puerto rico tipoff

This year Puerto Rico has assembled an interesting and deep field, with only George Mason and Boston U. being clearly outclassed, though the Patriots do bring mid-major name cache' to the party.

The best game of the entire 3-day tourney might be the very first to tip as Dayton squares off against what should be a vastly improved Georgia Tech squad. How high are people on the Jackets and freshman standout Derrick Favors? Consider that the Jackets were 13-19 last season, yet enter the game ranked #21 in the country. And for good reason. Add in Gani Lawal and Iman Shumpert and Paul Hewitt might have his best team on campus since 2002.

Dayton is an experience-laden team poised to build on last year's NCAA tournament opening round win. Tabbed as the early season favorite in the A-10, and ranked #18 the Flyers have a chance on (early) national TV to rack up an huge early resume win for the profile.

This is a hard one to pick, but I'll take the Flyers experience over the Jackets promise in an exciting preview of two teams who hope to be playing well into March.

The second game features an interesting Villanova team which should be in mix for the Big East title all year against a down George Mason squad. Look for Villanova to cruise with relative ease.

The 5pm tilt is one that I'm way more excited for than the rankings and RPI's would merit. Ole Miss quietly has one of the best backcourts in the SEC with Warren and Terrico White. IU is in year two of the Tom Crean reclamation project and should make some substantial strides. It may not happen tomorrow, but write it down, Indiana will NOT finish eleventh in the Big Ten this year. I guarantee it.

The night cap gives an early look at Kansas State's Wally Judge who played sparingly in the Wildcats' first two contests. Kansas State has their sights set on improving on last year's NIT appearance. Picking up a few wins in Puerto Rico would go a long way toward that aim.

Games:
11:30 am - Dayton v. GA Tech
2:00 pm - George Mason v. Villanova
5:00 pm - Indiana v Mississippi
7:30 pm - Boston U v. Kansas State

Picks: Dayton, Villanova, Ole Miss and K-State, with Dayton beating Ole Miss in the Final.
(although I wouldn't be stunned if GA Tech beats the Flyers in the opener...)

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