NCAAB News and Notes Saturday 2/14

(24) Ohio State (17-5, 11-7 ATS) at Wisconsin (15-9, 10-11-1 ATS)

Ohio State takes a four-game SU and ATS winning streak to the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis., for a Big Ten battle with the Badgers, who have won and covered three in a row.

The Buckeyes have been idle since last Saturday, when they topped Minnesota 64-58 as a 4½-point home favorite as the SU winner improved to 8-0 ATS in Ohio State’s last eight games. During its four-game winning streak, Thad Matta’s squad is averaging 77.3 ppg while shooting a blistering 57.4 percent from the field.

Wisconsin pounded Iowa 69-52 as an 11-point home favorite Wednesday, and its three-game SU and ATS winning streak comes on the heels of a six-game losing skid (0-5-1 ATS). After giving up 68.3 ppg during its slump, Bo Ryan’s team has regained its defensive edge, allowing 50, 44 and 52 points in the last three contests.

Ohio State is tied with Purdue for third place in the Big Ten standings at 7-4 SU and ATS, including 2-3 SU and 3-2 ATS as a visitor. The Badgers are now 6-6 in conference (5-6-1 ATS), including 4-2 at home (3-3 ATS).

In last year’s lone meeting between the schools, Wisconsin went to Columbus, Ohio, and knocked off the Buckeyes 58-53 as a 1½-point road underdog. That ended a 4-0 (2-2 ATS) regular-season run by the home team in this rivalry. The teams have alternated spread-covers in the last seven meetings, and the underdog has cashed in three of the last four.

In addition to their 4-0 ATS run, the Buckeyes are on positive pointspread streaks of 5-2 on the road, 5-2 against winning teams, 5-1 after a SU victory and 10-2 after a spread-cover, while the Badgers have covered in 16 of their last 23 against winning teams.

The under is on runs of 3-0 in this rivalry, 5-1 for Ohio State on the road, 41-18-1 for Ohio State on Saturday, 13-4 for Wisconsin on Saturday and 24-8 for Wisconsin after an ATS triumph. However, the over is 4-1 in the Badgers’ last five at the Kohl Center, and four of the last five series meetings in Madison have soared over the total.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE

(21) Utah State (24-1, 11-7-1 ATS) at Boise State (16-7, 10-8-1 ATS)

Utah State puts the nation’s longest winning streak on the line when it pays a visit to the Taco Bell Arena in Boise for a Western Athletic Conference tussle with the Broncos.

The Aggies dumped Idaho 62-53 as a 5½-point road favorite Thursday for their 19th consecutive victory, and they’re 5-1 ATS in their last six, all against conference opponents. Take away an 83-77 overtime win at Fresno State on Jan. 31 and Utah State is giving up just 56.8 ppg in WAC play, including holding the last three opponents to 59, 53 and 52 points. For the season, the Aggies yield just 59.6 ppg on 41 percent shooting while scoring 72.4 ppg on 50.3 percent shooting from the floor, the latter figure ranking third-best in the nation.

Utah State is 10-0 in true road games (8-1 ATS), and its only blemish so far was a 68-63 loss to BYU as a six-point underdog on a neutral court in Salt Lake City on Dec. 6.

Since losing 79-65 at Utah State on Jan. 17, Boise State has won four of its last six games (3-2 ATS in lined action). However, the Broncos are coming off Monday’s 88-82 setback at Fresno State as a one-point road underdog, capping a string of four straight road games. This is Boise’s first home contest since Jan. 24, and it is 11-1 this season at Taco Bell Arena (6-4 ATS), putting up 74.1 ppg (48.1 percent shooting) and surrendering 67.5 ppg (41.2 percent).

Utah State is 12-0 (7-4-1 ATS) in WAC play and has a commanding 4½-game lead in the standings. The Aggies are also 6-0 (5-1 ATS) when visiting conference rivals. Boise State is in third place at 6-4 (5-4-1 ATS), including 4-0 at home (2-2 ATS).

The Aggies pushed as a 14-point home favorite in last month’s win over Boise State, and they’re 4-1 SU in the last five meetings and 7-2 SU in the last nine. However, the Broncos are 6-1-1 ATS in the last eight series clashes, including 3-1 ATS (2-2 SU) at home. Also, the underdog is on a 4-0-1 ATS roll in this rivalry.

Utah State’s pointspread runs include 5-1 overall, 13-3 on the road, 7-1-1 on Saturday, 5-1 in WAC action and 7-2 as a favorite of 12 points or less. Boise Sate is on pointspread streaks of 5-2-1 after a SU defeat, 17-8-1 after a non-cover and 4-1 at home following three or more consecutive roadies.

The last six battles between these squads have hurdled the total. Also, Boise State is on “over” stretches of 37-16-1 overall, 10-4 at home, 10-4 against WAC rivals, 15-6-1 on Saturday, 6-0 against winning teams and 21-6 after a non-cover. Conversely, Utah State has “under” streaks of 6-1 overall (all against WAC opponents) and 8-2 on the road.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER

Gametimepicks.com

Early-Action Tip Sheet
By Brian Edwards

**Georgetown at Syracuse**

--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Syracuse (18-7 straight up, 9-12 against the spread) as a five-point favorite with a total of 146.

--Georgetown (13-9 SU, 6-11-1 ATS) is in dire need of a win in this spot. The Hoyas have dropped six of their last seven games. Even worse, they are an atrocious 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11 games.

--Georgetown is an 11th-place tie with Notre Dame in the Big East. Both schools are 4-7 in conference play. The Hoyas are off a 62-60 home loss to Cincinnati in overtime. They failed to cover the number as 10 ½-point favorites.

--Since winning 74-63 at UConn in its Big East opener, Georgetown has lost four in a row both SU and ATS on the road against league foes.

--The ‘Cuse has lost five of its last seven games both SU and ATS. The Orange is coming off a 63-49 loss at UConn as a 12-point underdog. They had more turnovers (13) than assists (10), shot just 31.7 percent from the floor and only 50 percent (6-of-12) at the charity stripe.

--Syracuse is led by sophomore point guard Jonny Flynn, who leads the team in scoring (17.2 points per game) and assists (5.8 APG). Junior guard Eric Devendorf averages 15.3 PPG.

--DaJuan Summers lead Georgetown in scoring, averaging 14.2 PPG. Freshman center Greg Monroe averages 13.0 PPG and a team-high 6.4 rebounds per contest.

--Jim Boeheim’s team is 13-2 SU and 5-6 ATS at home in the Carrier Dome.

--Tip-off is scheduled for noon Eastern on ESPN.

**Texas at Colorado**

--LVSC opened Texas (16-7 SU, 9-11 ATS) as a 12 ½-point favorite with a total of 133.

--Colorado (9-14 SU, 9-10 ATS) has lost four in a row and eight of its last nine, but bettors shouldn’t pay any attention to those numbers. Instead, the more relevant fact is that the Buffaloes have taken the money in six of their last seven outings. They had their six-game ATS surge snapped earlier this week in a 70-42 loss at Iowa St. as seven-point underdogs.

--Texas snapped a three-game losing streak both SU and ATS by spanking Oklahoma St. 99-74 Wednesday as an 8 ½-point home ‘chalk.’ A.J. Abrams scored a team-high 20 points for the Longhorns.

--CU owns a 3-3 spread record as a double-digit underdog, cashing tickets for its backers in its last three such spots. Meanwhile, Texas is 3-4 ATS as a double-digit favorite.

--The ‘under’ is 11-6-1 for CU, 6-2-1 in its home assignments. The ‘under’ is 11-9 overall for the ‘Horns.

--ESPN will provide television coverage at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.

**Florida at Georgia**

--LVSC opened Florida (19-5 SU, 7-9-1 ATS) as a 9 ½-point favorite with a total of 140.

--Billy Donovan’s squad has lost two of its last three games both SU and ATS, including Tuesday’s 68-65 loss at Kentucky as a 4 ½-point underdog. Jodie Meeks buried a well-defended 3-pointer with five seconds left to lift the Wildcats into the win column. The Gators had a chance to send the game to overtime, but Nick Calathes missed three free throws after being fouled on an attempt from beyond the arc with 0.6 seconds remaining. Calathes had a sensational game prior to missing the free throws. He finished with 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.

--Florida senior guard Walter Hodge will play against UGA. Hodge was ejected in the second half of the loss at UK for stepping on Perry Stevenson's arm. However, since there was no fight and he did not throw a punch, Hodge will not face further punishment.

--Georgia (9-15 SU, 6-10-2 ATS) has lost 11 consecutive games, but the Dawgs haven’t been quite as bad for our purposes. They are 4-6-1 ATS during the losing slide that resulted in Dennis Felton’s dismissal after a Jan. 28 loss at Florida.

--UGA is off one of its worst performances of the season in a 79-48 loss at Tennessee as an 18-point underdog.

--UF is 3-1 both SU and ATS as a road favorite this year.

--UGA is 8-6 SU at home, 3-5 ATS. The Dawgs are 2-4 ATS as home ‘dogs.

--When these teams met in Gainesville, the Gators cruised to an 83-57 victory as 16 ½-point favorites. Calathes recorded a triple-double with 20 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. UF has won 11 consecutive head-to-head meetings against UGA, posting a 7-4 spread record in the process.

--The ‘under’ is 10-8 overall for UGA, but the ‘over’ has gone 5-3 in its home games. The ‘over’ is on a 4-1 run for UGA (regardless of venue). Meanwhile, Florida has watched the ‘under’ go 9-7 overall.

--The ‘under’ is 8-3-1 in the last 12 head-to-head encounters between these SEC East adversaries.

--ABC will provide regional television coverage at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

**Cincinnati at Pittsburgh**

--LVSC opened Pittsburgh (22-2 SU, 11-6-1 ATS) as a 16-point ‘chalk’ with a total of 134.

--Jamie Dixon’s team has won four straight games since losing at Villanova. The Panthers are 5-1 ATS in their last six lined games. They are off a 70-59 triumph over West Virginia as 8 ½-point home favorites. Sam Young led the winners with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Levance Fields finished with 13 points and seven assists.

--Pitt is unbeaten in 15 home games with a 6-3 spread record.

--Cincinnati (17-8 SU, 10-9 ATS) has won three in a row, five of six and seven of nine both SU and ATS. The Bearcats are coming off Wednesday’s 71-61 home win over St. John’s as nine-point home favorites. Yancy Gates led Cincy to victory with a game-high 21 points.

--Pitt is 5-4-1 ATS as a double-digit favorite this year. As for Cincy, it owns a 1-3 record both SU and ATS as a double-digit underdog.

--The ‘over’ has hit at a 6-3 clip in Pitt’s nine home games with a total. Cincy has watched the ‘over’ go 10-8-1 overall.

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

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--Arkansas freshman point guard Courtney Fortson has been suspended indefinitely by head coach John Pelphrey. Fortson leads the Razorbacks in assists (6.5 per game), minutes played (32.4 per game) and steals (28). He is the team’s second-leading scorer (14.6 PPG) and rebounder (5.3 RPG). Pelphrey didn’t elaborate on the cause of Fortson’s suspension. "I think we deserve a disciplined program," Pelphrey told the Associated Press. "I think the coaching we've had, the players we've had, the success we've had, it's just what I believe."

--Arkansas will play host to Kentucky at 1:00 p.m. Eastern on CBS. The Wildcats might be without sophomore power forward Patrick Patterson, who didn’t return to their win Tuesday over Florida after spraining his ankle in the second half. Also, the Razorbacks won’t have Marcus Monk, who is no longer with the team.

--Is UK head coach Billy Gillispie suffering from a bad case of PMS? He has made himself look like a fool twice now by acting like a complete jerk to ESPN’s sideline reporter at halftime during recent games.

vegasinsider.com.

Late-night Tip Sheet
By Brad Young

**Stanford at California**

-Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed California as a seven-point home ‘chalk’ over Stanford, with the total set at 146. FOX Sports Net will provide coverage of this Pac-10 Conference contest beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET.

-Stanford (15-7 straight up, 13-6 against the spread) stepped out of conference play to throttle Cal State Bakersfield Tuesday in a ‘non-board’ affair, 85-50. The Cardinal never looked back after jumping out to a 25-point halftime advantage (50-25). Stanford won the rebounding battle, 43-31, while shooting 50 percent (34-of-68) from the field. Forward Lawrence Hill had 20 points, while Landry Fields added 10, eight rebounds and six assists.

-The Cardinal are 3-4 SU and 5-2 ATS on the road, dropping those affairs by an average score of 72-71.

-California (18-6 SU, 13-7 ATS) has strung together back-to-back SU and ATS victories after upending Washington State Saturday as a six-point home favorite, 71-63. The Golden Bears had failed to cover their previous five outings.

-Cal outrebounded the Cougars, 22-19, while shooting a robust 53 percent (25-of-47) from the field. Guards Jerome Randle and Patrick Christopher each netted 20 points in the victory, while Theo Robertso added 17.

-The Golden Bears sport a solid 14-1 SU and 9-2 ATS home ledger, winning those affairs by an average score of 79-62.

-Stanford is 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS the previous four meetings against Cal after winning the January 17 encounter as a 2 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 75-69.

-Stanford guard Anthony Goods (flu) is ‘probable’ against the Golden Bears.

**Creighton at Southern Illinois**

-LVSC lists Creighton as a 3 ½-point road favorite over Southern Illinois, with the total set at 131. ESPN2 starts its coverage of this Missouri Valley Conference contest at 5:00 p.m. ET.

-Creighton (20-6 SU, 14-8 ATS) improved to 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS its last five games after beating Bradley Wednesday as a 9 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 79-65.

-The Blue Jays cruised after outscoring the Braves in the second half, 42-26. Creighton finished the contest by shooting 54 percent (27-of-50) from the field, and 43 percent (9-of-21) from behind the arc. Four starters reached double digits in scoring, led by Booker Woodfox’s 18 points and P’Allen Stinnett’s 15.

-The Blue Jays are 8-4 SU and 9-3 ATS away from home, winning those contests by an average score of 72-67.

-Southern Illinois (11-14 SU, 13-12 ATS) dropped to 1-3 SU and ATS its last four outings after Wednesday’s setback to Northern Iowa as a 5 ½-point road underdog, 81-55.

-The Salukis were outrebounded by the Panthers, 32-27, while shooting just 36 percent (20-of-56) from the field. Forward Tony Boyle led all scorers with 20 points while also grabbing seven rebounds.

-Southern Illinois is 7-5 SU and ATS on its home court, winning those affairs by an average score of 64-60.

-Creighton is 3-1 SU and 2-1-1 ATS the previous four meetings with the Salukis after prevailing Jan. 14 in overtime as a 10 ½-point home favorite, 73-72.

**Ohio State at Wisconsin**

-LVSC opened Wisconsin as a 6 ½-point home favorite over Ohio State, with the total listed at 122. ESPN will start its coverage of this Big Ten affair at 9:00 p.m. ET.

-Ohio State (17-5 SU, 11-7 ATS) has strung together four wins in a row SU and ATS after knocking off Minnesota Saturday as a 4 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 64-58.

-The Buckeyes were outrebounded by the Golden Gophers, 37-30, while shooting a modest 42 percent (22-of-52) from the field. Ohio State recorded seven more points at the free-throw line despite going just 14-of-21 from the charity stripe. Four starters reached double digits in scoring, led by Evan Turner’s 18 points and 10 rebounds while Jon Diebler added 11 and six.

-The Buckeyes maintain a 4-3 SU and 5-2 ATS road record, dropping those affairs by an average score of 67-66.

-Wisconsin (15-9 SU, 10-12 ATS) is currently riding a three-game SU and ATS winning streak after cruising past Iowa Wednesday as an 11-point home favorite, 69-52.

-The Badgers cruised after jumping out to a 12-point halftime advantage, 36-24, finishing the contest by shooting 53 percent (26-of-49). Joe Drabbenhoft paced the offense with 16 points and six rebounds, while Jason Bohannon added 15 and five.

-Wisconsin is 10-3 SU and 5-6 ATS at home, winning those affairs by an average score of 69-58.

-Ohio State and Wisconsin are 2-2 SU and ATS the previous four meetings in this series, but this is the first encounter this year.

**Wyoming at San Diego State**

-LVSC installed San Diego State as a decided 16-point home ‘chalk’ over Wyoming, with no total posted. The Mountain Network will provide coverage of this Mountain West affair beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET.

-Wyoming (14-9 SU, 9-7 ATS) is currently mired in a three-game SU and ATS losing skid after Saturday’s setback to Utah as a 6 ½-point home underdog, 80-70.

-The Cowboys were on the short end of the rebounding battle, 35-26, while shooting 46 percent (25-of-54) from the field. Brandon Ewing paced the offense with 18 points, while Sean Ogirri added 17.

-Wyoming has struggled to a 3-8 SU and 4-5 ATS road record, dropping those games by an average score of 83-72.

-San Diego (17-6 SU, 12-6 ATS) had strung together four wins in a row SU and ATS before falling to Utah Wednesday as a five-point road underdog, 67-55.

-The Aztecs outrebounded the Utes, 30-26, but shot just 40 percent (19-of-48) from the field. Forward Kyle Spain netted 18 points, while Lorrenzo Wade added 15 off the bench.

-San Diego sports a solid 10-1 SU and 7-2 ATS home ledger, winning those games by an average score of 70-54.

-San Diego had beaten Wyoming in back-to-back outings SU and ATS before falling to the Cowboys Jan. 14 as a 5 ½-point road favorite, 83-79.

**Gonzaga at San Francisco**

-LVSC lists Gonzaga as a decided 16-point road ‘chalk’ over San Francisco, with the total set at 140. ESPN will provide coverage of this West Coast Conference affair beginning at 11:00 p.m. ET.

-Gonzaga (18-5 SU, 10-11 ATS) rebounded from its loss to Memphis by holding off St. Mary’s Thursday night as a 4 ½-point road favorite, 72-70. The Bulldogs are now just 1-4 ATS the past five games.

-Gonzaga was on the short end of the rebounding battle, 43-30, but prevailed by shooting 44 percent (23-of-52) from the field that included 55 percent (6-of-11) from behind the arc. Guard Matt Bouldin led all scorers with 21 points, while forward Josh Heytvelt added 20 and 10 rebounds.

-The Bulldogs lay claim to a 10-2 SU and 7-5 ATS road record, winning those matchups by an average score of 79-67.

-San Francisco (9-16 SU, 5-13 ATS) has dropped its last three games SU (0-2-1 ATS) after Thursday’s setback to Portland as a 3 ½-point home underdog, 72-67.

-The Dons outrebounded the Pilots, 36-32, but lost after shooting a dismal 32 percent (19-of-59) from the field. Forward Dior Lowhorn stepped up with 24 points and six rebounds, while Angelo Caloiaro added 10 and seven.

-San Francisco has gone 7-4 SU at home, but just 2-5 ATS. The Dons have been winning their home endeavors by an average score of 70-61.

-Gonzaga is 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS the previous five games against San Francisco after prevailing Jan. 17 as a huge 26-point home favorite, 85-51.

-San Francisco center James Morgan (suspension), center Hyman Taylor (suspension), guard Manny Quezada (suspension) and guard Peter Smith (groin) are ‘questionable’ versus the Bulldogs.

vegasinsider.com

Game of the day: Florida State at Wake Forest
By ASSOCIATED PRESS

Wake Forest has stumbled since taking over the No. 1 ranking with the longest undefeated start in team history. The Demon Deacons hope continued success against ranked opponents can help them get back on track.

The seventh-ranked Demon Deacons look to bounce back from their fourth loss in six games and improve to 4-0 against Top 25 teams when they host Toney Douglas and 25th-ranked Florida State in an ACC matchup Saturday.

Wake Forest (18-4, 5-4) set a team record by winning its first 16 games. The last win during that run - a 78-68 road victory over then-No. 10 Clemson on Jan. 17 - propelled the Demon Deacons to their first No. 1 ranking since November 2004.

Since then, however, Wake Forest has dropped four of six, including an 82-76 loss to North Carolina State on Wednesday night. The Demon Deacons shot 50.0 percent but also committed 17 turnovers, gave up 17 offensive rebounds and were outscored 23-9 at the free-throw line.

"We have to realize that everyone is gunning for us," said Wake's leading scorer Jeff Teague, who took only three field-goal attempts and finished with 11 points and seven assists. "We came out lackadaisical. We think we're Wake Forest and everyone is going to lay down for us. When we start realizing that they're not, we'll get back to winning."

Wake Forest has lost four of its last five against unranked teams but hasn't had any trouble stepping up against stiff competition, going 3-0 against Top 25 teams. In addition to their victory over the Tigers, the Demon Deacons also defeated then-No. 3 North Carolina on Jan. 11 and then-top-ranked Duke on Jan. 28.

They'll try to add Florida State (19-5, 6-3) to that list, but that could be a challenge if Douglas continues his strong play. The senior guard is the ACC's leading scorer in conference play with 23.3 points per game. He's helped the Seminoles crack the Top 25 for the first time since Jan. 19, 1998.

Douglas, the only Florida State player averaging double figures in scoring, knows being ranked brings added pressure both for him and his teammates.

"Now that we're ranked, a lot of teams are going to be trying to come at us more than they used to," he said. "We've got to stay on point."

Florida State managed to do so Tuesday night, outscoring Virginia 48-35 in the second half of a 68-57 win. Douglas scored 15 of his 19 points after intermission and added a career high-tying seven assists.

"He's trying to get as many of his teammates involved and milk the ability that they have," Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton said. "He's playing with that kind of focus."

Solomon Alabi and Uche Echefu were the two primary beneficiaries of Douglas' willingness to share the ball. Alabi, a 7-foot-1 freshman center from Nigeria, had 13 points and went 6-for-8 from the field, and Echefu added a season high-tying 17 points and shot 6-for-9.

"We can't depend on Toney every night," Echefu said. "We just want to get everybody involved."

That worked for the Seminoles in these teams' last meeting in the 2008 ACC tournament. After averaging 17.7 points and shooting 50.0 percent in his first three career games against Wake Forest, Douglas was held to nine points and 2-for-11 shooting in that game. Florida State, though, had three players score in double figures in the 70-60 victory.

Wake Forest won both regular-season meetings with Florida State last season, including a 74-57 home victory Jan. 20.

Great info Blade. Thanks a lot for all the hard work.

College basketball bettors' Saturday TV guide
By MATT SEVERANCE

Selection Sunday is four weeks away. Time for bubble teams, including several listed in games below, to improve their resumes. Here are the best matchups to keep an eye on Saturday.

Connecticut at Seton Hall (Saturday, noon, ESPN360)

Line open: Huskies -11 (140)

The Huskies are looking invincible right now, having won 12 games in a row since their only loss of the campaign. They are beating foes by an average of 15 points during the hot stretch, including a 76-61 ‘W’ over Seton Hall on Jan. 18.

Seton Hall is the surprise team of the Big East after turning an 0-6 conference start (its worst opening in 23 years) into a 5-6 mark and a shot at an at-large NCAA bid. Seton Hall is the first team to start Big East play 0-6 and follow it with a five-game winning streak. The school has never beaten a top-ranked team (0-10).

UConn will be missing a key part on Saturday and probably the season. Starting guard Jerome Dyson tore the lateral meniscus in his right knee in Wednesday's win over Syracuse. He will undergo surgery next week. The junior is the team's second-leading scorer (13.2 ppg) and has led the Huskies in scoring five times. If his absence isn't felt Saturday, it surely will be Monday vs. Pittsburgh.

Georgetown at Syracuse (Saturday, noon, ESPN)

Line open: Orange -5 (146)

The Orange have lost five of six and are sitting eighth in the Big East. However, most SU players were optimistic coming off a 14-point loss on Wednesday to Connecticut, a game in which Syracuse trailed by just three at halftime. But the high-scoring Orange finished that game with just 49 points, the school's lowest total since 2004.

"If we go home and compete how we competed (against UConn), I think we can beat Georgetown," SU Paul's Harris said after the loss.

Syracuse has won eight of the past 11 meetings in this series but lost 88-74 earlier this season when both teams were ranked in the top 13. Georgetown, currently 11th in the Big East, has just one road win this season, and Hoyas leading scorer DaJuan Summers has been held to seven points or fewer in three of his last four games.

UCLA at Arizona (Saturday, 1 p.m., CBS)

Line open: Bruins -4.5 (136)

Arizona has gone from NCAA bubble team in late January to a near-lock with a six-game winning streak. AU is averaging 82.3 points during the streak, with Chase Budinger contributing 22.2 points per game in the past five. UCLA is holding opponents to just 61.1 points this season and only three foes have scored more than 70.

The Bruins, who come in off a second loss to Arizona State this year, have owned this series of late, winning eight in a row – five by double digits. They handled the Wildcats 83-60 on Jan. 15 at Pauley Pavilion for their largest win in this series since 1983. UCLA had five players score in double figures and shot 59.6 percent from the field.

Florida State at Wake Forest (Saturday, 4 p.m., Raycom/ESPN360)

Line open: Deacons -9 (144)

The Seminoles are surging thanks in large part to one man: Toney Douglas is averaging 20.3 points per contest and no other FSU player averages double-figure points. FSU is strong on defense, ranking second in the ACC in points allowed per game (62.8), field-goal percentage defense (37.9), steals (9.1) and blocked shots (6.0). The Noles are the only team in the ACC in the top two in all four of those categories. A win here probably locks up that elusive NCAA bid for Leonard Hamilton and this program.

Wake has lost three of four games and the former top-ranked Deacons are stuck in the middle of the ACC. This team is young and has shown it in some uneven results: wins over Duke and North Carolina, losses at Georgia Tech and N.C. State. The Wolfpack stymied Wake on Wednesday by shadowing star guard Jeff Teague with a box-and-one defense limited the star player to a career-low three shots.

The Deacons won two of the three meetings last season and have won six of the last seven games in Winston-Salem since 2000-01.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (Saturday, 4 p.m., ESPN)

Line open: Panthers -16 (134)

The Panthers have defeated Cincinnati in four of the last five meetings, but this is an improved Bearcats team this year. Cincy is making a case for an NCAA bid and on a three-game winning streak.

Pitt, which has won four games in a row, is the only Big East program to win 20 overall games and 10-plus league games in each of the last seven seasons; it can make that eight on Saturday. The Panthers have won 31 of their last 32 at home against unranked teams. But will Pitt get caught looking ahead to its tilt with top ranked Connecticut on Monday night?

CBB Streaks & Notes
sportspic.com

Ole Miss at LSU

The Tigers beating Mississippi State in double overtime Wednesday marking a fifth straight 'W' along with four trips to the cash window (4-1 ATS) are now 20-4 (10-6 ATS) overall including a near perfect 8-1 (7-1-1 ATS) in SEC play outscoring conference rivals by an average 13.1 PPG. Tigers 16-1 (6-3 ATS) on home court have had their way with Rebels winning 8-of-10 (7-3 ATS) meetings including an 83-51 victory earlier in Oxford. Expect more of the same, Ole Miss hasn't responded well on the highway vs the conference foes the past ten going 2-8 (5-4-1 ATS) and Rebels enter 0-5 (2-3 ATS) the last five trips into Baton Rouge

Georgetown at Syracuse

The struggling BIG East teams matchup at the Carrier Dome Saturday when Orange host Hoyas. Orange opening conference play winning four straight (3-1 ATS) have now lost 6-of-8 (2-6 ATS) following Wednesday's 63-49 defeat at the hands of Huskies. Meanwhile, Hoyas falling flat on their face in Big East action are 4-7 (2-9 ATS) entering the weekend. Hoyas did defeat Orange 88-74 back on January 14th but a repeat performance may not be in the cards. Hoyas are an ugly 1-6 (0-6-1 ATS) since the win over Orange, 0-5 (0-5 ATS) it's last five on the highway and 1-4 both straight-up and against-the-spread the past five on Orange hardwood.

NCAAB Today

Notes on the best of today's games.

Syracuse (+6.5) lost 88-74 at Georgetown Jan 14, as Hoyas shot 59.3% from floor, 12-21 from arc; it was 50-32 at half. Orange lost six of eight games, but are 4-1 at home in Big East, losing only to Louisville. Hoyas lost six of seven games since the first meeting- they've lost last five road games, losing by 6-9-5-8-12 points.

Arizona won its last six games, scoring 83+ points four times; they lost 83-60 at UCLA Jan 15, as Bruins made 59.6% of their shots (was 42-28 at half). Wildcats are 5-1 at home in Pac-10, losing by 6 to Arizona State they're 2-4 as Pac-10 underdogs. UCLA lost last two road games, are 6-4 as Pac-10 favorite, 2-3 on road. Pac-10 home underdogs are 10-8.

Penn State (+6.5) lost 79-59 at Minnesota Jan 11; Gophers made 62.5% from floor, perfect 9-9 from arc. Lions lost last three games by 20-10-14 points (14-58 from arc), but are 4-2 at home in Big 11, 3-1 as a favorite. Gophers are 3-4 in last seven games (1-6 vs spread); they're 2-3 as road dog, losing away games by 9-29-6 points.

Missouri (+2.5) got beat 56-51 in Big 12 opener at Nebraska Jan 10, as both teams shot under 39% from floor; Tigers have now won last four in a row (by 17-4-14-2 points); they're 3-2 as home favorite, winning by 2- 45-31-11-17 points. Mizzou is off Kansas win Monday night. Huskers won last three games, last two by combined total of five points.

Saint Louis won last four games, with pair of OT wins; they're 2-2 as a A-14 road dog, losing on road by 26-25-1- they won last two road tilts. Billikens are 30-56 from arc during win streak. Rhode Island won five of last six games; they're 3-1 as A-14 home favorite, winning home games by 31-8-10ot-7 points. A-14 home favorites are 19-22 vs spread.

South Carolina won five of last six games, covered six of last seven, but they're just 1-3 on SEC road, winning 78-77 at Kentucky- they're 3-1 as an SEC favorite, but those four games were at home. Alabama lost four of last five games, beating winless Georgia for only win since Gottfried got fired. SEC home underdogs are 2-7 against the spread.

Kansas State won its last six games, and were underdog in three of them; Wildcats (+9) lost 87-71 at Lawrence Jan 13, as Jayhawks shot 58% and took 37 foul shots. State won its last three home games. Kansas lost by hoop at Missouri Monday, their first Big 12 loss- they held last three opponents under 36% from floor. Big 12 home dogs are 8-8 vs spread.

Pitt has showdown with UConn Monday; they've won three games in a row, by 13-23-11 points since losing at Villanova. Panthers are 4-1 as a Big East home favorite, winning by 23-13-18-13-11 points. Cincinnati is 7-2 in last nine games, winning last three; they're 2-3 as Big East dog on road, losing by 34-9-21 points on the road. Big East home faves: 34-24.

Maryland is 3-1 at home in ACC but 1-3 as home favorite, winning its home games by 7-6-5 points, losing to BC; Terps are 17-80 from arc in their last five games. Virginia Tech won six of last eight games, with last five all decided by five or less points. Hokies are 3-1 as ACC road dog, losing away games 1-25 points, winning at Wake Forest, Miami.

Wake Forest lost four of last six games after 19-0 start; they're 2-4 as an ACC favorite, 1-1 at home, winning home games by 3-1-17 points- they are 14-59 from arc in last three games. Florida State won last three and six of last eight games; they're 4-0 as an ACC road dog, losing 75-69 at Miami, winning the other three. ACC home favorites are just 12-24.

Cal (+3.5) lost 75-69 at Stanford Jan 18, which was Cal's first Pac-10 loss in five games; Cardinal shot 56% for game, took 17 foul shots to 3 for Cal. Bears are 5-1 at home in Pac-10, 2-2 as home favorite, winning at Haas Pavilion by 14-10-7-15-8 points. Stanford is 3-1 as road dog in Pac-10, with three one-point losses and a 97-63 waxing at UCLA.

Tulsa had five-game win streak snapped in Memphis Wednesday; they are 2-2 as C-USA home favorite, winning home games by 19-1-9-11 pts. Central Florida lost last three games by 28-14-5 points- they've allowed average of 83.3 ppg in last four games, while shooting less than 40% in last three. C-USA home underdogs are 8-7 against the spread.

Cleveland State (even) lost 80-65 in Green Bay Jan 15, shooting 37% in game that was tied at half- Green Bay made 10-19 from arc. Vikings are 5-1 as Horizon home favorite, winning by 24-26-10-17-9 points, losing only by hoop to Butler. Green Bay is 8-2 in last ten games; they're 3-1 as Horizon road dog, losing road games by 2-9-4 points (3-3 SU).

Northern Iowa (-3) hammered Wichita State 78-54 Jan 3, making 11-19 from arc in game that was 28-26 at half; Panthers are 12-1 in their last 13 games, 7-0 on MVC road, with three wins by four or less pts. Wichita is 6-2 in last eight games after an 0-6 start, winning their last five at home. Missouri Valley home teams are 28-35 against the spread.

Troy State won its last nine games, Western Kentucky last four; Troy (+12.5) lost 99-76 at Diddle Arena Jan 1, as Hilltoppers made 12-27 on arc and shot 58% for game- they're 4-2 on Sun Belt road. Troy is 6-1 in Sun Belt home games, winning last four- they're 27-49 from arc in their last three games. WKU allowed 61 ppg in winning its last four games.

Streaky Wisconsin won first three Big 11 games, then lost six in row and has now won last three, by 13-10-17 points- their two conference home losses were by combined total of five points- they're 3-3 as a home fave. Ohio State won, covered last four games; they are 2-3 on road in league, 2-2 as road dog, losing away games by 9-9-18 points.

Northridge (+1) won 64-56 at Riverside Jan 14, after trailing by 9 at half Matadors held UCR to 36% from floor, forced 19 turnovers- they're 2-3 as Big West home favorite, taking home games by 3-19-12 points- they also lost twice at home. Riverside won last three games, covered last four they're 2-2 as Big West road dog, losing by 7-23-6 points.

St Mary's lost four of last five games with Mills hurt; they played great Thursday but lost by hoop at home to Gonzaga. Gaels (-3.5) lost 84-66 at Portland two weeks ago, in first game Mills missed- they're 2-2 as a WCC home favorite. Portland won seven of last eight games, winning its last four home games by 16-15-5 points. WCC home favorites are 8-12.

Citadel amazingly won its last eight games, with two of last three in OT; they beat Charleston 72-63 three weeks ago (+5.5), holding Cougars to 38% from floor, 2-18 from arc. Bulldogs are 10-1 vs spread as underdog, 6-0 as road dog. Charleston won last two games after losing three of four before that- they're 2-4 as a Southern Conference home favorite.

Weber State (+10.5) won 80-66 at Portland State Jan 8, making 11-23 on arc, holding Vikings to 39% from floor. Weber won its last seven games, covering last five; they're 3-2 as Big Sky home favorite, winning at home by 4-16-14-17 points, losing only to Montana State. Vikings lost three in row on road, losing by 7-3-9. Big Sky home favorites are 20-15.

Saturday Research
By Indiancowboy

Minnesota vs. Penn State

Penn St. who was once 6-3 in conference play, now sits at 6-6 overall in the Big 10 - which is actually impressive imo given the constant landmines in the conferenc with solid teams. But, you can't blame Penn State for their last 3 losses as lost to Michigan on the road by 20 (revenge game for Mich against Penn State who beat them earlier in the year), Wisconsin at home by 10 (who needed that win as they were beginning to play better after a series of conference losses) and Purdue by 14 (who also had revenge against Penn State for beating them earlier this year). Now, this team plays Minnesota who they lost to by 20 earlier this year. Minnesota did not look overly impressive laying a huge number to Indiana who covered easily on the road (I remember seeing 17) as Indiana just lost by 8, and Minny lost by 6 and 29 to Ohio State and Michigan State respectively. I lean on Penn State with the revenge, but I hate going againts Tubby Smith in Saturday hoops.

Purdue vs. Iowa

It's never too dandy to ride any team that is usually favored by the public to a tune of 60%, but Purdue is a solid team. Having said that, give Iowa credit, they have not laid down and did beat Wisconsin at home recently in a game that Wisconsin really could have used for their conference record. But, then this team went on the road to Wisconsin to lose SU and ATS in a revenge game for Wisconsin. This team did beat NW at home who is a top 60 team but lost to Purdue the last time they played them 25 on the road. But, Iowa does come back home after a tough loss and I don't think it's impossible they can't sneak into the 5 point spread as Purdue has played many games on the road which have ended in a 5 point net either way. Don't forget, Purdue lost to Ohio State in OT on the road and by 18 to Illinois as they were a bit banged up with Hummel not being at full strength. I know it sounds nuts, but why go against an Iowa team that comes off a bad road loss, who returns home, and has revenge against a Purdue team coming off a big win at home against Penn State?

Ohio State vs. Wisconsin

In a conference that features constant contests and revenge games, these two teams hook up for the first time this year. Last year, Wisconsin went into Ohio State and won by 5 points. This year, Ohio State likely looks for that revenge and the public is essentialy split - slightly in favor of Wisky here. Bear in mind, Ohio State is a top 45 team while Wisconsin is a top 30 team in most power rankings. Why despite OSU being 17-5 and Wisconsin 15-9? Well, it has to do a bit with a SOS. OSU is also did not beat Illinois who is a top 25 team and Wisconsin did. OSU is 7-4 in conference play and comes off 4 straight conference wins as they defeated Minnesota at home by 6, Pudue in OT at home, Indiana by 12 on the road (granted, Indiana was very competitive in that game) and Michigan by 18 at home. Wisconsin comes off 3 straight solid wins including beating Illinois by 13, Penn State by 10 on the road and Iowa by 17. Ohio State did cover against Michigan State on the road, they do have revenge and they can certainly win this SU catching the 5.5, a small lean on OSU, but I think Wisconsin has "figured it out" of late as well - and I just don't know if I trust OSU on the road completely just yet.

Metro Atlantic:

Niagara vs. Fairfield

Niagara is a top 75 team and as you know I was very high on this team early in the year as I was on Fairfield early in the year in non-conference play when many people do not give the Metro credit, but they can be great double-digit dogs. These two teams just met back on Sunday, February 8th and Niagara crushed this team 75-50. Now, Fairfield looks for revenge against a Niagara team that is 11-3 in conference play and has won their last 5 games by at least double-digits and their last 6 straight up. Fairfield comes off back to back losses so they should be very game here. They lost by 25 to Niagara and by 9 to Marist. Sure, it seem nice to take Fairfield here with the revenge angle, but again, Niagara is playing great right now and Fairfield's half court offense is a bit scary as they are not the type of team to put up a ton of points. no thanks.

Atlantic 10:

St. Josephs vs. La Salle

St. Josephs is laying 5.5 on the road at La Salle and the public is split on this game. St. J's comes off a tough 2 point loss to Temple at home and will look to bounce-back today. These two teams have not met this year, and don't forget, St. J's hasn't been necessaril killling teams on the road ATS as take a look at the Umass game who is a top 115 team (La Salle is top 105) who they beat by just 4 (which means La Salle would cover the spread as it stands now). La Salle has been playing very well, remember they beat GW on the road by 11, only lost to Dayton by 2 at home and took Rhode Island to overtime on the road and gave them all they can handle. St. Joseph's does have revenge in the sense La Salle beat this team by 1 point on the road last year. SJ off a loss, La Salle off a win, SJ has revenge though but La Salle playing better. A small lean on La Salle to lose SU but get inside the number, but seems a bit dicey.

St. Louis vs. Rhode Island

These two teams have not met this year but note that St. Louis, is a top 140 team and Rhode Island is a top 60 team as they look once again to be primed for the NCAA with our without the conference title underneath their belt. This team did beat St. Bonny at home by 11, ableit they have had some close games as well against La Salle in OT at home and GW at OT at home as well. St. Louis beat this team last year as RI does have revenge and is at home coming into this game, I think St. Louis likely hangs tough esp. with a total of 137, but RI at some point needs a big conference win so that keeps me at bay.

Utah State vs. Boise State

Utah State is 24-1. Props. I want you to note that this team Utah by 3 points at home who is the only top 25 team they have played. I think this game is similar to the Idaho game they just played who is a similarly ranked top 150 team to Boise State. Now, having said that, note that Boise State is coming off a loss to Fresno State by a few points on the road and they are looking to bounce-back. The public, not by too much, but is on Utah State to a tune of 60%. The 4 point spread, and the primetime game that it is out west, could be the ingredients for an upset. Utah State beat this team by 14 last year. How has Utah State done against other such road games? Well, they had to go to OT against top 200 Fresno State on the road (remember, Boise State is top 150), and they beat Southern Valley Utah by only 7 on the road who is outside the top 200. So, if you want an objective %, I think this team has a 55% chance of covering, just not enough for me to take it - but I would say, look at taking Boise State for the first half given the crowd as they have been down early before and then make the adjustments and come back in the second half.

LSU vs. Ole Miss

Yes, there are some injuries for LSU, but as you mentioned Green, LSU has great backups and they are at home. This team is being well coached and has the discipline this program lacked in the past. They are quickly moving up the ranks of the SEC and this team's rise is one of the many reasons why Gottfried got the hook in Bama' . LSU is a top 40 team near and about teams like Florida, Tennessee, Temple and FSU. This team is 20-4 and comes off an exhausting game at Miss State where they won in 2OT. Note, they swept Miss. State this year with that win. They beat Ole Miss as you noted by 32 this year - just crushed them. So, the question begs can Ole Miss muster enough revenge to lose by single digits in this game? Ole Miss has shown some improvement as they beat Kentucky at home (a team that is also floundering here and there), did beat Miss. State in a big win on the road(Miss State has revenge on March 7th when they meet again), crushed a good Auburn team by 19 at home and comes off a loss at Vanderbilt as well. So, I can see Ole Miss being game here and losing by single-digits. Thus, a small lean on Ole Miss who probably will be game in the first half and then LSU will make their comeback. I think 11 points might be a bit too steep here - just my opinion. good luck.

Where the action is: Late NCAAB lines on the move
By MICHAEL PERRY

Michael Perry is an oddsmaker with Logans.com.

Ohio State (17-5) at Wisconsin (15-9) 9 p.m. ESPN

Where the line opened: Wisky -6.5

Where it stands now: Wisky -6

Where the wise action is: Over 121.5 until 124

Over/under movement: 121.5 to 125.5

Injury report: None

Previous meeting this season: 1st meeting

William & Mary (8-16) at James Madison (16-10) 7 p.m.

Where the line opened: JMU -9

Where it stands now: JMU -7.5

Where the wise action is: WM +9

Over/under movement: 129 to 128

Injury report: JMU F Juwann James is probable (respitory). JMU F Andrey Semenov is doubtful (dizziness). James leads team in scoring (13.7) and rebounding (5.4). Semenez sixth leading scorer (8.9) and 3rd leading rebounder (4.4).

Previous meeting this season: JMU 74-65 WM -2.5, Over 125.5 (01/10/09)

Tulsa (17-8) at Central Florida (15-9) 7 p.m.

Where the line opened: Tulsa -2.5

Where it stands now: pick

Where the wise action is: CF +2.5 until +1.5

Over/under movement: 132 to 131

Injury report: CF G AJ Rompza is doubtful. He leads team in assists
(5.0) and is 6th in scoring (5.2).

Previous meeting this season: First meeting

San Diego (13-12) at Pepperdine (7-18) 8 p.m.

Where the line opened: SD -5.5

Where it stands now: SD -6.5

Where the wise action is: SD -5.5

Over/under movement: 121 to 122

Injury report: None

Previous meeting this season: SD 62-47, PEP -19, Under 127.5 (01/15/09)

No. 17 Utah St (24-1) at Boise St (16-7) 9 p.m.

Where the line opened: Utah St -4

Where it stands now: Utah St -4.5

Where the wise action is: Under 139 until 137.5

Over/under movement: 139 to 136

Injury report: None

Previous meeting this season: UTST 79-65, UTST -14, Over 135.5, 01/17/09