Drew Gordon
Villanova at NOTRE DAME -3
Several reasons to like the Irish in this spot, but let's start with the fact they're are definately in desperation mode! Notre Dame doesn't just want to win this game, they HAVE to win this game. Most people can agree, we knew they'd lose to the Huskies (although they hung around nicely and rewarded their backers with the cover), so there's no question this is their chance to impress the selection committee before a much easier match up with St. John's in the season finale.
Also of note, the Irish have won 4 of their last 6 games SU, and of those 6 games only their loss at West Virginia was ugly... So, let's not get too carried away fading this Irish squad, as they're clearly playing better basketball of late. For the most part, they've been solid at home, going 11-2 SU in South Bend, and again, if ever you'd expect them to circle the wagons, it would be tonight.
From a match up standpoint, I love the Irish's frontcourt in this one, as without a doubt, Harangody is the best player on the floor. And while Hillesand is hurt and most likely out, backup Tyrone Nash, who grabbed a career-high 9 boards against the Huskies has proven a capable replacement given playing time. What this game comes down to is backcourt play, and after watching both Irish guards McAlarney and Ayers shoot up brick after brick at Connecticut, I expect them to bounce back nicely on the friendly rims tonight at home.
Bottom line, fact of the matter is the Wildcats have punched their ticket and are in the uneviable task of trying to match a desperate Irish team's energy level, on the road no less! In the end, Notre Dame is back to playing quality ball, and I expect that'll be the difference in this must-win contest tonight on their home floor. Irish are the play here!
Take Notre Dame over Villanova in this college hoops match up.
2♦ NOTRE DAME
Michael Cannon
Baylor at TEXAS -8
Take Texas as the home chalk over Baylor tonight.
Texas has absolutely owned Baylor, winning 23 straight over their Big 12 rivals, including a 78-72 win back on January 27.
The Bears have the conference’s third-worst scoring defense and have allowed an average of 84.4 ppg during a five-game road losing streak.
Texas will honor seniors A. J. Abrams and Connor Atchley tonight in their final game at the Erwin Center. Abrams is coming off a miserable 3-for-15 shooting effort in Saturday’s loss at Oklahoma State.
I expect the senior to bounce back in a big way against a soft Baylor defense.
Baylor is on ATS slides of 0-5 on the road, 1-9 in conference games, 1-4 after a SU win and 0-7 against teams with a winning record.
Texas is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 on Monday.
Take Texas minus the points as they grab the home win and cover.
2♦ TEXAS
Chris Jordan
Villanova at NOTRE DAME -3
The only way to attack this Notre Dame team is with a staunch defense, and though Villanova ranks just eighth in the Big East in scoring defense, I trust Jay Wright is going to roll into this one looking to put the clamps on the Irish immediately.
I konw Notre Dame is the No. 1 team in the league in three-point field goal percentage, but with the pressure on in the middle, and the reins tightened on the perimeter, the Irish may not be able to fire up open-look shots from beyond the arc.
Now this may sound as if I'm siding with the Wildcats, but that's not the case because they've struggled on the road, and Notre Dame can lock up an at-large consideration into the Big Dance with a win tonight. Either way, both teams have reasons to show up for a huge win tonight.
With 'Nova, the under is on winning runs of 17-6 when the 'Cats are an underdog in this range, 22-8 when they're an underdog at any price and 16-6 when they come in off an ATS loss.
With the Irish, the low number is on streaks of 7-1 when they're the home favorite, 6-1 when they host teams that win on the road, 4-1 overall and at home and 10-3 when they're installed as the favorite.
1♦ Villanova/Notre Dame UNDER
GINA
Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat
Cleveland has won five of the last eight meetings, but has not been successful in South Beach. The Cavaliers have dropped 10 of its last 11 versus the Heat at Miami and are just is 2-5 ATS in the last seven meetings.
Cleveland is 1-7 ATS in their last eight battles against Southeast Division opponents, while Miami is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 versus NBA Central. Take the points in a close fight. The underdog has won five of the last seven meetings.
Miami Heat +3½
Johnny Guild
Texas Longhorns -8
Mr A
Atlanta Hawks -4
Dallas Mavericks -6
San Antonio Spurs -8