Betting Big Monday
By Judd Hall
The Saints and Colts might be the focus for many people this week. Monday night, however, belongs to college hoops and ESPN’s Big Monday schedule. Things open up in the Bluegrass State with a battle between Big East foes. Then we’ll head to America’s Heartland for a Big XII tilt between schools angling for better spots in the NCAA Tournament.
Connecticut at Louisville – 7:00 p.m. EST
Is anyone wondering if Jim Calhoun is getting a little antsy about returning to the sidelines for Connecticut (13-8 straight up, 7-11-1 against the spread)?
I doubt anybody would blame him to come back after seeing his beloved Huskies falling in a 70-68 heartbreak against Marquette as five-point home favorites. This wasn’t a matter of the big names for UConn not coming through. Jerome Dyson dropped in 18 points, Stanley Robinson had 13 and Kemba Walker posted 15 points of his own. The team even shot a respectable 49 percent from the field and 71 percent from the charity stripe.
What was Connecticut’s undoing was the fact that they handed the ball over the Golden Eagles 16 times. Marquette, in stark contrast, coughed up the ball twice. This seems to be a mini-pattern going on with George Blaney’s (for now) club. Since upsetting then top-ranked Texas on Jan. 23, the Huskies have dropped games at Providence and the aforementioned loss at home to Marquette. In those two games, UConn has given the ball up 35 times with its opposition turning the ball over 16 times.
Rick Pitino and the Cardinals aren’t having the most fun out on the court right now, having lost five of their last eight contests. Louisville’s (13-8 SU, 6-10 ATS) latest setback came last Saturday as a 6 ½-point road ‘dog to the Mountaineers, 77-74.
The Cards had the same similar issue with turnovers against West Virginia (17-11), but were shooting 52 percent from the field and won the rebounding battle (32-30). What drew Pitino’s ire was the fact that the ‘Ville was called for 28 fouls in Morgantown. This is a program that gets 20.5 fouls called on them on average this season. So you can understand if Pitino thought that he had Enrico Polazzo officiating the game.
Las Vegas Sports Consultants has opened this game with Louisville as a four-point home “chalk.”
While the oddsmakers like the Cards at home, history has proven this series is for the dogs. Connecticut has posted a 5-2 SU record since 2000. Louisville, however, has gone 4-2-1 ATS in that time. The ‘under’ has hit in the last three games in Louisville.
The Cardinals have enjoyed better luck at Freedom Hall over the past two years with a 19-3 SU and 11-11 ATS. If you break that down to just this season, then the Cards are 11-3 SU and 3-6 ATS. And it gets worse for bettors if you’re looking at how they faced Big East foes, as evidenced by a 3-1 SU and 1-3 ATS mark this season.
Connecticut has been garbage in true road tests this year by going 0-4 SU and 2-2 ATS. Over the last two years, the Huskies are 9-5 SU and 8-6 ATS. The ‘under’ has practically been automatic with a 10-4 record.
Texas at Oklahoma State – 9:00 p.m. EST
Longhorn fans knew that their team wouldn’t go through the season undefeated, but they certainly didn’t think they’d see a slump. Texas (18-3 SU, 8-9 ATS) has fallen in three of its last four contests. The Orange Bloods’ most recent setback came on Jan. 30 in an 80-77 overtime setback to Baylor as nine-point home favorites.
While we can debate on how Texas pissed away the game in regulation, let’s just focus on overtime. The Bears had pushed UT into foul trouble in the second half, and that paid off in the extra session. Baylor was able to take 10 free thrown in OT; the Bears made eight of those attempts.
Gamblers have officially ran away from backing the ‘Horns like single guys evading the Octomom’s advances as they’ve failed to cover the number in eight straight games.
Oklahoma State (16-5 SU, 9-5-1 ATS) had a decent three-game win streak snapped by the Tigers last Saturday 95-80 as a 7 ½-point road pup. I’d like to tell you that the Cowpokes had a chance in this game, but they shot 45 percent from the field, 34 percent from beyond the arc. When you consider that Mizzou was hitting 52 percent of its shots, you can understand that they were going to run away with a win.
LVSC has installed the Longhorns as slight 1 ½-point road favorites for this contest.
The ‘Horns don’t have any problems about getting into the NCAA Tournament. The Cowboys, on the other hand, could really use a win in this spot. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi have them situated as an 11th-seed, which is by no means a guaranteed berth in the Big Dance.
The recent history of this series has leaned towards Texas as they’ve won seven of the last 10 meetings SU. The Longhorns aren’t covering for gamblers in this head-to-head matchup either with a 5-4-1 ATS mark.
Oklahoma State does have the benefit of knowing that it won its last home game against the ‘Horns on Feb. 28 last season, 68-59. Even better is that they covered as a one-point home favorite.
This series has seen the ‘under’ go 6-1 in the last seven meetings.
The ‘Pokes have been dominant in Stillwater this season as they’re 10-0 SU and 4-0-1 ATS. When posted as a home underdog, however, Oklahoma State is just 1-4 SU and 2-3 ATS since 2007. The ‘under’ has gone 4-1 during that stretch.
We know that the Longhorns have lost two straight games on the road, failing to cover in both instances. Over the last two years, they have gone just 7-8 SU away from Austin. Gamblers have known to stay away in these games as the Orange Bloods are 3-12 ATS in that same stretch of true road fixtures.
vegasinsider.com
Louisville and Texas give bettors doubts
Doug Upstone
Rick Pitino knew the 2009-10 Cardinals were not at the same level as last years squad and expected growing pains. Rick Barnes of Texas knew he had a deep and talented club, which rose all the way to No.1 this season. As both Louisville and Texas have come up on the wrong side of the ledger in recent games, college basketball bettors are left to ponder what each of these teams might do on Big Monday.
Hey, a little helper over here
The Cardinals (13-8, 6-10 ATS) have lost four of last five in Big East play and Louisville backers are seeing red with their team 1-5 ATS in last six. The Cardinals 77-74 loss at West Virginia might have been microcosm of the entire season. The Ville trailed the Mountaineers 13-0 to start the game and were outscored 18-4 to end it. The other 32+ minutes they dominated the contest 71-46. When the game was in the balance; the Cards could not make a bucket and didnt stop the opposition, a familiar theme this season. Louisville is 3-11 ATS in home games when playing only their second game in eight days over the last three seasons.
About the only positive news for the home team is tonights foe is in the same predicament. Connecticut (13-8, 7-11-1 ATS) have fallen in five of their last seven outings, including the last two to Providence and Marquette. The Huskies have too often played like dogs to start games and they trailed by double digits against the Golden Eagles before rallying, only to lose 70-68 at home as five point favorites. UConn wiped the glass clean against smallish Marquette, outrebounding them by 19, yet forced but three turnovers. Im ready to play another game, forwards Gavin Edwards said. I want to get this taste out of my mouth as quick as possible. Connecticut is 12-4 ATS in road games after playing consecutive contests as a favorite.
Louisville is a 5.5-point favorite at Sportbet.com, with total at 146.5 and is 12-3 ATS in February games over the last two seasons, normally the time a Pitino coached club starts to jell. UConn will be playing their fifth game without coach Jim Calhoun (2-2 SU & ATS) and they are 6-0 OVER on the road after outrebounding opponent by 15 or more, winning by 7.7 points per game.
This is the early 7:00 Eastern start on ESPN and Louisville is 10-3 OVER as a favorite this season.
Longhorns coming up short
Texas hits the Big 12 road for the first time since losing at Kansas State and is off immensely disappointing home loss to Baylor 80-77 in overtime, as nine-point chalk. Texas (18-3, 8-9 ATS) has not been playing with the same urgency they were earlier in the season and has dropped three of last four. Opposing teams have bothered the Texas guards who have been dribbling too much and not getting offense into motion by passing the ball. Some Longhorns backers wonder if the team would be better served have a more set rotation of players having specific roles. They are just 5-18 ATS against conference opponents over the last two seasons, which includes current 0-6 spread mark in 2010.
After facing the frenetic pace at Missouri two days ago, another team that can get up and down the floor is next for Oklahoma State (16-5, 9-5-1 ATS). As usual it was physically and mentally draining contest in Columbia, losing 95-80, committing 24 turnovers and the Cowboys starters will be tested, since points off the bench are like the scenery from Stillwater to Austin, not much. Outside of James Anderson, perimeter shooting for Okie State is thinner than Kate Moss. The Cowboys have to shoot well since they are 8-46 ATS when they make 34 to 39 percent of their shots.
Texas is a 1.5-point fave in Stillwater and is putrid 6-17 ATS after a Big 12 game over the last two seasons. It will be a raucous setting for Okie State who is 17-7 ATS in all home games since 2008. Gallagher-Iba Arena hasnt been hospitable for Texas, who is only 2-5 SU and ATS in previous seven visits.
Game Of The Day: Connecticut at Louisville
Nick Parsons
Monday’s ESPN Big East matchup pits the No. 19 Connecticut Huskies (13-8 8-11 ATS) against the Louisville Cardinals (13-8 6-10 ATS) at Louisville's Freedom Hall.
Connecticut and Louisville were supposed to be in the mix for the Big East title this season. Instead the struggling Huskies and the Cardinals are hoping to keep their chances of an NCAA Tournament bid alive.
Conn men
George Blaney, UConn’s fill in coach with Jim Calhoun on an indefinite medical leave, seemed to have the Huskies turned around winning back-to-back games against St. John's and then-No. 1 Texas, but that momentum fell flat against Providence earlier this week.
UConn broke down defensively in key spots and were unable to keep Providence away from the rim. The Huskies couldn’t stop the bleeding on offense, giving up a 14-0 scoring run to a Providence team that got embarrassed by South Florida over the weekend.
Blaney’s boys lost again on Saturday to Marquette, 70-68; the Golden Eagles forced UConn into 16 turnovers while committing just three, which helped Marquette overcome a 44-25 rebounding deficit.
"I really don't know what more I can say," Gavin Edwards told the Greenwich Time after Saturday's loss to Marquette. "We've been saying that we have to play harder, we've been saying that we have to rebound more, we've been saying that we have to do this and do that. But we're not doing what we're saying. We have to do it."
The Huskies, who have dropped five of their last seven games and are 2-4 against the spread over their last six, are in serious danger of missing the tournament. Twenty wins has long been considered the golden number for a big conference team to make the Dance but don’t forget a 21-win Syracuse team was left out in the cold two years ago.
Hitting the road to take on Rick Pitino's Cardinals in one of the toughest places to play in the Big East will be a good litmus test for this team and where it stacks up to the rest of the nation at the moment; the Huskies are 1-6 away from home and 0-4 in true road games.
Broken wings
The Cardinals have played close games against Villanova, Pittsburgh and West Virginia but came up short against all three squads. Louisville’s latest heartbreaker came against the Mountaineers, who stole a win in the dying seconds.
The Cardinals seemed to be in control after Samardo Samuels’ layup put them ahead 65-53 with 10 minutes left, but they made only three field goals the rest of the game.
Louisville coach Rick Pitinio didn’t spend much time talking to reporters after another disheartening loss, but he did criticize the refs for a blown call late in the second half.
“You don't shoot (52) percent, play as hard as that and expect those situations,” Pitinio said. “I've had it with the officiating, so I'm not going to say any more. OK? I've had it.”
Louisville needs to turn things around quickly to get back into the NCAA tournament picture; Pitino has said Louisville needs to win seven more games to make the tournament.
Samuels and Reginald Delk scored 16 points apiece for Louisville, which fell to 0-4 against ranked teams this season.
The Terrence Jennings experiment is still a work in progress; the 6-foot-10 sophomore got his second straight start but Louisville’s big lineup failed to produce a point or rebound over the first three minutes. Jennings played just 17 minutes and finished with four points.
Trends, stats and other information
At home the Cardinals are averaging 80.4 scoring and holding teams to 67.3 points scored on defense.
Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a straight up loss.
Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.
Cardinals are 1-5 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
The Connecticut Huskies are 0-4 while on the road this season, 3-5 against conference opponents and 10-3 against non-conference opponents. On the road, the Huskies are averaging 66.8 scoring and holding teams to 73.0 points scored on defense.
Huskies are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
Huskies are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up loss.
Huskies are 1-4 ATS in their last five games following an ATS loss.
Connecticut Huskies vs. Louisville Cardinals
The Connecticut Huskies and the Louisville Cardinals will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Freedom Hall.
Connecticut took the floor without head coach Jim Calhoun again, losing 70-68 to Marquette at the XL Center Saturday.
Marquette covered as a 5-point road underdog while the final score played OVER the 137-point total.
Louisville coughed up a second-half lead, losing 77-74 to West Virginia at WVU Coliseum Saturday.
Louisville covered as a 6,5-point road underdog while the final score played OVER the 137.5-point total.
Current streak:
Connecticut has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Connecticut: 13-8 SU, 8-11 ATS
Louisville: 13-8 SU, 6-10 ATS
Connecticut most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing DePaul are 3-1
After playing Marquette are 4-0
After a loss are 6-4
Louisville most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Rutgers are 3-1
After playing West Virginia are 3-3
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Connecticut's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Connecticut's last 12 games on the road
Connecticut is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Louisville
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Connecticut's last 6 games when playing Louisville
Louisville is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Louisville's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Louisville's last 6 games when playing Connecticut
Louisville is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Connecticut
Next up:
Connecticut home to DePaul, Saturday, February 6
Louisville home to Rutgers, Saturday, February 6
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Akron Zips
The Eastern Michigan Eagles and the Akron Zips will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at James A. Rhodes Arena.
Current streak:
Eastern Michigan has lost 2 straight games.
Akron has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Eastern Michigan: 10-10 SU, 6-10 ATS
Akron: 15-6 SU, 9-8-1 ATS
Eastern Michigan most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Kent State are 1-9
After playing Miami (Ohio) are 2-8
After a loss are 7-3
Akron most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Northern Illinois are 7-3
After playing Toledo are 8-2
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Eastern Michigan's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Eastern Michigan's last 6 games when playing Akron
Eastern Michigan is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Akron
Eastern Michigan is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Akron is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Eastern Michigan
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Akron's last 5 games at home
Akron is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Eastern Michigan
Akron is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Eastern Michigan
Next up:
Eastern Michigan home to Kent State, Thursday, February 4
Akron home to Northern Illinois, Wednesday, February 3
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Buffalo Bulls
The fans at Alumni Arena will be treated to a game between the Western Michigan Broncos and the Buffalo Bulls when they take their seats on Monday.
Current streak:
Western Michigan has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Western Michigan: 11-9 SU, 8-8 ATS
Buffalo: 11-7 SU, 8-6 ATS
Western Michigan most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Miami (Ohio) are 3-7
After playing Kent State are 5-5
After a loss are 8-2
Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Central Michigan are 3-7
After playing Northern Illinois are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Western Michigan's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Western Michigan's last 6 games
Western Michigan is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Western Michigan is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo's last 5 games
Buffalo is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Buffalo is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Western Michigan
Buffalo is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Western Michigan
Next up:
Western Michigan home to Miami (Ohio), Thursday, February 4
Buffalo at Central Michigan, Thursday, February 4
Toledo Rockets vs. Bowling Green Falcons
The Toledo Rockets and the Bowling Green Falcons will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Anderson Arena.
Current streak:
Toledo has lost 11 straight games.
Team records:
Toledo: 3-18 SU, 6-12 ATS
Bowling Green: 10-9 SU, 8-9 ATS
Toledo most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Ohio are 5-5
After playing Akron are 5-5
After a loss are 0-10
Bowling Green most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Ball State are 6-4
After playing Central Michigan are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Toledo's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toledo's last 5 games when playing Bowling Green
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toledo's last 6 games on the road
Toledo is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Bowling Green
Bowling Green is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toledo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Bowling Green's last 5 games when playing Toledo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Bowling Green's last 5 games
Bowling Green is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games at home
Next up:
Toledo home to Ohio, Thursday, February 4
Bowling Green at Ball State, Thursday, February 4
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Kent State Golden Flashes
The Northern Illinois Huskies and the Kent State Golden Flashes will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Memorial Athletic Center.
Current streak:
Northern Illinois has lost 3 straight games.
Kent State has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Northern Illinois: 8-11 SU, 7-9 ATS
Kent State: 14-7 SU, 8-9 ATS
Northern Illinois most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Akron are 4-6
After playing Buffalo are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
Kent State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Eastern Michigan are 7-3
After playing Western Michigan are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Northern Illinois's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Northern Illinois's last 7 games when playing Kent State
Northern Illinois is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Northern Illinois is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Kent State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Northern Illinois
Kent State is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games at home
Kent State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Northern Illinois
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kent State's last 5 games
Next up:
Northern Illinois at Akron, Wednesday, February 3
Kent State at Eastern Michigan, Thursday, February 4
Canisius Golden Griffins vs. Iona Gaels
The Canisius Golden Griffins and the Iona Gaels will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Hynes Athletics Center.
Current streak:
Iona has won 7 straight games.
Team records:
Canisius: 11-11 SU, 13-7 ATS
Iona: 16-6 SU, 9-7 ATS
Canisius most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Niagara are 1-9
After playing Niagara are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
Iona most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Siena are 7-3
After playing Marist are 3-7
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
Canisius is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Canisius is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Canisius is 6-0-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Iona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Canisius's last 5 games on the road
Iona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Iona's last 5 games
Iona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Iona is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Next up:
Canisius at Niagara, Friday, February 5
Iona at Siena, Friday, February 5
Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys
The fans at Gallagher-Iba Arena will be treated to a game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma State Cowboys when they take their seats on Monday.
Texas fell for the third time in the last four games, losing 80-77 in overtime to Baylor at the Frank Erwin Special Events Center Saturday.
Baylor covered as a 9-point road underdog while the final score played OVER the 152-point total.
Travel troubles could have left Oklahoma State flat, as they fell 95-80 to Missouri at Mizzou Arena on Saturday.
Missouri covered as a 7.5-point home favorite while the final score played OVER the 147.5-point total.
Team records:
Texas: 18-3 SU, 8-9 ATS
Oklahoma State: 16-5 SU, 9-5-1 ATS
Texas most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-5
Before playing Oklahoma are 8-2
After playing Baylor are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3
Oklahoma State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Texas Tech are 3-7
After playing Missouri are 9-1
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Texas is 18-3 SU in its last 21 games
Texas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Oklahoma State
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games when playing Oklahoma State
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games on the road
Oklahoma State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma State's last 7 games when playing Texas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma State's last 5 games
Oklahoma State is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games
Next up:
Texas at Oklahoma, Saturday, February 6
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech, Saturday, February 6
NCAAB News and Notes
Information on Monday's college basketball games........
Buffalo lost three of last four games; they're 2-1 as MAC home favorite, beating Miami by 18, Akron by 13, losing to Ball State- they allowed an average of 86.5 ppg in last four games. Western Michigan lost three of last four games, but is 0-3 on MAC road, losing by 10 at No Illinois, 7 at Ball State, 1 at Kent State. Broncos are 1-2 as a MAC underdog.
Akron won three of last four games; they're 2-1 as MAC home favorite, winning home games by 26-20-14 points. Eastern Michigan lost four of last five games; they're 1-3 as MAC road underdog, losing away games by 14 at WMichigan, 8 at NIllinois, 8 at CMichigan, 4 at Miami. Akron beat Eastern 78-41 in last series meeting last season.
Kent won last four games, by 35-17-20-1 points (3-1 vs spread); they're 2-2 as MAC home favorite. Northern Illinois lost last three games, giving up 91.7 ppg, after allowing 62 ppg in 4-0 MAC start. Favorite covered five of last six Husky games. Kent beat Northern Illinois twice LY, both by three points, one in double OT, the other in MAC tournament.
UConn is just 2-5 in last seven games; they forced only two turnovers in home loss to Marquette Saturday- they're not same team without coach Calhoun. Louisville lost three of last four games; they're 1-6 vs spread in last seven games, 1-3 as Big East home favorite, winning home games by 21-7-8 points, with a loss to Villanova mixed in there.
Texas lost three of last four games, allowing 80.5 ppg, falling at home to Baylor in OT two days ago; Longhorns won six of last seven games vs Oklahoma State, but lost three of last four visits to Stillwater. Cowboys won three of last four games; they're 1-2 on Big 12 road, losing by 5 in OT at Oklahoma, 12 at Baylor. Texas is 3-2 in true road games this year.
Iona won its last seven games (6-1 vs spread); their last loss was 77-65 at Canisius Jan 4 (-2), when Griffs outscored them 24-12 from foul line. Gaels are 3-2 as MAAC home favorite, winning last four home games by 17-13-10-19 points. Canisius covered six of last seven games, split four MAAC road games, losing by 12 at Siena, 2 at Fairfield (3-0 road dog).
Toledo is 0-7 in MAC, 2-5 vs spread; they've lost last 11 games overall, are 1-3 as MAC road underdog, losing away games by 15 at EMichigan, 28 at Ball State, 32 at WMichigan, 14 at Akron. Rockets' last win was Dec 10 by a point over vs IPFW. Bowling Green is 4-1 in MAC when they score 65+ points, 0-3 when they don't. Toledo allows 66.1 ppg.
Tips and Trends
Connecticut Huskies at Louisville Cardinals
Huskies: Connecticut is struggling in their own right, as they've lost their past 2 games SU, and 5 of their past 7 games SU. The Huskies are 13-8 SU and are certain to fall out of the top 25 rankings after their debacle known as last week. UCONN is 2-2 SU since Coach Calhoun left the team earlier this season. UCONN started the season ranked #12 in the country, but have lost all 4 road contests SU this season. The Huskies are 0-4 SU and 2-2 ATS in true road games this season. UCONN is 3-1 ATS as the listed underdog this season. The Huskies have really struggled on defense of late, allowing 3 straight opponents to score at least 70 PTS. 4 different Huskies average double digits to help the team average 73 PPG this season. G Jerome Dyson leads the team in scoring with 19 PPG this season. F Stanley Robinson averages 16.6 PPG and 7.4 RPG while shooting better than 53% from the field this season.
Huskies are 9-3 ATS last 12 games as an underdog.
Under is 17-6 last 23 games as a road underdog.
Key Injuries - C Jonathan Mandeldove (academics) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 74 (Side of the Day)
Cardinals (-5.5, O/U 146.5): Louisville is really struggling this season, having lost 4 of their past 5 games SU. It seems like long ago that the the Cardinals started the season ranked #19 in the country. Louisville has lost all 4 games against teams ranked in the Top 25, including a heartbreaking loss to West Virginia in their last game. Louisville is 13-8 SU and 6-10 ATS this season. The Cardinals are 11-3 SU and 3-6 ATS at home this season. Louisville is 2-4 ATS as a single digit favorite this season. A bit of revenge is certainly on the minds of Louisville today, as they've lost 4 of the past 6 meetings with UCONN. The Cardinals average 79.8 PPG this season, but have been held under that total in each of their past 4 games. F Samardo Samuels and G Edgar Sosa are the only players averaging double digits in PTS, as they combine for 29.4 PPG this season. The Cardinals have allowed at least 77 PTS in 4 of their past 5 games.
Cardinals are 0-4 ATS last 4 games as a favorite.
Over is 9-3 last 12 games as a favorite.
Key Injuries - F Richie Phares (knee) is out.
F George Goode (concussion) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 72
Texas Longhorns at Oklahoma St. Cowboys
Longhorns (-2, O/U 151): How quickly the mighty have fallen! Texas started the season with 17 consecutive wins SU, earning themselves their 1st ever #1 ranking in school history. Since then, the Longhorns are 1-3 SU to stand at 18-3 SU for the season. While the 6th ranked Longhorns are 18-3 SU, they are only 7-10 ATS. Texas is 3-2 SU and 0-5 ATS on the road this season. Texas is 3-3 ATS as a single digit favorite this season. The Longhorns haven't won a game ATS since 2009, as they've lost all 8 of their lined games this year. Texas can really score, as they have 7 different players averaging at least 8 PPG. G Damion James leads the Longhorns with 18.2 PPG and 11.3 RPG this season. James has started a school record 127 consecutive games entering tonight's contest. The Longhorns are one of the worst free throw shooting teams in the nation at only 61.8% for the season.
Longhorns are 0-7 ATS last 7 games as a favorite.
Over is 4-0 last 4 games as a road favorite.
Key Injuries - G Shawn Williams (ankle) is out.
G Varez Ward (knee) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 72
Cowboys: Oklahoma St. is having a good season, as they are 16-5 SU this year. The Cowboys have been especially potent at home, where they have won 16 consecutive games SU. The Cowboys are 11-0 SU and 4-0-1 ATS at home this season. The Cowboys are 3-5 ATS as the listed underdog this season, with today marking the 1st time this season they have been the listed home underdog. Oklahoma St. averages nearly 75 PPG, having scored 70 PTS or more in their past 5 games. G James Anderson averages a Big 12 leading 22.5 PPG this season. Anderson has scored in double figures for 35 consecutive games, the 2nd longest streak in school history. 2 other Cowboys average double digits in scoring, including F Marshall Moses. Moses averages 10.6 PPG and a team high 9.8 RPG for the Cowboys. The Cowboys allow 66 PPG this season, but have allowed at least 69 PTS in 5 consecutive games.
Cowboys are 12-3-1 ATS last 16 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 5-1 last 6 games as a home underdog.
Key Injuries - F Jarred Shaw (illness) is probable.
G Ray Penn (knee) is questionable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 73 (UNDER - Total of the Day)