Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018 | 1:15 p.m.
The fifth season of the annual Play of the Day betting competition between the Sun’s sports staff is now under way, effective July 1.
Bankrolls start at $10,000 for each of the four participants, with the objective to increase it as much as possible over the next year. The minimum daily wager is $300, with a $200 penalty assessed for failing to place a bet on an assigned day.
Past winners are Case Keefer in 2017-2018, Ray Brewer in 2016-2017 and 2015-2016, and Taylor Bern in 2014-2015.
Marshall-Eastern Kentucky, Total Over 174, $990 to win $900: Marshall ranked 10th nationally in scoring last season at 83.8 points per game in reaching the NCAA Tournament for the initial time in more than 30 seasons.
The Thundering Herd returns most of their key contributors from last year, meaning they will again be part of many high-scoring games. That’s especially true when considering they surrendered 79.1 points per game last season to rank 325th nationally.
But that’s the coaching style of Dan D’Antoni — yep, Mike D’Antoni’s brother from the NBA’s Rockets, another high-scoring team — whose team seemingly always plays in transition.
Marshall returns John Elmore, who led Conference USA in scoring last season with 23 points per game. Also, C.J. Burks averaged 20 points per game, meaning Marshall returns two players who averaged more than 20 points per game last season. That’s a rarity in the college game.
Eastern Kentucky also plays at a fast-pace. Don’t be surprised if this game reaches 200 points.
Current Standings: Keefer (14-13-2, $8,431), Grimala (10-9, $6,765), Brewer (5-11-1, $4,900)
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21
