Tuesday's Best NCAAB Bets
By Covers.com
Auburn Tigers at LSU Tigers (10, 121)
As exciting as Auburn’s previous win was, perhaps none was more exhilarating for the school in recent memory than the last time it played LSU in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
Auburn, which defeated Mississippi 69-68 in double overtime Saturday, returns Tuesday to where it last met LSU on March 5, 2011. Trailing by as many as 15 in the second half, Auburn outscored LSU 35-11 over the final 14:24 to seal LSU’s place in the SEC basement.
LSU, losers of two straight and three of its last four, will be happy to return home – where it is 6-2 this season – after dropping a pair of road games last week to Alabama and Arkansas.
LSU holds an 81-62 advantage in the series, but Auburn won four of the last five straight up and has covered the number in 10 of the last 12 meetings.
Pick: Auburn
Georgetown Hoyas at DePaul Blue Demons (8, 146.5)
No. 12 Georgetown is not alone in discovering that life within the Big East is a tad more difficult than the pre-conference slate.
Even the unranked teams in the Big East can present a big challenge, as the Hoyas found out in back-to-back losses to West Virginia and Cincinnati.
Georgetown had nearly a week off to prepare for St. John’s on Sunday and used that time to fix the defensive deficiencies and execution problems that had plagued the team in the previous two contests. The Hoyas ended up cruising to a home win and look strong as they head to Rosemont, Ill., on Tuesday for a date with DePaul.
The Blue Demons, like all Big East schools, believe they can win at home and proved as much with a triumph over Pittsburgh earlier this month. Things have not gone well since with three straight losses.
A win over Pitt isn't exactly anything to hang your hat on these days. We'll stick with the Hoyas.
Pick: Hoyas
Games to Watch
By David Schwab
VegasInsider.com
No. 7 Michigan State Spartans vs. No. 13 Michigan Wolverines
The Spartans’ 15-game winning streak came to a stunning end this past Saturday with an 81-74 loss to Northwestern as five-point road favorites. It was just their third loss of the season against 15 wins and it dropped their record ATS to 10-5. The total has now gone ‘over’ in seven of Michigan State’s last eight games.
Michigan is also coming off a tough loss on Saturday in a 75-59 setback to Iowa as a 2½-point road favorite. The Wolverines fell to 14-4 SU on the year and 8-7 ATS. They remain a perfect 11-0 SU at home this season, but are just 4-4 ATS. The total has gone ‘over’ in nine of their 15 games overall this season.
What Bettors Need to Know: Michigan State at Michigan
By Covers.com
Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Wolverines (2, 133)
THE STORY: The Michigan-Michigan State rivalry had turned one-sided until the Wolverines broke through last season. Michigan had lost eight of 10 entering last year, but swept the season series against the Spartans for the first time since winning five straight from 1996-98. Now, the 19th-ranked Wolverines will try to make it three in a row against No. 9 Michigan State on Tuesday at Crisler Center, where both teams enter off tough road losses. The Spartans snapped their 15-game win streak in an 81-74 loss at Northwestern, while Michigan fell 75-59 at Iowa. Michigan has won three of the last five in the series at Crisler.
THE LINE: Oddsmakers opened with the Wolverines set as 2-point home underdogs with a 133-point total on the board.
ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (15-3, 4-1 Big Ten): Coach Tom Izzo tried to turn the Northwestern defeat into a teaching moment for his freshmen -- that life on the road in Big Ten play can and will be difficult. That’s always the case against the Wolverines, who beat the Spartans 70-63 in Ann Arbor last season. In that contest, Michigan State shot just 32.8 percent from the field and lost despite holding a 44-25 rebounding advantage. The Spartans figure to have an edge inside against the undersized Wolverines, but will need to hit jump shots against John Beilein’s 1-3-1 zone to have a chance.
ABOUT MICHIGAN (14-4, 4-2 Big Ten): It can be argued that Michigan has more at stake in this year’s matchup with the Spartans than any other meeting since 1998. That year marked the last time in which both teams were ranked when they played. In addition, Michigan is trying to avoid losing consecutive games for the first time while keeping pace with the Spartans and Illinois, who are both atop the conference at 4-1. Michigan took care of the basketball in the loss to the Hawkeyes but couldn’t establish a rhythm offensively. The Wolverines shot 38 percent — including an 8-of-31 effort from 3-point range — and gave up too many baskets inside.
TIP-INS:
1. Beilein is 2-4 against the Spartans since taking over as Michigan’s head coach in 2007.
2. Michigan State’s 15-game win streak was its longest since 1998-99, when it won 22 in a row.
3. The Wolverines lead the all-time series 93-74.
TRENDS:
- Michigan is 22-8 against the spread in its last 30.
- Michigan State is 5-1 against the spread in its last six road games.
- Michigan State is 1-4 against the spread in its last five games at Michigan.
Tuesday's CBB Tips
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com
With both teams in bounce-back mode following poor performances on Saturday, Michigan and Michigan St. will square off Tuesday night in Ann Arbor.
Most betting shops are listing the Spartans as 1 1/2-point favorites with a total of 133.
Michigan (14-4 straight up, 8-7 against the spread) dropped to 4-2 in Big Ten play when it fell victim to a look-ahead situation in Saturday’s embarrassing 75-59 loss at Iowa as a 2½-point road ‘chalk.’ Tim Hardaway Jr. (15.7 points per game) couldn’t buy a bucket in Iowa City, missing 11 of his 13 shots from the floor including all eight attempts from 3-point range.
Freshman point guard Trey Burke scored a team-high 19 points in the losing effort, while Zack Novak finished with 14 points and eight rebounds.
Michigan St. (15-3 SU, 10-5 ATS) saw its 15-game winning streak snapped in an 81-74 loss at Northwestern as a five-point road favorite. The Spartans had no answers for the Wildcats terrific combination of John Shurna and Drew Crawford, who combined for 42 points.
Keith Appling scored a team-high 17 points, while Draymond Green contributed 14 points, 14 boards and four assists. Green is averaging team-bests in points (15.8 PPG), rebounds (9.9 RPG), steals (1.5 per game) and blocked shots (1.2 per).
John Beilein’s squad has won all 11 of its home games while compiling a 4-4 spread record. This will be the Wolverines’ first home underdog situation.
Michigan swept a pair of regular-season meetings against its in-state rivals last year, winning 70-63 as a one-point home favorite at Crisler Arena on March 5. Hardaway dropped 20 points on the Spartans, while Jordan Morgan scored 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting and held Green to seven points on 3-of-14 shooting from the field.
When they collided at Breslin Center in East Lansing on Jan. 27, the Wolverines snapped a six-game losing streak and began their march from mediocrity to the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a 61-57 triumph as 11-point underdogs.
The ‘over’ is 9-5-1 overall for Michigan, 4-4 in its home games. However, the ‘under’ has cashed in three straight for the Wolverines. Meanwhile, the Spartans have watched the ‘over’ go 8-6-1 overall, 7-1 in their last eight outings.
This game will come off the board at 7:00 p.m. Eastern and be televised on ESPN.
In the second game of the ESPN doubleheader, Kentucky (SU, ATS) will take on Arkansas as a 17½-point home ‘chalk.’ As of late Monday night, most spots had the total at 147.
After covering in its first three games, John Calipari’s squad has been absolutely atrocious for our purposes. To be exact, the Wildcats are 0-13-1 ATS since they took the cash in a Nov. 19 win over Penn St. They are 2-10-1 ATS as double-digit favorites.
UK played from behind for most of the day before capturing a 65-62 win Saturday at Tennessee. The ‘Cats never really threatened to cover the number as 9½-point road ‘chalk.’ Michael Kidd-Gilchrist came up big at crunch time, finishing with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Anthony Davis added 18 points, eight boards, four blocked shots, two assists and a pair of steals.
Arkansas (13-4 SU, 4-5 ATS) has won eight of its last nine games, including Saturday’s 69-60 win over LSU as a five-point home favorite. B.J. Young scored a team-high 19 points and dished out four assists. Julysses Nobles and Madracus Wade were also in double figures with 15 and 14 points, respectively.
Mike Anderson’s team has been an underdog three times this season, going 0-3 versus the number. The Razorbacks have only been double-digit ‘dogs once, losing 75-62 at UConn as 12½-point puppies.
The Hogs suffered a huge loss early in the year when their best player, power forward Marshawn Powell, went down with a season-ending injury. The junior post player averaged 19.5 points and 6.0 rebounds in the first two games.
When these SEC West adversaries met in Fayetteville last year, Arkansas won a 77-76 decision in overtime as a seven-point home ‘dog. Powell had 22 points and 10 boards.
The ‘over’ is 6-1 in the last seven head-to-head meetings between these schools. The ‘under’ is 11-6 overall for UK, 6-0 in its games played outside of Rupp Arena (3-0 away, 3-0 neutral). The ‘under’ is 5-4 overall for the Hogs, but the ‘over’ is 4-2 in their home contests.
Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Eastern.
MICHIGAN ST (15 - 3) at MICHIGAN (14 - 4)
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 19-5 ATS (+13.5 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.
MICHIGAN is 38-20 ATS (+16.0 Units) in home games in January games since 1997.
MICHIGAN is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
MICHIGAN is 3-1 against the spread versus MICHIGAN ST over the last 3 seasons
MICHIGAN is 2-2 straight up against MICHIGAN ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
GEORGETOWN (14 - 3) at DEPAUL (10 - 7)
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGETOWN is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGETOWN is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGETOWN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
DEPAUL is 12-27 ATS (-17.7 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
DEPAUL is 1-1 against the spread versus GEORGETOWN over the last 3 seasons
GEORGETOWN is 2-0 straight up against DEPAUL over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
AUBURN (11 - 6) at LSU (11 - 6)
Top Trends for this game.
AUBURN is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
LSU is 2-15 ATS (-14.5 Units) as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points since 1997.
LSU is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
LSU is 54-78 ATS (-31.8 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
AUBURN is 3-1 against the spread versus LSU over the last 3 seasons
AUBURN is 3-1 straight up against LSU over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS TECH (7 - 9) at OKLAHOMA (11 - 5)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS TECH is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all games this season.
TEXAS TECH is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
TEXAS TECH is 87-117 ATS (-41.7 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS TECH is 3-1 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS TECH is 3-1 straight up against OKLAHOMA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
IOWA (11 - 8) at PURDUE (13 - 5)
Top Trends for this game.
IOWA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
PURDUE is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
PURDUE is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
IOWA is 3-2 against the spread versus PURDUE over the last 3 seasons
PURDUE is 4-1 straight up against IOWA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MARYLAND (12 - 4) at FLORIDA ST (11 - 6)
Top Trends for this game.
MARYLAND is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA ST is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MARYLAND is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MARYLAND is 3-0 against the spread versus FLORIDA ST over the last 3 seasons
MARYLAND is 3-0 straight up against FLORIDA ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
ARKANSAS (13 - 4) at KENTUCKY (17 - 1)
Top Trends for this game.
ARKANSAS is 67-94 ATS (-36.4 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
ARKANSAS is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ARKANSAS is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
ARKANSAS is 49-86 ATS (-45.6 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
ARKANSAS is 51-86 ATS (-43.6 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
ARKANSAS is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ARKANSAS is 41-69 ATS (-34.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
ARKANSAS is 21-37 ATS (-19.7 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.
KENTUCKY is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in all games this season.
KENTUCKY is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in all lined games this season.
KENTUCKY is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
KENTUCKY is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in all home games this season.
KENTUCKY is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in home lined games this season.
KENTUCKY is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
KENTUCKY is 1-1 against the spread versus ARKANSAS over the last 3 seasons
KENTUCKY is 1-1 straight up against ARKANSAS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
BOISE ST (10 - 6) at COLORADO ST (12 - 4)
Top Trends for this game.
BOISE ST is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOISE ST is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
BOISE ST is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
BOISE ST is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games over the last 2 seasons.
BOISE ST is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOISE ST is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO ST is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
AUBURN vs. LSU
Auburn is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Auburn is 3-18 SU in its last 21 games on the road
LSU is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
LSU is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
MICHIGAN STATE vs. MICHIGAN
Michigan State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Michigan State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Michigan
Michigan is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Michigan's last 6 games
GEORGETOWN vs. DEPAUL
Georgetown is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Georgetown's last 6 games on the road
DePaul is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
DePaul is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
TEXAS TECH vs. OKLAHOMA
Texas Tech is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Texas Tech is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma
Oklahoma is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games
Oklahoma is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
IOWA vs. PURDUE
Iowa is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Iowa's last 5 games on the road
Purdue is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Purdue's last 5 games
MARYLAND vs. FLORIDA STATE
Maryland is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Maryland is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Florida State is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Florida State's last 7 games
ARKANSAS vs. KENTUCKY
Arkansas is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Arkansas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Kentucky is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Kentucky is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
NEBRASKA OMAHA vs. NEVADA
No trends available
Nevada is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Nevada is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
BOISE STATE vs. COLORADO STATE
Boise State is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Boise State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Colorado State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Colorado State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
CS BAKERSFIELD vs. PACIFIC
No trends available
Pacific is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pacific's last 5 games
NCAAB Preview
Michigan State got swept by Michigan LY, losing by 4-7 points, after Spartans had won 10 of previous 12 series games; State is 2-3 in last five visits here. Wolverines are 4-0 at home, 0-2 on road in conference play; they're 6-3 vs top 100 teams. Spartans had 15-game win streak snapped at Northwestern Saturday, but they're 4-1 in true road games, with wins at Gonzaga/Wisconsin. Big Dozen home teams are 10-2 vs spread when number is 5 or less points.
Georgetown won its last six games vs DePaul, winning last three visits here by 20-16-17 points; Hoyas are 8-0 vs teams not in top 100, with seven of eight wins by 14+ points- they're 3-1 in true road games, with wins by 2-3-20 points, and loss at West Virginia. Blue Demons is 1-4 in conference, with all four losses by 16+ points. Big East single digit home underdogs are 7-7 vs spread. Georgetown holds opponents to 27.6% on the arc, 11th-best mark in country.
Auburn won four of last five games with LSU, winning last two visits to Maravich Arena by 4-9 points, but they're 0-5 vs top 100 teams so far this season, with 15-point loss at Kentucky closest of the five. Auburn is 1-3 on road, with win at Hawai'i, and losses by 22-29-30 points. SEC home favorites are 6-3 vs spread, 3-2 if they're laying double digits. LSU lost three of last four games after its 7-game winning streak- they force turnovers on 24.5% of possessions, #27 mark in country.
Texas Tech won three of last four games with Oklahoma, but lost five of last six visits here, losing by 12-14-2-21-9 points. Red Raiders are 0-4 in Big X play, losing by 8-13-35-13 points; they turn ball over 25.2% of time (#331). Sooners are 6-0 vs teams ranked below #200, with five of six wins by 12+ points- they're 1-3 in Big X, with only win by 9 over K-State. Tech is 1-4 on road, with losses by 6-16-8-13 points. Big X home favorites of 13+ points are 3-2 vs spread.
Purdue (-4) won 79-76 at Iowa Dec 28th, its ninth win in last ten series games, in game where Boilers' bench outscored Iowa's 36-20, but Iowa had 21-7 edge at charity stripe. Hawkeyes lost last four visits here, by 1-22-23-23 points. Purdue scored 75+ points in its three conference Ws, 45-62 in its losses. Iowa is 3-3 in league, with losses by 3-29-34 points; they've won at Wisconsin/Minnesota. Big Dozen home favorites of 9+ points are 4-1 against the spread.
Florida State beat North Carolina by 33 Saturday, now is in less desired role as favorite vs Maryland team they've lost to five of last six games, losing last three meetings by 9-4-16 points. Seminoles won last couple home games by 29-33 points, after losing in triple OT to Princeton the home game before that. Maryland covered in only road game, 79-74 loss at NC State; they're 0-4 vs teams in top 60, losing by 20-26-9-5 points. ACC home favorites are 2-6-1 against the spread.
Arkansas upset Kentucky 77-76 at home in OT LY, ending 7-game skid in series; Hogs lost last four visits to Rupp Arena by 17-2-5-31 points. Hogs won eight of last nine games, but they're 0-3 on road this season, with losses by 13-15-8 points. Kentucky won its last nine games; they are 3-1 vs top 100 teams, winning by 10-1-7 point, with loss to Indiana. SEC home favorites are 6-3 vs spread, 3-2 if they're laying double digits. Wildcats block 21.2% of opponents' shots, #2 mark in country.
Boise State-Colorado State meet for first time as Mountain West rivals; Broncos lost first MWC game at home to Air Force Saturday, a bad loss to start league play with. Boise lost five of last seven games; they're 0-5 on road, losing away games by 10-19-17-9-13 points. Colorado State is #5 in country behind arc, making 42.9% of 3-pointer; they've won seven games in row, winning MWC opener in double OT over TCU, after they held off a good Denver team 79-75 the game before that.
Tuesday's Top College Basketball Trends
BOISE ST is 0-12 ATS after having lost 2 of their last 3 games (vs Colorado St)
KENTUCKY is 0-10 ATS after allowing 65 points or less 3 straight games (vs Arkansas)
PURDUE is 10-0 ATS in home games after playing a game as favorite (vs Purdue)
LSU is 10-1 UNDER after scoring 30 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games (vs Auburn)
FLORIDA ST is 21-5 UNDER in home games after 2 or more consecutive wins (vs Maryland)