Tuesday, February 8, 2022 Illinois vs. Purdue (NCAABB) Illinois Premium Pick My Bookie Pick Title: Big Ten Motivator Play Play Selected: Pointspread +6/-110 Rating: 9* (LOSS) Even though this game just juggles seeding for the Big Ten Tournament, I still look for a battle down to the wire. The first meeting on January 17th was billed appropriately with Purdue as 1 1/2-point dogs going on the road to the State Farm Arena in Champaign to shock the Boilermakers 96-88 in OT. Look for 7'0" Sophomore Center Kofi Cockburn to make an impact. HC Brad Underwood has 2 guards come back for their senior seasons with key pieces Trent Frazier & Da'Monte Williams. In addition to them, PG & playrmaker Andre Curbelo rounds out a very solid 3-guard system that makes them a tough out whether on neutral or road court. Sure, HC Matt Painter has a legit Final Four entry as long as Jaden Ivey lives up to his billing. I just can't ignore the Fighting Illini's 5-0 ATS road underdog sheet. Let's go to Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, IN to play the Illinois Fighting Illini (buying to +9) as my 9* Big Ten Motivator! Monday, February 07, 2022 Furman vs. East Tennessee State (NCAAB) - 7:00 PM EST Premium Pick Pick: Money Line: -250 Furman Rating: 8* Mike's Monday Night Sweeper Play (LOSS) If you were with us for Saturday's win with the Tennessee-Chattanooga Moccasins, then you'll be going for the SoCon sweep tonight. Yep, we're headed back to the Southern Conference to back the front-leading Furman squad. I feel its more than warranted in backing them because of a SUPER backcourt led by G Mike Bothwell & 3-point, super senior G Alex Hunter. Yes, these 2 played back on January 12th with the 17-8 SU Paladins winning 78-69 @ Timmons Arena in Greenville. That game saw HC Desmond Oliver's 12-13 SU East Tennessee State Buccaneers shoot a torrid 48% from the field but couldn't make the halftime adjustments giving up 43 second-half points. HC Bob Richey should have his troops playing determined basketball after getting shocked @ home by Spartans of UNC Greensboro 58-56 as 10-point favorites. Furman had a quick exit from the SoCon playoffs in last year's quarterfinals. Expect them to defend their current top seed & make it to the conference finals. Let's roll to the Freedom Hall Civic Center in Johnson City to play the visiting FURMAN PALADINS as my 8* Monday Night Sweeper Play! Mike Handzelek's 2021-22 CBB Overall Record: 1-2 for a slow start 33% Mike's L27 Plays: 23-4 for 85%