NCAAB News and Notes Saturday 1/29

Minnesota, Purdue set for Big Ten betting battle
By: David Schwab

The Big Ten gets things going early this Saturday with a rematch from earlier this month between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, IN. The game is set to tip at 10 a.m. (PT) and will be broadcast nationally on CBS.

Minnesota ran its Big Ten winning streak to four on Wednesday night with an 81-70 victory over Northwestern as a five-point home favorite. The streak actually started with a 70-67 win over Purdue as a three-point home underdog on Jan.13. The Gophers are now 16-4 straight-up and 10-10 against the spread. They are 5-3 SU in conference play.

Senior guard Blake Hoffarber leads Minnesota in scoring with 13.7 points per game and assists with 4.4. He is joined by junior forward Trevor Mbakwe and junior forward/center Ralph Sampson III in providing the bulk of the production for the Gophers. Mbakwe leads the team in rebounds with 10.5 a game and is averaging 13.4 points, while Sampson is averaging 10.8 points and 5.8 rebounds as well.

Minnesota is shooting a solid 47 percent from the field, but is converting just 65.4 percent of its attempts from the foul line and 32.9 percent of its shots from three-point range. The Gophers are scoring an average of 73 points and are one of the better rebounding teams in the conference with 40 a game.

Purdue is still trying to get the number of the Buckeye train than ran it over in an 87-64 loss to No.1 Ohio State this past Tuesday night. The Boilermakers came into the game as a 7½-point road underdog and the total went ‘over’ the 135-point line. This drubbing was their third loss in their last five games to drop them to 17-4 SU and 11-7 ATS. Two of the losses were in the conference so Purdue now stands at 6-2 SU in the Big 10.

The Boilermakers lost All-American forward Robbie Hummel before the season even started but they still feature two of the best players in college basketball in senior forward-center JaJuan Johnson and senior guard E’Twaun Moore.

Johnson leads the team in scoring (20.6 PPG) and rebounding (7.8). Moore is second on the team in scoring with an average of 18 points per game and adds 5.6 rebounds per contest. Junior guard Lewis Jackson has also played a key role with a team-high 3.8 assists and 6.8 points per game.

Purdue is averaging 74 points a game and shooting 45.9 percent from the field. The Boilermakers are hitting 38.3 percent of their shots from three-point range and have a 70 percent completion percentage from the foul-line. One area where they have especially missed Hummel’s presence is under the boards as they are averaging just 36 rebounds per game.

Minnesota is 2-2 ATS in its last four games on the road and 4-1 ATS in its last five games overall. The total has gone ‘over’ in three of its last four games.

Purdue is 4-1 ATS in its last five home games but just 1-4 ATS in its last five games overall. The total has gone ‘over’ in three of its last five games.

Head-to-head, the Boilermakers have won four of the last six games SU, but have lost the last two including the game earlier this month. The previous loss was an embarrassing 69-42 debacle in last year’s Big Ten Tournament as a 2½-point favorite. The total in that game stayed ‘under’ the 125 point line. The series is tied 3-3 ATS in the last six meetings and the total has stayed ‘under’ in four of those games.

Purdue should open as a healthy single-digit favorite. Given the fact they have already lost to Minnesota this season and is coming off its worst loss of the year, do not be afraid to give the points and stick with the Boilermakers this time around.

NCAA Betting: Kansas State at Kansas Jayhawks
By: Joe Freda

The No. 6 Kansas Jayhawks have a 1-5 spread record in their last six games, with the ‘total’ splitting at 3-3. Bill Self’s squad hosts Saturday’s matchup against the Kansas State Wildcats, who have seen the ‘under’ cash at 4-1 in their last five contests.

Kansas escaped with Tuesday’s 82-78 win as a 7 ½-point road favorite against the Colorado Buffaloes. The Jayhawks allowed Colorado to drain 9-of-13 three-point shots, while sizably clinching the battle for rebounds, 35-19.

Jayhawks guard Josh Selby notched team-highs of 17 points and five assists. The freshman suffered an ankle injury during the duel, but is listed as “probable” by DonBest.com to return for Saturday’s game.

Selby’s mate Markieff Morris grabbed a team-high 11 boards, while finishing with six points. The junior forward recorded three turnovers for the third time in five games.

The tight affair’s combined 160 points leaped above the ‘total’ of 153, bringing the ‘over’ to 5-3 in the Jayhawks' last eight games. Both squads united to sink 29-of-35 free throws.

Kansas is 2-5 against the spread in its last seven home dates, with the ‘under’ cashing at 4-3. Morris and Co. have given up a stingy 60.3 PPG in that span.

Kansas State ended a two-game losing streak with Monday’s 69-61 win as a six-point home favorite against the Baylor Bears. The Wildcats were held to 36.5 percent field shooting, while going 25-for-31 at the foul line.

Wildcats guard Jacob Pullen piled in a team-high 17 points, playing 38 minutes. The senior added four boards and two assists, while committing a sizable five turnovers.

Kansas State’s Curtis Kelly and Rodney McGruder each notched a team-high seven rebounds. The duo united for 25 points, with Kelly adding three of his squad’s five steals.

The duel’s combined 130 points ducked ‘under’ the ‘total’ of 138. The Wildcats allowed Baylor to hit 40.4 percent of its field buckets, while outrebounding their rival, 33-23.

Kansas State is 0-6 ATS in its last six games away from home, with the ‘under’ collecting at 5-1. Frank Martin’s crew has been held to 58 PPG in that stretch.

Kansas is 5-1 ATS in its last six meetings against Kansas State, with the ‘over’ going 4-2.

The foes most recently clashed in last March’s Big 12 Conference Tournament championship game, with Kansas winning, 72-64, as a six-point favorite at Kansas City’s Sprint Center. Pullen hit a sparse 1-of-8 from beyond the arc for Kansas State, who allowed the Jayhawks to connect at 44.2 percent from the field.

Saturday’s tip is scheduled for 4 p.m. (PT), with ESPN providing the national television coverage.

Kansas will have two days off before resuming action with Tuesday’s road matchup against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Kansas State will be idle for three days, returning home for Wednesday’s battle against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

NCAA Betting Preview: Missouri Tigers at Texas
By: Adam Markowitz

If you had to treat NCAA basketball betting action like the stock market, there is no doubt that the Texas Longhorns would be like Berkshire Hathaway at the moment. They are coming off a game in which they pulled out the virtually impossible task, beating the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse, and they survived their first test after that as well, a triumph over the Oklahoma State Cowboys in Stillwater.

Though they're back at home, they've got a totally different type of test in front of them on the NCAA basketball odds Saturday, as they have to take on the Missouri Tigers. Tip-off from the Frank Erwin Events Center in Austin, TX is set for 6 p.m. (PT), and the game can be seen live on the ESPN family of networks.

Missouri only has three losses this year, and two of them are on the road. Still, there is no doubt that this is a team that has absolutely no fear about leaving the comfort of its home court to get the job done. The Tigers have 17 wins and realize that they can crack the Top 10 if they knock off Texas and pull off the college basketball betting upset on Saturday night.

The Tigers fly high, averaging 85.0 PPG this year, and they create a ton of offense off of their pressure defense. They won't give up, regardless of what the score is, and they aren't afraid to try to blow you out of the water early and late.

An 87-54 win over the upstart Iowa State Cyclones was very impressive earlier this week, as all five starters scored double digits in spite of the fact that none of them played for more than 24 minutes.

This is something to get used to with Mizzou though, as you can really see any combination of about 10 players on the court that can all score and play great defense. Marcus Denmon is leading the way in scoring at 17.2 PPG, and is one of the four players on this team shooting at least 50.0 percent from the floor. Ricardo Ratliffe is putting up 11.8 points and dragging down a team-high 7.0 boards on the average night as well.

Texas knows that it is going to need its best defense to win this game, something that it had for almost the full 40 minutes against Kansas last weekend. The 'Horns are allowing just 60.6 PPG this year and holding teams to just 36.8 percent shooting from the field.

Offensively, Texas hasn't really excelled on this five-game winning streak, only breaking the 75-point barrier once in that stretch (against the lowly Texas Tech Red Raiders). But don't confuse this team as one that doesn't have a ton of offensive firepower.

Jordan Hamilton is one of the top players in the nation, and he never seems to have an off night. He has averaged 18.2 PPG and 8.7 RPG over the course of the Longhorns' last six games, and he is capable of putting up 25+ points on any team in America.

Missouri has won three straight both SU and ATS in this series. The Tigers are also 7-2 ATS in their last nine NCAA basketball wagering wars overall, 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games played on Saturday. Don't be surprised if all of this holds true once again this week, as the Tigers have the ability to spring this tremendous upset in the Big XII.

Georgetown at Villanova: What Bettors Need to Know
By Sean Murphy

History lesson

The home team won and covered the number in both meetings between these Big East rivals last year. Both matchups played over the total, but the under has cashed five of the last eight times they’ve hooked up since the start of 2007.

With that said, you don’t have to go back far to find the last time the Hoyas won here at the Pavilion. Less than two years ago, in February of 2009, Georgetown rolled into town as a 6.5-point underdog and walked away with a 56-54 victory.

This will be the only meeting between the Hoyas and Wildcats this season, unless they cross paths in the Big East Tournament.

Home fires burning

Villanova has long owned a decisive advantage at the Pavilion and that’s held true here in 2011.

Since opening Big East play with a dominant 81-65 win over Rutgers, the Wildcats have gone a perfect 3-0 SU and ATS as hosts. All three of their home wins in-conference have come by double-digits.

Villanova got off to a similarly hot start last season, but did end up losing twice on its home floor and posted a mediocre 4-5 ATS record at home in Big East play.

Up to speed

The Hoyas made a concerted effort to pick up the pace over their last three games and the results have been staggering.

Georgetown has scored at least 74 points in each of its last three games – all victories. Keep in mind, the Hoyas had been held to fewer than 60 points in each of their three previous contests – all losses.

It will be interesting to see if Villanova chooses to run with the Hoyas or force them into more halfcourt sets.

The Wildcats also prefer to play up-tempo basketball, but it may not be in their best interest against an opponent that can trade punches with them all afternoon long.

Keeping their guard up

It’s no secret that the key to slowing down Villanova’s high-powered offense is by limiting the effectiveness of its guards, namely Corey Stokes and Corey Fisher.

Providence was able to do just that earlier this week, holding the duo to just seven points apiece in a shocking upset victory.

Stokes and Fisher weren’t the only two Villanova shooters that struggled on that night, as the entire team shot just 32.5 percent from the field.

The Wildcats were held to 68 points in the loss. They’ve yet to be held under 70 points in back-to-back games this season.

Georgetown doesn’t exactly possess a lockdown defense. The Hoyas currently rank 141st in the nation in scoring defense (66.5 points per game) and 116th in terms of opponents’ field goal percentage (41.6 percent).

Injury report

While Villanova heads into Saturday’s game at full strength, Georgetown does have one question mark.

Forward Julian Vaughn has started every game this season, but he’s dealing with an ankle injury and could miss Saturday’s game.

Vaughn has been a key contributor, averaging eight points and 23 minutes per game. He also leads the Hoyas in rebounding with six boards per game.

Looking ahead

This is the start of an important three-game homestand for Villanova. The Wildcats will host Marquette Wednesday before welcoming West Virginia to town next Saturday.

Georgetown will have Sunday off before returning to the court to host Louisville Monday night. The Hoyas will play three of their next four games at home, including matchups with Providence and Marquette.

Saturday's Best NCAAB Bet

BYU Cougars at New Mexico Lobos (3, 152)

Don’t expect the Cougars to have a letdown during their trip to The Pit. Coming off a 71-58 win over previously-undefeated San Diego State in arguably the biggest basketball game in Mountain West Conference history, BYU can’t get fat and lazy and look past a talented Lobos team.

But focusing on the road has been no problem for BYU this season. The team has one of the best true road records in the nation at 7-0 SU and a solid 4-2 ATS. The Cougars have posted wins on the courts of Utah, UNLV, Vermont, Creighton and a reinvigorated Colorado State.

Then again, it’s pretty easy to win anywhere with Jimmer Fredette. The leading candidate for National Player of the Year has topped 30 points 15 times in his career, with 13 of those coming away from Provo.

"I don't think too much about it," Fredette said. "I think the thing with me is, on the road, I take it as a challenge. It is tough to win road games in our league, or anywhere. So I take it on myself to be the starter, to get things going and be aggressive.”

Overall, Fredette has topped 40 points three times in his past four games, including twice on an opponent’s court. BYU also is 7-3 SU and ATS in its past 10 games against New Mexico.

Pick: BYU

Stacked NCAAB Slate
By Brian Edwards

Let’s begin our discussion of Saturday’s college hoops slate by tackling Georgia’s trip to Rupp Arena to face Kentucky (15-4 straight up, 8-6 against the spread) in a crucial SEC East showdown. Both of these teams are headed to the NCAA Tournament, but both have plenty of work to do in order to garner a decent seed.

When these teams met at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens on Jan. 8, Georgia (14-5 SU, 7-8 ATS) captured a 77-70 win as a five-point home underdog. Trey Thompkins was the catalyst with 25 points, seven rebounds and a pair of blocked shots. UK freshman Terrence Jones had a team-high 24 points in the losing effort.

Mark Fox’s squad is coming off a gut-wrenching double-overtime loss to Florida on Tuesday night. Thompkins scored on a putback just before the horn to force OT at the end of regulation. Then with the Dawgs nursing a three-point lead, UF’s Ervin Walker buried an off-balanced trey from at least 35 feet out to force the second extra session.

With Georgia in foul trouble in the second OT, the Gators pulled away for a 104-91 win as 2 ½-point road underdogs. The loss dropped UGA into the basement of the SEC East with a 3-3 ledger in league play.

UK is unbeaten in nine home games with a 3-1 spread record. The ‘Cats have watched the ‘under’ go 8-4-2 overall.

The Wynn opened Kentucky as a 12-point favorite. That seems like entirely too many points to me. Remember, Georgia has covered the number in four straight games as a ‘dog this year and is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games at Rupp.

ESPN will have the telecast of UK-UGA at 4:00 p.m. Eastern.

If Penn State (11-8 SU, 8-6-1 ATS) can notch a few more impressive victories (it has plenty of chances to do so), it will have an intriguing case for the selection committee to consider. The Nittany Lions will take on Wisconsin (15-4 SU, 10-5 ATS) at 4:00 p.m. Eastern on the Big Ten Network.

The Wynn opened the Badgers as four-point road favorites. Bo Ryan’s team will be in search of its four straight win after trashing Northwestern 78-46 as a 1 ½-point road favorite last Sunday.

PSU has played as well as team in the nation the last few weeks. It has taken the cash in five straight outings, winning outright three times. The Lions’ only losses came at Purdue (63-62) on a late jumper by JaJuan Johnson and at top-ranked Ohio St. (69-66). They are coming off a 65-51 win Wednesday over Iowa as eight-point home favorites. The ‘under’ has been a nice combination with PSU as well, cashing in four of its last five outings.

Ed DeChellis’s squad has won outright three times when listed as a ‘dog of four points or more (vs. Illinois, vs. Michigan St. and at Indiana).

One last tidbit for this matchup: Wisconsin owns a 10-2 spread record in its last 12 head-to-head meetings with PSU.

We just mentioned Northwestern’s atrocious performance in Sunday’s 32-point loss at home to Wisconsin. The Wildcats, who are 13-7 SU and 8-6 ATS, fell to 3-6 in the Big Ten when they lost 81-70 Wednesday at Minnesota.

Now their chances of going to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history are looking bleak. Unless, of course, Bill Carmody’s team can step up Saturday and knock off the nation’s lone remaining unbeaten.

Ohio St. (21-0 SU, 10-8 ATS) will bring its No. 1 ranking to Evanston as a 10 ½-point favorite (per Wynn’s opening number, although two offshores had Bucks at 11 ½ early Friday evening). The Buckeyes are 1-2 ATS as double-digit road favorites.

Tip-off on ESPN2 is slated for 6:00 p.m. Eastern.

Kansas State will take on Kansas in Lawrence at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN. The Wynn opened the Jayhawks as 11-point home favorites. KU has had an emotional week, traveling to Washington D.C. for the funeral of Thomas Robinson’s mother.

Robinson has lost three family members this season, yet he’s returned to the team and will play Saturday.

Texas (17-3 SU, 12-3 ATS) has been the nation’s premier money maker this season, cashing tickets at a frenetic pace. The Longhorns, who have won 11 of their 12 home games, have covered the spread in five consecutive games and eight of their last nine. They will take on Missouri (17-3 SU, 8-7 ATS) as 7 ½-point home favorites.

Missouri has won three of its last four games both SU and ATS, including Saturday’s 87-54 win over Iowa St. as a 10 ½-point home favorite. All five starters scored in double figures for the Tigers, who were paced by Michael Dixon Jr.’s 15 points and eight rebounds.

Mike Anderson’s sq uad has been an underdog just once, losing outright but hooking up its backers in a 91-89 overtime setback at Texas A&M as a five-point ‘dog.

Tip-off in Austin at the Frank Erwin Center is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPNU.

B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets

Tom Izzo’s teams are always playing their best basketball in March and he’s enjoyed as much success in the NCAA Tournament as any coach over the last decade and a half. With that in mind, I’m not about to bury this year’s version of the Spartans. However, they had better get on track soon. As a 10 ½-point home favorite Thursday, Michigan ended its six-game losing streak at Breslin Center by knocking off MSU by a 661-57 count. With 10 games remaining, Michigan St. is 12-8 overall and 4-4 in Big Ten play.

Along with Michigan St., Gonzaga played a brutal non-conference schedule that’ll certainly work in its favor when the selection committee makes its final decisions on the 68-team field. But the Bulldogs are in trouble, too, after a costly home loss Thursday night. Mark Few’s team has now lost three in a row in WCC play following an 81-79 loss to Saint Mary’s as a three-point ‘chalk.’

TCU has suspended leading scorer Ronnie Moss indefinitely. Moss was averaging 15.6 points, 3.6 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game for the Horned Frogs.

After winning its first 18 games, Syracuse has suddenly lost three in a row after getting run out of the Carrier Dome by Seton Hall. The Pirates beat the Orange by 22 as 12 ½-point underdogs, hooking up money-line backers with a plus-700 payout (risk $100 to win $700). Jim Boeheim’s team will try to get well as a short underdog Saturday at Marquette.

vegasinsider.com.

Saturday's Top 25 Games
By Matt Fargo

(20) Georgetown Hoyas at (7) Villanova Wildcats

After three straight losses, Georgetown has won its last three games albeit against Big East teams not ranked. Still, it is a much needed roll for the Hoyas which come into this game with a 4-4 record in the conference. They have had Villanova’s number the last few years as they have won six of the last seven meetings while covering five of those games. Georgetown was on a 0-5 ATS run before covering the last three but things get tougher with five of the next six games against teams headed for the NCAA Tournament.

A letdown was expected and it certainly happened for Villanova which lost on Wednesday at Providence by 15 points. It was the third straight road game for the Wildcats and they were just coming off a big upset win at Syracuse on Saturday. This is the first of three in a row at home with Marquette and West Virginia to follow. Villanova is a perfect 11-0 at home this season with a 6-2-1 ATS mark in lined games. The Wildcats won the home meeting last season against the Hoyas, covering by a half-point.

(19) Louisville Cardinals at (5) Connecticut Huskies

Louisville won its second Big East home game in the final seconds in 10 days as it defeated a depleted West Virginia team 55-54. That improved the Cardinals to 5-2 in the conference but of those seven games, only one has come against a ranked opponent. They are 3-4 against the number in conference games and the upcoming schedule will dictate if Louisville is for real or just a fraud. Four of the next five games are against ranked opponents with three of those coming on the road.

Connecticut continues to defy the odds. The Huskies are one of the youngest teams in the conference and they rely basically on one player but they continue to win. They have won six straight games, going 5-1 ATS, and their only two losses this season came on the road at Pittsburgh and Notre Dame. The freshman backcourt has been the key to success so far for Connecticut but that could be a detriment come tournament time. The Huskies are 11-0 at home but just 3-2 ATS as six home games have come against non-board teams.

(18) Minnesota Golden Gophers at (12) Purdue Boilermakers

After starting 1-3 in the Big Ten Conference, Minnesota has won four straight games to move to a game out of second place in the standings. The last three have come against teams in or near the bottom of the conference but those are the games that need to be won if the Gophers are thinking of a top-tier finish. Four of their next six games are on the road with the two home games being against Ohio St. and Illinois so the next three weeks are about staying above water. Minnesota is 6-2 ATS on the road this season.

Purdue should be foaming at the mouth Saturday. The Boilermakers are coming off easily their worst loss of the season by 23 points at Ohio St. and this is an early revenge game for the Boilermakers which lost at Minnesota by three points 16 days ago. Five of the next six games come against ranked conference opponents so winning on their home floor is a must. Purdue is 11-0 at home this season, while covering six of the eight lined games including three of four in the Big Ten.

(13) Missouri Tigers at (8) Texas Longhorns

Following a tough overtime loss at Texas A&M, Missouri has won its last two games heading into a big showdown in Austin. The Tigers are 3-2 in the Big XII but all three of those wins have come against teams with losing conference records so this game against Texas is even more important. This is just the fourth true road game of the season for Missouri where it is 1-2 including a 0-2 mark in the conference. The Tigers have played Texas only three times in three years but have won and covered all three meetings.

Texas does not seem to want to fold like it did at this point last season. Following a huge road win at Kansas, snapping the Jayhawks 69-game home winning streak, the Longhorns avoided a letdown by using a late first half run and eventually pulled away from Oklahoma St. for their fifth straight double-digit conference win. Two of Texas’ three losses came against Connecticut and Pittsburgh by a combined three points and on Saturday it brings in a spectacular 12-3 ATS record.

College Hoops Betting TV Guide
By Dave Carey

Temple Owls at St. Joseph’s Hawks (13, 133), ESPNU, 11 a.m. ET

The Owls continue to feel the effects of a knee injury to guard Juan Fernandez. Sidelined with a knee injury, Fernandez returned for three games with the ailment, but was unable to go in a 76-67 win over Charlotte. Again, it was sophomore Khalif Wyatt getting his minutes and playing big. In the win over the 49ers, he finished with a game-high 17 points, a career-high six rebounds and a career-high-tying six assists.

Georgetown Hoyas at Villanova Wildcats (-5, 145), ESPN, 12 p.m. ET

The Wildcats had a rough trip to Rhode Island. Not only was the team spanked by a bad Providence team, 83-68, but storms in the Northeast upset the team’s travel plans, delaying its flight. That means that the Wildcats had to practice at Brown University before a flight back to Philadelphia Thursday. The team needs all the practice time it can get for Georgetown’s methodical Princeton offense.

Xavier Musketeers at Richmond Spiders (-4, 137.5), ESPN2, 12 p.m. ET

Spiders coach Chris Mooney has been emphasizing rebounding in practice. After all, when his team cleans the boards, it usually wins. By clamping down defensively on Dayton this week – it held the Flyers to just 34.4 percent shooting – it gave itself plenty of chances to secure caroms and control the game. Richmond grabbed 38 boards and won by nine in one of the toughest venues in the A-10.

Minnesota Golden Gophers at Purdue Boilermakers (-9. 137.5), CBS, 1 p.m. ET

Gophers coach Tubby Smith has had to juggle his lineup with mid-season transfers and a spate of season-ending injuries. In an 11-point win over Northwestern Wednesday night, he scrapped convention, starting a four-forward lineup and made shooting guard Blake Hoffarber his primary ball handler. The senior had 20 points and four assists in his new role.

Florida Gators at Mississippi State Bulldogs (6, 135), CBS, 1 p.m. ET

The Gators are finally getting some toughness out of their frontcourt. Senior center Vernon Macklin used his 6-foot-10 frame against the Georgia Bulldogs to drop a career-high 23 points in a 104-91 double-overtime win. In the second half alone, he scored nine straight points for the Gators and appears to be reaching his potential.

"He was so physical for us," Florida forward Chandler Parsons said. "He's our horse and we kept feeding the post to him.”

Norfolk State Spartans at Morgan State Bears, ESPNU, 1 p.m. ET

The Bears Kevin Thompson will be getting acquainted with Norfolk forward Kyle O’Quinn. The reining MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, Thompson averages 13 points and 8.7 rebounds per game with his massive, 6-foot-9, 240-pound frame. However, O’Quinn has been named MEAC Defensive Player of the Week three times this year and is coming off a 26-point, 13-rebound performance in a win over South Carolina State. In two games against Morgan State last year, O’Quinn averaged 20 points and 8.5 rebounds.

North Carolina State Wolfpack at North Carolina Tar Heels (-10, 146), ESPN, 2 p.m.

Harrison Barnes is becoming a force for North Carolina. Barnes scored the team’s final five points in a 74-71 win over Miami, including a game-winning three pointer with less than six seconds left. Earlier, he closed out Virginia Tech in a 64-61 win at Chapel Hill by scoring eight of his team’s final 14 points. Most experts have moved him out of the No.1 overall spot in the upcoming NBA Draft, but clutch play like this can reclaim top billing.

Bradley Braves at Wichita State Shockers (-17, 139.5), ESPN2, 2 p.m. ET

The Shockers have one of the best backcourts in the Missouri Valley Conference. But with the emergence of forward Gabe Blair, the team is nearly impossible to beat in league play. Blair is 12 for 17 from the floor in the team’s past two games, registering his first double-double in a win over Indiana State (12 points and 12 rebounds) and scoring a career-high 18 points in a victory against Southern Illinois.

“He’s been a lot more aggressive,” Wichita state guard Toure Murry said. “A lot of teams are playing him like he can’t score. The guards are penetrating and kicking to him, and he’s finishing great.”

Syracuse Orange at Marquette Golden Eagles (-2, 146), ESPNU, 3 p.m. ET

Dissension in Syracuse? Sounds like a rift between the frontcourt and backcourt players. The Orange’s three-guard rotation of Scoop Jardine, Brandon Triche and Dion Waiters went just 8 of 32 from the field in a blowout upset loss to Seton Hall. Meanwhile, senior forward Rick Jackson was 7 for 9 from the field as he continually took the ball down low.

"I'm frustrated with our shot selection," Jackson said. "All day, we could have had way better shots than what we had. I think we kind of settled for jumpers, and that is what they wanted us to do.”

Georgia Bulldogs at Kentucky Wildcats (-11.5, 139), ESPN, 4 p.m. ET

Kentucky coach John Calipari has a message for his three upper classman and the rest of his team: Get tougher and step up. Calipari has publicly criticized his team’s lack of leadership and says his team better get used to grinding out tough games. The guys he is talking about? Juniors Darius Miller and DeAndre Liggins and senior Josh Harrellson. None are in the team’s Top-3 in scoring and Harrellson has seen plenty of time in the dog house and buried on the bench.

Towson Tigers at Old Dominion Monarchs (-18.5, 131.5), ESPNU, 5 p.m. ET

Old Dominion forward Frank Hassell cannot be stopped this week. In a 51-48, his old-fashioned 3-point-play off of an offensive put-back turned a one-point deficit into a two-point lead with six seconds left. In an earlier 58-43 win over UNC Wilmington, he had a career-high 25 points and 13 rebounds. He should continue his hot play against a soft Towson front court.

Ohio State Buckeyes at Northwestern Wildcats (11.5, 142.5), ESPN2, 6 p.m. ET

Want to double-team Buckeyes stud freshman center Jared Sullinger? It didn’t work for Purdue. The Boilermakers tried to mix in double-teams and hedged an extra player to help out against the future NBA Lottery Pick. Sullinger still dropped 17 points against the superb defensive team and Ohio State made 11-of-17 3-pointers to make anyone who plans on doubling Sullinger think twice.

Kansas State Wildcats at Kansas Jayhawks (-11.5, 144), ESPN, 7 p.m. ET

It has been an emotional week for the Jayhawks. With the death of forward Thomas Robinson’s mother, the team has been occupied in grief and flew out on Wednesday to be with their teammate at the funeral Thursday in Washington, D.C. It will be an electric atmosphere with Robinson anticipated to play against the team’s in-state rival.

UTEP Miners at Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (pick, 134), CBS College Sports, 8 p.m. ET

The Miners have found a defensive stopper. Senior guard Julyan Stone is averaging 8.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. However, his true value comes in his athleticism and wingspan. In a win over Tulane, UTEP coach Tim Floyd put him on Green Wave star Kendall Timmons. Timmons had 16 points in the first half, but only one in the second with Stone blanketing him.

Pittsburgh Panthers at Rutgers Scarlett Knights (8.5, 132), ESPN2, 8 p.m. ET

The Panthers must find a mid-range game. The team scored a season-low 51 points and shot a season-low 40 percent from the floor in a loss to Notre Dame this week. The Fighting Irish perimeter defenders forced the Panthers off the 3-point line and guided them into the waiting arms of their big men in the paint. When the Panthers pulled up for a jumper – they missed.

Missouri Tigers at Texas Longhorns (-7.5, 145.5), ESPNU, 9 p.m. ET

Want to know why the Texas Longhorns are on such a hot streak? The Longhorns are allowing a Big 12-low 55.2 points in conference play - nearly 20 fewer than they gave up during a 9-7 conference run last year. Kansas, which is tops in the country in field-goal percentage, made a mere 35.9 percent of their shots in a loss to the Longhorns.

NCAA Betting Preview: Georgetown at Villanova
By: Brad Young

The Big East Conference remains the top league in college basketball, and two top-25 teams collide Saturday when 20th-ranked Georgetown (15-5 straight up, 12-7 against the spread) visits seventh-ranked Villanova (17-3 SU, 10-6-1 ATS).

There are seven Big East teams currently ranked in the Associated Press poll, including three teams in the top 10.

Georgetown presently finds itself in ninth place in the Big East standings after suffering through a three-game conference losing streak. The Hoyas rank second in the country in field goal percentage (.508) and 20th in assists per game (16.4). Coach John Thompson III’s team is 8-3 ATS the past 11 road games, with the ‘over’ also going 8-3.

Villanova finds itself in a four-way tie for second place in the Big East with Connecticut, Louisville and Notre Dame, 1.5 games behind Pittsburgh. The
Wildcats sport a solid 7-1 ATS ledger the previous eight outings overall.

Austin FreemanGeorgetown has strung together three victories in a row SU and ATS after routing St. John’s Wednesday as a 7 ½-point home favorite, 77-52. The combined 129 points stayed ‘under’ the 136-point closing total, ending a string of back-to-back ‘over’ outings.

The Hoyas took control of the game with a 13-point halftime advantage, 40-27, and finished with advantages in rebounding (37-30) and assists (21-9). Georgetown shot a blistering 51 percent (26-of-51) from the field, and 50 percent (9-of-18) from behind the arc. The defense limited the Red Storm to 34 percent (20-of-59) from the field and 27 percent (4-of-15) from 3-point land.

Guard Jason Clark led the Hoyas offense with 16 points and five rebounds, while backcourt-mate Austin Freeman added 14. Forward Julian Vaughn provided nine and eight in the victory, while guard Chris Wright had nine and six assists.

Villanova has alternated SU wins and losses its last four games after falling to Providence Wednesday as 5 ½-point road ‘chalk,’ 83-68. The combined 151 points failed to topple the 157-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 3-1 the previous four outings. The Wildcats entered the contest fresh off a road victory over third-ranked Syracuse.

Villanova found itself in a nine-point halftime deficit, 34-25, before getting outscored by six points in the second half, 49-43. The Wildcats won the rebounding battle, 48-39, but shot a miserable 33 percent (25-of-77) from the field and 18 percent (4-of-22) from behind the arc.

Guard Maalik Wayns paced the offense with 18 points, while forward Antonio Pena stepped up with 17 and 15 rebounds. They were the only two players to reach double digits in scoring, but guard Dominic Cheek contributed nine and nine in the setback.

Georgetown is 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS the previous seven meetings with Villanova, while the ‘over’ is 3-1 the past four encounters. These two teams split two games last season, with the home team prevailing each time. The Wildcats won as a 4 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 82-77, while the Hoyas prevailed as a two-point home favorite, 103-90. The ‘over’ cashed both times.

Georgetown forward Julian Vaughn is ‘questionable’ versus the Wildcats due to an ankle injury, while forward Aaron Bowen (shoulder) is ‘out’ for the season. The Hoyas follow this contest with a two-game homestand against Louisville and Providence.

Villanova forward JayVaughn Pinkston has been suspended for the rest of the season. The Wildcats continue a three-game homestand versus Marquette and West Virginia after this contest.

ESPN will provide coverage of Saturday’s matchup beginning at 9:00 a.m. PT from Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

Syracuse, Marquette meet in Big East clash
By: SBG Global

Syracuse may be ranked 10th in the country right now but they are going to drop a lot in next week’s Top 25 poll. Syracuse has lost three straight college basketball betting games and is trying to avoid their first four-game losing streak in five years.

The Orange would seem to have a good chance of ending their losing streak on Saturday against a Marquette team that is also struggling.

Syracuse is 18-3 but all three of their losses have come in the past two weeks and all were in the Big East. The first loss at Pittsburgh was somewhat understandable but the last two games at home against Villanova and Seton Hall were unacceptable.

The Orange were blown out by the Pirates in a 90-68 loss on Tuesday that was the worst loss at home for Syracuse in more than 10 years. Syracuse has struggled on defense but they are also struggling on offense. Starting guards Scoop Jardine and Brandon Triche have been terrible lately combining to shoot 31.7 percent during the losing streak.

Marquette is now squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble and badly needs a big win at home. The Golden Eagles have blown leads in their last three games and lost against Louisville, Notre Dame and Connecticut.

Marquette is just 1-7 against ranked teams this season and that is not a resume for making the NCAA Tourney. They get two big chances in the next few days as they host Syracuse on Saturday and then go to Villanova on Wednesday.

Marquette has never beaten Syracuse in Big East play going 0-4. Last year it was Syracuse winning 76-71 in the only meeting between the teams.

Here are more basketball betting stats for Saturday’s game:

* The Orange are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 road games.
* Syracuse is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 Big East games.
* The Orange are 2-6 ATS in their last eight Saturday games.
* The Golden Eagles are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games overall.
* Marquette is 6-2 ATS in its last eight versus the Big East.

On the totals board, the 'over' is 4-1 in Syracuse’s last five overall and 4-1-1 in Syracuse’s last six road games. The 'over' is 13-6-1 in Syracuse’s last 20 Saturday games. The 'over' is 36-15 in the Golden Eagles' last 51 Saturday games.

Tips and Trends

Minnesota Golden Gophers at Purdue Boilermakers

GOLDEN GOPHERS: Despite injury problems, Minnesota simply keeps winning. The Golden Gophers have won their past 4 games SU, all in league play. Minnesota is 16-4 SU and 10-10 ATS overall this season. Minnesota is currently ranked 18th in the nation heading into today's game. The Golden Gophers are just 2-3 SU on the road this year. G Blake Hoffarber leads Minnesota in scoring, averaging 14.1 PPG. F Trevor Mbakwe is averaging 13.4 PPG and 10.4 RPG while shooting better than 60% from the field. The Golden Gophers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against the Big Ten. The Golden Gophers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games. Minnesota is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games against a team with a winning SU record.

Golden Gophers are 12-5 ATS last 17 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600%.
Over is 17-7 last 24 games following a SU win.

Key Injuries - G Al Nolen (foot) is out.

Projected Score: 68 (SIDE of the Day)

BOILERMAKERS: (-9, O/U 137.5) Purdue is coming off one of their worst performances in quite some time. The Boilermakers were demolished by Ohio St, so they will be more than motivated to put that game behind them. Purdue is 17-4 SU and 11-7 ATS overall this season. The Boilermakers are currently ranked 12th in the nation, but a loss today would likely take them out of the rankings altogether after their loss to Ohio St. in their last game. The Boilermakers are a perfect 11-0 SU at home this season. Today is also a revenge game for the Boilermakers, as they lost to Minnesota earlier this year. F JaJuan Johnson leads Purdue in scoring, 20.6 PPG and 7.6 RPG this year. The Boilermakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games. Purdue is 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU loss of more than 20 points. The Boilermakers are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games following an ATS loss. Purdue is 3-9 ATS in their last 12 Saturday games. The Boilermakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

Boilermakers are 19-7 ATS last 26 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Under is 8-2 last 10 games against a team with a winning SU record.

Key Injuries - F Robbie Hummel (knee) is out.

Projected Score: 70

Kansas St. Wildhawks at Kansas Jayhawks

WILDCATS: Kansas St. has been one of the most disappointing teams in the nation this year. The Wildcats were expected to compete for a Final Four berth this year, but their play has left alot to be desired. Kansas St. is just 14-7 SU this year, including 2-4 in Big 12 Conference play. The Wildcats are just 5-10 ATS this season, proving just how overrated this team truly is. Kansas St. is 2-3 SU in true road games this year. A win tonight over their ranked rival would go along way towards restoring some pride for Kansas St. PG Jacob Pullen leads the Wildcats this season, as he's averaging 17.9 PPG and 3.5 APG this year. The Wildcats are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games against the Big 12. Kansas St. is 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall. The Wildcats are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Saturday games. The Wildcats are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a SU win. Kansas St. is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games against a team with a winning home record.

Wildcats are 1-8 ATS last 9 games against a team with a winning SU record.
Under is 21-7 last 28 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600%.

Key Injuries - G Rodney McGruder (head) is probable.

Projected Score: 70

JAYHAWKS: (-11.5, O/U 144) Kansas has proven this year that they are one of the elite teams in the nation. Whether or not they are a championship caliber team remains to be seen. The Jayhawks are 19-1 SU and 8-10 ATS overall this year, which places them 6th in the national polls. Kansas has dominated the Wildcats of late, winning each of the past 6 meetings SU. The Jayhawks are 11-1 SU at home this year, and they will be looking to create another large home winning streak tonight. The Morris brothers combine for nearly 30 PPG and 15.5 RPG this season. PG Josh Selby is averaging 11.8 PPG and 3.0 APG this season. The Jayhawks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU win. Kansas is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against the Big 12 Conference. The Jayhawks are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 home games against a team with a road winning percentage less than .400%. The Jayhawks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Kansas is 0-6 ATS in their last 6 Saturday games.

Jayhawks are 2-5 ATS last 7 home games.
Over is 5-2 last 7 games against a team with a winning SU record.

Key Injuries - G Josh Selby (ankle) is probable.

Projected Score: 83 (OVER-Total of the Day)

College Basketball Knowledge

Richmond won two of last three games vs Xavier, with both meetings LY decided in OT; Spiders is 5-1 in A-14, winning last three games by 10-16-9 points. Xavier is 6-0 in league, scoring 79+ points in all six of its games, with road wins by 27 at URI, 14 at St Bonaventure. Atlantic 14 home favorites of 6 or less points are 4-11 vs spread.

Florida State (-6) beat Clemson 75-69 at home Dec 12, after trailing by 6 at half; Seminoles lost six of last seven visits here, with losses by 5-9-6-13-12ot-10 points. ACC home favorites of 7 or less points are 6-4-2 vs spread. Tigers are 3-0 as ACC home favorite, winning by 7-25-10 pts. FSU won last four games, but lost two of last three on the road.

Georgetown won six of last seven games vs Villanova, going 3-2 in last five visits here; Hoyas won last three games by 9-5-25 points, after 1-4 start in league play. Wildcats are 3-0 as Big East home favorite, winning by 16-11-14 points- they lost first league game at Providence last time out. Big East home favorites of 5 or less points are 11-5 vs spread.

UConn-Louisville split last eight meetings; Cardinals are 2-2 in last four visits here, winning by hoop LY;/ Huskies are won/covered last five in a row- they're 2-1 as Big East home favorite, winning by 5-14-20 points. Louisville lost its last two road games, by 14 at Villanova, at Providence by 7. Big East home favorites of 5 or less points are 11-5 vs spread.

Minnesota shot 53% from floor in 7067 (+3) home win over Purdue 16 days ago, first Gopher win in last five series games; Minnesota lost last four visits here, by 17-19-12-19 points. Boilers are 3-1 as home favorite, winning home games by 13-23-1-10 points. Big 11 home favorites of 8+ points are 6-9 vs spread. Gophers won their last four games.

Butler is 9-0 vs Valparaiso is Horizon play, winning games here by 2-5-23 points, but Bulldogs lost two of last three games, are just 2-2 on road in Horizon, losing at Milwaukee-Wright State. Horizon home underdogs of 5 or less points are 6-4 vs spread. Valpo had five-game wining streak snapped by Green Bay Sunday; they're 2-1 as a Horizon underdog.

Texas A&M won five of last six games vs Nebraska, winning last three by 2-11-6 points, winning last two here by 11-2. Aggies are 4-1 in Big 12, with only loss at Texas- they won by 18 at Oklahoma. Cornhuskers are 2-0 at home, beating Iowa State/Colorado- home side won all five of their Big 12 games. Big 12 home teams are 6-3-1 if spread is 4 or less.

Syracuse lost its last three games by 8-11-20 points, allowing 82.3 ppg; Marquette lost its last two games, giving up 78 ppg, so both teams need win here. Syracuse is 4-0 in series, winning last visits here in OT- they have road wins at Seton Hall by 5, St John's by 17. Big 12 home faves of 2 or less points are 5-1 against the spread so far this seasons.

BYU had big home win vs San Diego State Wednesday, now has trap at New Mexico, where they've lost last two visits by 19-4 points; Lobos won both meetings LY by total of 6 points. Cougars are 6-0 in MWC so far, winning road games by 12-25-9 points. New Mexico lost three of its last four games- they're 0-4 in MWC if they allow more than 61 points.

Ohio State is 10-1 in last 11 games vs Northwestern, but lost last visit to Evanston, after winning by 3-9-18 points in previous visits; OSU is 4-0 on Big 11 road, winning by 18-5-4-5 points (2-2 as road favorite). NW lost three of last four games- they're 1-5 as Big 11 dog, 0-2 at home, with home losses by 3-32. Big 11 double digit dogs are 9-5, 2-1 at home.

North Texas won five in row, nine of last 11 games vs Denver, but they lost five of last seven visits here, as home team is 12-2 in last 14 series games. Denver is 3-1 as Sun Belt home favorite, winning by 13-2-9-38 points. UNT is 1-3 on Sun Belt road; they played Thursday; tough to prepare for this altitude and this offense in less than 48 hours.

Kansas won six in row, 15 of last 17 games vs Kansas State, winning last four played here by 27-6-14-17 points; Jayhawks are just 1-4 as fave in Big 12, losing last home game to Texas- three of their four Big 12 wins are by 5 or less points. K-State is 2-4 in Big 12, 0-3 on orad, losing road games by 14-16-8. Big 12 double digit home dogs are 1-5 vs spread.

West Virginia-Cincinnati split last eight games, with home side winning six of last seven; WVU lost last three visits here, by 3-13ot-4 points, as Huggins returns to gym where he made Bearcats a national power. Cincy is 2-2 as Big East home fave, winning home games by 16-17-8-16 points; they're 2-2 as home fave. Big East home faves of 5 or less are 11-5.