Weekend Picks: Jan. 22

Last weekend, thanks to Anthony Louis’ last-second goal for Miami, I increased my lead over Matthew in our season picks’ race. I didn’t have a great week, going 3-2-2 (.571), while Matthew went 2-3-2 (.428). On the year, I am 80-36-13  (.670) while Matthew is 75-41-13 (.631).

We have some intense matchups this week, so let’s see how we can do.

Friday-Saturday, Jan. 22-23

No. 19 Minnesota-Duluth at No. 15 Denver
Candace: I’d like to pick the Pios to sweep, but I just don’t see it. Denver 3-2, Minnesota-Duluth 2-1
Matthew: This one’s a bit tough to call, but Denver has played well lately and they’re at home so I’ll stick my neck out slightly. Denver 3-1, 3-2

Western Michigan at No. 5 St. Cloud State
Candace: Western is a very scrappy team, as evidenced by their never-say-die play against Denver last weekend. Still, I have to think St. Cloud has the edge. St. Cloud State 3-2, 3-1
Matthew: Western always takes points in St. Cloud, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it happen again. Western Michigan 3-2, St. Cloud State 4-2

Colorado College at No. 2 North Dakota
Candace: The Tigers are playing better, but I think that after North Dakota blew last Friday’s game against Omaha, they will play with more consistency this weekend. North Dakota 4-2, 4-1
Matthew: CC’s rested after having last week off and the Tigers are looking much better than they did at the start of the season, but I don’t know if they take points this weekend. North Dakota 3-1, 3-1

Miami at No. 7 Omaha
Candace: The last time these two played, both games went to overtime. This series is the hardest for me to call, because who knows which RedHawks team and which Mavericks team will show up? I’m going out on a limb and calling Omaha to sweep, though I think both games are close. Omaha 3-2, 2-1
Matthew: UNO has lost three of its last four, but I like the Mavericks to take care of business at home here. Omaha 3-2, 3-1