Sunday's Best NCAAB Bets
By Covers.com
Michigan Wolverines at Michigan State Spartans (-8.5, 126)
Michigan State is 13-0 at home this season and 7-3 ATS, including 4-0 ATS in their last four. The Spartans, however, could be in unfamiliar territory on Sunday against Michigan.
Senior captain Draymond Green, who leads the team in both scoring (14.9 ppg) and rebounding (10.2) suffered a knee injury in a 42-41 loss at Illinois on Tuesday. It could have been worse, but the sprain leaves Green probable for the rivalry game against the Wolverines. He was recently upgraded from doubtful, but he may not be 100 percent.
Michigan State needs Green at full strength because Michigan is playing solid basketball and is a half-game ahead of the Spartans in the Big Ten standings at 7-3. The Wolverines are coming off a 68-56 home win over Indiana on Wednesday.
The Spartans will have to do a better job of containing Michigan guard Trey Burke, who went for 18 points against Indiana and has scored in double-figures in 16 of his last 17 games. Burke scored a game-high 20 points in a 60-59 win over Michigan State on January 17.
Pick: Michigan
Villanova Wildcats at Pittsburgh Panthers (-8, 144.5)
An eight-game slide in December and January was Pittsburgh's longest in more than 10 years. It should come as no surprise that the end of the losing streak coincided with the return of point guard Tray Woodall.
Woodall missed the last six games of the skid with an abdominal injury before returning on January 21. The Panthers lost at home to Louisville, but Woodall was easing back into action and contributed only two assists and one rebound.
Now, though, Pittsburgh is in the midst of a three-game winning streak (all versus Big East competition) and Woodall has been a huge factor in all three games. He had 17 points and nine assists in a blowout of Providence, dished out 10 assists in a 12-point victory over Georgetown, and poured in 24 points in a win at West Virginia on Tuesday. The Panthers covered the spread in all three contests.
"We were flowing," Woodall said after beating Providence last week. "We were setting each other up. When I'm out there it allows guys more room to work the ball and everyone is able to get shots. It looked real good out there with everyone knocking down shots with confidence."
Villanova, meanwhile, is 1-6 on the road this season and the team has lost two in a row overall (0-2 ATS).
Pick: Pittsburgh
NCAAB Preview
I'm sure West Virginia had pleasant week of practice after losing its last three games, scoring 63 ppg; Mountaineers scored 74+ points in all five of its Big East wins. WVU is 1-4 on Big East road, winning at Rutgers; they scored 57 ppg in the four losses. Providence is 2-8 in conference, but 2-3 at home with a win over Louisville; Friars' home losses are by 14-9-7 points. West Virginia needs to win this game. Big East home underdogs of 5 or less points are 6-8 against the spread.
Michigan State (-1) lost 60-59 in Ann Arbor Jan 17, their third loss in a row to Michigan after winning 18 of previous 21 meetings; Wolverines shot 51% in that first game, would expect stronger effort here, as State is 4-0 as Big Dozen home fave, winning at home by 15-34-25-16 points. Michigan is 4-1 as conference underdog, 3-1 on road- their losses are by 2-16-15 points in Big Dozen play. Big Dozen single digit home favorites are 13-14 against spread. Spartans allowed 50.7 ppg last three games.
Minnesota lost four of its six Big Dozen road games, winning at Penn St by 14, Indiana by 4; Gophers are 10-0 this season against teams ranked outside top 100. Nebraska is 3-7 in conference games, 2-2 at home, with wins over Penn State by 12, Indiana by 1- they've allowed 78.7 ppg in last three games, after allowing average of 62.7 ppg in first seven league games. Big Dozen underdogs are 10-4 against the spread when number is 3 or less points.
Youngstown State (-8.5) beat Loyola Chi 68-64 in OT in first meeting, despite Penguins making just 10-23 from line, 6-19 from arc- they're 3-4 on Horizon road, but got upset at UIC Thursday after having won three of previous four games. Horizon home underdogs are 9-6 vs spread, 5-4 if spread is less than 5 points. Penguins are 2-2 as Horizon favorite, 0-1 on road. Loyola 0-11 in league play, 3-7 vs spread as a dog, but they did cover two of their last three conference games.
Cleveland State (-16) beat Ill-Chicago 73-56 in first meeting, holding the Flames to 30% from floor, 5-17 from arc; Vikings made 11-20 from arc in game they led 35-18 at the half. Horizon home underdogs are 9-6 vs spread, 4-2 if spread is more than 5 points. Cleveland won its last four games (3-0-1 vs spread); they're 3-1 as Horizon road favorites, winning away games by 2-5-7-18-20 points. UIC covered five of last six games, all of which were decided by 8 or less points.
Villanova/Pittsburgh are both 3-7 in Big East, but Panthers won three in row, scoring 76.7 ppg after an 8-game losing streak made worse because PG Woodall was hurt. Villanova allowed 76+ points in each of its last six games; they're 1-4 on Big East road, 2-2 as road underdog, losing on road by 14-4-4-10 points. Big East home favorites of 8 or less points are 14-15 against the spread. Pitt had scored 63 points in six of first seven conference games, before scoring 86-72-72 in last three games.
Miami won its last three games after starting 1-3 in ACC; they're 1-0-1 as an ACC dog this season, with losses by 1-17-5 points- they won in double OT last game, over Maryland. Road team is 6-1 against spread in Duke's ACC games; Blue Devils are 0-3 as ACC home favorite, winning home games by 3-18 points with a loss to Florida State. Duke has game with North Carolina on deck, but they better not look past Hurricanes. ACC double digit home favorites are 1-9-2 against the spread.
Northwestern (-2.5) lost 57-56 at home to Illinois Jan 4, as Shurna was held to 3 points in second half, after scoring 17 in first. Wildcats are 1-3 as Big Dozen road underdog, losing away games by 33-2-20-23 points. Illinois snapped 3-game skid with tense 42-41 win over Michigan State, holding Spartans to 24% from floor. Big Dozen home favorites of 6 or less points are 7-10 against the spread. All five of Illinois' league home games were decided by 5 or less points, or in overtime.
Niagara lost its last four games, by 7-12-17-8 points, but covered five of last seven; they're 4-1 against spread as a MAAC road dog. Rider is 3-1 in its last four games; they're 7-2-1 against spread in last ten games, 4-0 vs spread in last four at home, winning by 13-24-35-11 points. MAAC home favorites of 7 or less points are 9-5-1 against the spread. Rider is 8-5 in its last 13 games after starting season 1-10; only one of their last nine games was decided by less than nine points.
St Peter's (+12.5) lost 65-54 at Loyola 12 days ago, with Greyhounds grabbing 14 offensive boards. Loyola won five in row, eight of last nine games- they're 4-1 on MAAC road, 3-0 as road favorite, winning away games by 7-4-12-18 points, with a loss at Iona. St Peter's snapped skid with win at Siena Friday, but they're 3-6 as MAAC underdog, 1-2 as a home dog, losing last three home games by 14-12-24 points. MAAC single digit home underdogs are 3-8 against the spread.
Disappointing Fairfield won four of last five games, allowing 59.3 ppg in the four wins; Stags (-6.5) got upset 73-60 at Siena Jan 6, as Siena made 8-13 from despite using only six players- both guards played the entire 40 minutes. Saints'slack of depth explains their 0-5 mark as road dog in MAAC play, with losses by 7-36-19-11-11 points- they even lost last game at home to a bad St Peter's team. Fourth straight home game for the Stags. MAAC double digit home favorites are 3-9 against the spread.
W VIRGINIA (15 - 8) at PROVIDENCE (13 - 10)
Top Trends for this game.
PROVIDENCE is 82-112 ATS (-41.2 Units) in all home games since 1997.
PROVIDENCE is 82-112 ATS (-41.2 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
PROVIDENCE is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PROVIDENCE is 47-74 ATS (-34.4 Units) in home games after a conference game since 1997.
PROVIDENCE is 27-52 ATS (-30.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
W VIRGINIA is 2-0 against the spread versus PROVIDENCE over the last 3 seasons
W VIRGINIA is 2-0 straight up against PROVIDENCE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MICHIGAN (17 - 6) at MICHIGAN ST (17 - 5)
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN ST is 33-8 ATS (+24.2 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points since 1997.
MICHIGAN ST is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MICHIGAN is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) after a conference game 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.
Head-to-Head Series History
MICHIGAN is 4-1 against the spread versus MICHIGAN ST over the last 3 seasons
MICHIGAN is 3-2 straight up against MICHIGAN ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA (16 - 7) at NEBRASKA (11 - 10)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 16-32 ATS (-19.2 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NEBRASKA is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 45-25 ATS (+17.5 Units) in home games off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
YOUNGSTOWN ST (12 - 10) at LOYOLA-IL (5 - 17)
Top Trends for this game.
LOYOLA-IL is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOYOLA-IL is 4-1 against the spread versus YOUNGSTOWN ST over the last 3 seasons
LOYOLA-IL is 3-2 straight up against YOUNGSTOWN ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND ST (19 - 4) at IL-CHICAGO (7 - 15)
Top Trends for this game.
IL-CHICAGO is 98-68 ATS (+23.2 Units) in all home games since 1997.
IL-CHICAGO is 98-68 ATS (+23.2 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
CLEVELAND ST is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after a conference game this season.
CLEVELAND ST is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND ST is 4-2 against the spread versus IL-CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND ST is 6-0 straight up against IL-CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
VILLANOVA (10 - 12) at PITTSBURGH (14 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
VILLANOVA is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in all games this season.
VILLANOVA is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in all lined games this season.
VILLANOVA is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
VILLANOVA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 3-0 against the spread versus VILLANOVA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 3-0 straight up against VILLANOVA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI (13 - 7) at DUKE (19 - 3)
Top Trends for this game.
DUKE is 30-17 ATS (+11.3 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 3 seasons.
DUKE is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in a home game where the total is 145 to 149.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 104-73 ATS (+23.7 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
MIAMI is 88-62 ATS (+19.8 Units) in road games since 1997.
MIAMI is 88-62 ATS (+19.8 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
MIAMI is 81-53 ATS (+22.7 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
MIAMI is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
MIAMI is 81-52 ATS (+23.8 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
MIAMI is 39-21 ATS (+15.9 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
MIAMI is 97-69 ATS (+21.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
MIAMI is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
MIAMI is 39-21 ATS (+15.9 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
DUKE is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 2-1 against the spread versus DUKE over the last 3 seasons
DUKE is 4-0 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NORTHWESTERN (13 - 8) at ILLINOIS (16 - 6)
Top Trends for this game.
ILLINOIS is 58-37 ATS (+17.3 Units) in February games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
ILLINOIS is 3-2 against the spread versus NORTHWESTERN over the last 3 seasons
ILLINOIS is 3-2 straight up against NORTHWESTERN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NIAGARA (9 - 15) at RIDER (9 - 15)
Top Trends for this game.
RIDER is 59-86 ATS (-35.6 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
RIDER is 6-24 ATS (-20.4 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1997.
RIDER is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
RIDER is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
RIDER is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
RIDER is 11-27 ATS (-18.7 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
RIDER is 3-1 against the spread versus NIAGARA over the last 3 seasons
RIDER is 4-0 straight up against NIAGARA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LOYOLA-MD (17 - 5) at ST PETERS (5 - 18)
Top Trends for this game.
ST PETERS is 38-21 ATS (+14.9 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 95-49 ATS (+41.1 Units) in road games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 95-49 ATS (+41.1 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 79-38 ATS (+37.2 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 36-7 ATS (+28.3 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 74-44 ATS (+25.6 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in road games after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
LOYOLA-MD is 33-8 ATS (+24.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.
ST PETERS is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) as a home underdog of 6.5 to 9 points since 1997.
ST PETERS is 13-31 ATS (-21.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ST PETERS is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
ST PETERS is 4-2 against the spread versus LOYOLA-MD over the last 3 seasons
ST PETERS is 4-2 straight up against LOYOLA-MD over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SIENA (10 - 12) at FAIRFIELD (12 - 10)
Top Trends for this game.
SIENA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SIENA is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SIENA is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SIENA is 30-14 ATS (+14.6 Units) after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
FAIRFIELD is 15-31 ATS (-19.1 Units) in home games revenging a road loss vs opponent since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
FAIRFIELD is 4-2 against the spread versus SIENA over the last 3 seasons
SIENA is 4-2 straight up against FAIRFIELD over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
WEST VIRGINIA vs. PROVIDENCE
West Virginia is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Providence is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Providence's last 6 games
LOYOLA vs. SAINT PETER'S
Loyola is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Loyola is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Saint Peter's
Saint Peter's is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
Saint Peter's is 3-14 SU in its last 17 games
MINNESOTA vs. NEBRASKA
Minnesota is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games on the road
Nebraska is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nebraska's last 6 games
NIAGARA vs. RIDER
Niagara is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Niagara's last 6 games on the road
Rider is 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 games
Rider is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
MICHIGAN vs. MICHIGAN STATE
Michigan is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Michigan is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Michigan State
Michigan State is 17-3 SU in its last 20 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Michigan State's last 12 games
YOUNGSTOWN STATE vs. LOYOLA OF CHICAGO
Youngstown State is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Youngstown State is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Loyola of Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Loyola of Chicago's last 6 games
CLEVELAND STATE vs. ILLINOIS-CHICAGO
Cleveland State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland State's last 6 games on the road
Illinois-Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Illinois-Chicago is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home
VILLANOVA vs. PITTSBURGH
Villanova is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
Villanova is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
MIAMI vs. DUKE
Miami is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games on the road
Duke is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Duke is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
NORTHWESTERN vs. ILLINOIS
Northwestern is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Northwestern is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Illinois is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Illinois is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games
SIENA vs. FAIRFIELD
Siena is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Siena is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Fairfield is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Fairfield is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Sunday's Top College Basketball Trends
LOYOLA MD 36-7 ATS in February road games (vs St Peters)
MICHIGAN ST is 33-8 ATS as home favorite of 6.5 to 9 pts (vs Michigan)
VILLANOVA is 4-16 ATS off BB ATS losses (vs Pittsburgh)
RIDER is 12-37 ATS as home favorite of 6 pts or less (vs NIAGARA)
PROVIDENCE is 0-8 ATS at home after covering 2 of their last 3 against the spread (vs. West Virginia)