College Hoops Saturday Betting Action
Doug Upstone
Of course the Super Bowl is coming, but let's take a one day sabbatical before Sunday and sit down and get into college basketball. Of course televised action goes from morning to night and so does your wagering opportunities. Check information on the Big East, A-10, Big Ten, ACC, Mountain West and even a battle for first place in Conference USA, with Memphis not included. Tomorrow is an American institution, however Saturday is all about the orange (Clark Kellogg reference) and sharing the sugar (Steve Lavin reference), make it work for you.
Villanova at Georgetown 12:00E ESPN
While the jury is still out on what kind of pro prospect Scottie Reynolds might be, the senior guard has proven to be an exceptional collegiate basketball player. You can count on one hand the number of times Reynolds has tried to force the action this season and his shooting percentage is at a career high, based on basketball IQ and what the opponent is offering. Hes also tougher than a $3 steak which is why Villanova (20-1, 15-5 ATS) is 10-2 ATS in Saturday road games the last three seasons.
Its actually fairly remarkable Georgetown (16-5, 9-8 ATS) is as good as it is this season. The Hoyas has struck out more the Phillies Ryan Howard when turning to the bench for point production. The cupboard has been bare for Coach John Thompson III, placing a greater burden on his starters to lead the way. If Austin Freeman, Greg Monroe or Chris Wright has an off night (like Wright did in scoring eight points in South Florida loss), especially against the better teams, it is very much like a disconnected cell phone call, everything goes quiet. Someone for the G-Town has to answer or they fall to 1-9 ATS February home games since 2008.
Georgetown is 1-6 and lamentable 0-7 ATS against Nova at home since 1997.
Xavier at Dayton 12:00E ESPN2
The Musketeers (16-6, 14-7 ATS)were not supposed to be as formidable after three A-10 titles, 25 or more wins and two visits to Sweet Sixteen. New coach Chris Mack had to gain the trust of old and new players, however he couldnt have counted on what guard Jamal Crawford would mean to Xavier, who sits atop the conference leaderboard at 8-1. The transfer not only became a YouTube sensation dunking on LeBron James this past summer, but he is the teams leading scorer, on a club that brought back just enough veteran talent to keep them in A-10 contention this season. Xavier is 12-2 ATS playing teams with 60-80 percent win percentage since last year.
The team believed capable of unseating Xavier in 2010 was Dayton; however the Flyers have not been clutch at winning time, losing three conference contests by six total points. Dayton (15-6, 10-8 ATS) has been outscored by over 40 points this season in the final five minutes of regulation play, shooting around 35 percent (43% normally). Daytons strength also turns out to be one its weaknesses. The Flyers have six players averaging six or more points, but lack a go to scorer at crunch time. They are 6-2 ATS against teams with winning records.
Dayton is playing into revenge and is 5-1 SU and ATS as home favorite against Xavier.
Wake Forest at Virginia 12:00E ESPN Full Court
Coming into this years ACC campaign, one of the teams not presumed to compete for the conference crown was Virginia (14-6, 9-6 ATS). Yet past the quarter point of the league schedule, the Cavaliers are right in the mix. How could this be? It starts with new coach Tony Bennett stressing the little things- free throw shooting, assists to turnovers ratio and playing defense out to 25 feet. The older Virginia players have seen the value of this style and like W's. The Cavs are 38-22 ATS at home vs. teams making 45 or percent of shots past the halfway point of season.
Wake Forest (15-5, 9-8 ATS) lost by 20 points at Duke and showed their resolve in knocking out North Carolina 82-69 at Chapel Hill in next outing. If senior Ishmael Smith can continue to put up impressive numbers, the Demon Deacons are going to be a fecund club the rest of the way. Al-Farouq Aminus game is ever-expanding and hes unstoppable near the bucket. If freshmen C.J. Harris and Ari Stewart can be a touch more consistent shooting, they already know center Chas McFarland will do his job in the paint. Wake has to protect the ball, as they are 25-43 ATS in road games when they commit three to seven more turnovers than opponents.
Virginia is 7-3 and 6-4 ATS at Charlottesville against Demon Deacons.
Wisconsin at Michigan 4:00E CBS
Not exactly Game of the Weekend material for the Super Bowl network, but what the heck, Big Ten basketball means eyeballs. Wisconsins margin of error without injured Jon Leuer is smaller than Verne Troyer (Mini-Me). After stern matchups with Purdue and Michigan State, the Badgers head the Ann Arbor to build on fine performance over the Spartans. Trevon Hughes has continued to produce, however sophomore Jordan Taylor and Keaton Nankivil has raised his level of play in Leuers absence and Wisky is 10-5 ATS as a road favorite or pick.
Too their credit, Michigan (11-11, 10-8 ATS) has been beating oddsmakers expectations since January with 8-2 spread mark, nonetheless they have failed to meet their own beliefs. The Wolverines thought they were NCAA tournament ready after last season, but have danced around .500 most of the season instead. More than anything Michigan players lacked the internal commitment to start the season and have given away apparent wins late in games. Ranking last in the Big Ten in rebounding, the Wolverines are 20-43 ATS historically when they grab four to nine fewer boards per game.
The Badgers (17-5, 12-8 ATS) have taken nine of last 10 meetings with 6-4 ATS mark.
BYU at UNLV 4:00E VERSUS
Jimmer Fredette is back! After battling mononucleosis in late December, the junior guard has been lighting up Mountain West foes and is the leading reason why BYU (22-2, 12-9 ATS) has one the finest records in college basketball. The Cougars formula for success is simple; they lead the conference in field goal percentage offense and defense. This is a talented club who understands their roles and plays accordingly. BYU is 15-4 ATS in road games over the last two seasons and 8-0 ATS is February.
UNLV coaches and players understand any chance of winning the conference rests with winning this MWC contest. The Runnin Rebels (18-4, 14-6 ATS) have their deepest team since Lon Kruger arrived, however the loss of starting guard Derrick Jasper to injury will test that belief, especially for all he does. This signals TreVon Willis and Chace Stanback will have to play up a level and UNLV is 7-1 ATS facing teams outscoring their opponents by four or points a game this season.
BYU is 3-10 and 3-7 ATS in Sin City the last dozen years.
Michigan State at Illinois 9:00E ESPN
Michigan State (19-4, 8-14 ATS) is in the featured spotlight for this ESPN prime time affair. Coach Tom Izzo must have a lucky rabbits foot or something, having won a couple of recent Big Ten road games by a single digit until being bounced by the Badgers 67-49 for their first conference loss. Actually Izzos lucky charm is junior Kalin Lucas. The point guard has put the dagger in twice with final seconds baskets and been the ring leader in finding teammates in quality comebacks. Lucas quote - I just think at clutch time, I want to have the ball in my hands. Unfortunately Lucas is game time decision with a sprained ankle. The Spartans are 8-2 ATS as a road favorite of six points or less or pick over the last three seasons.
The problem wont go away by itself and coach Bruce Weber knows it. For Illinois (15-8, 7-13-1 ATS), there is a direct link to leadership and winning. When a Mike Davis, Mike Tisdale or Demetri McCamey assumes the role of leader in any game, the Illini have plenty of fight and either wins or are highly competitive. If this trio becomes a group of shrinking violets, Illinois is doomed for failure. Coach Webber is hoarse from preaching, togetherness, toughness and playing hard, the team just hasnt taken it to heart and is 6-13-1 ATS this season.
The Spartans are 4-6 and 3-7 ATS at Champaign in last 10, but have won and covered previous two.
Tulsa at UTEP 10:00E ESPN2
Sole possession of first place in Conference USA is on the line in this late night affair. With Memphis not the dominant team, opportunities exist for others like Tulsa (18-4, 7-11-1 ATS) and UTEP (16-5, 7-10 ATS), who are both 7-1 in league action. The winner of the conference is not guaranteed a spot in the Big Dance; however they improve their case dramatically. The two studs for the Golden Hurricane are seniors Jerome Jordan and Ben Uzoh and they bailed them out in 73-69 win at Marshall Wednesday night, after trailing the majority of the contest. They will be needed again, however Tulsa is just 2-7-1 ATS on the road.
The Miners have won six straight after knocking off Houston 65-58. UTEP has five players averaging 10 or more points and former Louisville bad boy Derrick Caracter should have a terrific battle with Jordan in the paint. The Miners also have 6'11 Arnett Moultrie to work against the 7'0 Jordan. Both teams score in the 70s and are above average defensively, thus no visible differences in what should a magical night in El Paso for coach Tony Barbee and his club, who has failed to cover their last six home games.
Tulsa has covered last eight meetings (6-2 SU), including previous five at the Don Haskins Center, walking away victorious three times.
Saturday Tip Sheet
By Judd Hall
Super Bowl XLIV is just a day away, but there is more than just football to wager on this weekend. We have a full slate of college basketball on Saturday to help pad our bankroll in preparation of the big game. Let’s take a look at three of those contests.
Villanova at Georgetown – 12:00 p.m. EST, ESPN
Villanova (20-1 straight up, 15-5 against the spread) might be ranked No. 2 in the latest Associated Press poll, but they are giving the Jayhawks a serious run for that top spot right now.
This season is shaping up to be the best for Jay Wright in his eighth year with the Wildcats. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has ‘Nova as one of the four top seeds for the NCAA Tournament. It’s hard not to put them in that spot as they’re sitting atop the Big East Conference – one of the toughest leagues in Division I.
The Wildcats picked up an 81-71 victory over Seton Hall last Tuesday, but failed to cover as 10 ½-point home favorites. It was the first time that they didn’t hook up their backers on the spread in five games. And it was the first time they failed to cover at home all season. Scottie Reynolds paced Villanova with 15 points, four rebounds and five assists.
Georgetown (16-5 SU, 9-8 ATS) was caught in a classic letdown spot in its 72-64 loss to the Bulls as a 13-point home “chalk.” The Hoyas came into last Wednesday’s tilt after dumping Duke at home on Jan. 30, 89-77. There isn’t a real secret as to why G’Town fell against South Florida. Against the Blue Devils, the Hoyas hit 72 percent of their shots. Against USF, they hit only 48 percent from the field.
These two rivals met up on Jan. 17 in Philadelphia, where the Wildcats won 82-77 as 4 ½-point home faves. The combined 159 points easily went ‘over’ the closing total of 146.
Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed the Hoyas as 3 ½-point home favorites.
Villanova has gone 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS when playing in true road tests this year. The ‘over’ has gone 5-1 in those matches.
The Hoyas have been solid at home as well with a 10-2 SU mark. However, they are just 4-5 ATS where it matters most for us. The ‘over’ is 5-4 as well.
Home teams have done well in the last few head-to-head meetings with a 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS record.
Gonzaga at Memphis – 4:00 p.m. EST, ESPN2
Gonzaga (18-4 SU, 9-10 ATS) was desperate to show everyone that its 81-77 loss at San Francisco was a fluke. The Bulldogs did just that by totally annihilating Portland on Thursday night as eight-point home favorites, 76-49. Matt Bouldin took control of the game by scoring 20 points, four rebounds and a pair of helpers.
Memphis (16-6 SU, 6-11 ATS) is officially on the bubble when it comes to making the NCAA Tournament. I guess losses to teams like UTEP and SMU will do that to any team’s chances of making it to the dance. The Tigers are coming into this tilt after beating UAB as 7 ½-point home favorites 85-75.
LVSC have posted the Tigers as four-point home faves.
The Tigers could use a win against the Zags here to improve their chances for postseason play. Luckily they’ve come away with four straight wins against Gonzaga, covering in two of those meetings.
Memphis has fared well at the FedEx Forum, as evidenced by a 12-2 SU record. Unfortunately for gamblers, they are just 4-5 ATS.
The ‘Dogs are a quality look in this matchup this year as they’re 4-2 SU and ATS when playing in true road tests this season. The ‘over’ has also gone 4-2 in those fixtures.
Nebraska at Kansas – 6:00 p.m. EST, ESPNU
A tough season for Nebraska (13-9 SU, 4-9-1 ATS) is getting a whole lot tougher as they’re in the middle of a five-game stretch against nationally ranked programs. The ‘Huskers failed their first test by falling to Kansas State as four-point home pups on Feb. 2, 76-57. Nebraska hit only 42 percent from the field, while losing the turnover (16-12) and rebounding (36-24) battle.
Bettors have learned to fade the Cornhuskers as the season progresses since they’ve gone 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games.
Kansas (21-1 SU, 9-9-1 ATS) is making a habit of cutting it close in league play right now. The Jayhawks were huge 14 ½-point road faves against Colorado, but wound up winning just 72-66 in overtime. Cole Aldrich helped keep KU on the right side of the ledger with his 16 points and 14 boards. This was the second straight game the Jayhawks failed to cover the number. In both of those tilts, Kansas has won its last two games by a total of eight points (two at K-State and six at Colorado).
LVSC obviously isn’t too worried about the close calls for the Jayhawks by listing them as huge 21-point home favorites.
The line makes sense as Kansas won 84-72 in Lincoln as a 12-point road “chalk” on Jan. 13. The combined 156 pushed ‘over’ the closing total of 134.
Kansas has dominated this series recently by going 10-0 and 9-1 ATS in the last 10 head-to-head meetings. The ‘over’ is 5-4-1 in that stretch.
Nebraska doesn’t exactly elicit good feelings about backing them in this spot as they’re 1-5 SU and ATS on the road this season. The ‘under’ is a stellar 5-0 in the Cornhuskers’ road games.
As double-digit road pups, the ‘Huskers are 1-7 SU and 3-5 ATS in that spot since 2006.
The Jayhawks have been as solid at home as you’d expect of a national power, going 13-0 SU and 6-4 ATS in Lawrence. The ‘under’ has shown to be a good wager as well at 6-3 this season.
Kansas is 19-0 SU and 12-6 ATS in its last 19 matches as double digit home “chalk.” The ‘under’ is 12-6 in that stretch as well.
vegasinsider.com
College Hoops Betting TV Guide
By RYAN COLAIANNI
No. 2 Villanova at No. 7 Georgetown (12 p.m. ET, ESPN)
It is amazing what a difference four days makes. After dominating Duke Saturday, Georgetown suffered an embarrassing loss to South Florida. Georgetown shot 60 percent in the first half against South Florida but struggled in the second, shooting just 36 percent. The Hoyas do not have enough depth for players to take nights off.
No. 6 West Virginia at St. John’s (12 p.m. ET, ESPNU)
As if West Virginia needed any more help in Big East Conference play, they received a boost in Wednesday’s win over Pittsburgh. Six-foot-9, 260-pound freshman Deniz Kilicli made his career debut. He scored nine points in just seven minutes. West Virginia destroyed Pittsburgh on the boards, 45-31 and is quietly at 7-2 in conference play, showing it’s just as good as Villanova or Syracuse.
Wake Forest at Virginia (12 p.m. ET, Raycom)
First-year coach Tony Bennett has surprised the ACC with his Virginia team’s start in conference play, streaking out to a 5-2 record. It was his players who were surprised with Bennett in Wednesday night’s win against North Carolina State when he ripped into his team at halftime.
"He doesn't scream a lot; he's usually pretty composed," guard Sammy Zeglinski told the Richmond Times Dispatch. "But our defense was lethargic in the first half, so he let us know about it at halftime."
No. 10 Duke at Boston College (2 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Duke may be the class of the ACC this year but it was exposed in last week’s loss to Georgetown. In what may be the Blue Devils’ lone game against a Top-10 opponent, the Hoyas manhandled the Blue Devils Duke rebounded with a solid 86-67 win over Georgia Tech as 13-point home favorites Thursday.
"They were just able to do whatever they wanted," Duke forward Kyle Singler told the News and Observer about the Hoyas. "They were just sharper with everything, offensively and defensively."
No. 10 Kansas State at Iowa State (2 p.m. ET, ESPN2)
In previous years, a heartbreaking loss to Kansas would cause Kansas State to go into a tailspin. Following an overtime loss to KU last week, Kansas State responded with a dominant win over Nebraska Wednesday for its third straight road victory.
"The best thing about playing in a season when you're a good team and you don't win a game is you're excited about going on the floor and playing again. The best elixir for a loss is another game,” Kansas State coach Frank Martin told the Manhattan Mercury.
No. 19 Temple at Richmond (2 p.m. ET, ESPNU)
With a game against Richmond, that may decide the Atlantic 10 regular season title, looming, Temple came out flat against Duquesne Wednesday, finding itself down by seven points in the early minutes. Temple responded to take an eight-point lead at halftime and eventually blew open the game to win by 16 points. Temple grabbed the win through solid play from its bench, getting 25 points from the reserves in just the first half and 39 points for the game.
No. 16 Wisconsin at Michigan (4 p.m. ET, CBS)
Following Wisconsin’s big win over Michigan State Tuesday, MSU head coach Tom Izzo had some high praise for Wisconsin, saying that it was the best team he had faced all year. Wisconsin is quietly accumulating impressive wins, going 3-2 against teams ranked in the Top 10.
"If that's the best we played, hopefully we can still get better. But this is a good time to start playing well," junior forward Keaton Nankivil told the Wisconsin State Journal.
No. 9 Texas at Oklahoma (4 p.m. ET, ESPN)
With Texas losing three of its first four games after being ranked No. 1 in the country, it found a surprising scorer in Monday’s win over Oklahoma State. Freshman Jordan Hamilton came off the bench to score a career high 27 points including five 3-point buckets.
"Jordan is really learning how to play now," Texas coach Rick Barnes told the Associated Press. "He's so competitive, if he misses a shot, he wants to get it and go try to make up for it. He's got a scorer's mentality.
South Carolina at No. 14 Tennessee (6 p.m. ET, ESPN)
When Tennessee faces South Carolina Saturday, it does so knowing that it has to stop one player - guard Devan Downey. The problem for Vols coach Bruce Pearl and the rest of the coaches in the SEC is that it has been nearly impossible to even slow down Downey. Downey has scored 30 or more points in five of his seven SEC games.
"He obviously is in a complete and total zone," Pearl told The State. "He does whatever he wants to do on the basketball floor. No individual on the floor or team has been able to stop him."
Nebraska at No. 1 Kansas (6 p.m. ET, ESPNU)
Kansas came into Wednesday’s game against Colorado shooting nearly 73 percent from the free-throw line. Kansas then went 18-of-38 from the foul line and needed overtime just to beat a struggling Colorado team.
“It had to be the altitude,” Kansas guard Sherron Collins joked to the Lawrence Journal-World.
No. 5 Michigan State at Illinois (9 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Michigan State started Big Ten Conference play 9-0 but it lost more than just the game to Wisconsin Tuesday. The Spartans may have lost star Kalin Lucas to a serious ankle injury. Lucas went down midway through the second half and did not return. X-rays were negative but it is not known if Lucas will be available against Illinois.
Tips and Trends
Villanova Wildcats at Georgetown Hoyas
Wildcats: Villanova has more than earned their loftly #2 national ranking this season. Villanova is an impressive 20-1 SU this season, with only a loss at Temple keeping them from perfection. The Wildcats are playing their best basketball of the season in league play, as they are 9-0 SU. Villanova is 15-5 ATS this season, with all but 1 of their games coming as the listed favorite. Today will mark only the 2nd game this season that Villanova is the listed underdog. The Wildcats are 10-1 SU and 8-3 ATS in both true road games and neutral court games this season. Villanova has a prolific offense, as they've scored more than 80 PTS in 6 straight games. 9 of the 20 games Villanova has played, they've scored 90 PTS or more. 6 different players averaged double digit in PTS, led by star G Scottie Reynolds. Reynolds averages 18.5 PPG, including 2 made 3 pointers per game. Reynolds had 27 PTS against Georgetown 3 weeks ago in an 82-77 win.
Villanova is 5-0 ATS last 5 road games.
Over is 7-1 last 8 road games.
Key Injuries - None.
PROJECTED SCORE: 80 (OVER - Total of the Day)
Hoyas (-2, O/U 151): Georgetown has been on a roller coaster ride the past 3 games, reaching the ultimate in highs and the lowest of lows in an 11 day span. The Hoyas lost SU by 17 PTS to Syracuse, then followed that loss up with a thrashing of Duke 89-77. In their latest game, the Hoyas lost SU to South Florida 64-72 as -12.5 favorites. The Hoyas are 16-5 SU on the season, earning themselves a #7 national ranking. The Hoyas are 10-2 SU and 5-4 ATS at home this season. Georgetown is 4-2 ATS as a single digit favorite this season. The Hoyas have yet to win more than 2 games in a row ATS this season. Georgetown is 3-1 ATS coming off a SU loss in their previous game this season. All 5 Hoyas starters average at least 8 PPG this season. G Austin Freeman and C Greg Monroe pace the Hoyas, combining for nearly 32 PPG, 13.5 RPG, and 5.5 APG this season. The Hoyas have allowed an average of nearly 74 PPG over their past 3 contests.
Georgetown is 7-21 ATS last 28 vs. Big East.
Over is 5-0 last 5 games following a SU loss.
Key Injuries - F Nikita Mescheriakov (personal) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 78
Texas Longhorns at Oklahoma Sooners
Longhorns (-6.5, O/U 148): Texas is still ranked in the Top 10 in the country, despite losing 3 of their past 5 games SU. Texas started the season 17-0 SU, before their recent struggles. The Longhorns have enjoyed recent success against Oklahoma, having won 7 of the past 8 meetings SU between the two. The Longhorns are 7-2 SU and 4-5 ATS in both true road games and neutral court games. Texas is 4-3 ATS as a single digit favorite this season. Despite their overall success this season, the Longhorns have only won once ATS in their past 9 games. Texas has scored 72 PTS or more in 19 of their 21 games this season. Texas averages nearly 85 PPG this season, with F Damion James leading the way with 18 PPG. James also leads Texas in rebounding, averaging 11 RPG. G Jordan Hamilton averages 9.3 PPG this season, but is coming off his best performance of the season. Hamilton scored 27 PTS in beating Oklahoma St on the road.
Longhorns are 2-10-1 ATS last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 16-7 last 23 games following a SU win.
Key Injuries - G Shawn Williams (ankle) is out.
G Varez Ward (knee) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 74
Sooners: Oklahoma has lost 3 of their past 4 games SU, with all 3 being league games away from home. Oklahoma is a completely different team at home, as they are 10-0 SU this season. The Sooners have won 31 of their past 32 home games SU, so clearly this team enjoys a true home court advantage. The Sooners are 12-9 SU and 7-11 ATS for the season, and stands at 3-4 SU in conference play this season. The Sooners are 4-3 ATS at home this season, with today marking only the 2nd time this season Oklahoma will be the listed underdog at home. The Sooners are 3-4 ATS as the listed underdog so far this season, with 2 wins SU in that specific span. 4 Sooners average double digits for Oklahoma, with G Willie Warren leading the way with 16.8 PPG. Guards Tommy Mason-Griffin and Tony Crocker combine to average 24.5 PPG, with nearly 4 three pointers made per game combined. The Sooners have held 4 of their past 6 opponents to 65 PTS of fewer.
Sooners are 9-4 ATS last 13 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 6-1 last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Key Injuries - None.
PROJECTED SCORE: 73 (Side of the Day)
CBB Streaks, Notes, Trends
Villanova at Georgetown
Nothing like momentum. When teams have their act together and play well, they have a tendency to do it over-over again. Stick with Nova when they visit Georgetown. Cats love roaming, they're 10-1 (8-3 ATS) away from Wachovia Center. Cats have not only padded betting accounts 18 times the past 24 games, they've clawed past 18-of-20 Big East opponents (14-6 ATS). On the other hand, Hoyas have not been attractive investments in front of the home crowd (5-11 ATS) nor against teams with a winning record above .600 (8-17-1 ATS). Hoyas have also struggled cashing tickets in conference play (7-21 ATS).
Duke at Boston College
The Up-Down Dookies behind Kyle Singler's career highs 30 points got past Georgia Tech 86-67 Thursday and now head on the road to Boston College. Duke caught in a short turn-around along with it's road shortcomings will have a 'Devil-OF-A-Time' covering against rested Eagles. Duke has managed only two wins away from the Cameron Crazies this year (2-4 ATS) and just five the past thirteen on the road (4-8-1 ATS). Duke has won 9-of-10 meetings but spread-wise Blue Devils failed miserably going 2-6-1 against-the-oddsmaker running the hardwood vs Eagles.
Baylor at Texas A&M
Bears opening conference action 2-3 have suddenly found traction in the Big XII defeating Longhorns 80-77 as 9 point dogs and most recently Cyclones (84-63) as 11.5 point favorites. College Station is a difficult place to play, the Aggies will be tough but if Bears can force a low-scoring game (2nd in BIG 12 FG% Defense) the cash could roll in. Bears are a profitable 11-2 ATS last 13 overall, 6-1 ATS away from Waco, 5-1 ATS last 6 in College Station. Keep in mind, the DOG is 11-1 ATS last 12 meetings.
(2) Villanova (20-1, 15-5 ATS) at (7) Georgetown (16-5, 9-8 ATS)
The red-hot Wildcats hit the highway for a big-time Big East battle against Georgetown at the Verizon Center.
Villanova opened the season with a nine-game win streak, stubbed its toe at in-city rival Temple, and has since reeled off 11 consecutive victories, going a stout 9-2 ATS in that stretch. On Tuesday, the Wildcats dropped Seton Hall 81-71, falling just short as a 10½-point home favorite. ‘Nova is averaging a whopping 85.0 ppg, second-best in the nation, scoring 81 or more nine times during its current 11-game run. The Wildcats surrender 70.5 ppg.
Georgetown sandwiched its win and cover against visiting Duke last Saturday between a pair of losses – on Jan. 25 at Syracuse and Wednesday’s shocking 72-64 home loss to South Florida as a 12½-point chalk. Georgetown is putting up 72.5 ppg for the season, shooting a searing 50.3 percent from the floor (third nationally), while allowing 63.2 ppg. At home, the Hoyas are even better, averaging 75.6 ppg and shooting 52.3 percent.
Villanova held off Georgetown 82-77 as a 4½-point home favorite three weeks ago, ending a 5-0 SU tear by the Hoyas in this rivalry (4-1 ATS). The Wildcats are 6-2 ATS on their last eight trips to D.C., and the SU winner is on a 9-1 ATS run in the last 10 meetings.
The Wildcats, who have the second-best ATS mark in the nation, are on pointspread rolls of 18-6 overall, 5-0 on the highway, 5-1 after a SU win, 4-1 after a spread-cover, 5-1 against winning teams and 5-1 in the Big East. The Hoyas are 6-1 ATS in their last seven after a non-cover and 4-ATS in their last five following a SU loss, but they are on ATS purges of 5-11 on their home floor, 7-21 in conference action and 4-9-1 on Saturday.
Villanova is on “over” streaks of 12-3 overall, 7-1 on the road, 11-3 after a SU win and 6-2 in the Big East, and Georgetown sports “over” stretches of 6-2 overall, 4-1 at home, 5-2 in the Big East, 5-0 after a SU loss and 4-0 after a non-cover. The over also hit in last month’s matchup between these two. However, the total has stayed low in five of the last seven meetings overall and six of the last seven at Georgetown.
ATS ADVANTAGE: VILLANOVA
Mississippi State (16-6, 10-7 ATS) at Florida (16-6, 10-7 ATS)
The surging Gators pursue their sixth win in seven games when they play host to Mississippi State at the O’Connell Center in an SEC contest.
The Bulldogs have dropped three of their last four games (2-2 ATS), falling at Vanderbilt 75-72 Wednesday as a 5½-point pup, though they cashed for the second straight contest after an 0-4 ATS skid. For the year, Mississippi State has outscored opponents by about 12 ppg (73.4-61.7), but those numbers tighten considerably on the road (67.1-66.6) and over their last five games (66.0-64.8).
Florida nearly upset Tennessee last Sunday, coming up just short in a 61-60 road loss that halted a four-game win streak, though it covered as an 8½-point road pup. However, the Gators bounced right back Thursday with a one-point win of their own, edging Alabama 66-65 as a two-point road ‘dog. On the home court, Florida is averaging 73.8 ppg on 44.3 percent shooting, while giving up just 58.6 ppg on 39.6 percent shooting.
Mississippi State has cashed in four straight meetings (all as an underdog) and six of the last seven in this rivalry (4-3 SU), winning the last two outright. Two years ago, the Bulldogs notched a 68-59 road upset catching 3½ points, and last year, they won 80-71 at home as a one-point ‘dog.
The Gators are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven at home, but they are otherwise on pointspread upswings of 5-1 overall (all in SEC play), 4-1 against winning teams, 6-2 after a spread-cover and 8-3 coming off a SU win. The Bulldogs are on ATS rolls of 10-4 on the road, 9-4 in the SEC, 11-3 after a spread-cover, 4-1 after a SU loss, 12-5 against winning teams and 35-17 on Saturday.
The under for Florida is on runs of 14-5 overall, 5-1 on Saturday, 8-2 after a spread-cover, 25-9-1 after a SU win and 10-3 in Gainesville. Likewise, the under for MSU is on streaks of 8-3-1 on the highway and 9-4-1 against teams with a winning percentage above .600.
ATS ADVANTAGE: FLORIDA and UNDER
(19) Temple (19-4, 14-9 ATS) at Richmond (17-6, 11-8 ATS)
The Owls, winners of eight of their past nine starts, travel to Richmond’s Robins Center for an Atlantic 10 tilt.
Temple has bounced back nicely from its 74-64 loss at Charlotte as a 1½-point chalk Jan. 27, posting a pair of SU and ATS wins at home, including Wednesday’s 76-60 rout of Duquesne as a 12½-point chalk. Temple averages a modest 65.4 ppg, riding its rigid defense to success in allowing 57.0 ppg (sixth nationally) on just 38 percent shooting (10th), including holding foes to just 27.4 percent from three-point range (fifth).
Richmond has won five of its last six contests (3-3 ATS), including Wednesday’s 68-58 victory at St. Joe’s as a 4½-point favorite for its third consecutive SU and ATS win, following a four-game ATS skid. The Spiders are averaging 71.6 ppg on 45.1 percent shooting at home this year, while allowing just 57.5 ppg on 37.7 percent shooting.
Richmond has covered the last two meetings in this rivalry (1-1 SU), after a 3-0 SU and ATS run by Temple. The Spiders won 64-58 at home two years ago getting three points, then lost 74-65 on the road last season, but cashed as an 11½-point pup. The visitor is 5-2 ATS in the last seven matchups, and the SU winner is 9-1 ATS in the last 10.
The Owls have failed to cover in four of their last five roadies and six of their last eight Saturday outings, but they still carry positive pointspread streaks of 34-16-1 against winning teams and 37-18-1 against A-10 opponents. The Spiders, meanwhile, are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 Saturday starts, but they are in pointspread ruts of 1-4 at home and 7-16 in Richmond against teams with a winning road record.
The under for Temple is on surges of 21-10-1 overall, 4-1 against winning teams, 7-2-1 on Saturday, 9-3-1 on the road, 21-7-1 after a spread-cover and 13-6 in league play. Similarly, Richmond is on “under” sprees of 6-0 overall (all in the A-10), 5-0 at home, 4-0 after a SU win, 6-1 on Saturday and 4-1 against winning teams. Finally, in this rivalry, the total has stayed low in six of the last eight meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Clemson (16-6, 10-9 ATS) at Virginia Tech (17-4, 8-7 ATS)
Virginia Tech aims to remain perfect at home when it squares off with the Tigers in an ACC meeting at Cassell Coliseum.
Clemson bounced back from a three-game SU and ATS skid in the perennially tough ACC, topping Maryland 62-53 as a 3½-point home favorite Sunday. For the season, the Tigers have outscored opponents by 12 ppg (74.8-62.7), and they average 72.4 ppg while giving up 64.9 on the highway. However, in their last five outings overall – all in conference – they’ve been outscored by about a bucket per game (64.8-63.0).
The Hokies dumped rapidly sliding North Carolina 74-70 Thursday night as a 3½-point home favorite for their fourth win in their last five games (2-2 ATS in lined contests) while also improving to 11-0 SU at home. In building that perfect record at Cassell Coliseum, Virginia Tech has outscored foes by a tick over 20 ppg (74.5-54.4) while outshooting visitors 45.6 percent to 35.8 percent.
Clemson has won four of the last five meetings in this rivalry (3-2 ATS), though Va-Tech earned an 80-77 road upset last year catching 10 points. The road team has cashed in the last seven clashes, and the ‘dog is on a 7-1 ATS run.
The Hokies sport positive ATS streaks of 8-3 overall, 4-1 at home and 7-3 against winning teams. Conversely, the Tigers are on spread-covering skids of 1-4 overall (all in the ACC), 0-4 on the road, 2-8-1 on Saturday and 1-4 against winning teams.
Va-Tech is on “over” tears of 11-4 overall, 6-2 in Blacksburg, 5-0 against winning teams, 11-4 after a spread-cover and 19-7 after a SU win, and the over is 5-0-1 in Clemson’s last six against winning teams. In addition, in this rivalry, the over is on a 5-0-1 surge. However, the Tigers are on “under” runs of 7-2 overall, 6-2 in ACC action, 12-2 on Saturday and 4-1 after a SU win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: VIRGINIA TECH
(17) Gonzaga (18-4, 10-8-1 ATS) at Memphis (16-6, 6-11 ATS)
Gonzaga steps away from the West Coast Conference with a lengthy road trip to the FedEx Forum to take on the Tigers out of Conference USA.
The Zags were dealt a stunning 81-77 overtime loss at San Francisco last Saturday as a hefty 12-point favorite, halting a nine-game winning streak. But they bounced back big time on Thursday with a 76-49 pounding of Portland giving nine points, ending a four-game ATS slide. The Bulldogs have averaged 78.9 ppg while allowing 70.0 ppg this season, and in their last five starts, they’ve upped that margin by nearly two points (80-69.4).
Memphis broke open a tie game with less than four minutes to play on Wednesday against Alabama-Birmingham, pulling away for an 85-75 victory as a 7½-point favorite to improve to 3-1 SU and ATS in its last four starts. The spread-covering roll comes on the heels of a nine-game ATS drought. Over the past five games, the Tigers have averaged an even 80 ppg and given up 69.4 ppg, and on their home floor this season, they are outscoring foes by almost 21 ppg (80.6-59.7).
These two perennial NCAA Tournament participants have met each of the last four years, with Memphis going 4-0 SU (2-2 ATS). Last year, the Tigers rolled 68-50 on the road as a four-point pup, and two seasons ago, they posted an 81-73 home win, falling short as a hefty 13-point favorite.
The Bulldogs have dropped four of their last five ATS decisions and are in an 0-4 ATS rut following a SU win, but they remain on pointspread upticks of 5-0 against winning teams, 5-1 after a spread-cover, 3-1-1 outside the West Coast Conference and 5-2 against Conference USA foes. The Tigers are on an 18-8 ATS roll against winning teams, though they shoulder negative ATS streaks of 3-10 overall in lined action, 0-5 in non-conference action, 1-8 after a SU win and 1-6 on Saturday.
The over is on a bundle of runs for Gonzaga, including 23-7 overall, 14-4 on the highway, 21-6 after a SU win, 6-1 after a spread-cover 16-5 in non-conference play and 4-1 on Saturday. The over has also hit in five of Memphis’ last six starts overall and four of its last five following a spread-cover.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
(12) BYU (22-2, 12-9 ATS) at UNLV (18-4, 14-6 ATS)
Streaking Brigham Young makes the road trip to the Thomas & Mack Center for a Mountain West Conference clash with the Rebels.
The Cougars fell at New Mexico 76-72 as a 1½-point pup on Jan. 27, their only loss in their last 18 games. BYU has since bounced back by dropping Utah 82-69 last Saturday, coming up just short as a 13½-point home chalk, and routing Texas Christian 76-56 Tuesday, draining a three-pointer in the waning seconds to narrowly cover as a 19-point home favorite. BYU averages 82.7 ppg (seventh nationally) while allowing 63.0, and Dave Rose’s troops also rate in the top 10 in field-goal shooting (49.3 percent, 10th), three-point success (42 percent, third) and free-throw shooting (77.4 percent, first).
Since suffering an upset home loss to Utah in mid-January, UNLV has won four in a row (3-1 ATS), including Wednesday’s 78-50 rout of Wyoming as an 8½-point road favorite. Over their last five games, the Rebels have averaged 73.2 ppg while allowing 63.0 ppg, shooting a torrid 51.2 percent in that stretch and holding the opposition to just 39.9 percent.
UNLV has gone 5-2 SU and ATS in its last seven clashes with BYU, losing 77-73 last month on the road, but covering as a 7½-point underdog. Last year in Vegas, the Rebels eked out a 75-74 win, with BYU cashing as a 1½-point pup. UNLV is 9-3 ATS in the last dozen meetings overall and 5-1 ATS in the last six at the Thomas & Mack.
The Cougars are on ATS rolls of 4-1 on the road, 4-1 on Saturday, 4-1 against winning teams, 13-5 coming off a spread-cover and 5-2 after a SU win. Likewise, the Rebels – rated 10th nationally ATS – are on spread-covering runs of 9-3 overall, 5-0 against winning teams, 6-2 in conference play and 7-1 at home against teams with a winning road mark.
BYU is on handful of “under” streaks, including 6-1 overall (all in the MWC), 7-3 on the highway, 6-0 after a SU win, 4-0 after an ATS victory and 7-2 on Saturday. The over, though, has hit in the Cougars’ last four starts against winning teams, and UNLV is on “over” tears of 8-3 at home, 4-0 against winning teams and 4-1 on Saturday. Finally, in this rivalry, the total has gone high in 12 of the last 14 contests overall (4-0 last four) and seven of the last eight in Vegas.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNLV and OVER
(20) Baylor (17-4, 11-3 ATS) at Texas A&M (16-6, 10-8 ATS)
Texas A&M hopes to build on this week’s upset victory at Missouri when it welcomes the 20th-ranked Bears to Reed Arena in College Station, Texas.
Baylor followed up last Saturday’s 80-77 overtime win over Texas as a nine-point underdog with Wednesday’s 84-63 rout of Iowa State, easily covering as an 11½-point home favorite. The Bears, who have scored at least 70 points in 13 consecutive games, are 5-3 SU and 6-2 ATS in Big 12 contests, including 1-2 on the road (2-1 ATS). They’ve cashed in seven of nine road/neutral-site games, where they average 75 ppg on 49.6 percent shooting.
The Aggies stunned Missouri 77-74 as a 9½-point road underdog Wednesday, snapping the Tigers’ 32-game home winning streak. Texas A&M has won four of its last five games (all in conference), and it has followed up an 0-3 ATS slide with back-to-back spread-covers. The Aggies are 12-0 at home this season – outscoring visitors by 17 ppg (75-58) – but just 4-4 ATS in lined action. Going back to last season, A&M is on a 15-game home winning streak, going 7-0 SU and 5-2 ATS when hosting conference foes.
These squads split their season series last year, with Texas A&M winning 84-73 as a 1½-point home underdog and the Bears prevailing 72-68, but coming up just short as a 5½-point home pup. The Aggies have cashed in each of the last three series clashes, and the underdog is 11-1 ATS in the last 12 contests (5-0 ATS in the last five). Finally, Baylor ended a 5-0 spread-covering run at Reed Arena with last year’s loss as a road favorite.
Baylor is riding pointspread streaks of 11-2 overall, 6-1 on the highway, 4-1 in Big 12 play, 7-2 after a SU victory, 6-2 after a spread-cover, 6-0 on Saturday and 10-2 against winning teams. The Aggies have cashed in four of their last five on Saturday, but are 2-7 ATS in their last nine when coming off an outright victory.
The high-scoring Bears are on “over” runs of 8-1 overall, 4-0 on the road, 7-0 in Big 12 action, 6-0 after a SU victory and 5-1 on Saturday. Also, the last five battles between these rivals in College Station have topped the total. Conversely, the under is 5-1 in A&M’s last six at home and 4-1 in its last five on Saturday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BAYLOR and OVER
South Carolina (13-8, 8-10 ATS) at (14) Tennessee (17-4, 8-9-1 ATS)
Tennessee shoots for its sixth straight victory over the Gamecocks when these SEC rivals both put modest two-game winning streaks on the line at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville.
South Carolina ended a three-game losing streak on Jan. 23 in stunning fashion, handing top-ranked Kentucky its first loss of the season with a 68-62 triumph as a seven-point home underdog. The Gamecocks followed that up last Saturday by rallying for a 78-77 victory over Georgia, falling short as a seven-point home underdog. They’re 4-3 SU and 3-4 ATS in conference, but they lost their last two road games to SEC foes Ole Miss (66-57 as an 8½-point underdog) and Florida (58-56, cashing as a six-point pup).
After barely holding off Florida at home on Sunday 61-60, the Volunteers went to lowly LSU on Thursday and nearly blew a double-digit second half lead, surviving 59-54. However, they failed to cover as a 6½-point road chalk, so Tennessee is in a four-game spread-covering slump and is 1-5 ATS in its last six contests (all within the SEC). Bruce Pearl’s team is 11-1 at Thompson-Boling this season, averaging 83.3 ppg (48.9 percent shooting) and allowing 65.2 ppg (38 percent), yet it is just 4-5 ATS in lined home games.
Tennessee has won five in a row in this series (3-2 ATS). Last year, it held off the ‘Cocks 82-79 in Knoxville, falling way short as a nine-point favorite, then went to South Carolina six weeks later and cruised to an 86-70 win as a two-point road underdog. In this series, the pup is on ATS runs of 3-0, 6-2 and 9-3, with the Gamecocks covering in four of their last five trips to Knoxville.
South Carolina is 37-17-1 ATS in its last 55 road games, but it is 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 on Saturday and 1-6 ATS in its last seven when coming off a victory. Meanwhile, in addition to its current four-game pointspread drought, Tennessee has failed to cover in four of its last five on Saturday and is 1-5-1 ATS in its last seven after a non-cover.
The under is on a 5-1-1 roll in this rivalry. Additionally, South Carolina carries “under” trends of 18-7-1 overall, 5-1 on the highway, 7-2-1 in SEC play and 5-1-1 against winning teams, while the Vols sport low-scoring streaks of 17-7 overall, 4-1 at home, 6-2 in conference, 4-0 against winning teams and 17-5 after a SU win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
(5) Michigan State (19-4, 8-14 ATS) at Illinois (15-8, 8-14 ATS)
The Spartans try to rebound from their first conference loss of the season when they travel to Assembly Hall in Champaign for a Big Ten battle with surging Illinois.
Michigan State got off to a slow start at Wisconsin on Tuesday and never recovered, getting blown out 67-49 as a two-point road underdog. The defeat snapped the Spartans’ 10-game winning streak, the last nine of which came against Big Ten opponents in what was the best start to a conference season in school history. Adding injury to insult, star point guard Kalin Lucas had to be carried off the floor in the second half of Tuesday’s loss because of a badly sprained ankle, and he’s questionable for tonight’s contest.
Since covering the spread in its first four league games, Michigan State is 1-5 ATS, including consecutive non-covers on the road. Also, Tom Izzo’s troops are now 6-4 SU and 4-6 ATS in road/neutral-site contests, but 4-1 (3-2 ATS) in Big Ten roadies.
The Illini have followed up a three-game losing skid with three straight victories, most recently pounding Iowa 57-49 as a 4½-point road underdog on Wednesday. Illinois, which started the conference season with a three wins in a row, are now 6-3 in the Big Ten but just 4-5 ATS, including 3-1 SU and 1-3 ATS at home, with the lone SU setback being an 84-78 defeat to then-No. 13 Purdue in a pick-em contest last month. The Illini are 11-1 this season at Assembly Hall, but just 4-7 ATS.
The Spartans ran their winning streak over Illinois to five in a row with a 73-63 rout at home on Jan. 16, but Illinois got inside the number as an 11½-point underdog. In fact, the teams have split the cash in their last 10 meetings, with the underdog covering in the last three and the visitor going 4-0 ATS in the last four.
Although it has failed to cover in five of its last six games, Michigan State is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 games after a loss and 11-5 ATS in its last 16 Saturday contests. The Illini sport several negative ATS trends, including 4-9 overall, 1-5 at home, 1-6 against winning teams, 2-5 after a SU win, 7-18-1 after a non-cover and 1-7 after a non-cover.
These teams have stayed under the total in seven of their last eight meetings overall and seven of the last eight clashes in Illinois. Additionally, Michigan State is riding “under” trends of 7-2 overall, 4-0 on the road, 16-5 in Big Ten action and 5-1 versus winning teams. On the other hand, the Illini are on “over” streaks of 19-7 overall, 10-2 at home, 4-1 in league play and 7-2 on Saturday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Arizona State (16-7, 9-10 ATS) at Washington (15-7, 6-15 ATS)
Arizona State shoots for a two-game weekend sweep in Washington when it visits to the Huskies, who are seeking their fourth consecutive win overall and third straight Pac-10 victory.
The Sun Devils had little trouble at Washington State on Thursday, topping the Cougars 81-70 as a 2½-point road favorite. Since starting conference play with consecutive road losses to USC and UCLA, Arizona State has won five of its last seven games SU and ATS, going 3-0 SU and ATS on the road during this stretch. The SU winner has covered the spread in each of the team’s last 11 games, including all 10 of its Pac-10 contests.
Washington has won three in a row and five of its last seven, with all five wins coming at home (3-1 ATS in lined contests). On Thursday, the Huskies earned a tough 81-75 victory over Arizona, but fell short as a 10-point favorite. That victory came on the heels of last Saturday’s 92-64 rout of Washington State as a nine-point home chalk, with Washington outscoring its instate rivals 56-24 in the second half. Lorenzo Romar’s team is 15-1 at home (6-9 ATS), compared with 0-6 SU and ATS away from Seattle.
The Huskies’ average margin of victory at home is 20 ppg, as they’re averaging 86.8 ppg and allowing 68.8 ppg in front of their fans, and prior to Thursday’s six-point win over Arizona, Washington had scored four straight double-digit home wins (three against Pac-10 rivals). As for Arizona State, it has split its eight games away from home (both SU and ATS), netting 66.3 ppg and yielding 64 ppg.
These teams met a month ago in Tempe, Ariz., and the Sun Devils rolled 68-51 as a four-point home favorite, improving to 4-1 ATS in their last five against the Huskies. Arizona State also defeated Washington 75-65 as a one-point chalk in last year’s Pac-10 tournament, so it has won two in a row in this series after losing 12 of the previous 13 clashes going back to 2003-2004. The Sun Devils are 1-6 SU in their last seven in Seattle, but they’ve cashed in four of their last five visits to Bank of American Arena. In fact, the visitor is on a 5-1 ATS roll in this rivalry.
Arizona comes into this contest armed with ATS hot streaks of 6-2 overall (all in conference), 4-1 versus winning teams and 4-1 after both a SU and ATS win. On the flip side, the Huskies are mired in pointspread funks of 6-16 overall, 3-8 in the Pac-10, 5-12 against winning teams, 4-12 after a SU victory and 1-5 after a non-cover.
These teams have topped the total in four of their last five meetings. Also, Washington is on “over” upticks of 27-11 overall, 18-7 at home, 27-8 in Pac-10 action, 20-6 after a SU victory and 17-8 on Saturday, while the Sun Devils have gone high in six straight overall (all in conference), five of six on the road, four of five versus winning teams and five of seven on Saturday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ARIZONA STATE and OVER
NCAAB News and Notes
Saturday, February 6
Information on the best of Saturday's college basketball games........
Providence lost four of last five games, skid that started with 93-63 loss to Marquette (+9) three weeks ago; Eagles shot 61% from floor, made 13-21 treys in game. Friars are 2-2 at home in Big East, beating Rutgers and UConn, losing to Louisville, So Florida- they're 3-4 as Big East dog. Marquette is 1-4 on Big East road (games decided by 1-2-1-5-2 pts).
Villanova (-6) beat Georgetown 82-77 Jan 17, game they led by 15 at the half; Hoyas shot just 39% for game. Wildcats are 9-0 in Big East; only one of their four road wins is by less than 8 points- they're 1-0 as a dog this season. Hoyas beat Duke last Saturday, then lost to South Florida during week, their first loss in five Big East home games.
Xavier (-5) beat Dayton 78-74 Jan 16 after trailing by 3 at half; they hit 10-19 from arc in game, blocked 10 Flyer shots in holding them to 37% from floor. Dayton is 0-3 in A-14 games decided by less than six points; they're 2-1 at home in A-14, 1-2 as home favorite. Xavier won, covered its last four games; favorites are 8-1 vs spread in their A-14 games.
Virginia (+5.5) was down 34-15 at half in 69-57 loss at Wake Forest Jan 23 that was Cavs' first in ACC after three wins; UVa shot 34% for game, was outscored 20-8 on foul line- they're 3-1 as ACC home favorite, with home wins by 7-18-12 points. Wake won three of last four games; they are 2-2 as ACC road dog, losing away games by 1-20-21 points.
Mississippi State beat Florida last two years, by 9-9 points; Gators lost two of last three visits here. Bulldogs lost three of last four games, losing last three road games by 5-5-3 points- dogs covered five of their seven SEC games. Florida won five of last six games, with three of its last four decided by 1 or 2 points. Gators won last three at home by 14-2-16.
Richmond won last three games by 5-26-10 points, allowing 50.3 ppg-- they're 1-3 as Atlantic 14 home favorite, winning at home by 7-4-26 pts with a loss to Charlotte. Temple won eight of last nine games since loss at Kansas Jan 2; Owls are 4-2 vs spread as a dog this year, 1-1 in A-14. Home team is 6-2 vs spread in Temple's A-14 games this season.
Gonzaga crushed WCC rival Portland late Thursday; they're making 4th trip east of Mississippi this year (they also took Maui trip). Bulldogs are 4-1 vs spread as an underdog. Memphis is 3-2 in last five games, 3-1 vs spread in last four home games. C-USA home favorites are 23-15 vs spread in non-conference games. WCC road underdogs are 16-22.
Not only did Old Dominion lose to VCU in CAA semis LY, Monarchs lost five of last six visits here, losing by 17-6-5-4-6 pointd. ODU is 9-1 in last 10 games overall, losing last road game at Northeastern- they are 4-2 on CAA, also losing to Mason. Rams won three in row, seven of last eight games- they're 3-3 as home favorite, winning by 34-13-22-49-16.
Underdog covered last eight Clemson-Virginia Tech games; Tigers won four of last five series games, winning last three visits here, as road team won five of last six in series. Hokies held off North Carolina Thursday; they're 3-0 at home in ACC this year, winning by 15-1-4 points. Tigers are 1-3 on ACC road, winning at NC State, losing by 21-2-6 points.
UCLA won four of last five games; they upset Cal 76-75 (+15) Jan 6, in game where Cal made just 2-18 from arc (UCLA was 9-20). UCLA won four of six Pac-10 home games, losing to Arizona/USC, winning by 2-1-12-4 points-- underdogs are 7-3 vs spread in their Pac-10 games. Cal lost its last two games; they're 2-3 on Pac-10 road, beating Wazzu, ASU.
Texas won seven of last eight games vs Oklahoma, with favorites 4-0 vs spread in last four; they split last six visits to Norman. Longhorns split last four games overall, are 1-5 vs spread as Big 12 favorite- they're 1-1 as road favorite, winning by 7 at Iowa State, Oklahoma St by 12. OU is 1-3 in last four games- home team won all seven of their Big 12 games.
Baylor lost four of last five visits to Texas A&M, with only win in five OTs two years ago; underdog is 11-1 vs spread in last 12 series games. Bears covered four of last five games; they're 2-0 as Big 12 dog, but 1-2 SU on SEC road, losing by 7 at Colorado, 6 at Kansasw. Aggies won last five games; they're 4-0 at home, winning by 11-3-4-15 points.
UNLV (+8) lost 77-73 at BYU in MWC opener Jan 6, getting outscored 19-8 from foul line; BYU also had 16 offensive rebounds. Rebels are 6-1 since that game, winning last four by 8-9-10-28 points- they're 4-2 as a MWC home favorite. BYU's only league loss was 76-72 at New Mexico; their win vs UNLV was just their second in last seven series games.
Tennessee won last five games vs South Carolina, scoring 80+ points in all five; Vols are 2-5 vs spread in SEC play, 1-3 as home favorite, with home wins by 26-2-1, and a loss to Vandy. South Carolina won last two games (by 6-1) behind Downey's heroics; Gamecocks lost last six visits to Knoxville by 7-8-16-3-33-3 points (2-4 against the spread).
Pitt had 20 turnovers, shot 35% from floor, 4-17 from arc in 64-61 loss (+3.5) at Seton Hall Jan 24; Panthers lost four of last five games, are 3-1 as Big East home favorite, winning by 13-5-10 points, with only loss to Georgetown. Pirates are 0-4 on Big East road, losing by 8-12-2-10; they are 1-4 vs spread as Big East dog, 1-2 on the road.
Troy shot 54.4% from floor, 7-16 from arc in 77-69 win vs Hilltoppers Jan 21; Western Kentucky has now lost six of last seven games- they're 3-3 as Sun Belt home favorite, winning by 12-7-17-20, losing to both Middle Tennessee/North Texas. Troy won last three games, but they're 1-3 as Sun Belt road dog, losing away games by 14-2-15 pts (3-3 SU).
Arizona is 9-1 vs spread in Pac-10, covering last seven; they're 6-0 as a Pac-10 road dog, splitting six road games SU. Wildcats lost 78-76 (-2) at home to Washington State Jan 8; Coogs shot 51% from floor that night. Wazzu lost laast three games (by 12-28-11 points); they're 1-6 against spread in last seven, and is just 2-3 at home in Pac-10 play.
Illinois is 7-3 in Big 11, 4-1 at home, losing by 6 to Purdue; they're 2-2 as Big 11 underdog. Michigan State held Illinois to 35% from floor, 6-25 from arc in 73-63 win Jan 16 (-11.5); Spartan PG Lucas sprained ankle in last game, is doubtful here, as Spartans try to bounce back from first Big 11 loss of season- they're 1-5 vs spread in their last six games.
Texas-El Paso won its last six games, but they're 0-4 as C-USA favorite at home, winning home games by 4-7-13-7 points- road team is 7-1 vs spread in its league games. Tulsa is 7-1 in C-USA, losing at UAB by 10 points; they've won last four games vs UTEP, but are 0-4 vs spread in last four games overall. Golden Hurricane is 1-1 as an underdog in 2010.
Washington won its last four Pac-10 home games by 33-15-28-6 points, even though they've gotten to line 29 less times than foes in those four games- Huskies are 3-3 as Pac-10 home favorite. Arizona State beat the Huskies 68-51 in first meeting, outscoring U-Dub 30-12 from foul line. Sun Devils won last three road games, six of last eight games overall.