Northeastern-Wyoming: CBI Analysis and Premium Pick

I can sit here and go on and on about the big guards from Northeastern, Chaisson Allen and Matt Janning, or the two senior guards from Wyoming, Brandon Ewing and Sean Ogirri. The fact is that on paper this is a contest between two evenly matched teams. But that is ON PAPER; the intangibles will swing this game to the home team.    

This contest will come down to THREE simple factors.

Factor No. 1

The Huskies from Northeastern will be traveling 1,977 miles from the Boston area to Laramie, Wyo. The “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” travel schedule is coupled with one of the choppiest ends to the season of any NCAA team.

The Huskies ended their regular season on Feb. 28; they then sat for an entire week before losing in the first round of the CAA Tournament on March 7. Now 10 days later the Huskies travel almost 2,000 miles to the middle of nowhere to play in what they view as a meaningless CBI game. 

Factor No. 2

Unlike the Northeastern Huskies, Wyoming is EXCITED to be in this game. They are a tough team at home and really do cherish the opportunity to play in a postseason game.  They are not depressed about spending spring break in Laramie like the Huskies of Northeastern are.

Wyoming is rebuilding its program and was very competitive against its conference opponents this year. Look for the team to prove a point to its fans and competition tonight.

Factor No. 3

A little bit of pure basketball insight for you: If the first two factors still have you unconvinced of a Wyoming cover, just look at the depth. Northeastern does not have the depth to compete in a tough road environment.

In the Huskies’ opening round loss to Towson in the CAA Tournament, only one player scored in double digits. The next highest scoring player put up a total of eight points.  The Huskies’ bench contributed 36 total minutes and a measly three points.

TRANSLATION...Wyoming to cover up to five points at HOME.