G Carapellucci's Free Pick
Missouri vs. South Carolina, Take Missouri Tigers

Steve Spurrier deserves a world of credit for guiding this South Carolina team to a 7-4 record in his first year here, but we do not expect a happy ending to the Gamecocks season. These teams have virtually identical passing numbers as South Carolina is averaging 216.6 yards per game through the air while Missouri is averaging 217.5 yards. However, we expect the powerful Tigers rushing attack to decide the outcome of this contest. Missouri is averaging a whopping 205.5 yards per game on the ground on an impressive 4.8 yard per carry, and run defense is not a strong suit for a Gamecock team surrendering 171.6 rushing yards per encounter. Throw in the fact that quarterback Brad Smith is just as dangerous with his legs than with his arm and we really feel that the South Carolina defense has its hands full. Conversely, the Cocks did not run the ball well this season averaging a paltry 90.9 yards per game on an anemic 3.0 yards per carry. It is no wonder then that the 23.0 points per game that Carolina averaged is a full touchdown less than the 30.1 points that Missouri put up. Granted the Gamecocks defense allowed only 21.9 points per, but their inability to stop the run should catch up to them here and they simply lack the firepower to come from behind should Missouri jump out to a quick lead.


Lenny Del Genio's Free Pick
Philadelphia vs. Portland, Take Philadelphia 76ers

Take Philly at 10:05 ET. Portland comes into this one at a rotten 9-18, and faces a Philly team that clobbered it earlier this season. When the Blazers revenge a blowout loss, they're lousy, winning just 7 of 26 ATS. Philly's O is clicking, averaging 107.4 ppg in their last five while shooting 46.7%. Portland's bad offense, however, is the key in this one. The Blazers are scoring just 87.2 ppg this season. They're a team that doesn't get enough shots and doesn't challenge the basket enough, and when they do, they don't hit their free throws. Take the Sixers in this one.


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