College Basketball Injury Report
By Brian Edwards
Sportsmemo.com
Wyoming got terrible news on Wednesday when it learned that its star Larry Nance Jr. would miss the rest of the season due to a torn ACL. Nance was leading the Cowboys in scoring (15.4 points per game), rebounding (8.6 RPG), blocked shots (2.1 BPG) and steals (1.4 SPG). Larry Shyatt's team is in the bubble picture with a 17-9 overall record, but it will be a daunting task to get to the NCAA Tournament without Nance. The Cowboys, who are 14-7-2 against the spread, play Saturday at Colorado St.
Florida reserve point guard Kasey Hill missed Wednesday's non-covering home win over Auburn with a groin injury sustained in last Saturday's victory at Kentucky. Billy Donovan told the media Friday that "unless he has a miraculous recovery, he's out" Saturday at Ole Miss. Hill averages 5.6 points per game and has a 65/33 assists-to-turnovers ratio. Seniors Patric Young and Casey Prather are both playing through sore knees. Donovan said that Young wasn't going to play against Auburn until convincing the coaching staff he could go late that afternoon. It's a good thing he did because without Young scoring all 17 of his points in the second half, including a pair of go-ahead free throws with 19.4 seconds left, the Gators would've likely seen their 17-game winning streak snapped by the Tigers. We'll keep an eye on Michael Frazier's shooting hand. He came down hard on it late in the second half against AU. However, he did return to the game and buried a clutch 3-ball at crunch time.
Michigan State cruised to an easy 94-79 win Thursday night at Purdue. In his second game after missing three with a wrist injury, Keith Appling played 25 minutes against the Boilermakers. Appling had one point, nine assists, four rebounds, one steal and one blocked shot. However, the wrist clearly isn't 100 percent. Appling only took three shots from the field, missing them all, and he made just 1-of-3 at the charity stripe. He has only three points in the two games since returning, dropping his season scoring average down to 13.9 PPG. Spartans starting power forward Branden Dawson remains out with a broken bone in his wrist. He's still one or two weeks away from getting back on the court.
After missing a non-covering home win over TCU earlier this week, Shane Southwell (ankle) has been upgraded to 'probable' for Saturday's crucial Big 12 showdown at Kansas State. Southwell averages 10.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
Wisconsin's Ben Brust (13.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG) is 'questionable' for Saturday's game against Iowa due to a back ailment.
Alabama forward Nick Jacobs has taken an indefinite leave of absence from the team. Jacobs was averaging 8.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game for the Crimson Tide, who fell to 10-16 overall and 4-9 in the SEC after Thursday's blowout loss at Texas A&M.
In a must-win game Saturday at Kentucky, LSU won't be at full strength. Malik Morgan is done for the season after suffering a knee injury. Morgan was averaging 4.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. Shavon Coleman is 'questionable' after sustaining a concussion in Wednesday's win over Mississippi St. Coleman, who averages 9.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, scored 18 points against the Bulldogs.
St. John's Chris Obekpa will miss 10-14 days after spraining his ankle at practice on Feb. 17. Obekpa averages 4.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. The Red Storm has won five in a row and eight of its last nine.
USC won't have leading scorer Byron Wesley (17.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG) for a second straight game when it faces California on Sunday. Wesley is serving a suspension and in his absence, the Trojans got thumped by Stanford, 80-59.
Southern Miss won't have Michael Craig (11.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG) for Saturday's game against UTEP. Craig is dealing with an ankle sprain.
Miami has suspended forward James Kelly for an indefinite period of time for a violation of team rules. Kelly was averaging 7.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per contest.
Northwestern will be without reserve big man Nikola Cerina after the NCAA suspended him for one game for his role in a minor altercation in this week's loss at Ohio State.
Harvard's depth has taken two more hits. Two reserves averaging double-figure minutes, Jonah Travis and Agunwa Okolie, are out indefinitely. Travis is recovering from a concussion, while Okolie has a knee injury. The Crimson is already without center Kenyatta Smith for the rest of the year.
La Salle's Jerrell Wright is a question mark for Saturday's game against Richmond due to a knee injury. Wright averages 12.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
Akron could be without three key contributors for Saturday's home game vs. Ohio. Nick Harney (8.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG) has been suspended indefinitely, while Jake Kretzer (undisclosed) and Reggie McAdams (mono) are listed as 'questionable.' Kretzer averages 7.8 PPG and McAdams averages 6.3 points per contest.
The Bobcats are also dealing with injuries. Ricardo Johnson (7.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG) is out for the year with a broken leg, and a leg injury has Stevie Taylor (8.6 PPG, 3.0 APG) 'questionable' against the Zips.
UW-Milwaukee's Jordan Aaron (14.3 PPG) won't play against Cleveland St. due to a disciplinary matter.
College Basketball: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com
Syracuse at Duke
ACC newbie Syracuse (25-1, 13-8-1 ATS) had it's unbeaten streak end Wednesday at the Carrier Dome in a shocking 62-59 OT loss to then 6-19 Boston College. Orange nearly getting upset by Pittsburgh, Wolfpack the previous two games and looking fatigued in its loss to Boston College have a tough test heading into Durham on Saturday. Orange are not only facing a Duke (21-6, 17-10 ATS) team reeling from it's own 74-66 setback to red hot Tar Heels but also one of the more prolific shooting teams in the country averaging 80.6 points/game on 46.8% from the field including a whopping 40.9% from beyond the arc. If that were not enough to consider Duke in the rematch keep this betting nugget in mind. Coach K's troops have shown a tendency to bounce back from a straight up loss, compiling a sparkling 21-0 mark following a regular season loss covering the spread in fifteen of those twenty-one games (15-6 ATS). The venue also plays in Duke's favor, Blue Devils are on a 30-0 (17-13 ATS) streak at Cameron Indoor Stadium including 15-0 (10-5 ATS) hosting a conference rival.
Saturday's Top 25 NCAAB Cheat Sheet: Early Games
By Covers.com
Here's a quick look at the marquee early games on Saturday's NCAA basketball schedule:
Florida Gators at Mississippi Rebels (+7)
Scott Wilbekin has been clutch from the free-throw line, making 25-of-28 attempts over the last three games. The senior guard's sharpshooting went awry in his last meeting with the Rebels, as he missed two free throws with 4.2 seconds left to end the Gators' bid at the conference tournament title. While Wilbekin has an emotional hurdle to clear, Young is dealing with chronic flareup of tendinitis in his knees.
Jarvis Summers is looking forward to facing Florida after missing the last meeting with a concussion. The junior guard, who is averaging 17.0 points per game, has improved his scoring by 7.9 from last season and trails only Henderson (19.4) for the team lead. LaDarius White has struggled from the field by posting consecutive two-point performances on the heels of double-digit efforts in six of his previous seven outings.
TRENDS
* Gators are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following an ATS loss.
* Rebels are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a double-digit loss at home.
* Under is 11-2 in Florida's last 13 Saturday games.
* Over is 20-5-1 in Mississippi's last 26 home games vs. teams with winning road records.
Louisville Cardinals at Cincinnati Bearcats (+3.5)
The Cardinals have not lost since a 69-66 setback against the Bearcats in the first meeting Jan. 30, winning five straight by an average of 26 points. That run of dominance continued with Tuesday's 80-54 win over South Florida, with Russ Smith scoring 19 points and Luke Hancock adding 16. Louisville forced 20 turnovers and limited the Bulls to one 3-pointer as it held a third straight opponent under 60 points.
The ninth-ranked Bearcats have rebounded from their lone conference loss with back-to-back wins, including a 77-49 rout of Central Florida on Wednesday that gave them a 1 1/2-game lead on the Cardinals. Sean Kilpatrick, who had 28 points in the win over Louisville last month, needs 10 more to join Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson as the only Bearcats to score 2,000 career points.
TRENDS
* Cardinals are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 road games.
* Bearcats are 1-4 ATS in their last five games.
* Under is 6-1 in Louisville's last seven games vs. teams with winning records.
* Under is 41-11 in Cincinnati's last 52 games.
Wisconsin Badgers at Iowa Hawkeyes (-5)
The Badgers have three players averaging between 13 and 13.5 points but it’s safe to say Frank Kaminsky is the hottest among the trio. The 7-foot forward shot 11-for-16 and scored 25 points in a 75-62 win Sunday against then-No. 18 Michigan. What makes Kaminsky so difficult to guard is his combination of inside and outside scoring, as he comes in shooting 54.4 percent from the floor and 41 percent from 3-point range.
The player who will likely get the first shot at slowing Kaminsky is 6-9 forward Aaron White, who’s second on the team in scoring (13.2) and the co-leader in rebounds (6.6). White has shot the ball well in his previous four games against the Hawkeyes, connecting on 57.1 percent of his attempts. Like Kaminsky, he’s not shy about putting the ball up from outside, but he’s shooting just 18.2 percent from beyond the arc.
TRENDS
* Badgers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games vs. Big Ten foes.
* Hawkeyes are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 Saturday games.
* Over is 8-0 in Wisconsin's last eight games vs. teams with winning records.
* Over is 4-0 in Iowa's last four games.
St. John's Red Storm at Villanova Wildcats (-9.5)
Few teams are playing better than the Red Storm, who ran their winning streak to six games with a 77-52 romp over visiting Butler on Tuesday. That victory came two days after St. John's manhandled Georgetown by 22 points and was accomplished without starting center Chris Obekpa, who injured an ankle in practice Monday that is expected to sideline him for 10-to-14 days.
Guard Ryan Arcidiacono had been struggling at the offensive end, averaging seven points over his previous five games, and it appeared the slump would continue at Providence when he failed to score for nearly the first 18 1/2 minutes. But the sophomore guard came alive with eight late points in the opening half and finished with a season-high 21.
TRENDS
* Red Storm are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games.
* Wildcats are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 Saturday games.
* Over is 11-3 in Villanova's las5t 14 games vs. the Big East.
* Over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Virginia Cavaliers (-12)
Although the Irish have not lived up to preseason expectations after being picked to finish fifth in the ACC, they have made for an exciting season with a string of close games. Notre Dame C Garrick Sherman is averaging seven points - just over half his season norm - on 9-of-27 shooting over the last three games. Pat Connaughton had 22 points in the loss to Miami on Wednesday.
Cavaliers guard Malcolm Brogdon has scored between 11 and 18 points in every ACC game, including 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting to go along with seven rebounds, six assists and five steals in the win over the Irish last month. Cavaliers F Akil Mitchell is 25-for-38 from the floor over an eight-game span. Virginia has won six straight meetings dating to 1982.
TRENDS
* Fighting Irish are 1-10-2 ATS in their last 13 games following a loss.
* Cavaliers are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs. teams with winning records.
* Over is 10-4 in Notre Dame's last 14 road games.
* Under is 6-2 in Virginia's last eight games.
Iowa State Cyclones at TCU Horned Frogs (+11)
Iowa State stands within a game of second-place Texas in the Big 12 after Tuesday’s 85-76 win over the Longhorns, while the Horned Frogs are still seeking their first league win. The Cyclones have won two straight following a surprising 102-77 loss at West Virginia on Feb. 10. Guard DeAndre Kane averages 16.2 points and 6.6 rebounds for the Cyclones, who lead the Big 12 in scoring at 84.1 points per game.
Guard Kyan Anderson scored 23 points in Wednesday’s 65-53 loss at Kansas State, but the Horned Frogs were outrebounded 47-24 and faded against the deeper Wildcats in the final seven minutes. Coach Trent Johnson was encouraged by the play of freshman guard Hudson Price, who collected a career-high seven points along with three rebounds against Kansas State.
TRENDS
* Cyclones are 0-6 ATS in their last six Saturday games.
* Horned Frogs are 8-21 ATS in their last 29 games vs. Big 12 opponents.
* Over is 4-0 in Iowa State's last four road games.
* Over is 5-2 in TCU's last seven Saturday games.
LSU Tigers at Kentucky Wildcats (-11.5)
LSU forward Jarell Martin scored a season-high 20 points in the win over Mississippi State and has scored in double digits in five of his last six games. The emergence of Martin (9.9) gives LSU three sturdy interior players along with O’Bryant (15.4 points, 7.6 rebounds) and center Jordan Mickey (13.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 86 blocked shots). Guard Andre Stinger averages 12 points per game.
The Wildcats received 25 points and 13 rebounds from freshman star Julius Randle in the victory over Ole Miss as he raised his season averages to 14 points and 9.6 rebounds. Randle has 14 double-doubles – the only Kentucky freshman to record more are current NBA stars Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins (20 apiece).
TRENDS
* Tigers are 0-5-2 ATS in their last seven road games.
* Wildcats are 5-2 ATS in their last seven home games.
* Over is 10-1 in LSU's last 11 games vs. SEC foes.
* Under is 5-1-1 in Kentucky's last seven Saturday games.
Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio State Buckeyes (-8.5)
The Golden Gophers suffered a huge blow with the 13-point loss to lowly Illinois and now face three consecutive ranked foes in Ohio State, Iowa and Michigan. Guard Andre Hollins averages a team-best 14.9 points while fellow guards DeAndre Mathieu (11.6 points, 4.3 assists) and Austin Hollins (11.2) also score in double digits.
The Buckeyes gave up an average of 49.5 points over their last two games to lower their season average to 58.6. Forward LaQuinton Ross averages a team-best 14.4 points, followed by guard Lenzelle Smith Jr. (11.8) and point guard Aaron Craft (9.6 points, 4.6 assists, 68 steals). Craft has 317 steals, seven behind the Big Ten record held by former Illinois standout Bruce Douglas (1982-86).
TRENDS
* Golden Gophers are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 road games.
* Buckeyes are 5-1 in their last six vs. the Big Ten.
* Under is 7-2 in Minnesota's last nine games following a double-digit home loss.
* Under is 12-3 in Ohio State's last 15 Saturday games.
UCLA Bruins at Stanford Cardinal (+1)
The Bruins have been nearly unstoppable during their four-game winning streak while shooting 51.7 percent from the field, including 50.7 percent from 3-point range. Guard Jordan Adams scored a game-high 28 points against California on Wednesday and leads the Bruins with 17.5 points per game. Forward Tony Parker is looking to get untracked after being held to single digits in seven straight games.
Forward Josh Huestis had a career-high 18 rebounds along with three blocked shots to become Stanford's all-time leader with 169 in Thursday’s 80-59 win over Southern California. The Cardinal frontline also boasts 6-10 forward Dwight Powell, who has averaged 11.1 points and 7.6 rebounds in seven career games against the Bruins.
TRENDS
* Bruins are 4-0 ATS in their last four games.
* Cardinal are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games.
* Under is 8-2 in UCLA's last 10 road games.
* Under is 11-4 in Stanford's last 15 Saturday games.
Saturday's Top 25 NCAAB Cheat Sheet: Late Games
By Covers.com
Here's a quick look at the marquee late games on Saturday's NCAA basketball schedule:
Syracuse Orange at Duke Blue Devils (-5)
It's been a rough stretch for the top-ranked Orange, who escaped with narrow victories over Pittsburgh and North Carolina State before finally succumbing to Boston College. Senior forward C.J. Fair's 16.6 points per game lead a balanced scoring attack in which Trevor Cooney (13.3), Jerami Grant (12.4) and Tyler Ennis (11.8) all play a significant role.
Duke is looking for its own bounceback after struggling throughout its 74-66 loss to unranked rival North Carolina. Freshman forward Jabari Parker continues to bolster his already lofty draft stock, averaging 19.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and one steak. Rodney Hood (14.9 points, 4.1 rebounds) and Quinn Cook (12.1 points, 4.8 assists) have provided strong support.
TRENDS
* Orange are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.
* Blue Devils are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games.
* Under is 13-3-1 in Syracuse's last 17 games.
* Over is 5-2 in Duke's last seven Saturday games.
Texas Longhorns at Kansas Jayhawks (-11)
Freshman point guard Isaiah Taylor scored 26 points in the loss to Iowa State for his third 20-point outing in seven games, which includes a 23-point effort in the victory over Kansas. Taylor is tied for the team scoring lead (13.1) with forward Jonathan Holmes and has made 47 of his last 50 free throws. Guard Javan Felix (12.8) and center Cameron Ridley (10.8 also score in double digits for the Longhorns.
Leading scorer Andrew Wiggins (16.2) had a dreadful showing against the Longhorns earlier this month when he scored just seven points on 2-of-12 shooting. Wiggins is averaging 17 points in five games since the poor effort and has made 124 free throws on the season, passing the school freshman mark of 120 set in 2012-13 by Ben McLemore.
TRENDS
* Longhorns are 4-1 ATS in their last five Saturday games.
* Jayhawks are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 games vs. the Big 12.
* Over is 10-3 in Texas' last 13 Saturday games.
* Over is 8-2 in Kansas' last 10 games.
George Washington Colonials at Saint Louis Billikens (-7)
George Washington snapped a two-game losing streak with a 73-65 victory at Richmond last time out, moving the Colonials to 8-4 in Atlantic 10 play and into strong second-place contention. Maurice Creek, a regular starter, gave George Washington a lift with a game-high 16 points in a reserve role, designed to spark the Colonials' slumping bench.
All five starters reached double figures for the Billikens in Wednesday's 89-85 victory and guard Jordair Jett shook off a shaky first half to finish with a team-high 25 points and eight assists. Jett had one point at halftime but exploded for 24 after the break to pace the Saint Louis' offense. Dwayne Evans is the Billikens' leading scorer, averaging 14.7 points.
TRENDS
* Colonials are 6-2 ATS in their last eight Saturday games.
* Billikens are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS loss.
* Over is 6-0 in George Washington's last six road games.
* Under is 8-1 in Saint Louis' last nine Saturday games.
Drake Bulldogs at Wichita State Shockers (-18.5)
The Bulldogs are well off the NCAA Tournament bubble but could make their season by knocking off the Shockers. Drake is taking some momentum into the contest after earning a 70-67 win over Northern Iowa on Tuesday. Richard Carter, who was held to six points in the loss to Wichita State, scored 19 on Tuesday and is shooting 54.1 percent from the field while averaging 18.7 points in the last three games.
The Shockers get every team’s best effort but have so far been able to avoid any letdowns against lesser competition. Early only needed 21 minutes to score 18 points in Wednesday’s road triumph over the Ramblers while Fred VanVleet was 6-of-6 from the field and 10-of-10 from the line for a team-high 22 points as Wichita State steadily pulled away.
TRENDS
* Bulldogs are 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games.
* Shockers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games vs. MVC foes.
* Under is 13-3 in Drake's last 16 road games.
* Over is 4-0 in Wichita State's last four games.
Arizona Wildcats at Colorado Buffaloes (+4.5)
After a 21-0 start, the Wildcats dropped two of their next five games since losing forward Brandon Ashley (11.5 points per game) to a season-ending foot injury and lead the Pac-12 by one game over UCLA. Arizona's main rotation is down to six players, and its starters averaged 40.2 minutes in a 69-66 double-OT loss at Arizona State on Friday and a 67-63 overtime victory at Utah on Wednesday.
Colorado, which is 16-1 at home this season and 60-8 during Boyle's tenure, finishes the regular season on the road against Utah, Stanford and California. Askia Booker, Josh Scott and Xavier Johnson combined for 42 points and 25 rebounds in the 61-52 victory over Arizona State on Wednesday. Colorado has eight players averaging at least 10 minutes per game.
TRENDS
* Wildcats are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games.
* Buffaloes are 5-2 ATS in their last seven Saturday games.
* Under is 26-5 in Arizona's last 31 Saturday games.
* Over is 5-1 in Colorado's last six games.
Temple Owls at Memphis Tigers (-16.5)
Temple is going through an unforgiving stretch that will see it face nationally-ranked opponents in five straight games; the Owls are 1-2 so far, with losses to Louisville and Connecticut and a victory over Southern Methodist. Four players average more than 13 1/2 points for Temple, led by Dalton Pepper (17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds) and Will Cummings (15.9 points, 4.3 assists).
Memphis comes in on a high following Thursday's 64-59 victory over Rutgers that secured the Tigers' school-record 14th consecutive 20-win campaign. Senior guard Joe Jackson leads the team with 14.8 points per game but has been dreadful from beyond the arc this season, shooting just 28.1 percent. Shaq Goodwin adds 12.2 points and a team-best 6.5 rebounds.
TRENDS
* Owls are 1-5 ATS in their last six games.
* Tigers are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS loss.
* Under is 10-3 in Temple's last 13 road games.
* Under is 6-1 in Memphis' last eight Saturday games.
San Diego State Aztecs at New Mexico Lobos (-3.5)
A wild card for the Aztecs could be forward Matt Shrigley, who is coming off his best game of the season in which he scored 15 points on 5-for-9 shooting. Shrigley recorded nine points in the first half, which was more than he totaled in his previous five games combined. Shrigley will look to take advantage of a New Mexico bench that relies heavily on its own freshman sharpshooter, Cullen Neal.
Center Alex Kirk scored 25 points and Bairstow added 16 when the Lobos posted a 70-60 victory on Feb. 27. The 7-foot Kirk will attempt to take advantage of his size again, but San Diego State’s tallest starter, 6-10 forward Skylar Spencer, has proven to be stiff around the rim, blocking at least four shots in nine games this season.
TRENDS
* Aztecs are 38-16-2 ATS in their last 56 road games.
* Lobos are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games.
* Under is 4-0 in San Diego State's last four games vs. teams with winning records.
* Under is 4-0 in New Mexico's last four games following a victory.
Gonzaga Bulldogs at San Diego Toreros (+7.5)
The Bulldogs will clinch the conference regular-season crown with their next victory and will be looking for better shooting from guards Kevin Pangos and Gary Bell Jr. after the duo was a combined 6-of-20 against BYU. Pangos averages a team-best 15.1 points, forward Sam Dower contributes 14.8 points and 6.8 rebounds and Bell Jr. scores 11.3 per game.
Junior guard Johnny Dee averages 17.1 points and nearly guided the Toreros to a home upset of Gonzaga last season when he had 21 points in a 65-63 loss. Dee ranks fifth in school history with 1,432 career points and has made a school-record 241 3-pointers. Guard Duda Sanadze (13.2) and forward Dennis Kramer (11.6) also average in double digits.
TRENDS
* Bulldogs are 7-1-1 ATS in their last nine games following a loss.
* Toreros are 0-4 ATS in their last four home games.
* Under is 14-3 in Gonzaga's last 17 road games.
* Under is 15-6 in San Diego's last 21 games vs teams with winning percentages above .600.
Saturday's Tip Sheet
By David Schwab
VegasInsider.com
This Saturday’s slate in men’s college basketball is loaded with a number of crucial conference showdowns between teams in dogged pursuit of a regular season title, but for this betting tip sheet we have zeroed in on a key battle in both the AAC and the Big Ten. Both games have a high noon tip with Louisville facing Cincinnati in the AAC and Wisconsin on the road against Iowa in the Big Ten.
No. 11 Louisville Cardinals at No. 7 Cincinnati Bearcats
The defending national champs were clear favorites to win the newly-formed AAC this season, but heading into this showdown the Cardinals find themselves a game and a half in back of Cincinnati in the standings with a straight-up record of 11-2. Making things even more interesting is the fact that one of those two losses was a 69-66 setback against the Bearcats on Jan. 30 as nine-point home favorites. Louisville has won its last five games since then and it has covered in its last four to improve to 14-10 against the spread.
Russ Smith leads the Cardinals with 17.8 points per game, but this offense is deep with scorers with four other players averaging at least 10 PPG. Overall, they are ranked 11th in the nation in scoring with 83.0 PPG and shooting a healthy 48 percent from the field. Defensively, Louisville is holding teams to 61.6 points a game.
The Bearcats’ lone loss in the AAC this season against 13 SU wins was a 76-55 meltdown to No. 22 Memphis as four-point road underdogs on Feb. 8. They are 24-3 SU overall and that was their first loss since mid-December.
Cincinnati has not been the best bet in conference play with a 5-8-1 record ATS. It has failed to cover in five of its last seven outings and the total has stayed UNDER in nine of 13 conference games with a posted line.
Cincinnati is at the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to scoring with an average of just 69.7 PPG and it has failed to even reach this number in seven of its last 10 games. It does have a bona fide star in Sean Kilpatrick, who leads the team in both points (20.2) and assists (2.6). The Bearcats’ strongest suit remains a defense that is ranked fourth in the nation in points allowed (57.4).
The opening line for Saturday’s showdown has the Cardinals favored over Cincinnati by three points on the road.
The Bearcats hold a 4-2 edge both SU and ATS in the last six games of this series. The total went OVER the 131.5-point closing line in the first meeting this season after staying UNDER in the previous six games.
No. 16 Wisconsin Badgers at No. 15 Iowa Hawkeyes
Wisconsin kept its Big Ten regular season title hopes alive with a huge 75-62 victory over No. 20 Michigan this past Sunday as a four-point road underdog. It is now 8-5 SU in conference play and 2 ½ games in back of Michigan State in the standings. The Badgers’ current winning streak stands at four games after suffering through an extended 1-5 SU slide in their previous six outings. Over the course of this 10-game stretch they have gone a costly 3-7 ATS. The total has stayed UNDER in five of their last seven games.
The Badgers have picked-up the pace on offense during its current winning streak with 75 points or more in three of the four games. Frank Kaminsky came up big against the Wolverines with 25 points and 11 rebounds. He is averaging 13 PPG while shooting 54.4 percent from the field and 41 percent from 3-point range. Wisconsin has also tightened things up on defense by holding teams to an average 60.9 points over its last seven games.
The Hawkeyes are two games out of the lead in the Big Ten with a SU record of 8-4. It has been a bumpy ride over their last seven outings with a record of 4-3 both SU and ATS. Iowa started the new year with a 75-71 loss to the Badgers as a 6½-point road underdog and the total went OVER the 137-point line. There are some lingering personnel concerns this time around with Melsahn Basabe and Gabriel Olaseni listed as day-to-day due to the flu and Anthony Clemons 'questionable' with an injured ankle.
As long as Roy Devyn Marble and Aaron White are in the starting lineup the Hawkeyes should be just fine. Marble leads the team in scoring with 16.4 PPG and White is chipping-in another 13.2 points while pulling down 6.6 rebounds. Iowa remains the seventh-highest scoring team in the nation with an average of 83.6 PPG and it is ranked third in rebounds with 43 a game. Defensively, it is giving-up 67.2 points to its opponents.
The Hawkeyes come into this matchup listed as five-point home favorites to even the season series at a game apiece.
The home team has won seven of the last nine meetings SU, but Iowa has covered in the last six games. The total in this series has gone OVER in the last five meetings.
Syracuse at Duke
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com
When Syracuse invades Cameron Indoor Stadium to face Duke on Saturday night, it will be a rematch of one of the best games of the entire season. Jim Boeheim's team got pushed to overtime by the Blue Devils at the Carrier Dome, but it came away with a 91-89 victory on Feb. 1.
Duke took the cash as a 4.5-point underdog in the first meeting between these storied programs as conference rivals. The 180 combined points flew 'over' the 134.5-point total.
Rasheed Sulaimon drained a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to force the extra session and silence a record crowd at the Carrier Dome. Sulaimon finished with a team-high 16 points and also dished out six assists.
C.J. Fair was the catalyst for the winners, scoring a game-high 28 points. Jerami Grant added 24 points and 12 rebounds. Tyler Ennis and Trevor Cooney scored 14 points apiece, with Ennis handing out six assists.
Duke freshman sensation Jabari Parker was limited to 26 minutes of playing time before fouling out. Parker finished with 15 points and nine rebounds.
As of early Friday night, most books had Duke (21-6 straight up, 17-10 against the spread) favored by six for Saturday's showdown.
This is the first trip to Cameron for Hall-of-Fame coach Jim Boeheim. Some of the luster may have been taken off the rematch since both teams are coming off of defeats, but that only ups the stakes for both schools.
Coach K's team will be playing its third game in five days and for the fourth time in the last eight days. The Blue Devils cruised to a 68-51 win Tuesday at Ga. Tech, easily taking the cash as 11-point road 'chalk.' But in Chapel Hill on Thursday night, they came out on the wrong end of a 74-66 decision as two-point road favorites.
Parker had 17 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort. Quinn Cook and Rodney Hood added 17 and 16 points, respectively.
Duke led by seven at intermission and by 11 with less than 16 minutes left, but it missed 13 straight shots at one point in the second half. The Blue Devils came into the UNC game tied for second in the nation in 3-point percentage (41.7%), but they made only 5-of-22 from deep.
Fatigue could be an issue for Duke. It got beat 43-30 by UNC on the boards and left a lot of shots short in a nine-minute stretch without a made field goal. The Blue Devils were also off on the free-throw line, making just 7-of-12. Cook missed a critical front end of a one-and-one opportunity late in the second half.
Syracuse (25-1 SU, 13-8-1 ATS) is coming off its first loss of the season to Boston College in overtime Wednesday night. The Eagles went into the Carrier Dome and captured a 62-59 win as 13.5-point road underdogs.
The Orange failed to make 3's and couldn't stop BC from doing so. The Eagles banged home 11-of-22 treys, while the 'Cuse was just 2-for-12 from beyond the arc.
Fair finished with 20 points and rebounds. Ennis added 14 points, eight boards and six assists.
Duke is unbeaten in 14 home games with a 9-5 spread record. The Blue Devils have been single-digit home favorites three times, posting a 2-1 ATS mark.
This is just the second underdog situation for Syracuse. It won outright at Pitt by a 58-56 count as a two-point road underdog.
The 'under' is 14-12 overall for Duke, 7-6 in its home games. The 'under' is cashed in three straight for the Blue Devils.
The 'under' is on a 13-3-1 roll for the Orange to improve to 13-6-2 overall. The 'under' has been a winner in five consecutive games for the 'Cuse.
ESPN will have the telecast at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.
B.E.'s Bonus Nuggets
Florida reserve point guard Kasey Hill (5.6 PPG) will miss his second straight game Saturday at Ole Miss. The freshman McDonald's All-American is dealing with a groin injury.
After missing Wednesday's home win over TCU, Shane Southwell (ankle) has been upgraded to 'probable' for Saturday's key Big 12 showdown at Oklahoma. Southwell averages 10.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
Wisconsin's Ben Brust (13.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG) is 'questionable' for Saturday's game at Iowa. Brust didn't practice Thursday after landing hard on his back Wednesday.
Akron might be without three key contributors for Saturday's game vs. Ohio. Nick Harney (8.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG) has been suspended indefinitely, while Jake Kretzer (undisclosed) and Reggie McAdams (mono) are listed as 'questionable.' Kretzer averages 7.8 PPG and McAdams is scoring at a 6.3 PPG clip.
On Friday afternoon, 5Dimes had Cincinnati listed with 60/1 odds to win the national championship. I think that's a great play, as I'm supremely confident that the Bearcats will be in the Sweet 16. If Sean Kilpatrick shoots well in the NCAA Tournament, Mick Cronin's squad will have an excellent chance to get to Dallas because it defends and rebounds as well as any team in the country. If Cincy gets to the Sweet 16, this future wager will guarantee profit with all the different hedge opportunities that will be available at that point.
5Dimes had Florida as the +550 'chalk' to cut down the nets in Dallas. The next-shortest odds belonged to Kansas (6/1), Syracuse (7/1), Michigan St. (+750), Duke (10/1), Louisville (12/1) and Arizona (12/1).
The nation's best ATS teams are Wichita St. and Cleveland State, who are both 18-6-1 versus the number.
Saturday's Top Games
By Sportsbook.ag
SYRACUSE ORANGE (25-1) at DUKE BLUE DEVILS (21-6)
Sportsbook.ag Line: Duke -5.5
Both coming off disappointing losses, No. 5 Duke and No. 1 Syracuse will meet at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Saturday night in a rematch of a thrilling overtime win for the Orange earlier this month.
Syracuse is coming off its first loss of the season, a 62-59 overtime upset at the hands of lowly 7-19 Boston College. That was the Orange's second consecutive ATS defeat, sending them to 14-8 ATS overall and 8-5 ATS in the ACC. Most impressively, they are 8-1 ATS in non-home games, going a perfect 5-0 ATS in conference road games. Duke enters this game amid a brutal stretch of three games in five days, and it lost the second of those to unranked North Carolina, 74-66 on Thursday night. But the Blue Devils (17-10 ATS overall, 9-5 ATS in ACC) are a perfect 14-0 SU (9-5 ATS) at home this season, where they outscore visitors by 19.3 PPG. When these teams first met on Feb. 1, Duke covered as a 4.5-point underdog at the Carrier Dome in a 91-89 overtime defeat. The Blue Devils made 15 threes to keep them in that game, but foul trouble eventually took its toll as they racked up 10 more fouls than Syracuse (25 to 15) throughout the contest.
The Syracuse offense doesn’t wow anybody, averaging a mere 69.6 PPG (231st in Div. I) on 44.8% shooting (146th in nation) with 12.7 APG (180th in Div. I). But that’s mostly due to its slow pace of play, the same one that holds opposing offenses to 58.3 PPG (7th in nation) on 40.5% shooting and 34.3% threes. The Orange are very active in their 2-3 matchup zone, amassing 8.3 SPG (20th in Div. I) and 5.1 BPG (41st in nation) this season. Though they average only 35.1 RPG (166th in Div. I), they still collect on the majority of their opportunities, outrebounding their foes by 4.0 RPG. Freshman PG Tyler Ennis (11.8 PPG, 5.7 APG, 3.3 RPG) is the key for the Orange on both ends of the floor, pacing the team in assists and playing 34.8 MPG while turning it over only 1.6 times per game. His amazing 3.6 Ast/TO ratio is on pace to eclipse the all-time record for freshmen. He and SG Trevor Cooney (13.3 PPG) both average 2.0 SPG, putting intense pressure on opposing backcourts. They both scored 14 points in the first meeting against Duke while Ennis added nine assists, finding his post players who went to town on a foul-ridden Blue Devils frontcourt. SF C.J. Fair (16.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG) is the team’s top scorer and dropped a career-high 28 points on 12-of-20 shooting in the Feb. 1 meeting. PF Jerami Grant (12.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG), who also torched Duke with a career-best 24 points (7-of-11 FG) and a game-high 12 rebounds, creates a huge matchup problem down low. And don’t forget about C Rakeem Christmas (6.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG), who plays big minutes on this team that doesn't go much deeper than a six or seven-man rotation. Christmas not only drew some crucial fouls on Duke star PF Jabari Parker, but he contributed seven points, 10 rebounds (4 offensive) and six blocks in that Feb. 1 victory.
Duke’s offense puts up 80.6 PPG (22nd in Div. I) on 46.8% shooting (60th in nation) with 14.8 APG (51st in Div. I). They rank fifth nationally in long-range shooting, hitting 40.9% of their threes, but made only 5-of-22 threes (23%) in Thursday's loss to North Carolina. Defensively, Mike Krzyzewski’s squad yields 67.0 PPG (92nd in Div. I) on 44.9% shooting and 30.6% threes. Freshman PF Jabari Parker (19.1 PPG, 8.8 RPG) is Duke’s top scorer and rebounder, and he posted 15 points and nine boards (5 offensive) in 26 minutes before fouling out in the first contest. PF Amile Jefferson (6.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG) also fouled out, leaving Duke with a small roster in overtime that Fair and Grant were able to exploit. However, Jefferson was still able to contribute 14 points (6-of-10 FG), seven rebounds and five assists in that overtime defeat. SF Rodney Hood (16.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG) is the team’s second leading scorer, while PG Quinn Cook (12.1 PPG, 4.8 APG) rounds out the team’s double-digit contributors. Cook had one of his worst games of the season against the Orange, going 2-for-12 from the field and 1-of-8 from three-point range. The team’s savior was SG Rasheed Sulaimon (9.2 PPG, 45% threes), who scored 16 points off the bench, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer to send the game to overtime. SG Tyler Thornton (3.2 PPG, 49% threes) was also critical in the game, hitting three treys on three consecutive possessions late in the second half to help keep the Blue Devils in it.
ARIZONA WILDCATS (24-2) at COLORADO BUFFALOES (20-7)
Sportsbook.ag Line: Arizona -4.5
No. 4 Arizona looks to inch closer to a Pac-12 regular season title when it travels to Boulder on Saturday night to take on a talented Colorado team.
The Wildcats (15-10 ATS overall, 6-7 ATS in Pac-12, 5-3 ATS on road) will look to sweep the season series after a 69-57 win over the Buffaloes (15-11 ATS overall, 7-7 ATS in Pac-12, 10-6 ATS at home) on Jan. 23 in Tucson. SG Nick Johnson led the Wildcats with 18 points in that victory, while Brandon Ashley finished with 15. However, Ashley is currently out for the rest of the season due to a foot injury. SF Xavier Johnson led Colorado with 21 points, while connecting on 4-of-5 three-pointers. The defense of the Wildcats proved to be the difference in the game, holding the Buffaloes to just 39% FG while forcing 16 turnovers. They did a great job of making Colorado play a more one-on-one style of basketball, as the Buffaloes finished with just six assists on its 20 field goals. PG Spencer Dinwiddie is out for the season with a torn ACL for Colorado, and was the guy that could get other Buffaloes shots. Arizona has a 5-3 SU advantage (4-4 ATS) in this series since 2009, but has lost both of its trips to Boulder during this timeframe, including a 71-58 blowout defeat last February.
Arizona ranks 131st in the nation in scoring at 72.8 PPG, but shoots a solid 46.4% FG (69th in Div. I) with 14.8 APG (52dn in nation). The Wildcats are shooting 35 % from the 3-point line, but they do not attempt a lot of them. However, the Arizona defense is what has this team competing for a national title, ranking fifth in the nation in scoring defense (57.7 PPG allowed) and sixth in FG Pct. defense (38.1%). The Wildcats are coming off a 67-63 overtime victory at Utah in its most recent outing on Wednesday. PF Aaron Gordon (11.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG) had one of his toughest games as a college basketball player that night, finishing with three points, three rebounds and five turnovers in 20 minutes of action before fouling out. While he struggled in that game, he is still one of the most athletic power forwards in college basketball, and a big reason why the Arizona ranks 21st in the nation in rebounding (39.1 RPG). Junior SG Nick Johnson (15.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.5 APG) has improved as an elite guard in the country, and can be downright devastating in the transition. He has always been a terrific defensive player, but the improvement on the offensive end has been a big reason why the Wildcats are title contenders. However, he is in a major shooting slump over his past five games, making only 27% FG and 2-of-20 threes. Another vital part of Arizona’s team is PG T.J. McConnell (8.0 PPG, 5.4 APG, 4.0 RPG). While his numbers are not off the charts, McConnell has given the Wildcats a true point guard, something they did not have last season. The talented athletes on the floor allow him to play the brand of basketball he is most comfortable with, and he doesn't make many mistakes, as evidenced by his 2.7 Ast/TO ratio. SG Gabe York (6.9 PPG, 40% threes) is the best shooter on the team, and is being counted upon more as a shooter after Brandon Ashley went down with an injury. A knock on Arizona is because it doesn't have an explosive offense, it is hard for them to blow out its opponents. The Wildcats have gotten off to bad starts in their past two road games, and can ill-afford another one against a Colorado team that is finding its groove while adjusting to basketball without Spencer Dinwiddie.
The Buffaloes come into this game playing their best basketball of the season, going 5-1 SU (4-2 ATS) so far this month, defeating Arizona State 61-52 in their most recent game on Wednesday. When Dinwiddie was lost for the season, there were many people that thought the Buffaloes were done for. One player that has performed very well in Dinwiddie’s absence is junior PG Askia Booker (14.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.4 APG). Booker has shown the ability to hit the big shot, as he hit a 30-footer at the buzzer to beat No. 7 Kansas early in the season. Booker has also been on fire this month with 19.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG and 6.7 APG in the six games. While he has been inconsistent from deep this season (31% threes), Booker is the type of guy that can hit three or four long-range tries in a hurry. However, he is at his best when he is slashing and getting to the basket. Teaming him with sophomore PF Josh Scott (14.4 PPG, 8.7 RPG) gives the Buffaloes a talented inside-outside duo. Scott is one of the most improved players in the Pac-12, emerging as a big-time post presence with 11 doubles-doubles, including 13 points and 13 boards in Wednesday's victory. SF Xavier Johnson (12.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG) is another player that can put up a lot of points in a hurry, as his 21 points versus Arizona last month started a run of eight straight games with 11+ points (17.0 PPG). The Buffaloes have been rebounding the ball well this season, ranking 37th in the nation with 38.3 RPG. They also rank 101st in scoring (74.0 PPG) on 44.9% FG (143rd in Div. I). The loss of Dinwiddie has really shown when it comes to assists, where Colorado ranks 208th in the country with 12.4 APG. The Buffaloes easily won the matchup in Boulder last season, and have one of the most underrated crowds in the country. Expect the Coors Events Center to be rocking as the Buffaloes look to potentially punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament on Saturday night.
Be sure to check out more College Basketball Odds and Props at Sportsbook.ag!
Saturday Hoop Opinions
By Joe Gavazzi
Louisville at Cincinnati
Get out the razor Rick! A scruffy Pitino has vowed not to shave until the Cards lose. His objective is that he will have a beard over the summer. Over confidence such as that can be spawned when you are on a 5-0 SU, 4-0 ATS run against the lower echelon of the AAC. All wins have been by 15 or more points in which the Cards have allowed just 55 PPG. Motivation would seem to be there in the form of 69-66 revenge and the fact they trail the Bearcat by a game for conference supremacy. But, the Cinci triumvirate of Kilpatrick, Rubles and Jackson has combined with an outstanding defense to lead the Cats to a 17-0 SU mark on this court. Not sure Louisville puts an end to that.
St. Johns at Villanova
Last time Villanova lined up at this venue, they got whipped 96-68 by Creighton. That rematch resulted in a 101-80 Creighton victory, implying it may not have been the fault of the venue. St. Johns currently playing as well as anyone in the league with a 9-1 SU, 8-1 ATS run, pushing them upward to an RPI in the low 50s. A win vs. the Wildcats would not only attain revenge for a 74-67 loss, but would give them a marquee victory on their resume. Sweep considerations, however, are more likely as technicians will point to a mark of over 70% on over 100 games in this situation. Wildcats barely bounced from the Creighton loss but should do far better at the preferred up-tempo of the Redmen.
Marquette at DePaul
Plenty of bubble trouble for Marquette, who has underachieved dramatically if you believed preseason prognosticators (I didn’t). Thus, it is that they have no choice but to continue the misery that has been the DePaul season since the suspension of best boy, Cleveland Melvin. In his absence, the Blue Demons are 0-9 SU, 1-8 ATS with 8 of the 9 losses by double digits and a defense that has allowed an average of 85 PPG in the last 3 games.
LSU at Kentucky
Led by Johnny O, LSU proved they had the bigs to compete when they whipped Kentucky 87-82 in Baton Rouge on January 28th. A recent slide of 2-3 SU, 0-5 ATS has put them into deep bubble trouble. A marquee sweep of the Wildcats could go a long way in pushing them to the safe side. But, before you take off the rubber band, note that Kentucky is a perfect 4-0 ATS as home favorite of 12 or more points in conference play with every victory by 16 or more points.
St. Mary’s at Santa Clara
Under 7th year HC Keating, the Broncos had been feast or famine in recent years. Consider that in the last 4 years, their win totals have gone from 11 to 24 to 8 to 26. It looks like another downer for the Broncos, if their recent form is to be believed. After hitting a peak of 10-8 SU with their 57-55 win over this St. Mary’s team, the Broncos have gone 2-8 SU, 4-6 ATS. On this court, they have clearly underachieved in WCC play going 2-6 SU, with victories against only bottom rung teams, LOY-Mary and Pacific. Coming off consecutive losses to BYU and San Fran and playing with revenge for that earlier loss, the Gaels will clearly not be taking anything for granted. Under 13th year HC Bennett, St. Mary’s is 39-20 ATS as road chalk L7+Y. In an ideal situation, they get this comfortable victory.
UTEP at S. Mississippi
We have cashed 3 consecutive Top Plays in UTEP road games as we have watched them consistently pull away for wire-to-wire wins as short road favorite against Tulane, ODU, and E. Carolina. Under 4th year HC Floyd, the switching man-to-man and amoeba type zone defenses have resulted in a 6-0 SU ATS road mark. It would be simple to recommend a Top Play that U Take em Points. But before you take off the rubber band for the Miners to get their double revenge from last year (including a CCT loss), consider that S. Mississippi, as a result of recent road missteps at Mid-Tenn and UAB, now trails UTEP in the standings by a full game. That motivation, along with the record of 8-1 ATS as home chalk this season, suggest a conservative approach in your play on the underdog Miner.
College Basketball: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com
Texas Tech at Oklahoma State
Things are not going well for Oklahoma State as they've lost seven straight with an 0-6-1 slide against-the-number. Having Marcus Smart back in the lineup after a three game suspension should help the cause against Red Raiders a team Pokes have beaten ten straight times in Stillwater. But, you still take your chances backing Cowboys as they're 3-5 ATS L8 overall vs Red Raiders who enter cashing nine of eleven games including six straight on the road.
Texas at Kansas
Jayhawks (20-6, 13-12-1 ATS) and Longhorns (20-6, 12-11 ATS) square off for the second time this season. KU had a five-game series win streak snapped when these two collided in Austin back on Feb 01 as Horns walked off 81-69 winners cashing as 4 point underdogs. Jayhawks on a 6-0 (5-1 ATS) stretch in Lawrence should beat the Longhorns as they're 4-0 SU revenging a series loss. But covering the number could prove difficult, Jayhawks were only 2-2 ATS in those revenge games and hit the hardwood 1-5 ATS L6 meetings, 3-8 ATS L11 encounters.
College Basketball Information
Kansas State (-5) made 11-21 from arc, beat Oklahoma 72-66 Jan 14, in game where both teams made less than 35% inside arc. Wildcats are 2-3 as road underdogs, losing last five road games, with three of last four by 6 or less points, or in OT. Oklahoma is 2-3 in its last five games- they're 1-2 as home favorites- they won four of last five home games, but lost to Texas Tech. Big X home favorites of 5 or less points are 9-5 vs spread.
UTEP won all five C-USA road games; they've won 10 of last 11 games, are 3-0 as C-USA dogs. Miners got swept by Southern Miss LY, by 6-18 points, after going 8-2 in previous ten series games. USM is 5-1 as a home favorite, winning home games by 22-9-31-3-17-29 points- after a pair of losses on road last week, Golden Eagles hammered UTSA by 29 Thursday. C-USA home favorites are 36-25 against the spread.
Ohio State (-3.5) lost 63-53 at Minnesota Jan 16, ending six-game series win streak; Gophers lost last six visits here, with four of six losses by 14+ points. Minnesota lost five of last seven games as NCAA hopes are slipping away; they're 1-3 as road underdogs, losing away games by 12-21-4-3-8 points. Ohio State won five of last six games; they're 3-3 as a home favorite. Big Dozen home faves of 8+ points are 14-10 vs spread.
Akron (+5.5) won 83-80 in double OT at Akron Jan 12, after trailing by 9 in second half, 5 in first OT. Zips made 9-15 from arc that game- they won last four series games, are 1-4 as home favorites, with one home win by more than 8 points. Ohio is 2-3 in last five games; they're 3-1 as road underdogs, losing road games by 16-6 points. MAC home favorites of 4 or less points are 6-10 against the spread.
Kansas (-4) lost 81-69 at Texas Feb 1; Longhorns were 30-45 on the foul line, Jayhawks 13-19. Kansas is 11-3 in last 14 series games, with Horns losing five of last six visits here, last two by 10-26 points. Big X double digit home favorites are 4-10 against spread. Jayhawks are 3-1-2 as home favorite, with five of six home wins by 10+ points. Texas is 2-3 as road underdog, losing last two away games by 17-9 points.
Syracuse (-2.5) outscored Duke 26-12 on foul line, beat Blue Devils Feb 1 in OT 91-89; Duke was 15-36 from arc, Orange 3-4. Both teams lost last game; Duke blew 11-point second half lead in 74-66 loss Thursday in Chapel Hill. Syracuse lost at home to BC Wednesday- they've scored 61 or less points in each of last five games. ACC home favorites of less than 7 points are 10-20 vs spread. Duke is 4-2 as a home favorite.
Saint Louis won last 18 games, is 11-0 in A-13, 2-3 as home favorite, but covered only once in last five games overall; Billikens beat GW last two years, by 22-8 points- their last three wins were by total of eight points. Colonials lost two of last three games, are 2-3 as road dogs, losing away games by 4-10-17 points. A-13 home favorites of 5+ points are 15-17 vs spread. GW lost last four visits here, three by 10+ points.
Boise State led by 11 with 3:48 left, collapsed in 73-69 loss at UNLV on Feb 1, its 5th loss in last six series games. Home team won seven of last eight series games; Rebels lost two of last three visits here, are 2-2 as dog on road. Mountain West home favorites of 8 or less points are 13-11 vs spread. Boise is 2-5 as a home favorite; their last two home games were decided by total of 3 points. Birch had six blocked shots in first game.
Stanford won four of last five games, covered last five at home- they've covered last five home games, but lost 91-74 (+5.5) at UCLA Jan 23, as Bruins forced 19 turnovers (+13), made 55% inside arc. Bruins won four in row, 13 of last 15 series games, but split last four visits here. Pac-12 home teams are 11-13 vs spread in games where spread was less than 4 points. Cardinal won four of their last five road games.
New Mexico won four of last five games vs San Diego State- they beat Aztecs in last two Mountain West tourneys, but lost two of last three series games played here. Lobos won eight of last nine games, are 3-3 as home favorite, winning last four in Pit. San Diego State lost at Wyoming in last road game, after winning 20 games in row- they're 6-3 vs spread in last nine games overall. MW home teams are 13-15 vs spread if spread was 4 or less points.
Arizona (-14) shot 59% inside arc, beat Colorado 69-57 at home Jan 23; home teams won all five regular season meetings. Wildcats lost by 1-13 points in Boulder last two years- teams split pair of meetings in Pac-12 tourney. Pac-12 home underdogs of 5 or less points are 11-6 vs spread. Arizona's last four road games were all decided by 3 or less points or in OT. Colorado won its last five home games, even without Dinwiddie.
North Dakota State (-4) won 85-77 at South Dakota State Jan 25, just its second win in last six series games; Jackrabbits lost five of its last six visits here, losing by 27-22-12-23-3 points. ND State won four in row, nine of last ten games- they're 1-3 as home favorites, winning by 22-13-6-11 points. SD State won/covered its last six games; they're 3-1 as road dog. Summit League home favorites of 8+ points are 6-8 vs spread.
Murray State won last three games with Morehead State, beating them in double OTon road LY after blowing 20-point second half lead. Racers won six of last seven games but split last four on road- they're 7-0 SU at home in OVC, but failed to cover last three home games. Morehead won its last game in double OT; they've won four in row on road, five in row overall. OVC home favorites of 5 or less points are 9-10 vs spread.
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