The Horizon League typically stays off the radar in college basketball until March Madness, which is when casual fans research double-digit seeds and try to pick the right upsets in their brackets.
But the Green Bay Phoenix have found their way into many conversations, talk shows and columns over the past few months, and it has nothing to do with their Cinderella potential.
Instead, their athletic director and head coach have drawn criticism, which has mounted with every loss — and there have been plenty.
Fox Sports radio host Doug Gottlieb was hired last spring as Green Bay’s head coach, but did not relinquish his broadcasting duties. He still hosts his two-hour radio show every single weekday. That predictably irked many purists, who questioned his workload and commitment to each vocation.
Adding fuel to that fire is Green Bay’s 4-27 record, including 2-18 in conference play.
The low point arguably was losing to Division II Michigan Tech as a 9.5-point home favorite. In fairness, that was the Phoenix’s first game after losing star player and national scoring leader Anthony Roy to a leg injury. The senior guard has not played since.
Then again, some would argue that a 21-game losing streak or 0-13 start in Horizon play are lower points.
Horizon League Tournament: Green Bay vs. Oakland odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay | +11.5 (-120) | +500 | o145.5 (-112) |
| Oakland | -11.5 (+100) | -700 | u145.5 (-108) |
Nonetheless, the Phoenix seem to have found a groove. They won two of their final five regular-season games, while covering the point spread in all five.
Green Bay does look better coached than some of its opponents. They do lack athleticism, aside from freshman guard Jeremiah Johnson, who can create his own shot at any time
Offensively, their sets generate open looks and Green Bay has capitalized lately, although the lack of athleticism shows on defense.
But that is why we have a point spread. I am backing Green Bay +11.5 at Oakland in the first round of the Horizon League conference tournament, which is not played at a neutral site.
Coincidentally, they just ended the regular season against one another and the Phoenix nearly won outright as an 8.5-point home ’dog, before losing in overtime.
The Grizzlies were a tournament darling last year, thanks to Jack Gohlke’s 10 3-pointers against Kentucky in a memorable upset. But the sharpshooter is gone and this is an average Horizon team.
Betting on College Basketball?
I think the Phoenix can keep this inside the number, as I hope to continue my 30-15 ATS run in The Post sports section.
Gottlieb isn’t going to receive any Coach of the Year votes, and the Phoenix aren’t going to cash any 250/1 tickets by winning the Horizon tournament.
However, they are outperforming expectations right now, and I do not think the betting market has caught up. Thus, I see value on the Phoenix with the points.
BET: Green Bay +11.5 (-120, DraftKings)
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Why Trust New York Post Betting
Doug Kezirian is a New York Post contributor who currently serves as the Chief Content Officer for Only Players, a sports betting media company. Doug has over two decades of experience in the betting space, including spending 11 years at ESPN as a host, columnist and betting analyst. He’s also the rare personality who has documented success – 14th place in 2023 Circa Million and Las Vegas SuperContest ($37K), two top-10 finishes in 2022 William Hill College Football Challenge ($58K) and also grabbed headlines with a $297K win on the 2021 NFL Draft.
