SFTC top picks for Monday, Feb. 18

Well who would have thought that Miami and Clemson would combine for 34 points in the first half?!?!   Sometimes the picks you think are pretty safe have an outcome totally opposite of what you expect.  Those who play Streak for the Cash certainly know this.  Some refer to this phenomenon as the SFTC curse.  I've been playing this game for nearly two years, and I've realized that when making picks, there are certain guidelines to follow:

• If the pick is "hot" and the percentages are more than 95% for a certain team or outcome, that is usually the wrong pick.
• Full-game props are often safer than first and second-half props
• Having patience always pays off, but it is so hard to do!  
• Going with my "gut" is usually the right thing to do.
• If you have an uneasy feeling about a prop, either change it or pick something else.

Anyway, this game is so much fun, but winning requires patience and some good luck!!  

Here are my top picks for today:

NCAAM:

1)  Notre Dame WSDL against Pittsburgh

           Reasons:  Notre Dame has some head-scratching losses this season, but they are playing well of late and Pittsburgh is in a bit of a slump.  Pitt just lost to Marquette by 10 on Saturday.  Plus I think Notre Dame matches up well against Pitt.

          Confidence:  8/10

2)  Kansas State DD Win over West Virginia

          Reasons:  Kansas State is terrific at home.  Their win by 20 over Baylor on Saturday is a prime example.  West Virginia is in a slump as of late, so I like the Wildcats to win by at least 10.

          Confidence:  7/10

NCAAW:

1)  Baylor over UConn

          Reasons:  Baylor and UConn are both great teams.  They both only have 1 loss this season.  It really could go either way, but I think Baylor will squeak out with a win.

          Confidence:  5/10

2)  Kentucky over TexasA&M

          Reasons:  This is another toss up, but Kentucky averages more PPG, has a slightly better record, and beat A&M earlier this season.

          Confidence:  4/10

For Streak for the Cash: 
My blog posts pick history:

• NCAAM: 1 - 3
• NCAAW: 1 - 1
• NBA: 0 - 0
• NCAAF: 0 - 0
• NFL: 0 - 0
• NHL : 3 - 1
• Soccer: 1 - 0
• Golf: 0 - 0

My blog's YTD record:  6 - 5.