Monday's Best NCAAB Bets
By Covers.com
Connecticut Huskies at Louisville Cardinals (-4.5, 127.5)
Two of the best defensive teams in the Big East lock horns on Monday when Connecticut travels to No. 25 Louisville.
The Huskies, playing without head coach Jim Calhoun (medical leave), snapped a four-game losing streak by routing Seton Hall, 69-46, on Saturday. The surging Cardinals, meanwhile, have won four straight, including a 78-66 home victory over Rutgers.
The Huskies rank third nationally — one spot ahead of the Cardinals — in field-goal percentage defense, holding foes to 36.7 shooting from the floor while blocking 6.7 shots (6th in Division I). They are vulnerable from the perimeter, however — Connecticut allows opponents to hit 34 percent from 3-point range, 15th in the Big East, and also rank 14th in the league in turnover margin (minus-2.1).
The Huskies are led by sophomore shooting guard Jeremy Lamb (17.6 ppg) and freshman center Andre Drummond (10.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.7 bpg), who blocked seven shots against Seton Hall.
Pick: Huskies
Marquette Golden Eagles at DePaul Blue Demons (10, 156)
Still smarting from Saturday's 76-59 setback at Notre Dame, No. 15 Marquette wraps up its brief Midwestern road trip when it travels to Chicago for a Monday night clash with rival DePaul.
The Golden Eagles had won seven Big East games in a row before falling to the Fighting Irish, who made 11 3-point shots. The Blue Demons, meanwhile, fell into a tie for last place in the conference after a 74-66 defeat at Cincinnati.
The young Blue Demons rank third in the league in scoring (74.5) but have been giving up far too much at the other end, ranking last in points allowed (75.1) and rebounding margin (minus-6.6) while allowing opponents to shoot 48 percent, easily the worst figure in the conference.
DePaul has remained competitive thanks to the dynamic sophomore tandem of forward Cleveland Melvin (18.0 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and guard Brandon Young (15.5 ppg, 5.0 apg).
Only Cincinnati has attempted more 3-pointers among Big East teams than DePaul's 478.
Pick: Over
NCAAB Preview
UConn beat Louisville 69-66 in Big East tourney finals LY, after losing to Cardinals twice during season; they lost six of last nine games after a win over Seton Hall Saturday ended their 3-game skid. UConn is 1-3 in its last four road games, losing by 12-7-14 points- this is second time they've been Big East dog this season. Big East home favorites of less than 6 points are 9-7 against the spread. Louisville won/covered its last four games, allowing an average of 63.3 ppg.
Very quick turnaround for Missouri team coming off a highly emotional win over Kansas 48 hours ago; Tigers (-12.5) pounded on Oklahoma in conference opener 87-49, shooting 59% from floor, 12-21 from the arc. Sooners lost four of last five games; they're 2-6 as a Big X underdog, 1-2 at home, losing home games by 11-12-7 points, with wins over K-State, Texas Tech. Big X single digit home underdogs are 7-4-1 against spread. Missouri is extremely ripe to get upset in this game.
Texas (-12) beat Texas A&M 61-51 Jan 11, outscoring Aggies 22-8 on foul line; A&M shot 39.6% for game, 5-17 from arc. Young Texas club is 0-4 on Big X road, losing away games by 6-11-4-5 points; they're 0-5 vs spread as a Big X favorite. Big X home teams are 6-2-1 vs spread when number is 3 or less points. Aggies lost three of last four games, but have covered five in row and seven of last nine; they're 3-2 in Big X games at home, and have covered five of six as a conference underdog.
Marquette had its 7-game win streak snapped at Notre Dame Saturday; Eagles are 2-3 on Big East road, winning by 7 at Providence, at Villanova by 4- they're 5-4 as Big East favorite, 2-1 on road. DePaul is improved, but still just 2-7 in conference; Blue Demons are 4-5 against spread as a Big East underdog, 2-2 at home, with home losses by 19-8-16-6 points, with a win over Pitt. Big East single digit home underdogs are 13-12-1 against the spread. Marquette beat DePaul by 30 in LY's meeting.
Wofford (+6.5) lost 72-69 at home to Davidson in conference opener on Dec 1; Terriers shot 52.7% from floor, but were outscored 19-7 on foul line. Wofford had its 6-game win streak snapped by Samford at home in OT Saturday, as a 12-point favorite; they're 4-2 as SoCon underdog, 2-1 on road. Terriers are 3-1 on SoCon road, with only loss by 10. Davidson won/covered all six of its conference home games. Southern Conference double digit home favorites are 10-5 against the spread.
Appalachian State (-5.5) beat Elon 81-66 at home nine days ago, making 53.5% from floor, just 15-28 from line; it was ASU's 7th straight win vs Elon. App State lost five of last seven games; they're 3-2 in league road games, but 1-2 as underdog, losing their last three away games by 2-12-4 points. SoCon home favorites of less than 5 points are 12-5 against the spread. Elon won four of last five games, with three wins by five or less points, or in OT. Phoenix is 1-4 as a SoCon home favorite this year.
Furman (-8) beat Georgia Southern 64-54 at home Jan 19, holding Eagles to 34% from floor; Paladins won/covered last four road games- they are 2-5 vs spread as SoCon underdog, 2-3 on road, losing away games by 7-21-6 points. SoCon home favorites of less than 5 points are 12-5 against the spread. Georgia Southern won four of its last five games; they're 1-2 as SoCon home favorite, as underdogs covered their last four home tilts. Eagles' last five games were all decided by six or less points.
Montana (-6) crushed Idaho State 68-44 in Pocatello Jan 7, forcing 21 Bengal turnovers, shooting 60% from floor. Griz had tough rivalry win at Montana State Saturday night while ISU was off. Montana is 4-0 as a Big Sky home favorite, winning home games by 11-8-18-29 points. Big Sky double digit home favorites are 7-7 against the spread. Bengals won/ covered their last four games, with two OT wins; they're 4-1 as Big Sky road underdog, 3-2 SU, losing by 14 at Weber St., 12 at Portland St.
CONNECTICUT (15 - 7) at LOUISVILLE (18 - 5) - 2/6/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOUISVILLE is 4-1 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
LOUISVILLE is 4-1 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MISSOURI (21 - 2) at OKLAHOMA (13 - 9) - 2/6/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MISSOURI is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OKLAHOMA is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
OKLAHOMA is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) after a conference game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
MISSOURI is 2-1 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA over the last 3 seasons
MISSOURI is 2-1 straight up against OKLAHOMA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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TEXAS (14 - 9) at TEXAS A&M (12 - 10) - 2/6/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
TEXAS A&M is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
TEXAS A&M is 60-39 ATS (+17.1 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent since 1997.
TEXAS A&M is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS A&M is 3-3 against the spread versus TEXAS over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS is 5-1 straight up against TEXAS A&M over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MARQUETTE (19 - 5) at DEPAUL (11 - 11) - 2/6/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARQUETTE is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 35-19 ATS (+14.1 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 36-17 ATS (+17.3 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
MARQUETTE is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DEPAUL is 2-1 against the spread versus MARQUETTE over the last 3 seasons
MARQUETTE is 2-1 straight up against DEPAUL over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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WOFFORD (15 - 9) at DAVIDSON (17 - 5) - 2/6/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DAVIDSON is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games against conference opponents this season.
DAVIDSON is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in home games after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 102-72 ATS (+22.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 64-32 ATS (+28.8 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) when the total is 130 to 139.5 this season.
WOFFORD is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) in road games when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.
WOFFORD is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
WOFFORD is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
WOFFORD is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 31-48 ATS (-21.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 31-48 ATS (-21.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 19-34 ATS (-18.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
WOFFORD is 4-1 against the spread versus DAVIDSON over the last 3 seasons
WOFFORD is 3-2 straight up against DAVIDSON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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APPALACHIAN ST (9 - 13) at ELON (12 - 10) - 2/6/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
APPALACHIAN ST is 26-44 ATS (-22.4 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
APPALACHIAN ST is 5-0 against the spread versus ELON over the last 3 seasons
APPALACHIAN ST is 5-0 straight up against ELON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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FURMAN (12 - 11) at GA SOUTHERN (10 - 12) - 2/6/2012, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FURMAN is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
FURMAN is 3-2 against the spread versus GA SOUTHERN over the last 3 seasons
FURMAN is 4-1 straight up against GA SOUTHERN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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IDAHO ST (8 - 14) at MONTANA (16 - 6) - 2/6/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IDAHO ST is 120-161 ATS (-57.1 Units) in all games since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 120-161 ATS (-57.1 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 over the last 2 seasons.
IDAHO ST is 76-105 ATS (-39.5 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 12-27 ATS (-17.7 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 71-103 ATS (-42.3 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 22-39 ATS (-20.9 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 13-32 ATS (-22.2 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MONTANA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
MONTANA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MONTANA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.
MONTANA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
MONTANA is 4-1 against the spread versus IDAHO ST over the last 3 seasons
MONTANA is 4-1 straight up against IDAHO ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT vs. LOUISVILLE
Connecticut is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Connecticut is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Louisville is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Louisville's last 5 games
MISSOURI vs. OKLAHOMA
Missouri is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
Missouri is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Oklahoma is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Oklahoma is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
APPALACHIAN STATE vs. ELON
Appalachian State is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Appalachian State's last 6 games on the road
Elon is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games
Elon is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
WOFFORD vs. DAVIDSON
Wofford is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Wofford's last 7 games on the road
Davidson is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Davidson's last 18 games
FURMAN vs. GEORGIA SOUTHERN
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Furman's last 6 games on the road
Furman is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Georgia Southern
Georgia Southern is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Georgia Southern's last 6 games
AUSTIN PEAY vs. BELMONT
Austin Peay is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Austin Peay is 3-14 SU in its last 17 games on the road
No trends available
IDAHO STATE vs. MONTANA
Idaho State is 4-16 SU in its last 20 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Idaho State's last 5 games on the road
Montana is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Montana is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
TEXAS vs. TEXAS A&M
Texas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games on the road
Texas A&M is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Texas A&M's last 10 games
MARQUETTE vs. DEPAUL
Marquette is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Marquette's last 5 games on the road
DePaul is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of DePaul's last 6 games
Monday's Top College Basketball Trends
WOFFORD is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) after a loss by 6 points or less (vs Davidson)
IDAHO ST is 1-12 ATS (-12.2 Units) when the total is 129.5 or less (vs Montana)
MARQUETTE is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) in a road game where the total is 150 to 159.5 (vs Depaul)
GA SOUTHERN is 19-4 UNDER (+14.6 Units) after 2 consecutive conference games (vs Furman)
OKLAHOMA is 8-0 UNDER (+8 Units) in home games after playing a home game (vs Missouri)
CBB Games to Watch
By David Schwab
VegasInsider.com
No. 4 Missouri vs. Oklahoma
Missouri pushed its current winning streak to three games with a crucial 74-71 victory over No. 8 Kansas this past Saturday as a three-point home favorite. The Tigers are now 21-2 straight-up (10-6-2 against the spread) overall and tied for the lead in the Big 12 at 8-2 SU.
Oklahoma's 77-70 loss to Iowa State as a three-point home favorite this past Saturday was its fourth in its last five games and it dropped the Sooners to 13-9 SU and 7-11 ATS. They are 9-3 SU this season at home, but just 3-5 ATS. The total has stayed 'under' in five of the eight games. Oklahoma has been opened as a five point home underdog against the Tigers.