College Basketball Betting News and Notes Saturday, January 25

Saturday's Top 25 NCAAB Cheat Sheet: Early Games
By Covers.com

Iowa Hawkeyes at Northwestern Wildcats (+9.5)

The Big Ten is learning quickly about Hawkeyes forward Aaron White, who is averaging 14.2 points and 6.5 rebounds. White struggled with foul trouble against Minnesota before finishing with 18 points Sunday, then had 17 in a loss to Michigan Wednesday, but he hasn't been happy with his play in the early going of games. The Hawkeyes are No. 1 in the Big Ten and No. 3 in the country in rebounds per game at 43.9.

The Wildcats also are going to have to deal with more respect from opponents after winning three of four in league play, including a victory at Indiana. First-year coach Chris Collins has his players believing they can compete with anyone, as they showed in a recent home game against Michigan State. Northwestern has allowed just one opponent to score as many as 70 points all season.

TRENDS

* Hawkeyes are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a win.
* Wildcats are 4-1 ATS in their last five Saturday games.
* Over is 4-1 in Iowa's last five games.
* Over is 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings.

Florida State Seminoles at Duke Blue Devils (-8.5)

The Seminoles have suffered a pair of losses to Virginia since conference play began but have been perfect in ACC competition otherwise. Florida State rebounded from falling by 12 in Charlottesville on Saturday by edging Notre Dame at home on a late bucket from leading scorer Ian Miller. Florida State is tied with Clemson for the conference lead in blocked shots per game (6.4); the figure ranks tied for 12th nationally.

Duke's Jabari Parker, Parker, who ranks second in the ACC with 18.9 points per game, racked up 20 or more points in 10 of his first 13 games before hitting a bit of a lull as ACC play began. After averaging 10.5 points in his first four league games, the freshman has enjoyed an uptick to 20 points per game in his last two. The Blue Devils lead the all-time series 32-9, but Florida State has taken three of the last five meetings.

TRENDS

* Seminoles are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games following a victory.
* Blue Devils are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 home games.
* Under is 4-1 in Florida State's last five road games against teams with winning home records.
* Under is 14-5 in the last 19 meetings.

Syracuse Orange at Miami Hurricanes (+6)

Orange guard Tyler Ennis leads the ACC in steals (2.7) and backcourt mate Trevor Cooney (2.3) is second while draining 41.2 percent of his 3-point attempts. Veteran forward C.J. Fair averages 16.8 points to key the offense, which produces 72 points per game – tied for sixth in the ACC – and Syracuse is allowing 58.2 (third) with its patented 2-3 zone. Syracuse is 18-0 for the third time in four seasons.

The Hurricanes have successfully slowed the tempo at times and played solid defense at other moments to give up only 59 points per game – 56.5 in league play. But Miami will have to get more from its offense and improve its 41.8 percent shooting to become a factor in the ACC. Rion Brown, who had seven points in the first Syracuse game, leads Miami in scoring at 13.4 per game and Donnavan Kirk (10) is the only other player averaging in double figures.

TRENDS

* Orange are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs. teams with winning records.
* Hurricanes are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games following a loss.
* Under is 6-0 in Syracuse's last six games.
* Under is 11-1 in Florida's last 11 games.

Georgia Bulldogs at Kentucky Wildcats (-14)

The Bulldogs are off to their impressive conference start despite numbers that are less-than-impressive nationally on the season as a whole. Georgia ranks 200th in scoring and 322nd in assists, but has locked down defensively since SEC play began, holding opponents to an average of 66.2 points. Charles Mann has been the biggest contributor offensively, tallying 13.1 points per game on the season.

Julius Randle has lived up to the hype thus far, notching 16.7 points per game and leading the SEC in rebounding with 10.6 per contest. His rebounding has helped Kentucky rank fourth on the glass nationally with 43 per game, with seven-footer Willie Cauley-Stein contributing seven boards per game. Alex Poythress has also been great off the bench, averaging 9.1 rebounds, five rebounds and 1.4 blocks in Kentucky’s last eight games.

TRENDS

* Bulldogs are 17-4 ATS in their last 21 games against SEC foes.
* Wildcats are 5-2 ATS in their last seven home games.
* Over is 6-2 in Georgia's last eight games vs. teams with winning records.
* Over is 6-2 in the last eight meetings.

Texas Longhorns at Baylor Bears (-5.5)

The Longhorns' Cameron Ridley is averaging 15.3 points on 71.4 percent shooting, 9.7 rebounds and 3.3 blocks during his last three games for the Longhorns, who haven't won at Baylor since March 2011. Jonathan Holmes, coming off a game-winning 3-pointer against Kansas State, leads Texas with 12.8 points and has pulled down at least 10 rebounds in three of his past five games.

The Bears lead the league in 3-point shooting at 40.1 percent and got six from Brady Heslip, who is averaging 11.2 points, against Kansas. Cory Jefferson, who has scored in double figures in 22 of the last 25 games, leads the Bears with 13.2 points and 8.3 rebounds. Kenny Chery adds 11.4 points and has recorded a 2-to-1 or better assist-to-turnover ratio in 13 straight games.

TRENDS

* Longhorns are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 Saturday games.
* Bears are 6-16 ATS in their last 22 Saturday games.
* Over is 11-3 in Texas' last 14 games vs. the Big 12.
* Road team is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.

Kansas State Wildcats at Iowa State Cyclones (-9)

The Wildcats are an excellent defensive team, leading the Big 12 in scoring defense (60.3) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (26.7). Freshman Marcus Foster leads the team in scoring (13.7) and has scored in double figures 15 of the last 18 games. Forward Thomas Gipson (12.5) and senior guard Shane Southwell (11.6) are also averaging in double figures.

The Cyclones are one of only six schools nationally to have three players averaging at least 15 points per game. Senior guard DeAndre Kane (16.7) was named to the Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 on Wednesday and is averaging 20.8 points and three steals in Big 12 play. Forwards Melvin Ejim (17.7) and Georges Niang (15.2) are two more reasons the Cyclones lead the Big 12 in scoring (85.1).

TRENDS

* Wildcats are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games.
* Cyclones are 22-8 ATS in their last 30 Saturday games.
* Under is 10-2 in Kansas State's last 12 games vs. teams with winning percentages above .600.
* Home team is 9-3-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings.

Villanova Wildcats at Marquette Golden Eagles (+2.5)

The Wildcats had won five games in a row before the demolition at the hands of the Creighton Bluejays, although the play of senior guard James Bell has been a bright spot of late. Bell was 5-of-11 from 3-point range for 19 points on Monday and has made 8-of-16 3s over his last two games, during which he's averaging 18 points. Forward JayVaughn Pinkston was just 3-of-8 for 11 points against Creighton.

Even though it needed overtime to get there, the win over Georgetown marked the first time Marquette reached 80 points since a 91-53 victory Dec. 17 against Ball State. The Golden Eagles are not a good 3-point shooting team, connecting on 30.4 percent as a group with only one player on the entire roster (Jake Thomas, 38.5) making more than a third of his attempts.

TRENDS

* Wildcats are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 Saturday games.
* Golden Eagles are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games vs. Big East opponents.
* Over is 10-1 in Villanova's last 11 road games.
* Over is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings.

West Virginia Mountaineers at Oklahoma State Cowboys (-14)

Sophomore guard Terry Henderson exploded for a career-high 28 points in Wednesday’s victory over Texas Tech, sparking a West Virginia offense that averaged 65.7 points during the losing streak. The Mountaineers are ninth in the Big 12 in field-goal percentage defense and last in the league in defending 3-pointers. Staten leads the conference in assists at 5.9.

Cowboys star guard Marcus Smart leads the Big 12 in scoring at 17.8 points per game and steals at 2.6, but is coming off a 3-for-14 shooting performance. Phil Forte is a dangerous threat with the ball in his hands, hitting 50 percent of his 3-point attempts and 90.6 percent of his free throws, tops in the conference in both areas. The Cowboys are in a rugged stretch of their schedule, facing six ranked teams in a nine-game span.

TRENDS

* Mountaineers are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games vs. the Big 12.
* Cwboys are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a loss.
* Over is 8-2 in West Virginia's last 10 games following an ATS loss.
* Under is 8-2 in Oklahoma State's last 10 home games vs. teams with winning road records.

Saturday's Top 25 NCAAB Cheat Sheet: Late Games
By Covers.com

Tennessee Volunteers at Florida Gators (-9.5)

The Volunteers are coming off an impressive 81-74 home win over the Arkansas Razorbacks in which they went 30-of-38 from the free-throw line. Jordan McRae erupted for 34 points and hit the decisive 3-pointer with 2:46 remaining. McRae leads the team in scoring average (19.2) and assists (2.8) while Jarnell Stokes provides the star power in the frontcourt with 13.4 points and 9.7 rebounds.

The Gators have reeled off 10 consecutive victories, are a perfect 5-0 in SEC play and are coming off back-to-back narrow road victories over Auburn and Alabama. Michael Frazier II saved Florida against the Crimson Tide, knocking down back-to-back 3-pointers that restored a double-digit lead after Alabama had pressed. Casey Prather leads the team with 17.1 points while Scottie Wilbekin adds 12.5 and Frazier 12.1.

TRENDS

* Volunteers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games.
* Gators are 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine Saturday games.
* Under is 5-2-1 in Tennessee's last eight games vs. SEC foes.
* Over is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings at Florida.

Oklahoma Sooners at Texas Tech Red Raiders (Pick)

The Sooners had alternated wins and losses over a three-week stretch before finally notching back-to-back wins - a quality road victory against Baylor and a home triumph versus Texas Christian. Cameron Clark (17 points per game) is the team's leading scorer and Buddy Hield (16.6) isn't far behind, but Ryan Spangler (11.3 points, 9.8 rebounds) has probably been Oklahoma's most consistent player.

Dusty Hannahs will undoubtedly be one of the players that Oklahoma focuses on after the sophomore guard went 7-of-7 from 3-point range against West Virginia. Hannahs, who also had six assists, is 9-of-9 from long range over his last two games and shoots the 3-ball at 42.5 percent on the season. Jaye Crockett averages 14.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists while Jordan Tolbert contributes 11.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and one assist.

TRENDS

* Sooners are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following an ATS loss.
* Red Raiders are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games.
* Over is 14-4 in Oklahoma's last 18 games following a victory.
* Under is 9-4-1 in Texas Tech's last 14 games.

Wisconsin Badgers at Purdue Boilermakers (+4.5)

The Badgers fell behind by 15 points before rallying back and falling short in a 77-70 loss to the Wolverines and could not keep up with the Golden Gophers on Tuesday despite Minnesota losing its leading scorer 16 seconds into the game. Wisconsin (38.4) went 5-of-20 from beyond the arc at Minnesota to drop behind Michigan State (38.5) for the 3-point percentage lead in the Big Ten.

The Boilermakers are thriving on the defensive end, surrendering an average of 61.5 points in their last four games to turn their fortunes after a pair of losses opening conference play. There is work to be done on the offensive end, where Purdue shot just 27.6 percent in the loss at Northwestern and ranks 10th in conference at 43.2 percent.

TRENDS

* Badgers are 0-5 ATS in their last five games following a defeat.
* Boilermakers are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games.
* Over is 6-0 in Wisconsin's last six games.
* Underdog is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings.

Pittsburgh Panthers at Maryland Terrapins (+4.5)

Panthers center Talib Zanna had 22 points on 9-of-10 shooting in Tuesday’s 76-43 trouncing of Clemson to raise his season average to 13.4 and his field-goal percentage to 61.7. Forward Lamar Patterson averages a team-best 17.4 points and guard Cameron Wright chips in 10.8 per game. Patterson had 13 points and four rebounds against Clemson to become the 19th player in school history to top both 1,000 career points and 500 rebounds.

Sophomore guard Seth Allen scored a season-best 18 points in the first meeting with the Panthers but is only 8-of-33 shooting over the ensuing three contests. Allen missed the first 12 games due to a broken left foot and has yet to settle into a groove, shooting only 32.4 percent while averaging 10.3 points. Guard Dez Wells averages a team-best 14.3 points, but is just 5-of-21 shooting over the past two games.

TRENDS

* Panthers are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games vs. the ACC.
* Terrapins are 6-1 ATS in their last seven Saturday games.
* Over is 20-8 in Pittsburgh's last 28 games following an ATS win.
* Under is 7-3-1 in Maryland's last 11 games vs. teams with winning percentages over .600.

Michigan Wolverines at Michigan State Spartans (-5)

The Wolverines have gotten an average of 23.3 points from Stauskas over the last three games as the sophomore sharpshooter keys an attack that became more perimeter-based when McGary was lost for the season during the non-conference slate. Glenn Robinson III led the team with nine rebounds in the 75-67 victory over Iowa on Wednesday but is just as comfortable stretching the defense from the outside.

The Spartans will attack that Wolverines offense with a defense that ranks second in the Big Ten by holding teams to 37.9 percent from the field. That defense is better with Adreian Payne involved, and his quick return from a broken hand became even more important on Thursday when it was announced that Branden Dawson would miss a month with a broken bone in his right hand.

TRENDS

* Wolverines are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight games.
* Spartans are 5-0 ATS in their last five Saturday games.
* Over is 16-6-1 in Michigan's last 23 road games.
* Home team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.

Georgetown Hoyas at Creighton Bluejays (-12)

The Hoyas have surrendered second-half leads of 17 points to Xavier, 10 to Seton Hall and seven to Marquette. Each comeback has been made easier in large part because Georgetown has allowed each opponent to shoot at least 40 percent beyond the arc – the first time the team has allowed three straight foes to reach that mark since the 2008-09 season. Georgetown hasn’t dropped four straight since losing five in a row to end the 2010-11 season.

Making the Bluejays’ 3-point barrage even more impressive was the fact that Providence held them to a season-low 4-of-19 beyond the arc in their previous game. Ethan Wragge hit his first seven attempts and led Creighton’s long-range assault with a career-high nine, tying Kyle Korver (2003) for the most in school history. Wragge is two 3-pointers shy of 300 for his career.

TRENDS

* Hoyas are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games following a loss.
* Bluejays are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a win.
* Over is 6-1 in Georgetown's last seven road games.
* Over is 4-0 in Creighton's last four games vs. the Big East.

Wichita State Shockers at Drake Bulldogs (+10.5)

Wichita State heads into Saturday’s game at Drake as one of the nation’s three remaining unbeaten teams, leading many to ask if the fourth-ranked Shockers can finish the regular season without a loss. Wichita State is ranked first nationally in road winning percentage over the past three-plus seasons with a 32-8 mark. Guard Ron Baker, who is 33-2 as a starter, averages 13.7 points while shooting 41.6 percent from 3-point range.

The Bulldogs are the second-most accurate 3-point shooting team in the conference at 39.5 percent, but are facing the league’s best 3-point defense. Guard Richard Carter, averaging a team-high 17.9 points along with 3.7 rebounds, helped the Bulldogs snap a five-game losing streak with 12 points in Wednesday’s 57-54 victory at Southern Illinois.

TRENDS

* Shockers are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 road games.
* Bulldogs are 1-5 ATS in their last six games.
* Under is 10-2 in Drake's last 12 games following a win.
* Wichita State is 8-2-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.

Kansas Jayhawks at TCU Horned Frogs (+15)

With Jayhawks freshmen Andrew Wiggins (team-high 15.2 points) and Joel Embiid (shooting 67.9 percent) receiving ample media attention, it’s easy to overlook players such as reserve guard Frank Mason, who ranks second on the team with 46 assists. Kansas reserve F Tarik Black sprained his ankle in Monday’s win over Baylor, but is expected to be available against the Horned Frogs.

Guard Kyan Anderson scored a game-high 23 points in TCU's loss at Oklahoma, but his high turnover rate could be a problem against the athletic Jayhawks. The Horned Frogs are hoping to build on their effort Wednesday, when freshman center Karviar Shepherd notched his second double-double with 12 points and 11 boards. TCU is 15-2 when leading at the half under head coach Trent Johnson.

TRENDS

* Jayhawks are 13-2-1 ATS in their last 16 games vs. Big 12 foes.
* Horned Frogs are 18-42 ATS in their last 60 home games.
* Under is 21-6-2 in Kansas' last 29 road games.
* Over is 11-5 in TCU's last 16 games following an ATS win.

BYU Cougars at Gonzaga Bulldogs (-8)

The Cougars were worried that starting forward Nate Austin would miss Thursday's game with an ankle injury. He not only played but he logged a game-high 52 minutes and pulled down 15 rebounds in the marathon. The loss dropped BYU two games behind the Bulldogs as Haws tied for the most points scored in a Division I game this season and notched the third most points scored in BYU history.

The Bulldogs have won 25 of their past 26 conference games and have rolled over BYU at home the past two seasons. Gonzaga still ranks second in the nation in field goal percentage shooting 51.2 percent but they scored a season-low 59 points on Thursday. Reserve guard Gerald Coleman is questionable with the flu and did not play the second half on Thursday.

TRENDS

* Cougars are 4-1 ATS in their last five Saturday games.
* Bulldogs are 16-5-1 ATS in their last 22 games following an ATS loss.
* Under is 11-5 in BYU's last 16 games.
* Favorite is 5-0-1 ATS in the last six meetings.

San Diego State Aztecs at Utah State Aggies (+3.5)

The Aztecs lead the nation in field-goal percentage defense and have held 12 opponents to less than 40 percent and 10 teams to fewer than 60 points. The latest superb defensive outing came in Wednesday’s 75-50 victory over San Jose State when San Diego State held the Spartans to 33.3 percent shooting and forced 18 turnovers.

The abysmal offensive showing against UNLV matched the lowest point total in coach Stew Morrill’s 16 seasons at the school. The Aggies shot 30.8 percent from the field and were 2-of-17 from 3-point range and it may be hard to make much of a turnaround against a San Diego State squad limiting opponents to 35.3 percent from the field and 25.9 percent from 3-point range.

TRENDS

* Aztecs are 36-15-2 ATS in their last 53 road games.
* Aggies are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 Saturday games.
* Under is 17-4 in San Diego State's last 21 games.
* Under is 9-2 in Utah State's last 11 home games.

Saturday's Early Tips
By David Schwab
VegasInsider.com

A true sign of a championship-caliber college basketball team is the ability to win the tough games on the road. We have zeroed-in on three such matchups for this Saturday's betting tip sheet.

Two of the three road teams we are tracking (No. 2 Syracuse and No. 4 Villanova) are a combined 7-1 straight-up on the road this season while No. 10 Iowa comes into Saturday's showdown against Northwestern with a 1-3 SU mark away from home. Regardless of what has happened in the past, all three of these teams will be tested in what has the potential to be a trap game in their pursuit of a regular season title in their respective conference.

No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Northwestern Wildcats

Iowa is coming off a 75-67 road loss to No. 21 Michigan this past Wednesday as a three-point underdog to fall to 15-4 straight-up on the year and 4-2 in Big Ten play. It has also lost to Iowa State and Wisconsin on the road this season, but still managed to cover in both of those losses. The Hawkeyes are 11-6 against the spread and the total has gone OVER in 11 of 16 games this year.

Roy Devyn Marble and Aaron White have combined for 30.4 points, 10 rebounds and 5.5 assists and Iowa as a team is averaging 86 points a game. It is shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from 3-point range.

The Wildcats have strung together a pair of victories both SU and ATS over Indiana and Purdue in their last two outings after dropping four of their first five conference games. They are an even 10-10 SU overall with a costly 7-12 record ATS. The total has stayed UNDER in 13 of those 19 games.

If Northwestern has any shot at pulling off the upset it will be on the shoulders of Drew Crawford and Jershon Cobb. Crawford leads the team with 15.3 points and 7.0 rebounds while Cobb is chipping in 11.5 points and 2.3 assists. The Wildcats are averaging 62 points and shooting just 39.5 percent from the field.

Iowa has been opened as a 10-point road favorite in this Big Ten conference clash.

Head-to-head in this matchup, the favorite has covered in four of the last five meetings and the total has gone OVER in seven of the last 10 games.

No. 2 Syracuse Orange vs. Miami Hurricanes

Syracuse remains one of just three Division I teams with a perfect mark on the year. Heading into Saturday's contest it is 18-0 SU with a 9-4-1 record ATS. The Orange have gone 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven games and the total has stayed UNDER in their last six contests.

The Orange are ranked 175th in the nation in scoring with 72 points a game, but when you have a defense that is holding teams to 58.2 points you do not have to put up a ton a points to win games. CJ Fair is one of four players scoring in double figures with a team-high 16.8 points and he is second in rebounds with 5.8 a game.

It will be a tall task for Miami to get the SU win in this game after losing four of its first six conference games. It is 10-8 SU overall with a 6-8 record ATS. The Hurricanes have covered in four of their last six games and the total has stayed UNDER in their last five outings.

This is another team that has made its living playing defense by holding teams to an average of 59 points, but its offense is ranked near the bottom of Division I with just 61.5 points a game. The Hurricanes are shooting 41.8 percent from the field and 31.5 percent from 3-point range. Rion Brown is the leading scorer with 13.4 points a game.

The Orange come into their second game of the season against Miami as 6½-point road favorites.

Syracuse struggled to get by the Hurricanes the first time they met in a 49-44 grinder as a 13-point home favorite. It actually trailed Miami by six points midway through the second half. The total for that game was set at 123 and it still stayed way UNDER.

No. 4 Villanova Wildcats vs. Marquette Golden Eagles

The Wildcats ran off 16 SU victories in their first 17 games but they are coming off a 96-68 beatdown at the hands of Creighton this past Monday as 6 ½-point home favorites. Despite this disappointing performance Villanova has been a good team to wager on with a 12-4 record ATS. It has also been a solid play on the total line with the total going OVER in 12 of 16 games.

Overall, the Wildcats are averaging 80.6 points a game led by JayVaughn Pinkston (15.3) and James Bell (14.2). Villanova is shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from 3-point range. Josh Hart remains the team's best pure shooter; hitting 57 percent from the floor and 43.8 percent from beyond the arc.

Marquette has alternated wins and losses in its nine games and it is coming off a thrilling 80-72 overtime victory against Georgetown this past Monday as a three-point road underdog. The net result of this up and down stretch of games is an overall SU record of 11-8 with a 3-3 mark in Big East play. It is 7-10 ATS and the total has stayed UNDER in five of its last seven contests.

The duo of Davante Gardner and Jamil Wilson have provided a good deal of the production for the Golden Eagles with a combined 25.8 points, 11.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists. The team, as a whole, is averaging 71 points while shooting 44.5 percent from the field and just 30.4 percent from 3-point range.

Villanova has been opened as a 2½-point road favorite for this Big East clash. Past betting trends in this matchup weigh heavily against the Wildcats with a 4-10 ATS mark in the last 14 meetings, but the road team is 7-1 ATS in the last eight games. The total has gone OVER in nine of the last 12 games in this series.

Michigan at Michigan State
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com

It has been a good season for college hoops in the state of Michigan. The Spartans and Wolverines remain unbeaten in Big Ten play, but that'll change Saturday at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

As of late Friday afternoon, most books had Michigan State (18-1 straight up, 10-6-2 against the spread) installed as a six-point favorite.

Tom Izzo's team has won 11 consecutive games since suffering its lone defeat at home to North Carolina on Dec. 4. The Spartans have covered the spread at an 8-2 clip in their last 10 games.

Michigan State survived a tough test at home vs. Indiana on Tuesday night. Izzo's bunch held off the Hoosiers, 71-66, but failed to take the cash as a 13.5-point home 'chalk.' Gary Harris led the way with 24 points and five steals, while Branden Dawson added 13 points and nine rebounds.

But MSU is going to be without Dawson in Saturday's showdown and beyond. During a film session on Thursday, Dawson grew agitated when ESPN analyst Dan Dakich was critiquing a defensive mistake he made. Dawson angrily slammed his hand against a table, resulting in a fracture that will keep him out for the next 4-5 weeks.

(Quick Personal Take: This hurts Michigan State and will be seen by some as foolish on Dawson's part. I get that but with that said, I can't blame the guy. Dakich is the Mark May of college hoops. His voice begs one to immediately search for the remote and the mute button. When Dakich speaks, it's the equivalent of fingernails screeching across a chalkboard. Dawson will be back in March and the Spartans will be fine. The Michigan State faithful should just blame Dakich, a relentless chafe who is an Indiana grad anyway.)

Dawson was averaging 10.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. His work on the boards has been especially important while senior Adreian Payne has been out. Dawson does more than score and rebound, as he gets after it defensively and has 22 steals and 17 blocked shots to his credit.

Payne has missed four consecutive games and is considered 'doubtful' vs. the Wolverines. Payne averages 16.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. However, with Mitch McGary out (back surgery) for Michigan, the Wolverines don't go inside nearly as often.

Michigan (14-4 SU, 9-6-1 ATS) has thrived without McGary thanks to increased production from Nik Stauskas (18.5 PPG) and Caris LeVert (11.6 PPG). John Beilein's squad has won eight straight games while posting a 6-1-1 spread record.

Michigan ended an 11-game losing streak in Madison by handing Wisconsin its first home loss of the season last Saturday. The Wolverines returned home Wednesday and dispatched of Iowa by a 75-67 count as three-point 'chalk.' Stauskas produced 26 points, five rebounds and five assists against the Hawkeyes, lending further credence to his candidacy for Big Ten Player of the Year honors.

Michigan has been an underdog four times, posting a 2-2 record both SU and ATS. Meanwhile, Michigan State has a 4-5 spread record at home. The Spartans are 4-1-1 ATS in six games as single-digit favorites.

These teams split a pair of regular-season meetings last year. When they met at Breslin Center, MSU cruised to a 75-52 victory as a 1.5-point home underdog. Harris scored a team-high 17 points for the Spartans.

The 'over' is 8-7-1 overall for Michigan, going 3-1 in its last four games.

Totals have been an overall wash (9-9) in Michigan State games, but the 'under' is 8-4 in its last 12 games. The Spartans have seen the 'under' go 5-4 in their nine home games with a total.

The 'under' is 8-1 in the last nine head-to-head meetings between these bitter rivals.

ESPN will have the telecast at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

B.E.'s Bonus Nuggets

Most books are listing Gonzaga as a 7.5-point home favorite Saturday night vs. BYU. This is a 10:00 p.m. Eastern tip on ESPN2. The Bulldogs got Gary Bell Jr. back in the lineup for Thursday's non-covering win over San Diego. Harris logged 22 minutes of playing time and scored six points on 2-of-6 shooting from the field. Harris had missed six games with a broken hand. The Cougars saw their five-game winning streak snapped in Thursday's 114-110 loss at Portland. BYU has been an underdog four times, posting a 2-2 spread record with one outright win at Stanford.

Most spots have installed Kansas as a 15-point favorite for Saturday night's tilt at TCU. This venue was a House of Horrors for the Jayhawks last season when they got beat 62-55 in a game that wasn't as close as the final score indicated. Bill Self's team lost outright to a mediocre TCU team as a 17-point road favorite and the coach called the performance the worst in the history of KU's basketball program. The Horned Frogs aren't very good this year, either. They are 9-9 SU and 6-7 ATS. TCU has seen the 'under' go 8-3 overall. The Frogs are 5-4 SU and 1-3 ATS at home. KU has won five in a row and is undefeated in Big 12 play. ESPNU will have the telecast at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.

Gamblers can still get down on some action for an 11:00 p.m. Eastern tip on ESPNU. San Diego State is a three-point favorite at Utah State The Aggies didn't have Kyle Davis due to a knee injury in Tuesday's 62-42 loss at UNLV. Davis, who averages 9.5 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, is 'questionable' against the Aztecs.

Another televised late game will go down in Sin City where UNLV takes on Fresno State as a 10-point home favorite. CBS Sports Network will provide television coverage. The Rebels won a 75-62 decision at Fresno State as four-point road favorites on New Year's Day. -- Minnesota’s leading scorer Andre Hollins (16.2 PPG) suffered a sprained ankle in the opening minutes of this week’s home win over Wisconsin. The results of an MRI were negative and there’s a chance Hollins will play Saturday at Nebraska. He is listed as ‘questionable.’ -- Alabama played without its second-leading scorer in last night’s 68-62 home loss to Florida. Retin Obasohan is dealing with a hip injury and is ‘questionable’ for Saturday’s home game vs. LSU. Obasohan is averaging 12.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.

College Basketball Information

Florida State won three of last five games with Duke, with three wins by 5 or less points- they split last four visits here. FSU is 0-2 vs Virginia, 4-0 vs rest of ACC, with road wins at Clemson/Miami. Duke is 2-1 as ACC home favorite, winning by 22-4-35 points. Seminoles are making 43.8% of 3's in ACC games, #1 in league; Duke is #3, at 40.3%. ACC home favorites of 7+ points are 10-6 vs spread.

Providence won/covered last four games, were favored only once, with a win over Creighton; Friars are playing slowest tempo in league because they use a 6-man rotation. Xavier is 5-1 in Big East, 6-0 vs spread, with only loss by 6 at Creighton; they've scored 80+ points last four games. These are two best rebounding teams in league. Big East dogs are 6-1 vs spread in games where number was 4 or less points.

LaSalle won 69-61 at VCU in only A-13 meeting LY, after trailing by 8 in second half; Explorers only had 14 turnovers that day, are turning it over 19% of time in A-13 play this year (17.9% LY). LaSalle is 2-0 at home in league. beating GW/URI, scoring 74 ppg. VCU forces turnovers 26.1% of time; they split first two A-13 road games, winning at Dayton after losing by 10 at GW. A-13 home underdogs are 4-5 vs spread.

Towson beat Delaware by 3-20 points LY after losing previous five to Blue Hens. Underdogs covered Tigers' first four CAA games; they're 2-0 as road dogs, winning at Drexel/Charleston. Delaware is 5-0, with three of five on road- they won first two home games by 7-5 points, but didn't cover either, as road teams covered all seven of their league games. CAA home favorites are 4-14 against the spread this season.

Iowa State lost its last three games (giving up 83.3 ppg) after 14-0 start, despite being favored in all three; Cyclones won three of last four games with Kansas State, with all four games decided by 9 or less. Wildcats are 5-1 vs spread in league games, losing by 26 at Kansas, 3 at Texas, with win at TCU. Big X home favorites of 8 or less points are 3-6 vs spread. ISU's two Big X wins are by 13 at Texas Tech, 15 over Baylor.

Texas lost three of last four games with Baylor, losing last two visits to Waco by 5-7 points. Longhorns won last four games after 0-2 start in league- they're 1-1 as road dogs, losing by 13 at OSU, winning by 11 at West Va. Baylor lost its last three games after a 13-2 start; they're 1-1 as home favorites, losing to Oklahoma after beating TCU by 26. Big X home favorites are 6-9 vs spread, 2-4 if laying 6 or less points.

Maryland lost three of last four games, but they're 2-0 at home in their last year in ACC, beating Ga Tech/Notre Dame; favorites covered five of their six league games. Pitt is 5-1 in ACC, with only loss at Syracuse by 5; they've won at NC State by 12, Ga Tech by 7. ACC home underdogs are 4-8 vs spread. Pitt's 55.2eFG% on offense is best in ACC- they are making 52.5% of 2-pointers, 42.9% outside arc.

Tennessee won last three games with Florida; teams played once LY in first year of un-balanced schedule. Vols are 2-0 as road dogs, losing by 8 at Kentucky, winning at LSU. Gators won by 6 at Alabama Thursday, have less prep time here; they're 1-1 as home favorites, winning by 16-20 points. Vols are rebounding 41.2% of missed shots in league; Florida is #10 in SEC on defensive boards. SEC home faves of 9+ points are 6-3.

Michigan won four of last six games with Michigan State, losing last two visits here by 10-23 points; home side won last four series games, but Spartans have injury issues, with Payne/Dawson (hand) out. State won its last 11 games; they're 1-2 as home favorites, winning by 4-12-5 in its home games. Wolverines are 6-0 in league, with three wins on road, two as dog. Big Dozen single digit favorites are 5-16 vs spread, 1-9 at home.

Creighton was ridiculous 21-35 from arc in win at Villanova Monday, is 2-1 as Big East home favorite, winning by 18-6-28 points- they've made 43.5% of 3's in league (4-19 in only loss, at Providence). Georgetown is 1-4 without Josh Smith (grades/out for year), with only win at Butler in OT. Hoyas lost other two road games. by 18 at Providence, at Xavier by 23. Big East double digit home favorites are 3-3 vs spread.

BYU has to bounce back from triple OT loss at Portland Thursday, in which Austin/Haws both played 50+ minutes, two others played 43+. Cougars lost last four games with Gonzaga after winning first meeting in WCC, losing here by 11-20 points- Portland loss snapped their 5-game win streak. Gonzaga is 3-2 as WCC home favorite, with four wins by 14 or more points. WCC home favorites of 6+ points are 8-10 vs spread.

Cal-Irvine was 2-1 vs Hawai'i LY, beating Warriors by 11 in conference tourney in Hawai'i's first year in league- they won by 4 here, lost by 6 on islands. Anteaters are 4-0 in league, 1-1 as home favorites, winning by 18-6 over Fullerton/CSUN. Big West home favorites of 9 or less points are 1-5 vs spread. Hawai'i won last two games by 31-17; they're 2-2 in true road games, losing by 12 at Cal Poly, 1 at Northridge.

Belmont won seven of last eight games; lone loss was 74-63 at Eastern Kentucky, when they were -11 (20-9) in turnovers. Bruins are 1-2 as home favorites, winning by 11-2-14 points; they swept EKU by 7-11 points LY. Colonels won last four games, are 3-1 on OVC road, losing by 6 as 11-point favorites at Edwardsville. OVC home favorites of 8 or less points are 10-8 against the spread.

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College Basketball: Streaks, Tips, Notes
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Wichita State at Drake

Undefeated Shockers (20-0, 13-3-1 ATS) continued the best start in school history by defeating host Illinois State Redbirds 70-55 on Wednesday cashing as 9-point road favorites moving the mark to 7-0 (6-1 ATS) in the conference. Meanwhile, Bulldogs defeating basement dwelling Southern Illinois last time out are 2-5 SU/ATS in Missouri Valley play. Shockers' won't get much resistance from Bulldogs a team they've knocked off in 5-of-6 encounters (4-1-1 ATS). Wichita's relentless defense (59.8) look for Bulldogs to fall to 1-8 ATS on home court held under 70 points/game with Shockers' improving it's 8-2-1 ATS stretch vs Drake, 10-1 ATS streak in road games.

Michigan at Michigan State

College Hoops takes center stage Saturday with eight of the top-10 teams in action including 3rd-ranked Michigan State Spartans (18-1, 10-6 ATS) hosting rival Michigan Wolverines (14-4, 9-6-1 ATS). Spartans netting 79.9 PPG lead by Gary Harris (18.3) along with three other players dropping double digits are on a 11-0 (8-3 ATS) tear since the lone blemish vs North Carolina. The Wolverines with three players in double digits lead by Nik Stauskas (18.5) average 77.2 per contest and hit the hardwood on a smart 8-0 (6-1-1 ATS) run after back-2-back top-10 victories upending 3rd-ranked Wisconsin and most recently 10th-ranked Iowa. The teams split the series last year each winning on their own floor with Spartans cashing both tickets. Wolverines have had trouble solving MSU in Lansing posting a 1-9 (3-7 ATS) mark L10 trips into Spartans' back yard. But, MSU hit by the injury bug with Adreian Payne (16.2) questionable for Saturday, Branden Dawson (10.2) out with a broken hand a rare win for Wolverines on Spartans home court could to be in the cards.