Last Week: 1-0-0
On the Season: 79-32-14 (.688)
This Week’s Picks:
Thursday, Dec. 29
Army at Connecticut – This is the second semifinal of the UConn Holiday Classic tournament, but it doubles as a conference game. I like the Huskies at home. UConn 3, Army 1.
Rochester Institute of Technology vs. Ferris State – The Catamount Cup has a pre-determined format, so the Tigers will not face the host Vermont Catamounts. Instead they’ll play two ranked CCHA teams, including this first-ever meeting with the 11th-ranked Bulldogs. Ferris State 4, RIT 1.
Friday, Dec. 30
Air Force at Colorado College – Two high-flying offenses clash in the battle of Colorado Springs. I like the Tigers at home. Colorado College 4, Air Force 3.
Canisius at Colgate – The Griffs face a tall order against the No. 12 Raiders. The home team has won all five previous meetings between the two teams and I think that will hold true again. Colgate 4, Canisius 2.
Ohio State at Robert Morris – This is yet another chance for an AHA team to knock off a ranked team – the Buckeyes come in at No. 4. RMU knocked off Ohio State last season, but I think OSU previals this time. OSU 4, RMU 3.
Niagara at Minnesota – This is the second semifinal of the Marinucci Classic. The Gophers have had their share of upsets and near-upsets at the hands of AHA teams, but this time I’m picking them to come away with a clear win. Minnesota 5, Niagara 2.
Holy Cross at Dartmouth – The Crusaders are 3-3-1 all-time against the Big Green, but I like the home team to not disappoint in its own tournament. This is the second semifinal of the Ledyard Bank Classic. Dartmouth 3, Holy Cross 2.
Lake Superior vs. RIT – Another tournament game and another ranked opponent for the Tigers. No. 16 Lake State and RIT have never played before. I think the Tigers go 0-2 in this tournament. LSSU 4, RIT 2.
Army/UConn vs. Rensselaer/Mass-Lowell – I’m picking the AHA teams to lose these games. I think Mass-Lowell will win the tournament.
Saturday, Dec. 31
Denver at Air Force – This is my upset special. Air Force has been playing very well and No. 15 ranked Denver was hot-and-cold before the break. Air Force 2, Denver 1.
Northeastern/Princeton vs. Niagara – I’m picking the Purple Eagles to beat Princeton but lose to Northeastern if they wind up paired in the second round of the Mariucci Classic.
Merrimack/St. Lawrence vs. Holy Cross – I think Holy Cross beats SLU, but loses to Merrimack should they be paired in the second round of the Ledyard Bank Classic.
Sunday, Jan 1.
Bentley at Yale – Yale learned its lesson on taking an AHA team lightly earlier this season, and I think the Bulldogs come out strong after a disappointing first half. Yale 4, Bentley 2.
Friday, Dec. 30 and Saturday Dec. 31
Mercyhurst at Alabama-Huntsville – These games are the final NCAA contests in Huntsville this season, and hopefully not the last ever. Mercyhurst 5, UAH 3; Mercyhurst 3, UAH 2.
Take Me On
Feel free to chime in by posting your picks in the comments.
