NCAAB News and Notes Monday 1/11

Big Monday Back in Business
By Doug Upstone

With football relegated to weekends the rest of the season, college basketball is back on the front burner. That means a dose of Big East and Big 12 hoops for the next couple of months and wagering opportunities from two of the best conferences in the collegiate game. We start this Monday with a Whiteout in Louisville and Bedlam bash in Norman. Get Ready!

Cardinal red is white

Louisville (12-4, 5-6 ATS) spent the early part of the season learning to play without its two best players from a year ago and coach Rick Pitino has added responsibility with their hard work and maturity. Hes brought back different full-court defenses, that have man-to-man principles in the half court and the players love it. Guards Preston Knowles and Edgar Sosa are embracing the challenge and Samardo Samuels has become more dominant. The Cardinals are on 18-6 ATS run in Big East action the last two years.

The last couple of years, Louisville has added a special night when everyone in the arena wears white t-shirts, for the whiteout-effect and coach Rick Pitino has joined in the festivities wearing a pure white suit with a red tie, which led to coining the phrase respect the suit. The Cardinals have won seven of eight, including a non-cover over St. Johns 75-68 Saturday. Louisville is 23-12 ATS off a win against a conference rival over the last three seasons.

After squeaking by Marquette twice in eight days by a total of four points, once beaten Villanova (14-1, 10-4 ATS) lands in Kentucky. The Wildcats have a number of ways to attack teams with its marvelous guard contingent and should not be vastly affected by the different types of presses Louisville likes to use. Few guards in the country have been through the wars like Scottie Reynolds and his team is 13-3 ATS vs. good offensive clubs averaging 77 or more points per game. Coach Jay Wrights concern is defensive intensity, where he has seen unnecessary lapses.

When asked about having his team readiness to play after nipping Marquette 78-76 Saturday, Wright said. We'll be fired up to play.

Sportbet.com has the Cardinals as two-point favorites, with total of 156. Villanova is averaging 84.3 points per game and Louisville is 5-15 ATS versus offensive teams -scoring 84 or more points game. The Wildcats have to contend with the Cards various defenses and are 6-16 ATS after four straight games committing 14 or less turnovers.

These teams have split six engagements the last 12 years with the Ville 5-1 ATS.

Bedlam to reign

Oklahoma (9-6, 4-8 ATS) figured to have problems with the departure of All-American Blake Griffin, but not to this extreme. The Sooners have lost five games by double digits and the last three have been a nightmare, being destroyed by 15, 24 and 31 respectively. Oklahoma brought in a number of new recruits that were supposed to blend with talented returnees like guard Willie Warren, but as coach Jeff Capel said about his underperforming squad, Talent is overrated,.

The Sooners are 0-6 ATS off a spread loss and defensive effort has been the biggest culprit. In their last three blowouts, they have allowed opposing teams to shoot 55.8 percent. Maybe a battle with in-state rival will stir their hearts.

Oklahoma State (13-2, 6-2-1 ATS) started Big 12 play with bang, burying then No.22 Texas Tech 81-52 two nights ago. James Anderson led the way with 28 points and they have done a superb job protecting the ball with just over 11 turnovers a game, which is on pace to break a school record. The Cowboys are averaging 75.1 points per game this season and are 10-1 ATS when they score 75 to 80 points in a game over the last two seasons.

Oklahoma State opened as a one-point favorite, with total of 147. The Cowboys have covered 10 of last 11 league games and are 13-5 UNDER after two or more consecutive wins. Oklahoma has taken nine of last 12 meetings at home, with 5-7 ATS mark and is 12-3 OVER in all home games over the last two seasons. The Sooners are dismal 4-9-1 ATS in last 14 Big Mondays.

(6) Villanova (14-1, 10-4 ATS) at Louisville (12-4, 5-6 ATS)

The Wildcats put a five-game winning streak on the line when they visit Freedom Hall for a Big East battle with Louisville.

Villanova raced out to a 31-19 halftime lead against Marquette on Saturday but barely held off the Warriors 78-76, failing to cover as a nine-point home favorite, ending a 4-0 ATS run. The Wildcats are averaging 88.8 points per game on 53 percent shooting and giving up 68.2 ppg (39 percent) during their five-game winning streak. They’ve scored more than 70 points in 13 of their 15 games.

The Cardinals are off to a 3-0 start in conference play and are coming off Saturday’s 75-68 win over St. John’s, falling short as a 13-point home chalk. Rick Pitino’s club has won six of its last seven games, with the only setback coming at third-ranked Kentucky (71-62 as a seven-point road pup). Louisville is 10-2 on its home floor, but just 3-4 ATS in lined games at Freedom Hall.

Louisville has won three straight and covered in each of the last five against Villanova. Last year, the Cardinals scored a 61-60 road win as a two-point underdog, then knocked off the Wildcats 69-55 as a 4½-point favorite in the Big East tournament en route to the league tourney title.

Villanova is on ATS runs of 4-1 overall, 4-0 on Monday and 8-3 after a SU win. The Cardinals are 42-13-2 ATS In their last 57 Big East games and 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 on Monday, but they’ve failed to cover in five of their last seven following a victory.

The Wildcats are on “over” surges of 8-1 overall, 4-1 on the road, 5-2 in league play and 7-1 after a SU win. Additionally, Louisville is on “over” upticks of 8-2 overall, 5-1 at home and 4-0 after a non-cover. However, the under has cashed in the last four meetings between these schools.

ATS ADVANTAGE: LOUISVILLE

Oklahoma State (13-2, 6-2-1 ATS) at Oklahoma (9-6, 4-8 ATS)

Oklahoma tries to rebound from Saturday’s ugly loss at Baylor when it welcomes the red-hot Cowboys to the Lloyd Noble Center.

Oklahoma State has won seven of its last eight games, going 4-1 ATS in lined competition, and it kicked off the Big 12 season with Saturday’s dominating 81-52 rout of 22nd-ranked Texas Tech, easily covering as a seven-point home favorite. The Cowboys have now scored 77 points or more nine times and at least 65 points in all but two games.

The Sooners got walloped 91-60 at Baylor on Saturday, never coming close to covering as a seven-point underdog. Oklahoma has dropped three of its last four and is 0-4 ATS in its last four lined contests, surrendering 91, 83, 89 and 79 points in those games. For the season, the Sooners are yielding 72.7 ppg on 44.4 percent shooting, compared with Oklahoma State’s defensive averages of 61.9 ppg on 39 percent shooting.

Oklahoma State snapped a five-game losing skid to the Sooners with a 71-70 victory as a five-point underdog in last year’s Big 12 tournament. All three meetings last year were very competitive, with margins of victory of 8, 4 and 1 point, and the Cowboys covered the spread in the last two, and they’re 3-1 ATS in their last five trips to Norman, Okla. Also, the ‘dog is on a 4-1 ATS uptick in this rivalry.

Oklahoma State is on a 17-3-1 ATS roll in lined action and is on further moneymaking surges of 14-3-1 after a SU victory, 10-1 in Big 12 action, 14-3-1 against winning teams and 5-2 on Monday. On the flip side, the Sooners are in pointspread funks of 0-4 overall, 0-4 in conference play, 0-4 against winning teams and 4-9-1 on Monday.

The under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings between these teams, and OSU carries “under” streaks of 5-0 overall, 7-2 in Big 12 action, 5-2 against winning teams and 17-7 on Monday. However, the Sooners are on “over” runs of 5-0 overall, 16-6 at home and 4-0 on Monday.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA STATE and UNDER

UNC Greensboro Spartans vs. Chattanooga Moccasins

The UNC Greensboro Spartans and the Chattanooga Moccasins will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at McKenzie Arena.

Current streak:
Chattanooga has won 4 straight games.

Team records:
UNC Greensboro: 3-12 SU, 4-9-1 ATS
Chattanooga: 9-6 SU, 5-4 ATS

UNC Greensboro most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-4
Before playing Western Carolina are 3-7
After playing Furman are 5-5
After a win are 2-8

Chattanooga most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-2
Before playing The Citadel are 5-5
After playing Georgia Southern are 4-6
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of UNC Greensboro's last 7 games
UNC Greensboro is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Chattanooga
UNC Greensboro is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Chattanooga
UNC Greensboro is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing Chattanooga
Chattanooga is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against UNC Greensboro
Chattanooga is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Chattanooga is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Chattanooga is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing UNC Greensboro

Next up:
UNC Greensboro at Western Carolina, Thursday, January 14
Chattanooga home to The Citadel, Thursday, January 14

Niagara Purple Eagles vs. Saint Peter's Peacocks

The Niagara Purple Eagles and the Saint Peter's Peacocks will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Yanitelli Center.

Team records:
Niagara: 10-7 SU, 7-8-1 ATS
Saint Peter's: 7-8 SU, 5-4 ATS

Niagara most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Iona are 6-4
After playing Siena are 7-3
After a loss are 9-1

Saint Peter's most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Rider are 4-6
After playing Manhattan are 0-10
After a loss are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Niagara's last 5 games when playing Saint Peter's
Niagara is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Saint Peter's
Niagara is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Saint Peter's
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Niagara's last 5 games when playing on the road against Saint Peter's
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Saint Peter's last 5 games when playing Niagara
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Saint Peter's last 5 games when playing at home against Niagara
Saint Peter's is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home
Saint Peter's is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Niagara

Next up:
Niagara at Iona, Saturday, January 16
Saint Peter's at Rider, Friday, January 15

Villanova Wildcats vs. Louisville Cardinals

The Villanova Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Freedom Hall.

Villanova got a big game from the returning Corey Stokes, defeating Marquette 78-76 at The Pavilion Saturday.

Marquette covered as a 9-point road underdog while the final score played OVER the 149.5-point total.

Louisville survived a hard-fought game with St. John's, winning 75-68 at Freedom Hall Saturday.

St. John's covered as a 13-point road underdog while the final score played OVER the 138.5-point total.

Current streak:
Villanova has won 5 straight games.
Louisville has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Villanova: 14-1 SU, 10-4 ATS
Louisville: 12-4 SU, 5-6 ATS

Villanova most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Georgetown are 8-2
After playing Marquette are 5-3
After a win are 9-1

Louisville most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Pittsburgh are 5-2
After playing St. John's are 3-3
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
Villanova is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Villanova's last 9 games
Villanova is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Villanova's last 5 games when playing Louisville
Louisville is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Villanova
Louisville is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Louisville is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Louisville's last 5 games when playing Villanova

Next up:
Villanova home to Georgetown, Sunday, January 17
Louisville at Pittsburgh, Saturday, January 16

Canisius Golden Griffins vs. Siena Saints

The Canisius Golden Griffins and the Siena Saints will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Times Union Center.

Current streak:
Canisius has won 2 straight games.
Siena has won 6 straight games.

Team records:
Canisius: 8-8 SU, 8-6 ATS
Siena: 12-4 SU, 9-5 ATS

Canisius most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Manhattan are 5-5
After playing Marist are 5-5
After a win are 5-5

Siena most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Fairfield are 7-3
After playing Niagara are 6-4
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Canisius is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Canisius is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Canisius's last 5 games when playing on the road against Siena
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Canisius's last 9 games when playing Siena
Siena is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Siena is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Siena is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Canisius
Siena is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Canisius

Next up:
Canisius at Manhattan, Saturday, January 16
Siena at Fairfield, Saturday, January 16

Iona Gaels vs. Loyola Greyhounds

The fans at Reitz Arena will be treated to a game between the Iona Gaels and the Loyola Greyhounds when they take their seats on Monday.

Current streak:
Loyola has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Iona: 10-6 SU, 4-6 ATS
Loyola: 8-7 SU, 4-4 ATS

Iona most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Niagara are 1-9
After playing Rider are 6-4
After a win are 5-5

Loyola most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Marist are 5-5
After playing Fairfield are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Iona is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games when playing Loyola
Iona is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Iona is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Loyola
Iona is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Loyola is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Loyola's last 7 games when playing Iona
Loyola is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Iona
Loyola is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

Next up:
Iona home to Niagara, Saturday, January 16
Loyola home to Marist, Friday, January 15

Rider Broncs vs. Marist Red Foxes

The Rider Broncs and the Marist Red Foxes will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at McCann Field House.

Current streak:
Marist has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Rider: 9-8 SU, 5-8 ATS
Marist: 1-14 SU, 4-3 ATS

Rider most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Saint Peter's are 6-4
After playing Iona are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4

Marist most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Loyola are 6-4
After playing Canisius are 2-8
After a loss are 1-9

A few trends to consider:
Rider is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Marist
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Rider's last 5 games when playing on the road against Marist
Rider is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Marist
Rider is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Marist
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Marist's last 5 games when playing at home against Rider
Marist is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Rider
Marist is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Rider
Marist is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Rider

Next up:
Rider home to Saint Peter's, Friday, January 15
Marist at Loyola, Friday, January 15

Eastern Illinois Panthers vs. Murray State Racers

The Eastern Illinois Panthers and the Murray State Racers will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Regional Special Events Center.

Current streak:
Eastern Illinois has won 3 straight games.
Murray State has won 4 straight games.

Team records:
Eastern Illinois: 10-5 SU, 3-5 ATS
Murray State: 13-3 SU, 7-5 ATS

Eastern Illinois most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Eastern Kentucky are 4-6
After playing SE Missouri State are 2-8
After a win are 5-5

Murray State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Jacksonville State are 7-3
After playing Austin Peay are 8-2
After a win are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
Eastern Illinois is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Eastern Illinois is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Murray State
Eastern Illinois is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Eastern Illinois's last 7 games when playing Murray State
Murray State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Murray State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Eastern Illinois
Murray State is 15-2 SU in its last 17 games when playing Eastern Illinois
Murray State is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games

Next up:
Eastern Illinois at Eastern Kentucky, Thursday, January 14
Murray State home to Jacksonville State, Thursday, January 14

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Oklahoma Sooners

The Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Oklahoma Sooners will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Lloyd Noble Center.

Oklahoma State built up a big lead by the break and cruised from there to an 81-52 pounding of Texas Tech on Saturday.

The Cowboys had no trouble covering the 7-point spread in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (150.5).

Baylor went up 15 points by halftime on Saturday as they rolled to a 91-60 win over Oklahoma.

The Bears had no trouble covering the 6.5-point spread in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the day's posted total (142.5).

Current streak:
Oklahoma State has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Oklahoma State: 13-2 SU, 6-2-1 ATS
Oklahoma: 9-6 SU, 4-8 ATS

Oklahoma State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-2
Before playing Baylor are 7-3
After playing Texas Tech are 4-6
After a win are 8-2

Oklahoma most recently:
When playing on Monday are 9-1
Before playing Missouri are 6-4
After playing Baylor are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Oklahoma State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Oklahoma State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma State's last 8 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma State's last 7 games when playing Oklahoma
Oklahoma is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Oklahoma is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oklahoma State
Oklahoma is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oklahoma State
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma's last 8 games when playing at home against Oklahoma State

Next up:
Oklahoma State at Baylor, Saturday, January 16
Oklahoma home to Missouri, Saturday, January 16

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs. Boise State Broncos

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the Boise State Broncos will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Taco Bell Arena.

Current streak:
Louisiana Tech has won 8 straight games.
Boise State has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Louisiana Tech: 15-2 SU, 9-3 ATS
Boise State: 9-7 SU, 5-9 ATS

Louisiana Tech most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Fresno State are 7-3
After playing Idaho are 4-5
After a win are 9-1

Boise State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing San Jose State are 7-3
After playing New Mexico State are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
Louisiana Tech is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Louisiana Tech is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Louisiana Tech is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boise State
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Louisiana Tech's last 11 games when playing Boise State
Boise State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Boise State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Louisiana Tech
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Boise State's last 11 games when playing Louisiana Tech
Boise State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Louisiana Tech

Next up:
Louisiana Tech home to Fresno State, Thursday, January 14
Boise State at San Jose State, Thursday, January 14

Hawaii Warriors vs. Utah State Aggies

The Hawaii Warriors and the Utah State Aggies will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.

Current streak:
Utah State has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Hawaii: 8-8 SU, 2-8 ATS
Utah State: 10-6 SU, 5-6-1 ATS

Hawaii most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing San Jose State are 5-5
After playing Fresno State are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7

Utah State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Nevada are 8-2
After playing Louisiana Tech are 6-3
After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Hawaii's last 6 games on the road
Hawaii is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Hawaii's last 9 games when playing Utah State
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Hawaii's last 6 games when playing on the road against Utah State
Utah State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Utah State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Hawaii
Utah State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Hawaii
Utah State is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games

Next up:
Hawaii home to San Jose State, Sunday, January 17
Utah State at Nevada, Wednesday, January 13

San Jose State Spartans vs. Fresno State Bulldogs

The fans at Save Mart Center will be treated to a game between the San Jose State Spartans and the Fresno State Bulldogs when they take their seats on Monday.

Current streak:
Fresno State has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
San Jose State: 8-6 SU, 6-5 ATS
Fresno State: 9-7 SU, 8-5 ATS

San Jose State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Boise State are 3-7
After playing Nevada are 1-9
After a loss are 6-4

Fresno State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Louisiana Tech are 4-6
After playing Hawaii are 7-3
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Jose State's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Jose State's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Jose State's last 5 games when playing Fresno State
San Jose State is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Fresno State
Fresno State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Fresno State is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against San Jose State
Fresno State is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games when playing San Jose State
Fresno State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

Next up:
San Jose State home to Boise State, Thursday, January 14
Fresno State at Louisiana Tech, Thursday, January 14

New Mexico State Aggies vs. Idaho Vandals

The fans at Cowan Spectrum will be treated to a game between the New Mexico State Aggies and the Idaho Vandals when they take their seats on Monday.

Current streak:
Idaho has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
New Mexico State: 9-7 SU, 5-6 ATS
Idaho: 8-6 SU, 4-6 ATS

New Mexico State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Fresno State are 3-5
After playing Boise State are 5-5
After a win are 5-5

Idaho most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-2
Before playing Nevada are 3-7
After playing Louisiana Tech are 4-5
After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
New Mexico State is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Idaho
New Mexico State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
New Mexico State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
New Mexico State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Idaho
Idaho is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Idaho's last 9 games when playing New Mexico State
Idaho is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Mexico State
Idaho is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing New Mexico State

Next up:
New Mexico State home to Fresno State, Saturday, January 16
Idaho at Nevada, Saturday, January 16

Big Monday

With Monday Night Football done for the next eight months, gamblers turn their attention to Big Monday at this time each week. For those in need of a refresher course, that’s a doubleheader on ESPN starting with a Big East showdown followed by a Big 12 matchup. Here’s what we’ve got tonight…

**Villanova at Louisville**

Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Louisville (12-4 straight up, 5-6 against the spread) as a 2 ½-point favorite, but most books had the Cardinals adjusted to three by early this morning. Look for a total in the mid-150s.

Villanova (14-1 SU, 10-4 ATS) has won five in a row since its loss of the season at Temple. The Wildcats are 4-1 ATS during this surge with their lone non-cover coming in their last outing, a 78-76 home win over Marquette as nine-point favorites. Scottie Reynolds had 15 points and four assists.

Reynolds is Jay Wright’s senior leader. He is averaging a team-high 17.7 points per game. Reynolds will come into Freedom Hall with a chip on his shoulder. That’s because he had one of the worst games of his career the last time these teams met in the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Reynolds finished with six turnovers and two points, going 1-for-6 from the field.

Rick Pitino’s team has won its first three Big East games with wins vs. South Florida, at Providence and vs. St. John’s. The Cardinals have won seven of their last eight with the lone loss coming at Kentucky by a 71-62 count as seven-point underdogs. They are off a 72-65 win over St. John’s as 13-point home ‘chalk.’ Jerry Smith made 12-of-14 attempts from the charity stripe en route to scoring a team-high 16 points against the Red Storm.

This is Villanova’s first game as an underdog this season. Meanwhile, the Cards are in their first home spot as single-digit favorites. On the road and at a neutral site, U of L has a 2-1 spread record as a single-digit ‘chalk.’

Louisville is 5-1 ATS in its last six head-to-head meetings against Villanova. The Cardinals won both meetings last season both SU and ATS, including the 69-55 win in the Big East Tourney at MSG. They escaped Philadelphia with a 61-60 win as two-point underdogs during the regular season.

U of L has a pair of bad losses at home to Charlotte and Western Carolina. The Cards’ other loss came at UNLV. They have a 92-70 win at Providence and a 102-75 home win over Western Ky., but that’s about it for Louisville’s quality wins except for the aforementioned ‘W’ over St. John’s.

The ‘over’ is on an 8-1 run for ‘Nova and is 9-5 overall in its 14 games with a total.

The ‘over’ is 8-2 overall for Louisville, 5-1 in its home games. .

ESPN will have television coverage at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

**Oklahoma State at Oklahoma**

LVSC opened Oklahoma State (13-2 SU, 6-2-1 ATS) as a two-point favorite, but most spots had the Cowboys as the one-point ‘chalk’ this morning.

Travis Ford’s squad was dominant in Saturday’s Big 12 opener, crushing Texas Tech 81-52 as a seven-point home favorite. James Anderson erupted for a game-high 27 points for the Cowboys.

Oklahoma (9-6 SU, 4-8 ATS) has lost three of its last four games and is mired in a 0-4 ATS slide. The Sooners return home after taking a 91-60 shellacking Saturday at Baylor. The Bears had not beaten OU in 32 years.

Willie Warren, OU’s sophomore guard who returned to school even though he might have been a first-round draft pick, is averaging a team-high 17.7 points per game and is also dishing out 4.4 assists per contest. But Warren scored just nine points against Baylor and he was suspended for a game at the Alaska Shootout. Jeff Capel needs his star player to step up tonight

Oklahoma St. has taken its two losses at Tulsa and at Rhode Island. The Cowboys’ best wins came at Stanford (71-70) and vs. Utah (77-55). They are led by Anderson, who averages 21.9 PPG.

OU is unbeaten in seven home games with a 2-2 spread record. This is the Sooners’ first game as home underdogs.

Oklahoma’s non-conference losses look like this: at Gonzaga, at VCU, vs. UTEP in Oklahoma City and vs. both San Diego and Houston in Alaska.

The ‘over’ is 5-3 overall for Oklahoma, but the ‘under’ is 2-1 in its home games. The ‘under’ is 6-1 overall for OSU.

Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

Kansas fell from the unbeaten ranks in Sunday’s 76-68 loss at Tennessee. Talk about just what the doctor ordered for Bruce Pearl. His tenure at UT has been great from the get-go in terms of the bottom line (wins) and his popularity in Knoxville. But don’t forget how south things went on Jerry Green in a hurry at UT. Green went to four consecutive NCAA Tournaments from 1998-2001 but was run out of town because his players – Tony Harris in particular – were trouble off the court and acted like thugs on it. (Harris once charged the court during a skirmish in street clothes when he was out with an injury.) Therefore, it’s not good when your team leader (Tyler Smith) and three other key players are arrested for speeding in a car with two guns, one with an altered serial number, open containers of alcohol and a misdemeanor amount of marijuana. Smith has been dismissed from the program and the three others remain suspended indefinitely. Nevertheless, UT routed Charlotte and beat top-ranked KU with just six scholarship players. That’s a huge win for Pearl, one that will get the Vols in the Big Dance even if they go 8-8 in SEC play. And most telling, it’s a no-doubt indictment on Smith that his exit has been addition by subtraction.

With KU going down, the two unbeaten teams remaining are Kentucky and Texas.

Here's a team for your fade list: UT-Martin. The Skyhawks have lost nine in a row ATS and are 1-10 versus the number for the season. Other schools who are also sporting atrocious ATS ledgers include Washington (3-11), Iowa (3-9) and LSU (3-8).

If you were like me on Sunday and had the Patriots, then maybe you chalked up the loser at halftime with the 24-7 deficit? If so, I hope you were also like me and backed Northwestern at Michigan in college hoops. Because if so, you spent the second half of the Ravens-Pats blowout watching Drew Crawford lead the Wildcats past the Wolverines instead of watching the worst performance of Tom Brady’s career. Down 17 late in the first half, Crawford, the son of NBA ref Danny Crawford, made several plays for Bill Carmody’s team to slice the deficit to nine by intermission. The second half was all Wildcats as Crawford finished with 25 points to propel them to a 68-62 win in Ann Arbor as 7½-point underdogs. Gamblers backing Northwestern on the money line collected a plus-270 payout (risk $100 to win $270).

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NCAAB News and Notes

Monday, January 11

Information on Monday's college basketball games........

Louisville won last three games vs Villanova by 14-1-14 points; they're 3-0 in Big East, winning by 21-22-7 points (1-1 as home fave) despite trailing last two games at half. Cards have 54 offensive rebounds in three league games. Villanova is 3-0 in Big East, winning by 2-27-2 points-- they're 4-1 on road. Big East home favorites are 10-8 vs spread.

Oklahoma had won five in row in Bedlam Series before State beat them 71-70 (+5) in Big 12 tourney last March; Cowboys lost last five visits to Norman by 10-1-7-3-4 points. Home teams covered four of first five Big 12 conference games. State is 1-2 on road, losing at Rhode Island, Tulsa, winning by a point at Stanford.

Utah State won six of last eight games vs Hawai'i; Warriors lost last four visits to Logan by 8-11-6-20 points (1-3 vs spread). Home favorites are 5-4 vs spread in WAC games this season. Hawai'i is 0-2 on road, losing by 10 at Cal-Irvine, 14 at Fresno State- they're 0-6 vs spread as the dog this season. Aggies are 0-2 in WAC, scoring 56 ppg in two road losses.

Boise State won three of last four games vs Louisiana Tech, winning last two played here, 81-66/58-53; Tech lost four of last five visits here, but is 16-2 this year, winning last eight games (WAC wins by 6-22-6 points) Broncos are 0-3 in WAC, losing games by 3-8-3 points. Home teams are 6-5 vs spread in WAC games this season.

San Jose State won three of last four games vs Fresno State; Spartans are 1-5 in last six visits here, losing by 5-7-3-13-17 points. San Jose is 3-5 on road, 2-3 as road dog this year- they had 20 turnovers in 96-67 loss at Nevada Saturday. Bulldogs won the last three games by 23-3-14 points; they're 3-4 against the spread as a favorite.

New Mexico State won eight of last nine games vs Idaho, winning three of four visits here, but Aggies are 3-4 on road, losing games by 32-11-17-32 points- they've won at UTEP, Boise State, Pepperdine. Idaho lost four of last five games vs D-I opponents, losing two WAC games by 3-6 points. WAC home favorites are 5-4 against the spread.

NC-Greensboro was 33-54 from line in 88-78 upset win over Furman in last game, just their second win in last 11 games; Chattanooga beat them tice LY, by 9-18 points. Mocs won last four games vs D-I foes, with a win over Eastern Kentucky the best of the four. Southern Conference home favorites are 5-9 against spread in conference play.

Siena won last seven games vs Canisius, winning last three here by 22-28-18 points; Saints are 5-0 in MAAC, 4-1 vs spread, winning at home by 22-11-18 points (2-1 as home favorite). MAAC home favorites are 6-11 vs spread in conference play. Griffins are 3-2 in MAAC, winning by 15 at Marist in only road game; they're 5-2 as an underdog.

Loyola won four of last six games vs Iona; Gaels split last six visits to Baltimore. Iona is playing 4th straight road game, winning two of first three- they're 0-2 as a favorite. Loyola is 1-4 in MAAC, beating Rider by 2, losing other four games by 5-20-20-5 points. MAAC home teams are just 8-15 vs spread in conference play.

Niagara won six in row, 10 of last 12 games vs St Peter's, winning five of last six played here, with wins by 14-5-4-15-7 points. St Peter's is 1-3 in last four league games, losing by 13-11-23. Eagles are 3-2 in MAAC; they're 2-3 on road, winning at Mt St Mary/Illinois State. Underdogs are 13-10 vs spread in MAAC play, 2-4 at home.

Rider won last five games vs Marist, winning last two played here by 14-13 points; Red Foxes are 1-13 overall, 1-4 in MAAC, losing league games by 9-4-12-15 points (3-2 as MAAC dog). Broncs lost three of last four league games, losing by 22-2-20 points- they beat Marist 55-51 at home Dec 6, forcing 23 turnovers to offset their 31% shooting.

Murray State is playing third game in five nights after winning at rival Austin Peay Saturday; Racers beat Eastern Illinois twice LY, by 6-12 points. EIU is 4-1 in OVC with two wins in OT; their only league loss was by 13 at Peay. Murray State covered its last four games as an OVC fave. OVC home favorites are 8-9 against the spread this season.

Tips and Trends

Villanova Wildcats at Louisville Cardinals

Wildcats: 6th ranked Villanova comes into town today with revenge on their mind, as the Wildcats lost both meetings against Louisville last year. The Wildcats are 14-1 SU and 10-4 ATS this season. Villanova has played 3 true road games, going 2-1 SU and 1-2 ATS. They've also played 5 neutral court games, going 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS. Villanova is 4-2 ATS in games featuring a single digit point spread. Today represents the 1st time this season the Wildcats are the listed underdog. The Wildcats can score PTS with any team in the country, as they've scored 90 PTS or more in 5 of their past 8 games. G Scottie Reynolds leads an offense that averages 84 PPG this year, with 5 players averaging double figures in PTS. Reynolds averages 17.7 PPG this year, and is making nearly 60% of his 3 point attempts over his past 8 games. The Wildcats are allowing over 77 PPG on the road this season.

Villanova is 8-3 ATS last 11 games following a SU win.
Over is 8-1 last 9 overall.

Key Injuries - F Taylor King (shoulder) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 80

Cardinals (-3, O/U 155): After starting the season rather shaky, Louisville has won 7 of their past 8 games. The Cardinals sit at 12-4 SU, with 10 of those wins coming at home. Overall, the Cardinals are 5-6 ATS on the season, including 3-3 ATS at home. Today marks the 1st time this season Louisville has hosted a game featuring a single digit line. The Cardinals average just over 80 PPG this season, but have been held under 80 PTS in 4 of their past 5 games. F Samardo Samuels leads the Cardinals with both 15.5 PPG and 8 RPG on the season. Samuels is very efficient, as he shoots better than 50% from the field this year. G Edgar Sosa is the only other player averaging double figures in PTS, with 13.7 PPG. Sosa is making more than two 3 pointers per game this season. Louisville has held 8 straight opponents to 75 PTS or fewer.

Louisville is 7-20-2 ATS last 29 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

Over is 5-1 last 6 home games.

Key Injuries - F George Goode (concussion) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 81 (OVER - Total of the Day)