(11) Georgetown (18-7, 11-10 ATS) at Louisville (18-9, 8-14 ATS)
Louisville looks to boost its NCAA Tournament resume when it welcomes the 11th-ranked Hoyas to Freedom Hall for a Big East battle.
Georgetown fell behind No. 5 Syracuse by 23 points in the second half on Thursday and made a valiant comeback, only to fall short 75-71 as a two-point home favorite. The Hoyas have dropped four of their last seven games both SU and ATS, though two of the victories were double-digit wins over No. 8 Duke and No. 2 Villanova. They now sit in a tie for sixth place in the Big East standings, one game behind Louisville. The SU winner has cashed in each of Georgetown’s last 11 contests.
The Cardinals have won three in a row and five of their last six, but they continue to struggle to cover pointspreads, going 1-4 ATS in their last five and 3-9 ATS in their last 12 (all Big East games). On Saturday, Louisville went to DePaul and prevailed 68-59, falling just short as an 11½-point road chalk. The Cardinals have won four straight road games (all in conference), going just 1-3 ATS, and they’re 6-1 SU and 2-5 ATS when hosting conference foes.
Louisville pummeled the Hoyas in last year’s lone meeting, rolling 76-58 as a one-point road chalk. The Cardinals, who had gone 2-4 SU in the previous six against Georgetown, have covered in each of the last three clashes. These teams have squared off six times in since 2000, and the favorite, road team and SU winner are all 4-1-1 ATS.
Georgetown is 7-4 on the highway this year (6-4 ATS in lined games), while Louisville is 14-3 at home (4-8 ATS).
The Hoyas have failed to cover in 23 of their last 32 conference games and seven of 10 as an underdog of less than seven points, but they’re 5-2 ATS in their last seven when coming off a defeat and 4-1 ATS in their last five following a non-cover. Louisville is 45-21-2 ATS in their last 68 Big East contests, but other than that, the Cardinals are in pointspread freefalls of 3-9 overall, 1-5 at home, 3-7 against winning teams, 2-6 on Tuesday, 0-4 as a favorite and 0-4 after a SU victory.
Georgetown has topped the total in seven straight games after a SU victory, six straight after a non-cover and eight of 11 as an underdog, while the over has cashed in eight of Louisville’s last 11 home games (all as a favorite). Conversely, the under is on runs of 6-2 for the Hoyas on the highway, 7-2 for the Hoyas on Tuesday, 4-1 for the Cardinals overall (all in conference) and 5-1 for the Cardinals after an ATS setback. Finally, four of the six meetings between these teams – including two of three at Freedom Hall – during the past decade stayed below the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: LOUISVILLE and UNDER
(6) Kansas State (22-4, 14-6-1 ATS) at Texas Tech (16-10, 12-8 ATS)
The Wildcats take a five-game winning streak into United Spirit Arena in Lubbock, Texas, for a Big 12 contest against Texas Tech, which has dropped three in a row.
Kansas State took a two-point halftime lead at Oklahoma on Saturday, then rolled from there, winning 83-68 and easily cashing as a 5½-point road chalk. Although the Wildcats are just 3-2 ATS during their winning streak, they have cashed in five of their last seven overall. Also, they’ve won five straight road games, all in the Big 12 (3-1-1 ATS). During the current five-game overall winning streak, Kansas State is averaging 79.4 ppg (47.6 percent shooting) and yielding 67.6 ppg (41.9 percent).
The Red Raiders gave Texas a good fight Saturday, but came up on the short end of a 71-67 decision, though it did cash as a 6½-point home underdog. The Red Raiders won 13 of their first 14 home games, but they’ve since lost their last two by a total of six points. Throw in a 94-89 overtime loss to Missouri, and Texas Tech’s three home defeats (all in conference) were by a total of 11 points.
Kansas State won last year’s only meeting with Texas Tech 85-73, barely covering as an 11½-point home favorite. Prior to that, the Red Raiders had gone 6-1 SU and ATS in this rivalry, and they’ve covered in five straight meetings in Lubbock. The home team is 8-2 SU and ATS in the last 10 regular-season tussles, and the SU winner has cashed in each of the last 13 clashes.
The Wildcats are on a slew of positive ATS runs, including 13-4-1 overall, 6-2-1 on the road, 5-2 in Big 12 games, 10-3-1 as a favorite, 4-1-1 as a road favorite, 6-1-1 when laying less than seven points, 5-0 on Tuesday, 11-4-1 versus winning teams and 9-4-1 after both a SU or ATS victory. Meanwhile, Texas Tech has now cashed in eight of its last 10 at home and six of seven as a ‘dog of less than seven points, but it is 5-15 ATS in its last 20 on Tuesday.
K-State has stayed under the total in five of its last seven Tuesday games, and the under is 4-1 in Tech’s last five at home. From there, though, the “over” is on runs of 7-2-1 for the Wildcats on the road, 17-5-1 for the Wildcats as a road favorite, 6-2 for the Wildcats after an ATS win, 37-17-2 for the Red Raiders overall, 26-11-2 for the Red Raiders as an underdog, 13-3-2 for the Red Raiders as a pup of less than seven points, 20-9-2 for the Red Raiders after a loss and 15-7-1 for the Red Raiders after a spread-cover. Also, the last two matchups in this rivalry have topped the posted total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
(19) Tennessee (20-6, 10-12-1 ATS) at Florida (19-8, 12-10 ATS)
The Gators hope to end a six-game series losing streak to Tennessee while at the same time enhancing their NCAA Tournament chances when they welcome the 19th-ranked Volunteers to the O’Connell Center for an SEC showdown.
Tennessee had little trouble with South Carolina on Saturday, rolling to a 63-55 victory and cashing as a 1½-point road favorite following a 2-7 ATS slump. The Vols have won two in a row and five of their last seven, splitting four road games during this stretch. Bruce Pearl’s squad is 3-3 SU in conference roadies, but has failed to cover in four of the last five on the highway.
Florida went to Ole Miss on Saturday and scored a key 64-61 victory as a five-point road underdog, halting a three-game ATS slide. Since dropping their first two SEC games, the Gators have won eight of their last 11 overall, going 8-2 in SEC contests during this stretch (7-3 ATS). That includes five straight conference home wins (3-2 ATS). For the season, Billy Donovan’s team has won 12 of 15 home games, averaging 73.1 ppg (43.8 percent shooting) while holding visitors to 60.7 ppg (40 percent).
Tennessee survived a thriller against the Gators in Knoxville on Jan. 31, winning 61-60 for its sixth straight victory in this rivalry. However, the Vols came up way short as an 8½-point home favorite, ending a 5-0 ATS streak against Florida. Still, Tennessee is 10-2 in the last 12 meetings (9-3 ATS), and it has cashed in 13 of the last 17 clashes overall, going 4-1 ATS in its last five trips to Gainesville.
Aside from their pointspread success against Florida, the Vols are in ATS ruts of 2-7 overall (all in SEC play), 1-4 on the road and 6-13 following a spread-cover. However, they’re 20-7-1 ATS in their last 28 as an underdog of less than seven points. Florida’s 5-2 ATS run in the SEC is offset by negative pointspread streaks of 3-7 at home, 4-9 as a home chalk of less than seven points and 1-4 on Tuesday.
These teams have gone over the total in five of the last seven meetings in Florida. Other than that, though, Tennessee is on “under” runs of 23-8 overall, 24-9 on the road, 19-7 in conference, 20-8 as an underdog, 10-2 as a ‘dog of less than seven points, 6-2 on Tuesday, 19-7 after a SU victory and 11-4 after a spread-cover, while the Gators carry “under” trends of 17-7 overall, 12-4 at home, 14-3 as a favorite, 12-2 as a home chalk, 7-0 when favored by less than seven points, 27-10-1 following a win and 9-3 after a spread-cover. Also, last month’s meeting in Tennessee stayed way under the posted total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Game of the day: Tennessee at Florida
ByMarc Lawrence
A key SEC East Division battle tips off Tuesday night at the O’Connell Center in Gainesville when Florida (19-8, 8-4) hosts Tennessee (20-6, 8-4) on ESPN.
Rocky flop
A pre-season Top 10 team and the choice of many to challenge Kentucky for top honors in the SEC this season, Tennessee used a 16-3 spurt in the final seven minutes to put South Carolina away over the weekend.
Despite trailing at the half for the fourth straight contest, the victory marked the fifth straight year the Volunteers have reached the 20-win plateau under head coach Bruce Pearl.
Continually making roster adjustments, the Vols went with a four-guard lineup for the second straight game on Saturday. Pearl awarded Melvin Goins his third start of the season against South Carolina. Goins played only 16 minutes and failed to score.
F Wayne Chism, the team’s leading scorer (13.1 ppg) and rebounder (7.2 rpg), has played through ankle and hip injuries. Chism followed up a career high 30 points and 11 rebound effort against Georgia with 11 points and nine rebounds against the Gamecocks and appears to be coming into his own.
An Achilles heel for Tennessee this season has been its offense, especially on the road where it is averaging a mere 62 points per game.
The Vols edged Florida, 61-60 as 8-point favorites 24 days ago in Knoxville and have won eight of the last nine meetings in this series.
Gator made
Florida lost three starters from last year’s 25-win team and was projected to finish in fourth place in the tough SEC East this season.
This year’s unit features an eight-man rotation, with all five starters averaging double-digits, led by freshman G Kenny Boynton (13.5 ppg).
After going 2-7 on the road last season, Florida improved to 5-3 on the highway this season. The Gators also went 6-0 in Thursday-Saturday turnarounds in conference play this campaign.
On the heels of back-to-back NIT appearances the last two years, the Gators’ 64-61 victory at Mississippi on Saturday likely made their way off the NCAA Tournament bubble. One victory in their final four games will ensure a winning conference record, a strong pre-requisite in the eyes of the NCAA Tournament selection committee.
Florida blew a seven-point lead with four minutes remaining at Ole Miss but made its free throws down the stretch to down the Rebels. Result improved the Gators to 6-0 against the SEC West this season.
C Vernon Macklin scored a career-high 22 points in Saturday's win. Florida is 12-2 when Macklin scores 10 or more points.
"I thought our guys definitely showed some resiliency and some toughness," Florida coach Billy Donovan said. "We're not playing a lot of guys."
By the numbers
According to Covers.com statistical rankings, here is how each team ranks against 374 other teams in four pivotal stat categories:
Offensive Field Goal Percentage:
Florida (116) 44.4
Tennessee (62) 45.9
Defensive Field Goal Percentage:
Florida (98) 41.8
Tennessee (19) 39.1
Rebound Margin:
Florida (100) +2.3
Tennessee (137) +1.2
Against The Spread:
Florida (104) 12-10
Tennessee (218) 10-12-1
Florida’s soft spot continues to be its 3-point shooting. The Gators rank 11th in the SEC at 30.3 percent and they’ve made just 15 of their last 72 from beyond the arc.
Boynton, in particular, has struggled going 51-for-195 (26.2 percent) from 3-point range.
Tennessee struggles from the free throw line, converting 66.2 percent of its attempts. Florida cans 70.9 percent of its tosses from the stripe.
Coaches’ corner
Our history book tells us the Gators are 84-26 at home in conference play under Donovan.
The Vols are 22-16 on the SEC road under Pearl, including 4-1 at Florida.
When playing off an upset win, Donovan is 18-9 straight up and 11-13-1 against the spread. In these same games against .720 (team winning percentage) or greater opposition, Billy’s boys are 11-3 SU and 9-4-1 ATS.
In his college career as a head coach, Pearl is 113-41 SU and 85-64 ATS in conference games, including 18-10 ATS as a dog and 13-4 ATS against foes off an underdog win.
Trendencies
• The Gators allow an average 62 ppg at home this year. Tennessee is 3-9-1 ATS this season in games in which it scores less than 75 points. Pearl is 36-66-3 ATS in his career in games where his team tallies fewer than 75 points.
• Florida is 13-3 SU and 14-1-1 ATS in this series when the Gators enter the contest with a win percentage of less than .750 on the season.
Super Tuesday
By Chris David
Are Billy Donovan and the Gators headed back to the NCAA Tournament? Some folks quickly forget that Florida has missed the Big Dance the past two years and that comes after winning back-to-back national championships.
“Florida appears to be in good shape right now, but of course, these things can change rapidly. When you look at the Gators’ last four games, I think the first three are toss-ups and we can most likely chalk up an ‘L’ for the trip to Rupp Arena against Kentucky. As long as it wins at Georgia and splits the two home games against Tennessee and Vanderbilt, it should be in good shape regardless of what happens at the SEC Tournament. Now if the Gators lose three of four down the stretch, they can probably salvage a bid with a win and decent loss (non blowout) at the SEC Tourney,” explained VegasInsider.com handicapper Brian Edwards.
The home game against Tennessee happens tonight from the O’Connell Center, one of the tougher places to play in college basketball.
Florida isn’t alone as the only bubble team left standing. Just ask Louisville and Illinois. According to Bruce Marshall of The Gold Sheet, they should both receive at-large bids if Selection Sunday happened two days ago. Marshall believes the pair has a good shot facing one another in his latest Bracketology Update.
All three of those schools play on Tuesday, and two of them are laying points against ranked opponents, which is usually a hint by the oddsmakers.
Let’s take a closer look!
Georgetown (18-7 SU, 11-10 ATS) at Louisville (18-9 SU, 8-14 ATS)
Even though the Hoyas are ranked 11th in the latest AP Top 25, the Cardinals are clearly playing better basketball at this point in the season and that’s why they opened up as four-point favorites. Louisville closed January on a bad note by losing three of four, but there was optimism for head coach Rick Pitino and company. All of the setbacks were on the road and they were by a combined 11 points. Since then, the Cardinals have gone 5-1 (2-4 ATS) and that includes three wins at Freedom Hall, where tonight’s game takes place.
The Hoyas haven’t played since last Thursday when they fell to Syracuse (71-75) as a two-point home favorite. The game wasn’t as close as the final score until the end when Georgetown made a late rally which came up short. One of the weaknesses on the Hoyas is the lack of an inside presence on defense and it’s shown lately. In the last seven games, G-Town has given up 70-plus in every game, which has translated into a 3-4 record both SU and ATS.
Due to Big East scheduling, this will be the only meeting this season. Since the Cards entered the conference, they have gone 3-1 SU and ATS against the Hoyas. The total has gone 2-2.
After losing its four battles of the season against ranked opponents, Pitino and company have won and covered both of their last two encounters against Top 25 schools. Will Tuesday be the third? Find out on ESPN2 at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Illinois (17-10 SU, 10-15 ATS) at Michigan (13-13 SU, 11-11 ATS)
The Big 10 takes center stage on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. EST, when the Fighting Illini and Wolverines square off in Ann Arbor. Illinois might be viewed as a “Bubble Team” but VegasInsider.com handicapper Matt Fargo points out some good notes on the squad from Champaign.
He said, “The Illini just concluded a stretch of four straight games against Top 15 opponents so the fact that they went 2-2 isn’t that bad. With a game now finally not against a ranked team, Illinois has a good shot to bounce back and there will be no letdown following two straight losses.”
The two wins came against Michigan State (78-73) and Wisconsin (63-56), with the setbacks against Ohio State (53-72) and Purdue (65-75). Even though the Illini came up 10 points short to the Boilermakers last Saturday in West Lafayette, the team did have a three-game road winning streak intact before the loss.
Michigan’s chances of reaching the NCAA Tournament are shot unless it wins the Big 10 tournament. The NIT is a possibility but the school needs to finish at .500 or better, and that’s going to be tough too. Of the 13 wins for the Wolverines, nine have come at home and they do own a couple against quality opponents in Ohio State (73-64) and Connecticut ((68-63).
Despite the disparity in records, Michigan opened as a three-point favorite but the number has dipped a half-point at most books. The total is hovering right around 127 and that seems fair considering Michigan has seen the ‘under’ go 8-2 at home.
Tennessee (20-6 SU, 10-12 ATS) at Florida (19-8 SU, 12-10 ATS)
Bruce Pearl and the Volunteers have owned this series, winning six straight against the Gators, which includes a 61-60 victory in Knoxville on Jan. 31. Tennessee failed to cover as an eight-point favorite and could’ve easily lost the game if it wasn’t for a couple near misses at the end by Florida’s frontcourt.
Even though the Vols have won both of their last two trips to Gainesville, this year’s squad is just 4-4 SU and 2-6 ATS on the road. Pearl’s team is coming off a solid 63-55 win at South Carolina on Saturday, which stopped a two-game losing skid on the road.
Florida owns a respectable 12-3 SU and 5-6 ATS mark at home, but none of the victories really stand out and two of the three losses came against quality opponents in Kentucky (77-89) and Xavier (64-76). It’s fair to say that Tennessee is nestled somewhere between that pair.
The Vols and Gators were once known as high-scoring teams, especially with the up-tempo styles of Pearl and Donovan. However, both coaches are lacking the sharpshooters on the outside and it has certainly hurt their production this season. Tennessee (32.4%) and Florida are ranked (30.9%) 10th and last in the SEC this year from 3-point land.
Florida has been installed as a three-point ‘chalk’ for Tuesday while the total is listed at 136, which is the lowest number in the previous 10 encounters between the two. Be sure to follow the expected slugfest at 9:00 p.m. EST on ESPN.
Look Ahead Spots?
It’s hard to make a case against Syracuse tonight when it plays Providence, considering what the school has done outside of the Carrier Dome this season and the Friars recent fade. Jim Boeheim’s team has gone 10-0 SU and 9-1 ATS in road or neutral games, plus Providence has dropped six consecutive (2-4 ATS) contests. However, make a note that Syracuse will host No. 7 Villanova in a national primetime showdown this Saturday. The Orange are laying eight against the Friars and the total has opened at 162, which has been close to the norm for Providence’s up-and-down game.
Another possible road trap on Tuesday happens in the Mountain West Conference when Colorado State welcomes No. 10 New Mexico. Head coach Steve Alford and the Lobos have won 11 straight (7-3-1 ATS) and sit atop the conference standings. Awaiting them on Saturday is a matchup in Provo against No. 13 Brigham Young. New Mexico opened as an 8 ½-point road favorite against CSU. Gamblers can tune into this game at 10:00 p.m. EST on The Mountain Network. If you’re looking for more insight on the MWC, check out Joe Nelson’s column Mountain West Matters.
vegasinsider.com
NCAA News and Notes
Tuesday, February 23
Information on Tuesday's college basketball games........
Virginia lost its last five games, scoring 56.2 ppg; they're 3-3 as road dog in ACC games, losing away games by 12-19-6-23 points. Cavaliers held Miami to 31.5% from floor in 75-57 home win (-3) Jan 16. Miami lost eight of its last ten games; they're 3-2 at home in ACC, with wins by 1-7-2 points. ACC home favorites of 5 or less points are 12-13 vs spread.
Home team won last three Georgetown-Louisville games; Hoyas lost last two visits here, by 8-18 points- they're 2-4 in last six games, with losses by 17-8-3-4 points (2-2 as road underdog). Louisville won three in row, five of last six games; they're just 2-5 as Big East home favorite, winning at home by 21-7-8-13-16-2. Big East HFs of 7 or less points: 11-23.
Providence (+15) lost 85-68 at Carrier Dome Feb 2, as Syracuse blocked eight shots, Friars made just 5-16 from arc. Orange are 4-1 as a Big East road favorite, winning away games by 7-16-1-13-2-17-4 points. Friars lost last six games (1-4 vs spread in last five); they're 1-4 as a Big East home dog. Single digit home underdogs are 7-13 against the spread.
Rutgers lost five of last six visits to Seton Hall, losing by 27-16-6-5-3 points; Knights are 2-5 as Big East road underdog, losing away games by 34-13-9-25-23-16 points. Pirates won three of last four games; they are 2-2 as home favorite, winnign home games by 7-3-33-8 points. Double digit home favorites are 11-14 vs spread in Big East games.
Home team won last eight Illinois-Michigan games; Illini lost last four in Ann Arbor by 8-10-6-10 points- they lost last two games, scoring just 59 ppg, but are 3-1 as Big 11 road dog, losing away games by 10-5-10 points (4-3 SU). Michigan lost six of last nine games, is 3-2 as a home favorite. Big 11 home favorites of 6 or less points are 9-7 vs spread.
Georgia State (+17) lost 56-40 at Old Dominion Jan 28, shooting 35% for night, giving up 15 offensive boards; Panthers won four of last five home games, are 1-3 as CAA home underdog, losing home games by 15-12-13-3 points (4-4 SU). CAA home dogs of more than 6 points are 1-8 vs spread. Monarchs are 4-2 as a CAA road favorite this season.
Creighton (-4.5) outscored Southern Illinois 21-11 on foul line in a 71-69 home win Jan 13; Bluejays are 1-5 as MVC road underdog, losing away games by 6-12-9-5-18-18 points. Salukis lost five of last seven games, are 3-4 as home favorite, winning at home by 18-1-6-16 points. MVC home favorites of less than 6 points are 11-15 vs spread this year.
Evansville (+16) lost 65-46 at Northern Iowa Jan 1; Aces are 1-6 as an MVC home underdog, losing home games by 14-8-19-8-7-7-20 points, with an upset of Wichita. UNI won eight of last nine games; they're 2-1 as an MVC road favorite, winning away games by 8-12-15-9-1-9 points. MVC home underdogs of 6+ points are 1-3 against the spread.
Kansas State beat Texas Tech 85-73 LY, ending long losing streak to the Red Raiders; Wildcats lost last three visits to Lubbock by 11-14-9 pts. Tech lost last three games by 2-18-4 points; they're 4-2 vs spread in last six games as a dog. K-State is 3-1 as a Big 12 road favorite. Big 12 home underdogs of less than 6 points are 5-9 against the spread.
Florida (+8) lost 61-60 at Tennessee Jan 31, game where Vols hit 4-12 on foul line, 7-23 from arc; Gators lost last six series games, as Vols won last two visits here, by 3-4 points. Florida is 8-2 in last 10 SEC games, 3-2 as SEC home favorite, winning at home by 14-2-16-7-8 points. Vols are 2-3 in last five road games, losing at Georgia-Vanderbilt-Kentucky.
Northeastern (-3.5) won 75-55 at Hofstra Feb 6, holding Pride to 31.7% from floor, while forcing 19 turnovers; it is Hofstra's only loss in its last eight games. Huskies are 5-3 as a home fave in CAA games, winning by 12-25-4-23-12-10-9 points. Hofstra is 5-1 as CAA road dog, losing on road by 4-11-7-13 points. CAA home faves of 8+ points are 15-13.
Colorado State (+14) lost first meeting 82-64 at New Mexico; Rams are 1-10 in last 11 series games, losing last six. Rams won last five visits to Fort Collins by 8-2-4-19-2 points. MWC home dogs of 8+ points: 0-5. New Mexico won last 11 games; they're 2-1-1 as road favorite, winning away games by 2-23-16-10-3 points. State is 0-3 as MWC home dog.
Tips and Trends
Illinois Fighting Illini at Michigan Wolverines
Fighting Illini: Illinois is coming into tonights contest off back to back double digit SU league losses. Illinois lost to both Ohio St and Purdue as the listed underdog. Including tonight's contest, Illinois will have been the listed underdog in each of their past 5 games. Illinois is 17-10 SU this season, including an ATS record of 11-15. The Illini are 5-4 SU and 6-3 ATS on the road this season. Illinois is 5-3 ATS as the listed underdog this season. One would think that Illinois would be a bit tired after playing agaist 4 consecutive teams ranked in the Top 15 in the nation. The Illini are attempting to make a last ditch run towards March Madness. One more SU loss, and the Illini more than likely will be out of consideration. Tonight will be tough considering Illinois has lost the past 4 contests SU at Crisler Arena. G Demetri McCamey leads the Illini in both PPG and APG this season, 15.2 and 6.9 respectively. F Mike Davis played up to his potential against Purdue recently, and is averaging 10.4 PPG and a team high 8.5 RPG this season.
Illinois is 4-0 ATS last 4 road games.
Over is 9-3 last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Key Injuries - G Joseph Bertrand (knee) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 58
Wolverines (-2.5, O/U 127): Michigan will be playing their 2nd to last home game of the season today. Michigan has scored a total of 95 PTS in their past 2 home games, both SU losses. The Wolverines are 13-13 SU for the season, with 9 wins coming at home. Michigan is 9-5 SU and 5-5 ATS at home this season. The Wolverines are 2-8 ATS this season as a single digit favorite. Michigan is easily one of the most dissapointing teams in the nation, as much was expected from a team that made it to the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament last year. Part of their offensive struggles is their reliance on 3 pointers. The Wolverines attempt 24 3 pointers per game, yet only convert on 30% of them, the lowest rate in the the Big 10. G Manny Harris and F DeShawn Sims combine for 36 PPG this season for the Wolverines, 55% of the Wolverines total PPG. No other Michigan player averages more than 7 PPG this season. Michigan is a perfect 7-0 SU when Harris and Sims both score 20 PTS or more in the same game.
Michigan is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 7-0 last 7 home games.
Key Injuries - C Ben Cronin (hip) is out.
G Eso Akunne (eligibility) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 63 (UNDER - Total of the Day)
Tennessee Volunteers at Florida Gators
Volunteers: Tennessee has won 5 of their past 7 games SU, all as the listed favorite. Tennessee has bounced back since they lost their previous 2 games both SU and ATS to Kentucky and Vanderbilit. The Volunteers are 20-6 SU and ranked 19th in the nation this week. Tennessee is 8-4 SU in league play this season. The Volunteers are 7-5 SU and 5-6-1 ATS in both true road games and neutral court settings this season. The Volunteers are 2-2-1 ATS as the listed underdog this season. Tennessee is 2-7 ATS in their past 9 games overall. Tennessee has been held under 70 PTS in each of their past 3 games. F Wayne Chism and G Scotty Hopson are the only active Volunteers averaging double digits in PTS this season. The duo combine for nearly 26 PPG and 11 RPG for Tennessee this season. Hopson is struggling from the 3 point line, going 4 for 23 over his past 7 games. The Volunteers bench contributed greatly in their last game by scoring 20 PTS. Tennesse has won at least 20 games SU in each of the past 5 seasons.
Tennessee is 1-4 ATS last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 24-9 last 33 road games.
Key Injuries - G Cameron Tatum (ankle) is probable.
G Tyler Smith (disciplinary) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 66
Gators (-4, O/U 136): Florida certainly hopes revenge will be sweet, as the Gators have lost 6 consecutive games SU to their opponent today. The past 2 meetings between these teams were decided by a total of 5 PTS, including a 1 point loss earlier this year in Tennessee. Florida has won consecutive league games to stand at 19-8 SU for the season. Those past 2 SU wins were critical for the Gators in their attempts to make the NCAA Tournament this season. Florida is 12-3 SU and 5-6 ATS at home this season. The Gators are 3-4 ATS as a single digit favorite this season. A big reason for the Gators success their past 2 games is their free throw shooting. Florida made 57 of 67 attempts their past 2 games combined, including 25 of 27 on the road against Mississippi. Overall, the Gators have been held under 70 PTS in 5 of their past 7 games. 5 different Gators average double figures in PTS, led by G Kenny Boynton. Boynton averages 13.5 PPG and makes nearly 2 3 pointers per game for the Gators.
Florida is 3-7 ATS last 10 home games.
Under is 12-4 last 16 home games.
Key Injuries - F Kenny Kadji (back) is out.
F Adam Allen (leg) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 76 (SIDE of the Day)