Providence has opened the season with a 2-1 record S/U and 0-2 record vs the spread. The Friars are coming off a win over Davidson, 63-62 as a 1.5 point favorite. They led the entire game over Davidson and only failed to cover the spread in the last minute. A lot was expected out of Alabama this year and thus far it's been mixed results. They opened with a win over Jackonsville, 81-57 and then got whipped by Stanford, 64-82. The rebounded last night with a win over UNLV, 86-74, pushing the 12-point line. However, they trailed the entire first half and only came on the second half. I'm not as impressed with this Alabama team as I expected to be. I'm going to take Providence here today.

Hartford finished 2019 with a 18-15 overall mark and 9-7 America East record (3rd). The Hawks won the American East Semifinals last season. At the time of the NCAA suspension of season, the Hawks were playing their best basketball. The program now has three winning seasons in a row and look to be on the right track. They just need to develop their young players. Fairfield returns three starters to a team that was 12-20 last year and 8th in the Metro Atlantic. The Stags will have to be more reliable on the offense if they hope to compete in the conference. The defense was very good, allowing just 62.9 points per game last season. But should they be laying points? I don't believe so. I'll take Hartford.

VCU is 2-1 both S/U and ATS so far this young season. The Rams were 8th in the Atlantic 10 last season and 18-13 overall. The returned just one starter this season. The beat Utah State to open the season, then lost to West Virginia and won their last game over Memphis, 70-59 as a 5.5 point dog. Penn State has just one game thus far and that was a win over VMI, 86-65. The Nittany Lions returned three starters to a team that was 21-10 last year and finished 5th in the Big 10. This team has gone through ups and downs the last few years but the biggest issue is in the frontcourt. HC Stevens need someone to step up this year and be a leader. It's early, but I'm going to take the points here with VCU.

Drexel has just one game thus far, that being a loss to Pittsburgh, 74-83 though they did cover the 10-points spread. The Panthers return three players to a team that was 16-17 last year and 14th in the ACC. This Pitt team has made steady progress under HC Capel. They have experience returning to build around this year as they fill in with younger talent. This could be the season for Pitt to finally content in the conference. Quinnipiac Bobcats were 15-15 last year and 5th in the Metro Atlantic. The Cats have no superstars on the team this year so they will have to rely more on contributors. They are considered a favorite in thee conference and opened with a win over Farleigh Dickinson, 84-66. Today is a big test for the Bobcats. This tourney game will be a tough one for them. I will take the favorite here today and that's Drexel.