Sunday's Best NCAAB Bets
By Covers.com
Washington Huskies at Oregon State Beavers (-3.5, 157)
The Huskies haven’t been swept in their Oregon swing in consecutive seasons since 1990 and 1991. But they’re in danger of doing so following Thursday’s 25-point loss at Oregon.
Fortunately, they match up extremely well with Oregon State, as evidenced by their 95-80 home win in the Pac-12 opener for both schools.
In that game, the Beavers had no answer for Washington freshman Tony Wroten, who had 26 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
Oregon State has a high-octane attack (80.8 points per game) led by Jared Cunningham (18.6), but the team has difficulties with big men such as Washington 7-footer Aziz N’Diaye.
The Beavers rank near the bottom of the Pac-12 in rebounding margin at plus-0.3. Washington leads the conference at plus-5.5.
Pick: Huskies
Stanford Cardinal at Southern Cal Trojans (4.5, 112)
This isn’t exactly a titanic matchup.
The slumping Cardinal has dropped five of its last six games, all the losses coming by double digits. The Trojans, down to six scholarship players, have lost 12 of their last 13.
Both teams are struggling to score. When they met on New Year’s Eve, host Stanford won 51-43.
In its last six games, the Cardinal has shot 37.3 percent from the field and an atrocious 25.4 percent from beyond the arc.
The under is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
Pick: Under
Big East Battles
By Chris David
VegasInsider.com
Pittsburgh (15-10 SU, 9-11 ATS) at Seton Hall (16-8 SU, 12-8 ATS)
The Panthers finally showed their worth this season by winning four straight games but that streak came to an end on Wednesday when they lost at South Florida, 63-51. The setback can directly be attributed to Pitt’s offense, which shot 35 percent from the floor and just 25 percent (4-of-16) from 3-point land. Prior to that dismal showing, the Panthers posted an average of 77.3 points per game during their winning streak. Not surprisingly, the ‘over’ cashed in those four games and the ‘under’ came through in Wednesday’s loss.
Seton Hall started the season with a 15-2 record and the school notched a few impressive wins during that span over VCU, Dayton, West Virginian and UConn.
Unfortunately, the Pirates hit the wall and dropped six straight games. The good news for Seton Hall followers is that the school stopped the bleeding on Wednesday with a 59-54 road victory over Rutgers. The main issue with Seton Hall is its offense, which has been more miss than hit this season. During the 1-6 stretch, the Pirates have been held under 60 points in six of them. To put things in perspective, this Big East squad is ranked 211th nationally in FG% (42.7) and 291st in free throw (64.7%) percentages.
Total players following the Pirates have seen the ‘under’ 13-7 (60%) on the season and that includes a 6-1 run to the ‘under’ during the aforementioned offensive woes. The ‘over/under’ for Sunday’s affair is hovering around 129 points.
The two schools haven’t met this season, but Pitt has owned the recent history. The Panthers have gone 5-1 SU and 6-0 ATS, four of the wins coming by double digits.
Oddsmakers opened the Pirates as 1½-point home favorites over the Panthers.
St. John’s (10-14 SU, 8-13 ATS) at Georgetown (18-5 SU, 11-7 ATS)
This particular matchup has letdown written all over it and gamblers should be weary of the ‘chalk’ here. Georgetown is coming off a tough overtime loss (61-64) to Syracuse on Wednesday and will now look to regroup against an inferior opponent.
Oddsmakers don’t believe the Hoyas will lose another decision here, listing them as heavy 15½-point favorites.
Confidence could be too high for Georgetown, who already blasted St. John’s this season, earning a 69-49 road victory on Jan. 15. The Hoyas easily covered as seven-point favorites and the closing total (130.5) was never threatened. Including this outcome, the ‘under’ has cashed in the last four of this series. The opening total for the rematch was listed at 129.
Taking the points with St. John’s doesn’t appear to be a sound investment either. The team is coming off two humbling losses at home to Syracuse (70-95) and Cincinnati (54-76). The Red Storm has used five freshmen in the starting lineup at times, and the inexperience has shown. It’s rare to see more than eight players used in a game.
The Red Storm has struggled as visitors this season, going 2-7 SU. The victories both came in conference play against DePaul (87-81) and Cincinnati (57-55).
Even with all those facts, the youngsters have shown some pride and played to their competition at times. Just look at St. John’s performance against Duke, which was an 83-76 loss. They trailed by 16 at the half but kept fighting and wound up covering as 17½-point underdogs.
SJU has been a double-digit underdog six times this season and its gone 1-5 SU and 3-3 ATS.
Georgetown has a produced a 12-1 mark at home this season, which includes a 5-1 record in conference play. The Hoyas are 2-4 ATS in Big East affairs, but they have covered their last two.
No look-ahead either for G-Town here, with road games against Providence and Seton Hall on tap.
NCAAB Preview
Pittsburgh won four of last five games after 0-7 start in Big East; they're 1-5 on Big East road, with only win at fading West Virginia- underdogs covered all six of those games. Panthers are 0-7 when they're held under 72 points in league play, 4-1 when they score 72+. Seton Hall snapped 6-game skid with rivalry win at Rutgers in last game; they've scored less than 60 points in each of their last five games. Big East home favorites of less than 5 points are 8-9 against the spread.
Illinois is fading badly, losing five of last six games, with only win 42-41 over Michigan State; Illini are 1-4 on Big Dozen road, with only win by point at Northwestern, who then beat Illini in Champaign. Michigan is 6-0 at home in conference, 2-2 as home favorite, winning at Crisler by 18-5-18-2-1-12 points. Big Dozen home favorites of 6 or less points are 8-12 against the spread. Wolverines held their last six opponents to 58.8 ppg- dogs are 8-4 vs spread in their conference games.
Georgetown (-7) hammered St John's 69-49 in New York Jan 15, with Red Storm shooting 32% for game, 0-10 from arc. Johnnies are 2-2-1 as Big East road dog, but they lost another player this week and only have six kids on scholarship- their road losses are by 14-19-15 points, with wins at Cincinnati/DePaul. Georgetown is 2-4 as home favorite, winning home games by 9-3-3-14-30 points. Big East double digit home favorites are 9-11-1 against spread. Hoyas lost last game in OT at Syracuse.
Detroit (+1.5) won 80-73 at Green Bay Jan 12, outscoring hosts 26-12 on foul line; Titans won seven of last nine games after starting out 1-4 in Horizon play- their last four games were all decided by 5 or less points. Green Bay is 4-1-1 as road underdog, losing away games by 4-3-1-10-30 points; Friday's win at Wright State was its first road win of the season. Horizon home favorites of 8+ points are 8-11-1 against spread. Detroit is 3-4 as home favorite, with home wins by 11-16-15-1-4 points.
Wright State (+12.5) lost 58-38 at Milwaukee Jan 12, shooting 25.5% on night, 2-16 from the arc; Raiders lost last three games, scoring 51.7 ppg. Underdogs are 7-0 vs spread in Wright's Horizon home games; Raiders are 0-4 as home favorite, winning home games by 1-6-6- points. Six of their seven home games were decided by 6 or less points. Horizon home underdogs of 3 or less points are 5-2 against the spread. Underdogs also covered Milwaukee's last four games.
Missouri State (-7) won 51-48 at Bradley Jan 21, in brickfest that saw both teams shoot under 38%; Bears won three of last four games, giving up 48 ppg in the three wins. State is 3-2 as MVC home favorite, taking home games by 11-12-12 points, but they're only 3-4 SU at home. MVC home favorites of 12+ points are 7-4 against the spread. Bradley ended a 6-game skid last time out; they're 3-4 as MVC road underdog, losing on MVC road by 11-8-37-23-17-14-30 points.
Washington is talented but has low basketball IQ; they had 5-game win streak crushed in Eugene Thursday, when they trailed Ducks 49-26 at half, but playing Oregon State is right up their alley, because Beavers go up and down all day, with not much thought. Beavers (+4.5) lost 95-80 t Washington in Pac-12 opener Dec 29, game in which both teams shot 50%+. Pac-12 underdogs are 17-11 vs spread when getting less than 5 points, 8-5 on road. Oregon State is 3-2 in conference home games.
Purdue (-1.5) won 58-56 at Northwestern Jan 28, its only win in its last five games; Boilers had only five turnovers (+11) that game- they played hearts out at Ohio State last game, but lost by 3. Northwestern won its last three games since the Purdue loss, scoring 80.3 ppg; Wildcats are 5-0 when they score 68+ points in league play, 0-6 when they don't- they're 2-3 as road dogs, losing road games by 33-2-20-23 points. Big Dozen home favorites of more than 6 points are 17-11 against the spread.
Virginia Tech (-9) lost 61-59 at Boston College Jan 14, shooting 36.2% for game; Hokies are 2-7 in ACC, 1-8 vs spread, 0-5 as favorites- their only ACC wins are both by a basket, over Virginia/Clemson. BC is 8-2 vs spread in ACC games, 4-0 as road dog, losing away games by 23-14-17-4 points. Five of BC's seven ACC losses are by 14+ points, but last two were by 5-4 points, and they upset Florida State at home last game. ACC double digit home favorites are 4-11-1 against the spread.
Stanford (-7.5) beat USC 51-43 at home in first meeting Dec 31, holding Trojans to 35% from floor, 2-9 from arc, but Cardinal has lost five of its last six games, with all five losses by 10+ points. USC is pathetic 1-11 in conference, 2-5-1 as underdog, 0-2 at home, losing its conference home games by 9-11-19-24-26 points. Cardinals' only win in its six road games was in four OTs at Oregon State. Pac-12 single digit home underdogs are 9-5 against the spread.
Drake (+5) shot 61% from floor, 7-12 from arc, won 69-60 at Evansville Jan 13, despite 21 turnovers (-11); Bulldogs lost five of last six games, though, scoring 48.7 ppg in three losses since a 3-OT win over Wichita State- they're 4-3 AU in conference home games. Purple Aces won six of eight games since Drake loss; they're 3-4 on Valley road, with four of seven games decided by 5 or less points. MVC home teams are 14-9 vs spread when number is less than 5 points.
Loyola (+5) won 66-63 at Fairfield Jan 13, making 7-14 from arc; they beat Iona Friday in showdown for MAAC lead, have won seven games in row, covering last five; Greyhounds are 3-4 as MAAC home favorite, winning at home by 13-1-15-11-11-17-6 points. MAAC home favorites of 5 or less points are 8-7-1 against the spread. Fairfield won four games in row, allowing 58 ppg; they're 0-3 vs spread as an underdog this year, with conference losses by 13-2-3-9 points.
Iona lost showdown game with Loyola Friday, likely to be in foul mood here, against Marist team that won its last two games after losing nine in a row before that. Gaels (-15.5) won 100-76 at Marist Jan 8, shooting 61% in game they led by 24 at half. Red Foxes are 2-6 as road dog, with none of their road losses by more than 22 points. MAAC home faves of 11+ points are 4-11 against the spread. Iona is 2-3 as home fave, with wins in New Rochelle by 12-11-20-19 points.
Armadillosports.com
PITTSBURGH (15 - 10) at SETON HALL (16 - 8) - 2/12/2012, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 3-0 against the spread versus SETON HALL over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 2-1 straight up against SETON HALL over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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ILLINOIS (16 - 8) at MICHIGAN (18 - 7) - 2/12/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN is 34-18 ATS (+14.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 34-18 ATS (+14.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ILLINOIS is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
MICHIGAN is 2-1 against the spread versus ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
ILLINOIS is 2-1 straight up against MICHIGAN over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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ST JOHNS (10 - 14) at GEORGETOWN (18 - 5) - 2/12/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST JOHNS is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) revenging a blowout loss vs opponent of 20 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
ST JOHNS is 36-19 ATS (+15.1 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
GEORGETOWN is 118-160 ATS (-58.0 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
GEORGETOWN is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGETOWN is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
GEORGETOWN is 2-2 against the spread versus ST JOHNS over the last 3 seasons
GEORGETOWN is 3-1 straight up against ST JOHNS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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WI-GREEN BAY (10 - 13) at DETROIT (14 - 12) - 2/12/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-GREEN BAY is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 3 seasons.
WI-GREEN BAY is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) when playing with one or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-2 against the spread versus WI-GREEN BAY over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 3-3 straight up against WI-GREEN BAY over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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WI-MILWAUKEE (15 - 11) at WRIGHT ST (11 - 15) - 2/12/2012, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WRIGHT ST is 32-17 ATS (+13.3 Units) when the total is 119.5 or less since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 146-107 ATS (+28.3 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 140-105 ATS (+24.5 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
WI-MILWAUKEE is 3-2 against the spread versus WRIGHT ST over the last 3 seasons
WI-MILWAUKEE is 3-2 straight up against WRIGHT ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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BRADLEY (7 - 19) at MISSOURI ST (15 - 11) - 2/12/2012, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MISSOURI ST is 20-33 ATS (-16.3 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 19-37 ATS (-21.7 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
BRADLEY is 3-2 against the spread versus MISSOURI ST over the last 3 seasons
MISSOURI ST is 4-1 straight up against BRADLEY over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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WASHINGTON (16 - 8) at OREGON ST (15 - 9) - 2/12/2012, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OREGON ST is 31-15 ATS (+14.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
OREGON ST is 3-3 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 5-1 straight up against OREGON ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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NORTHWESTERN (15 - 8) at PURDUE (15 - 9) - 2/12/2012, 6:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
PURDUE is 2-1 against the spread versus NORTHWESTERN over the last 3 seasons
PURDUE is 3-1 straight up against NORTHWESTERN over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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BOSTON COLLEGE (8 - 16) at VIRGINIA TECH (13 - 11) - 2/12/2012, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) as a road underdog of 12.5 or more points over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 14-2 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 14-2 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) in road games after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
VIRGINIA TECH is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after a conference game this season.
VIRGINIA TECH is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after scoring 60 points or less this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON COLLEGE is 5-0 against the spread versus VIRGINIA TECH over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON COLLEGE is 4-1 straight up against VIRGINIA TECH over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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STANFORD (16 - 8) at USC (6 - 19) - 2/12/2012, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
STANFORD is 37-20 ATS (+15.0 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
USC is 8-16 ATS (-9.6 Units) in all games this season.
USC is 8-16 ATS (-9.6 Units) in all lined games this season.
USC is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in all home games this season.
USC is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home lined games this season.
USC is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in a home game where the total is 119.5 or less this season.
USC is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) after a conference game this season.
USC is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) off a loss against a conference rival this season.
USC is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in home games after scoring 60 points or less this season.
USC is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
USC is 3-2 against the spread versus STANFORD over the last 3 seasons
USC is 3-2 straight up against STANFORD over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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EVANSVILLE (12 - 12) at DRAKE (13 - 12) - 2/12/2012, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EVANSVILLE is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) against conference opponents this season.
EVANSVILLE is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) after a conference game this season.
EVANSVILLE is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DRAKE is 3-2 against the spread versus EVANSVILLE over the last 3 seasons
DRAKE is 3-2 straight up against EVANSVILLE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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FAIRFIELD (14 - 10) at LOYOLA-MD (19 - 5) - 2/12/2012, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FAIRFIELD is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LOYOLA-MD is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
FAIRFIELD is 70-47 ATS (+18.3 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
FAIRFIELD is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
FAIRFIELD is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
LOYOLA-MD is 46-75 ATS (-36.5 Units) in all home games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 46-75 ATS (-36.5 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in a home game where the total is 120 to 129.5 over the last 3 seasons.
LOYOLA-MD is 41-65 ATS (-30.5 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) in home games in February games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 34-57 ATS (-28.7 Units) in home games after a conference game since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOYOLA-MD is 3-2 against the spread versus FAIRFIELD over the last 3 seasons
FAIRFIELD is 3-2 straight up against LOYOLA-MD over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MARIST (9 - 15) at IONA (19 - 6) - 2/12/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARIST is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in road games after a conference game this season.
MARIST is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
IONA is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points since 1997.
IONA is 40-62 ATS (-28.2 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
IONA is 32-56 ATS (-29.6 Units) in February games since 1997.
IONA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.
IONA is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
MARIST is 3-2 against the spread versus IONA over the last 3 seasons
IONA is 5-0 straight up against MARIST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Sunday's Top College Basketball Trends
BOSTON COLLEGE is 14-2 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road lined games (vs Virginia Tech)
WI-GREEN BAY is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) revenging a loss where opponent scored 75 or more points (vs Detroit)
USC is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in all home games (vs Stanford)
LOYOLA-MD is 10-1 UNDER (+8.9 Units) as a favorite (vs Fairfield)
MICHIGAN is 10-1 UNDER (+8.9 Units) after a conference game (vs Illinois)