NCAAB News and Notes Wednesday 2/18

GEORGIA ST (8 - 18) at NORTHEASTERN (16 - 9) - 2/18/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGIA ST is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) in all games this season.
GEORGIA ST is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) in all lined games this season.
GEORGIA ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) on Wednesday games this season.
GEORGIA ST is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after a conference game this season.
NORTHEASTERN is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
NORTHEASTERN is 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
GEORGIA ST is 3-2 against the spread versus NORTHEASTERN over the last 3 seasons
NORTHEASTERN is 3-2 straight up against GEORGIA ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GEORGIA TECH (10 - 14) at WAKE FOREST (19 - 4) - 2/18/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGIA TECH is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) after allowing 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGIA TECH is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WAKE FOREST is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
WAKE FOREST is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WAKE FOREST is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.
GEORGIA TECH is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
GEORGIA TECH is 4-2 against the spread versus WAKE FOREST over the last 3 seasons
GEORGIA TECH is 4-2 straight up against WAKE FOREST over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PROVIDENCE (16 - 9) at LOUISVILLE (19 - 5) - 2/18/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PROVIDENCE is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in February games over the last 3 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOUISVILLE is 2-0 against the spread versus PROVIDENCE over the last 3 seasons
LOUISVILLE is 2-0 straight up against PROVIDENCE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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AUBURN (16 - 9) at GEORGIA (10 - 15) - 2/18/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
AUBURN is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all games this season.
AUBURN is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all lined games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
GEORGIA is 2-1 against the spread versus AUBURN over the last 3 seasons
GEORGIA is 3-0 straight up against AUBURN over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BUTLER (22 - 3) at WI-MILWAUKEE (14 - 11) - 2/18/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 112-83 ATS (+20.7 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 109-79 ATS (+22.1 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
BUTLER is 15-8 ATS (+6.2 Units) in all games this season.
BUTLER is 15-8 ATS (+6.2 Units) in all lined games this season.
BUTLER is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 this season.
BUTLER is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in a road game where the total is 120 to 129.5 this season.
BUTLER is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) on Wednesday games over the last 3 seasons.
BUTLER is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUTLER is 4-1 against the spread versus WI-MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
BUTLER is 5-0 straight up against WI-MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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AIR FORCE (9 - 15) at TCU (13 - 12) - 2/18/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
AIR FORCE is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) against conference opponents this season.
AIR FORCE is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) after a conference game this season.
AIR FORCE is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) off a loss against a conference rival this season.
AIR FORCE is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) after scoring 60 points or less this season.
AIR FORCE is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
AIR FORCE is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
AIR FORCE is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
TCU is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
AIR FORCE is 3-2 against the spread versus TCU over the last 3 seasons
AIR FORCE is 3-2 straight up against TCU over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NC STATE (14 - 9) at N CAROLINA (23 - 2) - 2/18/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N CAROLINA is 54-38 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 54-38 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NC STATE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
N CAROLINA is 3-3 against the spread versus NC STATE over the last 3 seasons
N CAROLINA is 5-1 straight up against NC STATE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LSU (21 - 4) at ARKANSAS (13 - 10) - 2/18/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LSU is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 this season.
LSU is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
ARKANSAS is 51-74 ATS (-30.4 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
ARKANSAS is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARKANSAS is 3-0 against the spread versus LSU over the last 3 seasons
ARKANSAS is 3-2 straight up against LSU over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UTEP (15 - 9) at RICE (8 - 16) - 2/18/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RICE is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
RICE is 2-1 against the spread versus UTEP over the last 3 seasons
RICE is 2-1 straight up against UTEP over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WICHITA ST (13 - 13) at ILLINOIS ST (21 - 5) - 2/18/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WICHITA ST is 18-32 ATS (-17.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
WICHITA ST is 17-30 ATS (-16.0 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
ILLINOIS ST is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ILLINOIS ST is 4-1 against the spread versus WICHITA ST over the last 3 seasons
ILLINOIS ST is 3-2 straight up against WICHITA ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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IOWA ST (13 - 12) at KANSAS (20 - 5) - 2/18/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IOWA ST is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) after a conference game this season.
IOWA ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
IOWA ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games this season.
KANSAS is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in all games this season.
KANSAS is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in all lined games this season.
KANSAS is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
KANSAS is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) against conference opponents this season.
KANSAS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) on Wednesday games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after a conference game this season.
KANSAS is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
KANSAS is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS is 3-2 against the spread versus IOWA ST over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS is 5-0 straight up against IOWA ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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VIRGINIA TECH (16 - 8) at VIRGINIA (8 - 13) - 2/18/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VIRGINIA is 28-49 ATS (-25.9 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games on Wednesday games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
VIRGINIA TECH is 3-2 against the spread versus VIRGINIA over the last 3 seasons
VIRGINIA TECH is 4-1 straight up against VIRGINIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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S CAROLINA (18 - 5) at MISSISSIPPI ST (16 - 9) - 2/18/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MISSISSIPPI ST is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
MISSISSIPPI ST is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
MISSISSIPPI ST is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 15-3 ATS (+11.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MISSISSIPPI ST is 1-1 against the spread versus S CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
MISSISSIPPI ST is 1-1 straight up against S CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TENNESSEE (16 - 8) at OLE MISS (13 - 11) - 2/18/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OLE MISS is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
OLE MISS is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) on Wednesday games over the last 2 seasons.
OLE MISS is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OLE MISS is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 50-31 ATS (+15.9 Units) on Wednesday games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
OLE MISS is 2-0 against the spread versus TENNESSEE over the last 3 seasons
OLE MISS is 1-1 straight up against TENNESSEE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANA ST (7 - 19) at S ILLINOIS (11 - 15) - 2/18/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
S ILLINOIS is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
S ILLINOIS is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
S ILLINOIS is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
S ILLINOIS is 13-31 ATS (-21.1 Units) in home games in February games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA ST is 3-2 against the spread versus S ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
S ILLINOIS is 4-1 straight up against INDIANA ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WRIGHT ST (16 - 10) at IL-CHICAGO (12 - 14) - 2/18/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IL-CHICAGO is 78-54 ATS (+18.6 Units) in all home games since 1997.
IL-CHICAGO is 78-54 ATS (+18.6 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
WRIGHT ST is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
IL-CHICAGO is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WRIGHT ST is 4-1 against the spread versus IL-CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
WRIGHT ST is 5-0 straight up against IL-CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SMU (7 - 16) at MEMPHIS (22 - 3) - 2/18/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SMU is 37-65 ATS (-34.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
MEMPHIS is 15-8 ATS (+6.2 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 15-8 ATS (+6.2 Units) in all lined games this season.
MEMPHIS is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points this season.
MEMPHIS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all home games this season.
MEMPHIS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home lined games this season.
MEMPHIS is 116-85 ATS (+22.5 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
MEMPHIS is 85-59 ATS (+20.1 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
MEMPHIS is 56-36 ATS (+16.4 Units) after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
SMU is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SMU is 4-1 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 5-0 straight up against SMU over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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VALPARAISO (7 - 19) at WI-GREEN BAY (19 - 8) - 2/18/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-GREEN BAY is 14-7 ATS (+6.3 Units) in all games this season.
WI-GREEN BAY is 14-7 ATS (+6.3 Units) in all lined games this season.
WI-GREEN BAY is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all home games this season.
WI-GREEN BAY is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home lined games this season.
WI-GREEN BAY is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
WI-GREEN BAY is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
WI-GREEN BAY is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WI-GREEN BAY is 2-2 against the spread versus VALPARAISO over the last 3 seasons
WI-GREEN BAY is 2-2 straight up against VALPARAISO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UAB (17 - 8) at TULANE (10 - 14) - 2/18/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TULANE is 32-56 ATS (-29.6 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
TULANE is 31-54 ATS (-28.4 Units) in home games after a conference game since 1997.
TULANE is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in home games revenging a blowout loss vs opponent of 20 points or more since 1997.
TULANE is 31-51 ATS (-25.1 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent since 1997.
TULANE is 20-36 ATS (-19.6 Units) in home games off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
UAB is 4-1 against the spread versus TULANE over the last 3 seasons
UAB is 4-1 straight up against TULANE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

UTAH (18 - 7) at COLORADO ST (8 - 17) - 2/18/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 26-43 ATS (-21.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
COLORADO ST is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) in home games in February games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 3-2 against the spread versus COLORADO ST over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 4-1 straight up against COLORADO ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DRAKE (15 - 12) at N IOWA (18 - 8) - 2/18/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DRAKE is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DRAKE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DRAKE is 3-2 against the spread versus N IOWA over the last 3 seasons
DRAKE is 4-1 straight up against N IOWA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OHIO ST (17 - 6) at NORTHWESTERN (13 - 10) - 2/18/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OHIO ST is 52-36 ATS (+12.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO ST is 52-36 ATS (+12.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO ST is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO ST is 43-27 ATS (+13.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO ST is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
NORTHWESTERN is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) on Wednesday games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NORTHWESTERN is 2-2 against the spread versus OHIO ST over the last 3 seasons
OHIO ST is 4-0 straight up against NORTHWESTERN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DETROIT (7 - 18) at LOYOLA-IL (13 - 15) - 2/18/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 17-31 ATS (-17.1 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 14-31 ATS (-20.1 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
LOYOLA-IL is 8-15 ATS (-8.5 Units) in all games this season.
LOYOLA-IL is 8-15 ATS (-8.5 Units) in all lined games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOYOLA-IL is 4-1 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
LOYOLA-IL is 4-1 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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COLORADO (9 - 15) at NEBRASKA (15 - 8) - 2/18/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 17-33 ATS (-19.3 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 36-18 ATS (+16.2 Units) in home games off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
COLORADO is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 3-2 against the spread versus NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
NEBRASKA is 3-2 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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IDAHO (11 - 13) at BOISE ST (17 - 7) - 2/18/2009, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOISE ST is 64-38 ATS (+22.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
IDAHO is 62-38 ATS (+20.2 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
IDAHO is 63-38 ATS (+21.2 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOISE ST is 4-1 against the spread versus IDAHO over the last 3 seasons
BOISE ST is 4-1 straight up against IDAHO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OKLAHOMA ST (15 - 9) at TEXAS TECH (12 - 13) - 2/18/2009, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA ST is 6-19 ATS (-14.9 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 6-19 ATS (-14.9 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) on Wednesday games over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 15-29 ATS (-16.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
TEXAS TECH is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS TECH is 62-89 ATS (-35.9 Units) as an underdog since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS TECH is 3-3 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA ST over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA ST is 4-2 straight up against TEXAS TECH over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ST JOSEPHS (14 - 10) at SAINT LOUIS (15 - 10) - 2/18/2009, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAINT LOUIS is 2-0 against the spread versus ST JOSEPHS over the last 3 seasons
SAINT LOUIS is 2-0 straight up against ST JOSEPHS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UNLV (19 - 6) at WYOMING (14 - 10) - 2/18/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WYOMING is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
UNLV is 50-34 ATS (+12.6 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
UNLV is 50-34 ATS (+12.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
UNLV is 62-39 ATS (+19.1 Units) in road games since 1997.
UNLV is 62-39 ATS (+19.1 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
UNLV is 85-60 ATS (+19.0 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
UNLV is 30-17 ATS (+11.3 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
UNLV is 55-35 ATS (+16.5 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
UNLV is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
UNLV is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
UNLV is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WYOMING is 3-2 against the spread versus UNLV over the last 3 seasons
UNLV is 4-1 straight up against WYOMING over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PACIFIC (14 - 9) at UC-SANTA BARBARA (10 - 13) - 2/18/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 3-2 against the spread versus PACIFIC over the last 3 seasons
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 3-2 straight up against PACIFIC over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CAL DAVIS (11 - 14) at CAL POLY-SLO (6 - 16) - 2/18/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAL DAVIS is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after allowing 80 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAL POLY-SLO is 3-0 against the spread versus CAL DAVIS over the last 3 seasons
CAL POLY-SLO is 5-0 straight up against CAL DAVIS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LONG BEACH ST (12 - 11) at CS-FULLERTON (13 - 12) - 2/18/2009, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CS-FULLERTON is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
LONG BEACH ST is 32-15 ATS (+15.5 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CS-FULLERTON is 3-2 against the spread versus LONG BEACH ST over the last 3 seasons
CS-FULLERTON is 3-2 straight up against LONG BEACH ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CS-NORTHRIDGE (12 - 10) at UC-IRVINE (8 - 17) - 2/18/2009, 11:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UC-IRVINE is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
UC-IRVINE is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CS-NORTHRIDGE is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
UC-IRVINE is 30-50 ATS (-25.0 Units) in February games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
UC-IRVINE is 3-2 against the spread versus CS-NORTHRIDGE over the last 3 seasons
CS-NORTHRIDGE is 3-2 straight up against UC-IRVINE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NIAGARA (21 - 6) at RIDER (14 - 11) - 2/18/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NIAGARA is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all games this season.
NIAGARA is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all lined games this season.
NIAGARA is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
NIAGARA is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NIAGARA is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
NIAGARA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NIAGARA is 6-0 against the spread versus RIDER over the last 3 seasons
NIAGARA is 5-1 straight up against RIDER over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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THE CITADEL (17 - 10) at DAVIDSON (22 - 4) - 2/18/2009, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
THE CITADEL is 3-2 against the spread versus DAVIDSON over the last 3 seasons
DAVIDSON is 5-0 straight up against THE CITADEL over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MOREHEAD ST (16 - 11) at E KENTUCKY (16 - 10) - 2/18/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E KENTUCKY is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in February games over the last 3 seasons.
E KENTUCKY is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
E KENTUCKY is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
E KENTUCKY is 3-3 against the spread versus MOREHEAD ST over the last 3 seasons
E KENTUCKY is 3-3 straight up against MOREHEAD ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TENN-MARTIN (18 - 6) at E ILLINOIS (11 - 14) - 2/18/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENN-MARTIN is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TENN-MARTIN is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TENN-MARTIN is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TENN-MARTIN is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TENN-MARTIN is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TENN-MARTIN is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
TENN-MARTIN is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) after a conference game this season.
TENN-MARTIN is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
TENN-MARTIN is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TENN-MARTIN is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
E ILLINOIS is 25-42 ATS (-21.2 Units) in home games after a conference game since 1997.
E ILLINOIS is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games since 1997.
E ILLINOIS is 12-27 ATS (-17.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TENN-MARTIN is 3-1 against the spread versus E ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
TENN-MARTIN is 4-1 straight up against E ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

7:00 PM ALABAMA vs. FLORIDA
Alabama' is 1-7-1 ATS in its last 9 games
Alabama' is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Alabama
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 6 games when playing at home against Alabama

7:00 PM BALL STATE vs. TOLEDO
Ball State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toledo
Ball State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toledo
Toledo' is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Toledo' is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM BOWLING GREEN vs. BUFFALO
Bowling Green' is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Bowling Green' is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Buffalo is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Bowling Green
Buffalo is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games when playing Bowling Green

7:00 PM DELAWARE vs. VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH
Delaware' is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Delaware' is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
Virginia Commonwealth is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Delaware
Virginia Commonwealth is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Delaware

7:00 PM DREXEL vs. GEORGE MASON
Drexel is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against George Mason
Drexel is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against George Mason
George Mason is 2-6-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Drexel
George Mason is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Drexel

7:00 PM EASTERN MICHIGAN vs. WESTERN MICHIGAN
Eastern Michigan is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Western Michigan
Eastern Michigan is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Western Michigan
Western Michigan is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Eastern Michigan
Western Michigan is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing Eastern Michigan

7:00 PM FLORIDA ATLANTIC vs. SAVANNAH STATE
Florida Atlantic' is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Florida Atlantic' is 2-16 SU in its last 18 games
No trends available

7:00 PM FORDHAM vs. TEMPLE
Fordham' is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Fordham' is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games
Temple is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Fordham
Temple is 18-4 SU in its last 22 games when playing Fordham

7:00 PM GEORGETOWN vs. SOUTH FLORIDA
Georgetown is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Georgetown is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
South Florida' is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
South Florida' is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

7:00 PM GEORGIA STATE vs. NORTHEASTERN
Georgia State' is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Georgia State' is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games
Northeastern is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Georgia State
Northeastern' is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

7:00 PM HOUSTON vs. MARSHALL
Houston' is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Houston's last 10 games
Marshall' is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Marshall' is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home

7:00 PM JAMES MADISON vs. HOFSTRA
James Madison is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Hofstra
James Madison is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Hofstra
Hofstra' is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
Hofstra' is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games

7:00 PM MIAMI vs. FLORIDA STATE
Miami' is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games
Florida State is 5-0-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Miami
Florida State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Miami

7:00 PM MIAMI (OHIO) vs. AKRON
Miami (Ohio) is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Miami (Ohio) is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Akron' is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Akron' is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games

7:00 PM MOREHEAD STATE vs. EASTERN KENTUCKY
Morehead State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Morehead State's last 5 games on the road
Eastern Kentucky' is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Eastern Kentucky' is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

7:00 PM NIAGARA vs. RIDER
Niagara' is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Niagara' is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Rider is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Niagara
Rider is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Niagara

7:00 PM NORTHERN ILLINOIS vs. CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Northern Illinois is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Northern Illinois is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Central Michigan' is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Central Michigan' is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM NOTRE DAME vs. WEST VIRGINIA
Notre Dame is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against West Virginia
Notre Dame is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against West Virginia
West Virginia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Notre Dame
West Virginia is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games when playing Notre Dame

7:00 PM OLD DOMINION vs. UNC WILMINGTON
Old Dominion is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing UNC Wilmington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Old Dominion's last 6 games when playing UNC Wilmington
UNC Wilmington' is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games
UNC Wilmington' is 3-18 SU in its last 21 games

7:00 PM PENN STATE vs. ILLINOIS
Penn State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Illinois
Penn State is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games when playing Illinois
Illinois' is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Illinois' is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:00 PM RHODE ISLAND vs. MASSACHUSETTS
Rhode Island is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Massachusetts
Rhode Island is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Massachusetts
Massachusetts' is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Massachusetts's last 5 games

7:00 PM RICHMOND vs. LA SALLE
Richmond is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing La Salle
Richmond is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing La Salle
La Salle is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Richmond
La Salle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Richmond

7:00 PM THE CITADEL vs. DAVIDSON
The Citadel is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The Citadel is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Davidson' is 24-1 SU in its last 25 games at home
Davidson' is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games

7:00 PM WILLIAM & MARY vs. TOWSON STATE
William & Mary is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Towson State
William & Mary is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Towson State
Towson State' is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Towson State' is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games

7:00 PM YOUNGSTOWN STATE vs. CLEVELAND STATE
Youngstown State' is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Youngstown State' is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland State' is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Cleveland State' is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

7:30 PM AUBURN vs. GEORGIA
Auburn' is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
Georgia' is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Georgia' is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:30 PM GEORGIA TECH vs. WAKE FOREST
Georgia Tech' is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 games
Georgia Tech' is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games
Wake Forest' is 19-4 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wake Forest's last 5 games

7:30 PM PROVIDENCE vs. LOUISVILLE
Providence' is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Providence' is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games
Louisville' is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games
Louisville' is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games

8:00 PM AIR FORCE vs. TCU
Air Force' is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games
Air Force' is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
TCU' is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
TCU' is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM BUTLER vs. WISC-MILWAUKEE
Butler' is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Butler' is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games
Wisc-Milwaukee' is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

8:00 PM IOWA STATE vs. KANSAS
Iowa State' is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
Iowa State' is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Kansas' is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games
Kansas' is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games

8:00 PM LSU vs. ARKANSAS
LSU' is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
LSU' is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Arkansas' is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
Arkansas' is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM NORTH CAROLINA STATE vs. NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina State' is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
North Carolina' is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
North Carolina' is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM SOUTH CAROLINA vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
South Carolina' is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of South Carolina's last 6 games
Mississippi State' is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Mississippi State' is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games at home

8:00 PM SOUTHERN METHODIST vs. MEMPHIS
Southern Methodist' is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Memphis' is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Memphis' is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM TENNESSEE vs. MISSISSIPPI
Tennessee' is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tennessee's last 5 games
Mississippi' is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games at home
Mississippi' is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games

8:00 PM TENNESSEE-MARTIN vs. EASTERN ILLINOIS
Tennessee-Martin' is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Tennessee-Martin' is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Eastern Illinois' is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Eastern Illinois's last 5 games

8:00 PM TEXAS EL PASO vs. RICE
Texas El Paso' is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Texas El Paso' is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Rice' is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Rice' is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games

8:00 PM UAB vs. TULANE
UAB' is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
UAB' is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Tulane' is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tulane's last 5 games

8:00 PM UTAH vs. COLORADO STATE
Utah' is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games
Utah' is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Colorado State' is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Colorado State' is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

8:00 PM VALPARAISO vs. WISC-GREEN BAY
Valparaiso' is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Valparaiso' is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Wisc-Green Bay' is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Wisc-Green Bay's last 5 games

8:00 PM VIRGINIA TECH vs. VIRGINIA
Virginia Tech' is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Virginia Tech' is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games
Virginia' is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Virginia' is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games

8:00 PM WRIGHT STATE vs. ILLINOIS-CHICAGO
Wright State' is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Wright State' is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games
Illinois-Chicago' is 5-9-1 ATS in its last 15 games
Illinois-Chicago' is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games

8:05 PM DRAKE vs. NORTHERN IOWA
Drake' is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Drake' is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Northern Iowa' is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games
Northern Iowa' is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games

8:05 PM INDIANA STATE vs. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
Indiana State' is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Indiana State' is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games
Southern Illinois' is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games
Southern Illinois' is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

8:05 PM WICHITA STATE vs. ILLINOIS STATE
Wichita State' is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Wichita State's last 8 games
Illinois State' is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
Illinois State' is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

9:00 PM COLORADO vs. NEBRASKA
Colorado' is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Colorado' is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Nebraska' is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Nebraska' is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games

9:00 PM CS BAKERSFIELD vs. UTAH STATE
No trends available
Utah State' is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Utah State' is 19-1 SU in its last 20 games

9:00 PM DETROIT vs. LOYOLA OF CHICAGO
Detroit' is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Detroit' is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games
Loyola of Chicago' is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Loyola of Chicago' is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

9:00 PM OHIO STATE vs. NORTHWESTERN
Ohio State' is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Ohio State' is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
No trends available

9:05 PM IDAHO vs. BOISE STATE
Idaho' is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Idaho's last 6 games
Boise State' is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games
Boise State' is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home

9:30 PM OKLAHOMA STATE vs. TEXAS TECH
Oklahoma State' is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Oklahoma State' is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Texas Tech' is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Texas Tech' is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

10:00 PM PACIFIC vs. SANTA BARBARA
Pacific' is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Pacific's last 16 games
Santa Barbara' is 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 games
Santa Barbara' is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

10:00 PM UC DAVIS vs. CAL POLY
UC Davis' is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
UC Davis' is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Cal Poly' is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Cal Poly' is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

10:00 PM UNLV vs. WYOMING
UNLV' is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
UNLV' is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games
Wyoming' is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

10:05 PM LONG BEACH STATE vs. CS FULLERTON
Long Beach State' is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Long Beach State' is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
CS Fullerton' is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
CS Fullerton' is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

11:00 PM SAINT JOSEPH'S vs. SAINT LOUIS
Saint Joseph's' is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Saint Joseph's' is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
Saint Louis' is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Saint Louis' is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

11:05 PM CS NORTHRIDGE vs. UC IRVINE
CS Northridge' is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
UC Irvine' is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of UC Irvine's last 5 games

NCAAB Today

Notes on the best of today's games.

Buffalo (+4.5) lost 86-82 at Bowling Green in MAC opener Jan 10, in game Falcons led 46-30 at half; Bulls won nine of ten games since, BG is 6-1 in its last seven. Buffalo is 2-3 as MAC home favorite- they scored just 57.8 ppg in last five games. Falcons won last four road games, all by eight or less points- they allowed 58.7 ppg in last seven.

Akron (+8.5) lost 64-51 in OT at Miami in MAC opener Jan 10-- Zips shot just 31.6% from floor, 6-22 from arc, but they've won six of their last seven games, are 3-2 as MAC home favorite. Miami is 7-2 in its last nine games, and is 4-1 on MAC road, losing only by a hoop at Central Michigan. MAC home favorites are 28-18 against the spread.

Hofstra (+7) won 69-68 at James Madison Jan 24, despite 26-10 deficit at foul line; they held Dukes to 36% from floor. Pride won three in row, seven of last nine games; they're 2-2 as CAA home favorite. JMU is 4-1 in its last five games, 5-1 as CAA road dog- they're 10-3-1 vs spread in last 14 games. CAA home favorites are 34-25 against the spread.

George Mason (-6) won 56-55 at Drexel in CAA opener Dec 6, despite making just 35.1% of shots; Patriots are 6-1 as CAA home favorite, but are just 305 SU in last eight games, while Dragons are 9-2 in last eleven games, 3-1 as road dog. Six of seven Drexel road games were decided by seven or less points. Dragons are 5-2 on CAA road, losing by 6-3 pts.

Florida State (+7.5) lost 75-69 at Miami Jan 21, making just 11-31 from arc (eight more 3's tried than in any other ACC game); underdog is 7-2 vs spread in FSU's league games, with Seminoles 1-1 as home fave. Miami lost five of last six games, with all losses by five or less points or in OT. Underdog is 9-0-1 vs spread in Miami's conference games.

Georgetown lost seven of last eight games, the last two in OT- they lost their last six road games. Hoyas are 1-7 vs spread as a Big East favorite, their only win in six Big East road games is at UConn. South Florida lost five of last six games; they're 2-2 as Big East home dog, losing in Tampa by 5-14-9-15 points, beating DePaul, Marquette. Big East HFs: 35-30.

Notre Dame won its last two games after losing seven straight; they are 1-4 as Big East underdog, 0-3 on road, losing road games by 6-14-14-13- 10 points- they allowed 87.4 ppg in last five road tilts. West Virginia is 3-2 as Big East home favorite, winning last three at home by 23-27-21 points. Big East home favorites are 36-30 against the spread.

Illinois won last three games, allowing 53 ppg; they're 5-1 as home fave in Big 11 games, winning at home by 31-15-18-7-8-18 points- in three of their last four losses, they scored 57 or less points. Penn State is 2-3 as Big 11 road dog, losing away games by 4-22-20-14 points, beating both Indiana, Michigan State. Big 11 home favorites are 25-20 vs spread.

Wake Forest (-7) lost 76-74 at Georgia Tech Jan 31, getting outscored at foul line 23-10; Deacons are 3-4 in last seven games, but are 4-1 at home in ACC, winning by 17-23 points in two wins that weren't against UNC (3) or Duke (2). Tech is 3-2 as ACC road dog, losing by 7-5-14-4-5 pts; they lost last four games, but covered three of last five.

Louisville split its last four games, winning by 45 last game after a 90-57 loss at Notre Dame; they're 4-2 as Big East home favorite, winning home games by 14-6-26-6-45. Providence is 3-2 as Big East road dog, losing on road by 7-33-27 points (3-3 SU, winning at Cincinnati-Seton Hall, USF). Cardinals shot under 40% in three of their last four games.

Wisc-Milwaukee (+13) lost 78-48 at Butler Jan 24, shooting 24% from floor, 3-20 from arc, while Butler was 15-35. Panthers lost three in row, five of last seven games- they're 5-2 vs spread as Horizon underdog, 1-0 at home. UWM is 7-1 at home in Horizon, losing to Green Bay by two points in OT. Horiozn home underdogs are 11-10 against the spread.

Arkansas (+10) lost 79-69 at LSU Jan 31; they were down 41-21 at half even though they held Tigers to 39% from floor. Hogs are 1-9 in league; their PG Fortson is suspended- they lost last five games (1-3-1 against spread), are 1-4 at home, losing by 14-22-2-16 at home. LSU won last nine games overall, last four on road, by 32-6-18-3 points.

South Carolina won six of last seven games, with only loss at Florida by four points; they're 3-1 as SEC road dog, losing away games by 17-3-4, winning at Kentucky, Alabama by 1-2 points. Mississippi State lost last two games, allowing 97-91 games- they're 3-2 as SEC home fave- they've won home games by 9-7-9 pts, losing to Ole Miss (67-63), LSU (97-94)

Ole Miss is somehow 4-6 in SEC despite losing two of best three guards for the year to injury; they're 1-4 in SEC if they score less than 70 pts-- they're 3-1 at home in SEC, losing 83-51 to LSU. Tennessee won its last two games by 31-19 points- they're 2-2 as SEC road favorite, with wins by 9-13-2 points, losing 78-77 at Auburn. SEC home dogs are 3-8.

Northwestern lost two brutal home games last week, by point to Illinois in OT to Michigan; Wildcats' last five games were all decided by five or less points. Ohio State won four of last five games (5-0 vs spread); they are 2-4 on Big 11 road, winning at Michigan, Indiana. Buckeyes shot at least 54.8% from floor in five of their last six games.

Long Beach is 2-4 in last six games after 5-0 start in Big West; their last two games both went double OT. 49ers are 3-1 as a Big West road dog, losing only in double OT at Riverside. Fullerton (+4) won 61-60 Jan 29 at Long Beach, after being down 8 at half- Titans are 2-4 at home in Big West- underdogs are 9-3 vs spread in their conference games.

Niagara won its last seven games, covered last six; they beat Rider 84-70 Jan 17 (-9), despite shooting 39.7% from floor, 8-27 from arc. Rider lost last two games, scoring 66 ppg; they're 5-2 at home in MAAC tilts, 4-2 vs the spread as dog, 1-0 at home, with home losses to Loyola (75-61), St Peter's (65-64). MAAC home underdogs are 11-9 against the spread.

Tennessee-Martin won last ten games (8-2 vs spread); they beat Eastern Illinois 65-51 Jan 24 (-9.5), after trailing by one at half. Skyhawks won last five road games, by 14-11-19-5-27 points; they're 3-0 as road fave in OVC games. EIU lost last three games, by 6-16-18 points, scoring just 52 ppg, but they've won six of their eight OVC home games.

Penn State (18-8, 11-7-1 ATS) at (22) Illinois (21-5, 13-8-1 ATS)

Illinois shoots for its fourth consecutive victory when it hosts Penn State, which is looking to bolster its NCAA Tournament resume with a third victory this season over a Top 25 team.

The Illini routed Indiana 65-52 as a 10½-point road favorite on Sunday, continuing their outstanding play on the defensive end of the court. Illinois has given up 63 points or less in 11 consecutive games, going 8-3 during this stretch (6-4-1 ATS) and allowing an average of 50.6 ppg in the eight victories. On the down side, Bruce Weber’s squad hasn’t scored more than 67 points in 10 straight games, averaging just 59.3 ppg during this stretch.

The Nittany Lions snapped a three-game SU and ATS slide with Saturday’s 68-63 victory over Minnesota as a 2½-point home favorite. Penn State shot just 43 percent from the field overall, but 47.8 percent (11-for-23) from three-point range as the offense finally delivered after scoring just 51, 44 and 47 points during the three-game losing streak.

Illinois is in second place in the Big Ten at 9-4 SU and 7-5-1 ATS, including 6-0 at home (4-1-1 ATS). Penn State is 7-6 in league play (7-5-1 ATS), including 2-4 as a visitor (3-3 ATS). The Nittany Lions have faced five Top 25 teams – all Big Ten rivals – going 2-4 SU and 3-2-1 ATS.

These teams met three times last year. Penn State took the first two meetings as an underdog, prevailing 68-64 as an eight-point road pup and 52-51 as a five-point home ‘dog. But Illinois got revenge in the Big Ten tournament with a 64-63 victory, though the Lions covered again as an eight-point underdog. Penn State is 7-1-1 ATS in the last nine meetings, including 3-0 ATS at Illinois, all as a pup. Finally, the visitor is on a 4-1-1 ATS roll in this rivalry.

Penn State is in ATS slides of 7-15 after a spread-cover and 2-5-1 on Wednesday. The Illini are on pointspread surges of 6-2-1 at home, 28-12-2 on Wednesday and 6-2-1 as a single-digit favorite, but they’ve failed to cash in four of their last five versus winning teams.

The under is on streaks of 5-2-1 for the Nittany Lions overall (all in Big Ten play), 5-2-1 for the Nittany Lions after a SU win, 20-8 for Illinois overall (9-1 in the last 10), 6-1 for Illinois at home, 7-0 for Illinois after a SU win, 37-15-1 for Illinois after an ATS win and 7-2 for Illinois on Wednesday.

ATS ADVANTAGE: ILLINOIS and UNDER

Notre Dame (14-10, 5-13 ATS) at West Virginia (17-8, 10-12 ATS)

Two Big East rivals sitting on the NCAA Tournament bubble hook up in Morgantown, where West Virginia hosts resurgent Notre Dame.

The Mountaineers are coming off Friday’s 93-72 rout of red-hot Villanova, cashing easily as a 4½-point home favorite. West Virginia shot 50 percent from the field against the Wildcats and set a season-high mark for points scored, just one game after managing only 59 points in a loss at Pitt. Despite beating Notre Dame, Bob Huggins’ club is still just 3-4 SU in its last seven games and 5-7 ATS in its last 12 (3-5 ATS as a favorite).

Notre Dame has rebounded from an ugly seven-game losing skid with season-saving home wins over then-No. 5 Louisville (90-57) and South Florida (67-57). However, after cashing easily as a four-point home underdog against the Cardinals, the Irish came up short as a 13½-point chalk against South Florida on Sunday, dropping to 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games.

West Virginia has won and covered three straight home games, all in Big East play, and is 4-2 when hosting league foes (3-3 ATS). Overall, the Mountaineers are 6-6 SU and ATS in conference. The Irish are 5-7 in the Big East (3-9 ATS), but 1-5 SU and ATS on the highway. In fact, since opening conference play with a 92-82 win at DePaul, Notre Dame has lost six consecutive road games (0-6 ATS).

The Fighting Irish have owned this rivalry, winning nine of the last 10 meetings, but the teams have split the cash during this stretch. Last year, Notre Dame rolled 69-56 at home as a 2½-point favorite, ending a 4-0 ATS run by the underdog in this series and a 3-0 ATS run by the road team.

In addition to its ATS ruts of 1-9 overall and 0-6 on the road, Notre Dame is in pointspread funks of 1-8 against Big East squads, 1-4 on Wednesday, 2-6 as an underdog and 1-8 versus winning teams. The Mountaineers are 1-4 ATS both in their last five Wednesday contests and their last five after a spread-cover.

These teams have stayed under the total in seven consecutive meetings, including four straight “unders” in Morgantown. Also, the under is 7-0 in West Virginia’s last seven against winning teams and 7-0 in Notre Dame’s last seven versus teams above .500. However, the Irish are otherwise on “over” streaks of 4-1 overall, 5-0 on the road, 6-1 on Wednesday, 21-8 in Big East play and 16-7 after a SU victory.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

Miami, Fla. (15-9, 10-8-1 ATS) at Florida State (12-6-1 ATS)

A string of close losses has left Miami, Fla., near the basement in the ACC standings and on the verge of missing out on the Big Dance, putting the Hurricanes in desperation mode as they visit rival Florida State.

Miami battled back from a big second-half hole against third-ranked North Carolina on Sunday, but still came up short 69-65 at home. The Hurricanes are 1-5 in their last six games, with three of the losses coming in overtime and all five defeats being by a total of 21 points. On the bright side, Miami covered as an eight-point underdog against the Tar Heels, improving to 3-0 ATS in its last three games after going 0-3-1 ATS in the previous four.

Florida State’s stay at the bottom of the Top 25 rankings was brief, as it fell 86-63 at Wake Forest on Saturday to snap a three-game winning streak. Despite being 3-1 in their last four games, the Seminoles have only averaged 64.5 ppg in this stretch. Although the ‘Noles never threatened to cover as an 8½-point underdog at Wake, they’re still 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 lined contests.

The Hurricanes are now 4-7 in conference (5-5-1 ATS), including 1-4 on the highway (2-3 ATS). Florida State is 6-4 in the ACC (6-3-1 ATS), including 3-2 SU and ATS at home, with the winner failing to cover in four of those five home games.

Miami dumped the Seminoles 75-69 back on Jan. 21, but pushed as a six-point home favorite, the second straight push in this rivalry. The ‘Canes’ win ended Florida State’s five-game (4-0-1 ATS) stranglehold on this rivalry. The road team is 7-1-2 ATS in the last 10 series meetings, the SU winner is also 7-1-2 ATS in the last 10 and the ‘dog is on a 5-2-2 ATS roll.

Miami is on pointspread runs of 5-2 on the road, 6-2 as an underdog, 7-2-1 after a SU defeat and 13-6-2 after a spread-cover. The Seminoles are on ATS streaks of 10-3-2 in ACC play, 4-1 after a defeat, 4-1 as a favorite of less than eight points, 5-0-1 after a non-cover and 5-2-1 versus teams with a winning record.

The over is on runs of 5-2 for the ‘Canes overall, 4-1 for the ‘Canes on the road, 4-0 for Florida State on Wednesday, 20-6-1 for Florida State after a SU loss and 4-1 in this rivalry.

ATS ADVANTAGE: FLORIDA STATE and OVER

Gametimepicks.com

Wednesday's Tip Sheet
By Brad Young

**Providence at Louisville**

-Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed Louisville as a 14-point home ‘chalk’ over Providence, with the total set at 146. ESPN2 will provide coverage of this Big East affair beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.

-Providence (16-9 straight up, 9-11 against the spread) is riding a modest two-game SU winning streak after knocking off Rutgers Saturday as an 11 ½-point home favorite, 78-68. The Friars are just 1-4 ATS their last five games.

-Providence cruised after jumping out to a 44-28 halftime advantage. The Friars finished the contest with a 41-34 rebounding advantage, while shooting 43 percent (27-of-63) from the field. Guard Weyinmi Efejuu led all scorers with 25 points and five rebounds, while Sharaud Curry added 12 and five assists.

-Providence sports a 4-6 SU and 5-4 ATS road record, dropping those affairs by an average score of 79-73. The Friars follow this contest with a two-game homestand against Notre Dame and Pittsburgh.

-Louisville (19-5 SU, 14-9 ATS) has alternated SU wins and losses its last five games after routing DePaul Sunday as a decided 21 ½-point home favorite, 99-54. The Cardinals are 2-1 ATS the previous three outings.

-Louisville jumped out to a 30-point halftime advantage, 51-21, and finished the contest by shooting an incredible 59 percent (39-of-66) from the field. Guard Preston Knowles paced the offense with 19 points off the bench, while Earl Clark added 12 and 11 rebounds.

-The Cardinals maintain a 13-3 SU and 9-6 ATS road record, winning those matchups by an average score of 77-60.

-Louisville is 2-0 SU and ATS the previous two encounters with Providence after prevailing in the lone matchup last season as a 5 ½-point road ‘chalk,’ 80-72.

-Louisville forward Terrence Williams (wrist) is ‘probable’ against the Friars.

**Oklahoma State at Texas Tech**

-LVSC opened Oklahoma State as a three-point road favorite over Texas Tech, with the total listed at 160. ESPN2 starts its coverage of this Big XII contest at 9:30 p.m. ET.

-Oklahoma State (15-9 SU, 9-9 ATS) snapped a two-game SU losing skid by cruising past Iowa State Saturday as a 10-point home ‘chalk,’ 86-67. The Cowboys are 2-1 ATS the past three games.

-Oklahoma State outrebonded the Cyclones, 36-25, while shooting at a 48-percent clip (27-of-56). James Anderson stepped up with 27 points and 10 rebounds in the victory, while Terrel Harris added 21 and four.

-The Cowboys have struggled to a 3-7 SU and 4-5 ATS road record, dropping those affairs by an average score of 81-75.

-Texas Tech (12-13 SU, 6-12 ATS) dropped to 1-4 SU and 2-3 ATS its last five games after Saturday’s setback to Oklahoma as a 16 ½-point road underdog, 95-74.

-The Red Raiders were dominated on the boards, 47-24, while shooting 40 percent (27-of-67) from the field. Guard Nick Okorie was the only starter to reach double digits in scoring with 24 points, while Mike Singletary contributed 16 off the bench.

-Texas Tech sports an 11-3 SU home ledger, while going just 2-6 ATS. The Red Raiders have been winning their home endeavors by an average score of 82-72.

-Oklahoma State is 4-2 SU and 3-3 ATS the previous six encounters with Texas Tech after winning February 4 as a 12-point home ‘chalk,’ 81-80.

**Miami at Florida State**

-LVSC lists Florida State as a 2 ½-point home ‘chalk’ over Miami, with the total set at 133. ESPNU will provide coverage of this Atlantic Coast Conference contest starting at 7:00 p.m. E.T.

-Miami (15-9 SU, 9-9 ATS) dropped to 1-4 SU its last five games after falling to North Carolina Sunday as an 8 ½-point home underdog, 69-65. That marked the third consecutive contest that the Hurricanes covered.

-Miami was outrebounded by the Tar Heels, 40-36, while shooting 38 percent (26-of-68) from the field. Guard Jack McClinton led all scorers with 35 points, while forward Jimmy Graham added four and 15 rebounds.

-The Hurricanes are 5-5 SU and 6-3 ATS away from home, dropping those contests by an average score of 72-69.

-Florida State (19-6 SU, 12-6 ATS) was riding a three-game SU winning streak before falling to Wake Forest Saturday as an 8 ½-point road underdog, 86-63. The Seminoles had covered back-to-back outings before facing the Demon Deacons.

-Florida State was unable to overcome a 12-point halftime deficit, 42-30, finishing the contest by shooting 38 percent (22-of-58) from the field. Guard Toney Douglas accounted for 22 points ad five rebounds, while forward Uche Echefu added 11 and five.

-The ‘Noles maintain a 13-3 SU and 7-4 ATS home ledger, winning those matchups by an average score of 69-62.

-Miami had dropped four games in a row to Florida State before winning January 21 as a 6 ½-point home favorite, 75-69. The Hurricanes have failed to cover the last five games in this series.

-Miami forward Dwayne Collins (ankle) is ‘doubtful’ against the Seminoles. Florida State center Solomon Alabi (possible suspension) is ‘questionable’ versus the Hurricanes.

vegasinsider.com.

SEC Update

With the SEC Tournament in Tampa less than a month away, this is a good time to get caught up on how each team in the league is looking.

At last, Georgia (10-15 straight up, 7-10-2 against the spread) won its first SEC game Saturday at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens. The Dawgs ended their 11-game losing streak by beating Florida for the first time in the last 12 head-to-head meetings. Senior forward Terrance Woodbury scored a career-high 32 points to lead UGA to a stunning 86-84 win over the Gators.

UGA backers easily cashed tickets as a 10-point underdog. Bettors going the money-line route collected a plus-400 payout (paid $400 on $100 wagers).

Billy Donovan’s team has now lost back-to-back games to fall one game back of the SEC East co-leaders, South Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky, each of which has a 7-3 record in league play.

The Gators return home this week for games against Alabama tonight and Vandy on Saturday. Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened UF as a 13-point ‘chalk’ vs. ‘Bama and sent the total out at 148. As of early this morning, most sports books had Florida as a 14-point favorite.

Florida (19-6 SU, 7-10-1 ATS) fell apart down the stretch last season, losing its last three regular-season games before getting blown out by the Crimson Tide in the first round of the SEC Tournament. The four-game losing streak ended UF’s school-record run of nine straight NCAA Tournament bids.

In this week’s “Bracketology” column released by ESPN.com’s Joe Lunardi on Monday, he had the Gators as a No. 10 seed. They have an RPI rating of 45. Therefore, UF can’t afford any slip-ups in these two home games in which it will be favored.

Georgia is the only SEC team with zero postseason hopes unless the Dawgs can orchestrate another improbable run in the league tournament. They play host to Auburn tonight. LVSC opened the Tigers as four-point road favorites with a total of 137.

Auburn (16-9 SU, 13-5 ATS) has been the SEC’s biggest money maker, winning three straight games both SU and ATS. Jeff Lebo’s squad is coming off a 91-76 win over Mississippi St. as a three-point home favorite. Tay Waller lit up the Bulldogs with a career-high 32 points and nine rebounds, draining 8-of-12 shots from 3-point range.

Auburn hasn’t tasted an NCAA bid since 2003 and its RPI rating of 93 clearly indicates that the Tigers probably need to win at least five of their last six regular-season games to garner consideration. From my view, it appears that Auburn will be an underdog in at least two games (at LSU, at Miss. St.) and possibly two more (at Alabama, vs. LSU). This looks like an NIT team to me.

LSU (21-4 SU, 10-7 ATS) has taken a commanding lead in the SEC West with its 9-1 mark in conference play. The Tigers are only No. 41 in the RPI, however. That’s because they played a cupcake non-conference schedule and are in the SEC’s weaker division in what’s already a down year for the league.

Trent Johnson’s team has won nine consecutive SEC games, posting a 7-2 spread record in the process. The Tigers’ best non-conference win came against a mediocre Washington St. squad, while they lost by double-digit margins at Texas A&M, at Utah and vs. Xavier.

LSU travels to Bud Walton Arena to take on Arkansas tonight. LVSC opened the Bayou Bengals as 4 ½-point favorites with a total of 144. They knocked off the Razorbacks by a 79-69 count on Jan. 31, but the Hogs took the money as 11-point underdogs.

Arkansas (13-10 SU, 8-8 ATS) has a 5-0-1 spread record in its last six head-to-head encounters against LSU. John Pelphrey’s team was one of the country’s biggest surprises in non-conference play, collecting shocking upset wins over Texas and Oklahoma. But the Hogs are an atrocious 1-9 in SEC play, losers of five straight contests.

They had to play without one of their premier players in Saturday’s 79-63 home loss to Kentucky. Freshman point guard Courtney Fortson was suspended against UK, but he did practice with the team Monday and Pelphrey has lifted the suspension. Fortson leads the SEC in assists (6.5 APG) and is first on the team in steals (28). He’s also second on the team in scoring (14.8 points per game, 12th in SEC) and rebounding (5.3 RPG).

When the Wildcats came to Fayetteville on Saturday, they got another monster performance from Jodie Meeks, who dropped 45 points on the Hogs. Meeks leads the SEC and is third in the nation in scoring (25.8 PPG) After facing Vandy on Tuesday in Music City, UK will face Tennessee on CBS Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Eastern.

The Vols have the best RPI among SEC teams (18th) thanks to a strong non-conference slate. They go to Oxford for the SEC’s featured game on Raycom Sports Wednesday. LVSC opened Tennessee (16-8 SU, 10-11-1 ATS) as a four-point ‘chalk’ with a total of 149.

Since losing a heartbreaker at Auburn, UT has won back-to-back games both SU and ATS in blowout fashion. The Vols demolished Vandy 69-50 Saturday as 10 ½-point home favorites. Tyler Smith scored 30 points on the Commodores.

South Carolina (18-5 SU, 8-8-2 ATS) goes on the road Wednesday to face Mississippi St., which desperately needs a victory. The Bulldogs, who are 16-9 overall and 6-4 in SEC action, dropped a double-overtime heartbreaker vs. LSU last week.

Rick Stansbury’s squad needs to get hot fast if it wants to hear its name called on Selection Sunday. LVSC installed MSU as a three-point favorite with a total of 152.

The Gamecocks are fresh off a come-from-behind win at Alabama. They are 5-1-1 ATS in seven true road games this season.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--The 'over' is on a 7-1 run in Mississippi State's last eight home games. Also, the 'over' is on a 5-1 run for South Carolina (regardless of venue).

--The Mike Anderson to Alabama rumors have heated up in Missouri.

--Not that anyone with an education was ever thinking of this as a possibility, but Tom Izzo to Alabama certainly isn’t happening.

--According to NBADraft.net, Kentucky sophomore power forward Patrick Patterson is the SEC’s best prospect for the 2009 draft. Patterson is currently listed at 19th. Tennessee junior forward Tyler Smith is 24th, while ‘Bama senior Alonzo Gee is listed as the No. 42 selection. LSU’s Marcus Thornton and Chris Johnson are 45th and 53rd, respectively.

--For the 2010 draft, NBADraft.net has these SEC players listed: Mississippi St. junior center Jarvis Varnardo (No. 14), Vandy sophomore center A.J. Ogilvy (20), Arkansas junior center Michael Washington (40), UK junior guard Jodie Meeks (45), and UT junior forward J.P. Prince (54).

vegasinsider.com.

'Bracketology' Update
The Gold Sheet

There has been some interesting moving and shaking in the brackets from a week ago, including a bit of shuffling along the top line. We haven’t changed our four number one seeds, although Pitt has moved into a more-favorable position thanks to its Monday night win over UConn. All that means is that for the moment we keep the Panthers in the East Regional and ship the Huskies to the West, although both are still on course for the desired Philadelphia sub-regional. North Carolina is now our top seed for the entire tournament and stays on the top line in the South Regional, while Oklahoma remains our number one seed in the Midwest.

It was a good week for a few Pac-10 teams, and a bad week for a couple of others out west. Washington, now up a game and a half in the conference standings, jumps up into protected seed territory (we’ve got them at a 4) and is on course for a desired sub-regional assignment in Portland. Arizona State moves up to a 5 seed (we’ve put them in the South) in our latest brackets. And Arizona, for the moment, is back in the field (9-Midwest), although the Wildcats have a bit of work to do to stay there. On the other hand, UCLA’s pair of losses at Tempe and Tucson last week have the Bruins temporarily out of protected seed territory, while USC’s losses to the Wildcats & Sun Devils have the Trojans on the outside looking in this week.

Elsewhere, Wisconsin has temporarily moved back into the field with a 4-game win streak that includes triumphs over Illinois , Penn State , and Ohio State , while Kentucky stopped the bleeding caused by a recent 3-game losing streak with wins vs. Florida and at Arkansas . Sliding fast is Minnesota, which barely makes it above the cut line this week and needs to find some wins in a hurry before dropping out of the Dance picture entirely.

New faces this week: Arizona, Providence , Wisconsin , Creighton, UNLV, Vermont , UA-Little Rock, Cornell, Belmont , Radford, CS Northridge.

Out this week: San Diego State, Georgetown, Miami-Florida, Southern Cal, Mississippi State, Western Kentucky, East Tennessee State, VMI, Boston U, Princeton, Long Beach State

Last four in: Kansas State, Minnesota, Creighton, UNLV

First four out: Miami-Florida, San Diego State, Virginia Tech, Penn State

Next four out: Houston, Mississippi State, UAB, Saint Mary’s

So, here we go with our second installment of The Gold Sheet's Big Dance projections. Remember, these will be updated each Tuesday on our website from now thru Selection Sunday.

Straight-up records and RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) are thru February 16

EAST REGIONAL ( Boston )
At Philadelphia ... 1 Pitt (SUR 24-2, RPI-2) vs. 16 Radford (16-10, 171)... Pitt’s temporary reward for winning at Hartford Monday night is the top seed in the East Regional, although to keep this spot through Selection Sunday the Panthers are probably going to have to win the Big East Tourney (or hope someone other than UConn wins it) at Madison Square Garden, which the Panthers have done before. A welcome to the Dance to Radford, as the Highlanders are now alone on top of the Big South standings after VMI’s losses at Coastal Carolina and Presbyterian last week.

8 BYU (19-5, 23) vs. 9 Kentucky (18-7, 41)... BYU has a big week upcoming with revenge battles against both New Mexico and UNLV, and the Cougs could find themselves in serious bubble trouble if they lose both of those. Remember, due to LDS restrictions, BYU must be slotted in Thursday-Saturday sites, which means East or West Regionals, and one of the Thursday-Saturday sub-regional sites therein. Meanwhile, Kentucky is back off of Big Dance life support after its wins over Florida and at Arkansas last week, all the more impressive considering PF Patrick Patterson’s ankle injury suffered vs. the Gators.

At Portland ... 4 Washington (19-6, 22) vs. 13 Siena (21-6, 61)... Washington temporarily finds itself in the land of the protected seeds after drawing clear in the Pac-10 last weekend. To stay here (and get a sub-regional assignment in Portland, or perhaps Boise), the Huskies are going to have to stay clear atop the Pac-10; if they exit this weekend’s trip to UCLA and USC still on the top of the loop, we think they’ll probably stay there. Keep an eye, however, on Siena , no stranger to the Big Dance after routing Vanderbilt in the first round last season, and with several of the same faces on hand from a year ago. Currently running ahead of underrated Niagara in the better-than-advertised Metro-Atlantic.

5 Xavier (21-4, 18) vs. 12 Minnesota (19-6, 35)... Last week’s loss at Dayton puts he “X” behind the Flyers in the A-10 race and temporarily moves the Musketeers out of protected seed territory. Moreover, HC Sean Miller has to be concerned that the Flyers might have exposed some “X” weakness in the backcourt. As for Minnesota , the Gophers are getting dangerously close to falling out of the Dance entirely after dropping 6 of their last 8. A pair of games remain vs. Michigan , as well as dates vs. Illinois & Wisconsin , that will determine Minnesota ’s at-large fate.

At Minneapolis... 2 Michigan State (20-4, 7) vs. 15 Cornell (17-7, 107)... Raise your hand if you predicted MSU’s only Big Ten losses by President’s Day would be at home vs. Northwestern and Penn State. But the Spartans are taking advantage of what appears to be a slightly down year in the conference and are on course for their first regular-season league crown in 9 years. Meanwhile, Cornell is back in the saddle in the Ivy league after sweeping Harvard and Dartmouth (a bit of trouble vs. the Big Green, however) and Princeton ’s pair of losses at Yale and Brown last weekend.

7 Florida State (19-6, 36) vs. 10 Texas (17-8, 31)... We’re not going to penalize Florida State too much for its weekend loss at Wake Forest, as the Seminoles had a near month-long stretch of quality efforts that preceded it. We won’t be so kind to erratic Texas , which needed overtime to win at Colorado over the weekend and was then summarily dispatched by Texas A&M Monday night. The Longhorns aren’t safe, and still have dates vs. Oklahoma & Kansas before the regular season concludes.

At Greensboro.... 3 Duke (20-5, 4) vs. 14 Vermont (20-7, 96)... We have dropped Duke a line this week and considered punishing the Blue Devils even more after a lost week vs. North Carolina and Boston College. That leads us to more doubts about Coach K’s team being a serious national title contender, although for the moment we keep Duke in protected seed territory and in the Greensboro sub-regional. Vermont has vaulted to the top of the America East after a win over previous leader Boston U last week (and the Terriers’ subsequent loss to Binghamton )...surely bringing a big smile to Tom Brennan’s face in the ESPN studios.

6 West Virginia (17-8, 11) vs. 11 Davidson (22-4, 34)... The story here is Davidson and the injury status of star G Stephen Curry, whose sprained ankle suffered Saturday vs. Furman might not be as bad as it originally looked. Without Curry, we doubt the Wildcats are an at-large team, so Davidson would be well-advised to take care of business in the SoCon Tourney. Saturday’s bracketBuster date at home vs. Butler could be very difficult if Curry can’t go. As for WVU, it was big for Bob Huggins’ crew to lay out Villanova last Friday in Morgantown, keeping the Mounties safely in the field.

SOUTH REGIONAL ( Memphis )
At Greensboro ... 1 North Carolina (23-2, 1) vs. Play-in game... After taking care of Duke for the fourth straight time at Cameron Indoor Stadium, we have little doubt the Tar Heels will be playing their sub-regional games in Greensboro , even if they don’t win the ACC Tourney. This week, the play-in game at Dayton would feature the Ohio Valley ’s Morehead State (16-11, 192) against the SWAC’s Alabama State (14-8, 223). The OVC winner normally wouldn’t be subject to a play-in game, but Morehead’s RPI numbers suggest it would be the case this year if the Eagles indeed qualify. Remember, the winner of the play-in game will always be slated for Friday sub-regional action, and doesn’t have to be pitted against the top tourney seed (although in the case of UNC, that would be the case).

8 Butler (22-3, 27) vs. 9 Florida (19-6, 40)... Both of these teams get punished for transgressions last week. In Butler ’s case, a home loss to lowly Loyola-Chicago is hard to explain and has cost the Bulldogs a couple of lines in the brackets, although they can begin to redeem themselves in Saturday’s featured BracketBuster at Davidson. Florida could be forgiven for its loss at Kentucky but not for doing the same at woeful Georgia , which entered that game winless in SEC play. The Gators are strongly advised to get well this week at home vs. Bama and Vandy.

At Boise ... 4 Illinois (21-5, 15) vs. 13 Northeastern (16-9, 92)... We still don’t know how Illinois escaped last Thursday at Northwestern, when the Illini were trailing by 14 with just a few minutes to play. But that Houdini act at Evanston , and subsequent handy win at Indiana , have moved the Illini behind only Michigan State in the Big Ten pecking order temporarily given and Bruce Weber’s crew a protected seed. The Colonial race has become a real logjam, thanks to both Northeastern and VCU stumbling in recent weeks. For the moment, the Huskies rate the tiebreaker nod over the Rams after beating them a few weeks ago, but Drexel and George Mason (each of whom beat NE last week) are now breathing down the leaders’ necks.

5 Arizona State (20-5, 19) vs. 12 Creighton (21-6, 58)... It was a very good week for ASU, which helped itself as much as any team in the country with a pair of crucial home wins over UCLA and USC. Now, the Sun Devils can take aim at a protected seed. It was also another good week for Creighton, as the Bluejays have caught an updraft with six straight wins to pull alongside Northern Iowa in the Missouri Valley race. Dana Altman’s crew makes it in just above the cut line this week, with that non-conference win over Dayton looking better all of the time.

At Minneapolis ... 2 Missouri (22-4, 10) vs. 15 Robert Morris (19-8, 126)... Last week’s exciting comeback win over Kansas and dominating win over capable Nebraska, along with recent losses by Duke and Marquette, have helped vault Mizzou into a second seed, although we still consider the Tigers the shakiest of all of our projected number twos. Robert Morris, which has won 13 of 14, continues to set the pace in the Northeast, with Mt. St. Mary ’s the only other league team above .500 for the season.

7 South Carolina (18-5, 48) vs. 10 Providence (16-9, 66)... We’re not as down on the SEC as the folks at ESPN or, apparently, the guys who generate the computer numbers. We’ll find out who’s right in March, with dangerous teams such as South Carolina likely slotted in 6-7-8-9 seeds, and likely to run into some potentially overrated Big East teams along the way. We’re not calling Providence overrated, but we do acknowledge that the Committee just might go 9 deep in the Big East.

At Dayton ...3 Villanova (20-5, 14) vs. 14 American (17-7, 111)... We can’t penalize Villanova for losing Friday at Morgantown, as the Wildcats were almost in a no-win situation that night as they walked straight into Bob Huggins’ WVU buzzsaw. The Cats were as hot as anybody heading into that game and despite the defeat should be a protected seed until further notice. In the Patriot League, American and Holy Cross continue their spirited battle, with surprising Navy lurking not far behind. For the moment, the Eagles hold the league lead.

6 Utah (18-7, 28) vs. 11 Boston College (19-8, 51)... Sunday night’s win over Duke gives Al Skinner’s Boston College another nice chip to cash on Selection Sunday, alongside its earlier win over North Carolina. Now, let’s see if the Eagles can stay aloft after their latest big win, unlike earlier in the year when they followed up the UNC upset with a loss vs. Harvard. Utah has drawn clear in the Mountain West and looks the surest Big Dance bet of that league which figures to get as many as three bids.

MIDWEST REGIONAL ( Indianapolis) At Kansas City ... 1 Oklahoma (25-1, 5) vs. 16 Morgan State (16-10, 166)... The beat goes on for Blake Griffin and Oklahoma, cruising along in the Big XII and lurking in the background to steal a number one overall seed if UConn, Pitt, or North Carolina hit any more bumps in the road. The new Sprint Center in Kansas City will almost assuredly be the sub-regional destination for the Sooners. Todd Bozeman’s Morgan State might be a bit tougher than the other 16 seeds, although we don’t think any of the projected top seeds are going to be in any danger in the first round.

8 Tennessee (16-8, 33) vs. 9 Arizona (18-8, 38)... Tennessee’s computer numbers continue to be a bit better than the rest of the SEC contenders, so despite the many losses the Vols have recorded, they’ve apparently still got some rope left before getting in serious bubble trouble. Just in case, comfy home wins last week over Georgia and Vandy have come in handy. At the moment, Arizona would be a scary matchup for anyone, as the Wildcats (on a 7-game win streak) are playing as well as anybody. An upcoming three-game road trip that begins later this week at Arizona State and continues at U-Dub and Wazzu will likely determine if the Cats can stay in the field without winning the Pac-10 Tourney.

At Portland ... 4 Marquette (21-4, 21) vs. 13 Buffalo (17-6, 88)... The Golden Eagles have slipped a couple of lines in recent weeks, as losses at South Florida and Villanova have exposed some heretofore unexploited weaknesses (mainly in the paint). Marquette is going to have to steady itself to maintain a protected seed. Buffalo gets the temporary nod from the MAC, but the Bulls are licking their wounds from a weekend loss at Ball State, and Charlie Coles’ always-dangerous Miami-O is lurking just a game off the MAC East pace. What figures to be a lively conference tourney in Cleveland will eventually determine the MAC’s only Big Dance rep.

5 Ohio State (17-6, 26) vs. 12 Northern Iowa (18-8, 84)... We wonder if the Valley can become a 2-bid league if UNI doesn’t win the automatic slot in “Arch Madness” in St. Louis, because the Panthers’ pre-league mark and computer numbers are not all that impressive. Creighton would figure to have a better shot at an at-large spot than UNI, which for the time being gets the Valley’s automatic bid. Ohio State could have made a serious case for protected seed status if it could have won Saturday night at Wisconsin . Avoiding a banana peel midweek at Northwestern should at least keep the Buckeyes within shouting distance of a 4 seed and a possible sub-regional spot in nearby Dayton.

At Kansas City ... 2 Louisville (19-5, 12) vs. 15 Sam Houston State (14-9, 135)... Louisville’s chances at earning a number one seed were probably dashed after getting routed at Notre Dame, but the Cards bounced back with a vengeance while taking out their frustrations on poor DePaul. Rick Pitino’s bunch still looks a good bet to retain a two seed heading into the Dance. The Southland Conference, split into two halves, has turned into a real logjam. Sam Houston gets the temporary nod over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi due to the Bearkats’ earlier win over the Islanders, but remember an 8 seed (Texas-Arlington) ended up stealing the conference tourney last March.

7 Cal (19-6, 24) vs. 10 Utah State (24-2, 39)... Cal solidified its place in the field with that wild Saturday comeback vs. Stanford. Now the Bears can go about moving up the seeding ladder with a favorable remaining schedule that features a winnable trip to the Oregon schools later this week (and a chance to avenge a shock home loss vs. Oregon State ). We aren’t going to knock WAC leader Utah State out of at-large consideration just because it lost at Boise State , but the Aggies (stung earlier this decade by the Committee when still competing in the Big West) would be well-advised not to lose any other games before the conference tourney in Reno.

At Miami ... 3 Wake Forest (19-4, 9) vs. 14 UA-Little Rock (19-6, 113)... The Deacs have been going back-and-forth the past few weeks and have slipped a couple of lines in the process, but Wake reminded us again to take it seriously when ripping hot Florida State over the weekend. The Sun Belt has turned into a real free-for-all, with UALR setting the pace in the West while hot Troy and Western Kentucky wage a spirited battle for the top spot in the East. The conference tourney (at Hot Springs, AR ) could turn into a real donnybrook.

6 Gonzaga (19-5, 17) vs. 11 Kansas State (17-8, 50)... Is it just us, or does Gonzaga seem as if it is getting a bit bored with WCC competition? The Zags almost fell asleep at the switch and allow Patty Mills-less Saint Mary’s pull the upset last week before struggling vs. lowly USF on Saturday night. A dangerous team like K-State could make the Zags pay if Gonzaga isn’t careful. We still have the Wildcats in the field despite last Saturday’s loss vs. hot Kansas.

WEST REGIONAL ( Glendale , AZ ) At Philadelphia ... 1 UConn (24-2, 3) vs. 16 CS Northridge (12-10, 136)... After falling on Monday vs. Pitt, UConn still has plenty of time to earn back the top seed it really wants (East) but will probably have to win the Big East Tourney to do so. Nonetheless, a spot on the top line and a sub-regional assignment in Philadelphia still look to be solid bets. The Big West remains an interesting logjam, albeit consisting of mediocre teams. The league is so far removed from its UNLV-Fresno State-New Mexico State-Utah State heydays that it could soon find itself an annual participant in the play-in game. Current loop leader CSUN is barely above that cut line at the moment.

8 Dayton (23-3, 54) vs. 9 Wisconsin (16-9, 30)... Dayton could prove an intriguing seeding case for the Committee, as the Flyers have pulled ahead of Xavier (which is better-liked by the computers) in the Atlantic 10 and could have a justifiable argument at a 5 or 6 seed if they keep on winning. Wisconsin has a Big Dance pulse once more after that crucial Saturday win over Ohio State , the Badgers’ fourth on the trot. Avoiding a loss at Indiana Thursday night is very advisable, because a win there would probably remove the necessity of winning at Michigan State Feb. 22 to stay in the field.

At Miami ... 4 Clemson (20-4, 8) vs. 13 North Dakota State (19-6, 113)... Clemson appears to be suffering through a case of the February “blahs” after reaching a crescendo with that blowout win over Duke Feb. 4. That was sure not the same Tiger team that lost over the weekend at struggling Virginia , so Oliver Purnell’s bunch is on notice that further transgressions could cost it protected seed status. NDSU’s 11-game win streak was stopped last weekend by Southern Utah, but the Bison, loaded with fifth-year seniors, maintain a lead in the Summit (nee mid-Continent) Conference over Oral Roberts.

5 UCLA (19-6, 20) vs. 12 UNLV (19-6, 52)... After talking about perhaps moving up to top line status a week ago, now UCLA is questionable for any sort of protected seed after getting swept at the Arizona schools last weekend. The Bruins’ punishment for the moment is a trip outside of the west, although Ben Howland’s troops will still have time to rehab their case for a top four seed. This shapes up as a huge week for UNLV, with games at Wyoming and BYU perhaps holding the key to at-large status. Of course, the Runnin’ Rebels are going to once again host the MWC Tourney, so they always have that onramp to the Big Dance to fall back upon.

At Kansas City ... 2 Memphis (22-3, 6) vs. 15 Belmont (16-9, 137)... Of the likely two seeds, Memphis appears to have the best chance to break into the top line simply because it is unlikely the Tigers are going to lose against anyone in C-USA (which they haven’t done for a couple of years) before they get to the Dance. Belmont has drawn even with Jacksonville in the Atlantic Sun standings, and despite an earlier loss vs. the Dolphins (one the Bruins can avenge in the reg.-season finale), we opt for Belmont as our A-Sun choice this week because of better computer numbers. Remember how the Bruins nearly upset Duke in the first round a year ago?

7 LSU (21-4, 37) vs. 10 Syracuse (19-7, 25).... Nobody outside of the south appears to be paying much attention to the SEC, and we suppose LSU’s lopsided non-league losses vs. Utah & Xavier have something to do with it. But teams are allowed to improve as the season progresses, and Trent Johnson has his Tigers in synch the past few weeks as they draw clear in the SEC West. Syracuse avoided some serious bubble trouble by escaping in overtime against Georgetown at the Carrier Dome last Saturday, and a win Sunday vs. Villanova would all but sew up a spot in the Dance for Jim Boeheim’s crew.

At Dayton ... 3 Kansas (20-5, 16) vs. 14 Weber State (17-8, 102)... Despite losing a heartbreaker last week at Mizzou, Kansas has the look of a team on the rise, evidenced by a handy weekend win in a potential trap game at Kansas State. Figuring the young Jayhawks to continue their improvement, we think they’ll stay in protected seed territory. Weber State has drawn clear in the Big Sky and is close to wrapping up the regular-season crown and the reward of host status in the conference tourney, although second-place Montana (with seven straight wins) is closing ground in a hurry.

6 Purdue (19-6, 13) vs. 11 Cincinnati (17-9, 49)... We might be downgrading the Boilermakers a bit much, but we are not sold on the strength and depth of the Big Ten. Purdue got Robbie Hummel back on the floor for a few minutes over the weekend vs. Iowa , but unless the Riveters can beat Michigan State Tuesday night, we think they’ll land in the 5-6 seed range. Cincinnati figures to be dancing on the bubble all of the way to Selection Sunday, and avoiding getting swept in the two crucial upcoming home games vs. Louisville and West Virginia will likely be key in determining the Bearcats’ at-large fate.

The Dean's List: Cooler than cool
By Jon Campbell

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Bordering on 30 years old is a scary and confusing place for a man to be.

You're not only teetering on the verge of full-blown adulthood but things that were cool just don't cut it anymore.

Your CD rack looks like the playlist for VH1 Classic, your jersey collection contains such ghosts as Glenn Robinson, Anfernee Hardaway and Harold Miner and any movie reference you make outside your circle of close friends gets raised eyebrows and pity chuckles.

I'll admit I'm starting to fall behind the times, but when did it become uncool to like the Pac-10?

Saying the Pacific-10 is a solid league is like listening to Styx.

Try it.

Roll down your car windows and blast "Too Much Time On My Hands" as you creep down the avenue. Now, write a column praising the Pac-10. Notice anything similar?

The college basketball pundits stamped the conference with the dreaded “down year” label at the beginning of the season, fueling magazines and posting forums to use such words as “soft”, “weak” and “SEC-like” when describing their disdain for the league.

Well, I like Styx and I like the Pac-10.

Being a night owl and last-chance-for-romance sports bettor, I've sat through numerous Pac-10 contests and marveled at the league's talent. With every sleepless evening, I've watched the conference evolve. Sure, at the start of the year the Pac-10 looked a little thin with most of its notables heading to the pros.

Washington State is back to rebuilding, Stanford lost its twin towers, Lute Olson is gone from Arizona and overall, there just isn't as many blue chippers filling those gaps. Hell, the Pac-10's best recruit opted for overseas instead.

But the conference has grown in leaps and bounds since league play began. The Pac-10 ranks fifth in the nation in strength with a non-conference winning percentage over 75 percent. It's stronger than both the Big 12 and Big Ten, both of which rank above it according to collective RPI.

The conference is also proving profitable with Arizona State, Stanford, Cal and Washington handing out money like the economic stimulus package. These Pac-10 schools have a combined 57-30 ATS mark.

The emergence of California and Washington as conference contenders has the Pac-10 looking like a six tournament-team league rather than the predicted four bids in the preseason. Arizona State and Arizona are playing the best basketball in the nation while UCLA, the Pac-10's sure thing, is tumbling down the standings. But the selection committee wouldn't dare omit the Bruins from the tournament, even if they lost all their remaining scheduled contests.

The Southern Cal Trojans are the league's bubble team after losing three straight games on the road. They have a promising closing slate but lack worthwhile wins in both conference and non-conference play.

Southern Cal has to win the Pac-10 tourney to have a shot at the field of 65 and, in all fairness, it could. The Trojans have a stellar lineup featuring freshman stud DeMar DeRozan and junior Dwight Lewis.

The rest of the Pac-10 also boasts quality performers.

The Bruins have lottery picks in Darren Collison and Josh Shipp, Cal has marquee talent four-players deep, the Wildcats rock Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill, freshman Isaiah Thomas and senior Justin Dentmon are deadly scorers for UW and Arizona State's James Harden is the best shooting guard in college basketball. So much for that lack of standout players everyone was bitching about.

If liking the Pac-10, especially around tourney time, isn't what all the cool college hoop heads are doing, then I guess I'm just one of the nerds.

One of the very rich and very smart nerds. Now crank up the Styx.

Falling short

Being the classic romantic that I am, I figured what better way to spend Valentine's Day with my sweetheart than take in one of college basketball's most hated rivalries? I surprised the Mrs. with a trip to upstate New York to watch Syracuse host Big East foe Georgetown Saturday afternoon.

While I expected to hear some jeers towards the visiting Hoyas and officiating crew, the majority of choice four-letter words spouting from the mouths of Orange faithful were saved for the boys in white. As Syracuse coughed up an 8-point lead in the final moments of regulation, you could sense a season's worth of frustration exuding from the stands as if it were holding up the roof of the Carrier Dome.

The fans were tired of falling short. The Orange were just outside of the Top 25 when the season began and expected to compete in the Big East. They got hopes up with big non-conference wins over Memphis, Kansas and Florida but fell on their face as the season played out.

As much as Cuse fans hate Cuse, there are other programs out there leaving a worst taste in the mouths of backers.

Tennessee Volunteers (10-11-1 ATS)

The Vols were supposed to tread water in the SEC with talents like Tyler Smith and J.P. Prince making up for the loss of key scorers. But it wasn't just scoring that walked out the door. Tennessee lost its poise on defense and as much as coach Bruce Pearl wants to press, the Vols don't have the attitude to do it. They're still the most talented SEC program – on paper – and with Pearl pushing them, they could come back from the dead in the SEC tournament and NCAA.

Texas Longhorns (9-12-0 ATS)

Just replace that bright orange with that familiar burnt orange and the Horns are in the same boat as the Vols. A so-called down year in the Big 12 left Texas vying with Oklahoma for the conference's top spot. Again, on paper the Horns look like an Elite Eight program but on the court they've been run over by underrated foes like Kansas State, Nebraska and Missouri. So much for a down year.

Georgetown Hoyas (6-12-1 ATS)

From the beginning of the season I warned anyone that would listen about the Hoyas. You can't take the 7-foot center piece of the Princeton offense out of the equation and expect the same results. Georgetown was supposed to super charge its offense with a quicker lineup. But the ball movement was terribly slow Saturday and it wasn't until the Hoyas went tiny in the final minutes that they started to produce.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons (11-8-0 ATS)

Wake Forest has come back to earth after an insane start to conference play. The Deacs took wins over Duke, Clemson and UNC but have had trouble winning in opposing gyms. They've dropped four of their last seven games, with three of those losses away from Winston-Salem. Wake Forest finishes with three of six games on the road including a trip to Cameron Indoor. It is just 4-4 ATS on the road and allows 10 points more per game as a visitor.

Tips and Trends

Providence at #7 Louisville

Providence: The Friars will need to continue their hot shooting if they have any hopes of pulling off the upset at Louisville. They have won two straight games by a combined 25 points after shooting less than 40 percent from the field in three straight losses. The Cardinals lead the Big East in scoring defense - allowing 61 points per game - and have held five of their last eight opponents to 59 or less.

Providence is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games overall.
The OVER is 7-1 in Providence's last 8 games as an underdog.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 66

Louisville (-14, O/U 146): The Cardinals have won the last seven meetings with Providence and have never lost to the Friars at home, going 4-0. They sit just one game behind UConn for the top spot in the Big East, and three of their last four opponents are .500 or worse in conference play. Louisville rebounded from its worst loss of the season at Notre Dame last Thursday by crushing DePaul 99-54 on Sunday. “We have to move forward,” Cardinals guard Preston Knowles said. “We still have our main goal.”

Louisville is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 games overall.
The OVER is 3-1 in Louisville's last 4 home games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 80

Oklahoma State at Texas Tech

Oklahoma State (-1, O/U 163): The Cowboys are coming off an 86-67 rout of Iowa State on Saturday but have put the victory in perspective considering the Cyclones are one of the worst teams in the Big 12. They had lost four of their previous five games, going 0-5 ATS during that stretch. “It was huge, because it’s getting to the part in the season where we need to quit losing,” Oklahoma State guard Terrel Harris. “This is the time where teams usually peak. Like coach said, ‘This is a new season for us.’”

Oklahoma State is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games overall.
The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 82

Texas Tech: Of the 12 wins for the Red Raiders this season, 11 of them have come at home. They have played five of their last seven games on the road but covered three of the last four. Texas Tech also will be hosting an Oklahoma State team that has dropped three straight both SU & ATS on the road overall along with three of the last four meetings in Lubbock. The Red Raiders open a two-game homestand against Oklahoma State before visiting Texas next Wednesday.

Texas Tech is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games overall.
The OVER is 5-1-1 in Texas Tech's last 7 games overall.

Key Injuries - F Trevor Cook (back) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 81