College Basketball Betting News and Notes Thursday 3/8

Big 10 Betting Notes
By ASAWins.com

Big Ten Conference Tournament Preview

Date: Thursday, March 8 - Sunday, March 11
Venue: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind.

The Big Ten tournament kicks off in Indianapolis on Thursday and concludes on Sunday afternoon. It's a unique situation as the general expectation is that the higher seeds will have the easiest time advancing to the finals. However, previous years the Big Ten Tournament has shown us the exact opposite. The higher seeded teams have already locked up an NCAA Tournament berth with no need to win another game while two or three teams remain "on the bubble" and could use a win, or in some cases, absolutely need to win.

Looking back, the top seed has won the tournament in three of the past four seasons, but there's been a handful of notable upsets and there's no reason to expect that there won't be any upsets in Indianapolis this weekend. The underdog is 13-6-1 ATS over the last two seasons and 23-17-1 since 2008.

In 2011, 2nd seed Purdue and 3rd seed Wisconsin were both upset in their first game while 6th seed Penn State advanced to the Championship (where it lost to Ohio State).
In 2010, 6th seeded Minnesota advanced to the Championship, where it also lost to 1st seed Ohio State.
In 2009, it was 3rd seeded Purdue against 5th seeded Ohio State in the Championship game.
In 2008, 10th seeded (!) Illinois advanced to the finals before losing to 1st seed Wisconsin.

Some trends since 2008:
Indiana: 0-5 ATS
Iowa: 0-4 straight up record
Michigan: 4-2 ATS as an underdog
Michigan State: 2-4 ATS as a favorite
Northwestern: 4-1-1 ATS
Ohio State: 2-4 ATS as a favorite, 3-1 as an underdog
Purdue: 2-4-1 as a favorite
Wisconsin: 2-4 ATS as a favorite

THE CONTENDERS

Ohio State Buckeyes

OSU was one of three co-Big Ten Champions, along with Michigan and Michigan State (the Buckeyes won a last-second game at Michigan State to force the three-way tie in the final game of the regular season). The Bucks didn't inspire much confidence over the last month, however, as they lost three of the final seven games - after losing just three in the first 21 games. OSU is still in-play for a 1-seed in the NCAA tournament so we still expect a motivated Buckeyes squad in Indianapolis.

Michigan State Spartans

Sparty lost out on sole-possession of first place by losing its final two games of the season against Indiana and Ohio State. In the loss to Ohio State, MSU freshman Brendan Dawson tore his ACL and will miss the remainder of the season. Dawson was a key contributor with 8.4 points per game and 4.5 rebounds per game. Still, MSU has the likely Big Ten player of the year, Draymond Green, who is also one of the top senior leaders in all of College Basketball.

Michigan Wolverines

The Wolverines seem likeliest to get upset here at the Big Ten tournament. They were surprise co-champions of the Big Ten and aren't really playing for much here (no shot at a 1-seed). They found out that they were co-champions on Sunday night watching the Buckeyes beat the Spartans and there was a big celebration in the clubhouse. We wouldn't be all that surprised to see a flat Michigan squad get upset by a highly motivated Northwestern team in the second round.

Wisconsin Badgers

The Badgers ranked 2nd to last in the Big Ten in shooting percentage. But like most Wisconsin teams in the past, the Badgers are absolutely dominant on defense. Wisconsin ranks 1st nationally in points per game allowed, 1st in three point percentage defense, and 3rd in field goal percentage defense. However, the Badgers have been one-and-done the last three years in the Big Ten tournament, including last year's ugly 33-36 loss to Penn State in the 2nd round.

FIRST ROUND MATCHUPS

Illinois (-2.5) vs. Iowa - Thursday, 10:30 AM CST (winner advances to play Michigan State)

Illinois was just 1-8 over its last nine games. Strangely enough, the only win was a 65-54 home victory over Iowa (the only meeting this season between these two. Iowa made 36.7 percent in that game and the 54 points was its second lowest point total of the season. Both squads would likely need to win the tournament in order to advance to the Big Dance.

Indiana (-13) vs. Penn State - Thursday, 12:55 PM CST (winner advances to play Wisconsin)

Indiana might be the darkhorse of this tournament. The Hoosiers just enjoyed their first winning regular season since 2007-2008 and closed the season winning four straight and seven of the last eight overall. And they're playing closest to home so they're sure to have the biggest fan draw. Penn State advanced to the Big Ten final a year ago, but the Nittany Lions have dropped nine of their last 11. PSU is 0-2 against Indiana this season while Indiana lost its only meetings at Wisconsin (covered)

Northwestern (-2) vs. Minnesota - Thursday, 4:30 PM CST (winner advances to play Michigan)

Northwestern is the team that needs a win most in this tournament. Most experts have the Wildcats as either one of the last four in or last four out of the tournament is the selection was today. Northwestern split the season series with Minnesota, winning at home by 11 and losing at Minnesota by 23. The Gophers dropped six of seven games heading into the tournament.Minnesota lost its only game against Michigan this season by five points (ATS win) while Northwestern lost both meetings against the Wolverines, both ending in overtime.

Purdue (-9.5) vs. Nebraska - Thursday, 6:55 PM CST (winner advances to play Ohio State)

The Boilers were on the bubble until a win at Michigan on February 25th solidified their position. Nebraska has lost eight of its last nine heading into its first conference tournament as a member of the Big Ten. Purdue won the only meeting this season by 18 points at home.

ACC Opening Round
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com

The ACC tournament looks like it will finish with a Duke/North Carolina championship on Sunday in Atlanta. However, the opening round begins at Philips Arena on Thursday with four games to wager on, including several teams trying to get off the NCAA Tournament bubble with victories. We'll begin with the first game of the day as two struggling teams search for a win.

[9] Wake Forest vs. [8] Maryland (-4, 136)

Both these schools were proud ACC basketball programs at one time, but each has taken a step back recently. Granted, the Terrapins were a top-four team in the conference under Gary Williams, but Mark Turgeon barely forged Maryland above the .500 mark in his first season at 16-14. The Terps finished 6-10 inside ACC play, taking on a Wake Forest squad that scratched out just four victories against conference foes.

Maryland dropped its final three games of the season, but managed a cover in the season finale as 4 ½-point home underdogs against Virginia in overtime. The Terps were listed as favorites three times during ACC play, posting a 2-0-1 ATS record, while beating Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, and Boston College. In the only meeting of the season between Maryland and Wake, the Terps held off the Demon Deacons, 70-64 as six-point favorites. Maryland managed the victory in spite of shooting 35% from the floor and missing 13 free throws.

Since dropping a 34-point decision to N.C. State in early January, Wake ran off an 8-5 ATS stretch, including five covers as double-digit underdogs. However, the Deacons finished the season 2-4-1 ATS when receiving nine points or less, while losing at Georgia Tech in the season finale as 4½-point 'dogs.

[12] Boston College vs. [5] N.C. State (-12½, 133)

The Wolfpack followed up a four-game skid by winning their final two regular season contests against Miami and Virginia Tech to reach the 20-victory plateau. N.C. State still needs some help if it wants to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006, as the Wolfpack takes on the team that finished in the cellar of the ACC. Boston College dropped 11 of its final 13 conference games since a 2-1 start in the ACC.

N.C. State didn't help out backers in the favorite role inside ACC play by putting together a 2-7-1 ATS mark. The Wolfpack failed to cash in two victories over the Eagles this season, both as double-digit 'chalk.' In the first meeting in Raleigh, BC scored some late baskets to take the money as 16½-point underdogs in a 76-62 loss, as the Wolfpack led by 25 points with less than three minutes to go. N.C. State pulled off the sweep in Chestnut Hill, 56-51 as 10-point favorites on February 1. The Wolfpack limited the Eagles to less than 40% shooting from the floor each time.

[10] Virginia Tech vs. [7] Clemson (-2½, 119)

The Hokies have been a disappointment this season with a 15-16 SU and 9-16-2 ATS record, as Virginia Tech looks to make a tourney run against Clemson. The Tigers stunk against the number also by covering just nine of 25 games, while failing to cash each of their last three contests.

Virginia Tech lost seven of its final 10 games of the season, as the three wins for Seth Greenberg's team came by a combined four points over Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Clemson. Both meetings between the Hokies and Tigers were decided by two points each with the home team winning both times. Virginia Tech pulled out a 67-65 victory as three-point favorites in early February, as Clemson was limited to 38% shooting from the floor. The Tigers picked up revenge at Littlejohn Coliseum a month later in a 58-56 squeaker as 6½-point 'chalk,' as Clemson missed all 10 three-point attempts.

Clemson posted a 3-6 ATS record as a favorite inside conference play this season, while winning three of its final four games on the highway. Virginia Tech cashed in its last three road games of the season, while compiling a 7-1 'under' mark in games played away from Blacksburg.

[11] Georgia Tech vs. [6] Miami (-6½, 124)

The Hurricanes likely need two victories in the ACC Tournament to advance to the Big Dance, but the first task is getting by the de facto home team, Georgia Tech. The Jackets finished conference play at 4-12, while being exiled from their home court on campus thanks to renovation this season. UM was inconsistent down the stretch by alternating wins and losses in its final six games, capped off by a victory over lowly Boston College as 14½-point favorites.

UM owns an 0-4 ATS record as a favorite of seven or more points following a win, while hitting the 'over' in four consecutive games. The 'Canes knocked off the Jackets at Philips Arena as 1½-point favorites, 64-49 on January 24, as UM built a 13-point halftime lead. Kenny Kadji and Malcolm Grant combined for 37 points in the win, while the 'Canes drilled nine three-pointers.

Georgia Tech finished the season with wins in two of its last three games, including home victories over Maryland and Wake Forest. The 'under' is 7-2 the previous nine contests for the Ramblin' Wreck, while getting held to 55 points or less six times in this span.

Big Ten Openers
By David Schwab
VegasInsider.com

The Big Ten's annual men's basketball conference tournament gets underway this Thursday afternoon from Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis with four first-round matchups on the slate. The following is a brief preview of each contest along with a key few facts and figures to help handicap the games.

No. 9 Illinois Fighting Illini vs. No. 8 Iowa Hawkeyes

Spread: Illinois -2
Total: 136½

Crash and burn could be the best way to describe the second-half of the season for Illinois with just two victories in its last 13 games both straight-up and against the spread. The only ray of hope for this matchup is the fact that one of those rare wins was a 65-54 romp over Iowa as a six-point home favorite. The Fighting Illini have actually beaten the Hawkeyes seven straight times and are 6-1 ATS. They finished the regular season 17-14 SU and 10-19 ATS.

Iowa went 3-2 both SU and ATS down the stretch including a 67-66 win over Wisconsin as a 5½-point home underdog. It is 16-15 SU overall and 8-10 SU in conference play. The Hawkeyes were 14-12 ATS overall and the total has gone 'over' in 14 of the 26 games. In their last seven games against Illinois, they have lost by an average of 10.3 points a game with six of the losses ending in double-digit spreads.

No. 12 Penn State Nittany Lions vs. No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers

Spread: Indiana -13½
Total: 137

Penn State finished last in the Big Ten by virtue of a 4-14 SU record in the conference and an overall SU record of 12-19. It was even worse ATS at 10-15-1 overall and 3-11 ATS on the road. The Nittany Lions are averaging 61.9 points a game while shooting just 39.4 from the floor. They scored less than 60 points in eight of their last 14 games and went just 2-9 SU (4-6-1 ATS) in their last 11 games.

Indiana comes into this tournament riding a late-season surge that produced seven SU wins in its last eight games including a crushing 70-55 victory over Michigan State as a 2½-point home underdog. Overall the Hoosiers are 24-7 SU and 16-9 ATS and have a huge advantage playing on their home court where they went 18-1 SU and 10-3 ATS this season. Indiana is just 3-7 SU (3-6-1 ATS) in its last 10 games against Penn State, but it won both meetings this seasons SU including a 73-54 rout on Jan.22 as a 15-point home favorite.

No. 10 Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. No. 7 Northwestern Wildcats

Spread: Northwestern -2½
Total: 130

Minnesota snapped a six-game losing streak with an 81-69 win over Nebraska as a nine-point home favorite in its season finale to finish the regular season 18-13 SU overall and 6-12 SU in the Big Ten. The Golden Gophers were 14-13-1 ATS overall and 3-4 ATS in their last seven games. They averaged 67.1 points a game, but failed to hit that number in six of their last nine games. The total has stayed 'under' in four of their last five games.

Northwestern went 3-4 SU in its last seven games, but was 13-11-1 ATS this season and 4-1-1 ATS in its last six games. It ended the year 18-12 SU overall and 8-10 SU in the Big Ten. The Wildcats have won four of their last six games against Minnesota both SU and ATS. This season they posted a 64-53 victory as 3½-point home favorites on Feb. 18, but the Gophers won the first meeting 75-52 as 5½-point home favorites. The total has stayed 'under' in three of the last four meetings.

No. 11 Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. No. 6 Purdue Boilermakers

Spread: Purdue -9½
Total: 129

It has been a rough season for Nebraska in its new conference with just four SU wins in Big Ten play. The Cornhuskers went 12-17 SU (9-16 ATS) overall and finished the regular season with just one win in their last nine games both SU and ATS. Nebraska averaged 60.9 points a game while shooting 42.7 percent from the field and 32.5 percent from three-point range. It has been held to 53 points or less in four of its last seven games.

Purdue beat Nebraska 83-65 as a 10½-point home favorite in their only meeting this season as part of a 10-8 SU record in conference play. Overall, the Boilermakers were 20-11 SU on the year and 15-13 ATS. They went 5-2 SU down the stretch including a huge 75-61 win over Michigan as five-point road underdogs. Purdue was 6-2 ATS in its last eight games and the total went 'over' in seven of those games. It is averaging 72 points a game, but has scored 74 points or more in six of its final eight games.

SEC Tournament Preview
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com

Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have made Kentucky an overwhelming minus-500 ‘chalk’ to win this weekend’s SEC Tournament in New Orleans. The Wildcats went 16-0 in league play during the regular season, capping the year with a double-digit win at Florida this past Sunday.

Vanderbilt has the second-shortest odds at 6/1 (risk $100 to win $600), followed by the Gators at 7/1. Vandy and UF finished in a three-way tie for second place with Tennesseee, with all three schools going 10-6 in SEC play. The Vols have garnered the tournament’s No. 2 seed, while Vandy and Florida are seeds three and four, respectively.

Cuonzo Martin’s team has 15/1 odds to cut the nets down Sunday afternoon in the Big Easy. Mississippi State and Alabama both share 20/1 odds, while the rest of the conference’s schools are a part of the 50/1 Field wager.

The league has only three locks for the NCAA Tournament: Kentucky, Vandy and Florida. Alabama appears to be safe, but a first-round loss to South Carolina could change that. Mississippi St. and Tennessee probably need to win their first-round games and not get blown out in the tourney quarterfinals.

Let’s take a closer look at the four games on Thursday before giving out our SEC awards and much more…

Arkansas vs. Louisiana State

As of Wednesday afternoon, most betting shops had LSU (17-13 straight up, 16-11 against the spread) listed as a two-point favorite with a total of 137.

Arkansas (18-13 SU, 8-14-1 ATS) hasn’t enjoyed much success when it has left Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville this year. The Razorbacks have lost nine of their 10 road games with an abysmal 2-8 spread record.

Mike Anderson’s team has lost six of its last eight games both SU and ATS, including Saturday’s 79-59 blowout loss at Mississippi St. as a 9 ½-point underdog. Arkansas freshman point guard B.J. Young scored 16 points in defeat.

Trent Johnson’s team exceeded expectations a little bit this year with a young roster. The Tigers were 17-10 and on the fringe of the bubble conversation before losing three in a row to close the regular season. They dropped a 67-52 decision at Auburn as 1½-point underdogs this past Saturday. Ralston Turner was the only LSU player in double figures with a team-high 14 points.

When these teams met in the regular season, they split a pair of games with the home team prevailing each time. On Jan. 14 at Bud Walton, Arkansas captured a 69-60 win as a five-point home favorite with the 129 combined points falling ‘under’ the 137½-point total. Young scored a team-high 19 points, while LSU’s Justin Hamilton had 20 points and eight rebounds in the losing effort.

In the rematch at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, LSU got revenge in a 71-65 victory as a 4½-point home favorite. Turner scored a game-high 16 points and Justin Hamilton added 13 points, 11 boards and four blocked shots. The 136 points stayed ‘under’ the 137-point tally.

The ‘over’ is 12-10-1 overall for the Razorbacks, 6-2 in their last eight games.

The ‘under’ is 15-12 overall for LSU, 3-1 its last four times out.

Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Eastern on The SEC Network. The winner will most likely get an NIT bid and will face top-ranked Kentucky on Friday at 1:00 p.m. ET. The loser is probably on the NIT bubble.

Alabama vs. South Carolina

As of Wednesday, most books were listing Alabama (20-10 SU, 12-14 ATS) as a nine-point ‘chalk’ with a total of 116.

In his third season at the helm, Anthony Grant appears poised to return Alabama to the NCAA Tournament with a win in this spot. The Tide has been through a turbulent campaign with suspensions galore, but the team has seemingly come together over the last few weeks and Grant has certainly earned the respect of his players. He suspended Tony Mitchell, the team’s second-leading scorer, for the rest of the year and leading scorer JaMychal Green also missed several games due to suspension but is now back with the squad.

Alabama saw its four-game winning streak snapped in a 60-51 loss Saturday at Ole Miss as a 2½-point road favorite. Green had 11 points, 13 rebounds and three blocked shots against the Rebels. Trevor Releford was also in double figures with 12 points, but the sophomore point guard committed three turnovers and didn’t have any assists.

Alabama owns a 9-7 spread record in 16 games as a single-digit favorite.

South Carolina (10-20 SU, 10-15 ATS) finished in the cellar of the SEC and barring an astonishing four-day run to an SEC Tournament title this weekend, it will see fourth-year head coach Darrin Horn take his pinkslip by Monday.

The Gamecocks went 8-9 ATS in 17 games as underdogs this year.

South Carolina upset Alabama in the lone head-to-head meeting during the regular season, capturing a 56-54 triumph as a five-point home underdog on Jan. 25. Malik Cooke led the way with 18 points, while Levi Randolph had a team-high 12 points for the Tide.

Totals have been an overall wash for ‘Bama (13-13), but the ‘over’ has hit in its last three games and five of its last six.

The ‘over’ is 14-10-1 overall for South Carolina, 8-2-1 in its last 11 outings.

This game will tip on The SEC Network 30 minutes after LSU-Arkansas goes final. The winner will face Florida in the second game of Friday’s afternoon session.

Auburn vs. Ole Miss

As of Wednesday, most spots had Ole Miss (18-12 SU, 14-13-1 ATS) as a four-point favorite with a total of 121.

Andy Kennedy is on the hot seat in Oxford and his team needs to make something happen in New Orleans for him to be retained. Just when it seemed his squad had quit on him in a blowout loss at home to Vandy that started a three-game losing streak, the Rebels responded by winning three in a row to close the regular season. They destroyed LSU by 24 at home, rallied in the last minute to win at Arkansas and then ended Alabama’s four-game winning streak in a nine-point win at The Tad Pad.

Reginald Bucker and Murphy Holloway combined for 18 points and 20 rebounds to lead the Rebels past Alabama. Terrance Henry added 10 points and three blocked shots.

Ole Miss has compiled a 4-5 spread record in nine single-digit ‘chalk’ situations.

Auburn (15-15 SU, 14-9 ATS) is 10-6 ATS in 16 games as an underdog, but we should note that it is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 such spots. However, the Tigers are dealing with several personnel issues right now. Varez Ward has been suspended for the last three games and his status for this weekend is a question mark. Ward averages 9.0 points, 3.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game. Also, Allen Payne (4.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG) is ‘out’ with a torn meniscus suffered on Feb. 29 and Josh Langford is ‘doubtful’ with a concussion that’s had him out since late January.

These SEC West rivals split a pair of meetings during the regular season, but Auburn took the cash both times. The Rebels won 61-54 at home as 7½-point favorites, while AU won by a 69-68 count in overtime as a one-point home hound.

The ‘under’ is 15-8 overall for Auburn, 10-2 in its last 12 games. Totals have been an overall wash for Ole Miss (14-14).

Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. Eastern on The SEC Network. The winner will face Tennessee in the first game of Friday’s evening session.

Georgia vs. Mississippi State

As of Wednesday, most books had Mississippi St. (21-10 SU, 13-17 ATS) installed as a five-point favorite with a total of 123½.

Rick Stansbury’s team probably needs to win this game to feel fairly comfortable about garnering an at-large invite to the NCAA Tournament on Sunday. After going through a brutal five-game losing streak, Mississippi St. won back-to-back game to close the regular season. The Bulldogs won a buzzer beater in overtime at South Carolina before blasting Arkansas on Senior Day for four-year starting PG Dee Bost. In his final game at The Hump, Bost finished with 16 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Arnett Moultrie added 20 points and 10 boards.

Georgia (14-16 SU, 12-14 ATS) has won two of its last three games both SU and ATS, including an upset win over Florida on Feb. 25 as a 7½-point underdog. The Dawgs thumped South Carolina 67-55 as six-point home favorites this past Saturday. Gerald Robinson dropped a game-high 23 points on the Gamecocks.

When these schools met in Starkville on Feb. 11, UGA pulled a stunner with a 70-68 overtime win as a nine-point road underdog. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was the catalyst with 20 points and eight rebounds. Bost had a game-high 21 points in defeat.

MSU is 4-8 ATS as a single-digit favorite this year, while UGA has posted a 7-11 spread record in 18 ‘dog situations.

The ‘over’ has hit in four consecutive head-to-head meetings between these schools.

The ‘over’ is 15-14-1 overall for MSU. Meanwhile, UGA has seen the ‘under’ go 14-11-1 overall.

This game will tip 30 minutes after the conclusion of Ole Miss-Auburn. The winner will take on Vanderbilt late Friday night.

B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets

All-SEC First Team:
Center: Anthony Davis (Kentucky)
Power Forward: Arnett Moultrie (Mississippi State)
Small Forward: Jeffery Taylor (Vanderbilt)
Shooting Guard: Kenny Boynton (Florida)
Point Guard: Dee Bost (Mississippi St.)

All-SEC Second Team:
C-Festus Ezeli (Vandy)
F-Bradley Beal (Florida)
G/F-Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Kentucky)
G-John Jenkins (Vandy)
G-Erving Walker (Florida)

SEC All-Freshman Team
C-Anthony Davis
F-Bradley Beal (Florida)
G/F-Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Kentucky)
G-B.J. Young (Arkansas)
G-Marquis Teague (Kentucky)
Sixth Man: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Georgia)

SEC Freshman of the Year, Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year: Anthony Davis!

If I’m South Carolina, I don’t think I can get Butler’s Brad Stevens or VCU’s Shakka Smart, but I’m dropping a call to their respective agents anyway. One candidate that the Gamecocks may have a shot at is Wichita State’s Gregg Marshall, who spent time in the state during his tenure at Winthrop.

Tennessee certainly had bad losses in November and the committee must consider the entire resume, but there’s no way a sane person can tell me that the Vols don’t look like a squad worthy of an NCAA bid with the way they’ve played down the stretch with a 10-3 record. The three L’s came at Vandy, at Kentucky and at Alabama.

Three teams UT is rooting for in their respective conference tourneys; Florida, which UT beat twice. UConn, which UT beat in Knoxville. And Memphis, which beat the Vols twice in non-conference play.

ACC Tournament: Day 1 Preview and Picks
By Covers.com

Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Maryland Terrapins (-4, 136)

THE STORY: On a three-game skid, Maryland will try to resurrect its NIT hopes by starting an ACC tournament run against Wake Forest. The Terps haven’t been the same since point guard Pe’Shon Howard was lost to a season-ending knee injury a month ago. Still, ACC leading scorer Terrell Stoglin (21.2 ppg, 38 percent on 3-pointers) can take over at any time. The Demon Deacons have dropped nine of 11, and their rotation got shorter last week with the season-ending suspension of center Ty Walker. Maryland won the only meeting this season, 70-64 at home, to give new coach Mark Turgeon his first ACC victory. The Terps prevailed because they broke down the Demon Deacons off the dribble and outscored them at the foul line, 24-9.

TIP-INS:

1. Wake Forest sophomore 7-footer Carson Desrosiers has hit 7 of 13 3-pointers over the last four games.

2. Wake Forest leads the ACC in free-throw percentage (73.6), while Maryland ranks 11th (66.3 percent).

3. Stoglin has made 83 3-pointers, which ranks third on Maryland’s all-time single season list.

PICK: Over

Boston College Eagles vs. NC State Wolfpack (-12.5, 133)

THE STORY: Sitting squarely on the NCAA bubble with an RPI of 57, the Wolfpack probably need to win at least two games in the ACC tournament. They have to like their draw, as they swept two regular-season meetings with Boston College. NC State won 76-62 at home and 56-51 in Chestnut Hill, Mass. Junior forward Scott Wood scored 32 points in those games, making 7 of 14 3-pointers. The freshman-laden Eagles have lost 21 games, matching the most in program history. “I think right now, unfortunately, we’re running on fumes,” coach Steve Donahue said after B.C. was demolished by Miami in the regular-season finale.

TIP-INS:

1. By a wide margin, the Eagles rank last in the ACC in scoring margin (minus-9.0).

2. Wolfpack F Richard Howell is third in the ACC in rebounding (9.3).

3. Wood has made at least one 3-pointer in 27 straight games.

PICK: Wolfpack

Clemson Tigers vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (2.5, 120)

THE STORY: Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg won’t be sweating out another Selection Sunday, something that has become a March rite of passage in recent seasons. Instead, the 10th-seeded Hokies will have to win four games in four days in the ACC tournament in order to reach the NCAA tournament, beginning with a first-round matchup against seventh-seeded Clemson. The Tigers also have to win out to reach the NCAA tournament for a school-record fifth straight season. The teams split two meetings this season, with each winning on its home court by two points. Tanner Smith scored 14 points, including the go-ahead free throws in the Tigers’ 58-56 victory last Thursday. Close games are nothing new in this series. Since Virginia Tech moved to the ACC in 2004, 10 of the 12 meetings have been decided by five points or less.

TIP-INS:

1. The Hokies finished the regular season second to only Duke in 3-point percentage (36.4) among ACC teams.

3. The Tigers went 0 for 10 from 3-point range in the last meeting, marking the first time in 22 years that Clemson won an ACC game without making a 3-pointer.

3. The winner plays second-seeded Duke in Friday's quarterfinals.

PICK: Hokies

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Miami Hurricanes (-6.5, 124)

THE STORY: Miami needs a strong showing in the ACC tournament in order to return to the NCAA tournament for the first time in four years. The sixth-seeded Hurricanes’ first opponent shouldn’t present too much of a challenge despite its recent play. Miami has won seven of the last nine meetings with rebuilding Georgia Tech, including a 63-49 rout in Atlanta’s Philips Arena – the site of the ACC tournament – Jan. 24. Kenny Kadji led the way with 21 points and eight rebounds for Miami. Glen Rice Jr., the Yellow Jackets’ leading scorer and rebounder, is suspended and will miss a sixth straight game.

TIP-INS:

1. First-year Yellow Jackets coach Brian Gregory said Rice will remain suspended throughout the ACC tournament. Gregory has declined to cite a reason for the disciplinary action.

2. “I don’t know what (Rice’s absence) has to do with (Georgia Tech’s play), but clearly they are playing terrific right now." - Miami first-year coach Jim Larranaga.

3. The winner plays third-seeded Florida State in Friday's quarterfinals.

PICK: Under

SEC Tournament: Day 1 Preview and Picks
By Covers.com

Arkansas Razorbacks vs. LSU Tigers (-2, 137)

THE STORY: LSU and Arkansas, two teams that finished the regular season in a downward spiral, meet in the first round of the Southeastern Conference tournament. LSU dropped its final three games, including a drubbing at Auburn on the final day. Arkansas has lost five of its last six, although the Hogs did face a tougher schedule. The two teams split during the regular season; LSU won 69-60 in Baton Rouge, Arkansas won 71-65 in Fayetteville. Whoever controls the tempo and wins the turnover battle will have the upper hand; LSU gave it up 16 times in its loss, Arkansas turned it over 19 times when it lost.

TIP-INS:

1. The winner advances to play No. 1 seed Kentucky.

2. Arkansas holds a 2-1 lead over LSU in SEC tournament games. They haven’t met in the tournament since 2003.

3. LSU is 22-6 at the Superdome and New Orleans Arena and is 2-2 in a pair of SEC tournaments held in New Orleans.

PICK: Razorbacks

South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Alabama Crimson Tide (-9, 116)

THE STORY: South Carolina has unquestionably been the weakest team in the Southeastern Conference this season, but one of its two league wins came against Alabama. Such an upset was possible –and is conceivable in the tournament – because of Alabama’s inability to produce a consistent offense. Both teams have trouble scoring points: Alabama averages 65.1 points and South Carolina only 61.5. South Carolina won the only regular-season meeting, 56-54 in Columbia. Alabama appears to be in the NCAA tournament, regardless of the outcome, as a likely No. 8 or No. 9 seed.

TIP-INS:

1. The winner plays Florida in the second round.

2. Alabama holds a 3-2 advantage of South Carolina in SEC tournament games.

3. Alabama’s RPI, which had surged to 25, dropped to 32 after a narrow win over Auburn and a loss at Ole Miss. Last year the Tide had an RPI of 89 and didn’t get an invitation, despite winning 20 games.

PICK: Under

Auburn Tigers vs. Mississippi Rebels (-4, 121)

THE STORY: It has been a roller-coaster ride for Mississippi this season, but the Rebels hope to continue rising as the SEC tournament begins. Mississippi started the season 9-1, only to lose six of eight at one point in the middle of conference play. Its current three-game winning streak gives Mississippi hope it may be peaking again at the right time. Auburn comes in having lost eight of its past 10, but the Tigers shocked LSU 67-52 to end the regular season on an upswing. The two teams split their regular season meetings, each winning on their home floor in two close contests.

TIP-INS:

1. The last three meetings have been decided by a total of 11 points.

2. The postseason opener is Mississippi coach Andy Kennedy’s 200th game at the school (123-76 in six seasons).

3. The winner plays No. 2 Tennessee in Friday's quarterfinals.

PICK: Over

Georgia Bulldogs vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs (-5, 123.5)

THE STORY: Which Bulldogs enter the SEC tournament on an upswing? It’s not the Bulldogs who were in the Top 25 a couple weeks ago. While Mississippi State is struggling, Georgia comes to New Orleans winners of two of its past three, including an upset of Florida. Three weeks ago, Georgia stunned Mississippi State in Starkville in overtime. That loss sent Mississippi State spiraling on a five-game losing streak that dropped it from the national rankings. A two-game winning streak, though, capped by a solid 20-point victory over Arkansas in the season finale, provides Mississippi State some hope it can recapture the form it showed in starting the season 15-3.

TIP-INS:

1. Robinson sparked Georgia’s 70-68 victory in overtime Feb. 11 in Starkville, scoring a key basket late in regulation and eight of his 13 points in overtime.

2. Moultrie leads the SEC with 18 double-doubles, and has posted double figures in points and rebounds in five of his past six games.

3. The winner plays No. 3 Vanderbilt in Friday's quarterfinals.

PICK: Georgia Bulldogs

NCAAB Preview

Big East Tournament (New York)

UConn has now won seven Big East tourney games in row, but they're playing third game in three days, while Syracuse last played Saturday. Orange still haven't lost with Melo in middle; they're 3-2 in this round if they had the double-bye, winning by 5-24-6 points. Huskies lost twice to Syracuse this season, 85-67 (+11) Feb 11, 71-69 (+3.5) at home two weeks later. Four of last six UConn games were decided by 3 or less points, or in OT. Syracuse is 3-8 vs spread in its last 11 games.

Over last 6+ seasons, Georgetown is 11-5 in Big East tourney, winning last four games in this round, by 3-5-20-7 points; Hoyas (-6.5) lost at home to Cincinnati 68-64 back on Jan 9, turning ball over 17 times (-8), which offset Hoyas' 59% shooting from floor. Since joining the Big East, Bearcats are 3-5 in this event, losing in this round last two years- they've won five of last six games overall. Hoyas pretty much played six guys yesterday in low-stress win over Pitt.

Marquette (-4.5) beat Louisville 74-63 at home Jan 16, outscoring them 16-4 on foul line; Eagles won/covered six of last seven games, covering last four times they were favored. Over last nine years, Pitino is 4-2 playing his second game of tourney, 4-1 in this round; Cardinals played three starters 36+ minutes in yesterday's win over punchless (32% from floor) Seton Hall. Marquette is 0-3 in this round of tourney, losing by 7-23-25 points. Louisville is 6-1 vs spread as an underdog this season-- their loss at Marquette was only game they didn't cover.

South Florida won seven of last nine games; they play great defense but offense is a problem; Bulls (+6) lost 60-49 at Notre Dame Jan 10- they were 1-13 from arc that night. USF won its first tourney game last two years, then lost next night by 20-26 points. Notre Dame won 10 of last 12 games; they've won first tourney game four of last five years, winning three of four in this round. USF played seven guys last night, with two of them playing more than 28 minutes in a slowish-paced game.

Conference USA Tournament (Memphis)

Memphis won/covered seven of last eight games, but lone loss was here to UTEP 60-58 (-14.5) in game where Miners avenged 67-66 home loss in finals of LY's conference tourney. All five UTEP starters played 34+ minutes in OT win over Houston yesterday, game they trailed by 8 in second half-- Cougars were just 6-15 on foul line. Over last six seasons, Memphis is 15-1 in this event, losing in first round two years ago- their wins in first tourney game were by 14-19-21-19-10-3 points.

Pac-12 Tournament (Los Angeles)

Oregon State lost twice to Washington this year, 95-80 (+4.5) in Seattle Dec 29, then 75-72 (-3) at home Feb 12; Beavers won last three games overall by 10-14-5 points, avenging pair of losses to Wazzu yesterday, in game where three starters played 31+ minutes. Over last six seasons, OSU is 0-3 in this round of tourney, losing by 32-7-9 points. Huskies are 5-1 in this round when they've had bye, winning last three years by 12-7-2 points- they're 8-6 as a Pac-12 favorite this season.

Arizona guard Turner was suspended for weekend and isn't in LA; this is distraction at best (he started 17 games, averages 24.9 mpg, scores 6.8 ppg, is 3rd on team in assists), debacle at worst. UCLA is 9-4 in its last 13 games, covering seven of last nine when favored- they beat Arizona at home 65-58 (-2) Jan 5, then lost 65-63 (+4) in Tucson Feb 25. Wildcats are 1-4 in this round of tourney last five years. Bruins are 3-2 vs spread as a Pac-12 underdog this season.

Stanford won five of last seven games, beating rival Cal 75-70 (+1) four days ago on Senior Day at Maples; Cardinal (+8.5) lost 69-59 first time teams met this year- they made 10-19 behind arc yesterday, in easy win over ASU, when Randle scored 27 in first half- they're 3-3 as underdog in Pac-12 games. Cal Bears are 12-0 in Pac-12 when they allow less than 70 points, 1-5 when they allow more- they covered once in last five as a favorite. Cal is no cinch for NCAAs; they need this win.

Oregon won its last four games, covered its last nine; they're 3-2 in this event last two years, with wins by 2-17-7 points. Colorado beat awful Utah team by 12 last night in sluggish game that Buffs led by hoop at half; home side won both Colorado-Oregon games this season- Buffs (-6) won 72-71 at home Feb 4, then lost 90-81 (+6) in Eugene last week in game CU led by 5 at half. Buffs got one basket out of bench last night, in 43:00. Oregon is 13-5 in Pac-12, was only favored six times (4-2).

Big 12 Tournament (Kansas City)

Kansas State got bye all four years Martin has been coach, but they've lost first tourney game three of four years; Wildcats (-3.5) lost 75-73 at home to Baylor Jan 10, then won 57-56 (+7.5) in Waco Feb 18. Bears covered two of last eight games when favored; they're 4-4 in this event last four years, winning by 19 in this round only time they had the bye. K-State is 3-4 vs spread as Big X underdog; they've won four of last five games overall. Baylor won three of its last four games.

Iowa State is vastly improved team this year, going from 3-13 to 13-5 in league play, but they're 0-6 in this tourney last six years- last time they had winning league record, they did win game in this event. State split a pair with Texas, winning 77-72 (+2) Jan 4, then losing 62-55 (+8) Jan 24 in Austin. Longhorns won last five games in this round when they had a bye, with four of five wins by 7 or less points. Texas is 2-3 in last five games, with wins over Texas Tech/Oklahoma, Big X doormats.

Big 10 Tournament (Indianapolis)

Northwestern has never been in NCAA tournament; they're squarely on bubble here, facing Minnesota squad that snapped six-game skid in last game, beating Nebraska on Senior Day. Wildcats (+5) lost 75-52 Jan 22 in first meeting with Minnesota, then won rematch 64-53 (-4) at home Feb 18. Northwestern is 16-2 this season vs teams not in top 50; they're 3-2 in last five games, losing in OT to Michigan, by hoop to Ohio State, but winning last two road games. Enormous game for Wildcats.

Mountain West Tournament (Las Vegas)

Colorado State won four of last five games, is 5-0-1 vs spread in last six; they beat TCU 95-89 (-8.5) in double OT at home in MWC opener Jan 14, then lost 75-71 (-1) at TCU Feb 11. Horned Frogs covered seven of last nine games, losing tough OT game at home to San Diego State in last game Saturday- they're 2-6 in this event since joining MWC. State is 0-3 in this tourney last three years, losing by 4-1-6 points. Rams finally got a conference road win when they beat Air Force by 10 Saturday.

Armadillosports.com

ILLINOIS (17 - 14) vs. IOWA (16 - 15) - 3/8/2012, 11:30 AM
Top Trends for this game.
ILLINOIS is 10-18 ATS (-9.8 Units) in all games this season.
ILLINOIS is 10-18 ATS (-9.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
ILLINOIS is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 3 seasons.
ILLINOIS is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) against conference opponents this season.
ILLINOIS is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) after a conference game this season.
ILLINOIS is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ILLINOIS is 5-0 against the spread versus IOWA over the last 3 seasons
ILLINOIS is 5-0 straight up against IOWA 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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PENN ST (12 - 19) vs. INDIANA (24 - 7) - 3/8/2012, 1:55 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PENN ST is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) as an underdog this season.
PENN ST is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games against conference opponents this season.
PENN ST is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in road games after a conference game this season.
PENN ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games off a loss against a conference rival this season.
PENN ST is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
INDIANA is 16-8 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all games this season.
INDIANA is 16-8 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all lined games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 2-2 against the spread versus PENN ST over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 3-2 straight up against PENN 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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MINNESOTA (18 - 13) vs. NORTHWESTERN (18 - 12) - 3/8/2012, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NORTHWESTERN is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 3 seasons.
NORTHWESTERN is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NORTHWESTERN is 5-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
NORTHWESTERN is 4-3 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEBRASKA (12 - 17) vs. PURDUE (20 - 11) - 3/8/2012, 7:55 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEBRASKA is 29-44 ATS (-19.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
NEBRASKA is 29-44 ATS (-19.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
NEBRASKA is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 this season.
NEBRASKA is 56-83 ATS (-35.3 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 15-29 ATS (-16.9 Units) in road games in March games since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 55-80 ATS (-33.0 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
PURDUE is 60-84 ATS (-32.4 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PURDUE is 1-0 against the spread versus NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
PURDUE is 1-0 straight up against NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WAKE FOREST (13 - 17) vs. MARYLAND (16 - 14) - 3/8/2012, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WAKE FOREST is 22-38 ATS (-19.8 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 19-41 ATS (-26.1 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in a neutral court game where the total is 135 to 139.5 since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 57-82 ATS (-33.2 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 16-33 ATS (-20.3 Units) in road games in March games since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 56-81 ATS (-33.1 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 19-41 ATS (-26.1 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 21-43 ATS (-26.3 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 146-184 ATS (-56.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 42-73 ATS (-38.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
MARYLAND is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MARYLAND is 3-0 against the spread versus WAKE FOREST over the last 3 seasons
MARYLAND is 3-1 straight up against WAKE FOREST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON COLLEGE (9 - 21) vs. NC STATE (20 - 11) - 3/8/2012, 2:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NC STATE is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in conference tournament games since 1997.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NC STATE is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NC STATE is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
NC STATE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON COLLEGE is 3-1 against the spread versus NC STATE over the last 3 seasons
NC STATE is 3-1 straight up against BOSTON COLLEGE 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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VIRGINIA TECH (15 - 16) vs. CLEMSON (16 - 14) - 3/8/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VIRGINIA TECH is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) against conference opponents this season.
VIRGINIA TECH is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) after scoring 60 points or less this season.
CLEMSON is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
CLEMSON is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEMSON is 54-77 ATS (-30.7 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
CLEMSON is 12-28 ATS (-18.8 Units) in road games after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.
CLEMSON is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in road games in first round tournament games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEMSON is 2-2 against the spread versus VIRGINIA TECH over the last 3 seasons
CLEMSON is 2-2 straight up against VIRGINIA TECH over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GEORGIA TECH (11 - 19) vs. MIAMI (18 - 11) - 3/8/2012, 9:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 83-54 ATS (+23.6 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
MIAMI is 83-53 ATS (+24.7 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
MIAMI is 41-22 ATS (+16.8 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
MIAMI is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 2-2 against the spread versus GEORGIA TECH over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 3-1 straight up against GEORGIA TECH 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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CONNECTICUT (19 - 12) vs. SYRACUSE (30 - 1) - 3/8/2012, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SYRACUSE is 56-36 ATS (+16.4 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
SYRACUSE is 56-36 ATS (+16.4 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
SYRACUSE is 42-23 ATS (+16.7 Units) in road games after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
SYRACUSE is 111-83 ATS (+19.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 15-3 ATS (+11.7 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games in March games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 15-3 ATS (+11.7 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 15-3 ATS (+11.7 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in conference tournament games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 3-2 against the spread versus SYRACUSE over the last 3 seasons
SYRACUSE is 4-1 straight up against CONNECTICUT 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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GEORGETOWN (22 - 7) vs. CINCINNATI (22 - 9) - 3/8/2012, 2:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGETOWN is 121-163 ATS (-58.3 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
GEORGETOWN is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGETOWN is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGETOWN is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 84-112 ATS (-39.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 29-52 ATS (-28.2 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 3-1 against the spread versus GEORGETOWN over the last 3 seasons
CINCINNATI is 3-1 straight up against GEORGETOWN over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LOUISVILLE (22 - 9) vs. MARQUETTE (25 - 6) - 3/8/2012, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MARQUETTE is 3-1 against the spread versus LOUISVILLE over the last 3 seasons
MARQUETTE is 2-2 straight up against LOUISVILLE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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KANSAS ST (21 - 9) vs. BAYLOR (25 - 6) - 3/8/2012, 12:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BAYLOR is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BAYLOR is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
BAYLOR is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BAYLOR is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BAYLOR is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
BAYLOR is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 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
KANSAS ST is 4-1 against the spread versus BAYLOR over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS ST is 4-1 straight up against BAYLOR 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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TEXAS A&M (13 - 17) vs. KANSAS (26 - 5) - 3/8/2012, 3:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS A&M is 4-1 against the spread versus KANSAS over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS is 5-0 straight up against TEXAS A&M 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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TEXAS (19 - 12) vs. IOWA ST (22 - 9) - 3/8/2012, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 9-17 ATS (-9.7 Units) in all games this season.
TEXAS is 9-17 ATS (-9.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
TEXAS is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
IOWA ST is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all games this season.
IOWA ST is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all lined games this season.
IOWA ST is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) against conference opponents this season.
IOWA ST is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
IOWA ST is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) after a conference game this season.
IOWA ST is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
IOWA ST is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
IOWA ST is 4-1 against the spread versus TEXAS over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS is 4-1 straight up against IOWA ST 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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ARKANSAS (18 - 13) vs. LSU (17 - 13) - 3/8/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARKANSAS is 18-29 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARKANSAS is 18-29 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
ARKANSAS is 70-100 ATS (-40.0 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
ARKANSAS is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ARKANSAS is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
ARKANSAS is 21-44 ATS (-27.4 Units) in road games off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
ARKANSAS is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ARKANSAS is 43-72 ATS (-36.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
ARKANSAS is 22-38 ATS (-19.8 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.
LSU is 57-82 ATS (-33.2 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
LSU is 3-3 against the spread versus ARKANSAS over the last 3 seasons
LSU is 3-3 straight up against ARKANSAS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

S CAROLINA (10 - 20) vs. ALABAMA (20 - 10) - 3/8/2012, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
S CAROLINA is 32-47 ATS (-19.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 32-47 ATS (-19.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 17-32 ATS (-18.2 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
ALABAMA is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ALABAMA is 3-1 against the spread versus S CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
ALABAMA is 3-1 straight up against S CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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AUBURN (15 - 15) vs. OLE MISS (18 - 12) - 3/8/2012, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
AUBURN is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
AUBURN is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) against conference opponents this season.
AUBURN is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) after a conference game this season.
AUBURN is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
AUBURN is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OLE MISS is 3-3 against the spread versus AUBURN over the last 3 seasons
OLE MISS is 4-2 straight up against AUBURN over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GEORGIA (14 - 16) vs. MISSISSIPPI ST (21 - 10) - 3/8/2012, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGIA is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) after allowing 60 points or less this season.
MISSISSIPPI ST is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MISSISSIPPI ST is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in road games against conference opponents this season.
MISSISSIPPI ST is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MISSISSIPPI ST is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
MISSISSIPPI ST is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
GEORGIA is 3-0 against the spread versus MISSISSIPPI ST over the last 3 seasons
GEORGIA is 2-1 straight up against MISSISSIPPI ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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E CAROLINA (14 - 15) vs. SOUTHERN MISS (24 - 7) - 3/8/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E CAROLINA is 146-190 ATS (-63.0 Units) in all games since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 146-190 ATS (-63.0 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 97-149 ATS (-66.9 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 86-115 ATS (-40.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 43-74 ATS (-38.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SOUTHERN MISS is 5-1 against the spread versus E CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
SOUTHERN MISS is 6-0 straight up against E CAROLINA 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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MARSHALL (18 - 12) vs. TULSA (17 - 13) - 3/8/2012, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARSHALL is 58-82 ATS (-32.2 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
MARSHALL is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MARSHALL is 3-2 against the spread versus TULSA over the last 3 seasons
TULSA is 3-2 straight up against MARSHALL over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UTEP (14 - 16) at MEMPHIS (23 - 8) - 3/8/2012, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTEP is 3-1 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
UTEP is 3-1 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OREGON ST (17 - 13) vs. WASHINGTON (21 - 9) - 3/8/2012, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OREGON ST is 32-19 ATS (+11.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 4-3 against the spread versus OREGON ST over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 6-1 straight up against OREGON ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UCLA (18 - 13) vs. ARIZONA (21 - 10) - 3/8/2012, 5:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
UCLA is 4-2 against the spread versus ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 4-3 straight up against UCLA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOISE ST (13 - 16) vs. SAN DIEGO ST (24 - 6) - 3/8/2012, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOISE ST is 10-18 ATS (-9.8 Units) in all games this season.
BOISE ST is 10-18 ATS (-9.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
BOISE ST is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
BOISE ST is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOISE ST is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
BOISE ST is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games this season.
BOISE ST is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
BOISE ST is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOISE ST is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO ST is 36-25 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO ST is 36-25 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO ST is 1-1 against the spread versus BOISE ST over the last 3 seasons
SAN DIEGO ST is 2-0 straight up against BOISE ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TCU (17 - 13) vs. COLORADO ST (19 - 10) - 3/8/2012, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TCU is 117-156 ATS (-54.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
COLORADO ST is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO ST is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO ST is 3-3 against the spread versus TCU over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO ST is 4-2 straight up against TCU 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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AIR FORCE (13 - 15) vs. NEW MEXICO (24 - 6) - 3/8/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW MEXICO is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) in all games this season.
NEW MEXICO is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) in all lined games this season.
NEW MEXICO is 27-12 ATS (+13.8 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 since 1997.
NEW MEXICO is 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
NEW MEXICO is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW MEXICO is 4-3 against the spread versus AIR FORCE over the last 3 seasons
NEW MEXICO is 7-0 straight up against AIR FORCE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WYOMING (20 - 10) at UNLV (25 - 7) - 3/8/2012, 11:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WYOMING is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WYOMING is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WYOMING is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
UNLV is 73-49 ATS (+19.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
UNLV is 48-27 ATS (+18.3 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
WYOMING is 4-2 against the spread versus UNLV over the last 3 seasons
UNLV is 5-1 straight up against WYOMING 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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HAWAII (15 - 15) vs. IDAHO (18 - 12) - 3/8/2012, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IDAHO is 77-51 ATS (+20.9 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
IDAHO is 130-99 ATS (+21.1 Units) after a conference game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
IDAHO is 4-2 against the spread versus HAWAII over the last 3 seasons
IDAHO is 5-1 straight up against HAWAII 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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FRESNO ST (13 - 19) vs. NEW MEXICO ST (23 - 9) - 3/8/2012, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FRESNO ST is 108-143 ATS (-49.3 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
FRESNO ST is 103-137 ATS (-47.7 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
FRESNO ST is 54-78 ATS (-31.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
NEW MEXICO ST is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NEW MEXICO ST is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) in March games since 1997.
FRESNO ST is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW MEXICO ST is 3-3 against the spread versus FRESNO ST over the last 3 seasons
NEW MEXICO ST is 4-2 straight up against FRESNO 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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SAN JOSE ST (9 - 21) vs. NEVADA (25 - 5) - 3/8/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEVADA is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in all games this season.
NEVADA is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in all lined games this season.
NEVADA is 61-40 ATS (+17.0 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEVADA is 5-1 against the spread versus SAN JOSE ST over the last 3 seasons
NEVADA is 6-0 straight up against SAN JOSE ST over the last 3 seasons
6 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LOUISIANA TECH (16 - 15) vs. UTAH ST (17 - 14) - 3/8/2012, 11:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOUISIANA TECH is 76-52 ATS (+18.8 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
LOUISIANA TECH is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) in road games revenging a road loss vs opponent since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH ST is 3-3 against the spread versus LOUISIANA TECH over the last 3 seasons
UTAH ST is 6-1 straight up against LOUISIANA TECH over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PACIFIC (11 - 18) vs. UC-SANTA BARBARA (18 - 9) - 3/8/2012, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PACIFIC is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in conference tournament games since 1997.
PACIFIC is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) as an underdog this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 4-3 against the spread versus PACIFIC over the last 3 seasons
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 5-2 straight up against PACIFIC over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UC-IRVINE (11 - 19) vs. CS-FULLERTON (21 - 8) - 3/8/2012, 5:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CS-FULLERTON is 3-2 against the spread versus UC-IRVINE over the last 3 seasons
CS-FULLERTON is 5-1 straight up against UC-IRVINE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CAL DAVIS (5 - 25) vs. LONG BEACH ST (22 - 8) - 3/8/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LONG BEACH ST is 57-34 ATS (+19.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
LONG BEACH ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LONG BEACH ST is 5-1 against the spread versus CAL DAVIS over the last 3 seasons
LONG BEACH ST is 6-0 straight up against CAL DAVIS 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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UC-RIVERSIDE (14 - 16) vs. CAL POLY-SLO (17 - 14) - 3/8/2012, 11:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAL POLY-SLO is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) against conference opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAL POLY-SLO is 3-3 against the spread versus UC-RIVERSIDE over the last 3 seasons
CAL POLY-SLO is 5-2 straight up against UC-RIVERSIDE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ALCORN ST (9 - 21) vs. PRAIRIE VIEW A&M (15 - 17) - 3/8/2012, 1:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M is 5-1 straight up against ALCORN ST over the last 3 seasons

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ARK-PINE BLUFF (10 - 21) vs. ALABAMA ST (12 - 18) - 3/8/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ALABAMA ST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ALABAMA ST is 2-0 against the spread versus ARK-PINE BLUFF over the last 3 seasons
ALABAMA ST is 4-3 straight up against ARK-PINE BLUFF over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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FLORIDA A&M (9 - 22) vs. DELAWARE ST (15 - 13) - 3/8/2012, 6:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DELAWARE ST is 4-1 straight up against FLORIDA A&M over the last 3 seasons

ILLINOIS vs. IOWA
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Iowa's last 6 games
Iowa is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Illinois

WAKE FOREST vs. MARYLAND
No trends available
Maryland is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Wake Forest
Maryland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

KANSAS STATE vs. BAYLOR
No trends available
Baylor is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Kansas State
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Baylor's last 10 games

ARKANSAS vs. LSU
No trends available
LSU is 3-9-1 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Arkansas
LSU is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing Arkansas

PENN STATE vs. INDIANA
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Indiana's last 9 games when playing Penn State
Indiana is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Penn State

BOSTON COLLEGE vs. NORTH CAROLINA STATE
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of North Carolina State's last 5 games when playing Boston College
North Carolina State is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games

HAWAII vs. IDAHO
No trends available
Idaho is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Idaho's last 5 games when playing Hawaii

PACIFIC vs. SANTA BARBARA
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Santa Barbara's last 12 games when playing Pacific
Santa Barbara is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Pacific

BOISE STATE vs. SAN DIEGO STATE
No trends available
San Diego State is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego State's last 6 games

SOUTH CAROLINA vs. ALABAMA
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Alabama's last 6 games
Alabama is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

TCU vs. COLORADO STATE
No trends available
Colorado State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado State's last 5 games when playing TCU

FRESNO STATE vs. NEW MEXICO STATE
No trends available
New Mexico State is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Fresno State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Mexico State's last 7 games when playing Fresno State

MINNESOTA vs. NORTHWESTERN
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Northwestern's last 6 games
Northwestern is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota

UC IRVINE vs. CS FULLERTON
No trends available
The total has gone OVER in 5 of CS Fullerton's last 6 games when playing UC Irvine
CS Fullerton is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing UC Irvine

VIRGINIA TECH vs. CLEMSON
No trends available
Clemson is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Clemson's last 10 games when playing Virginia Tech

AUBURN vs. MISSISSIPPI
No trends available
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Mississippi's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Mississippi's last 6 games when playing Auburn

NEBRASKA vs. PURDUE
No trends available
Purdue is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Purdue's last 5 games

AIR FORCE vs. NEW MEXICO
No trends available
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Mexico's last 6 games
New Mexico is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games

UC DAVIS vs. LONG BEACH STATE
No trends available
Long Beach State is 15-2 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Long Beach State's last 5 games

SAN JOSE STATE vs. NEVADA
No trends available
Nevada is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Jose State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Nevada's last 5 games when playing San Jose State

GEORGIA TECH vs. MIAMI
No trends available
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
Miami is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games

TEXAS vs. IOWA STATE
No trends available
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Iowa State's last 8 games when playing Texas
Iowa State is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Texas

GEORGIA vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
No trends available
Mississippi State is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Mississippi State's last 5 games when playing Georgia

UC RIVERSIDE vs. CAL POLY
No trends available
Cal Poly is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Cal Poly is 3-8-1 ATS in its last 12 games when playing UC Riverside

WYOMING vs. UNLV
Wyoming is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wyoming's last 6 games when playing on the road against UNLV
The total has gone OVER in 4 of UNLV's last 6 games when playing at home against Wyoming
UNLV is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Wyoming

LOUISIANA TECH vs. UTAH STATE
No trends available
Utah State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Utah State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Louisiana Tech

Bubble Update
By Bruce Marshall
VegasInsider.com

There wasn't much movement on the bubble on Wednesday, although it was still a somewhat eventful day with more tickets punched as the Patriot (Lehigh), Northeast (Long Island), and Big Sky (Montana) Tourneys crowned their champions.

The last of the lower-rung Division I-A loops also got their conference tourneys underway, and there was one significant upset right off the bat with Shannon Sharpe's alma mater and MEAC top seed Savannah State dumped out in the first round at Winston-Salem vs. an 11-20 Hampton side.

If there was a bubble development of note on Wednesday, it was Seton Hall missing a golden opportunity to solidify its claim to an at-large spot when bowing to Louisville in the Big East second round, 61-55. The Pirates have played themselves into real bubble trouble by not only losing 10 of their last 15 games, but also three of their last four, including damaging setbacks last week vs. Big East also-rans Rutgers and DePaul. The Hall will thus straddle the cut line into Selection Sunday.

Meanwhile, another Big East bubbler, South Florida, at least avoided what would have been a cataclysmic defeat vs. Villanova by grinding out a 56-47 win over the Wildcats at Madison Square Garden. The win over Nova probably doesn't move the Bulls' needle too much, but a win over Notre Dame in the quarterfinal round on Thursday night would definitely help. For the moment we have the Hall and USF both among the first teams out, although the situation remains fluid and the names could certainly change in the next 72 hours prior to Selection Sunday. Movement on the bubble could really accelerate on Thursday and Friday as conference tourney action switches into higher gear.

West Virginia also might not be feeling completely comfy, either, after its 67-63 overtime loss in the opener of Wednesday Big East action vs. UConn, but coming into his week we had the Mountaineers better-positioned than either Seton Hall or South Florida and into our field of 68 regardless what happened in the Big East Tourney.

After Wednesday's games, here's how our projected seeds (1 thru 16) for the Big Dance set up as of AM, Thursday, March 8...

No. 1 seeds...Kentucky, Syracuse, Kansas, North Carolina.
No. 2 seeds...Duke, Missouri, Ohio State, Michigan State.
No. 3 seeds...Marquette, Michigan, Indiana, Baylor.
No. 4 seeds...Wisconsin, Florida State, Georgetown, Wichita State.
No. 5 seeds...Temple, Creighton, UNLV, Florida.
No. 6 seeds...Gonzaga, Notre Dame, San Diego State, Louisville.
No. 7 seeds...Virginia, Saint Mary's, Saint Louis, Memphis.
No. 8 seeds...New Mexico, Vanderbilt, Purdue, Murray State.
No. 9 seeds...Iowa State, Kansas State, Cincinnati, Washington.
No. 10 seeds...BYU, UConn, California, Mississippi State.
No. 11 seeds...Oregon, Long Beach State, Virginia Commonwealth, Northwestern.
No. 12 seeds...Alabama, West Virginia, Colorado State, Miami-Fla., Texas.
No. 13 seeds...Akron, Belmont, Harvard, Southern Miss, Drexel.
No. 14 seeds...Loyola-Md., Davidson, Detroit, Nevada.
No. 15 seeds...Lehigh, UT-Arlington, South Dakota State, Montana.
No. 16 seeds...Long Island, UNC-Asheville, Norfolk State, Stony Brook, Mississippi Valley State, Western Kentucky.

Last four in...Miami-Florida, Texas, Southern Miss, Drexel.
First four out...South Florida, NC State, Seton Hall, Tennessee.
Next four out...Arizona, Iona, Middle Tennessee, Oral Roberts.

Big Ten Tournament Gambling Preview
By Erin Rynning
SportsMemo.com

Favorite – Ohio State – The Big Ten conference featured a three-way tie for the regular season title with Ohio State, Michigan State and Michigan all at 13-5. However, after the Buckeyes took care of business in East Lansing last week they are priced as small favorites to cut down the nets in Indianapolis on Sunday. A team like Michigan could very well be satisfied with its regular season first place finish, while looking instead to peak for the Big Dance. And under Tom Izzo, Michigan State is notorious for not putting much emphasis on this tournament. As for the Buckeyes, they are led by All-American Jered Sullinger (16.9 ppg), Aaron Craft and William Buford. The Buckeyes fought immaturity at times this season, but still finished with a strong 25-6 record. Ohio State perhaps peaked too early in 2011 (34-3, lost in the Sweet Sixteen) but after some struggles in February, the tournament could serve as a springboard to the Big Dance.

Darkhorse – Northwestern – The Wildcats enter the Big Ten tournament hoping to make their first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament. With an 18-12 overall record the Wildcats are firmly on the bubble and a win or loss in the first round could sway them either way. They showed tremendous moxie in their final game of the regular season by fighting back at Iowa and pulling out the win. If the Wildcats can slip past the Golden Gophers, a monster game against Michigan awaits in round 2. Note that the Wolverines beat the Wildcats twice during the regular season – both extremely tight affairs.

Fade – Illinois – The last 5-6 weeks have been a struggle for the Illini. They’ve now dropped eight of their last nine games; failing to cover a pointspread in the eight losses. Unfortunately, respected head coach Bruce Weber is most likely on his way out in Champaign after the season. Dissension had been mounting after Weber oddly decided to throw his players under the bus after a loss to Purdue on February 15. They closed the regular season with lethargic losses to the Wisconsin and Michigan, and with their lifeless, undisciplined play, it would prove difficult to muster a grand effort in the conference tournament. Ironically, Illinois’ lone win during the aforementioned stretch came against first round opponent, Iowa. Look for the Hawkeyes to counter with a bit of revenge as the Illini go out with a whimper in March.

SEC Tournament Gambling Preview: Kentucky the overwhelming favorite
By Alatex Sports
SportsMemo.com

Obviously Kentucky is the overwhelming favorite in the SEC Tourney, and despite coach John Calipari’s disdain for the tournament, if anyone else wins it will be a major upset.

"Three games in three days doesn't prepare you for anything," Calipari said Tuesday as UK began preparations for the SEC Tournament later in the week. "We just played a whole league schedule." Calipari, who has long made no secret of his lukewarm, at best, attitude about league tournaments, acknowledged how the SEC Tournament (Thursday through Sunday in New Orleans) appeals to UK fans who can't attend a game in Rupp Arena.

"Fans spend their vacation money, their rent money, their cigarette money, and they go to this tournament," Calipari said. "... You almost feel an obligation. Let's go play."

If the Cats were not head and shoulders above the rest of the league, such statements might be an automatic green light to look to fade his team. However, as we have seen in road games at Florida, Vanderbilt and Mississippi State, Kentucky can sleepwalk through 30 minutes of a game and then use its shutdown defense to pull out close wins.

Kentucky gets the LSU-Arkansas winner on Friday and then the Alabama-Florida winner in the seminfinals. Vandy, Tennessee or Mississippi State would be their likely opponent in the finals. I give Mississippi State the best shot of any team in the conference at knocking off the Cats, but their lack of depth and the fact that they must begin play on Thursday and would be playing their fourth game in 4 days on Sunday makes that upset even more unlikely.

Alabama and Florida have both played their best games against Kentucky this year and both still came up short. Florida could possibly pull the upset if they are on fire from the three-point line, needing to make 12-15 threes to get the job done. That might be the most probable scenario for anyone being able to beat Kentucky in this tournament, however.

Tennessee gets the Auburn-Ole Miss winner on Friday. The Vols have been transformed under head coach Cuonzo Martin in the second half of the year and are probably the second best team in the league at this point. The addition of Jarnell Stokes has really helped them as they have gotten used to the defensive style of Martin. They could possibly pull off an upset of Kentucky in the finals in a 51-50 type of game.

Vanderbilt will play the Georgia-Mississippi State winner on Friday. The Commodores also had a shot to beat Kentucky at home, but could not score in crunch time and wound up on the short end of the score. Vandy’s best game of the year in the finals might be enough to take down the Cats if Kentucky is off its game.

I’ll give Florida and Vandy the best chances to slay the dragon in New Orleans, but in the end, Kentucky will likely still be standing, winning streak intact as it enters the NCAA tourney as a no. 1 seed.

Thursday's Top College Basketball Trends

NEW MEXICO is 13-1 ATS after allowing 65 points or less 2 straight games (vs Air Force)

BOISE ST is 1-12 ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%) (vs San Diego St)

HAWAII is 1-13 ATS off 2 consecutive home losses (vs Idaho)

NEBRASKA is 1-11 ATS after 3 straight games committing 14 or less turnovers (vs Purdue)

CONNECTICUT is 16-3 ATS in all neutral court games (vs Syracuse)