VCU-Nevada: Eric Maynor and the Rams Look to Burst Wolf Pack's Bubble

VCU ML Over Nevada: College Basketball Feb. 19, 2009 Against the Spread

VCU (19-8) at Nevada (15-10)

Game Time: 9:00 PM ET

The Line: VCU ML

The Virginia Commonwealth Rams are heading across the country to Nevada to take on the Wolf Pack.

VCU is led by star PG Eric Maynor, who outside of Stephen Curry, is the best guard from a mid-major conference.

Maynor originally committed to Duke until Coach K revoked his scholarship to give it to a last second recruit instead. Maynor was forced to find a school at the last minute, and it happened to be VCU.

The Rams could not have been more thrilled. Maynor is the leading scorer in VCU history and has a victory over Duke in the NCAA tournament as one of the many big accomplishments on his résumé.

VCU is on top in the CAA by one game with two conference games to play. This game is a bracket buster game for Nevada more than it is for VCU. Nevada is trying to prove they are worthy of an invite and will have no shot if they can't take care of business vs. the Rams.

Maynor had 30 points in his last game vs. Delaware, a win for VCU.

Nevada is led by former McDonald's All-American Luke Babbitt. I expected more out of Nevada this season than I've seen so far. They are three games back from Utah State in the WAC, sitting quietly in second place.

Nevada is not a bad team by any means though; Utah State is just having a storybook season en route to the WAC crown. Babbitt is averaging 16 points and seven rebounds and has improved his play as the season has gone on.

It is difficult to lean one way or the other in this game because both of these teams play on opposite sides of the country. Both teams play in different conferences. I would normally give the edge to Nevada because I believe the WAC may be a better conference then the CAA.

However, I think that when you have a player like Eric Maynor leading your team, you have to go with the Rams no matter what. Maynor is a senior who is trying to prove something to the NBA scouts.

Right around tournament time is Maynor's chance to make some serious noise, and I think it starts on Friday night for the star point guard.

I look for VCU to finish the season strong and not only pick up a solid victory over Nevada, but win out as well.

The Pick: VCU ML over Nevada