3-Game NCAAB SWEEPER PASS
(NCAAB) Manhattan vs. Rider,
Point Spread: 6.00 | -106.00 Manhattan (Away)
Result: Win
The set-up: The 10-21 Manhattan Jaspers (5-15 in MAAC games) and the 17-14 Rider Broncs (10-10 MAAC)) meet in first round action Thursday in the MAAC tournament.

Manhattan: The Jaspers are led by PG Turner (15.1 & 3.3 APG) and the 6-9 Waterman (14.5 & 7.1). They limp into this tourney having lost five of their last six, including 93-82 at Rider just recently (Feb. 22).

Rider: There can't be much doubt as to which is the better team, as the Broncs enter on a three-game winning streak, averaging 98.3 PPG. The team's starting-five all averages in double figures. The backcourt is Taylor (15.7 & 5.0) and Jordan (11.5 & 5.8 APG) plus three 6-7 forwards start up front. Thomas leads that group in scoring (14.1) and rebounding (8.9), joined by Carey (11.3 & 6.9) and Lundy (10.7 & 4.1).

The pick: Let me note that Manhattan did best Rider 76-73 on its home court and I don't believe it's far-fetched for the Jaspers to 'hang' in this neutral setting. After all, the Broncs are just 1-6 ATS in their last seven neutral site games and the underdog is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings between the two schools. Make Manhattan an 8* play.