NCAAB News and Notes Monday 2/8

(2) Villanova (20-2, 15-6 ATS) at (6) West Virginia (19-3, 9-12 ATS)

The Mountaineers look to extend their winning streak to seven when they host Villanova inside WVU Coliseum in Morgantown, W.V., in a nationally televised Big East showdown between two Top-10 teams.

The Wildcats had their 11-game winning streak (9-2 ATS) snapped on Saturday when they went to Georgetown and got blown out 103-90, failing to cash as two-point ‘dogs. Villanova is 10-2 away from home this season (8-4 ATS), but they give up a whopping 80.3 points per game on the road and allow the opposition to shoot 43.1 percent from the floor.

West Virginia is 3-3 ATS during its six-game winning streak, but the Mountaineers have won and covered in each of the last two, including Satruday’s 79-60 come-from-behind win at St. John’s, cashing as a 7½-point favorite. The Mountaineers got 33 points, six rebounds and four assists from star Da’Sean Butler as they rallied from an 11-point halftime deficit and outscored St. John’s 57-27 in the second half.

Last season, West Virginia destroyed Villanova 93-72 as a 4½-point home favorite, and the Mountaineers have won and covered in four of the last five meetings and four of the last five played in Morgantown dating back to 2004. In this series, the home team has a 6-2 ATS edge in the last eight clashes.

Villanova is on ATS surges of 9-3 overall, 8-3 in Big East action, 5-1 on the road, 5-0 on Monday and 10-4 against teams with a winning record. Meanwhile, despite back-to-back spread-covers in its last two contests, West Virginia is in ATS funks of 1-4 after a spread-cover and 1-6 at home against a team with a winning road record.

It’s been nothing but “overs” for the Wildcats lately, including 13-3 overall, 7-2 in Big East games, 4-0 on the road, 6-1 after a straight-up loss and 7-3 against teams with winning records. Conversely, the Mountaineers are on “under” streaks that include 5-2 in conference contests, 4-1 on Monday, 6-1 after a spread-cover and 20-8 at home against a teams with a winning road record.

Finally, the over has cashed in seven of the last 10 meetings in this rivalry.

ATS ADVANTAGE: WEST VIRGINIA and OVER

(1) Kansas (22-1, 9-10-1 ATS) at (9) Texas (19-4, 8-11 ATS)

The Jayhawks make the trek to the Erwin Center in Austin in search of a ninth-straight win as they face struggling Texas in a pivotal Big 12 matchup.

Kansas has rattled off eight straight wins (3-4-1 ATS), but it got a battle Saturday against Nebraska, prevailing just 75-64 and coming nowhere near cashing as a 21-point home favorite. The Jayhawks have won all four Big 12 road games, but they are just 1-2-1 ATS in those and 3-5-1 ATS on the highway overall.

Texas is just 2-4 SU since being jumping to the top spot in the national rankings for the first time in school history on Jan. 18, and it has failed at the betting window in nine of its last 10 overall. On Saturday, the Longhorns went to Oklahoma as 6½-point road favorites and lost outright 80-71. They have been unable to stop anybody lately, allowing the opposition to score 78.2 ppg and shoot 45.8 percent from the floor over the last five outings.

The Jayhawks have won five of the last six clashes with Texas (3-3 ATS), including an 83-73 home win last season, cashing as eight-point favorites. In the last meeting in Austin in 2008, Texas prevailed 72-69 as a 5½-point home underdog.

Kansas is just 2-6-1 ATS in its last nine road outings and 1-3-1 ATS in its last five after a non-cover, but it is on ATS runs of 16-5 on Mondays and 17-7-2 in Big 12 games. Texas has cashed in 23 of 32 Monday contests, but in addition to failing to cash in nine of their last 10 overall, the Longhorns are on ATS slides of 6-21-1 in conference play, 0-4 at home, 1-7 after a non-cover and 1-8 against teams with a winning record.

The Jayhawks have topped the total in five of six against winning teams, but stayed below the posted number in four of five on Mondays and 25 of 34 after a straight-up win. The Longhorns have stayed below the total in 13 of 17 on Monday contests, but they’ve gone “over” in four of five overall and five of seven at home. Also, the over has been the play in five of six Kansas-Texas battles overall.

ATS ADVANTAGE: KANSAS

UNC Wilmington Seahawks vs. Delaware Blue Hens

The UNC Wilmington Seahawks and the Delaware Blue Hens will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Bob Carpenter Center.

Current streak:
UNC Wilmington has lost 3 straight games.
Delaware has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
UNC Wilmington: 7-16 SU, 8-13 ATS
Delaware: 6-17 SU, 9-8-1 ATS

UNC Wilmington most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Towson State are 4-6
After playing Virginia Commonwealth are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8

Delaware most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing William & Mary are 4-6
After playing Northeastern are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
UNC Wilmington is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Delaware
The total has gone OVER in 5 of UNC Wilmington's last 6 games when playing Delaware
UNC Wilmington is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games when playing Delaware
The total has gone OVER in 4 of UNC Wilmington's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Delaware's last 6 games when playing UNC Wilmington
Delaware is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Delaware's last 6 games at home
Delaware is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home

Next up:
UNC Wilmington at Towson State, Wednesday, February 10
Delaware at William & Mary, Wednesday, February 10

Fairfield Stags vs. Siena Saints

The Fairfield Stags and the Siena Saints will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Times Union Center.

Current streak:
Siena has won 14 straight games.

Team records:
Fairfield: 16-7 SU, 7-10 ATS
Siena: 20-4 SU, 13-8-1 ATS

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

Siena most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Niagara are 9-1
After playing Iona are 6-4
After a win are 10-0

A few trends to consider:
Fairfield is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Fairfield is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games
Fairfield is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
Fairfield is 1-6 SU in its last 7 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 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Fairfield
Siena is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Fairfield

Next up:
Fairfield at Rider, Friday, February 12
Siena at Niagara, Friday, February 12

Western Carolina Catamounts vs. Elon Phoenix

The fans at Alumni Gym will be treated to a game between the Western Carolina Catamounts and the Elon Phoenix when they take their seats on Monday.

Team records:
Western Carolina: 18-6 SU, 9-9 ATS
Elon: 5-17 SU, 8-11 ATS

Western Carolina most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Davidson are 5-5
After playing Appalachian State are 5-5
After a loss are 9-1

Elon most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-5
Before playing College of Charleston are 4-5
After playing Furman are 1-8
After a win are 1-9

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Western Carolina's last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Western Carolina's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Western Carolina's last 5 games when playing Elon
Western Carolina is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games
Elon is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Elon is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Western Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Elon's last 5 games
Elon is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Western Carolina

Next up:
Western Carolina home to Davidson, Saturday, February 13
Elon at College of Charleston, Thursday, February 11

The Citadel Bulldogs vs. College of Charleston Cougars

The The Citadel Bulldogs and the College of Charleston Cougars will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Carolina First Arena.

Current streak:
The Citadel has won 2 straight games.
College of Charleston has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
The Citadel: 13-12 SU, 10-8-1 ATS
College of Charleston: 16-8 SU, 13-5-1 ATS

The Citadel most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Elon are 5-5
After playing Chattanooga are 3-7
After a win are 3-7

College of Charleston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 9-1
Before playing Elon are 8-2
After playing Samford are 5-0
After a win are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of The Citadel's last 5 games when playing College of Charleston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of The Citadel's last 5 games on the road
The Citadel is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against College of Charle
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of The Citadel's last 5 games when playing on the road against College of Charle
College of Charleston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
College of Charleston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of College of Charleston's last 5 games when playing The Citadel
College of Charleston is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against The Citadel

Next up:
The Citadel at Elon, Saturday, February 13
College of Charleston home to Elon, Thursday, February 11

Loyola of Chicago Ramblers vs. Butler Bulldogs

The fans at Hinkle Fieldhouse will be treated to a game between the Loyola of Chicago Ramblers and the Butler Bulldogs when they take their seats on Monday.

Willie Veasley tossed in 19 points on Saturday as Butler picked up a 74-62 win over Wright State.

The Bulldogs managed to cover the 8-point spread in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (123).

Current streak:
Butler has won 12 straight games.

Team records:
Loyola of Chicago: 13-10 SU, 10-8 ATS
Butler: 20-4 SU, 10-14 ATS

Loyola of Chicago most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Illinois-Chicago are 4-6
After playing Cleveland State are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6

Butler most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Youngstown State are 7-3
After playing Wright State are 8-2
After a win are 10-0

A few trends to consider:
Loyola of Chicago is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Butler
Loyola of Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Butler
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Loyola of Chicago's last 12 games when playing Butler
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Loyola of Chicago's last 6 games when playing on the road against Butler
Butler is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Butler is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Butler is 16-2 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Loyola of Chicago
Butler is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Loyola of Chicago

Next up:
Loyola of Chicago home to Illinois-Chicago, Saturday, February 13
Butler at Youngstown State, Thursday, February 11

Villanova Wildcats vs. West Virginia Mountaineers

The Villanova Wildcats and the West Virginia Mountaineers will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at WVU Colliseum.

Villanova was dropped by Georgetown, 103-90, at the Verizon Center Saturday.

Georgetown covered as a 2-point home favorite while the final score played OVER the 151-point total.

Da'Sean Butler had another big day, leading West Virginia to a 79-60 win over St. John's at Madison Square Garden Saturday.

WVU covered as a 7.5-point road favorite while the final score played OVER the 129.5-point total.

Current streak:
West Virginia has won 6 straight games.

Team records:
Villanova: 20-2 SU, 15-6 ATS
West Virginia: 19-3 SU, 9-12 ATS

Villanova most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Providence are 8-2
After playing Georgetown are 6-4
After a loss are 10-0

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

A few trends to consider:
Villanova is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Villanova's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Villanova's last 16 games
Villanova is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
West Virginia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
West Virginia is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games at home
West Virginia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Villanova
West Virginia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Villanova

Next up:
Villanova home to Providence, Saturday, February 13
West Virginia at Pittsburgh, Friday, February 12

Appalachian State Mountaineers vs. UNC Greensboro Spartans

The Appalachian State Mountaineers and the UNC Greensboro Spartans will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Fleming Gymnasium.

Current streak:
UNC Greensboro has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Appalachian State: 13-10 SU, 8-7 ATS
UNC Greensboro: 5-18 SU, 8-13-1 ATS

Appalachian State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Davidson are 4-6
After playing Western Carolina are 3-7
After a win are 6-4

UNC Greensboro most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Western Carolina are 2-8
After playing Wofford are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Appalachian State's last 5 games when playing UNC Greensboro
Appalachian State is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Appalachian State is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Appalachian State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against UNC Greensboro
UNC Greensboro is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Appalachian State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of UNC Greensboro's last 5 games when playing Appalachian State
UNC Greensboro is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Appalachian State
UNC Greensboro is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Appalachian State

Next up:
Appalachian State home to Davidson, Thursday, February 11
UNC Greensboro home to Western Carolina, Monday, February 15

Niagara Purple Eagles vs. Rider Broncs

The fans at Alumni Gymnasium will be treated to a game between the Niagara Purple Eagles and the Rider Broncs when they take their seats on Monday.

Current streak:
Niagara has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Niagara: 13-12 SU, 10-13-1 ATS
Rider: 13-12 SU, 8-13 ATS

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

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

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Niagara's last 6 games when playing Rider
Niagara is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Rider
Niagara is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Rider
Niagara is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Rider's last 6 games when playing Niagara
Rider is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Niagara
Rider is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games at home
Rider is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Niagara

Next up:
Niagara home to Siena, Friday, February 12
Rider home to Fairfield, Friday, February 12

James Madison Dukes vs. Towson Tigers

The James Madison Dukes and the Towson Tigers will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Towson Center.

Current streak:
James Madison has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
James Madison: 10-13 SU, 7-11-1 ATS
Towson: 5-17 SU, 8-10 ATS

James Madison most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Old Dominion are 4-6
After playing Hofstra are 1-9
After a loss are 4-6

Towson most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing UNC Wilmington are 2-8
After playing Drexel are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of James Madison's last 7 games on the road
James Madison is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of James Madison's last 5 games when playing Towson State
James Madison is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games when playing Towson State
Towson State is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing James Madison
Towson State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against James Madison
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Towson State's last 5 games when playing James Madison
Towson State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against James Madison

Next up:
James Madison home to Old Dominion, Wednesday, February 10
Towson State home to UNC Wilmington, Wednesday, February 10

Illinois-Chicago Flames vs. Valparaiso Crusaders

The Illinois-Chicago Flames and the Valparaiso Crusaders will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Athletics-Recreation Center.

Team records:
Illinois-Chicago: 6-17 SU, 11-11 ATS
Valparaiso: 12-13 SU, 13-6-2 ATS

Illinois-Chicago most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Loyola of Chicago are 8-2
After playing Youngstown State are 5-5
After a win are 6-4

Valparaiso most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Cleveland State are 4-2
After playing Detroit are 3-2
After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Illinois-Chicago's last 5 games
Illinois-Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Valparaiso
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Illinois-Chicago's last 8 games on the road
Illinois-Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Valparaiso
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Valparaiso's last 5 games
Valparaiso is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Valparaiso is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
Valparaiso is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

Next up:
Illinois-Chicago at Loyola of Chicago, Saturday, February 13
Valparaiso at Cleveland State, Thursday, February 11

Kansas Jayhawks vs. Texas Longhorns

The Kansas Jayhawks and the Texas Longhorns will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Frank Erwin Center.

Kansas got 20 points from Marcus Morris on Saturday as they rolled to a 75-64 win over Nebraska.

The Jayhawks failed to cover the big 21-point spread posted for that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (133).

Texas lost the hardwood version of the Red River Rivalry, falling 80-71 to Oklahoma at the Lloyd Noble Center Saturday.

OU covered as a 6.5-point home underdog while the final score played OVER the 148-point total.

Current streak:
Kansas has won 8 straight games.

Team records:
Kansas: 22-1 SU, 9-10-1 ATS
Texas: 19-4 SU, 9-10 ATS

Kansas most recently:
When playing on Monday are 9-1
Before playing Iowa State are 8-2
After playing Nebraska are 8-2
After a win are 9-1

Texas most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Nebraska are 6-4
After playing Oklahoma are 8-2
After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
Kansas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Kansas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Kansas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Texas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kansas's last 6 games when playing Texas
Texas is 15-1 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 6 games when playing Kansas
Texas is 19-4 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games

Next up:
Kansas home to Iowa State, Saturday, February 13
Texas home to Nebraska, Saturday, February 13

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs. New Mexico State Aggies

The fans at Pan American Center will be treated to a game between the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the New Mexico State Aggies when they take their seats on Monday.

New Mexico State added to their first half lead and went on to defeat San Jose State 94-82 on Saturday. New Mexico State managed to cover the 8-point spread, while the 176 points sailed OVER the posted total of 158.5.

Current streak:
New Mexico State has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Louisiana Tech: 19-4 SU, 10-8 ATS
New Mexico State: 14-8 SU, 10-7 ATS

Louisiana Tech most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Hawaii are 4-6
After playing San Jose State are 5-5
After a win are 8-2

New Mexico State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Fresno State are 4-5
After playing San Jose State are 9-1
After a win are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
Louisiana Tech is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games
Louisiana Tech is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Louisiana Tech's last 5 games when playing on the road against New Mexico State
Louisiana Tech is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Mexico State
New Mexico State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Louisiana Tech
New Mexico State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
New Mexico State is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
New Mexico State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

Next up:
Louisiana Tech home to Hawaii, Saturday, February 13
New Mexico State at Fresno State, Thursday, February 11

NCAAB News and Notes

Monday, February 8

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

Home team won six of last seven Villanova-West Virginia games, with Wildcats losing last three visits here by 7-11-21 points. Villanova got crushed 103-90 at Georgetown Saturday, their first loss in 10 Big East games; Wildcats are 1-1 as Big East underdog. Mountaineers won their last four games; they're 2-3 as a Big East home favorite.

Loyola IL (+11.5) missed two shots in last 0:05 and lost 48-47 to Butler in first meeting Jan 21; Ramblers held Butler to 35.7% from floor, 3-20 from arc. Loyola lost eight of its last ten games- they're 3-4 as Horizon road dog, losing away games by 21-5-4-20-18 points. Butler is 13-0 in league, 3-4 as home fave, winning home games by 17-23-13-9-30-5-12.

Valparaiso (+1) made 26-34 from foul line in 64-58 win at Ill-Chicago in first meeting Jan 21 (Flames were 10-17 at home); Crusaders won even though they shot just 32% from floor. Valpo covered its last seven tilts; dogs are 11-2 vs spread in their Horizon games. Both teams are playing third game in five nights. UIC is 3-3 as a Horizon road underdog.

New Mexico State (+9.5) went to Ruston, waxed Louisiana Tech 91-77 Jan 30, making 54% from floor, 9-21 from arc; Aggies played Saturday, Tech hasn't played since Thursday, so edge for visitors there, but Tech is 0-5 vs spread in last five games, splitting last four after starting 5-0 in WAC. Aggies won six of last seven games, are 3-1 at home in WAC.

Texas lost four of its last six games; two of their last three home games went into OT; Longhorns lost five of last six games vs Kansas, but host won last six series games (Jayhawks won last three meetings in Big 12 tourney). Kansas is 8-0 in Big 12, 4-0 on road, but last two road games went OT, at K-State/Colorado. This is now bigger game for Texas.

NC-Greensboro (+13) lost 72-64 at Appalachian State Jan 16; they were 6-7 from foul line, ASU 20-29. Spartans were outrebounded 44-27, are 3-3 at home in SoCon, winning three of last four at home. ASU won six of last eight games; underdog is 6-0 vs spread in their conference games, with Appalachian State 0-3 as road fave, winning by 1-10-13-12 pts.

Western Carolina (-17) struggled to beat 3-8 Elon 83-81 at home Jan 16, after leading by 10 at half- Elon shot 51.9% for game. WCU split last six games after 5-1 start in SoCon; they're 3-3 on SoCon road, 2-2 as a road favorite, and allowed 80+ points in three of last five games. Elon is 5-1 vs spread in last six games; they're 4-3 as SoCon road underdog.

Charleston (+2) blocked 10 shots in 61-55 win at Citadel Jan 9; Cougars held Citadel to 39% from floor, 3-18 from arc- they've covered last five SoCon games, winning at home by 9-12-12-2-12-21 points, and won last three games overall by 18-12-16. Bulldogs are 4-0 as SoCon road dog; they're 2-3 on SoCon road, losing away games by 2-3-4 points.

Siena (-4) won 81-73 at Fairfield Jan 16; they led 45-44 at half-- Saints are 13-0 in MAAC, 3-3 as home favorite, winning home games by 22-11-18-12-15-6-20 points- they covered last four games overall. Fairfield is 4-2 on MAAC road, with favorites covering their last five road games. Stags are 4-3 in last seven games after 5-1 start in conference play.

Rider (+8) won 62-61 at Niagara Jan 24, holding Eagles to 36% from the floor, 6-24 from arc; Broncs are 2-3 at home in MAAC despite being the favorite in all five games- they've won three of last four games overall. Niagara is 2-4 on MAAC road, beating Marist/Loyola- they won their last two games by 9-12 points, after losing six of previous seven games.

James Madison lost six of last seven games; they're 0-6 on CAA road, with three losses by three or less points, but they did beat Towson State 69-66 (-7) in first meeting Jan 9. Underdog covered nine of their last ten games. Towson lost four of last five games, scoring 53.3 ppg in last three contests; they're 0-5 at home in league play. They lost last game by 42.

Delaware lost nine of its last ten games, losing last three by 11-10-16 points; both their conference wins came at home, by 4 over Drexel, 2 in OT vs Georgia State. Underdog is 8-3-1 vs spread in their CAA games. NC-Wilmington lost seven of last eight games (0-8 vs spread); they are 1-5 as CAA road underdog, losing road games by 34-13-23-5-39 points.

This is a really BIG MONDAY!
Doug Upstone

ESPN viewers have suffered a visual assault this past week promoting tonight's games and rivalry week in general, yet the matchups from the Big East and Big 12 are exemplary. Negative thinkers may believe Villanova and Texas losing on Saturday takes away from the meaningfulness of these contests; however this college basketball writer and sports bettor chooses to think differently, instead it creates even greater urgency for the Wildcats and Longhorns to play their best and prevail. Football may be history for another season, but what a way to kickoff the off-season!

Villanova at West Virginia

Villanova (20-2, 15-6 ATS) completes the gruesome task of two games in three days on the Big East conference road. The Wildcats started their game at Georgetown like many cars around Washington D.C. area Saturday, stuck with no place to go in losing 103-90. Nova ran into a focused Hoyas club off a loss to South Florida, as they shot 56 percent from the field, went 8 of 13 from beyond the arc and hit 12 of 13 free throws before halftime in building 50-31 lead. Coach Jay Wright's squad did more than fair share to contribute to first conference loss, committing 16 turnovers over the opening 20 minutes.
"That was not one of our better performances, but you've got to give Georgetown most of the credit. They jumped on us," coach Wright said. The Wildcats have won and covered both their games this season with one day between contests and is 18-6 ATS playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last two seasons.

West Virginia (19-3, 9-12 ATS) is in second place, one game behind Villanova and Syracuse and played Saturday in a strange contest even for them. St. John's was a popular home favorite among sports handicappers receiving 7.5-points with the Mountaineers in look-ahead situation. It certainly seemed like a smart wager with the Red Storm up 16-points in the first half and leading 33-22 at halftime. Coach Bob Huggins lit into his team and six minutes in the second half, they went on 16-0 run on the way to a 57-27 final 20 minutes, for the win and cover.

With a six-game winning streak (4-2 ATS) the Mountaineers are getting their house in order. Devin Ebanks is scoring better, Truck Bryant has regained his shooting eye and though Kevin Jones has been slightly off, he kills opposing teams with his assertive offensive rebounding, adding points in that manner. Da'Sean Butler is West Virginia brightest star and is playing like it. The bottom line, coach Bob Huggins is starting to see the team that started 11-0, albeit, against stiffer competition these days and his club is 10-4 ATS in February.

This has all the makings of a real Big East physical war in which the basketball won't be pretty, but entertaining nevertheless. Betonline.com has West Virginia as five-point favorite with total of 150 and they are 4-1 SU and ATS the last five times Nova came calling.

Villanova is 10-4 ATS facing clubs with winning records and is 5-2 SU and on the road this campaign. The Mountaineers are 11-1 and 4-7 ATS at home and university officials hope the only thing the fans bring is a full throat to scream positively for their team.

Kansas at Texas

Studying tape of Texas (19-4, 9-10 ATS) early in the season, the most discernable difference is defensive on-the-ball pressure. The Longhorns played with greater enthusiasm in the first part of the year and have to rekindle that feeling, especially against a team like No. 1 Kansas. The 80-71 loss at Oklahoma as a touchdown favorite was the lowest point of the season for a club that has lost four of six and covered the spread once since Dec.22 (1-9 ATS).

Oklahoma deserved credit for making nine 3-point bombs in the first half, but a hand up or denial defense would have helped. According to Orangebloods.com, Texas missed anywhere from 8 to 17 layups against a second-rate Sooners frontline and the free throw shooting was hysterical if it wasn't so sad (10 of 27).

Texas is at the top of their game when the points are distributed. Damion James, Avery Bradley and for the most part Dexter Pittman hit their averages, but when Justin Mason, Dogus Balbay, Gary Johnson and J'Covan Brown are at or near double digits, Texas is that much better. The Horns are 31-18 ATS at home against offensive teams scoring 77 or more points a contest.

After suffering brief slump caused by internal and external forces, center Cole Aldrich is back and Kansas (22-1, 9-10-1 ATS) is back on track. The big man is exhibiting many of the qualities why he is being compared to former NBA great Kevin McHale. His presence along with a smokin' hot Marcus Morris, gives the Jayhawks power in the paint, matched with devastating perimeter game. Kansas plays the 94-foot game led by PG Sherron Collins and the chemistry issue that manifested itself is to behind this team. The Jayhawks are 11-3 ATS vs. clubs outscoring their opponents by eight points a contest after 15 or games on the year.

It's not official, but if Texas can't knock off top-ranked Kansas in Austin, their season might be over, trying to be elite club. Both teams are Big Monday winners, with the Longhorns 23-9 ATS and the Jayhawks 16-5 ATS to start another work week.

Kansas is a 1.5-point road favorite and the straight up winner is 8-2 ATS in last 10 meetings, including three in a row.

Tips and Trends

Villanova Wildcats at West Virginia Mountaineers

Wildcats: Villanova is coming off just their 2nd SU loss of the season, having lost by double digits to Georgetown just 2 days ago. When they lost SU earlier this season, they responded with a 38 point blowout win and ATS cover. The Wildcats are 20-2 SU, and ranked #2 in the nation because of their season long success. Villanova is 10-2 SU and 8-4 ATS away from home this season, both true road games and neutral court games. The Wildcats are 1-1 both SU and ATS as the listed underdog this season. Villanova is 6-2 ATS in expected close games, with ATS lines of 5 PTS or fewer. Villanova averages more than 85 PPG this season, with a huge reason being the play of G Scottie Reynolds. Reynolds averages nearly 19 PPG this season, but has struggled against West Virginia in the past. Reynolds has only averaged 9.3 PPG in 3 career meetings against the Mountaineers, and has fouled out of the 2 most recent match ups.

Wildcats are 8-3 ATS last 11 vs. Big East.
Over is 6-1 last 7 games following a SU loss.

Key Injuries - None.

PROJECTED SCORE: 76 (Side of the Day)

Mountaineers (-4.5, O/U 150): West Virginia has enjoyed recent success against Villanova, winning 4 of the past 5 games against them SU. Currently #6 in the nation, the Mountaineers stand at 19-3 SU, thanks to a 6 game winning streak. West Virginia has won their past 2 games by a combined total of 38 PTS, both against league opponents. The Mountaineers are 10-1 SU and 4-6 ATS this season, with their lone home defeat against Syracuse by a single point. Today will mark only the 4th time this season that West Virginia will be a single digit home favorite. The Mountaineers are 5-4 ATS as a single digit favorite this entire season. West Virginia has scored 70 PTS or more in 4 of their past 5 contests. The Mountaineers are led by 3 forwards, notably Da'Sean Butler. Butler leads the team in scoring with 17.3 PPG, and also grabs over 6 RPG this season. The Mountaineers have held 3 of their last 4 opponents to 60 PTS or fewer.

Mountaineers are 1-6 ATS last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 6-1 last 7 games following a ATS win.

Key Injuries - None.

PROJECTED SCORE: 74