Dec. 8 Plays

It’s time for another stone-cold, lead-pipe, Jimmer-third-game-bowling-under lock as part of our Dec. 8 plays.

Illinois (-3.5) over Vanderbilt
The Illini are one of the more balanced teams in the nation with five players averaging over double figures in scoring. Illinois is led by its stringbean forward Mike Davis, reliable guard Demetri McCamey and the dynamic freshman duo of Brandon Paul and D.J. Richardson.
The Commodores have had some impressive wins this season, beating Missouri and Arizona and getting a tough win at St. Mary’s. But, those wins aren’t convincing enough to make anyone believe they can win in an environment like Assembly Hall.
Center A.J. Ogilvy is Vandy’s leader, but he will run into some stiff competition inside with Davis and Mike Tisdale.
Look for McCamey to frustrate Vandy’s leading scorer Jeffrey Taylor with his tight, on-the-ball defense.
Take the Illini for our second Jimmer lock of 5 Units.

Xavier (+5) over Kansas State
The Musketeers played much better basketball in their last game than they did in Orlando. They shared the ball, cut down on turnovers and used all of their offensive weapons.
This Xavier team matches up well with Kansas State as each team possesses a talented backcourt. The difference will be Jason Love down-low and what he brings as both a finisher and shot blocker.
The slashing penetration players like Denis Clemente use for scoring will be shut down by Love’s length. Also worth noting is the fact that, through seven games, Love has only committed 15 fouls, which means he does a good job of staying out of foul trouble.
The Wildcats’ top two scorers are guards, and they may have trouble finding shots against Xavier’s tight man-to-man defense and length inside. Take Xavier for 3 Units.

TCU (+1) over Texas Tech
The Red Raiders are 8-0, but their only two impressive wins have been at home against Pac 10 teams. The Tech fans stormed the court twice Thursday when the Raiders upset No. 10 Washington on their home floor.
Tech was able to hang with Washington behind some hot shooting, but the Horned Frogs would prefer to slow this game down and grind out a victory.
This would seem like a curious line for an 8-0 team heading in to play a team that has already lost to Louisiana Tech this season. But oddsmakers are waiting for the other shoe to drop on Tech, and it will be against TCU on Tuesday. Take the Horned Frogs for 2 Units.