Sports Handicapper Joey Tron's Picks & Predictions

I am taking Sam Houston on the ML against Kennesaw State in this C-USA show down. Sam Houston enters this off a loss, halting their 7 game win streak and Kennesaw has fallen back to back and are just 2-4 in their L6. Kennesaw defense has been the brunt of their problems with back to back games over a 115 defensive rating and are getting crushed on the floor, with opponents hitting over a 55% eFG in those games. Sam Houston offense has been living by the three ball, hitting 40% combined the L2 games and Kennesaw defense is towards the bottom ranking 234 in 3PT%. Sam Houston is way more efficient on both ends of the floor and will jump out to an early lead, with no turning back. Take Sam Houston ML here. —Joey Tron

I am taking the points with Hofstra here on the road against UNCW in this CAA match up. Hofstra enters this one with 4 straight wins and UNCW is doing well themselves, going 4-1 their L5 with back to back wins. The Hofstra defense has been playing excellent with under a 100 rating in 5 straight games and foes have shot a sub 42% eFG in 4 of those. UNCW offense has slightly regressed with a 115 or worse rating in 3 straight games and will be met with a stark challenge by this Hofstra defense. UNCW’s defense has been a little worrisome especially from the mid range. This is going to be a back and forth game and having points in our back pocket down the stretch with the better defense is a premium. Take the points with Hofstra here. —Joey Tron

I am taking Missouri on the ML here at home in this SEC clash against Texas. Missouri enters this with 3 straight wins and are 4-1 in their L5 while Texas is coming into this with the exact same record in recent play - so what gives? The Texas defense has been playing modest competition and are still posting at least a 103 rating in 7 straight, with 3 of them at 115+ showing their shortcomings. Missouri offense is playing some strong basketball right now with a 114+ rating in 3 straight and are hitting a 50% eFG+ in all of those games. They are strong in the mid range hitting 57% season to date and the Longhorns will struggle here, as foes have averaged 52% over the last 3 games. This will be a back and forth game with the home atmosphere playing a massive factor. Take Missouri on the ML here. —Joey Tron 

I am laying it with Purdue here on the road in this match up against Iowa. Purdue has won 3 straight since losing 3 in a row and have been very strong on both ends of the ball while, Iowa enters this of a loss, halting their 6 game win streak. The Hawkeyes defense has been really troubling with over a 120 rating in 2 of their L3 games and goes are crushing them on the floor, hitting at least a 55% eFG in 4 of the L5 with two of those over 60%. The Purdue offense is getting back into gear hitting over a 50% eFG in 4 of 5 and posted at least a 102 rating in 5 straight. Defensively, the Boilermakers are playing great right now with foes hitting below a 50% eFG in 2 of 3 and have been guarding the perimeter great. The Hawkeyes will not be able to rely on their offense to bail them out like they’ve been against much weaker opposition. Lay it with Purdue. —Joey Tron

I am taking App State ML here on the road against James Madison in this Sun Belt showdown. App State is entering this one with 7 straight wins and James Madison has been inconsistent at best, going 2-2 their L4 and 4-5 overall their L9. James Madison defense isn’t holding their own with over a 106 rating in 4 straight games and have been forcing minimal turnovers. The App State offense has hit at least a 50% eFG in 3 of their L4 games and show great ball control, rarely turning it over. Their defense has been the most potent however, with under a 100 rating in 7 straight and no team shot over a 46% eFG in that span. This game should start close, but look for the efficiency from App State to be on full display as play progresses.Take App State on the ML. —Joey Tron