College Knowledge
-- Tennessee won its last four games vs LSU, beating Tigers LY in OT in Baton Rouge; Tigers lost three of last four visits here, with losses by 3-22-23 points. LSU won five of last six games overall, are 3-1 as an SEC road dog, with road losses by 5-9-5-3 points. Tennessee won by 30 over shorthanded Kentucky last game; Vols won last three games, allowing an average of 55 ppg. SEC home favorites of 6+ points are 15-22.
-- Quick turnaround for Wichita squad that stole win at Illinois State two nights ago, after being down 5 with 0:50 left. Shockers (-12) got beat at home 68-55 by Indiana State Jan 29, shooting 27% from floor- they won last three games overall by 29-15-1. Sycamores lost last two games, but are 7-0 at home in Valley, including 76-57 win over Creighton. Home underdogs of 5 or less points are 14-5 vs spread in MVC this year.
-- Indiana (-9.5) shot 59% inside arc, beat Michigan State 75-50 Jan 27, 13th win for home team in last 15 series games. Hoosiers lost last seven visits here, by 12-14-8-28-29-1-15 points, but they're 8-1 in last nine games overall, including win at Ohio State last week. Spartans won last five games since loss at Indiana; they're 6-0 at home in league. Big Dozen favorites are 11-6 in games where spread is 3 or less points.
-- Florida State won last three games vs NC State by 13-10-14 points; they've won last four visits to NC State, but lost three of last four road games, losing by 20-24-25 points- they're 3-2 as ACC road underdogs. Wolfpack is 4-5 in last nine games, with no wins by more than 8 points; they're 2-3 as ACC home favorite, winning game in Raleigh by 13-8-4-8-4 points. ACC home favorites of 8+ points are 13-8 vs spread.
-- Marquette (-9.5) beat Seton Hall 69-62 Jan 16, its 10th win in last 11 series games; Eagles won three of last four visits here, losing 85-72 in its last visit two years ago. Marquette won five of last seven games; they're 2-3 on Big East road, 1-0 as road favorite. Pirates lost last seven games, are 0-4 as home underdogs, losing at home by 15-12-6-11-11 points. Big East home underdogs of 6 or less points are 7-12 against spread.
-- Texas split its first two games with Kabongo eligible, upsetting Iowa State in OT; they beat TCU 60-43 (-12) at home Feb 2, holding Frogs to 32.7% from floor. Longhorns are 0-5 SU on Big X road this year, 2-1 vs spread as favorite. TCU is 1-4 as home dog, with an upset over Kansas, and losses by 9-13-13-26-13 points. Big X home underdogs of 7 or less points are 2-4 against the spread.
-- Northern Iowa (-12) beat Missouri State 48-37 two weeks ago, game Bears led 29-26 with 10:00 left; Panthers are 7-2 in last nine series tilts, winning three of last four visits here, with wins by 9-1-1. State is 12-3 vs spread in Valley games, 5-1 as home dog; they're 5-2 SU at home in league, losing to Creighton by 22, Wichita by 10. MVC home underdogs of 6 or less points are 15-6 against the spread.
-- Saint Louis won/covered last seven games, with all seven wins by 9+ points; Billikens are 3-2 as A-16 home favorite, winning home games by 8-17-29-18 points, with loss to URI. VCU won its last five games and is A-16 underdog for first time; they're 4-1 on A-16 road, with only loss in OT at Richmond, when they led by 7 in last minute, before blowing it. Six of last eight Billiken games went over total. A-16 home favorites of 4 or less points are 17-11 vs spread.
-- Florida (-13) crushed Missouri 83-52 Jan 19, forcing 21 turnovers and shooting 67.5% inside arc; Mizzou is 6-0 at home in SEC games- they were favored in all six. Gators won last three games by 25-17-31 points, since getting upset at Arkansas- they're 5-1 as SEC road favorites. SEC home underdogs of 5 or less points are 11-6 vs spread. Missouri's last three losses are by 3-2-2 points.
-- Miami pulled out 45-43 win at Clemson Sunday after trailing by 4 in last 1:46; they've won six of last eight games vs Virginia, with last three won by a point or in OT. 'canes lost four of last five visits here, losing by 20-11-1-18 points. Miami is 4-0 as home favorite, winning at home by 7-27-24-22-26 points. ACC home favorites of 8+ points are 13-8 vs spread. Virginia won three of last four games, is 2-4 on ACC road, with losses by 3-15-6-12 points- their last five games went over total.
-- Maryland (-8.5) beat Boston College 64-59 Jan 22, in game that saw both teams shoot less than 60% on foul line; trap game for Terp squad off emotional win over Duke, despite turning ball over 26 times- they've split last four visits here. BC lost 8 of its last 11 games, four of six ACC home games; their last three games (!-2) were decided by total of seven points. ACC home underdogs are 16-5 against spread.
-- North Carolina (-10.5) beat Georgia Tech 79-63 Jan 23, holding Tech to 36% from floor; UNC lost four of last five visits here, with only win by a point five years ago. Home teams won 11 of last 13 series games. Tar Heels lost three of last four road games (won by 12 at BC). Tech is 4-3 in last seven games, with last six decided by 6 or less points. ACC home underdogs are 16-5 against the spread; Tech is 1-1 as home dog.
-- Nevada (+2.5) won 68-61 in Fresno Jan 19, outscoring Bulldogs 30-12 on foul line (Wolf Pack was 30-37, Fresno 12-21); Nevada lost three of five MWC home games, beating Boise by 16, Air Force by 5- they're 1-1 as home favorites. Bulldogs lost seven of last eight games, are 2-3 as dog on MWC road. Four of last five Fresno games stayed under total. MWC home favorites of 6 or less points are 10-4 against the spread.
Armadillosports.com
Tuesday's Top 25 NCB Betting Notes
By Covers.com
Check out our quick-hitting betting notes on all of Tuesday’s ranked college basketball games:
(1) Indiana at (5) Michigan State (-1.5)
A five-game winning streak has Michigan State knocking on the door to sole possession of first place in the Big Ten. Michigan State has not lost since dropping a 75-70 decision in Bloomington, Ind., on Jan. 27 and is currently tied with the Hoosiers atop the conference. The Spartans have held their last four opponents to an average of 57.8 points and sit second in the Big Ten in scoring defense (59.1). The Hoosiers lead the Big Ten in scoring offense (82.9) and have gone for 80 or more points in four of their last five victories. Indiana is 1-8 ATS in the last nine meetings at Michigan State.
(20) Marquette at Seton Hall (+5.5)
Marquette has won three of four following Saturday's impressive 79-69 victory over Pittsburgh that extended its home winning streak to 23 games - the fourth-longest active streak nationally. The Pirates are careening in the other direction, having dropped seven consecutive games and 11 of their last 12 to move within one game of the conference cellar. Marquette has won 10 of 12 meetings overall but Seton Hall captured the last home matchup in March 2011. The Pirates are 8-1 ATS in their last nine Tuesday games.
Duquesne at (15) Butler (-16.5)
Before they take on a difficult stretch run, the Butler Bulldogs get one more very winnable game when they host last-place Duquesne. The Bulldogs will enter a game behind first-place and nationally ranked Virginia Commonwealth in the Atlantic 10 and one-half game back of Saint Louis. The Bulldogs are coming off a 68-63 win at Fordham on Saturday. After scoring less than 70 points in eight straight games, the Dukes erupted for 84 at Temple before suffering a 67-62 loss to Rhode Island Saturday. The Bulldogs are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six games overall.
(24) VCU at Saint Louis (-3.5)
With regular-season games dwindling, the winner of Tuesday's tilt between Virginia Commonwealth and Saint Louis might very well be to determine the Atlantic 10 champion. The Billikens find themselves a half-game behind the Rams, who are on top in their inaugural season in the conference. Both teams have responded to two-game slumps with extended winning streaks (five for Virginia Commonwealth, seven for Saint Louis) and it'll be a battle of offense against defense to see which streak continues. The Rams enter boasting the league's top scoring offense, averaging over 78 points per game, over five points better than the next-best team. But the Billiken defense, the Atlantic 10's best, has allowed just 104 combined points in the past two games. Saint Louis is 7-0 ATS in its last seven games overall.
Virginia at (2) Miami-Florida (-8)
Virginia shot 58.5 percent from the field in Saturday’s 93-81 loss at North Carolina. That’s the Cavaliers’ best shooting in a defeat since 2003, when they made 59.2 percent in a 78-77 loss at Clemson. Virginia is also holding its opponents to 54 points per game and is ranked first in the ACC in scoring defense. Miami extended its winning streak to 13 games with a thrilling win at Clemson Sunday and is now one win shy of tying a school record of 14 consecutive victories. The Hurricanes are undefeated in ACC play with a 12-0 mark and 5-0 all-time at home against the Cavaliers. Miami is 14-3 ATS in its last 17 home games.
(4) Florida at Missouri (+4.5)
Florida shot 59.3 percent from the field and forced 21 turnovers in an 83-52 triumph over Missouri on Jan. 19. Each the Gators’ 11 SEC victories have come by at least 17 points, but Missouri has been almost as dominant at home, going 14-0 at Mizzou Arena with 12 of those wins coming by at least 14 points. Florida is 6-1 ATS in its last seven road games.
Games to Watch
By David Schwab
VegasInsider.com
No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers vs. No. 8 Michigan State Spartans
Indiana should hold onto the No.1 spot in the nation after posting routine victories over Nebraska and Purdue last week while covering a double-digit spread each time. It is now 23-3 SU and 14-10 ATS this season with the total staying UNDER in three of its last four games. The Hoosiers remain the second-highest scoring team in the country with an average of 82.9 points a game and are shooting an impressive 50.2 percent from the field, which is ranked fourth overall. Cody Zeller has led the way all season long with 16.6 points and 8.2 rebounds a game.
The Spartans are tied with Indiana atop the Big Ten standings at 11-2 but they lost the first meeting this season in late January 75-70 as 9½-point road underdogs. They are 22-4 SU overall and 10-11-2 ATS. The total has gone OVER in four of their last six games. Michigan State brings a five-game winning streak into this showdown that includes double-digit victories over Minnesota and Michigan. It has averaged 73.4 points a game during this run while holding its opponents to just 61.2 points a game.
College Basketball: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com
Indiana at Michigan State
Indiana Hoosiers dispatching Nebraska and Purdue this past week moving the mark to 23-3 (14-10 ATS) overall, 11-2 (6-7 ATS) in the Big Ten look to take over top spot in the conference with a win over Michigan State. Hoosiers the second-highest scoring team in the nation having little trouble putting the ball through the hoop average 82.9 points/game on an impressive 50.2% shooting while giving up 61.0 per/contest. Spartans on a five-game win streak moving to 22-4 (10-11-2 ATS), 11-2 (8-4-1 ATS) in the conference score 70.0 points/game while allowing opponents 59.1 points a game. Hoosiers won the first meeting at Assembly Hall topping Spartans 75-70 but this contest is in East Lansing a venue that has seen Hoosiers post a dreadful 0-9 mark (1-8 ATS).
Tuesday Cliff Notes
By Dave Essler
And we really do like this card, at least a whole lot better than Monday's. Many of these games have much bigger implications than just this one game. There's Conference seedings at stake, as well as those Top Tier teams that want at least a #2 seed in the Tournament. And yeah, they go by RPI and all that, but there's still the human element and most humans I know have a very short memory, so they will indeed pay a lot more homage to these late-season marquee games. We have a lot of work to do.
Indiana at Michigan State: I suppose people will be lining up to take the Spartans because of what they did to Michigan, which was predictable, and the fact that they lost at Indiana earlier in the season. With that in mind, you probably will pay for an extra possession or so by taking the Spartans. Both teams have had three days rest after thrashing inferior teams, which is somewhat surprising that at least one of them didn't have a closer game, given the look-ahead spots. Both these teams are 11-2 in Conference so this game will go a long way towards determining a LOT of things. I will try to make a case for the Hoosiers, because the one for the Spartans is just obvious. Playing well. Izzo. What I don't like about the Hoosiers is that they are 11th in the Big Ten in turnovers, but, they are second in actually creating them. In games like this (most, actually) turnovers and rebounds are about the only separation and games' end. Indiana does have the size and the experience here, but I am not sure they're going to win on the road simply shooting three's. If the Spartans do have a weakness, it's probably interior defense. With that in mind, I do like the fact that Indiana gets to the line a ton, and that may be the difference. Even on the road. I see that BetOnline opened the Hoosiers as a favorite and obviously everyone jumped on MSU with the points. I'll be interested to see what line(s) actually come out and where they settle. Remember, it doesn't take much money to move a virgin line. I would have taken the +1.5 too, if for no other reason than the fact that if it went to MSU -1.5, I'd take the Hoosiers with the points. I do think this is a last possession game. MSU the home floor and revenge, and Indiana probably better talent.
VCU at St. Louis: And these two teams are tied atop the A-10 as well. What's interesting is that they've played the two worst Conference schedules, too, meaning we really need to look ahead for a minute. St. Louis is AT Butler in three days, and probably a pissed off Bulldog team because the Billikens beat them by 17 on New Years' Eve. I have to lean to St. Louis here, but cautiously with that spot. The reason being that they've only lost once at home (in conference, they did lost to Santa Clara in November) and the fact that the best team VCU has beaten on the road is/was St. Bonaventure. St. Louis clearly has the size and the experience, and will slow the tempo down. VCU typically lives and dies by the three, and on the road that isn't always a good thing. Here we've got a Billiken team that's lone weakness may well be in defending that semi-circle, but St. Louis gets to the line a ton, and I wonder whether VCU has the depth should the get into foul trouble. I will say that since Conference play has started it appears VCU goes inside more, but against St. Louis and their length that might not be a great idea. They are, however, shooting 53% as a team from inside the arc in the A-10. But, remember what I said about the Conference strength of schedule. St. Louis or nothing.
North Carolina at G-Tech: Does anyone that's not betting on this game even care? Perhaps even those on Tobacco Road. Most of those people in Chapel Hill really only care about the March 9th season Finale against Duke. I really wonder if the youth on this team might not think that way, too, especially where they have NC State at home on Saturday. Clearly G-Tech WILL be excited to play this game, if for no other reason than the fact that they got absolutely destroyed by the Tar Heels a month ago. Clearly I'd have to take Tech or nothing here, but the one thing I did notice was that Tech hasn't played a great schedule and the 'Heels have actually played the second toughest in the ACC. And their losses haven't really been bad ones. Tech cannot score (neither could Clemson until they played Miami, so be careful in the ACC, no matter what sport!) but the do have some length and can play some defense. Some serious defense, actually. With that in mind, probably the best bet in this game is the under.
Witchita State at Indiana State: Well, the Shockers certainly stole on out of their ass on Sunday, which will do one of two things. Give them a ton of confidence, or, drain them from energy playing only two days later. I'm sure they're focused, but the do have a BB game at home against Detroit on Saturday, which will probably go a long way towards determining BOTH teams' post season fate(s). The Sycamores actually beat Witchita State on the road earlier this season in a game where they shot over 60% and held the Shockers to 16-59 (not a misprint) from the floor. Clearly Witchita State's gonna be pissed, but on the road, two days after an improbable win, I'm not sure I can go there. Yet. Yes, ISU lost at Bradley and at Missouri State, which almost defy explanation. However, they have not lost at home, which include wins over Creighton and Northern Iowa. Indiana State is a terrible offensive rebounding team, and the Shockers clean up the glass really well, so it appears that they Sycamore's are once again going to have to shoot 60% to win this game. I don't like that Witchita has turned it over so much, and I almost see another game like Sunday's against Illinois State, only in reverse. I think Witchita comes out fast and the scoring is done early here, and that they perhaps tire a bit in the 2H off less rest and an emotional game. ISU clearly, after those losses, will have an extra possession built in here, but this could be one of those games that "value" doesn't matter (to me).
College Basketball Point Spreads and Picks
By: Larry Hartstein
Sportingnews.com
The Big Ten's weekly "Game of the Year" takes place Tuesday night when top-ranked Indiana visits fourth-ranked Michigan State in the first meeting of top five teams at the Breslin Center.
Magic Johnson will be on ESPN's mic. A potential No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament is at stake. And it's Tom Izzo against his former assistant, Tom Crean.
History favors the Spartans. They've won 14 straight home games over the Hoosiers, going 11-3 ATS.
While Michigan State doesn't expect Travis Trice (head) to return for this game — he played 30 minutes in the first meeting on Jan. 27 — Indiana expects Victor Oladipo (13.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.3 apg) to play despite limping off with a sprained ankle Saturday.
"He guards on the defensive end and gets them going offensively in transition," Michigan State guard Gary Harris said of Oladipo. "We just have to be smart, especially on the offensive end because he plays the passing lanes."
In Indiana's 75-70 win in Bloomington, Ind., Oladipo had 21 points, seven rebounds, six steals and three blocks as the Hoosiers turned back repeated Michigan State rallies. The Spartans went scoreless over the final 3:12. That's their only loss since Dec. 31. They're 7-3-2 ATS this calendar year.
"It doesn't get any better or bigger than this," Izzo said. "What I'm going to preach to my guys is, these are opportunities that 99 percent of America never gets to be a part of."
No. 1 Indiana (23-3 SU, 14-10 ATS) at No. 4 Michigan State (22-4 SU, 10-11-2 ATS), 7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Line: Michigan State -1, Total: 141
Trends:
Indiana is 5-1 ATS in its last six games.
Indiana is 2-5 ATS in its last seven games against teams with .600-plus winning percentages.
Michigan State is 3-0-1 ATS in its last four games.
Michigan State is 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven games against teams with .600-plus winning percentages.
Over is 10-2-1 in Michigan State's last 13 games against winning teams.
Over is 5-1-1 in the last seven meetings at Michigan State.
Home team is 16-5 ATS in the last 21 meetings.
Indiana is 1-8 ATS in its last nine visits to Michigan State.
The Linemakers’ lean: We’ve been talking about plenty of Big Ten games this season, but this one may be the biggest of them all, as a top seed in the tournament could be on the line. We were expecting Michigan State to be a dog in this spot, and the fact that the Spartans are favorites indicates they may finally be getting the respect they deserve.
No. 5 Florida (21-3 SU, 14-7 ATS) at Missouri (18-7 SU, 10-11 ATS), 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Line: Florida -5, Total: 139
Missouri is 14-0 at Mizzou Arena this season and 29-1 at home in two seasons under Frank Haith, though only two of those victories (both last season) came against ranked teams. The Tigers are a completely different team on the road, as they showed again Saturday by collapsing at Arkansas.
You can throw out the first meeting, Florida's 83-52 win in Gainesville on Jan. 19. Missouri didn't have forward Laurence Bowers (14.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg) for that one. But consider that Florida is coming off its eighth win this season by at least 30 points.
"They're a very gifted, talented group on both ends of the court. Very good, very sound, experienced," Haith said of the Gators. "They're older than any team in our league and experienced; they've been to the Elite Eight two years in a row."
The Linemakers’ lean: The beatdown they were given in Gainesville will certainly by on the minds of the Missouri Tigers, who have yet to lose at home this season. But it's tough to find any weaknesses with Florida, who is 7-3 ATS on the road and 11-1 in the SEC. The Gators have been a double-digit favorite in their last 15 games, so tonight’s price may seem a bit cheap. Not to us, however.
Trends:
Florida is 6-1 ATS in its last seven road games.
Florida is 5-2 ATS in its last seven games against teams with .600-plus winning percentages.
Missouri is 6-2 ATS in its last eight home games.
Missouri is 1-5 ATS in its last six games against teams with .600-plus winning percentages.
Over is 4-1 in Florida's last five games.
Over is 21-6 in Missouri's last 27 games.
Over is 4-0 in Missouri's last four games following an ATS loss.
Virginia (18-7 SU, 14-7-1 ATS) at No. 2 Miami (21-3 SU, 15-5-1 ATS), 9 p.m. ET, ESPNU
Line: Miami -8
Both teams have been ATS gold. Miami has covered six straight home games and won its last four at BankUnited Center by an average of 24.8 points. Virginia is 14-7-1 ATS on the season, but just 2-5 against the number in its last seven road or neutral-site games.
This is a very quick turnaround for the Hurricanes, who survived by a score of 45-43 at Clemson on Sunday night.
"In this case, we have one day of practice (Monday) and because of the game we played (Sunday) night, you know the guys need their rest," coach Jim Larranaga said. "The most important thing you can do to get your team ready is to figure out a way to give them energy."
Trends:
Virginia is 4-1-1 ATS in its last six games following an ATS loss.
Virginia is 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 games against teams with .600-plus winning percentages.
Virginia is 3-8-1 ATS in its last 12 road games against teams with winning home records.
Miami is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games following an ATS loss.
Miami is 14-3 ATS in its last 17 home games.
Under is 6-2-1 in Miami's last nine home games.
Over is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings.
Road team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.
The Linemakers' lean: Miami is 12-0 in the ACC and has won 13 straight games. Virginia has won seven of nine but is 0-15 in the state of Florida since 2001. They are 0-5 at Miami all-time, and this does not look like the night on which the trend will end. The Hurricanes have won their last four home games by an average of 24.8 points, including blowouts over both Duke and North Carolina. We are not drinking the Miami cool-aid yet as far as the national championship goes, but we're laying the points in this one.
Another lean from The Linemakers:
St. Louis (-3.5) vs. VCU: St. Louis is a different team since the Dec. 28 return of Kwamain Mitchell, as the Billikens have gone 11-2 since then. VCU’s defense has an ability to shut an opponent down, but St. Louis is equally good defensively and will control the tempo on its home floor. VCU is 7-2 SU on the road, but a bankroll-deflating 1-6 ATS.