Back for 2011-12

It's good to be back. With the NBA on a long hiatus, there's more interest than ever in the college game and it's time for us to make some money while we're at it. Here are the Gamblin' Gorilla's first plays of the 2011-12 season:

Missouri (-2.5) vs. California
Both of these teams easily disposed of their first-round opponents in the CBE Classic last night and both like to get out and run to score easy transition points.

The Tigers have an experienced backcourt in Marcus Denmon and Kim English, which will serve them well against Cal's pressure defense. Mizzou also has the decided home-court advantage in this tournament, playing in their home state in Kansas City.

Cal is led by Jorge Gutierrez, a scrappy, quick guard whose toughness is the signature of this Cal team.

The Bears may have the advantage in coaching, but Mizzou will carry its home crowd and transition offense to victory here.

Take the Tigers for 3 Units.

Seton Hall (-8) vs. Yale
The Pirates have shown signs of life under head coach Kevin Willard and are expected to finish as the best of the worst in the Big East Conference this year. SHU already has solid wins over VCU and St. Joe's with the Pirates' only loss coming to a good Northwestern team.

Yale does not compare to any of those outfits Seton Hall has already faced. The Bulldogs dropped a game at Quinnipiac already this year and barely survived Central Connecticut State.

Seton Hall has some talent in big man Herb Pope and crafty guard Jordan Theodore. Coming off of a loss, the Hall will be motivated to get back on track with a big win over an out-matched Ivy League team.

Take the Hall for 3 Units.

Pittsburgh (-14.5) vs. La Salle
The Panthers have been stewing for six days, thinking about an embarrassing home loss to Long Beach State. Pitt played uncharacteristically poor on defense and now host the Explorers, who can score in bunches.

I think there's some value in taking Pitt here simply because they're coming off of a bad home loss and have something to prove on the defensive end.

Take Pitt for 2 Units.

Michigan (+7) vs. Duke
I'm not so convinced that the Blue Devils have things all figured out just yet. And that's fine since we're only in November.

Duke may become a top 5 team in the end, but after close wins over Belmont, Michigan State and Tennessee, Duke may have finally met a team that could give them problems for all 40 minutes.

The Wolverines play hard-nosed defense and don't turn the ball over much. They held a talented Memphis squad to just 61 points and are led by point guard Tim Hardaway, Jr.

Michigan gave Duke a tough test in the NCAA Tournament last March, and much of that Wolverines squad is back this year.

Coach John Belein can throw some curveballs at Duke with exotic defenses that will help slow the game down and keep Michigan in the game.

Take Michigan for 4 Units.

So, there's your appetizer for the college basketball season. Twelve units in play. Enjoy the games and check back soon for more selections.