Early Jan. 23 Plays

Here are a couple of 11 a.m. appetizers for the main course coming later today.

Mississippi State at Alabama (PK)
The Crimson Tide has been playing better than its record indicates with close losses to Tennessee and Vanderbilt, while the Bulldogs have been skating by the bottom feeders of the SEC.
Jarvis Varnado is always a matchup problem for those who face Mississippi State, but Alabama has JaMychal Green, who should give him enough to neutralize his offensive rebounding ability.
Alabama will get its best effort in this game, and if it’s able to knock down some shots from long range, the Tide should roll. Take Bama for 3 Units.

Villanova (-6) at St. John’s
The Wildcats have passed some stiff tests in the road in conference play this season, and this will be another one in Madison Square Garden.
The Johnnies have been inconsistent this season, and despite a lot of experience in their starting lineup, have been somewhat disappointing.
Scottie Reynolds is campaigning for Big East POY honors and Nova has too many shooters and guards for the Red Storm.
Their intense ball pressure will force turnovers and frustrate the St. John’s offense. Take Villanova for 2 Units.