Saturday's Best NCAAB Bets
By Covers.com
Arizona Wildcats vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs (-3.5, 138)
This game is being played in Seattle, technically a neutral court but definitely an edge for Mark Few’s team.
Another big advantage is in the middle, where Wildcats center Jesse Perry gives up five inches to Gonzaga 7-footer Robert Sacre. Sacre shoots nearly 10 free throws a game. He had nine points and 10 rebounds in the Bulldogs’ 67-61 win over Oral Roberts on Thursday.
Arizona is vulnerable on the boards, ranking 149th nationally with 30.7 per game.
The Wildcats didn’t finish finals until Thursday, so they haven’t gotten good preparation for this showcase game.
Gonzaga is 4-1 ATS in its last five neutral-site games. Because the Bulldogs failed to blow out ORU, this number is a little short.
Pick: Gonzaga
UNC-Wilmington at VCU (-14.5, 129.5)
VCU does not resemble the squad that made a Cinderella run to the Final Four last season, but the Rams (6-3) have righted themselves after a 3-3 start.
In last week’s 73-51 dismantling of city rival Richmond, sophomore Rob Brandenburg heeded coach Shaka Smart’s advice to attack the basket and scored 14 second-half points after going scoreless before halftime. Bradford Burgess, a 6-6 guard who creates matchup problems, also scored 14 in the game.
The win was VCU’s seventh straight sellout, as the Final Four run has translated to a raucous environment.
The 2-5 Seahawks, who shoot 27.9 percent from beyond the arc, won’t be able to keep up.
VCU has covered five straight games.
Pick: VCU
What to watch: College basketball betting TV guide
By Dave Carey
Covers.com
Ohio State Buckeyes at South Carolina Gamecocks, noon ET, ESPN (14.5, 128.5)
Buckeyes freshman forward Sam Thompson may have finally found a role: Defensive stopper. After playing a mere minute against Kansas, he replaced Lenzelle Smith Jr. and Jordan Sibert against South Carolina Upstate to shut down their star scorer Torrey Craig.
Thompson responded by not only slowing down Craig but also scoring eight points with two assists and two blocked shots.
“When he called my name, I just wanted to get in there and do what he asked me to do,” Thompson told reporters. “(Craig) at that point, I think, had scored eight straight points, so I just wanted to get in there and make it difficult for him, use my length, use my athleticism.”
Butler Bulldogs vs. Purdue Boilermakers, 2 p.m., CBS, Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis (8.5, 128.5)
Boilermakers coach Matt Painter needs more from freshman Jacob Lawson. The freshman is averaging just 4.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game and is close to cracking the starting lineup, but Painter is reluctant to make the switch to a player who isn’t crashing the boards.
"We've had guys that start the game that don't play like starters,” Painter told the West Lafayette Journal and Courier. “It's going to work its way out who finishes the game. That's more important. Jacob needs to rebound more."
Temple Owls at Texas Longhorns, 2:30 p.m., ESPN2 (-5.5, 139)
Longhorns freshman Jonathan Holmes needs to keep his head in the game. The forward is a key part of the team’s guard-oriented attack, but has struggled in games where he battled foul trouble. Holmes is averaging 9.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game this season but drawing tough frontcourt defensive assignments can throw him off his game.
"Jonathan has gotten himself in foul trouble twice lately," coach Rick Barnes told the Austin Statesman. In a previous game, "he did not handle it well. He came back into the game and had already checked out. He's one of those guys who wants to do everything right."
Memphis Tigers at Louisville Cardinals, 4 p.m., CBS (-8.5, 136)
It’s Ferrakohn Hall time. The junior forward transfer from Seton Hall is finally eligible to play as the Tigers prepare to face a top ten regional rival. Hall, who averaged 5.1 points and 3.4 rebounds over 10 games for the Pirates last year, should fill a large void left by forward D.J. Stephens, who could miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
"He hasn't played in a while, so, you know, don't expect him to be Superman his first game back," sophomore guard Will Barton told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. "He's looked good (in practice), hitting shots and trying his best to defend. He's been rebounding and playing hard.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at Illinois Fighting Illini, 5 p.m., Big Ten Network (Pick, 138)
Illinois coach Bruce Weber isn’t trying to fool anyone. Even when the he went to a four-guard lineup late in a win over Coppin State, he was sure his team knew exactly where to go with the ball: Down low to center Meyers Leonard. The 7-foot-1 sophomore is averaging 13.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game and flashed a chippy edge when he picked up a technical against the Eagles.
"I think our guys are smart enough at that point of the game to know where the ball needs to go," Weber told reporters.
Syracuse Orange at North Carolina State Wolfpack, 6:30 p.m., ESPN2 (7, 144)
Sophomore center Fab Melo is finally starting to get it. After shedding 30 pounds during the offseason, his sleek figure enabled the 7-footer to drop a career-high 19 points against George Washington last week. Coach Jim Boeheim, however, has been quick to credit his improved defense, which includes taking 10 charges through 10 games.
“He’s making good plays, good defensive plays,” Boeheim told the Syracuse Post-Standard. “He’s getting to the boards better. He’s blocking shots, controlling the area around the basket. His conditioning’s much better.”
Villanova Wildcats at St. Joseph’s Hawks, 8 p.m., CBS Sports Network (-4.5, 139)
It’s going to be a rude awakening for a very young Villanova team. The Wildcats don’t have a scholarship senior on the roster and are playing five freshmen, including four who make up the majority of the team’s bench minutes. The youngsters flunked their first test when they were dominated in a 78-67 loss at Temple.
“(The game) is going to give them a little different taste in some unfriendly environments,” Villanova coach Jay Wright told Philly.com. “It’s going to be crazy. But that’s good. I think they’re looking forward to it.”
Alabama Crimson Tide at Kansas State Wildcats, 10 p.m., ESPNU (1, 128)
Wildcats coach Frank Martin says his team needs better leaders. Kansas State jumped out to a 12-2 lead over North Florida but lackadaisical play had the team trailing by as many as nine in the second half before pulling out an overtime victory. Martin also has criticized the team’s recent poor practices.
"We were interested a month ago," Martin said. "We've been on a little bit of a slide here. I'm all about preparation. We've got a little immaturity on our team and our leadership has to get better. I have to do a better job of guiding those young kids that are trying to lead."
Saturday's Road Traps
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com
Ohio State at South Carolina
Ohio State (9-1 straight up, 3-2 against the spread) lost for the first time this season last Saturday when Kansas won a 78-67 decision as a 1½-point home favorite. We should note, however, that OSU was without one of its premier players in sophomore center Jared Sullinger.
After missing a pair of games with back spasms, Sullinger came off the bench in Wednesday’s 82-58 home win over South Carolina Upstate in a non-lined affair. Sullinger played 24 minutes and posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Deshaun Thomas scored a game-high 23 points for the Buckeyes.
South Carolina (4-5 SU, 2-5 ATS) has responded to a 1-5 stretch by winning back-to-back games, including a 58-55 win at Clemson as a 10-point road underdog. Nevertheless, the pressure is on fourth-year head coach Darrin Horn, who has yet to take the Gamecocks to the NCAA Tournament.
South Carolina is 3-2 SU at home, 1-2 ATS. The Gamecocks will be home ‘dogs for the first time this year in this spot.
Thad Matta’s squad will be playing just its second road game of the year in this spot. When these schools met in Columbus last year, the Buckeyes cruised to a 79-57 win as 18-point home ‘chalk.’
Sullinger is averaging a double-double, scoring 18.2 points per game while pulling down 10.2 rebounds per contest. Senior guard William Buford is scoring at a 16.3 PPG clip, while Thomas is averaging 14.5 PPG. Aaron Craft, OSU’s sophomore point guard, is an outstanding defender who plays a great floor game. Craft isn’t the best shooter but makes up for it by doing everything else well. He averages 9.5 PPG and has a 54-to-21 assist-to-turnover ratio. Craft also averages 3.0 steals per game.
The ‘under’ is 4-3 overall for the Gamecocks, but the ‘over’ is 3-1 in their last four contests. The ‘over’ is 3-2 overall for the Buckeyes.
BetOnline opened Ohio St. as a 14½-point road favorite early Friday afternoon. The total was 128½.
Tip-off is scheduled for noon Eastern on ESPN.
Mississippi State at Detroit
Mississippi St. (10-1 SU, 6-5 ATS) has won nine consecutive games and has posted a 6-2 spread record in its last eight outings. The Bulldogs are getting solid play from senior point guard Dee Bost, who is averaging team-highs in scoring (18.5 points per game), assists (4.5 APG) and steals (2.5 SPG). UTEP transfer Arnett Moultrie is also making a major impact, averaging a double-double (17.1 PPG, 11.2 RPG), while freshman Rodney Hood has been ‘as advertised,’ contributing 12.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Moultrie sat out MSU’s non-covering win Tuesday over FAU due to tendonitis in his knee. Moultrie is listed as ‘questionable’ for Saturday’s game in Motown.
Detroit (5-7 SU, 3-6-1 ATS) has won two of its last three games, taking the cash in each instance, including Sunday’s 62-54 loss at Alabama as a 14-point underdog. Ray McCallum scored a team-high 13 points against the Crimson Tide and also had six rebounds and four assists compared to zero turnovers.
Detroit has been a home underdog twice this year, going 1-1 both SU and ATS. The Titans beat St. John’s 69-63 as 1 ½-point home ‘dogs on Dec. 5, but they dropped a 66-61 decision to Cleveland St. as 2½-point puppies on Dec. 3.
Senior guard Chase Simon leads Detroit in scoring with a 16.2 PPG average. Doug Anderson is the Titans’ premier post presence, averaging 9.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest. McCallum is the squad’s best overall player, averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
Detroit has been negatively impacted by a pair of developments. After averaging 15.0 points and 8.0 rebounds in the Titans’ first two games, Eli Holman was indefinitely suspended after an incident at a fraternity house led to an injury that allegedly resulted from Holman’s actions. Also, senior forward Nick Minnerath has missed seven straight games with a knee injury. Minnerath, who averages 12.0 PPG, is nearly ready to return and is ‘questionable’ vs. MSU.
These schools met in Starkville last year with MSU capturing an 82-76 win. However, the Titans hooked up their backers as 7½-point road underdogs.
The ‘over’ is 6-5 overall for MSU, cashing in its last three games. On the flip side, the ‘under’ is 6-4 overall for Detroit, 3-1 in its home games.
BetOnline.com was the first book to post a number for this game Friday afternoon. The website opened the Bulldogs as 4½-point favorites with a total of 149½. As of early Friday night, most spots had MSU favored by 3½ or 4 with a 145½-point total.
This untelevised game is slated to tip at noon Eastern.
Memphis at Louisville
A pair of former Metro Conference rivals will collide Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Eastern when unbeaten Louisville (9-0 SU, 4-2 ATS) takes on Memphis. Most books, as of Friday night, were listing the Cardinals as 8½-point favorites with a total of 136.
Memphis (5-3 SU, 3-4 ATS) saw its three-game winning streak end last Sunday when Murray St. came to town and won by a 76-72 count as a 10½-point road underdog. The Tigers’ two other losses have came against Michigan (73-61) and Georgetown (91-88 in overtime) at the Maui Classic.
Rick Pitino’s team hasn’t played much of a schedule to date. The Cards’ best wins are at Butler (69-53) vs. Long Beach St. (79-66) and vs. Vandy (62-60) in overtime. They are 3-2 ATS at home.
These old-school adversaries haven’t met since its days in Conference USA that ended when U of L bolted to the Big East for the 2005-2006 campaign. In the eight most recent head-to-head meetings from 2002-2005, Memphis cashed tickets for its backers at a 7-1 ATS clip.
The ‘over’ is 5-1-1 overall for Memphis. On the flip side, U of L has seen the ‘under’ go 5-1 overall, 4-1 in its home outings.
CBS will have the telecast at 4:00 p.m. Eastern.
Alabama at Kansas State
As of early Friday night, The Wynn in Las Vegas had Alabama (8-2 SU, 3-4 ATS) favored by one but most offshores had the game at pick ‘em with a total of 125.
Kansas State (6-1 SU, 2-2 ATS) won its first five games, including a 69-61 triumph at Va. Tech as a four-point underdog. The Wildcats suffered their first loss on Dec. 8 when they dropped an 85-80 decision to West Va. in a game played in Wichita. They bounced back to beat North Florida at home Tuesday, but needed OT do so in a non-lined matchup.
With All-American guard Jacob Pullen no longer in the mix, Frank Martin’s squad has a more balanced scoring attack with four players scoring in double figures. Freshman forward Thomas Gipson is averaging 14.0 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Sophomore guard Will Spradling is K-St.’s second-leading scorer with a 12.6 PPG average.
Anthony Grant’s team raced out to a 7-0 start with wins over the likes of Oakland, Maryland, Wichita St., Purdue and Virginia Commonwealth. But the Crimson Tide dropped its first two games of December before beating Detroit 62-54 last Sunday. The losses came at home to Georgetown (57-55) and at Dayton (74-62).
After finishing as the runner-up in the NIT last season, Alabama looks like an NCAA Tournament team this year. The Tide has one of the SEC’s best post players in LaMychal Green, who is averaging 15.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, but its best player is junior forward Tony Mitchell, who averages 15.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
ESPNU will provide television coverage at 10:00 p.m. Eastern.
B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets
The ‘under’ is cashing at a lucrative 8-1 clip for a pair of Horizon League squads in Cleveland St. and Loyola-Chicago.
As of Friday night, Syracuse was favored by seven for its 6:30 p.m. Eastern showdown at North Carolina St. The total was 145 for this game on ESPN2.
In Sunrise on Saturday afternoon where the NHL’s Florida Panthers play, there will be a college hoops doubleheader. In the lidlifter at noon Eastern, Miami will take on Florida Atlantic. Most spots had the Hurricanes as eight-point ‘chalk’ with a total of 132. The second game will come off the board at 2:30 p.m. Eastern, as Texas A&M will square off against the Gators in South Florida. I’ve attended this event several times and there’s always a strong UF presence in the stands. The Gators are 9 ½-point favorites with a total of 130½.
Purdue and Butler will collide at 2:00 p.m. Eastern on CBS at Conseco Fieldhouse. The Boilermakers opened as 8 ½-point favorites with the total marked as 124 ½.
Gonzaga is a four-point ‘chalk’ vs. Arizona in a 4:00 p.m. matchup at Key Arena in Seattle. CBS will have the telecast.
CBB Games to Watch
By David Schwab
VegasInsider.com
Syracuse Orange vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack
Syracuse will most likely come into this game as the No.1-ranked team in the country after an 85-50 romp over George Washington on Saturday as a 21-point home favorite. The win raised its record to a perfect 10-0 SU. The Orange are 6-3 ATS overall, but they have yet to play on the road this season with the exception of two neutral-site games.
NC State is off to a 6-3 SU start overall and is 4-2 SU at home this season, however it is 3-4 ATS overall and just 1-3 ATS at home. Last season, the Wolfpack lost to Syracuse 65-59 as 12-point home underdogs. The total stayed ‘under’ the 141-point line.
Top-Ranked Syracuse Orange Visit NC State
By: Michael Robinson
Donbest.com
The Syracuse Orange will play their first game as the nation’s No. 1 team when they take on the North Carolina State Wolfpack from the RBC Center in Raleigh.
ESPN2 will have the Saturday night affair at 6:30 p.m. (ET) with the pointspread and total still pending.
Syracuse (10-0 straight up, 6-3 against the spread) jumped from No. 3 in both polls after the carnage last Saturday that saw Kentucky lose (73-72) at Indiana as 5½-point favorites and Ohio State go down (78-67) at Kansas as 1½-point ‘dogs. The Buckeyes at least had an excuse with big man Jared Sullinger a late scratch with a back injury.
Coach Jim Boeheim has done a good job keeping Syracuse focused in wake of the Bernie Fine scandal. However, this will be the first true road game with the only trip coming in-state at Madison Square Garden. Those were wins over Stanford (69-63) and Virginia Tech (69-58) and going 1-1 ATS.
The Big East Orange rank top-5 nationally in scoring margin (22.8 PPG) behind a solid offense (80.1 PPG) and defense (57.3 PPG). An easy schedule has played a part with just one top-25 foe (Florida), but they are deep with a 10-man rotation and their zone defense can give teams fits.
North Carolina State (6-3 SU, 3-4 ATS) is looking for the same home atmosphere that helped Indiana beat Kentucky. This game is expected to be a sellout and the team is 5-1 SU at the RBC Center, albeit just 1-3 ATS.
The Wolfpack are third in the ACC in scoring (76.1 PPG), but last in defense (71.4 PPG). Five guys score in double-digits. Their best chance to win is on the boards, ranking 45th nationally in rebounding margin (6.1 per game), while Syracuse is 93rd (3.7 per game). The Cuse allowed 34 total offensive boards to George Washington and Marshall the last two games.
These teams met last December at the Carrier Dome with Syracuse pulling out a close 65-59 win, failing to cover as 12-point favorites. NC State won the rebounding battle 34-29.
Florida vs. Texas A&M in lone top-25 matchup
Saturday’s only top-25 matchup is No. 13 Florida facing No. 22 Texas A&M as part of the Orange Bowl Classic doubleheader. This will be held in Sunrise, Florida and is a neutral site contest, plus a future SEC preview with A&M switching conferences next year.
Florida (7-2 SU, 2-3 ATS) is fourth in the nation in scoring (86.8 PPG). It’s a very outside based attack with guards Kenny Boynton (18.7 PPG), Bradley Beal (15.1 PPG) and Erving Walker (13.9 PPG) the three leading scorers. The ‘over’ is 4-1 for the Gators this year and 23-7 in their last 30 overall.
Texas A&M (8-1 SU, 1-3 ATS) is fourth nationally in scoring defense (51.4 PPG) under first year coach Billy Kennedy. Forward Khris Middleton (knee) returned last game after missing seven contests and his offense is badly needed with the team averaging just 64.4 PPG. The ‘under’ is 3-1 for the Aggies this year and 8-2-1 in their last 11 neutral site games.
Louisville and Memphis renew rivalry
The battle between the No. 4 Louisville Cardinals and Memphis Tigers may not be as exciting as when Rick Pitino and John Calipari were having their heated coaching feud, but it’s still an intriguing Saturday matchup.
Memphis (5-3 SU, 3-4 ATS) is one the country’s most disappointing teams after being No. 9 in the preseason Coaches Poll. Josh Pastner is in his third year after replacing Calipari and hopes his team hit a low point last Saturday, a 76-72 loss as 10½-point home favorites to mid-major Murray State.
Memphis can score at 81.1 PPG, but its defense isn’t consistent (72.1 PPG). The ‘over’ is 5-1-1- this year and 7-1-1 in its last nine overall.
Louisville (9-0 SU, 4-2 ATS) has once again overcome a rash of injuries under the resilient Pitino. The defense is surrendering just 52.7 PPG, helping the ‘under’ go 5-1. These teams haven’t met since 2005 when they were both part of Conference USA. Memphis is 7-1 ATS (4-4 SU) in the last eight meetings.
Sunday hoops spotlight
Sunday features just three top-25 teams, all playing at home. No. 8 Missouri takes on William & Mary, No. 9 Xavier goes against Oral Roberts and No. 10 Connecticut faces fellow New England school in Holy Cross.
Atlantic 10 Xavier (8-0 SU, 4-2 ATS) is playing its first game since the Dec. 10 brawl against Cincinnati. Four of its players are suspended including top scorers Tu Holloway (17.6 PPG) and Mark Lyons (17.4 PPG).
Big 12 Missouri (10-0 SU, 4-1 ATS) is No. 1 in the nation in scoring margin (25.6 PPG) and has covered its last four vs. the number. Big East Connecticut’s (8-1 SU, 3-3 ATS) offense continues to struggle at 74.6 PPG, ranked 81st, with the ‘under’ 5-1 on the season.
A non-top-25 matchup to watch is Pac-12 Oregon (6-2 SU, 2-6 ATS) hosting ACC Virginia (8-1 SU, 5-1 ATS). The Cavaliers should become ranked with a win and give up less points (47.9 PPG) than any team expect for Wisconsin. Coach Tony Bennett is a defensive disciple of his dad Dick Bennett, the former coach of the Badgers.
NCAAB Preview
Keep in mind that first semester just ended at most colleges, so transfers are becoming eligible in some places, making things a little trickier......
Villanova won six of last seven games vs St Joe's, winning last three in this inner-city rivalry by 3-8-11 points, but Wildcats are just 2-4 in last six games, losing only true road game at Temple by 11. Young, improved St Joe's is 4-2 vs top 100 teams, giving Creighton its first loss week ago. Villanova has no seniors in its rotation. Atlantic 14 favorites of 6 or less points are 16-9 vs spread; Big East underdogs of 6 or less are 4-10-1.
Mississippi State heads north for its first true road game to face Detroit team they beat 82-76 LY at home; Bulldogs have beaten Texas A&M, Arizona on neutral floors. Titans won two of last three games, are much better team since Holman became eligible two games ago; they lost by 8 at Alabama in last game, a decent showing. SEC road favorites are 8-7, 4-1 if spread is less than 5 points. Horizon home underdogs are 3-5
Baylor is 8-0, holding foes to 33% on 2-point shots, best mark in whole country; they won by 28 at Northwestern in only previous away game. Bears played only two teams in top 140. BYU is 7-2 vs D-I clubs but 73-56 loss to Wisconsin is its only game vs team in top 90. Cougars are #37 team in average height, but Baylor is #16, and Bears are an extremely athletic group. Big X teams are 11-5-1 in games where spread is 4 or less points; WCC home teams are 1-5 if spread is 5 or less points.
Temple is 6-2, playing only two home games; their losses are to Purdue by 8, by 3 at Bowling Green. 8-2 Texas lost to the only two opponents they played ranked above #114, losing in OT to Oregon State, by 3 to NC State (led by 18); Longhorns won last six games, all by 10+ points, but best team they've beaten is UCLA. Atlantic 14 road underdogs of 6 or less points are 12-6 vs spread; Big X home faves of 5 or less points are 6-4 vs spread, 2-1 at home.
8-1 Texas A&M has one win vs a team in top 180, winning at St John's by a point; Aggies' only loss was to Mississippi State by 9 on a neutral floor. Florida hasn't played in 8 days; they've won six of last seven, with 4-point loss to #1 Syracuse. Gators lead country in offensive efficiency but shoot just 59.6% from foul line. Big X road underdogs of 4+ points are 2-6-1 vs spread; SEC home favorites of 5+ points are 9-24-1.
Arizona beat Gonzaga 69-64 in Phoenix in last meeting three years ago; Wildcats are 2-2 away from home, losing by 10 to Miss State on neutral floor, by 6 in OT at Florida- they won at St John's/New Mexico State. Gonzaga is 0-2 vs top 50 teams but does have three top 100 wins- they lost at home to Michigan State. WCC single digit home favorites are 3-7 vs spread; Pac-12 single digit road underdogs are 13-11-1 vs spread.
Memphis-Louisville was huge rivalry in C-USA before Cardinals bolted for Big East; Cardinals are 4-3 in last seven series games, last of which was in '05 C-USA tourney. Tigers won only true road game, at Miami, but lost two of three on Maui, splitting two OT tilts. 9-0 Louisville has three top 100 wins, by 9-13-2 points- their foes are making 36.7% of its 2-point shots. C-USA road underdogs are 16-9-1 vs spread, 4-6-1 if spread is 5 or less points. Big East home faves of 6 or less are 0-5.
Ole Miss won three of last four meetings with Southern Miss, winning last two by 2-5 points; 9-1 Rebels won their true road games by a hoop each, at DePaul/Penn State- they're 1-1 vs top 100 teams, losing by 30 at Marquette, beating Miami by 3 in OT. USM is 2-2 vs top 100's, with loss to Murray State in double OT, by 7 at Denver, and pair of wins vs New Mexico State. SEC road underdogs of 5 or less points are 8-2 vs spread; C-USA home favorites of 8 or less points are 4-7.
UNLV is already making third trip east of Rockies, losing at Wisconsin by 11, Wichita by 19; Rebels lost 73-62 to Illinois in NCAA's 1st round last March. 10-0 Illini beat Gonzaga by 7 in only game vs top 80 foe so far this season. MWC teams are 2-5 in games where spread is 3 or less points; road team is 13-3 vs spread in Big Dozen games where spread is 4 or less, with Big Dozen home teams 1-4. UNLV has big edge as far as experience goes, but can they make any outside shots?
7-2 Indiana State is 0-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 7 to Minnesota on neutral court, by 9 at Boise State; Sycamores won other road game, but at #307 UL-Monroe. Vanderbilt hasn't played in 10 days, but they have C Ezeli back from injury; Commodores turn ball over 22% of time, sign of weak guard play. MVC road underdogs are 13-9 vs spread, 7-5 if the spread is 6+ points. SEC double digit home favorites are 8-19-1.
Syracuse is outside NY State for first time this year; they beat NC State 65-59 in LY's meeting in Carrier Dome. First true road game for Orange squad that beat Va Tech by 11, Stanford by 6 in NYC. NC State is 1-3 vs top 100 teams, losing by 7-11-4 points- they trailed by 18 in the one win. Big East road favorites are 15-12 vs spread, ACC home underdogs are 1-6. Syracuse is #2 in country at forcing turnovers (29.5%). State is making only 33.9% from arc, not such good news vs 2-3 zone.
6-1 Kansas State's last two games both went OT, losing to West Virginia in Wichita, struggling at home to beat #195 North Florida; Wildcats make only 27.8% from arc. Alabama is 3-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 12 at Dayton in only true road game; this isn't a true away game, but playing K-State in KC is definitely a road game. Tide is making 25.3% behind the arc (333rd). Big X teams are 11-5-1 vs spread if number is 4 or less points; SEC teams are 16-5. Two coaches were HS teammates.
New Mexico is 4-1 away from home, 2-1 vs top 100 teams, losing by 9 to New Mexico State, beating Washington State by 10, Missouri State by 16. Oklahoma State is 0-3 vs top 60 teams, losing by 15-2-6 points, but they did win by 5 at #64 Missouri State, young Cowboys' only win in four games away from Stillwater. MWC teams are 2-5 if spread is 3 or less points; Big X teams are 11-5-1 if spread is 4 or less. Lobos turn ball over 24.2% of time; they miss graduated PG Gary.