It's a new year (close enough) with a new game and I'm bringing a whole new commitment to winning as well, so it might be a little tougher to Beat The Blogger in 2009. Here are my picks for the first contest of 2009. As always, make sure you get your picks posted a 1/2 hour before the start of the first game which is 11 a.m. on Saturday this week. Good luck.

1. Pittsburgh over Georgetown
2. Minnesota over Ohio St
3. Buffalo +5 over UConn
4. Texas -9 over Ohio State
5. Arizona +2 over Atlanta
6. Indianapolis +1 over San Diego
7. Baltimore -3 over Miami (Doubler)
8. Philadelphia -3 over Minnesota
9. Carmelo Anthony more points than Chris Paul
10. Lakers to lead Blazers at Halftime