Weekend picks: Nov. 17

Picking reverse sweeps from Matthew for CC-Omaha and Denver-St. Cloud worked out well for me, as I again opened a two-game lead on him. Last week, I went 6-1-1  (.8125) while Matthew went 4-3-1 (.562). On the year, I am 40-19-8 (.656) while Matthew is 38-21-8 (.626).

Let’s see if we do any better this week.

Friday-Saturday, Nov. 17-18

No. 3 North Dakota at No. 1 Denver
Candace: This is the marquee series of the weekend. These two always seem to bring a unique intensity when they face each other. A split is the only logical choice. Denver 3-2, North Dakota 3-2
Matthew: I’d be really impressed if Denver was to sweep two top-three opponents in back-to-back weeks, but I’m not counting on it. Denver 3-1, North Dakota 3-1

No. 14 Minnesota Duluth at Miami
Candace: Minnesota Duluth has been struggling, and Miami has looked like it’s on the verge of putting it together. I think this is a split. Minnesota Duluth 3-2, Miami 3-2
Matthew: Duluth is 1-3 in its last four and is on the road this weekend. Miami isn’t as formidable right now as UMD’s past two opponents, but I like Miami to take one here. Minnesota Duluth 3-1, Miami 3-2

Colorado College at No. 2 St. Cloud State
Candace: I’m guessing that St. Cloud will do exactly what Denver did last weekend. The Pios got swept on the road and learned their lesson and then swept a tough opponent at home. Look for St. Cloud to do the same. St. Cloud State 3-2, 3-2
Matthew: I’m really tempted to pick a split here considering CC’s start to the season, but I think St. Cloud will find a way to win both games. St. Cloud State 3-2, 4-2

Omaha at No. 15 Western Michigan
Candace: Just to pick a game differently than Matthew, I’ll go with a split, though picking against the Broncos at home is dicey. Omaha 3-2, Western Michigan 3-2
Matthew: Western’s been very good at home so far. Difficult to pick against them at Lawson. Western Michigan 3-1, 3-1