Super Tuesday
By Judd Hall
We have a full two weeks before the Super Bowl. So what better thing to do than sweat out a couple of games on the college hardwood? ESPN has got our fix with their Super Tuesday lineup. Let’s look at that pair of contests.
Michigan State at Michigan – 7:00 p.m. EST
Las Vegas Sports Consultants have installed the Spartans as 5½-point road favorites for this contest.
Michigan State (17-3 straight up, 8-10 against the spread) continues to dominate the competition in the Big Ten with a 7-0 SU and 5-2 ATS in league play. The Spartans had their biggest scare of the season with a 65-64 win over Minnesota as 1½-point road pups last Saturday.
Kalin Lucas had arguably his most complete game of the season against the Golden Gophers. The junior point guard went four-of-six from beyond the arc and scored 22 points on Jan. 23. His most important shot was a three-pointer coming with 87 second left in the game that proved to be the final nail in Minnesota’s coffin.
Michigan (10-9 SU, 8-8 ATS) is proving that it’s a little tougher to come off of a big win. The Wolverines have dropped both of their games since upending Connecticut in Ann Arbor on Jan. 17. The plus side for gamblers though is that they covered the number in those tilts after UConn. In fact, Michigan is on a 4-0 ATS run and 6-1 ATS in its last seven games.
The Wolverines had a good chance of going into this game without the services of Manny Harris. The junior guard was suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct during practice last week. That cost him a trip to Purdue (not sure if it is punishment when you don’t have to go to West Lafayette). Harris was reinstated on Monday afternoon, which is good since leads the Wolverines with 19.2 points per game and 4.3 assists per game.
Michigan State has walked away with the bragging rights in this rivalry over the past six seasons, going 8-2 SU in the last 10 meetings. Spartan backers have made a few trips to the ticket window during that time frame with a 6-4 ATS mark. The ‘under’ has cashed tickets in six of those tilts.
The ‘under’ would certainly be the smart wager for this contest once again as the it is on a 5-1 run for the Spartans and 5-0-1 for Michigan. Plus, the ‘under’ is 4-2 in the Wolverines’ six home tests this season.
Michigan State is 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS when posted as a true road favorite this season. The Wolverines won outright in their only game as home underdogs. That was against UConn on Jan. 17 as one-point home pups, 68-63.
Kentucky at South Carolina – 9:00 p.m. EST
Kentucky (19-0 SU, 8-8 ATS) took hold of the No. 1 ranking in the AP Poll after crushing the Razorbacks as a 16-point home “chalk” on Saturday, 101-70. John Calipari said that there wasn’t a team in the country that was going to beat them on that day. It’s hard to argue with the modern snake oil salesman when the Wildcats 30 percent from the three-point land, 48 percent from the field and a 54-33 rebound margin.
Things haven’t been so happy-go-lucky for South Carolina (11-8 SU, 7-9 ATS) this season. The Gamecocks thought they had a 56-55 win in Gainesville against Florida. Darrin Horn’s crew couldn’t get to Chandler Parsons as he hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to snatch a 58-56 victory out of the jaws of defeat. If there was a bright spot for South Carolina, it’s that they covered as a six-point road ‘dog.
Despite the strong numbers for the Wildcats, they’ve been listed as 5 ½-point road favorites by the good people at LVSC.
That might have something to do with the fact that the Gamecocks have won and covered in their last two meetings with Kentucky. In the last 10 meetings, the ‘Cats are 6-4 SU and 4-6 ATS. The ‘over’ is 8-2 in that stretch.
South Carolina has not fared all that great when listed as an underdog this season, as evidenced by a 1-5 SU and 2-4 ATS mark. They are, however, 7-1 SU and 4-3 ATS in seven home fixtures during this campaign. The ‘under’ is 4-2 in that time as well.
Kentucky has obviously won all three of its true road tests this season. They’ve helped bettors as well by covering the number in two of those contests. The ‘over’ is 2-1 in for gamblers locking in on totals.
vegasinsider.com
What Bettors Need To Know: Michigan State at Michigan
By Marc Lawrence
Big Ten rivalry game tips off Tuesday evening on ESPN when Michigan (10-9, 3-4) hosts conference leader Michigan State (17-3, 7-0) at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor.
Tonight’s contest marks the fourth straight tilt for the Wolverines against a ranked opponent. They return home off road losses at Wisconsin and Purdue last week. UM upset Connecticut, 68-63, here in its most recent home outing on Jan. 17.
How they got here
Michigan was a preseason Top 15 pick by many of the scribes this year. Coach John Beilein’s troops won 21 games last season and returned four starters.
After a 3-0 start, the Wolves have fallen on hard times going 7-9 since. Leadership has been a problem. Michigan is 3-7 against the spread (ATS) as a favorite his campaign and 5-0 ATS as a dog. The Wolverines are also 3-1 straight up (SU) and 4-0 ATS in games with revenge this season.
Michigan State, who beat UM 54-42 on the same floor in the only meeting last year, rides an eight-game win streak into this showdown. The Spartans are 7-0 SU and 5-2 ATS in Big Ten battles.
MSU was the preseason No. 2 team in the land after finishing runner-up in the NCAA tournament last season. Coach Tom Izzo returned three starters from last year’s 31-win squad.
Tale of the tape
Statistically speaking, this game appears to be a one-sided affair. From Covers.com NCAA Statistics for the 2009-10 season, here is how these two teams stack up, with ranking against 347 teams in parenthesis -
Offensive Field Goal Percentage:
Michigan State (15) 45.5
Michigan (217) 42.2
Defensive Field Goal Percentage:
Michigan State (34) 39.7
Michigan (210) 44.0
Rebound Margin:
Michigan State (3) +10.7
Michigan (275) –3.3
As you can see, the stats weight heavily in the Spartans favor entering this contest. The question is can a dog-loving rival rise to the occasion in the national spotlight?
Personnel problem
Guard Manny Harris (19.2 ppg), the Big Ten’s leading scorer, was suspended for the Purdue game for unsportsmanlike conduct during practice.
Michigan coach Beilein declined to address the matter after the Purdue game. Instead, he referred reporters to a three-paragraph statement released by the university.
"We will meet with Manny and the team again when we return to determine if he has learned enough from this suspension to rejoin the team for Tuesday's game," Beilein said in the release. "I am confident that this learning experience will be valuable in the future to both Manny and our basketball program."
Beilein and Harris have had run-ins in the past. Harris is expected to leave for the NBA after this season.
Michigan has one of the thinnest benches in the Big Ten. Wisconsin's reserves outscored Michigan's 19-1 in an aforementioned six-point win last week and no UM bench player even attempted a shot.
UM’s 10-point loss at Purdue wasn’t that close. The Boilermakers built a 27-point lead midway through the second half before coach Matt Painter started emptying his bench.
Ix nay
Freshman C Derrick Nix canned a free throw to clinch a dramatic 65-64 win at Minnesota for the Spartans last Saturday.
Nix ‘improved’ to 6 of 39 from the stripe with the game-winning free throw.
"It was probably one of the more gritty, gutty performances by our team. I thought we were pronounced dead a few times," Izzo said after his team came back from a 13-point deficit to defeat the Gophers.
As a result, MSU holds a game-and-a-half lead over Wisconsin for top honors in the Big Ten Conference this season.
Did you know?
Michigan State is 39-28 ATS as a conference road favorite under Izzo. They are 17-7 ATS in this role against .500 or losing teams and 22-21 ATS versus winning opponents.
Michigan is 1-11 SU and 2-10 ATS as a home dog off back-to-back losses this decade.
Miami Hurricanes vs. Maryland Terrapins
The Miami Hurricanes and the Maryland Terrapins will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Comcast Center.
Dwayne Collins had 15 points and 11 boards for Miami in its 79-75 loss to Boston College on Tuesday night.
Boston College cashed as 6.5-point road underdogs, while the game played OVER the 139.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Greivis Vasquez had 19 points on Saturday to lead Maryland to an 88-64 win over N.C. State.
The Terrapins easily covered the 9.5-point spread in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the posted total (146.5).
Current streak:
Miami has lost 3 straight games.
Maryland has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Miami: 15-4 SU, 6-5 ATS
Maryland: 13-5 SU, 8-6 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-3
Before playing Virginia Tech are 5-5
After playing Boston College are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
Maryland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 9-1
Before playing Clemson are 5-5
After playing North Carolina State are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Maryland
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Maryland
Miami is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games
Miami is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Maryland
Maryland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Maryland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Maryland's last 6 games when playing Miami
Maryland is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Miami
Next up:
Miami home to Virginia Tech, Sunday, January 31
Maryland at Clemson, Sunday, January 31
Rhode Island Rams vs. Dayton Flyers
The Rhode Island Rams and the Dayton Flyers will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Dayton Arena.
Team records:
Rhode Island: 15-3 SU, 6-8-1 ATS
Dayton: 14-5 SU, 9-7 ATS
Rhode Island most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing George Washington are 7-3
After playing Xavier are 3-7
After a loss are 8-2
Dayton most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing St. Bonaventure are 8-2
After playing Saint Joseph's are 7-3
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Rhode Island's last 7 games
Rhode Island is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games
Rhode Island is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Rhode Island's last 5 games on the road
Dayton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Dayton is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dayton's last 5 games when playing Rhode Island
Dayton is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Rhode Island
Next up:
Rhode Island home to George Washington, Saturday, January 30
Dayton at St. Bonaventure, Saturday, January 30
Miami (Ohio) RedHawks vs. Ball State Cardinals
The Miami (Ohio) RedHawks and the Ball State Cardinals will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Worthen Arena.
Team records:
Miami (Ohio): 6-12 SU, 10-8 ATS
Ball State: 8-9 SU, 6-7 ATS
Miami (Ohio) most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-2
Before playing Central Michigan are 6-4
After playing Bowling Green are 7-3
After a win are 3-7
Ball State most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Buffalo are 3-7
After playing Eastern Michigan are 7-3
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Miami (Ohio) is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Ball State
Miami (Ohio) is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Ball State
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami (Ohio)'s last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami (Ohio)'s last 6 games on the road
Ball State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ball State's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ball State's last 6 games when playing Miami (Ohio)
Ball State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Next up:
Miami (Ohio) home to Central Michigan, Thursday, January 28
Ball State at Buffalo, Thursday, January 28
Clemson Tigers vs. Boston College Eagles
The fans at Conte Forum will be treated to a game between the Clemson Tigers and the Boston College Eagles when they take their seats on Tuesday.
Clemson was defeated 60-47 by Duke last time out, as 1.5-point underdogs. The 107 points went UNDER the posted total of 146.
Trevor Booker led Clemson with 22 points and six rebounds in the loss.
Boston College fell 63-62 to Virginia Tech on a last-second layup at at Cassell Coliseum Saturday.
Boston College covered as a 7-point road underdog while the final score played UNDER the 132-point total.
Current streak:
Clemson has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Clemson: 15-5 SU, 9-8 ATS
Boston College: 11-9 SU, 7-9 ATS
Clemson most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Maryland are 2-8
After playing Duke are 2-8
After a loss are 6-4
Boston College most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Florida State are 1-4
After playing Virginia Tech are 8-2
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Clemson is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston College
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Clemson's last 7 games when playing Boston College
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Clemson's last 6 games
Clemson is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston College
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston College's last 7 games when playing Clemson
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston College's last 5 games
Boston College is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Boston College is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
Clemson home to Maryland, Sunday, January 31
Boston College home to Florida State, Saturday, January 30
Michigan State Spartans vs. Michigan Wolverines
The Michigan State Spartans and the Michigan Wolverines will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Crisler Arena.
Michigan State escaped with an important 65-64 win over Minnesota at Williams Arena Saturday.
Michigan State covered as a 1.5-point road underdog while the final score played UNDER the 140-point total.
Michigan fell to Purdue, 69-59, at Mackey Arena Saturday.
Michigan covered as a 13.5-point road underdog while the final score played UNDER the 132-point total.
Current streak:
Michigan State has won 8 straight games.
Michigan has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Michigan State: 17-3 SU, 8-11 ATS
Michigan: 10-9 SU, 8-7 ATS
Michigan State most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-3
Before playing Northwestern are 6-4
After playing Minnesota are 7-3
After a win are 9-1
Michigan most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Iowa are 6-4
After playing Purdue are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Michigan State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Michigan State is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games when playing Michigan
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Michigan State's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Michigan State's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Michigan's last 5 games
Michigan is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Michigan is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Michigan's last 8 games when playing Michigan State
Next up:
Michigan State home to Northwestern, Saturday, January 30
Michigan home to Iowa, Saturday, January 30
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Toledo Rockets
The fans at Savage Hall will be treated to a game between the Kent State Golden Flashes and the Toledo Rockets when they take their seats on Tuesday.
Current streak:
Kent State has won 2 straight games.
Toledo has lost 9 straight games.
Team records:
Kent State: 12-7 SU, 7-8 ATS
Toledo: 3-16 SU, 5-11 ATS
Kent State most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-5
Before playing Western Michigan are 8-2
After playing Akron are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
Toledo most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 9-1
Before playing Akron are 6-4
After playing Western Michigan are 6-4
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Kent State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toledo
Kent State is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Toledo
Kent State is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Kent State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toledo
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toledo's last 9 games
Toledo is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Kent State
Toledo is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Kent State
Toledo is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Kent State
Next up:
Kent State home to Western Michigan, Saturday, January 30
Toledo at Akron, Saturday, January 30
Kansas State Wildcats vs. Baylor Bears
The fans at Ferrell Center will be treated to a game between the Kansas State Wildcats and the Baylor Bears when they take their seats on Tuesday.
Kansas State was shocked 73-69 by Oklahoma State at Fred Bramlage Coliseum Saturday.
OSU covered as a 9.5-point road underdog while the final score played UNDER the 148-point total.
Baylor destroyed UMass, 71-45, at the Ferrell Center Saturday.
Baylor covered as a 17-point home favorites while the final score played UNDER the 147.5-point total.
Team records:
Kansas State: 16-3 SU, 10-4 ATS
Baylor: 15-3 SU, 9-2 ATS
Kansas State most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-4
Before playing Kansas are 7-3
After playing Oklahoma State are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3
Baylor most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-6
Before playing Texas are 3-7
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
Kansas State is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas State's last 5 games on the road
Kansas State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Kansas State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Baylor is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Baylor is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Kansas State
Baylor is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games
Baylor is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas State
Next up:
Kansas State home to Kansas, Saturday, January 30
Baylor at Texas, Saturday, January 30
Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. UAB Blazers
The Tulsa Golden Hurricane and the UAB Blazers will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Bartow Arena.
Tulsa earned a hard-fought 62-58 win over Rice at the Donald Reynolds Center Saturday.
Rice covered as a 19.5-point road underdog while the final score played UNDER the 134.5-point total.
Howard Crawford had 19 points on Saturday as UAB grabbed a 61-59 win over Marshall.
The Thundering Herd had been favored by 3 points in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted total (138.5).
Current streak:
Tulsa has won 7 straight games.
UAB has won 6 straight games.
Team records:
Tulsa: 16-3 SU, 7-8-1 ATS
UAB: 17-2 SU, 9-8 ATS
Tulsa most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-4
Before playing Central Florida are 5-3
After playing Rice are 4-6
After a win are 9-1
UAB most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Texas El Paso are 5-3
After playing Marshall are 6-4
After a win are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
Tulsa is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tulsa's last 6 games when playing UAB
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tulsa's last 7 games
Tulsa is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing UAB
UAB is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
UAB is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of UAB's last 6 games when playing Tulsa
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of UAB's last 5 games
Next up:
Tulsa at Central Florida, Saturday, January 30
UAB home to Texas El Paso, Saturday, January 30
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. DePaul Blue Demons
The West Virginia Mountaineers and the DePaul Blue Demons will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Allstate Arena.
West Virginia took a 71-65 win over Ohio State at WVU Coliseum Saturday.
WVU covered as a 5.5-point home favorite while the final score played OVER the 132.5-point total.
Notre Dame took a 87-77 win over DePaul at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center Saturday.
DePaul covered as a 16-point home underdog while the final score played OVER the 134.5-point total
Current streak:
West Virginia has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
West Virginia: 15-3 SU, 7-10 ATS
DePaul: 8-11 SU, 7-7-1 ATS
West Virginia most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Louisville are 5-1
After playing Ohio State are 1-1
After a win are 7-3
DePaul most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Syracuse are 4-2
After playing Notre Dame are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
West Virginia is 15-3 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of West Virginia's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of West Virginia's last 7 games on the road
West Virginia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of DePaul's last 7 games
DePaul is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games at home
DePaul is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games
DePaul is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Next up:
West Virginia home to Louisville, Saturday, January 30
DePaul home to Syracuse, Saturday, January 30
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack
The North Carolina Tar Heels and the North Carolina State Wolfpack will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at RBC Center.
Will Graves had 16 points and nine rebounds to lead North Carolina in a 82-69 loss to Wake Forest on Wednesday.
The Tar Heels failed to cover the 6-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the day's posted total of 156.5.
Greivis Vasquez had 19 points on Saturday to lead Maryland to an 88-64 win over N.C. State.
The Terrapins easily covered the 9.5-point spread in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the posted total (146.5).
Current streak:
North Carolina has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
North Carolina: 12-7 SU, 5-11 ATS
North Carolina State: 13-7 SU, 10-7-1 ATS
North Carolina most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-3
Before playing Virginia are 8-2
After playing Wake Forest are 7-3
After a loss are 8-2
North Carolina State most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing North Carolina Central are 1-1
After playing Maryland are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
North Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing North Carolina State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of North Carolina's last 5 games when playing North Carolina State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of North Carolina's last 5 games when playing on the road against North Carolina St
North Carolina is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against North Carolina St
The total has gone OVER in 5 of North Carolina State's last 5 games when playing North Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 5 of North Carolina State's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of North Carolina State's last 5 games when playing at home against North Carolina
North Carolina State is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games at home
Next up:
North Carolina home to Virginia, Sunday, January 31
North Carolina State home to North Carolina Central, Saturday, January 30
Kentucky Wildcats vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
The Kentucky Wildcats and the South Carolina Gamecocks will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Colonial Life Arena.
Kentucky took it to old rival, Arkansas, winning 101-70 at Rupp Arena Saturday.
Kentucky covered as a 16.5-point home favorite while the final score played OVER the 151-point total.
Devan Downey poured in 36 points on Saturday but it wasn't enough as South Carolina was defeated 58-56 by Florida.
The Gators failed to cover the 6-point spread in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the day's posted total (143).
Current streak:
Kentucky has won 19 straight games.
South Carolina has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Kentucky: 19-0 SU, 9-8 ATS
South Carolina: 11-8 SU, 7-9 ATS
Kentucky most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Vanderbilt are 5-5
After playing Arkansas are 8-2
After a win are 10-0
South Carolina most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Georgia are 1-9
After playing Florida are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Kentucky is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Kentucky is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Kentucky's last 8 games when playing on the road against South Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Kentucky's last 15 games when playing South Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 7 of South Carolina's last 8 games when playing at home against Kentucky
The total has gone OVER in 13 of South Carolina's last 15 games when playing Kentucky
South Carolina is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of South Carolina's last 5 games
Next up:
Kentucky home to Vanderbilt, Saturday, January 30
South Carolina home to Georgia, Saturday, January 30
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Marquette Golden Eagles
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Marquette Golden Eagles will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Bradley Center.
Rutgers didn't have an answer for Greg Monroe, falling to Georgetown and the talented center 88-63 at the Verizon Center Saturday.
Georgetown covered as a 19.5-point home favorite while the final score played OVER the 136-point total.
Marquette fell 76-71 to Syracuse at the Carrier Dome Saturday.
Marquette covered as an 8.5-point road underdog while the final score played OVER the 143-point total.
Current streak:
Rutgers has lost 8 straight games.
Marquette has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Rutgers: 9-10 SU, 5-10 ATS
Marquette: 11-8 SU, 8-5 ATS
Rutgers most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing Notre Dame are 2-8
After playing Georgetown are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7
Marquette most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Connecticut are 2-2
After playing Syracuse are 3-0
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Rutgers's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Rutgers's last 5 games on the road
Rutgers is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Rutgers is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Marquette is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games at home
Marquette is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Marquette is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
Rutgers home to Notre Dame, Saturday, January 30
Marquette at Connecticut, Saturday, January 30
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers
The Northwestern Wildcats and the Minnesota Golden Gophers will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Williams Arena.
Northwestern came through in the second half and defeated Illinois 73-68 on Saturday. Northwestern covered the slight 1-point spread, while the 141 points made it OVER the posted total of 134.5.
Jeremy Nash led Northwestern with 22 points and four rebounds, while John Shurma added 19 in the win.
Minnesota let an important 65-64 loss slip away to Michigan State at Williams Arena Saturday.
Michigan State covered as a 1.5-point road underdog while the final score played UNDER the 140-point total.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Northwestern: 14-5 SU, 9-6 ATS
Minnesota: 12-7 SU, 9-9 ATS
Northwestern most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Michigan State are 3-7
After playing Illinois are 6-4
After a win are 7-3
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Ohio State are 1-9
After playing Michigan State are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Northwestern is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Northwestern's last 7 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Northwestern's last 7 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Northwestern is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Minnesota is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Minnesota is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Northwestern
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Northwestern
Next up:
Northwestern at Michigan State, Saturday, January 30
Minnesota at Ohio State, Sunday, January 31
Air Force Falcons vs. UNLV Rebels
The fans at Thomas & Mack Center will be treated to a game between the Air Force Falcons and the UNLV Rebels when they take their seats on Tuesday.
Utah went up nine points by halftime on Saturday and then rolled to a 71-54 win over Air Force.
The Utes managed to cover the 14.5-point spread posted for that contest, while the combined score went OVER the listed total (121).
UNLV took an eight-point lead into the break on Saturday and cruised from there to a 79-70 win over TCU.
The Rebels managed to cover the 6-point spread in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the day's posted total (135).
Current streak:
Air Force has lost 5 straight games.
UNLV has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Air Force: 8-10 SU, 6-6 ATS
UNLV: 16-4 SU, 13-5 ATS
Air Force most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-6
Before playing Wyoming are 4-6
After playing Utah are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
UNLV most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing Wyoming are 7-3
After playing TCU are 8-2
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Air Force's last 5 games when playing on the road against UNLV
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Air Force's last 6 games when playing UNLV
Air Force is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Air Force's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of UNLV's last 5 games when playing at home against Air Force
UNLV is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Air Force
UNLV is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of UNLV's last 6 games
Next up:
Air Force home to Wyoming, Saturday, January 30
UNLV at Wyoming, Wednesday, February 3
NCAA News and Notes
Tuesday, January 26
Information on the best of Tuesday's college basketball games........
Michigan gets Manny Harris back after he was suspended for acting up during practice last week; Wolverines are 2-1 at home in Big 11, beating Ohio State/Indiana, losing to Northwestern- they're 3-0 vs spread as Big 11 underdog, 6-1 vs spread in last seven games overall. Michigan State is 7-0 in Big 11, 5-2 vs spread, winning road games by 21-1-18 points.
Miami in desperate straits, 1-4 and in ACC cellar, losing last three games by 15-16-3 points; they're 0-3 on ACC road, losing by 15 at Va Tech, 1 at BC, 16 at Virginia. Maryland is 3-1 in ACC, 4-0 vs spread, winning at home by 9 over Florida State, 24 over NC State- they're 31-59 from arc in four ACC games. ACC home favorites are 13-14 against the spread.
Toledo is awful, 0-5 in MAC (1-4 vs spread), losing games by 11-15-28-4-32 points (1-1 as MAC home dog); they were down 42-15 at half last game. Kent is 4-1 vs spread in MAC, 2-1 as favorite, splitting pair of away games, winning by hoop at Ohio, losing by hoop in OT at Miami. MAC home underdogs are 4-4 against the spread in conference play.
Home team won Ball State's last four games; Cardinals won last two at home, beating Toledo by 28, Western Michigan by 7. Miami won three of last four games after a 3-11 start; they're 2-1 as MAC fave, winning its home games by 2 over Kent, 12 over Ohio, 12 over Bowling Green. MAC home underdogs are 4-4 against the spread.
Boston College shot 37% from floor, 2-16 from arc Jan 9 in 72-56 loss at Clemson; Tigers blocked eight shots. Clemson is 1-2 on ACC road, with 73-70 win at NC State (led 45-28 at half), losses at Duke/Georgia Tech. Tigers lost last two games, scoring 64-47 points. BC lost four of its last five games; their last two games were decided by a total of five points.
Rhode Island won five of last seven games vs Dayton, taking two of last three visits here; Dayton is 4-3 this month, but they've won both A-14 home games, by 6 over Duquesne, 15 over George Washington. Dogs are 4-1 vs spread in Flyers' A-4 games. Rams won three of last four games, are 1-1 on A-14 road. A-14 home favorites are an awful 7-20 vs spread.
Home teams won four of last five Kansas State-Baylor games; Wildcats lost last two visits here, by 2-6 points. Underdogs are 4-2 against spread in series. Baylor covered its last three home games, winning by 31-13-26 points- they're averaging 80 ppg in Big 12 play. K-State is 3-2 in Big 12, 1-1 on road, losing by 6 at Missouri, winning by 6 at Colorado.
Tulsa/UAB are both 5-0 in Conference USA. Hurricane won last seven games, winning by 6 at Houston, 7 at SMU in its conference road games. Blazers won their last three games by total of four points; they're 17-2 this year, losing by 7 to Kent Stare, 9 at Virginia. Underdog is 4-1 vs the spread in UAB's league games; they won at home by 1-8 points.
DePaul is 1-6 in Big East but covered its last two, losing by 10 at Notre Dame after upsetting Marquette in its last home game; Blue Demons are 2-5 vs spread as Big East dog, losing their other two home games by 17 to Georgetown, 17 to Providence. West Virginia had big comeback win vs Ohio State in last game; they've got Big East road wins by 6-19 pts.
Rutgers hasn't won or covered in Big East (0-7), losing road games by 34 at West Virginia, 13 at Providence, 9 at South Florida, 25 at Georgetown. Marquette is 2-5 in Big East, beating Hoyas by 3, Friars by 30- they're 2-1 as Big East favorite, but did lose as 13-point road favorite last week at DePaul. Big East home favorites are 18-20 against the spread.
North Carolina is in 11th place in ACC on January 25, losing three in a row for first time under Williams, by 19-2-13 points, allowing 79.3 ppg. Tar Heels won 12 of last 13 games vs NC State, taking five of last six in Raleigh, winning by 7-10-24-14-17 points, but UNC is banged up, with Zeller out, Davis a gametime decision. Wolfpack is just 2-4 in ACC, but they did beat Duke in this arena last week.
Underdog is 9-1-1 vs spread in last 11 Kentucky-South Carolina games; Gamecocks beat Kentucky twice LY, whipping them by 18 here, but it is a new year, for sure. Kentucky is only unbeaten team, winning SEC road games at Florida by 12, at Auburn by 5- they covered four of last six games overall. Gamecocks lost last three games, by 10-9-2 points.
Minnesota lost by point to Michigan State Saturday; Nolen's absence is a problem on defense; Gophers won six of last seven vs Northwestern, beating Wildcats in last two Big 11 tourneys. Wildcats lost their last two visits here by 19-27 points. Gophers lost last three games; they're 2-3 as Big 11 home favorite. Wildcats' Big 11 losses are by 6-21-10-20 points.
Tips and Trends
Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Wolverines
Spartans (-4, O/U 131): All thing are fine in East Lansing, as the Spartans are ranked 6th in the country at 17-3 SU. More importantly, the Spartans have tied their best league start in school history at 7-0 SU. The Spartans are 5-3 SU and 4-4 ATS away from home this season. While the Spartans are 17-3 SU, they are only 8-11 ATS this season. The Spartans are 3-1 ATS as a single digit favorite this season. In true road contests, the Spartans are 2-1 ATS as the listed favorite this season. Michigan St. averages more than 77 PPG, thanks to 5 players averaging double digits in PTS. G Kalin Lucas leads the Spartans with 15.8 PPG and 4.1 APG this season. Forwards Raymar Morgan and Draymond Green combine to average nearly 22 PPG, with both players shooting better than 56% from the field. The Spartans have dominated their series with the Wolverines of late, having won 16 of the past 19 matchups.
Spartans are 4-1 ATS last 5 games vs. a team with a winning SU record.
Under is 5-0 last 5 games following an ATS win.
Key Injuries - None.
PROJECTED SCORE: 63 (UNDER - Total of the Day)
Wolverines: Michigan has lost 3 of their past 5 games SU to stand at 10-9 SU on the season. Watching this team play, it's hard to see how this team was ranked #15 in the nation in preseason polls. Michigan has fared well at home, where they are 8-2 SU and 3-3 ATS this season. Michigan has relished the underdog role this season, as they are 5-0 ATS as the listed underdog this season. Today marks only the 2nd time this season the Wolverines will be a home underdog. Michigan is struggling to score currently, as they only totaled 97 PTS in their past 2 games combined. Part of the Wolverines problem is they only have 2 double digit scorers, both G Manny Harris and F Deshawn Sims. The duo combine for nearly 37 PPG, more than half of the Wolverines total PPG this season. Defensively, the Wolverines have only allowed 4 of their 19 opponents to score 70 PTS or more against them.
Wolverines are 5-1 ATS last 6 vs. Big Ten.
Under is 6-0 last 6 overall.
Key Injuries - G Manny Harris (suspension) is probable.
C Ben Cronin (hip) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 62
Kentucky Wildcats at South Carolina Gamecocks
Wildcats (-6, O/U 148.5): Kentucky is the last undefeated team left in College basketball at 19-0 SU. The unanimous #1 team in the country has had some recent scares however, as 3 of their past 5 wins have come by single digits. Kentucky is 6-0 SU and 4-2 ATS away from home this season. Kentucky is 3-1 ATS as a single digit favorite so far this season. The Wildcats are winning with defense just as much as their offense. The Wildcats have held 13 of their 19 opponents to less that 40% shooting this season. Kentucky will have plenty to play for tonight, as they lost both games SU to South Carolina last season. Freshman sensation G John Wall might be the best player in all of college basketball. Wall leads the Wildcats with 17 PPG and nearly 7 APG this season. Forwards Patrick Patterson and DeMarcus Cousins combine to average more than 31 PPG, with both shooting better than 55% from the field.
Wildcats are 4-1 ATS last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 13-3 last 16 vs. a team with a winning SU record.
Key Injuries - None.
PROJECTED SCORE: 82 (Side of the Day)
Gamecocks: South Carolina has lost 3 straight games SU to stand at 11-8 SU on the season. Of their 11 wins this season, 8 of them have come at home. The Gamecocks are 8-2 SU and 4-3 ATS at home this season. South Carolina is 2-3 ATS as the listed favorite this season. Today marks the 1st time this season that the Gamecocks will be the listed home underdog. The Gamecocks have scored at least 74 PTS in 9 of their 10 home games. G Devan Downey leads South Carolina in scoring at nearly 22 PPG this season, and has averaged 31.6 PPG during league play. Downey also leads the team with 3.6 APG, and he also makes more than two 3 pointers per game to round out his diverse game. Downey needs his teammates to step their game up if they are ultimately going to be successful, as they only shoot 40% from the field. The Gamecocks also need to improve their rebounding efforts, as they are being outrebounded by nearly 4 RPG during conference play.
Gamecocks are 0-5 ATS last 5 games following an ATS win.
Under is 7-1 last 8 games following a SU loss.
Key Injuries - F Dominique Archie (knee) is out.
F Mike Holmes (eye) is out
PROJECTED SCORE: 67