Boy, it wasn’t long ago that I was looking at a five-game deficit against Dave. But picking up a game here and a game there, suddenly that lead has shrunk to one.
Jim last week: 8-4-1
Dave last week: 6-6-1
Dave to date: 63-45-18
Dave to date: 64-44-18
Friday, December 2
Boston University at Providence
Jim’s pick: Though the Friars have been pretty good at home this season, it’s not enough for me to pick against BU.
BU 4, PC 3
Dave’s pick: I’ve been a bit too optimistic with both of these teams so far, but I’ll stick to my guns that BU is the most talented team.
BU 4, PC 3
Notre Dame at Massachusetts
Jim’s pick: If Notre Dame plays like this team is capable, this could be a landslide weekend. But the Irish have had trouble doing so this season.
UND 3, UMass 1
Dave’s pick: That was an encouraging tie UMass had with St. Lawrence over in Belfast, but the Minutemen still have only a single win in their last nine games.
UND 4, UMass 1
Connecticut at UMass Lowell
Jim’s pick: I’m not sure any team has given Lowell the fits in the last couple of years as UConn. That said, I have faith in the River Hawks at home.
UML 5, UConn 3
Dave’s pick: It feels like my fingers are incapable of typing anything other than wins for the River Hawks.
UML 4, UConn 2
Maine at New Hampshire
Jim’s pick: As much as I’d like to pick a Maine sweep here, the Black Bears have struggled away from the friendly confines of Alfond.
UNH 4, Maine 3
Dave’s pick: I have to agree. This home-and-home series feels like the “home” words should be capitalized and in bold print. Maine stays winless on the road.
UNH 3, Maine 2
Saturday, December 3
Providence at Boston University
Jim’s pick: Coming back to Agganis shouldn’t change my mind about the outcome of this game.
BU 5, PC 2
Dave’s pick: I made my picks beforehand, but so far it’s looking like the two of us agree on all counts.
BU 4, PC 2
New Hampshire at Maine
Jim’s pick: It’s one of the league’s best rivalries, even if it hasn’t been as competitive of late. But it should get the Alfond rocking and translate to a Maine win.
Maine 4, UNH 2
Dave’s pick: This one has Black Bears written all over it.
Maine 4, UNH 1
UMass Lowell at Connecticut
Jim’s pick: The XL Center has been a difficult building for the River Hawks for the last two seasons. So if I’m going to pick an upset, I’ll pick it here.
UConn 3, UML 1
Dave’s pick: Finally, we disagree! I’ve been picking Lowell with an almost metronomic consistency, and I’m not about to switch now.
UML 3, UConn 2
Notre Dame at Massachusetts
Jim’s pick: I don’t have a ton of confidence that Notre Dame can put together two solid efforts. But I also believe UMass isn’t strong enough yet to earn this split.
UND 3, UMass 2
Dave’s pick: A road sweep is a tough task, but I see the Irish as too strong for UMass.
UND 4, UMass 2
Tuesday, December 6
Northeastern at Boston College
Jim’s pick: It was a competitive battle the first game of this split-week home-and-home series, but I still see BC being the better team here.
BC 3, NU 1
Dave’s pick: I’ve been wrong several times recently with my BC faith, but I’ll stick with it one more time.
BC 3, NU 2
