Coming off a 20-point loss at George Mason, the Jaspers will have plenty to prove. The Bearcats should try to get head coach Mark Macon out of his suit and into the lineup. George Beamon leads the Jaspers with 16 ppg, but the offense runs through Emmy Andujar. Manhattan by 16.

New Year’s Eve

Colgate (5-7) at New Hampshire(4-6) 1pm

Patriot meets American East in a battle played below .500.  Pat Moore and Mitch Rolls contribute 10 a piece for the Raiders.  Alvin Abreu and Chandler Rhoads score 13 each for the Wildcats.  Despite their losing record, New Hampshire is scoring more points per game than their opponents. Colgate turns the ball over 17 times a game. New Hampshire takes advantage for a 16-point win.

St Francis-NY (4-8/1-1) at Army (5-8) 2pm

Ella Ellis (17.5ppg) and Julian Simmons  (9.8ppg) lead the Black Knights. Ben Mockford heads a trio of Terriers in double figures including Stefan Perunicic who has is capable of filling it from long range.  Army’s losing record masks their success from behind the arc. The Black Knights hold a modest advantage from the three point arc 34 percent to 32. This will prove the difference as Army wins by six.

Cornell (4-7) at Bucknell (8-6) 7pm

The Big Red bring their 3pt attack to Bucknell. Cornell has attempted 253 shots behind the arc to just 178 at the free throw line.  The Bison limit opponents to 35 percent from outside the arc. Of Bucknell’s five losses, two are to ranked teams and another to a team from a Power conference.  Patriot League Player of the Year, Mike Muscala steadies the the Bucknell attack from the paint. The Bison win by 20.

St. Joe’s (10-3) at Harvard (11-1)4pm

The Hawks have won five straight. The Crimson three. St. Joe’s ranks third in the nation with more than eight blocks per game and are holding teams to 37 percent from the field including 34 percent from behind the arc. Harvard connects 45 percent of the time and nearly 38 percent from long range. Harvard’s only loss was 67-53 to UConn.  Kyle Casey leads three Crimson in double figures. Carl Jones heads four Hawks scoring ten or more.  Can St. Joseph’s win a game played in the 60s? That is where Harvard wants this contest. Hawks by five.

St. Louis (12-1) at New Mexico (11-2) 6pm

St. Louis visits one of the toughest gyms in college basketball in this clash of top 20 defenses. SLU holds opponents to 53 ppg and 39.6% from field. New Mex 56.4 and 36.7%.  The Billikens beat Washington, Boston College, Villanova and Oklahoma in succession before stumbling at Loyola-Marymount. New Mex carries a nine-game streak into Saturday’s soiree including wins over USC, Oklahoma State, Washington State and Boston College.  The Lobos haven’t faced a tandem like Brian Conklin and Kwamain Mitchell. SLU by two in overtime.

Gonzaga (10-2/1-0) at Xavier (9-3) 8pm

“When you hang a man, you better look at him.” Pundits and puppets are enjoying the recent struggles of the Musketeers making sure the X-Men serve the sentence dictated by the court of public opinion. Like Marshal Jed Cooper coming back to town in Hang ‘Em High, there might be a comeuppance in the future.  Xavier gets its full lineup back for the first time since that infamous Saturday earlier in the month.  How quickly can Dez Wells get back into the flow of the game? Time to start playing with a chip on the shoulder. The Muskies have some payback for the Zags. Gonzaga beat X by 10 a year ago. Gonzaga’s two losses have come at the hands of Big Ten teams (Illinois by 7, Michigan State by 7).  7′ Robert Sacre vs. 7′ Kenny Frease could go a long way to proving how these teams will fare in March. Xavier by four.

Charlotte (7-4) at Memphis (7-5) 9pm

Charlotte head coach Alan Major continues in search of his 49er team. It’s not like Peter Griffin, Quagmire and Joe in search of a replacement for Cleveland. Which Charlotte team will show Saturday night? The one that beat Davidson by 23, or the one that fell to East Tennessee. Josh Pastner has his own struggles like the Drunken Clam trio. A team with so much promise has come up short in every contest of significance this season. The 49ers will keep it close, but the Tigers outlast the 49ers by four.

New Year’s Day

Canisius (3-9/0-2) at Fairfield (7-6/2-0) 1pm

“If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.”  The Griffs will need to do something like that when conference play resumes. Fairfield comes in losing a pair on the road to Drexel and UConn (a game which the Stags could have made it a single-possession affair in the final minutes).  Canisius kept it close when the two met at the Koessler early in December. The same could be true here unless the Stags get out in transition. Then the “dodge a wrench” comes into play. Fairfield wins by eight.

“Mister, I ain’t a boy. No, I’m a man. And I believe in the Prah-ha-ha-missed land.”

By Paul Casey Gotham

The holidays are upon us, and the weekend game schedule moves up a day. Here is the weekly look at games of note.

Thursday, December 22nd

Loyola (10-2/2-0) at Kentucky (10-1) 1pm

“Sonny” Patsos brings his Greyhounds to Rupp for their own Dog Day Afternoon pay day. Patsos has no problem discussing how the money received for playing this game makes the trip necessary: “It’s the business we are in.” Winning this game is not as important to Patsos as is winning the MAAC. This game has long-range goals for the Greyhounds. But make no mistake, Loyola has the ability to make Kentucky uncomfortable just not for 40 minutes…maybe 27, but not 40. While Dylon Cormier gets plenty of ink, Justin Drummond sent a bouquet of forget-me-nots this weekend. Drummond’s 26-point effort at the Reilly Center is sure to impact plenty of scouting reports. Kentucky wins by 11.

American (8-4) at Villanova (6-5) 7pm

Jay Wright has been heard mumbling: “Damn! We’re in a tight spot!” Troubled times for the Wildcats who have not just lost five of seven, but all the defeats have been by double digits. The ‘Cats are hitting just a tad more than 30 percent of their shots from behind the arc. Combine that with a lack of post presence, and Maalik Wayns has little room to create. The Eagles looked occasionally feeble in their 81-55 loss to Georgetown. If American can take care of the ball and limit turnovers, Jay Wright’s Dapper Dan might get ruffled. Like the 2009 NCAA Tournament when American led late, the Wildcats will use their athleticism to sneak out a two-point win. On a side note, George Clooney as Jay Wright in the Jay Wright story?

Davidson (7-3/2-0) at UMass (9-3) 7pm

The Wildcats are coming off an upset of Kansas AT the Phog. A letdown seems obvious except that Davidson has been playing a challenging schedule (Duke, Vanderbilt, Charlotte and Richmond). The Minutemen are somewhat of an enigma. They are taking care of teams they should, but losing by double digits to Florida State and Charleston. The eight-point loss to Miami was not as close as the score might indicate. Still, this is a road game and Davidson’s third in a row. The Minutemen will pick up a quality win by five.

Bucknell (7-5) at Boston University (4-7) 7pm

“Am I chasing this guy, or is he chasing me?” The Bison make a Leonard Shelby transition from hunter to hunted. After falling to #1 Syracuse, Bucknell needs to avoid the trap presented by the Agganis Arena.  17,000 watched Bucknell play in the Carrier Dome. The Bison will need to adjust to the arena built more for BU’s hockey team than hoops.  Mike Muscala should get little resistance in the paint as Bucknell wins by single digits.

Princeton (6-6) at Siena (3-7) 7pm

Seems like a lifetime ago when the Saints brought the nation’s longest winning streak into the Gallagher Center. Now, Mitch Buonaguro must feel like Fidel Castro trying to fend off the defections.  DeVonte Beard is the most recent student-athlete to leave Loudonville.  Among Princeton’s six losses, one came at NC State by two, a six-point defeat at Bucknell and a four-point loss at Drexel. Siena has home court. The Saints will need it. Kyle Downey and Evan Hymes will carry Siena to a four-point win.

Fairfield (7-4/2-0) at UConn (9-1) 7pm

Not ready to predict an upset, but the Stags can use this as a gauge. Derek Needham has looked more like himself since returning from the Old Spice Classic. Rakim Sanders can handle UConn’s physicality. Ryan Olander will need to stay out of foul trouble. UConn’s Jeremy Lamb and Shabazz Napier will have their way off the dribble in a game that fans should not be surprised at the close outcome. Huskies win by six.

Xavier (8-1) vs. Long Beach State (5-5)  in Hawaii

The Muskies are in as much of a need of an image makeover as Presidential candidate Herman Cain (if he is still a candidate?).  A brawl, a press conference gone awry, suspensions and a thumping at the hands of Oral Roberts might give Chris Mack and his crew a little us against the world mentality. LB’s record is deceiving. Of their five losses one is by four in ot at San Diego State, another by 13 at Louisville, by eight at Kansas and by six at UNC. The 49ers would like nothing more than to keep the X-Men reeling. Obviously, Holloway coming back to lineup makes Pacific Ocean-size difference. But Mark Lyons and Dez Wells will not suit for this one. Long Beach pulls out a seven-point win.

Friday, December 23rd

Providence (10-2) at Rhode Island (1-10) 7pm

Mirror images meet in a battle for The Ocean State. URI recently suspended their leading scorer, Jamal Wilson but coach’s son, Billy Baron and Andre Malone should now be eligible after sitting out per NCAA transfer requirements. Baron and Malone will create energy but not enough. The Friars claim the Dunkin’ Donuts crown with a single-digit victory.

St. Francis (Pa.) (3-8/2-0) at St. Bonaventure (5-5) 7pm

Excuse the Bonnies if they are a little sow out of the gate. They might need time to recover from CJ Leslie’s get-it-done.  The Red Flash has one thing going for them.  Classes are not in session; few students will attend Friday’s game. Put the co-eds along the court, and the Bonnies might treat St Francis like a baby treats a diaper. Friday night, Demitrius Conger will have third consecutive double-digit offensive performance. SBU by 12.

Manhattan (8-4/2-0) at George Mason (7-4/1-0) 7pm

Don’t look now but the Jaspers are for real. Seven Jaspers average seven (Rhamel Brown 6.9) points or more a game. George Beamon leads the way with 16, but freshman Emmy Andujar is the key The do-it-all small forward can handle pressure, can score, can defend, can do what his team needs. The Patriots are coming off a loss to Duquesne and will have something to prove. Good test for a young Manhattan team who has been able to sneak up on some opponents. Manhattan by three.

Richmond (7-5) at UCLA (6-5) 1030pm

Ben Howland is giving Mitch Buonaguro competition in the defection department. Richmond has been vulnerable to pressing defenses. Something the Bruins lack. The Spiders are in search of an identity on offense which they might have found during an overtime victory versus Old Dominion. Darrien Brothers connected seven times from behind the arc en route to a 38-point barrage. UCLA ranks 314 in the country allowing opponents to hit 39 percent from long range Richmond will make the trip worthwhile. Spiders by five.

What say you? Which games will you follow? Your take?

By Paul Casey Gotham

Setting: Atlantic Coast meets Atlantic 10 when Mark Gottfried brings his North Carolina State Wolfpack (6-4) to Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena for a battle with Mark Schmidt’s St Bonaventure Bonnies (5-4).

Plot: Conference play looms on the horizon as these two teams look to build their NCAA tournament resumes. The Wolfpack fell on Saturday at home, to #1 Syracuse, 88-72. The Bonnies come into play with a two-game winning streak.

Sub-Plot: Wolfpack assistant Bobby Lutz coached for more than a decade in the A10. His Charlotte 49er teams went  5-3 against the Bonnies. Lutz was on the sidelines in 2000 when Bona beat Charlotte 79-78 at the Blue Cross Arena.

The Bonnies will be without senior guard Michael Davenport who separated his shoulder and is waiting evaluation as to whether he will return this year.  Davenport joins Marquise Simmons on the bench. Simmons was injured in the season opener and is lost for the balance of the year.

Flashback: The last time these two met N.B.A. Hall-of-Famer Bob Lanier wore the Brown and White. Lanier tallied 24 points and 19 rebounds as the Bonnies advanced 80-68 to the Elite Eight of the 1970 NCAA Tournament.

Conflict: Both the Wolfpack and Bonnies have shown the ability for 30 minutes of brilliance. It’s the other 10 minutes which will determine tonight’s outcome. NC State surrendered a 23-0 run over six minutes in their home loss to Syracuse. The Bonnies led Loyola by 16 with 10:00 remaining before the Greyhounds reduced the lead to six.

C.J. Williams leads a quartet from NC State scoring in double figures generating nearly 76 points of offense per game.  C.J. Leslie scores nearly 13 a game.  The sophomore can put it on the floor and score. He can also stretch a defense. Gottfried uses nine guys double-digit minutes per game.  Richard Howell leads the Wolfpack with eight rebounds a game including three on the offensive end.

The Bonnies are led by Player-of-the-Year candidate, Andrew Nicholson. The senior forward accounts for 15.6 ppg and 7.9 rpg.

The Wolfpack fell victim to the long ball on Saturday. Syracuse scored more than a third (33 of 88) of their points from behind the arc.

Matthew Wright (17) and Eric Mosley (14) lead the Bonnies from long range. Demetrius Conger will need to continue his play from Sunday when the junior forward scored 20 points.

But make no mistake, the Bonnies offense starts with Nicholson. Keeping Nicholson on the floor will be paramount.  On Sunday, Loyola attacked the basket off the dribble and created foul trouble for Nicholson. The Wolfpack runs a UCLA-style offense predicated on high one-four sets and entering the ball to the high post and creating lanes for cutting.

Will the Wolfpack modify their attack to get Nicholson in foul trouble?

Loyola created problems for St. Bonaventure by running at Bonaventure ballhandlers late in the game and creating traps. The Bonnies can expect to see plenty of run-and-jump defense from the athletic Wolfpack.

Resolution: The Bonnies played with more energy on Sunday than they have played all season. That trend will continue tonight. St. Bonaventure will handle any of NC State’s defensive pressure and settled into a half-court game where Nicholson will take over. The Bonnies win by seven.

Ronald Roberts, Jr. (Courtesy of St. Joesph's athletics)

Gathered from game notes by Paul Casey Gotham.

A look at this weekend’s games of note.

This thing lightin’ got your thunder want to crack’n

Struttin’ blues want to find me again.

Saturday, December 17

Iona (8-2/2-0) at Vermont (4-6) 1 PM

“Flying ‘cross the land. Tryin’ to get a hand. Playin’ in a travelin’ band.” Tim Cluess and his Gaels continue their road show with a trip to the Green Mountain State. Sixth of nine consecutive Iona will play away from New Rochelle.  Scott Machado leads a Gael offense that averages 88 a game. The senior point guard dishes out nearly 11 dimes per contest. Four McGlynn sparks the Catamounts with 10.6 ppg. Vermont has lost its last four, but two of those came to teams that have spent time in the top 25 (Harvard and St. Louis).  After losing its opener to Purdue (91-90), Iona’s only other loss came to Marshall last week (82-63). Not only has the Herd toppled Iona, but it won at Cincinnati and lost by six (62-56) at Syracuse. Something to keep in mind for later. Vermont will try and slow the Gaels, but it won’t work. Iona takes this one running away. If you haven’t already read the ESPN article on Cluess click here.

Duquesne (6-4) at Western Michigan (2-7) 2 PM

The Dukes are coming off a 66-59 triumph over Penn State. Two of DU’s four losses have come to ranked teams: 67-59 at No. 16 (AP) Arizona and 80-69 to No. 17 (AP) Pitt at CONSOL Energy Center (neutral-site). Duquesne has shot better than 50 percent five times and posted 20 or more assists three times this season … four regulars – including three starters – are shooting 50 percent or better: Andre Marhold (.533), T.J. McConnell (.511), Sean Johnson (.510) and Jerry Jones off the bench (.583) … a fourth starter, B.J.Monteiro, is shooting .482. The Broncos were predicted to win the MAC West division. The Broncos are 86-25 at home under Steve Hawkins including a 30-11 mark against non-conference opponents. Duquesne’s defense will create enough turnovers for the single-digit win.

Temple (6-2) at Texas (8-2) 2:30 PM

Owls invade the Lone Star state. Temple has recovered from the loss of starting center Michael Eric to win their last three. Fran Dunphy is frequently deploying a four-guard set. Texas has one of the youngest teams in the nation this season with six players on its 11 -man roster being true freshmen. Four freshmen are among the Longhorns top five scorers with three – Myck Kabongo (10.1 ppg.), Julien Lewis (10.0 ppg.) and Jonathan Holmes (9.5 ppg.) – in the starting five. Junior guard J’Covan Brown leads UT in scoring (18.9) with freshman reserve guard Sheldon McClellan (12.0 ppg.) ranking second on the team. It is possible for Temple history to be made. For the first time in the program’s 114-year history two players may score their 1,000th point in the same game. Senior guards Juan Fernandez and Ramone Moore need eight and 13 points, respectively, to reach the milestone. The closest time gap between two Owls scoring their 1,000th point was during the 1978-1979 season. Walt Montford notched his 1000th against Dayton at the Palestra on Feb. 24, which was only two games before Rick Reed did it on March 2 against Lafayette in the ECC Championship game. This will be the 10th time two Temple players will score their 1000th point in the same season. The Owls have too much experience to lose this win. Temple by two.

Fordham (4-5) at St. John’s (4-5) 2:30 PM

The Rams can’t sneak up on the Red Storm this year. Fordham surprised the Johnnies a year ago with an 84-81 win at Rose Hill. Chris Gaston leads the way for Fordham with seven double-doubles thus far. Freshman, Devon McMillan is proving himself as a crafty playmaker at the point. St. John’s is reeling. Head coach Steve Lavin is still recovering from prostate cancer, and the Red Storm has not found a lineup that can create a rhythm on the floor. Fordham wins by five.

Richmond (6-4) at Bucknell (6-4) 7 PM

The Bison beat the Spiders 62-61 in Richmond last year on a buzzer-beater by Mike Muscala. The Spiders are coming off an 88-79 loss to Iona. The Bison lead the Patriot League in scoring defense at 61.8 points per game, and also top the chart in field-goal percentage defense (38.8) and rebounding margin (+6.1). Joe Willman continues to lead the Patriot League in field goal percentage at 60.5 for the season, also placing him among the top 30 nationally. Richmond has been vulnerable to full-court pressure this year. Wake Forest, VCU and Iona all exposed the inexperience in the Richmond backcourt. Bucknell’s defense is stingy, but they don’t get up in passing lanes enough to bother Richmond. The Spiders get some revenge with a single-digit win.

Villanova (6-4) at St. Joseph’s (7-3) 8 PM

The 69th meeting between these Big 5 rivals. Villanova has won three in a row, six of the last seven and leads the series 44-24. This is the first time the two will meet on the campus at St. Joseph’s. The Hawks received five votes in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll for this week.  SJU’s C.J. Aiken is the nation’s leader in blocked shots with his 4.8 average, while the Hawks rank third (8.2) as a team in the NCAA. Villanova has attempted 217 threes this year while taking just 229 free throws. The Wildcats struggle to get the ball in the paint. At the same time, hitting 32 percent from long range does not equate success.  The Hawks perimeter defense will need to stop dribble penetration.  SJU comes away with a one-possession victory. PHILAHOOPS has all your coverage for this game.

Alabama State (2-6) at St. Louis (9-1) 8 PM

SLU leads the A-10 and ranks 14th nationally in scoring defense as opponents have scored just 55.8 points against the Billikens this season. The Billikens held Vermont to 25 percent shooting in the second half of Wednesday’s win at Chaifetz Arena.  Against Portland, they forced 16 turnovers, including 10 in the first half, and held UP’s leading scorer to just two points. The Billikens scored 24 points off 12 Villanova turnovers last Friday and forced 20 Boston College turnovers last Thursday. SLU held the potent Washington offense to 23 points under its average and limited the Huskies to 42 percent shooting in the win Nov. 20. Kenderek Washington leads Alabama State with 15.4 ppg, while Ivory White and Washington collect a team-best 5.1 rpg. The Billikens will take the sting out of the Hornets winning by 20.

Sunday, December 18

Oral Roberts (7-3) at Xavier (8-0) 1 PM

One week ago this looked like a promising matchup between an ORU team that is scoring 68 a game while holding opponents to 62 and a top ten team in Xavier. After last Saturday’s altercation, the Musketeers will take the court Sunday minus three starters including their entire backcourt. ORU’s Warren Niles should enjoy his homecoming. Dominique Morrison (16.2 PPG) and Michael Craion (7.5 RPG) lead the Golden Eagles. Dee Davis, Brad Redford and Justin Martin will have to pick up the slack for the undefeated Muskies. Redford has the potential to carry X if he gets hot from the outside. The Musketeers will struggle defensively trying to stop ORU off the dribble. The Golden Eagles will struggle to keep Xavier off the boards. Xavier is deeper than people realize. The game will give players like Martin a chance to prove his worth. Xavier stays undefeated with a ten-point win.

Loyola (MD) (8-1) at St. Bonaventure (4-4) 2:30 PM

MAAC meets A-10 at the Reilly. It’s a Pickin’ Splinters exclusive. Smitty and I will cover the baseline. The Greyhounds with high-flying Dylon Cormier and Erik Etherly come in with an eight-game winning streak and gaining steaming. Loyola sits at #15 in ESPN’s Mid-Major Poll and ranked among CollegeInsider’s top 25.  A victory in Olean would be akin to Carlito breaking through the chain lock of Gail’s bedroom in Carlito’s Way (“Charlie, where’s my cheesecake?”). Three of Bona’s losses have come on the road. The Bonnies are nothing if they aren’t resilient. Mark Schmidt and his staff are getting contributions from everyone. Chris Johnson played just 24 minutes in the Bonnies first seven games. Last weekend the junior scored 19 in 25 minutes. Charlon Kloof is now starting at point. Of course, there is always pre-season POY candidate, Andrew Nicholson (15.3 PPG and 8.1 RPG).  Demetrius Conger is due for a big game. The Greyhounds will make it interesting, but the Bonnies pull away late with a 10-point victory. “These Greyhounds got a good future if they can live past next week.” Loyola visits Rupp Arena on Thursday.

Canisius (1-7/0-2) at South Dakota (4-5/0-2) 3 PM

The Griffs will look to right their ship a time zone away from home. Without Gaby Belardo in the lineup, Canisius fell at the KAC to South Dakota 67-55. Louie Krogman connected five times behind the arc to lead the Coyotes past a Blue and Gold club that looked uninspired at best. With Belardo back in the rotation more space is created for Harold Washington to work. Chris Manhertz goes for a double-double inside as the Griffs get revenge with a five-point triumph.

Other games of note

Saturday

#17 Mississippi State (10-1) at Detroit (5-7/0-2) Noon

Ray McCallum and the Titans play their second ranked opponent (lost 62-54 at Alabama last time out) in a row and fourth Power 6 team  (lost at ND 59-53 early in the season and 69-63 to St. John’s). Injuries and suspensions might subside soon. The Bulldogs might find Motown not so inviting. The Titans win in overtime.

Indiana State (7-2) at #25 Vanderbilt (6-3) 5:30 PM

The Sycamore fell to Minnesota (before the season-ending injury to Trevor Mbakwe) and at Boise State. Vanderbilt is not looking so formidable at home with losses to Cleveland State and Xavier at Memorial Gym. The Commodores will struggle to contain Jake Odum off the dribble (triple-double in the Old Spice Classic – the first Sycamore to accomplish since Larry Bird) while limiting Jay Printy and R.J. Mahurin from behind the arc. The Sycamores will hand Vanderbilt their third loss at home.

What games are you watching this weekend?

Notes used courtesy of OwlSports.com,  SLUBillikens.com, SJUHawks.com, GoDuquesne.com, and Patriot League.

By Paul Casey Gotham

 ”You know I stay in five, six sometimes seven days a week. But ever so often I get that empty urge.” Paul Westerberg

Plenty on tap this weekend. Here’s a glance at some highlight games in the Atlantic 10 and Metro-Atlantic Athletic with special notice for the brothers at Monroe Community College.

Friday, December 9th

Siena (3-5) at UMass (7-3) 7PM 

Part of the Basketball Hall of Fame Showcase – the Saints recently claimed bragging rights in the Capital Region with a comeback victory over Albany.  The Minutemen beat Boston College earlier this season, but came up short, 83-75 at Miami last weekend. Chaz Williams leads a balanced UMass attack scoring 14 a game. Freshman Evan Hymes, O.D. Anosike and Kyle Downey all average double digits for Mitch Buonaguro’s crew.  The Minutemen will pull away late for this victory.

Richmond (6-2) at VCU (5-3) 8PM

Kevin Anderson scored 21 points a year ago when the Spiders took this matchup 72-60. Of course these rivals made up an eighth of the 2011 Sweet Sixteen with the Rams going on a magical run to the Final Four. This year, Richmond point guard, Cedrick Lindsay, will need to maintain order in the attempted havoc. This will not be an easy proposition considering Richmond’s recent struggles against Wake Forest’s press. UR freshman Kendall Anthony has been impressing early. Darrius Garrett might be the best post defender in the country. The Spiders will take one in enemy territory.

Old Dominion (5-3) at Fairfield (5-4) 9PM

ODU’s zone created 21 Kentucky turnovers in a recent 62-52 loss – a game that was closer than the score indicates. The Monarchs trailed by three with the ball under seven to go. Fairfield got a pretty good warmup against a zone  last weekend when the Canisius Golden Griffins played hands-up-Harry! for forty minutes. Derek Needham found his long-range stroke, and Rakim Sanders presents a difficult matchup. If Sanders gets going from the outside, it will be a long night for Old Dominion. The junior forward makes great decisions around the basket. It helps to have Maurice Barrow and Ryan Olander finishing in the paint. The Stags are gaining momentum. Fairfield wins a single-digit game.

MCC's Francis Obumneme

Finger Lakes CC (4-5) at Monroe CC (6-4) 9PM

First round action of the 19th annual Pete Pavia Memorial Scholarship Basketball Tournament.  The Tribs started the season 4-0, but are 2-4 since leaving the friendly confines of Monagan Court. Nothing like a little home cooking to help Monroe get back its swagger. Francis Obumneme will dominate in the paint. MCC pulls away for the win.

Saturday, December 10th

St. Joseph's Langston Galloway

(19) Creighton (7-) at St. Joseph’s (6-3) Noon

Missouri Valley meets A-10. Props to Phil Martelli and his schedulers who reeled in the Blue Jays for a soiree in the shadows Boathouse Row. C.J. Aiken tops the nation in blocks, and this game will give the sophomore a chance to gauge his abilities. The young Hawks are gamers. Carl Jones and Langston Galloway will see this as an opportunity to etch a big win on the resume. Doug McDermott averages 23 points and nine rebounds for Creighton. Can the sophomore get those numbers with Aiken draped all over him? The Hawks win in overtime.

Cincinnati (5-2) at (8) Xavier (7-0) 12:30PM

The Blue Blob, Skyline Chili parachutes falling from the rafters and a Queen City feud. The Bearcats lead the all-time series 48-30. UC thumped the Musketeers 66-46 a year ago. Cincinnati has stumbled out of the gate in a manner akin to Barbershop 2. Not that anyone predicted the Bearcats to go to the Final Four, nor were Oscar nominations expected for Ice Cube’s sequel, but give us something to laugh about every time Rosa Parks is mentioned, or the apple juice goes missing. How did Cincy lose to Presbyterian AND Marshall at home? Yancy Gates is still wearing black and red, right? What are the chances one of those Sky-Line Parachutes with coupons will drop on Seat 23, Row L, Section 205? Not that I can use it or anything, but it would make a nice re-gift to the progeny. Holloway and Lyons will lead the way. Andre Walker and Dez Wells will make the difference as the Muskies run away with this one.

Villanova (5-3) at Temple (5-2) 5PM

One month ago this looked like as sure a thing as one could get for a Philly 5 game. Then Michael Eric suffered an injury, and the Owls lost their interior presence. Villanova struggled earlier this week with Missouri’s zone. The young Cats shot 11-29 behind the arc and failed to penetrate the paint. Interesting that the Tigers used a four-guard lineup throughout much of the night. The Owls should follow suit. On the flip side, the Tigers exposed Villanova’s perimeter defense hitting 40 percent (10-25) from long range – Hello! Kahliff Wyatt. Expect the Owls to play a soft zone in the half-court switching the guard-to-guard screens and not give Villanova any room. The Owls take a one-possession game. Keep up with Aaron Bracy at PhillaHoops for updates and analysis of this one.

Canisius (1-6) at St. Bonaventure (3-4) 7PM

The Griffs will be without starting point Gaby Belardo. The Bonnies are coming off a loss. Check that. The Bonnies are coming off a close loss on the road. Wait. The Brown and White are coming off a close loss AT Illinois in a game where they led with less than five minutes to go. This doesn’t look good for Canisius. The Griffs did hold Iona (averaging more than 90ppg) to 69 last week, and Belardo was not in the lineup for that game. “So you’re telling me there’s a chance…” Probably not. The Bonnies shot almost 60 percent on UB’s zone  in the second half of last week’s victory. The Griffs’ Harold Washington will keep it close and make it entertaining. If you haven’t had a chance to see Washington play, make a point to do it. We need to come up with a nickname for the Canisius guard. “Tiny tot of the kilowatt” has been taken, but something along those lines. Smitty will bring the analysis from the baseline of the Reilly Center. I will be checking Twitter for updates while I enjoy the fare at Dana Gardens. The Bonnies win the game. The Griffs  keep the score in the 60s.

Sunday, December 11th

Iona (7-1)at Marshall (5-2) 2:30PM

Tim Cluess needs to get a little Johnny Cash music on the bus because his team been “everywhere man.” Iona is in the midst of an eight-game road swing. This weekend the Gaels blow in for what looks like a trap game. After earning a come-from-behind victory in the Rocky Mountains, the Maroon and Gold come east for a throw-down with Conference-USA contender, Marshall.  As mentioned above, the Thundering Herd (part of a great trivia question: can you name all the D1 schools that lack an S as the ending letter of their nickname?) won at UC. They also hung with Syracuse in the Carrier Dome. At the same time, they fell to Ohio. Go figure. Could be a trap game, but the Gaels are too deep. If Michael Glover, Scott Machado or Momo Jones don’t get you, Taaj Ridley, Jermel Jenkins or Randy Dezouvre will. The Gaels win by eight.

Other game of note:

Detroit (5-6) at Alabama (7-2)6:00PM

You want to watch this game if for no other reason than to see Ray McCallum (who has Steph Curry-like IQ) play. The Titans are dealing with injuries and suspensions which could make a win at Alabama difficult. But if they can withstand the Crimson Tide’s first punch, anything is possible.  Alabama has lost two in a row which might be a sign that teams are starting to figure out their pressing defenses. Does Detroit have the depth to continue the trend? Probably not. But Detroit and McCallum will make it interesting. Alabama by five.

Give us your take. What games will you watch once around weekend?