Tuesday's Best NCAAB Bets
By Covers.com
Alabama Crimson Tide at Auburn Tigers (5.5, 119.5)
Alabama hits the road for the first time in two weeks to face in-state rival Auburn for the first time this season, but will be without forward Tony Mitchell, who was suspended indefinitely by coach Anthony Grant for conduct detrimental to the team.
Mitchell averages 13.1 points and seven assists per game.
Both teams prefer playing a half-court style of offense and would rather play a low-scoring game; Alabama averages only 66.4 points and Auburn averages 64.6 points.
Alabama, which has won two straight games including a double-overtime win over Ole Miss, has the edge on defense and allows only 58.3 points. But Auburn, losers of three of its last four, has been especially tough at home with a 12-1 record, losing only to No. 1 Kentucky.
Alabama leads the all-time series 87-56, but Auburn has won six of the last 10.
The Tigers are also riding a 7-1 run against the spread.
Pick: Tigers
Iowa State Cyclones at Oklahoma State Cowboys (-1.5, 140)
Just three days after picking up an impressive road victory at Oklahoma, Iowa State will attempt to make it two straight in the “Sooner State” on a trip to Oklahoma State.
The Cyclones, winners of three in a row, are the best surprise story in the Big 12 through the first half of the conference slate. At 7-3, they’re two games up on fifth-place Kansas State and trail co-leaders Baylor, Missouri and Kansas by only a game.
The Cowboys, normally one of the best home teams in the league, have already dropped two Big 12 games at Gallagher-Iba Arena so far, including a 64-60 setback against Baylor on Saturday.
The Cyclones’ 77-70 win at Oklahoma was their first in Norman since 1996, and now they’ll try to follow that up with their first win in Stillwater since 1988. It’s a 16-game losing streak at Oklahoma State, but this year’s Iowa State team is all about breaking the mold.
Pick: Cyclones
Tuesday's CBB Tips
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com
The Tuesday college basketball card has only eight games on the board, but there is a pair of important conference showdowns. Inside the Big 10, Ohio State looks to stay hot at home as the Buckeyes welcome in Purdue. We'll begin in Lexington as two old rivals meet up for SEC East supremacy.
Florida at Kentucky (-9½, 142)
The Wildcats are back in the top spot in both the AP and Coaches Poll after blowing out South Carolina on Saturday. Kentucky (21-1, 9-0 SEC) covered for the fourth straight game with the 34-point rout in Columbia, as the 'Cats battle Florida on Tuesday. The Gators (19-4, 7-1 SEC) are riding a seven-game winning streak following a 73-65 victory over Vanderbilt.
For the exception of a buzzer-beating loss at Indiana in December, John Calipari's squad has dominated this season, while winning 15 consecutive games since that setback in Bloomington. During this hot streak, UK has picked up 12 victories by double-digits, including seven of those in conference play. The Wildcats burned bettors for a nice stretch by failing to cover 13 straight games from late November until mid-January. However, Kentucky is rolling lately with four covers in a row, even though each opponent will not make the NCAA Tournament (Georgia, Tennessee, LSU, and South Carolina).
The Wildcats face a stout opponent in Billy Donovan's Gators, who invade Rupp Arena off three straight home wins over Mississippi State, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt. Florida owns a 4-4 ATS record in SEC play, while being favored in each of those contests. The last time the Gators were listed as an underdog, UF cashed at the Carrier Dome in a 72-68 defeat as seven-point 'dogs against Syracuse in early December. In fact, the Gators are 2-0 ATS when receiving points this season, but are winless in those contests, including a loss at Ohio State in November.
The two teams split the regular season series in 2011 with the home squad winning each time. Kentucky captured the SEC Tournament crown in Atlanta by defeating Florida, 70-54 as short underdogs. The Gators had only one player in double-figures, while being held to 39% shooting from the floor. The last time Kentucky fell at home to Florida was 2007, but the Wildcats cashed as 3½-point home 'dogs in a 64-61 loss.
Purdue at Ohio State (-14½, 130)
Two teams going in different directions meet up in Columbus as Ohio State looks for a sixth consecutive win. The Buckeyes (20-3, 8-3 Big 10) are fresh off a 58-52 victory at Wisconsin on Saturday as 3½-point favorites, their fifth straight cover. OSU hosts a Purdue (15-8, 5-5 Big 10) squad that has dropped three of four, including a 17-point home loss to rival Indiana.
The Buckeyes are 7-1 ATS the previous eight games, while going a perfect 6-0 ATS the last six opportunities as double-digit favorites. To show how dominant this team has been at home, Thad Matta's group is winning by an average of 24 points per game in conference action at Value City Arena. Ohio State has failed to cover twice at home, but both ATS losses were by close margins as the Buckeyes held off Florida, 81-74 as 7½-point 'chalk,' and Lamar in a 20-point triumph as 22-point favorites.
Purdue suffered several close losses in non-conference play with defeats to Xavier and Butler, falling by a combined seven points. A 2-0 start in Big 10 play when down the drain when Matt Painter's team lost five of its next eight games. The Boilermakers are 3-2 SU and 2-3 ATS in five conference road contests, including victories at Iowa, Minnesota, and Northwestern.
The home squads won each meeting last season, as OSU dominated Purdue in Columbus, 87-64 as 7½-point favorites. The Boilermakers have taken four of the previous six meetings, while Purdue's last win at Value City Arena came in 2010 as 3½-point 'dogs.
NCAAB Preview
Iowa State (-8) beat Oklahoma State 71-68 in first meeting Jan 18, with Cyclones shooting 50% from floor, 10-27 from arc; ISU won five of last six games, covered six of last seven- they're 5-0 vs spread on Big X road, 4-0 as road dog, with only road losses by 9 at Kansas, 7 at Texas. OSU is 3-2 at home in Big X, losing by 8 to K-State, by 4 to Baylor; they're 2-1 as a Big X favorite. Big X home teams are 7-2-1 vs spread if number is 3 or less. ISU's White took one shot in 34:00 in Saturday's win.
Florida lost six of last eight games with Kentucky, losing last four here, by 5-3-8-8 points; Gators won last seven games, winning at Ole Miss by 4, South Carolina by 14- they're 2-0 as a dog this year, covering but losing at Ohio State/Syracuse. SEC single digit home favorites are 12-7 against the spread. Kentucky is 9-0 in SEC, covering its last four games; they're 2-2 as SEC home favorite, winning home games by 15-23-6-25 points. Only second Florida road game in last 27 days
Maryland covered its last three games as an underdog, losing last two by 4-9 points; they're 0-3 on ACC road, losing by 5 at NC State, at Florida State by 14, Miami by 4 in double OT. Terrapins are 3-10 this season against teams ranked in top 100 (Clemson is #91). Tigers lost five of last seven games, are 0-3 vs spread as ACC favorite, but they've won three of four at home in ACC, with home wins by 29-2-11 points. ACC single digit home favorites are 2-12 against the spread.
Creighton won six in row, 12 of last 13 games with Evansville, winning last three visits here by 22-8-6 points; Bluejays had an 11-game winning streak snapped at buzzer at Northern Iowa Saturday- they're 6-6 vs the spread as an MVC favorite, 2-3 on road, winning away games by 7-9-9-1-8 points. Evansville is 10-3 vs spread in MVC, covering all six tries as an underdog- they're 3-3 at home, with losses by 1-9-9 points. MVC home underdogs are 13-8 against the spread this season.
Kansas State (-11.5) won 69-47 in Lubbock 13 days ago, forcing Texas Tech to turn ball over 24 times while shooting 37.5% from floor; K-State is 0-4 as Big X home favorite, winning home games by 16-4-11 points, with losses to Baylor/Oklahoma. Big X double digit home favorites are 6-11 against the spread. Tech is 0-10 in conference but 4-1 as road dog, losing away games by 8-13-9-13-17 points. Tech came within 13 points in only one of its last nine games.
Providence is 2-9 in Big East but covered last three games, with its last two losses by three points each. Not sure how Villanova is favored over anyone, but they did cover last three times they were favored, winning by 16-8-3 points; they've lost last three games and are 3-8 in Big East, with one win by more than 8 points. Big East single digit home favorites are 21-18 against the spread. Friars ended 7-game series losing skid with a 93-68 upset win over Villanova in LY'smeeting.
Alabama suspended its second leading scorer Mitchell; Auburn lost last three ganes against Crimson Tide by 12-10-2 points. Bama's win here in LY's game was their first in its last five visits here, losing by 24-12-1-14 points. Tide lost its last three road games, by 4-6-2 points; they're 1-5 vs spread in last six games overall. Auburn is 4-0 vs spread at home, 2-0 as home dog, winning last two home games, over So Carolina/Georgia. SEC home underdogs of 8 or less points are 8-3 against the spread.
Purdue lost three of last four games, covered one of last six; three of its five conference losses are by 17+ points. Boilers are struggling to score, scoring average of 60.3 ppg in last four games. Ohio State won/covered its last five games, with four of five wins by 15+ points; they're 5-0 as a conference home fave, winning in Columbus by 33-31-17-24-15 points. Big Dozen double digit home favorites are 9-4 against the spread. Purdue lost three of last three visits here, with two losses in OT.
Game of the day: Florida Gators at Kentucky Wildcats
By Covers.com
Florida Gators at Kentucky Wildcats (-9.5, 142)
THE STORY: Florida comes into the SEC first-place showdown leading the conference in scoring offense and 3-point shooting percentage. Kentucky, though, has been almost impenetrable defensively, yielding an average of 47.5 points over its last four games. The Wildcats have won six of the last eight meetings against the Gators, including a 70-54 triumph in last year's SEC Tournament championship. The two schools split their regular season series last season, with the home team winning both games. Kentucky has won an NCAA-best 48 consecutive home games.
LINE: Kentucky opened as a 9.5-point favorite with a 142-point total on the board.
ABOUT FLORIDA (19-4, 7-1 SEC): The Gators lead the nation with 10.5 3-point shots made per game, making 40 percent of their 575 attempts. Defense, though, has been the key during the current seven-game win streak. Florida has not reached its season average of 80.4 ppg once during that span but is allowing just 60.7 points. Junior SG Kenny Boynton is second in the SEC with 17.5 ppg, while senior PG Erving Walker adds 12.7 points and a league-best 5.1 assists. The two veteran guards rank second and third in the SEC in 3-point percentage at 43.8 and 39.8, respectively.
ABOUT KENTUCKY (23-1, 9-0): The Wildcats lead the nation in field-goal percentage defense (35.8) and blocked shots (9.4). One of the main reasons for their success has been the play of freshman F Anthony Davis (13.9 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 4.8 bpg), a national player of the year candidate and the NCAA leader in blocks. Kentucky's balanced lineup boasts three other starters averaging 12.5 ppg or more — sophomore SG Doron Lamb (13.5), freshman F Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (12.6) and sophomore F Terrence Jones (12.5).
TRENDS:
- Kentucky is 2-11-1 against the spread in its last 14 home games.
- Florida is 9-4-1 against the spread in the last 14 meetings between the two teams.
- The over is 7-3 in Florida's last 10 road games.
TIP-INS
1. Kentucky owns a commanding 90-33 lead in the all-time series, but Florida won seven straight meetings between 2005 and 2008.
2. The Wildcats are 65-2 all-time at home when ranked No. 1 in the country.
3. Davis needed just 24 games to collect 116 blocks, eclipsing the SEC freshman record of 115 set by LSU's Shaquille O'Neal over 32 games in 1990.
IOWA ST (17 - 6) at OKLAHOMA ST (11 - 12) - 2/7/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA ST is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
IOWA ST is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA ST is 3-0 against the spread versus IOWA ST over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA ST is 2-1 straight up against IOWA ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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FLORIDA (19 - 4) at KENTUCKY (23 - 1) - 2/7/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 228-186 ATS (+23.4 Units) in all games since 1997.
FLORIDA is 228-186 ATS (+23.4 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
FLORIDA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
KENTUCKY is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
KENTUCKY is 2-2 against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
KENTUCKY is 4-1 straight up against FLORIDA 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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MARYLAND (13 - 9) at CLEMSON (11 - 11) - 2/7/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEMSON is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points since 1997.
CLEMSON is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CLEMSON is 2-1 against the spread versus MARYLAND over the last 3 seasons
MARYLAND is 2-1 straight up against CLEMSON over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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CREIGHTON (21 - 3) at EVANSVILLE (11 - 12) - 2/7/2012, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EVANSVILLE is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
EVANSVILLE is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) against conference opponents this season.
EVANSVILLE is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
EVANSVILLE is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
CREIGHTON is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CREIGHTON is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CREIGHTON is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CREIGHTON is 3-1 against the spread versus EVANSVILLE over the last 3 seasons
CREIGHTON is 4-0 straight up against EVANSVILLE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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TEXAS TECH (7 - 15) at KANSAS ST (16 - 6) - 2/7/2012, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS TECH is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) in all games this season.
TEXAS TECH is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) in all lined games this season.
TEXAS TECH is 90-120 ATS (-42.0 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS ST is 3-0 against the spread versus TEXAS TECH over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS ST is 3-0 straight up against TEXAS TECH over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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PROVIDENCE (13 - 11) at VILLANOVA (10 - 13) - 2/7/2012, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VILLANOVA is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in all games this season.
VILLANOVA is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in all lined games this season.
VILLANOVA is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
PROVIDENCE is 2-0 against the spread versus VILLANOVA over the last 3 seasons
VILLANOVA is 1-1 straight up against PROVIDENCE 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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ALABAMA (15 - 7) at AUBURN (13 - 10) - 2/7/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
AUBURN is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
AUBURN is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
AUBURN is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after a conference game this season.
AUBURN is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
AUBURN is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
AUBURN is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
AUBURN is 1-1 against the spread versus ALABAMA over the last 3 seasons
ALABAMA is 3-1 straight up against AUBURN 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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PURDUE (15 - 8) at OHIO ST (20 - 3) - 2/7/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PURDUE is 59-85 ATS (-34.5 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
PURDUE is 57-83 ATS (-34.3 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
PURDUE is 44-71 ATS (-34.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
PURDUE is 25-43 ATS (-22.3 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
OHIO ST is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
OHIO ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points this season.
OHIO ST is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all home games this season.
OHIO ST is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in home lined games this season.
OHIO ST is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
OHIO ST is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO ST is 115-83 ATS (+23.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
OHIO ST is 2-2 against the spread versus PURDUE over the last 3 seasons
OHIO ST is 2-2 straight up against PURDUE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MARYLAND vs. CLEMSON
Maryland is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
Maryland is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Clemson is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Clemson's last 5 games
FLORIDA vs. KENTUCKY
Florida is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Florida's last 10 games on the road
Kentucky is 6-13 ATS in its last 19 games
Kentucky is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
IOWA STATE vs. OKLAHOMA STATE
Iowa State is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games on the road
Iowa State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Oklahoma State is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games at home
TEXAS TECH vs. KANSAS STATE
Texas Tech is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas Tech's last 6 games on the road
Kansas State is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Kansas State is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games
PROVIDENCE vs. VILLANOVA
Providence is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games on the road
Providence is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Villanova is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Villanova's last 5 games
CREIGHTON vs. EVANSVILLE
Creighton is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Creighton's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Evansville's last 7 games
Evansville is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games at home
PURDUE vs. OHIO STATE
Purdue is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Purdue's last 6 games on the road
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
ALABAMA vs. AUBURN
Alabama is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Alabama is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Auburn is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Auburn's last 5 games
SEATTLE vs. IDAHO
No trends available
Idaho is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Idaho's last 7 games
Tuesday's Top College Basketball Trends
OHIO ST is 16-1 ATS in home games after 2 consecutive covers as a favorite (vs Purdue)
ALABAMA is 9-31 ATS off a home no-cover where the team won straight up as a favorite (vs Auburn)
CLEMSON is 1-9 ATS as a favorite (vs Maryland)
KENTUCKY is 2-11 ATS after allowing 65 points or less 3 straight games (vs Kentucky)
VILLANOVA is 4-17 ATS after failing to cover the spread in 2 or more consecutive games (vs Providence)