NCAAB News and Notes Saturday 2/27

Saturday's Top 25 Matchups
By Matt Fargo

Kentucky Wildcats (2) at Tennessee Volunteers (17)

Kentucky has pretty much cruised in the eight games since suffering its first and only loss of the season at South Carolina. The two exceptions however were against Mississippi St. and Vanderbilt and like this one, both of those were on the road. The Wildcats were fortunate to win both of those games and they came home and laid some payback on the Gamecocks by 21 points on Thursday.

Tennessee is 5-5 over its last 10 games but to their credit, six of those games were played on the road including back-to-back games at Vanderbilt and Kentucky as well as at Florida last time out. They have fallen back in the standings but are still in fine shape for an NCAA Tournament bid. Another quality win will certainly not hurt and this is the last shot before the upcoming SEC Tournament.

The first 34 minutes of the first meeting went exactly the way Tennessee had hoped as it kept the pace slow thus taking Kentucky out of its game. The Wildcats were able to open it up over the last six minutes to pull away but the Volunteers will go in with the same gameplan and that is so keep it a half-court game while playing strong perimeter defense. Kentucky will be looking to push the pace as usual.

Texas Longhorns (21) at Texas A&M Aggies (23)

Texas picked up a much needed win on Monday against Oklahoma St. to move to 8-5 in the conference and into a tie for fourth place with Baylor and Texas A&M. That win over the Cowboys made it two straight wins for the first time in five weeks and that is hard to believe from a team that was 17-0 and ranked number one at one point. The Longhorns are 5-6 in their last 11 and need to get something going before the tournament.

Texas A&M will be coming into this game with motivation everywhere. The Aggies need to win to remain in fourth place and stay in the hunt for a bye in the upcoming Big XII Tournament. They are also going to be out for some payback following an overtime loss in Austin last month as well as recovering from their first home loss of the season against Kansas in their most recent home game.

That first meeting against Texas is still a stinger for the Aggies. The Longhorns never led in regulation and didn’t get their first lead until there was a minute left in overtime. Texas A&M squandered a 13-point lead and looking back, it would have added another quality road win to the résumé, joining an upset win at Missouri. The teams have split the regular-season series the last five years with the home team prevailing each year.

New Mexico Lobos (12) at Brigham Young Cougars (11)

The season began 14-1 for the Lobos with that lone loss coming at Oral Roberts of all places, but then they dropped their first two conference games at San Diego St. and at home against UNLV, both by double-digits. New Mexico has not lost since. It has reeled off 12 straight wins including six on the road so winning away from home is not an issue. The problem is that this is the toughest road test it has seen.

BYU is 15-0 at home this season and it has won 21 straight games at the Marriott Center which is the fifth-best current home winning streak in the nation. Overall the Cougars have won four straight games and trail the Lobos by a half-game for first place in the MVC. Both BYU and New Mexico have separated themselves from the rest of the pack so this game will go a long way in deciding the regular season champion.

The Cougars had their 15-game winning streak snapped in the loss at New Mexico earlier this season so they would like nothing more than to do the same to the Lobos. Along with that, a win will push them into first place, a half-game ahead of New Mexico with just two games left. However both of those games are on the road so the Cougars need to close out the home schedule with a victory.

Villanova Wildcats (8) at Syracuse Orange (4)

This is being billed as one of the biggest games in Syracuse basketball history and rightfully so. The crowd will be in excess of 34,000 which will break the all-time on campus record and the winner of the game has the inside short to the Big East regular season championship. Syracuse has a one-game lead over the Wildcats so a win here likely sews up the championship as a visit from lowly St. John’s is on deck.

Just two weeks ago, there was talk of this being a possible #1 vs. #2 matchup but the Orange fell at home to Louisville while Villanova has dropped two of its last three games since then as well. Two of the Wildcats three conference losses have come on the road while the other loss this season also came on the road at Temple. Surprisingly, both of Syracuse’s losses have been at home as it remains undefeated on the road.

There is one factor that Villanova had a huge edge in and that was free throw shooting but Syracuse has closed that gap as it is shooting a solid 74.3 percent over its last five games and it is very possible that the game will be decided at the charity stripe. The Orange are the only team in the country shooting better than 50 percent from the floor and they will need that efficiency to break this series skid as Villanova has won five of the last six and seven of the last nine meetings.

Saturday Night Tilts
By Judd Hall

As we get closer to the NCAA Tournament, every game in conference play gets magnified when you’re on the bubble. One such team will be looking to improve its resume in the Southeastern Conference. Meanwhile, we’ll see Big XII and Big East showdowns that will go a long way to improving seeding for the winners.

Mississippi State at South Carolina

Mississippi State (20-8 straight up, 12-10-1 against the spread) looked like they were NIT-bound as they were mired in a 1-4 slump at the start of February. The Bulldogs have picked themselves right back up with a 4-1 SU and 2-2-1 ATS in their last five tilts. Now they’re sitting atop the SEC’s West Division.

The Bulldogs’ latest victory came as seven-point home favorites against Alabama, 74-66. While we could talk about how Mississippi State won the field goal percentage battle (46-43) or the fact they were better from the charity stripe (68-62 percent), but Jarvis Varnado was the difference in this one. The senior center put in 17 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, but blocked eight Crimson Tide shots.

While there are no guarantees for the ‘Dogs for the NCAA Tournament, ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has them listed as one of his last four teams into the dance.

South Carolina (14-3 SU, 9-15 ATS) might have wins over the Wildcats and the Gators, but that seems like a world away. The Gamecocks have lost five of their last six tests, failing to cover in five of them as well.

The Gamecocks gave back that win over Kentucky last Thursday, failing to cover as 16-point road pups to John Calipari’s club, 82-61. Now Darrin Horn’s team needs to go .500 in its final regular season and conference tourney just to get a shot at the NIT.

Las Vegas Sports Consultants have posted this game as a pick ‘em.

History shows us that the Bulldogs shouldn’t have any worries right now as they’re on a 3-0 SU and ATS against Carolina.

South Carolina has some reason to be hopeful since it is 11-3 SU and 6-5 ATS in 14 home tests this season.

It’s important to note that the ‘under’ has hit in the last three head-to-head meetings. That could come through again here as the ‘under’ is 7-4 for Carolina at home this year and 4-1 in the ‘Dogs last five true road fixtures.

Missouri at Kansas State

Things are going pretty well for Missouri (21-7 SU, 14-8 ATS) right now. The Tigers are 5-1 SU and ATS in their last five contests. Even better is that they have a legitimate shot at getting the No. 2 seed in the Big XII Tournament. All that stands in their way is the Wildcats.

Kansas State (23-4 SU, 15-6-1 ATS) doesn’t have a realistic shot at the top spot in the conference tourney. Yet they’re playing like the top team right now. The Wildcats have reeled off six straight wins, covering the number in four of those tests to make bettors happy.

LVSC has installed K-State as a six-point home favorite.

This is a series dominated by the home team as of late with an 8-2 SU and ATS mark since the 2004-2005 season. The ‘over’ has shown up strong as well by going 8-2 in those meetings.

The Wildcats have been monsters in Manhattan this year, as evidenced by a 13-2 SU and 8-2 ATS mark at home. The totals went 5-5 when a number was posted.

Mizzou has played like kittens in true road games this year with a 3-5 SU and 4-3 ATS record.

Villanova at Syracuse

If you’re wanting to be one of the top seeds in the Big Dance, you need to finish the year strong. Villanova (23-4 SU, 17-9 ATS) is hoping to do just that after stopping a two-game slide with a 74-49 killing as a 13-point home “chalk” against the Bulls. The backers of the Wildcats were pleased just by the fact that they finally covered the spread for the first time in four games.

Scottie Reynolds has a Senior Night to remember for ‘Nova, scoring 21 with two rebounds and a pair of helpers. He also helped the ‘Cats keep South Florida to 38 percent shooting from the field.

Syracuse (26-2 SU, 17-7 ATS) needed to get away from home after losing to the Cardinals on Valentine’s Day. The time on the road has certainly done them well as the Orange swept their two-game road trip SU and ATS.

The Orange needed their best effort to beat Providence last Tuesday as eight-point road faves 99-85. The Friars held a 52-47 lead at the half and looked like they may hold on to pull the upset. Syracuse pushed through by shooting 56 percent from the field and picking up 17 of its 37 rebounds on the offensive glass.

Syracuse has been tapped as a six-point home favorite.

As good as the ‘Cuse might be this year, the Wildcats are who own this series. Villanova is 8-2 SU and 6-4 ATS in the last 10 head-to-head meetings. The ‘over’ has enjoyed a good run recently in hitting in three of the last four games between these clubs.

Syracuse has posted a respectable 12-4 SU and 10-6 ATS over the last two seasons at the Carrier Dome against Big East foes. The ‘over’ holds a slight 9-7 edge for bettors that fancy playing totals.

The Wildcats have been road warriors in the Big East, going 11-5 SU and 10-6 ATS over the last two seasons. However, Villanova has lost two of its last three road tilts SU and ATS. The ‘over’ has shown up strong in this situation, cashing in at a 12-4 clip.

vegasinsider.com

College Hoops Betting TV Guide
By RYAN COLAIANNI

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at No. 11 Georgetown Hoyas (12 p.m. ET, CBS)

Without star forward Luke Harangody for three games with a knee bruise, Notre Dame was not expected to revive its NCAA hopes. But with a convincing win over No. 12 Pittsburgh Wednesday night, Notre Dame is firmly on the NCAA tournament bubble. The Irish took out Pittsburgh by slowing down their offense and milking the shot clock before going inside.

No. 2 Kentucky Wildcats at No. 19 Tennessee Volunteers (12 p.m. ET, CBS)

Kentucky is talented but it is also young and may be feeling the pressure of being one of the favorites to win the national title. Kentucky coach John Calipari has noticed in recent games that his players are passing on open shots. He told the Louisville Courant Journal that he would like to see his players take more shots and worry about the results later. Calipari thinks that being passive from outside is causing his team to struggle from the perimeter.

North Carolina Tar Heels at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2 p.m. ET, CBS)

Both teams are reeling but only one of these two teams has a chance at an NCAA tournament game. Wake Forest has lost two straight including an embarrassing 14-point loss to North Carolina State earlier in the week, but can win to lock up a tournament bid. North Carolina might not win a game the rest of the year and finish under .500, missing the tournament after winning the title last season.

No. 21 Texas Longhorns at No. 22 Texas A&M Aggies (2 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Over the course of Texas’ struggles in the last month, it has often seen its big center Dexter Pittman disappear. On Wednesday night, Pittman reasserted himself en route to a win over Oklahoma State and got back-to-back wins for the first time in more than a month. Pittman scored 16 points and had eight rebounds and three blocks. If Pittman can consistently get back on track, Texas may be able to do the same.

Arizona State Sun Devils at California Golden Bears (3 p.m. ET, FSN)

The winner of this game has the upper hand for the Pac-10 regular season title but it still might not be enough to guarantee an NCAA tournament bid. California has the most impressive resume in the Pac-10 yet it still finds itself only a game up in the conference standings.

"We've put ourselves in a position where we can win it and it is exciting," California’s Theo Robertson told the San Francisco Chronicle. "You work all year thinking about these moments, about getting into March."

No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks at Oklahoma State Cowboys (4 p.m. ET, CBS)

Desperately needing a win to help sure up an NCAA tournament spot, Oklahoma State fell flat on Wednesday against Texas and now needs a critical win over the best team in the country. Forward Matt Pilgrim was suspended before the game against Texas but will return against Kansas. Oklahoma State will need all the help it can get when it faces Kansas, who seemingly has a limitless bench.

No. 10 New Mexico Lobos at No. 13 BYU Cougars (4 p.m. ET, Versus)

This is the best game of the weekend that no one knows about. The Mountain West has easily been a better league than the Pac-10 and both of these teams could make runs to the Sweet 16. Brigham Young has gotten its wins by running up and down the floor, led by guard Jimmer Fredette who scored 26 points against San Diego State last week.

Mississippi State Bulldogs at South Carolina Gamecocks (6 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Getting the ball inside against Mississippi State usually means going through forward Jarvis Varnado. Varnado set the NCAA record for blocks in a career against Alabama Wednesday night, blocking 536 shots for his career. Mississippi State will need to continue to get help from Varnado down the stretch if it hopes to make the NCAA tournament.

Missouri Tigers at No. 6 Kansas State Wildcats (8 p.m. ET, ESPNU)

Kansas State will look to avenge a loss to Missouri in the “Octagon of Doom” in January, where Kansas State has been surprisingly vulnerable, losing conference home games to Kansas and Oklahoma State this season and struggling against Nebraska two weeks ago. The next week for Kansas State may determine if it is a Final Four contender or just pretender with games against Missouri and at top-ranked Kansas.

No. 7 Villanova Wildcats at No. 4 Syracuse Orange (9 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Syracuse’s Andy Rautins has always been a threat to hit from the outside, but his shooting from beyond the arc over the last three games has been staggering. Rautins is shooting 57 percent, including a 8-of-12 performance in a win over Providence Tuesday.

“Just staying aggressive, I guess, and looking for my shot,” Rautins told the Syracuse Post Standard.

(2) Kentucky (26-1, 14-11 ATS) at (19) Tennessee (20-7, 10-13-1 ATS)

Just two weeks removed from their first meeting of the year, these SEC rivals clash again when the Wildcats travel to Knoxville’s Thompson-Boling Arena to face Tennessee.

Kentucky won its first 19 games of the year, got tripped up SU and ATS at South Carolina on Jan. 26, and has since won eight in a row – most recently avenging the loss to the Gamecocks with Thursday’s 82-61 home blowout as a 16-point favorite. The Wildcats are putting up 80.5 ppg (10th nationally) on 48.1 percent shooting, while allowing 65.2 ppg on just 37.8 percent shooting (sixth).

The Volunteers have been up and down lately, dropping three of their last five games (1-4 ATS), including a 75-62 setback at Florida on Tuesday as a two-point pup. During the five-game stretch, Tennessee has been outscored by an average of about five ppg (70.6-65.4), but four of those contests – including all three losses – were on the road. At home, where they’re 13-1 SU but only 5-6 ATS, the Vols pile up 82.0 ppg on 48.5 percent shooting and give up 63.9 ppg on 37.5 percent shooting.

Kentucky has cashed in the last five meetings in this rivalry (4-1 SU), including the 73-62 home win two weeks ago as a 9½-point favorite. Last year in Knoxville, the ‘Cats rolled 90-72 as a six-point pup, moving to 4-1 ATS on their last five Tennessee trips. That said, the home team has cashed in five of the last seven meetings. Also, the SU winner is 9-1 ATS in the last 10 contests

The Wildcats are on ATS upswings of 4-0 overall (all in the SEC), 7-2 on the highway, 5-0 on Saturday, 4-0 against winning teams and 5-1 versus squads with a win percentage above .600. On the flip side, the Vols are on ATS slides of 2-8 overall (all in SEC action), 0-6 after a SU loss, 1-4 at home, 2-5 against winning teams and 2-5 after a non-cover.

The under for Kentucky is on runs of 4-1 overall (all in SEC play), 5-2 after a spread-cover and 4-1 against winning teams, and Tennessee is on “under” streaks of 23-9 overall, 6-1 at home, 6-2 in SEC play, 6-0 after a non-cover and 4-1 after a SU loss. Also, in this rivalry, the total has stayed low in four of the last five meetings overall, but the over has hit in four of the last five Knoxville clashes.

ATS ADVANTAGE: KENTUCKY

Notre Dame (18-10, 11-10-1 ATS) at (11) Georgetown (19-7, 12-10)

The Hoyas look to beef up their postseason credentials when they play host to Notre Dame in a Big East tilt at the Verizon Center.

Georgetown has been a middling operation lately, going splitting its last eight games (both SU and ATS), but rallied to beat Louisville 70-60 Tuesday as a four-point road underdog to halt a two-game SU and ATS hiccup. The Hoyas are the fourth-best shooting team in the country, connecting on 49.9 percent of their shots, including 39.3 percent from three-point range (19th), while allowing 40.9 percent shooting. The Hoyas are 11-3 (5-6 ATS) at the Verizon Center, where they shoot even better, hitting at a 51.4 percent clip.

The Fighting Irish’s flagging NCAA hopes got a slight boost Wednesday night with a 68-53 victory over No. 12 Pittsburgh as a one-point home pup, despite Notre Dame not having leading scorer Luke Harongody (knee) for the third straight game. The Irish went 10 of 18 from three-point range against Pitt and they rate fourth in the nation behind the arc, hitting 41.5 percent. The Irish allow a whopping average of 80 ppg on the road this season, while scoring 74.7. They’ve lost six of seven true road games, but cashed in the last two (at Louisville and at Seton Hall).

Last season, Notre Dame beat Georgetown 73-67 as a three-point home favorite, ending a 5-0 SU run by the Hoyas in this rivalry (4-1 ATS). The home team and the favorite 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings, and the SU winner is 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven clashes.

The Hoyas are on ATS nosedives of 7-24-1 coming off a pointspread victory, 2-6 at home against teams with a losing road record and a meager 10-23 within the Big East. Meanwhile, Notre Dame is on a 16-34-1 ATS plunge in its last 51 games following a spread-cover.

The over for Georgetown is on surges of 6-1 at home and 4-0 on Saturday, but the under for the Hoyas is on upswings of 4-0 after a SU win, 46-21 after a spread-cover and 5-2 in the Big East. Notre Dame is on “under” runs of 13-3 after a spread-cover, 4-1 after a SU win and 6-2 against teams with a win percentage above .600.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

(21) Texas (22-6, 10-14 ATS) at (22) Texas A&M (19-8, 15-8 ATS)

The Longhorns, trying to regain the form that led to a 17-0 start, make the trip to College Station to face Big 12 and in-state rival Texas A&M at Reed Arena.

Texas has followed a 3-6 SU and 2-7 ATS purge by winning its last two games, beating Texas Tech 71-67 as a 6½-point road chalk last Saturday, then topping Oklahoma State 69-59 laying nine points at home Wednesday. The Longhorns average 82.5 ppg (fifth in the country) on 47.2 percent shooting, while allowing 67.8 ppg on 38.9 percent shooting. However, they’re just 5-4 in true road games, including 3-3 when visiting Big 12 foes (1-5 ATS)

After a 6-1 SU surge, Texas A&M dropped two of its last three games, including a 70-66 loss at Baylor on Wednesday. However, the Aggies cashed as a 6½-point chalk and have now reeled off seven straight ATS victories. On the year, A&M has outscored opponents by about six ppg (71.3-65.0), but on the home court, the Aggies average 73.5 ppg and give up just 59.0 ppg. They’ve won 13 of 14 in College Station (6-4 ATS in lined games).

Texas A&M has cashed in three straight and four of the last five in this rivalry, despite going just 2-3 SU in that stretch. On Jan. 16, Texas needed overtime to pull out a 72-67 home victory, falling far short as a 14½-point chalk. The Aggies are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings overall and 7-0 in the last seven College Station clashes, and the home team is on an 11-4-1 ATS tear.

The Longhorns are on a plethora of pointspread purges, including 3-12 overall, 6-20-1 in conference play, 5-15-1 on the road, 3-11 against winning teams, 1-6 on Saturday and 1-8 after a SU win. Conversely, along with their current 7-0 ATS surge, the Aggies are on pointspread rolls of 6-0 against winning teams, 25-8 after a SU loss, 19-7 in Big 12 play, 5-2 at home and 35-17 on Saturday.

Texas is on “over” streaks of 9-2 after a spread-cover, 8-2 on Saturday, 7-3 on the highway and 18-8 after a SU win. A&M, meanwhile, sports “under” runs of 4-0 overall (all in the Big 12), 6-2 at home, 5-1 after a SU loss and 6-2 on Saturday. The under has also been the play in three of the last four meetings in this rivalry, including the Jan. 16 contest, despite it going to overtime.

ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS A&M

Arizona State (20-8, 11-13 ATS) at California (19-9, 15-12 ATS)

The top two teams in an underwhelming Pac-10 Conference square off when the Sun Devils head north to Berkeley’s Haas Pavilion for a battle Cal.

Arizona State has won four in row and six of its last seven games (4-3 ATS), including Thursday’s 68-60 win at Stanford as a 2½-point favorite. The Sun Devils average 68.4 ppg on 45.8 percent shooting, but their defense is the key, allowing just 58.5 ppg (seventh in the nation) on 39.6 percent shooting. On average, ASU has barely outscored foes on the road this year, averaging 66.1 ppg and giving up 65.8. That said, since losing their first two conference games of the season (both on the road at UCLA and USC), the Sun Devils are 5-1 SU and ATS on the highway

The Bears are on a 5-1 SU and ATS roll, having hammered Arizona 95-71 Thursday night as a 12-point home chalk, following a 64-49 win at Oregon last Saturday giving 6½ points. In fact, all five of Cal’s wins during their current run have come by double digits. The Bears have run up a 14-1 home mark this year (5-8 ATS in lined action) on the strength of averaging 83.1 ppg, while allowing 63.9 ppg.

California is 3-1 SU and ATS in the last four meetings in this rivalry, including a 78-70 road win catching four points on Jan. 28. The underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last six contests, the road team is on a 16-5 ATS run, and the Sun Devils have cashed on five of their last six trips to Berkeley. The SU winner has covered in the last 11 meetings.

The Sun Devils have beaten the spread in just two of their last eight Saturday games, but they are 5-1 ATS in their last six road contests and 5-2 ATS in their last seven coming off a spread-cover. The Bears are on ATS upticks of 5-1 overall (all in the Pac-10), 4-1 at home and 4-1 against teams with a win percentage above .600.

The under is 4-1 in ASU’s last five starts (all in the Pac-10), but the over is 13-2 in its last 15 against winning teams. In addition, Cal is on “over” tears of 4-1 overall, 10-0 against winning teams, 15-5-1 at home, 35-15-1 in the Pac-10, 50-19-1 after a SU win, and 42-17-1 after a spread-cover. Finally, in this rivalry, the total has gone high in 13 of the last 16 clashes overall and six of the last eight at Cal.

ATS ADVANTAGE: CALIFORNIA and OVER

(10) New Mexico (26-3, 17-9-2 ATS) at (13) BYU (26-3, 16-10 ATS)

The scorching-hot Lobos go after their 13th consecutive win overall and their seventh straight road victory, traveling to the Marriott Center to face Brigham Young in a battle of the Mountain West Conference’s top two teams.

New Mexico hasn’t lost since Jan. 9, when it fell to visiting UNLV 74-62 as a five-point chalk. The Lobos are on a 12-0 SU tear (7-4-1 ATS), but they’ve barely escaped in their last two, holding off Air Force 59-56 last Saturday in Albuquerque and pulling out a 72-66 win over Colorado State on Tuesday, failing to cover as a big favorite in both games. New Mexico is 11-2 (7-4-1 ATS) away from home, averaging 74.9 ppg and giving up 68.8.

BYU has won four in a row SU and ATS, with three of those wins coming by 22 points or more and all four coming by at least 14 points. On Wednesday, the Cougars rolled past San Diego State 82-68 laying 7½ points at home. BYU rates in the top 10 nationally in points per game (82.8, third), field-goal percentage (48.9, eighth), three-point percentage (42.0, third) and free-throw percentage (77.9, first).

New Mexico is 2-1 SU and ATS in the last three meetings in this rivalry, following a 6-0 SU and ATS run by Brigham Young. A month ago at the Pit, the Lobos prevailed 76-72 as a 1½-points home chalk. The SU winner has cashed in 16 straight meetings in this rivalry, the home team is on a 5-1 ATS string, and the chalk has covered in nine of the last 13 clashes. Finally, BYU is 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings overall and 7-0 in the last seven Provo contests.

The Lobos are on ATS runs of 19-9-2 overall, 3-1-1 on the road and 15-7 against teams with a win percentage above .600, but they are also 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight Saturday games. The Cougars are on spread-covering sprees of 4-0 overall (all in the Mountain West), 8-3 at home, 4-1 after a SU win, 6-2 on Saturday 14-5 against teams with a win percentage above .600 and 16-6 after an ATS win.

New Mexico is on a bundle of “under” tears, including 4-1 overall, 5-1-1 on the highway, 12-3-1 in conference play and 9-3 on Saturday. BYU, meanwhile, is on “over” stretches of 4-1 overall (all in the MWC) and 8-3 against winning teams. Also, in this rivalry, the total has gone high in eight of the last 11 meetings, though the under has hit in the last two contests.

ATS ADVANTAGE: BYU

Maryland (20-7, 14-9 ATS) at Virginia Tech (21-6, 10-10-1 ATS)

Surging Maryland, seeking its fifth straight win, treks to Blacksburg to face the Hokies in a matchup of two of the ACC’s top teams.

The Terrapins have won four in a row and six of seven (5-2 ATS), all in conference play, with the only loss coming at first-place Duke. On Wednesday, they rallied to beat Clemson 88-79 as a five-point home favorite. Maryland sports one of the top shooting defenses in the nation, allowing just 37.6 percent from the floor (sixth), and they’ve been even better on the highway, holding opponents to just 36.1 percent in their own gyms.

Virginia Tech had notched wins in five straight games and eight of nine before an ill-fated two-game road trip. The Hokies lost to Duke 67-55 on Sunday, pushing as a 12-point ‘dog, then got rocked at Boston College 80-60 as a one-point pup Wednesday. For the season, Va-Tech is averaging 71.5 ppg and giving up 62.9, but on the home floor, it is outscoring opponents by more than 17 ppg (74.1-56.8).

Maryland is 3-1 ATS in the last four meetings in this rivalry, though it has only won one of those four contests, posting an 83-73 victory last year as a 3½-point home favorite. The road team is 3-1-1 ATS in the last five matchups, and the pup is on a 4-1-1 ATS uptick.

The Terrapins are on several positive pointspread streaks, including 11-3 overall, 6-2 on the road, 19-7 inside the ACC, 10-3 against winning teams, and 7-3 after a SU win. The Hokies are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six starts after a non-cover, but they’ve gone 0-3-1 ATS in their last four overall, all in the ACC.

The under for Maryland is on runs of 4-0-1 on the road and 5-2 after a spread-cover, and the under for VaTech is on rolls of 5-2 overall, 4-0 on Saturday, 4-1 at home and 5-2 in the ACC. However, the Terps are on “over” surges of 13-6-1 overall, 10-3-1 against teams with a win percentage above .600 and 43-20-1 on Saturday, and the Hokies sport “over” streaks of 4-1 after a SU loss, 5-2 after a non-cover and 5-2 against winning teams.

Finally, in this rivalry, the total has gone high in five of the last seven matchups.

ATS ADVANTAGE: MARYLAND

(1) Kansas (27-1, 10-14-1 ATS) at Oklahoma State (19-8, 12-8-1 ATS)

The top-ranked Jayhawks take their 13-game winning streak to Stillwater, Okla., for a Big 12 clash with Oklahoma State at Gallagher-Iba Arena.

Kansas suffered its only loss of the season on Jan. 10 at Tennessee (76-68 as a five-point road chalk), then jumped into Big 12 play and ripped off 13 straight wins, including nine by double digits. The latest was Monday’s 81-68 rout of Oklahoma, the ninth time in 13 league contests that Bill Self’s squad topped 80 points. However, Kansas came up well short as a 20½-point home favorite, and that’s the one negative with the Jayhawks, who have failed to cover in four straight overall and seven of their last eight (0-3 ATS in their last three Big 12 road games).

The Cowboys’ three-game SU and ATS winning streak came to a halt Wednesday when they lost 69-59 at Texas, falling just short as a nine-point road underdog. On the bright side, Oklahoma State is 13-1 at Gallagher-Iba Arena (6-1-1 ATS in lined games), including 5-1 SU and ATS in conference home games. Going back to last year, Oklahoma State has won 18 of 19 at home (10-2-1 ATS in lined action), going 10-1 (9-2 ATS) when hosting league rivals.

The SU winner has covered the spread in all 13 of OSU’s Big 12 contests.

The Jayhawks are 10-1 in road/neutral-site games (4-6-1 ATS), averaging 76.1 ppg (46.2 percent shooting) and holding opponents to 65.4 ppg (37.9 percent). Oklahoma State outscores visitors by 15 ppg (79.6-64.6) while posting a 48 percent to 40.5 percent shooting advantage.

Kansas has won four of the last five meetings in this rivalry (3-2 ATS), but in the most recent contest in Stillwater two seasons ago, Oklahoma State scored a 61-60 upset victory as a whopping 11-point home underdog. In fact, the host has won three in a row (3-0 ATS) and six of the last eight (5-3 ATS) in this series.

The Jayhawks are in pointspread ruts of 0-4 overall, 3-7-1 on the road, 0-4 on Saturday, 1-4 after a non-cover, 1-5 versus winning teams. Conversely, Oklahoma State is on ATS upticks of 23-9-1 overall, 34-16-3 at home (10-2-1 last 13), 16-7 in Big 12 play, 20-9-1 against winning teams and 5-1-1 when playing at home against an opponent with a winning road record.

Kansas carries “under” trends of 4-1 on the road, 4-1 against winning teams and 35-17 after a SU victory. On the flip side, Oklahoma State has topped the total in four of five at home, four straight Saturday outings and four of five after either a SU or ATS loss. Finally, the under has hit in four of the last five Kansas-Oklahoma State battles overall, and the last five clashes in Stillwater have stayed low.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA STATE and UNDER

Missouri (21-7, 14-8 ATS) at (6) Kansas State (23-4, 15-6-1 ATS)

Kansas State will try to extend a six-game winning streak, avenge one of its conference losses and continue the home team’s dominance in this rivalry when the streaking Tigers pay a visit to Fred Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan.

Missouri has won three in a row and four of its last five, most recently blasting Colorado 92-63 as a 14½-point home favorite on Wednesday. With that spread-cover, the Tigers have cashed in four straight games overall, and they’ve also gotten the money in three straight road games (2-1 SU), all against Big 12 foes. Mizzou is 3-3 SU and 4-2 ATS in conference roadies, with two of those losses (at Oklahoma and at Baylor) being by a total of seven points.

The Wildcats are coming off consecutive road routs of Oklahoma (83-68) and Texas Tech (83-64), easily cashing as a 5½-point favorite in both games. Not only has Kansas State won six in a row and seven of eight – including five consecutive Big 12 road wins – but it is on a 8-3-1 ATS roll (all in conference). The ‘Cats are 13-2 SU and 8-2-1 ATS in Manhattan, but just 4-2 SU and ATS in conference home games (3-2 ATS as a home favorite).

The Tigers put up 72.8 ppg as a visitor but shoot just 39.6 percent from the floor, while surrendering 72.1 ppg (42.7 percent). Meanwhile, K-State is averaging 81 ppg (44.9 percent) at the Bramlage Coliseum while limiting visitors to 64.7 ppg (39.9 percent).

These teams opened the Big 12 season against each other on Jan. 9, and Missouri rallied for a 74-68 victory, getting a meaningless slam dunk at the buzzer to barely cover as a five-point home chalk. The host has won the last six meetings in this rivalry both SU and ATS and is 8-1 SU and ATS in the last nine meetings. Also, the SU winner has covered the spread in each of the last 12 series clashes.

Missouri has cashed in four straight overall, five straight on Saturday, eight straight following a victory of more than 20 points and 19 of 26 conference games. On the downside, despite cashing in four of six Big 12 road contests this year, the Tigers are just 12-25 ATS in their last 37 on the highway.

Kansas State is also on a slew of ATS hot streaks, including 14-4-1 overall, 7-2 at home, 6-2 in the Big 12, 10-4-1 after both a SU and ATS win and 39-18-2 on Saturday.

The Tigers are on “under” runs of 4-1 on the road, 5-2 after a SU win and 5-2 on Saturday, but they’ve topped the total in eight of nine against winning teams. The Wildcats are also on “over” surges of 7-1 against winning teams, 15-7 after a spread-cover and 8-3-1 on Saturday. Lastly, the over is 8-1 in the last nine battles between these schools, with the last four in Manhattan hurdling the posted total.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER

(7) Villanova (23-4, 17-9 ATS) at (4) Syracuse (26-2, 17-7 ATS)

The game of the day comes from the Carrier Dome in upstate New York, where the Orange host Villanova with first place on the line in the rugged Big East.

The Wildcats rebounded from their first two-game losing skid of the season – 84-75 home loss to UConn; 70-65 loss at Pitt – with Wednesday’s 74-49 destruction of South Florida. Villanova easily cashed as a 13-point home chalk, ending ATS slides of 0-3 and 1-5. Jay Wright’s club won 10 of its first 11 road games – including four straight Big East road wins and spread-covers – but it has since dropped two of its last three as a visitor (SU and ATS). The SU winner has covered the spread in each of ‘Nova’s last nine games on the highway.

Syracuse dropped a 66-60 decision to Louisville as a 7½-point home favorite two weeks ago, but then bounced back with a pair of impressive road wins over Georgetown (75-71 as a two-point ‘dog) and Providence (99-85 as an eight-point chalk). Somewhat surprisingly, both of Syracuse’s losses this season came at home (where the Orange are 15-2 SU and 7-6 ATS in lined action), while it is 11-0 on the road (10-1 ATS).

The Orange sit atop the 16-team Big East at 13-2 SU (10-5 ATS), one game ahead of Villanova (12-3 SU, 9-6 ATS).

The Wildcats swept the season series from Syracuse last year, winning 102-85 as a 6½-point home favorite and 89-86 at the Carrier Dome as a two-point pup. Villanova has won three in a row, five of six and seven of the last nine in this rivalry, going 6-3 ATS over this stretch. It is also 5-1 ATS in its last six trips to the Carrier Dome.

Also in this rivalry, the underdog has cashed in five of the last six, and the SU winner has covered the pointspread in each of the last five meetings and nine of the last 10.

These are two of the highest-scoring teams in the country, with the Wildcats ranking second in averaging 83.8 ppg and Syracuse sitting seventh at 81.2 ppg. The Orange also lead the nation in field-goal shooting at 52.2 percent, while ‘Nova sinks 46.6 percent of its shots. Syracuse holds a defensive edge, limiting opponents to 65.3 ppg (39 percent) compared with the Wildcats’ 72 ppg (40.4 percent).

In building an 11-3 road/neutral-site record, Villanova has put 82.2 ppg on 48.2 percent shooting, but the Wildcats have also given up 78.6 ppg (42 percent) away from home. By comparison, the Orange outscore visitors by 19 ppg (81.6-62.6) and outshoot them 53 percent to 38 percent.

In addition to its 2-5 ATS slump overall, Villanova has failed to cash in four straight games after a SU victory. However, the Wildcats have covered in six of their last eight road games and 11 of 15 after a spread-cover. Syracuse is on pointspread rolls of 26-9 overall, 19-8 at home, 17-6 in conference play, 21-8 versus winning teams, 21-9 after a SU victory and 21-8 when coming off a spread cover.

Also, Syracuse’s 17-7 ATS mark is tied for third-best in the nation, while the Wildcats’ 17-9 ATS record is tied for ninth.

Villanova has topped the total in 15 of 21 overall, five of six on the road and 13 of 17 after a SU win, and the over is 9-2 in Syracuse’s last 11 Saturday contests. However, the Orange are also on “under” runs of 9-3 overall (all in the Big East), 4-0 at home and 6-1 after a SU victory. Finally, these two topped the total in both meetings last year.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE

Early-Action Tips
By Brian Edwards

**Michigan at Ohio State**

Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Ohio State (22-7 straight up, 15-14 against the spread) as a 13-point favorite. As of early this morning, most betting shops had the Buckeyes favored by 12 ½ with a total of 124 ½.

Thad Matta’s team has won back-to-back games both SU and ATS, including Wednesday’s 75-67 win at Penn St. as a 7 ½-point road favorite. Evan Turner turned in another stellar performance, finishing with 25 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a pair of blocked shots. David Lighty added 18 points.

Michigan (13-14 SU, 11-12 ATS) has lost four of its last six games, going 1-5 ATS. The Wolverines hit the road in this spot following Tuesday’s 51-44 home loss to Illinois as three-point favorites. Manny Harris had 15 points and 11 boards in the losing effort, but he was a shaky 5-of-17 from the field.

Michigan beat Ohio St. 73-64 as a two-point home favorite back on Jan. 3. However, we must note that Turner wasn’t in the lineup for the Buckeyes as this loss came during a six-game stretch in which he was recovering from two broken bones in his back. DeShawn Sims had 28 points and nine rebounds for the winners, while Harris added 24 points, seven boards, five assists and three steals.

Although I think Michigan is one of the nation’s most disappointing teams this season, we can’t ignore the production from John Beilein’s squad as an underdog. The Wolverines are 7-1 ATS in eight games as ‘dogs.

Ohio St. is 15-1 SU and 9-7 ATS at home this year.

The ‘under’ is on an incredible 12-2 run for Michigan and is 16-7 overall for the Wolverines.

The ‘under’ is 14-13 overall for Ohio St., 8-6 in its home assignments.

ESPN will provide television coverage at noon Eastern.

**Kentucky at Tennessee**

LVSC opened Kentucky (27-1 SU, 15-11 ATS) as a two-point favorite. As of early this morning, most spots had the Wildcats installed as 1 ½-point favorites with a total of 142.

Tennessee (20-7 SU, 10-13-1 ATS) has lost three of its last five games to fall into fourth in the SEC East with an 8-5 record in league play. Even worse, the Vols are mired in a 2-8 ATS slump.

Tennessee is looking to bounce back from Tuesday’s 75-62 loss at Florida as a two-point underdog. Scotty Hopson, who was benched for the first time this season, came off the pine to score a team-high 20 points.

John Calipari’s team avenged its lone loss of the season Thursday night, trouncing South Carolina 82-61 as a 16-point home favorite. Junior power forward Patrick Patterson was the catalyst with 23 points, eight rebounds, four blocked shots and a pair of steals. The West Virginia native made 10-of-12 shots from the field. DeMarcus Cousins added 19 points and 11 boards.

UT is 13-1 SU and 5-6 ATS at home this season. The only loss for the Vols came against Vandy.

The ‘over’ is 13-12 overall for UK.

The ‘under’ is a lucrative 14-6 overall for the Vols, 8-2 in their home outings.

UK has won three in a row against UT and is 7-1 ATS in the last eight head-to-head meetings. When these teams met at Rupp Arena on Feb. 13, the ‘Cats won a 73-62 decision to hook up their backers as 9 ½-point home favorites. John Wall scored a team-high 24 points in the victory.

Wayne Chism is “probable” even though he has a hip injury and a sore back thanks to a hard fall in Tuesday’s loss at UF. Chism averages 12.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. UT head coach Bruce Pearl had this to say about Chism, according to VolQuest.com, "We'll see, but Wayne will play. We may rest him up but I think in order to be effective he needs to practice. There's a little 'Willis Reed' in Wayne. That's ok as long as it has that kind of an ending." Chism was held out for most of Thursday’s practice for precautionary reasons.

CBS will have the telecast at noon Eastern.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

Luke Harangody is “doubtful” for today’s noon Eastern game at Georgetown as he continues to nurse an injured knee. Most books have the Hoyas favored by 11 ½.

BYU and New Mexico will collide at 4:00 p.m. Eastern. Most spots have the Cougars as eight-point ‘chalk.’ The Lobos haven’t tasted defeat since a Jan. 9 home loss to UNLV. BYU has won four in a row both SU and ATS. When these teams met at The Pit in Albuquerque, Steve Alford’s team collected a 76-72 win as a 1 ½-point home favorite.

The ‘over’ has hit in eight of the last 11 New Mexico-BYU meetings.

Most books are listing Kansas as a 5 ½-point favorite for today’s game at Oklahoma St. CBS will have television coverage at 4:00 p.m. Eastern. The Cowboys can give their resume a monster boost with a win here. Bettors can take Travis Ford’s team to win outright for a plus-190 return (risk $100 to win $190).

Georgia has covered the number at a 14-4 clip in its last 18 games. Coming off Thursday’s gut-wrenching loss at Vandy in overtime, the Dawgs return home to take on Florida. The Gators dealt out woodshed treatment to Mark Fox’s team when these rivals met in Gainesville at the O-Dome. Most books have this SEC showdown as a pick ‘em or with one team or the other favored by one. Billy Donovan’s team has won three in a row to most likely lock up its first at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament since winning back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007.

vegasinsider.com

NCAAB News and Notes

Saturday, February 27

Information on the best of Saturday's college basketball games.

Erratic Georgetown lost two of last three home games; they've won five of last six games vs Notre Dame- Irish lost last three visits here by 1-18-19 points. Hoyas are 3-4 as Big East home favorites. Double digit home favorites are 11-16-1 vs spread in Big East games this season. Irish lost three of last four games, but three losses were by total of six points.

St John's (+8.5) lost 63-53 at Pitt Jan 28; Red Storm led by 4 at half, but shot just 33% from floor. Johnnies lost four of last five home games, are 1-3 as Big East home dogs. Panthers won four of last five games, but lost four of last five at home. Big East home underdogs of less than 3 points are 5-2-1 vs spread. Pitt won last four in series by 26-24-23-10 points.

Michigan (-1.5) shot 56% in 73-64 home win vs Ohio State Jan 3, but Turner was hurt then; Wolverines are 3-7 in last 10 games, but are 4-0 as Big 11 road underdog, losing away games by 6-6-10-15 points. Ohio St. won 11 of last 12 games- they're 4-3 as Big 11 home favorite. Home favorites of 11+ points are 8-11 vs spread in Big 11 games this season.

Old Dominion (+2.5) lost 70-58 at VCU Feb 6, going -7 in turnovers (16-7), but Monarchs are 4-0 in CAA since, and are 3-4-1 as CAA home favorite, winning home games by 21-2-11-23-16-19-16-11 points. Rams lost three of their last four road games. Home faves of 6 or less points are 10-16 against the spread in CAA games this season.

Tennessee (+10) lost 73-62 at Kentucky Feb 13, shooting 38% from the floor, 6-23 from arc; Vols are just 2-3 in last five games, but are 5-1 in its SEC home games, losing to Vandy. Wildcats won their last eight games (5-1 vs spread in last six); they're 5-1 on SEC road, losing only at South Carolina. Home underdogs of 3 or less points are 2-6 vs spread.

Illinois won 11 of last 12 games vs Minnesota; Gophers lost last five in this gym by 28-24-10-9-11 points- they lost five of last six road games, losing by 19-7-3-22-3 points. Illini won six of last eight games, are 1-3 as Big 11 home favorite, winning home games by 6-17-1-2-5 points. Home favorites of 4 or less points are 5-7 vs spread in Big 11 games.

Home side won five of last six Vandy-Arkansas games; Commodores are 0-3 in last three visits here, losing by 9-12-5 points. Vandy won four of last five games, with last three decided by total of 8 points. Home teams are 4-11 vs spread in SEC games when the spread in 2 or less points, no matter who is favored. Arkansas won its last four home games.

Alabama (+7) lost 74-67 at Ole Miss Feb 6, after leading by 20 at half; Tide lost six of last seven games- they're 3-3 at home in SEC. Rebels are 2-5 in last seven games, and were down 20/12 points in the wins. Home favorites of 2 or less points are 2-6 vs spread in SEC games. Rebels lost last three visits to Coleman Coliseum by 6-3-21 points.

Northern Iowa held Illinois State to 38% from floor, outscored them by 13-1 on foul line in 59-44 win in Normal Jan 9; Panthers get C Eglseder back from suspension here; they're 5-3 as MVC home favorite, winning home games by 19-8-2-22-16-3-3-18 points. Home favorites from 8-10 points are 8-2 vs spread. Redbirds won their last six games.

Home team won last 11 Aggie-Longhorn games; Texas lost last five trips to Texas A&M by 11-3-18-17-15 points. A&M (+14) lost 72-67 in OT at Texas Jan 16, after leading by 9 at half; Aggies covered last eight in a row, are 5-1 at home in Big 12, losing only to #1 Kansas. Longhorns are 2-4 in last six on road. Last four A&M games were decided by 5 or less.

California (+4) won 78-70 at Arizona State Jan 28, shooting 51% from floor, 8-20 from arc; last home game for four Cal senior starters- they're 5-1 in last six games, wrap up #1 seed in Pac-10 tourney with win here. ASU won four in row, six of last seven games; favorites covered their last five on road. Pac-10 home faves of 6+ points are 12-21 vs spread.

BYU covered last four games, is 6-1 since losing 76-72 at New Mexico Jan 27 (+1); Cougars are 4-3 as MWC home favorite, winning in Provo by 4-44-15-13-20-43-14 points. Single digit home favorites are 9-11 vs spread in Mountain West games this season. New Mexico won last 12 games-- their last loss was 74-62 January 9 at UNLV.

Georgia is 10-3 vs spread in SEC games, winning four of last five home games; they lost 87-71 at Florida Jan 27 (+10), with -10 turnover ratio. Florida won five of last six SEC games; they're 3-3 on SEC road. Home teams are 4-11 against spread in SEC games when the spread in 2 or less points, no matter who is favored. Florida is 12-1 in last 13 series games.

Home team won five of last six Kansas-Oklahoma State games; Kansas lost two of last three visits here, but is is 13-0 in big 12, but just 1-7 vs spread in last eight games, 2-3-1 as road favorites, winning away games by 12-23-2-6-12-5 points. Home underdogs of 6 or less points are 5-10 vs spread in Big 12 games. Faves are 6-0 vs spread in OSU home tilts.

Home team won six of last seven Maryland-Virginia Tech games; Terps lost last three visits to Blacksburg by 10-1-3 points. Maryland won six of last seven games; they're 3-3 on ACC road. Hokies are 6-0 at home in ACC; after laying egg in Boston Wednesday, they need high profile win like this. Home teams are 2-6 in ACC games where spread is less than 2.

Arizona is 8-4 in last 12 games vs Stanford; Wildcats lost last two trips to Maples by 4-16 points, but beat Stanford 76-68 Jan 28 (-6). Cardinal lost last two home games, scoring 60-61 points; 3-1-1 as a Pac-10 home favorite. Arizona lost three in row, five of last six games. Home favorites of 3 or less points are 8-4 against the spread in Pac-10 games.

Troy won four in row, seven of last eight games; their last six wins were all by 6 or less points, or in OT; Trojans are 1-4 as a Sun Belt road dog, losing away games by 14-2-15-18 points. Arkansas State is 7-1 at home in Sun Belt, winning at home by 8-15-2-2-11-17-7 pts. Home favorites of 4 or less points are 12-8 vs spread in Sun Belt games.

Missouri (-4.5) was 28-43 from foul line in 74-68 win over Kansas State Jan 9 (K-State was 20-30; both teams had 20+ turnovers). Tigers won five of last six games, are 1-1 as Big 12 underdog. Wildcats won last six games, are 2-2 as home favorite, winning home games by 23-9-17-4 pts. Home favorites of 6 or less points are 13-8 vs spread in Big 12 games.

Villanova is 7-2 in last nine games vs Syracuse, winning three of last four visits here (last two by 10-17 points); Wildcats lost two of last three on road; they're 2-1 as an underdog. Syracuse is 2-4-1 as Big East favorite at home, winning in Dome by 17-5-17-17-5 points. Home favorites of 6 or less points are 8-20 against the spread in Big East games.

Washington (-9) outscored Wazzu 56-34 in second half of 92-64 home win vs Coogs Jan 30, but Huskies are just 1-5 on Pac-10 road, with its only win at Stanford. State lost six of last eight games, is 3-6 as a Pac-10 dog, 0-2 at home. Pac-10 home underdogs are 7-9 vs spread; the biggest home dog in any Pac-10 game this season was 7 points, a low number.

Tips and Trends

Villanova Wildcats at Syracuse Orange

Wildcats: Three of the 4 SU losses this season for Villanova have come in their past 6 games. The Wildcats past 2 SU losses have come as the listed favorite. Villanova is 23-4 SU and ranked #7 in the country. Villanova is 11-3 SU and 9-5 ATS in both true road games and neutral court settings this season. Villanova is 2-1 both SU and ATS as the listed underdog this season. Today marks the 2nd time this season that Villanova has been a 5 point underdog this season, with the 1st time against West Virginia. The Wildcats average nearly 84 PPG this season, but are averaging less than 72 PPG over their past 3 games. Villanova allows 72 PPG this season, but allowed a season low 49 PTS in their last game. G Scottie Reynolds continues his Player of the Year type season, averaging a team high 19 PPG this season. Reynolds has struggled against Syracuse his past 2 games, scoring 10 PTS in each contest. F Antonio Pena is an unsung hero for the Wildcats, as he averages 11 PPG and a team high 7.5 RPG this season.

Wildcats are 6-2 ATS last 8 road games.
Over is 5-1 last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Key Injuries - G Corey Stokes (dispolinary) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 74

Orange (-5, O/U 160.5): Pressure will be high today, as the Big East championship is at stake today. This clash tonight is expected to host the largest on campus crowd in college basketball history. Syracuse is 26-2 SU this season, and are one win away from setting the school record's all time regular season SU wins. The Orange are ranked #4 in the nation after starting the season unranked. The Orange are 15-2 SU and 7-6 ATS at home this season. The Orange are 8-2 ATS as a single digit favorite this season. For the entire season, the Orange are a very profitable 17-7 ATS. Syracuse has lost the past 3 games SU to Villanova, twice coming as the listed favorite. The Orange are likely to bounce back today, considering they lost their last home game SU as 7.5 favorites. Today marks the 4th time the Orange have been in a Big East game featuring 2 teams ranked in the Top 10 in the country. Syracuse is 3-0 SU in this situation. F Wesley Johnson averages nearly
16 PPG this season, and is one of 4 starters that shoot better than 50 percent from the field this season for the Orange.

Orange are 6-0 ATS last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 6-1 last 7 games following a S.U. win.

Key Injuries - F Mookie Jones (finger) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 87 (SIDE of the Day)