Monday's Best NCAAB Bets
By Covers.com
Pitt Panthers at West Virginia Mountaineers (-7, 137.5)
You knew things were pretty desperate when Pitt coach Jamie Dixon abandoned his usual man-to-man defense for a zone, but that switch may have turned his club’s season around.
Pitt frustrated Georgetown’s offense in a 72-60 win over the Hoyas on Saturday. The Panthers held Georgetown to 42 percent shooting while winning the battle of the boards 35-23.
"We were aggressive," Lamar Patterson told reporters after scoring 18 points in the win. "We weren't letting them push us around. We just held our ground and really wanted to focus in on defense. We haven't been good on defense all year, basically, so we wanted to show everyone we could play defense."
The Panthers had dropped eight straight games before they downed Providence last week. They still have a lot of work to do, but at least they’re protecting the bucket better.
West Virginia has dropped consecutive games, though the Mountaineers did hang around with the Orange at the Carrier Dome over the weekend.
This one should be tight.
Pick: Panthers
Missouri Tigers at Texas Longhorns (pick 'em, 145.5)
When you can shoot just 39 percent and still come away with a win, you have to feel pretty good.
That’s exactly how the No. 2 Tigers feel after sneaking by Texas Tech on Saturday despite the poor shooting effort.
"We just didn't make shots, even though we had a lot of good looks," Missouri Tigers coach Frank Haith told reporters. "Does it make the game look ugly? I guess when they don't go in, yes. But we still have to find a way to win."
The Tigers failed to cover as 23.5-point favorites, falling to 10-6 against the spread on the year. This Texas team is hard to figure out.
The Longhorns have dropped four of their last five, but played Baylor tough in a 76-71 loss, covering as 7-point underdogs. J’Covan Brown had 32 points and hit four treys, though the rest of the Longhorns are going to have to give him some help to keep this close.
Other than Brown, only Sheldon McClellan averages double digits in scoring.
Pick: Tigers
NCAAB Preview
Pitt won its last two games after an 8-game skid left them 0-7 to start in Big East play; Panthers are 5-2 in last seven games against West Virginia, winning three of last five visits here. Big East home favorites of 7 or less points are 8-10 against the spread. Mountaineers got hosed at Carrier Dome Saturday, losing by a hoop, their second loss in row- they're 4-0 at home in conference play, with three wins by 12+ points. Panthers are stronger now with PG Woodall back in lineup.
Princeton won its last five games with Penn, winning last three visits to Palestra by 3-7-12 points; Tigers haven't played in 16 days after a split in first two Ivy games- they're 6-3 in last nine road games, and wins over Florida State/Rutgers means they're better than average Ivy team. Penn is Quakers won four of last five games, but its been nine days since they last played (84-80 win over local rival St Joe's). Penn is 2-8 vs teams in top 125. Ivy League home favorites are 3-6 vs spread.
Missouri won five of last six games with Texas, beating Longhorns by 11 in first meeting 16 days ago, as Mizzou survived Brown's 34-point outburst (6-7 from arc). Tigers lost three of last four visits to Austin, losing by 12-20-13 points. Texas lost four of last five games, with last three losses by 4-5-3 points- they're 3-1 at home in conference, losing only by 3 to Kansas. Big X home teams are 4-0 vs spread if number is 3 or less points. Texas is bubble team, needs this more than Mizzou.
Western Carolina lost seven of last eight games vs D-I teams, in between they beat some NAIA team 141-39, not sure why, but their only win in last right vs D-I squads was 67-57 at home over Wofford 23 days ago, as Cole was 6-7 behind arc (rest of team was 0-6). Western lost its last five road games, with four losses by 12+ points. Wofford won its last five games, all by 7+ points. Southern Conference home favorites of 8+ points are 12-6 against the spread.
Charleston lost its first game for interim coach Byington to Wofford at home, Cougars' 4th loss in row and 8th in last 11 games- they scored an average of only 60 ppg in last three games. Charleston is 1-3 at home in conference, with only win at Furman. Samford upset Davidson in last game, as 12-point home dogs; their fourth win in last five games, third in row at home. Princeton offense is hard to prepare for in less than two days. SoCon home underdogs are 9-5 against the spread.
SE Missouri won seven of its last nine games, is tied for second in OVC; they beat Eastern Illinois 80-73 at home 16 days ago, making 11-20 from arc (Smith was 7-10 on 3's), but Redhawks did lose last two road games, scoring 60.5 ppg in losses at Tennessee Tech/Eastern Kentucky. Eastern Illinois lost its last five games, losing last two at home by 9-12 points; Panthers scored 53.5 ppg in their last four games. OVC home teams are 10-6-2 if spread is 4 or less points.
Austin Peay won six of last seven games after starting season 3-13; they beat Tennessee State 69-63 at home two weeks ago, ending game with a 12-4 run that broke up tie game. OVC home favorites of 4 or less points are 7-4-2 vs spread. Peay won two of last three road games; their last three wins are all by 12+ points. Tennessee State's only loss in last six games was at Peay; they're 4-0 at home in OVC, with three of four Lsby 5 or less points, or in overtime.
SIU-Edwardsville upset Tennessee Tech 83-68 in its OVC opener, with Tech shooting just 34.8% from floor, 3-17 from arc, while Cougars made 8-14 behind arc. SIU-E lost its last five games after starting OVC play at 3-1- four of their last five losses are by 11+ points. OVC home favorites of 12+ points are 3-6 against the spread. Tech is just 2-3 in its last five games, but their last three wins are by 11-15-17 points. Not whole lot to choose from in this game; neither team is worth an investment.
Northern Colorado is very young and not very good, losing its last three games by 18-12-5 points, losing last game in double OT at Idaho State Thursday, but Bears did beat Northern Arizona 80-64 at home Dec 31, shooting 59% from floor, 7-11 from arc. NC is #2 in country, mkaing 44.7% of its 3's. Lumberjacks lost their last eight games, though six of the eight were on road; opponents make 57.7% of 2-point shots against them, worst in country. Big Sky home underdogs are 3-6-1 vs spread.
PITTSBURGH (13 - 9) at W VIRGINIA (15 - 7) - 1/30/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in a road game where the total is 135 to 139.5 over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 3-1 against the spread versus W VIRGINIA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 3-1 straight up against W VIRGINIA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCETON (10 - 8) at PENNSYLVANIA (10 - 9) - 1/30/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PENNSYLVANIA is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PENNSYLVANIA is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
PRINCETON is 43-24 ATS (+16.6 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 43-24 ATS (+16.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
PRINCETON is 27-11 ATS (+14.9 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 27-11 ATS (+14.9 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) in a road game where the total is 120 to 129.5 since 1997.
PRINCETON is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PENNSYLVANIA is 66-93 ATS (-36.3 Units) in all home games since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 66-93 ATS (-36.3 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) in home games versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
PENNSYLVANIA is 2-2 against the spread versus PRINCETON over the last 3 seasons
PRINCETON is 4-0 straight up against PENNSYLVANIA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISSOURI (19 - 2) at TEXAS (13 - 8) - 1/30/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MISSOURI is 20-36 ATS (-19.6 Units) in road games in January games since 1997.
MISSOURI is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TEXAS is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
MISSOURI is 2-1 against the spread versus TEXAS over the last 3 seasons
MISSOURI is 2-1 straight up against TEXAS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W CAROLINA (9 - 13) at WOFFORD (14 - 8) - 1/30/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W CAROLINA is 86-117 ATS (-42.7 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
W CAROLINA is 27-53 ATS (-31.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
WOFFORD is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all home games this season.
WOFFORD is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home lined games this season.
WOFFORD is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
W CAROLINA is 3-2 against the spread versus WOFFORD over the last 3 seasons
WOFFORD is 3-2 straight up against W CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COLL OF CHARLESTON (12 - 9) at SAMFORD (7 - 13) - 1/30/2012, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 46-31 ATS (+11.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 46-31 ATS (+11.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 38-21 ATS (+14.9 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 since 1997.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 81-49 ATS (+27.1 Units) in road games since 1997.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 81-49 ATS (+27.1 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 40-23 ATS (+14.7 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
SAMFORD is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAMFORD is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SAMFORD is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAMFORD is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SAMFORD is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAMFORD is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
SAMFORD is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) when playing with one or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
SAMFORD is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SAMFORD is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SAMFORD is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 3-0 against the spread versus SAMFORD over the last 3 seasons
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 3-0 straight up against SAMFORD over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SE MISSOURI ST (11 - 9) at E ILLINOIS (9 - 11) - 1/30/2012, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SE MISSOURI ST is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 this season.
SE MISSOURI ST is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
E ILLINOIS is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
E ILLINOIS is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
E ILLINOIS is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
E ILLINOIS is 14-28 ATS (-16.8 Units) in home games when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.
E ILLINOIS is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
E ILLINOIS is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SE MISSOURI ST is 3-2 against the spread versus E ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
SE MISSOURI ST is 3-2 straight up against E ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUSTIN PEAY (9 - 14) at TENNESSEE ST (14 - 9) - 1/30/2012, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE ST is 40-61 ATS (-27.1 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
TENNESSEE ST is 19-34 ATS (-18.4 Units) in home games in January games since 1997.
TENNESSEE ST is 35-57 ATS (-27.7 Units) in home games after a conference game since 1997.
TENNESSEE ST is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent this season.
TENNESSEE ST is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TENNESSEE ST is 3-1 against the spread versus AUSTIN PEAY over the last 3 seasons
AUSTIN PEAY is 3-2 straight up against TENNESSEE ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIU EDWARDSVL (5 - 13) at TENNESSEE TECH (13 - 9) - 1/30/2012, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE TECH is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE TECH is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE TECH is 66-42 ATS (+19.8 Units) in January games since 1997.
TENNESSEE TECH is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SIU EDWARDSVL is 1-0 against the spread versus TENNESSEE TECH over the last 3 seasons
TENNESSEE TECH is 2-1 straight up against SIU EDWARDSVL over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
N COLORADO (6 - 13) at N ARIZONA (5 - 16) - 1/30/2012, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N COLORADO is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
N ARIZONA is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in all games this season.
N ARIZONA is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in all lined games this season.
N ARIZONA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
N ARIZONA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) when playing with one or less days rest this season.
N ARIZONA is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after a conference game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
N ARIZONA is 4-2 against the spread versus N COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
N COLORADO is 5-1 straight up against N ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORGAN ST (6 - 12) at HAMPTON (8 - 13) - 1/30/2012, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
MORGAN ST is 3-1 against the spread versus HAMPTON over the last 3 seasons
MORGAN ST is 4-1 straight up against HAMPTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TEXAS SOUTHERN (7 - 13) at ALABAMA ST (7 - 13) - 1/30/2012, 8:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
ALABAMA ST is 1-1 against the spread versus TEXAS SOUTHERN over the last 3 seasons
ALABAMA ST is 4-1 straight up against TEXAS SOUTHERN over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
WESTERN CAROLINA vs. WOFFORD
Western Carolina is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Western Carolina is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Wofford is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Wofford is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
PRINCETON vs. PENNSYLVANIA
Princeton is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Princeton's last 6 games when playing on the road against Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Pennsylvania is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
PITTSBURGH vs. WEST VIRGINIA
Pittsburgh is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
West Virginia is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of West Virginia's last 5 games
JAMES MADISON vs. EAST TENNESSEE STATE
James Madison is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
James Madison is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
No trends available
COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON vs. SAMFORD
College of Charleston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Samford is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Samford is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games
SE MISSOURI STATE vs. EASTERN ILLINOIS
SE Missouri State is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of SE Missouri State's last 7 games when playing on the road against Eastern Illinois
Eastern Illinois is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Eastern Illinois is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
SIU EDWARDSVILLE vs. TENNESSEE TECH
SIU Edwardsville is 1-23 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Tennessee Tech is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tennessee Tech's last 6 games
AUSTIN PEAY vs. TENNESSEE STATE
Austin Peay is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Austin Peay's last 6 games on the road
Tennessee State is 2-6-1 ATS in its last 9 games
Tennessee State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
NORTHERN COLORADO vs. NORTHERN ARIZONA
Northern Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Northern Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
Northern Arizona is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
MISSOURI vs. TEXAS
Missouri is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Missouri is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Texas is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
CBB Games to Watch
By David Schwab
VegasInsider.com
Monday, January 30 - No. 2 Missouri Tigers vs. Texas Longhorns
Missouri cruised past Texas Tech 63-50 this past Saturday, but could not cover as a 23½-point home favorite. The Tigers are now 19-2 straight-up on the year, but just 10-6 against the spread. They are 6-2 SU (5-3 ATS) on the road and the total has gone 'over' in five of the eight games.
Texas continues to struggle in the Big 12 with just one victory in its last five conference games. The slide started with an 84-73 loss to the Tigers as a 9½-point road underdog on January 14 and continued with a 76-71 loss to No. 7 Baylor this past Saturday as a seven-point road dog. The Longhorns are now 13-8 SU and 6-10 ATS. They have been opened as one-point home underdogs for this game.
Monday's Top College Basketball Trends
E ILLINOIS is 1-10 ATS in home games after a conference game (vs SE Missouri St)
N ARIZONA is 2-11 ATS after playing a game as an underdog (N Colorado)
SAMFORD is 4-17 ATS when playing their 2nd game in 3 days (vs Coll of Charleston)
TENNESSEE ST is 0-7 ATS revenging a road loss vs opponent (vs Austin Peay)
W CAROLINA is 12-2 UNDER off a road loss (vs Wofford)