Tom Stryker
UAB (-) over Rice
If UAB wants to sneak back into the AP Top 25 and actually stay there for a period of time, the Blazers realize they must win games like the one this afternoon against Rice. Led by a pair of Freshman Arsalan Kazemi and Tamir Jackson, the Owls are just 7-14 SU on the season and a dismal 1-7 SU in conference play.
Off back-to-back straight up conference losses to Texas El Paso and Memphis, UAB head coach Mike Davis will go for the jugular here. As a team, the Blazers have been at their best coming off two or more straight up losses posting a solid 38-18 ATS record including 29-11 ATS in this role in conference action. Equally impressive, in its last 21 priced as a road favorite, Alabama Birmingham is a reliable 13-7-1 ATS including a rewarding 10-2 ATS in this set laying -5' or more.
Quietly, Rice has produced a profitable 13-3-1 ATS in its last 17 priced as a home dog of +9 or more. That record is respected but it won't be enough to pull me off UAB. Overall, the Owls stand 25-43 ATS in conference play facing an opponent that checks in off two or more straight up losses including 4-11 SU and 2-10 ATS in their last 15 tries. Finally, battling an opponent that carries a won/loss percentage greater than .800, Rice has been worth a hoot posting a dismal 9-18-1 ATS record in its last 28 games.
UAB's defense is a big reason why the Blazers own an 18-4 SU record this season. Coach Davis' troops are a force on the boards holding a 6.2 advantage per game (37.1 to 30.9) and, through February 1st, were ranked 18th in the nation in scoring defense. After giving up 74 to UTEP and 85 to Memphis in their last two games, the Blazers will check into Houston focused on shutting down this young Owls bunch. Take UAB.
Brian Graves
Villanova vs. Georgetown
Pick: G'town -2
I am a big fan of Villanova and Jay Wright, but this is a bad spot for them as the Hoyas come off a home loss to South Florida in their last game. Some may think that is a bad loss, but don't be surprised if USF finds their way into the tournament this year as they have the best player in the Big East in Dominique Jones on a roll right now. These two teams played a classic Big East a couple weeks back in Philly and Nova won 82-77, but that is misleading. The Wildcats jumped out to an early big lead and once the Hoyas realized they should pound the ball into the post they outplayed Villanova the rest of the way. There won't be any secrets today as Monroe will see the ball on nearly every possession and since Villanova doesn't really have anyone that can stop him he will get double teamed which will create fouls and wide open looks for easy 3 point shots. Monroe will get a double-double but watch out for Freeman and Wright to go off just as they did last week against Duke. Hoyas win 78-70!
Jimmy Moore
Villanova @ Georgetown
Pick: Georgetown -2
The Hoyas will be out for blood after losing a game to South Florida last time out. Also have revenge from losing to Villanova earlier this season in a close game on the road. G'Town is awesome at home, as they showed against Duke, and will be very motivated in this one.
Jimmy Thompson
St. Louis vs. LaSalle
Pick: LaSalle -4
Watching St. Louis play basketball is the equivalent of watching paint dry and how they are 4-3 in the A-10 we have no idea. They must be putting the other teams into a deep sleep, but LaSalle has the offense to blow out the Billikens in this game. While St. Louis is probing around the 3 arc for forced jumpers as the shot clock expires the Explorers will attack the paint and score quickly and often. LaSalle's record may not look as good as the Billikens but they truly are the better team and they'll prove it today. Guess what Vegas knows that too or else why would this line be LaSalle favored by 4.
OC Dooley
Northern Iowa -10
The bottom line is that today is a very rare shot for the entire country to view one of this season’s very quiet success stories. Northern Iowa is one of only 6 teams in the entire nation to have “two or fewer losses” including a host of squads (Kentucky, Kansas, Villanova) from power conferences. One of the reasons why Northern Iowa receives very little national attention has to do with their boring blue-collar style of play as the squad has no true stars and actually plays together as a cohesive contingent. The Panthers rank #2 in the entire country defensively as their opposition is averaging only 55 points per game against them. On offense the team shares the wealth among a starting five that has been on the floor 35 consecutive times creating incredible continuity rarely seen in college hoops. Northern Iowa sits atop the Missouri Valley Conference standings (11-1) and have won 11 in a row in front of their own HOME fans. Today they host Southern Illinois who is just 5-7 in league play and are currently tied for the eighth-spot in the Missouri Valley standings. Due to their current lofty RPI ranking (#16) it is obvious that Northern Iowa’s incredible 20-2 overall start is no fluke. The school record for wins in a single season is 23 and Northern Iowa is on the brink of surpassing that mark. I will admit that Panthers barely slipped by their last opponent by just a three-point margin but it was against a Wichita State contingent that handed them their only league loss earlier. In Southern Illinois’ most recent outing they shot a SEASON LOW “three pointers” from behind the arc and were held to just 33 points in the entire opening half. Note that in Missouri Valley Conference play earlier in the week the HOME teams managed to come out on top in every contest and nationally ranked Northern Iowa is on their own home floor this evening
DUNKEL
Baylor at Texas A&M
The Bears look to build on their 6-1 ATS record in their last 7 road games. Baylor is the pick (+1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Baylor favored by 2 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Baylor (+1 1/2)
Game 525-526: Marquette at Providence
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 68.901; Providence 65.601
Dunkel Line: Marquette by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Marquette by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (-2 1/2)
Game 527-528: Akron at Ball State
Dunkel Ratings: Akron 60.586; Ball State 52.530
Dunkel Line: Akron by 8
Vegas Line: Akron by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Akron (-5 1/2)
Game 529-530: West Virginia at St. John's
Dunkel Ratings: West Virginia 73.845; St. John's 61.966
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 12
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 7
Dunkel Pick: West Virginia (-7)
Game 531-532: Villanova at Georgetown
Dunkel Ratings: Villanova 73.523; Georgetown 77.969
Dunkel Line: Georgetown by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Georgetown by 2
Dunkel Pick: Georgetown (-2)
Game 533-534: NC Wilmington at Delaware
Dunkel Ratings: NC Wilmington 44.190; Delaware 53.456
Dunkel Line: Delaware by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 535-536: Xavier at Dayton
Dunkel Ratings: Xavier 64.489; Dayton 69.355
Dunkel Line: Dayton by 5
Vegas Line: Dayton by 3
Dunkel Pick: Dayton (-3)
Game 537-538: Wake Forest at Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Wake Forest 70.345; Virginia 68.523
Dunkel Line: Wake Forest by 2
Vegas Line: Virginia by 3
Dunkel Pick: Wake Forest (+3)
Game 539-540: Oklahoma State at Texas Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma State 68.595; Texas Tech 66.145
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas Tech by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma State (+1 1/2)
Game 541-542: Mississippi State at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi State 65.911; Florida 69.160
Dunkel Line: Florida by 3
Vegas Line: Florida by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State (+3 1/2)
Game 543-544: Auburn at Arkansas
Dunkel Ratings: Auburn 58.437; Arkansas 62.196
Dunkel Line: Arkansas by 4
Vegas Line: Arkansas by 5
Dunkel Pick: Auburn (+5)
Game 545-546: Middle Tennessee State at South Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Middle Tennessee State 53.871; South Alabama 50.691
Dunkel Line: Middle Tennessee State by 3
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 1
Dunkel Pick: Middle Tennessee State (-1)
Game 547-548: North Texas at Florida International
Dunkel Ratings: North Texas 51.582; Florida International 50.965
Dunkel Line: North Texas by 1
Vegas Line: North Texas by 5
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+5)
Game 549-550: Bowling Green at Western Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 53.086; Western Michigan 57.387
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 8
Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (+8)
Game 551-552: Charlotte at Fordham
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 63.776; Fordham 44.138
Dunkel Line: Charlotte by 19 1/2
Vegas Line: Charlotte by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-14 1/2)
Game 553-554: Detroit at Valparaiso
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 60.061; Valparaiso 59.768
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Valparaiso by 2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+2)
Game 555-556: Wright State at Butler
Dunkel Ratings: Wright State 59.602; Butler 73.146
Dunkel Line: Butler by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Butler by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Butler (-8 1/2)
Game 557-558: Kansas State at Iowa State
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas State 71.788; Iowa State 65.312
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (-4 1/2)
Game 559-560: Duke at Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: Duke 77.566; Boston College 65.876
Dunkel Line: Duke by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Duke by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-8 1/2)
Game 561-562: Duquesne at George Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Duquesne 53.167; George Washington 60.645
Dunkel Line: George Washington by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: George Washington by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: George Washington (-5 1/2)
Game 563-564: Minnesota at Penn State
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 67.223; Penn State 62.699
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-3 1/2)
Game 565-566: Massachusetts at Rhode Island
Dunkel Ratings: Massachusetts 54.507; Rhode Island 67.228
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Massachusetts (+14 1/2)
Game 567-568: Temple at Richmond
Dunkel Ratings: Temple 65.590; Richmond 61.823
Dunkel Line: Temple by 4
Vegas Line: Richmond by 1
Dunkel Pick: Temple (+1)
Game 569-570: UAB at Rice
Dunkel Ratings: UAB 61.769; Rice 55.810
Dunkel Line: UAB by 6
Vegas Line: UAB by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rice (+9 1/2)
Game 571-572: SMU at Tulane
Dunkel Ratings: SMU 54.188; Tulane 54.956
Dunkel Line: Tulane by 1
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Tulane
Game 573-574: Gonzaga at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Gonzaga 63.169; Memphis 69.462
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Memphis by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-4 1/2)
Game 575-576: California at UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: California 68.156; UCLA 62.997
Dunkel Line: California by 5
Vegas Line: California by 4
Dunkel Pick: California (-4)
Game 577-578: Kentucky at LSU
Dunkel Ratings: Kentucky 75.225; LSU 57.795
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-11 1/2)
Game 579-580: TCU at Air Force
Dunkel Ratings: TCU 54.525; Air Force 52.981
Dunkel Line: TCU by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: TCU
Game 581-582: St. Louis at LaSalle
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 58.747; LaSalle 59.527
Dunkel Line: LaSalle by 1
Vegas Line: LaSalle by 4
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+4)
Game 583-584: Old Dominion at VCU
Dunkel Ratings: Old Dominion 65.643; VCU 66.172
Dunkel Line: VCU by 1
Vegas Line: VCU by 3
Dunkel Pick: Old Dominion (+3)
Game 585-586: Youngstown State at Illinois-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Youngstown State 49.910; Illinois-Chicago 52.653
Dunkel Line: Illinois-Chicago by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois-Chicago by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois-Chicago (-2 1/2)
Game 587-588: Cleveland State at Loyola-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland State 56.595; Loyola-Chicago 53.378
Dunkel Line: Cleveland State by 3
Vegas Line: Cleveland State by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland State (-2 1/2)
Game 589-590: Miami (OH) at Northern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (OH) 55.723; Northern Illinois 49.037
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 3
Dunkel Pick: Miami (OH) (-3)
Game 591-592: BYU at UNLV
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 67.500; UNLV 69.908
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: UNLV by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-1 1/2)
Game 593-594: St. Bonaventure at St. Joseph's
Dunkel Ratings: St. Bonaventure 54.164; St. Joseph's 55.533
Dunkel Line: St. Joseph's by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 2
Dunkel Pick: St. Bonaventure (+2)
Game 595-596: Northeastern at Hofstra
Dunkel Ratings: Northeastern 55.245; Hofstra 55.018
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 3
Dunkel Pick: Hofstra (+3)
Game 597-598: James Madison at Towson
Dunkel Ratings: James Madison 51.865; Towson 45.663
Dunkel Line: James Madison by 6
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 599-600: George Mason at Drexel
Dunkel Ratings: George Mason 55.568; Drexel 65.773
Dunkel Line: Drexel by 10
Vegas Line: Drexel by 6
Dunkel Pick: Drexel (-6)
Game 601-602: Rutgers at Louisville
Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 56.458; Louisville 72.286
Dunkel Line: Louisville by 16
Vegas Line: Louisville by 19
Dunkel Pick: Rutgers (+19)
Game 603-604: Wisconsin at Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Wisconsin 71.793; Michigan 70.064
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin
Game 605-606: North Carolina State at Georgia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina State 63.490; Georgia Tech 74.766
Dunkel Line: Georgia Tech by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Georgia Tech by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia Tech (-10 1/2)
Game 607-608: Clemson at Virginia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Clemson 71.395; Virginia Tech 69.804
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (+1 1/2)
Game 609-610: Missouri at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri 70.300; Colorado 66.667
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+4 1/2)
Game 611-612: Texas at Oklahoma
Dunkel Ratings: Texas 70.109; Oklahoma 68.266
Dunkel Line: Texas by 2
Vegas Line: Texas by 7
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (+7)
Game 613-614: Baylor at Texas A&M
Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 72.397; Texas A&M 70.121
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (+1 1/2)
Game 615-616: Ohio at Eastern Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 51.892; Eastern Michigan 54.448
Dunkel Line: Eastern Michigan by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Eastern Michigan by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (-1 1/2)
Game 617-618: Bradley at Evansville
Dunkel Ratings: Bradley 55.887; Evansville 53.215
Dunkel Line: Bradley by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Bradley by 2
Dunkel Pick: Bradley (-2)
Game 619-620: San Diego State at New Mexico
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego State 64.379; New Mexico 68.306
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 4
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (+7 1/2)
Game 621-622: Southern Illinois at Northern Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Illinois 55.943; Northern Iowa 70.922
Dunkel Line: Northern Iowa by 15
Vegas Line: Northern Iowa by 10
Dunkel Pick: Northern Iowa (-10)
Game 623-624: William & Mary at Georgia State
Dunkel Ratings: William & Mary 58.823; Georgia State 54.590
Dunkel Line: William & Mary by 4
Vegas Line: William & Mary by 2
Dunkel Pick: William & Mary (-2)
Game 625-626: Southern Mississippi at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 56.824; Houston 62.984
Dunkel Line: Houston by 6
Vegas Line: Houston by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (+8 1/2)
Game 627-628: South Carolina at Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: South Carolina 64.964; Tennessee 70.370
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 9
Dunkel Pick: South Carolina (+9)
Game 629-630: Alabama at Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Alabama 64.754; Mississippi 68.772
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 4
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (+7 1/2)
Game 631-632: Oregon at Oregon State
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon 54.113; Oregon State 53.855
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Oregon State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (+1 1/2)
Game 633-634: Florida Atlantic at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Florida Atlantic 45.645; Denver 52.457
Dunkel Line: Denver by 7
Vegas Line: Denver by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-6 1/2)
Game 635-636: Nebraska at Kansas
Dunkel Ratings: Nebraska 62.427; Kansas 82.346
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 20
Vegas Line: Kansas by 22
Dunkel Pick: Nebraska (+22)
Game 637-638: Seton Hall at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Seton Hall 67.677; Pittsburgh 69.693
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 2
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seton Hall (+4 1/2)
Game 639-640: East Carolina at Marshall
Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 46.079; Marshall 62.844
Dunkel Line: Marshall by 17
Vegas Line: Marshall by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marshall (-15 1/2)
Game 641-642: Pennsylvania at Harvard
Dunkel Ratings: Pennsylvania 39.932; Harvard 60.945
Dunkel Line: Harvard by 21
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 643-644: Yale at Columbia
Dunkel Ratings: Yale 45.612; Columbia 44.970
Dunkel Line: Yale by 1
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 645-646: Princeton at Dartmouth
Dunkel Ratings: Princeton 53.216; Dartmouth 46.543
Dunkel Line: Princeton by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 647-648: Brown at Cornell
Dunkel Ratings: Brown 40.264; Cornell 71.769
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 31 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 649-650: Buffalo at Toledo
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 49.239; Toledo 44.127
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 5
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+9 1/2)
Game 651-652: Kent State at Central Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Kent State 60.947; Central Michigan 57.538
Dunkel Line: Kent State by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Kent State by 3
Dunkel Pick: Kent State (-3)
Game 653-654: Stanford at USC
Dunkel Ratings: Stanford 60.722; USC 67.054
Dunkel Line: USC by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: USC by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Stanford (+8 1/2)
Game 655-656: Vanderbilt at Georia
Dunkel Ratings: Vanderbilt 71.073; Georia 67.032
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 4
Vegas Line: Vanderbilt by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia (+4 1/2)
Game 657-658: Arkansas State at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 50.301; New Orleans 46.351
Dunkel Line: Arkansas State by 4
Vegas Line: Arkansas State by 6
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+6)
Game 659-660: Creighton at Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: Creighton 57.555; Missouri State 61.920
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Creighton (+5)
Game 661-662: Drake at Illinois State
Dunkel Ratings: Drake 50.610; Illinois State 62.995
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 9
Dunkel Pick: Illinois State (-9)
Game 663-664: Indiana State at Wichita State
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana State 54.727; Wichita State 66.508
Dunkel Line: Wichita State by 12
Vegas Line: Wichita State by 13
Dunkel Pick: Indiana State (+13)
Game 665-666: DePaul at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: DePaul 53.072; Connecticut 74.792
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 21 1/2
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 16
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-16)
Game 667-668: WI-Milwaukee at WI-Green Bay
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Milwaukee 57.232; WI-Green Bay 57.604
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: WI-Green Bay by 2
Dunkel Pick: WI-Milwaukee (+2)
Game 669-670: CS-Northridge at Long Beach State
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Northridge 47.899; Long Beach State 57.500
Dunkel Line: Long Beach State by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Long Beach State by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Long Beach State (-6 1/2)
Game 671-672: Miami (FL) at Florida State
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (FL) 62.570; Florida State 71.307
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida State by 7
Dunkel Pick: Florida State (-7)
Game 673-674: Troy at Western Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 53.075; Western Kentucky 55.858
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 3
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Troy (+6 1/2)
Game 675-676: AR-Little Rock at UL-Lafayette
Dunkel Ratings: AR-Little Rock 48.460; UL-Lafayette 55.027
Dunkel Line: UL-Lafayette by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: UL-Lafayette by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: AR-Little Rock (+8 1/2)
Game 677-678: Arizona at Washington State
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 67.958; Washington State 68.271
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Washington State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+1 1/2)
Game 679-680: Santa Clara at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Santa Clara 49.501; San Diego 59.249
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-8 1/2)
Game 681-682: San Jose State at New Mexico State
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose State 58.235; New Mexico State 58.980
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 1
Vegas Line: New Mexico State by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose State (+5 1/2)
Game 683-684: Wyoming at Colorado State
Dunkel Ratings: Wyoming 52.059; Colorado State 62.058
Dunkel Line: Colorado State by 10
Vegas Line: Colorado State by 6
Dunkel Pick: Colorado State (-6)
Game 685-686: Idaho at Boise State
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho 55.034; Boise State 55.706
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 1
Vegas Line: Boise State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Idaho (+3 1/2)
Game 687-688: Michigan State at Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 69.951; Illinois 69.789
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois (+2)
Game 689-690: UC-Riverside at CS-Fullerton
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Riverside 45.559; CS-Fullerton 56.572
Dunkel Line: CS-Fullerton by 11
Vegas Line: CS-Fullerton by 7
Dunkel Pick: CS-Fullerton (-7)
Game 691-692: Cal Poly at Pacific
Dunkel Ratings: Cal Poly 44.204; Pacific 61.743
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: Pacific by 15
Dunkel Pick: Pacific (-15)
Game 693-694: UC-Santa Barbara at UC-Davis
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Santa Barbara 50.399; UC-Davis 51.780
Dunkel Line: UC-Davis by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: UC-Davis
Game 695-696: Tulsa at UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 61.134; UTEP 71.186
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 10
Vegas Line: UTEP by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UTEP (-5 1/2)
Game 697-698: Nevada at Utah State
Dunkel Ratings: Nevada 59.932; Utah State 73.446
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Utah State by 9
Dunkel Pick: Utah State (-9)
Game 699-700: Arizona State at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona State 66.100; Washington 66.641
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1
Vegas Line: Washington by 4
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+4)
Game 701-702: Pepperdine at Loyola-Marymount
Dunkel Ratings: Pepperdine 46.097; Loyola-Marymount 54.088
Dunkel Line: Loyola-Marymount by 8
Vegas Line: Loyola-Marymount by 6
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Marymount (-6)
Game 703-704: San Francisco at St. Mary's (CA)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 49.511; St. Mary's (CA) 70.982
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 21 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (CA) (-16 1/2)
Game 705-706: Fresno State at Hawaii
Dunkel Ratings: Fresno State 57.951; Hawaii 53.394
Dunkel Line: Fresno State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 707-708: Samford at College of Charleston
Dunkel Ratings: Samford 46.449; College of Charleston 57.161
Dunkel Line: College of Charleston by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: College of Charleston by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: College of Charleston (-9 1/2)
Game 709-710: Tennessee State at Tennessee Martin
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee State 42.463; Tennessee Martin 43.421
Dunkel Line: Tennessee Martin by 1
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee Martin
Game 711-712: Georgia Southern at Davidson
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Southern 42.935; Davidson 58.174
Dunkel Line: Davidson by 15
Vegas Line: Davidson by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Davidson (-14 1/2)
Game 713-714: Chattanooga at The Citadel
Dunkel Ratings: Chattanooga 44.609; The Citadel 55.584
Dunkel Line: The Citadel by 11
Vegas Line: The Citadel by 7
Dunkel Pick: The Citadel (-7)
Game 715-716: Appalachian State at Western Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Appalachian State 45.151; Western Carolina 55.224
Dunkel Line: Western Carolina by 10
Vegas Line: Western Carolina by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Carolina (-7 1/2)
Game 717-718: Jacksonville State at Eastern Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville State 48.900; Eastern Kentucky 54.898
Dunkel Line: Eastern Kentucky by 6
Vegas Line: Eastern Kentucky by 10
Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville State (+10)
Game 719-720: NC-Greensboro at Wofford
Dunkel Ratings: NC-Greensboro 46.043; Wofford 61.259
Dunkel Line: Wofford by 15
Vegas Line: Wofford by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NC Greensboro (+15 1/2)
Game 721-722: Elon at Furman
Dunkel Ratings: Elon 44.123; Furman 50.438
Dunkel Line: Furman by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Furman by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Elon (+7 1/2)
Game 723-724: Tennessee Tech at Morehead State
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee Tech 47.427; Morehead State 63.346
Dunkel Line: Morehead State by 16
Vegas Line: Morehead State by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Morehead State (-13 1/2)
Game 725-726: Austin Peay at Murray State
Dunkel Ratings: Austin Peay 50.081; Murray State 67.726
Dunkel Line: Murray State by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: Murray State by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Murray State (-14 1/2)
Game 727-728: Eastern Illinois at SE Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Illinois 48.147; SE Missouri State 44.639
Dunkel Line: Eastern Illinois by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Eastern Illinois by 3
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Illinois (-3)
Game 729-730: Weber State at Montana State
Dunkel Ratings: Weber State 56.785; Montana State 54.311
Dunkel Line: Weber State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 731-732: Idaho State at Montana
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho State 45.367; Montana 62.962
Dunkel Line: Montana by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 733-734: Centenary at IPFW
Dunkel Ratings: Centenary 39.818; IPFW 56.393
Dunkel Line: IPFW by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 735-736: Oral Roberts at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Oral Roberts 57.492; Oakland 62.325
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 5
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 737-738: Southern Utah at North Dakota State
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Utah 42.463; North Dakota State 51.503
Dunkel Line: North Dakota State by 9
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 739-740: IUPUI at Western Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: IUPUI 54.625; Western Illinois 50.566
Dunkel Line: IUPUI by 4
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 741-742: UMKC at South Dakota State
Dunkel Ratings: UMKC 43.245; South Dakota State 56.158
Dunkel Line: South Dakota State by 13
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NBA
Oklahoma City at Golden State
The Warriors look to build on their 13-4 ATS record in their last 17 games as an underdog. Golden State is the pick (+4) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by only 1. Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+4)
Game 501-502: New Orleans at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 116.086; Charlotte 124.718
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 8 1/2; 189
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 503-504: Atlanta at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 119.936; Washington 112.170
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 8; 192
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 505-506: New Jersey at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 105.761; Detroit 111.545
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 6; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 8; 188
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+8); Over
Game 507-508: New York at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: New York 118.898; Cleveland 131.536
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 12 1/2; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 13; 199
Dunkel Pick: New York (+13); Over
Game 509-510: Miami at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 116.633; Chicago 117.359
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 2; 189 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+2); Over
Game 511-512: Memphis at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 110.383; Minnesota 110.276
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 203
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 3 1/2; 208 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+3 1/2); Under
Game 513-514: Indiana at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 110.792; Milwaukee 114.946
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 4; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 6 1/2; 204 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+6 1/2); Under
Game 515-516: Philadelphia at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 113.762; Houston 116.776
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 3; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 5 1/2; 194
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+5 1/2); Over
Game 517-518: Denver at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 119.413; Utah 129.709
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 10 1/2; 228
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 519-520: LA Lakers at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 123.301; Portland 120.576
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 2 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 521-522: San Antonio at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 121.192; LA Clippers 113.410
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 8; 190
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 3; 194
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-3); Under
Game 523-524: Oklahoma City at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 118.843; Golden State 117.869
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 1; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 4; 214 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+4); Under
NHL
San Jose at Nashville
The Predators are coming off a 5-3 win over Colorado and look to build on their 4-1 record in their last 5 games after scoring 5 or more goals in the previous game. Nashville is the pick (+105) according to Dunkel, which has the Predators favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+105)
Game 1-2: Vancouver at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 12.944; Boston 10.419
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 2 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-130); Over
Game 3-4: Pittsburgh at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.802; Montreal 12.468
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+140); Under
Game 5-6: Detroit at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.644; Los Angeles 13.543
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-145); Over
Game 7-8: Phoenix at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 11.593; Dallas 12.060
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 9-10: Calgary at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.159; Tampa Bay 12.707
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 11-12: Florida at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.853; Atlanta 10.836
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 13-14: New Jersey at NY Rangers
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 11.747; NY Rangers 11.114
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+115); Under
Game 15-16: Buffalo at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 10.978; Columbus 11.660
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 17-18: Carolina at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 12.137; NY Islanders 10.131
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+120); Under
Game 19-20: Ottawa at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 14.069; Toronto 10.791
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 3 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-140): 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (-140); Over
Game 21-22: Philadelphia at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.929; Minnesota 11.459
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 23-24: Chicago at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 12.204; St. Louis 11.196
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-150); Over
Game 25-26: San Jose at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 12.068; Nashville 12.284
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+105); Under
Game 27-28: Edmonton at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 10.421; Colorado 12.013
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-250); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-250); Over
JIMMY BOYD
1 Unit on Oklahoma Sooners +7
The Sooners are a perfect 10-0 at home this season so they will definitely put up a good fight against Texas today, especially off an embarrassing loss at Nebraska and with a week's rest. Texas has lost 3 of its last 5, but is still getting undeserved respect from odds makers. It's hard to ignore several trends today. First of all, the Longhorns are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games overall. They are also 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite, 6-20-1 ATS in their last 27 vs. the Big 12, and 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. win. Meanwhile, the Sooners are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog and the home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings. We'll take the points with the Sooners today.
Hollywood Sports
Michigan State at Illinois
Play: Michigan State
Michigan State (19-4) suffered their first Big 10 loss of the season on Tuesday by losing at Wisconsin, 67-49. The Spartans had been holding their conference opponents to just 38.8% shooting but the Badgers torched Michigan State on 51% shooting. Expect coach Tom Izzo to use this loss to read his team the riot act. Izzo's Spartans have covered eleven of their last thirteen games coming off a loss. Furthermore, Michigan State is 8-1-2 ATS when a road favorite of under seven points. Illinois (15-8) enters this game having defeated Iowa on their home court on Wednesday. But the Illini have covered only once in their last seven games versus teams with a winning record. And Illinois have failed to cover their last five games when an underdog of less than seven points. The Illini are catching Michigan State at the wrong time as the Spartans effort -- particularly on the defensive end -- should be very focused. Lay the points with Michigan State.
LT Profits
Boston College +8.5
The Duke Blue Devils may still be ranked in the top 10 nationally, but they have been far from impressive on the road and we do not expect a cakewalk today when they visit a motivated Boston College Eagles team.
Duke is 18-4 overall, but they are 1-4 straight up in their five true road games including conference road losses vs. a rather weak North Carolina State team and a mediocre Georgia Tech squad. The Blue Devils tail off both offensively and defensively when they leave Durham, as they are averaging just 69.4 points per game while surrendering an unacceptable 73.6 points on the road.
Now Boston College is just 12-10 including 8-5 at home, but they have comfortably outscored their home Division I opponents by an average of +10.1 points per contest. The Eagles have played good defense at home, surrendering just 60.9 points per encounter on only 41.9 percent shooting, and we feel they are capable of slowing down the Duke offense enough here to keep this game competitive.
Now granted, Duke is ranked number two overall in the Pomeroy Ratings and they lead the country adjusted offensive efficiency at 1.244 points per possession, but those numbers are skewed a bit by the fact that they have played 13 home games and just five true road games, and they have such a tremendous disparity at home vs. away.
We look for their road woes to continue here as they fail to cover this rather large road number.
Bobby Maxwell
Oklahoma St. at TEXAS TECH -1
I'm 43-16-1 with my last 60 FREE selections and today I'm delivering a winner from the Big 12 Conference as I go with Texas Tech at home to get the win and cover over Oklahoma State.
The Red Raiders are a very impressive 12-1 at home this season with some very good wins in that mix. And the one game they did lose was in OT 94-89 against Missouri.
Even though they lost their last two games, falling at Texas and Texas A&M, the Red Raiders have cashed in three of their last four, including three of their last four at home. This team is completely different at home, averaging 82 points a game while allowing just 70.2.
Texas Tech is 6-2 ATS in front of the home crowd and they get very good, consistent play from all five starters. Oklahoma State relies on one big star in James Anderson and everybody else seems to be there for support.
The Cowboys have lost two straight, falling in Missouri 95-80 a week ago as a 7 ½-point underdog and then losing at home on Monday to Texas 72-60 as a 2 ½-point pup.
In this rivalry the home team has won eight of the last 10 meetings, with the favorite cashing in five of the last six. Texas Tech is on ATS runs of 6-1 at home, 6-0 as a favorite and 5-0 as a home favorite. Oklahoma State is on ATS slides of 7-19 as a ‘dog of up to 6 ½ points, 1-4 on the road and 1-5 as a pup.
The Red Raiders at home are tough to beat. Lay the chalk and play Texas Tech.
4♦ TEXAS TECH
Stephen Nover
Kansas State -4' at IOWA STATE
It has been tough to win on the road in the Big 12, but Kansas State is the superior team in this matchup.
The Wildcats have been one of the rare road exceptions in the Big 12. They are 5-1 away from Manhattan. Frank Martin has done an excellent job getting the Wildcats to play inspired ball.
Kansas State is 8-1-1 ATS the past 10 times it has been favored. The Wildcats can't afford to trip in this matchup having lost at home to Oklahoma State and to top-ranked Kansas by two in overtime.
Kansas State big men Jamar Samuels and Curtis Kelly are both athletic and excellent rebounders. The Wildcats' big edge, though, will come in the backcourt. Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen can overmatch Iowa State's guards.
The Cyclones have covered just one of their last five games. The Cyclones have not been overly impressive in their conference home games.
The Wildcats have been one of the best spread teams going 11-2-1 ATS during their past 14 games.
2♦ KANSAS STATE
L.A. Lakers at PORTLAND
The Lakers are tired, banged-up and playing for the third time in four nights following an eight-game road trip.
Los Angeles just lost, 126-113, to Denver on Friday night. Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol each played nearly 40 minutes in that loss. Bryant is dealing with a sprained ankle and broken finger.
Now the Lakers have to play in the Rose Garden, their house of horrors. The Lakers have lost nine straight at Portland. Many of the games haven't been close. The Trail Blazers beat the Lakers, 107-98, when they last hosted them on Jan. 8.
There's a chance the Trail Blazers get back star guard Brandon Roy for this matchup. He's been out with a hamstring injury. But I like the Trail Blazers even if Roy doesn't play.
The Lakers were at Boston this past Sunday. Then they played at Memphis on Monday followed by a Wednesday home game against Charlotte before losing to the Nuggets last night. All four of these matchups were tough for the Lakers with the first three games decided by a combined five points.
So not only are the Lakers dealing with their toughest road venue, but also tired legs. This is a team trying to hold on until All-Star break. Unfortunately for them, the schedulemaker didn't do them any favors with the timing of this matchup.
1♦ TRAIL BLAZERS
Bobby Maxwell
BYU at UNLV -1
Another college FREE winner coming today from Las Vegas as I go with UNLV to get the win and cover over BYU.
Two teams that have shown they are the class of the Mountain West square off today in Vegas and I’m going with the home team to get this one. The Rebels have been rolling lately, and other than a strange home loss to Utah, they have performed as expected this season.
BYU is playing very well, but they have only gone 1-2 ATS at the betting window in their last three. Their only conference loss came at New Mexico back on Jan. 27, losing 76-72 as a 1 ½-point underdog. Same type of situation here as they march into a tough arena that will be rocking for the home team.
UNLV has won four straight and come in off a blowout win at Wyoming on Wednesday, winning 78-50 as an 8 ½-point favorite. Coach Lon Kruger runs so many fresh bodies at teams, it’s just non-stop defensive intensity for the Rebels. It’s rare to see any of his players get more than 30 minutes of playing time.
In this rivalry, UNLV has won three of the last four SU and ATS. Back on Jan. 6, UNLV went to Provo and fell 76-73, cashing as a 7 ½-point underdog. The Rebels are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings with the Cougars and 5-1 the last six clashes in Vegas.
UNLV is on ATS runs of 6-2 in conference play, 9-3 overall and 7-1 at home when they face a team with a winning road record. Lay the small chalk and play the home team today. Go with UNLV.
3♦ UNLV
Drew Gordon
George Mason at DREXEL -6
For today's complimentary play, we're looking at the George Mason-Drexel match up.
Bettors don't feel comfortable laying the points with the Dragons in this spot, as evidenced by about 90% of the public siding with the Patriots here. Let me be the one to tell you: lay'em, because if you've seen Drexel play of late, you'd know they're playing outstanding ball right now, and it all starts with defense.
Drexel is allowing 55 ppg on just 34% shooting (19% from 3-point) over their L5 games, shutting down the likes of Northeastern AND William & Mary on their own home floors! They obliterated Towson by 42 points in their last one, and that's BAD news for a George Mason team struggling to find consistency on the road.
Herein lies the problem, as the Patriots defense doesn't travel well, allowing almost 69 ppg on 43% shooting away this season. To say there's a disparity on the defensive end is a gross understatement, and I fully expect Cameron Long and this Patriots offense to struggle mightily in this spot. Not to mention there's a huge revenge game vs VCU on deck for George Mason Tuesday, so one has to wonder about the Patriots focus in this contest.
Bottom line, Drexel-backers know just how effective their defense has been of late, but its George Mason-backers who'll learn that lesson the hard way. In the end, Drexel's won 5 in a row ATS, playing some of their best basketball this season, and I expect that'll continue Saturday. Dragons circle the wagons at home this afternoon!
Take Drexel over George Mason in this college hoops match up.
2♦ DREXEL
Bradley at EVANSVILLE +2
For today's complimentary play, we're looking at the Bradley-Evansville match up.
This may be one of the "fishier" lines of the day, as a Bradley team fresh off a SU win over Drake is laying only a baket at Evansville. The same Evansville team that's lost 13 straight games SU and is just 3-6 ATS at home this year. My point is, based on the line alone, how can you look any other way but the Purple Aces, as the guys in Vegas are making it WAY too easy to play the Braves in this spot.
Couple things should worry Bradley-backers, including the fact the Braves are just 5-13-2 ATS in their L20 meetings with Evansville! That includes their only match up this season - 74-64 Bradley win, but Evansville cover as an 11-point road pup! The Braves are just 1-5 ATS in their L6 overall as a fav, and despite these trends, still over 90% of the betting public is playing Bradley?!
Finally, with Evansville's Colt Ryan coming off his best game this season (31 points at Creighton), the Aces should be more than capable of keeping pace with a Bradley offense that's averaging just 61 ppg on 39% shooting away this season! Its no secret the Braves have been VERY vulnerable on the road, with ugly losses at Iowa State, Wichita State, Missouri State, and Illinois State! In the end, the bleeding has to stop sometime for Evansville, and based on the line and trends, I'm saying this is the spot.
Take Evansville plus the points over Bradley in this college hoops match up.
2♦ EVANSVILLE
Karl Garrett
Vanderbilt -4 at GEORGIA
SEC Saturday night showdown in Athens, and as improved as the Bulldogs are, there will not be able to stop Vanderbilt from winning and covering this game, of that I feel sure.
Georgia just blew a 15-point halftime lead against Arkansas and I feel Vanderbilt is unquestionably a better team that the Hogs are.
Vanderbilt has won 11 of their last 12 games straight up, and prior to their loss at Georgia last February, the Commodores had won 4 in a row in the series, going 3-0-1 against the spread in that span.
Vandy is still among the Top-20 teams in the nation, while Georgia will have to wait for Coach Fox to totally impart his ways on this young team.
G-Man rolling with the 'Dores to do the job in Athens this Saturday night.
5♦ VANDERBILT
Wake Forest at VIRGINIA -1'
Gotta love the job Tony Bennett has done with Virginia this season, as to say the Cavaliers have grasped his system would be a bit of an understatement.
Virginia has ripped off wins in 10 of their last 12 games, and they followed up their road upset win at North Carolina with an impressive home win and cover over NC State in a definite letdown spot.
The last time Wake Forest was on the road, the Deacons were pummeled by Georgia Tech, as Wake has lost 3 of their last 4 on the highway.
Saturday is the perfect time for the Wahoos to end a 4-game series drought both straight up, and against the spread if you ask the G-Man.
In this near-pick spot, I look for Bennett's Cavaliers to come through once again on their home floor where they are 11-2 straight up.
UVa all the way!
4♦ VIRGINIA