Game of the Day: George Washington vs. Harvard
It was honestly kind of difficult to choose a “game of the day” on this last A-10 hoops hurrah before Christmas. Fordham and Richmond both face Power 5s, but I don’t really expect either one to be a game. George Washington hosting Harvard could be quite the battle though.
I’m sure the Crimson aren’t sick of the Atlantic 10 this year; three of their four wins over D1 opponents have come over A-10 teams Fordham, Harvard, and Saint Joseph’s. George Washington is the last glimmer of hope to get at least one league win over the Crimson before conference play. It won’t be an easy task. The Colonials are coming off a nail-biting 4 point win over New Hampshire, a contest where they allowed the opposition to shoot 55.6% from three. Luckily, Harvard is pitiful from deep, but the Crimson can still take GW on the glass.
I think George Washington rallies after an unimpressive showing a few nights ago; this team has shown pockets of success throughout non-conference play, and I think it should pick up some momentum before A-10 play.
Prediction: George Washington 72, Harvard 65
Duquesne vs. Southern Illinois
There are two A-10 teams on 7 game winning streaks: one is named St. Bonaventure, and the other is named Duquesne. The Dukes planned an easy schedule, but props to them recently for winning their games and even pulling off a few surprises. Lamar was a good home win the other day, and the Dukes got a big one yesterday over San Francisco. I think they keep the ball rolling and sneak one out over Southern Illinois.
Prediction: Duquesne 71, Southern Illinois 69
Dayton vs. Wagner
The Flyers played their best 20 minutes of the season against Saint Mary’s the other day only to completely collapse in the 2nd half. Wagner shouldn’t be too tough of an opponent, but no game has been easy for the Flyers; their largest margin of victory this season is 13.
Prediction: Dayton 78, Wagner 65
Richmond @ Boston College
This is a team that beat Duke at home, and Kenpom gives UR an 11% chance of winning on the road which seems extremely generous. Richmond will pick up its 10th loss of the young season.
Prediction: Boston College 85, Richmond 61
Fordham @ West Virginia
This is the 323rd most efficient offense in the country going against the 10th most efficient defense in the country. I’d honestly be shocked if Fordham gets 50 points…
Prediction: West Virginia 83, Fordham 44
Davidson vs. Hawaii
OK, I wasn’t going to stay up for the conclusion of Miami FL and Hawaii, but the Bows went into the halftime locker room with the lead, so I had to. The Wildcats will essentially be playing a true road game in the 2nd round of the Diamond Head Classic, and Hawaii is no pushover. Expect a battle like yesterday’s game.
Prediction: Davidson 78, Hawaii 73
