Wednesday's Best NCAAB Bet
Syracuse Orange at Connecticut Huskies (-3, 139.5)
How bad has it gotten for the Orange? The team has lost four straight for the first time in five seasons and also is 0-4 ATS over that span. Syracuse just hasn’t been able to successfully implement its trademark 2-3 zone defense during its losing streak.
During its run of futility, the Orange are giving up an average of 80.7 points per game. In the team’s first 18 games, it didn’t allow a single opponent to crack the 80-point barrier.
“We have to get back to trusting each other on the defensive end,” Guard Scoop Jardine said. “We stopped believing in the zone which got us to this point.”
But no part of the zone is working right. Up top, Jardine and the team’s other guards allowed Pittsburgh, Villanova, Seton Hall and Marquette to make a combined 33-of-69 three-pointers during their slide. Cuse's perimeter players aren’t the only ones at fault.
Freshman forwards Fab Melo and Baye Moussa Keita are getting bullied inside. The Orange have a total rebounding margin of minus-19 during their losing streak.
That doesn’t sound like a very good group to slow down Connecticut’s elite guards. Kemba Walker is second in the nation in scoring at 24.2 points per game and backcourt mate Jeremy Lamb has cracked double figures his past five times out, including breaking the 20-point barrier each of the past two games.
Pick: Connecticut
NCAA Betting Preview: Syracuse at Connecticut
By: Stephen Nover
Ordinarily there is no shame in losing consecutive games to Pittsburgh, Villanova, Seton Hall and Marquette.
Such is life in the Big East, the toughest college basketball conference with eight teams ranked in the Top 25.
But there is reason to ponder when Syracuse is the recipient of those four straight defeats. It’s just the third time in Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim’s 35-year tenure that the Orangemen have dropped four in a row.
No Boeheim-coached team has ever lost five consecutive games. That streak, though, is in jeopardy as the 17th-rated Orangemen play at sixth-ranked Connecticut Wednesday at 4 p.m. PT with ESPN televising the Big East matchup.
Syracuse opened the season in grand style winning its first 18 games. Now the Orangemen are 18-4. Their latest loss was to Marquette this past Saturday, 76-70, as two-point road ‘dogs. The combined 146 points dipped ‘under’ the 147-point total.
The Orangemen lost despite shooting 57.1 percent from the floor and 46.2 percent from behind the arc.
“Our offense was the best it’s been in a while,” Boeheim noted. “In the second half, we put both together. Our offense was still good and our defense got a lot better.”
Boeheim’s vaunted 2-3 zone defense had been shredded by Pittsburgh, Villanova and Seton Hall. Villanova and Seton Hall combined to make 21 three-points against the Orangemen. All three of those teams shot better than 48 percent from the floor against Syracuse.
Connecticut also is off a loss. The Huskies were nipped, 79-78, in double overtime by Louisville this past Saturday as 5 ½-point home favorites. The combined 157 points went ‘over’ the 142-point total.
The ‘under’ had cashed in Connecticut’s previous five games and would have easily cashed in this matchup with the teams tied at 59-59 at the end of regulation if the game didn’t go into double overtime.
The Huskies were riding a six-game winnings streak until falling to the Cardinals. It also was Connecticut’s first home loss in 12 games. The Huskies are 17-3 on the season.
This kind of record wasn’t expected of the Huskies going into the season after they missed making the NCAA Tournament for the second time in four years last season while losing 11 of 18 conference matchups and five of their last six games.
Only BYU’s Jimmer Fredette is averaging more points than Connecticut junior guard Kemba Walker, who is averaging 24.2 points per game, 4.2 assists and 2.1 steals.
Walker is a player of the year candidate. However, he’s in a prolonged shooting slump making only 24-of-74 (32 percent) shots from the floor during his last four games.
Despite Walker’s shooting woes, the Huskies still beat Villanova, Tennessee and Marquette during this span. Connecticut out-rebounded its past four opponents by 21 boards while compiling 60 assists to 44 turnovers.
Shooting guard Jeremy Lamb has stepped up with Walker’s shots not falling to average 18.7 points in the last four games.
Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun, though, is concerned about the consistency of his inside players.
Center Charles Okwandu was held to no points and one rebound in 17 minutes against Louisville and forward Alex Oriakhi, the team leader in rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage, had just six points versus the Cardinals.
Last year, Syracuse beat Connecticut, 72-67, at home but failed to cover as 10-point favorites. The combined 139 points went ‘under’ the 146-point total.
The Orangemen are 1-3 ATS in Big East road contests this season. After finishing No. 3 in the nation in scoring last season at 80.9 points per game, Syracuse ranks 64th averaging 74.3 points.
Kris Joseph leads the Orangemen in scoring at 15.2 points a game.
Embarrassed Duke at Maryland in NCAA betting
By: Michael Robinson
The Duke Blue Devils look to bounce-back from an embarrassing loss when they visit the Maryland Terrapins on Wednesday night. Duke won the first meeting between the teams this year.
The Blue Devils are 19-2 straight-up and 10-10 against the spread. They’re coming off a 93-78 loss at St. John’s on Saturday, their worst defeat since the 77-54 loss to Villanova in the Sweet Sixteen in March 2009.
The Villanova loss was at least against a highly ranked team. St. John’s is unranked at 12-8 SU and Duke suffered its largest margin of defeat against an unranked opponent in the last 15 years. The loss dropped Duke from No. 3 to No. 5 in the AP.
Duke shot just 8-of-27 (29.6 percent) from the field in the first half and 1-of-13 from three-point land. The margin was 46-25 at halftime and the Dukies never made a real second-half charge.
The 171 combined points scored went way ‘over’ the 140½-point total. The ‘over’ is 4-1 in Duke last five games.
The Blue Devils are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven after starting the season 8-5 ATS. They haven’t been the same since losing fab-freshman point guard Kyrie Irving eight games in (toe). His return this year is in major jeopardy.
Guard Nolan Smith (21 PPG) has moved over from shooting guard and is averaging 23.1 PPG since Irving went out. Seth Curry (eight PPG) and Andre Dawkins (10.2 PPG) have both started games in Irving’s absence, but each is inconsistent and better suited coming off the bench.
Duke is scoring 77.9 PPG the last seven games. That’s a respectable number, but far down from 89 PPG in the first 14.
Even more concerning is the Blue Devils’ defense. Their 65.3 PPG allowed is sixth among ACC teams and 105th in the country. Team defense was at 61 PPG last year (ranked 26th nationally) as coach Mike Krzyzewski won his fourth national title.
Coach K should have the troops fired up after the defeat and Duke is 4-1 ATS in its last five games following a SU loss.
The Terrapins are 14-7 SU (8-8 ATS) and 4-3 SU in the ACC. That’s not a bad start for a team that lost its three-leading scorers (Greivis Vasquez, Landon Milbourne, Eric Hayes) from last year’s NCAA tournament team (24-9 SU).
Coach Gary Williams is rebuilding on the fly, centered around sophomore big man Jordan Williams (17.1 PPG, 11.9 RPG). He had 21 points and 15 rebounds in Saturday’s 74-63 win at Georgia Tech as two-point favorites. The team has a three-game winning streak (2-1 ATS).
The 137 combined points scored went ‘under’ the 140-point total. The ‘under’ is 6-1 in Maryland’s last seven games.
The Terrapins are 10-3 SU at home, but only 2-6 ATS. They’re 4-4 SU and 6-2 ATS in road plus neutral site games.
Maryland is third in the ACC in scoring (76.6 PPG). Williams is aided by seniors Cliff Tucker (11.4 PPG) and Adrian Bowie (9.6 PPG). Terrell Stoglin (9.6 PPG) is a talented freshman point guard.
The first meeting between the teams came Jan. 9 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Williams had 23 points and 13 rebounds, but the Duke combination of Kyle Singler (25 points) and Smith (18 points) proved too much (71-64 win). That was a pretty tight game the whole way and Maryland earned the ‘cover’ as 14½-point ‘dogs.
That game also easily went ‘under’ the 154½-point total. The ‘under’ is 6-1 in the last seven meetings between the teams.
There are no significant injuries to report besides Irving. ESPN will have the 6 p.m. (PT) tip-off from Comcast Center after No. 17 Syracuse at No. 6 Connecticut.
Michigan battles NCAA odds and No. 1 Ohio State
By: David Schwab
It will be a tall task this Thursday when the Michigan Wolverines try and extend their winning streak to three in the Big Ten against the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes. Tip-off from the Value City Arena in Columbus is set for 4 p.m. (PT) and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Michigan snapped a six-game losing streak with a 61-57 victory over in-state rival Michigan State last Thursday night as an 11-point road underdog and then followed it up with an 87-73 win over Iowa as a 7½-point home favorite on Saturday. The wins moved the Wolverines to 13-9 straight-up and 10-7 against the spread for the year. They are 3-6 SU in conference play.
Sophomore guard Darius Morris is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 15.4 points a game while also leading in assists with 7.2. Freshman guard Tim Hardaway Jr. is the only other player scoring in double-figures with an average of 11.8 points a game, but junior guard-forward Zack Novak, the team’s leading rebounder with six per game, is averaging 9.9 points a game.
The Wolverines are averaging just 67 points and 33 rebounds a game which are both ranked near the bottom of the nation’s Division I schools. They are shooting 44.2 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from three-point range while converting on just over 70 percent of their attempts from the foul-line.
Ohio State firmly established itself as the best team in the country at this point of the season with an 87-64 romp over No.10 Purdue on Jan.25 as a 7½-point home favorite. The Buckeyes followed this up with a closer than expected 58-57 victory over Northwestern as a 10 ½-point road favorite this past Saturday. They are now a perfect 22-0 SU but just 10-9 ATS.
Ohio State is 9-0 SU in the Big Ten and has a two-game lead in the conference standings over the Boilermakers.
Much has been made this season about the stellar play of freshman forward Jared Sullinger, and all the accolades are justified. He leads the team in scoring with an average of 18 points a game and is shooting 57.7 percent from the floor. He is also the Buckeyes' top rebounder with an average of 9.9 boards a game.
Sullinger has a great supporting cast in junior guard William Buford, who is averaging 13.5 points and shooting 43.4 percent from three-point range and senior guard-forward David Lighty, who is averaging 12.4 points and 3.5 assists a game. Ohio State is averaging 78 points a game but is actually ranked 175th in the nation in rebounds with an average of 35 a game.
Michigan is 1-3 ATS in its last four road games and is 2-3 ATS in its last five games overall. The total has gone ‘over’ in five of its last six games.
Ohio State is 3-2 ATS in its last five games at home and is 3-1 ATS in its last four games overall. The total has gone ‘over’ in four of its last six games.
Head-to-head, the Buckeyes have won five of the last six games SU, but the Wolverines are 4-2 ATS. The total has gone ‘over’ in three of the last four meetings. Earlier this season Ohio State beat Michigan 68-64 as an 11-point road favorite and the total went ‘over’ the 126½-point line.
This time around the Buckeyes should open as a high double-digit favorite. The average margin of victory in the last four games between these two teams has been less than six points so stick with Michigan to once again make things interesting for the Buckeyes.
Wednesday NCAAB Betting Preview
NCAAB betting lines will draw plenty of attention on favorites and highly-ranked Duke and Villanova, who are looking to bounce back after disastrous losses last time out when they return to the hardwood on Wednesday.
Marquette Golden Eagles vs Villanova Wildcats
The Marquette Golden Eagles (14-8 SU, 10-4 ATS) aren’t comfortable on the road, but the struggling No. 12 Villanova Wildcats could provide fodder for a road underdog victory by the Golden Eagles.
Villanova (17-4 SU, 10-7 ATS) has dropped two straight and three of four in a recent funk. They will be the first choice among bettors who realize the struggles of Marquette on the road. The Wildcats are 11-1 at home, while the Golden Eagles have just two wins in six tries on the road.
If Villanova is to pay out for NCAAB betting faithful, they must find a way to score. The Wildcats have averaged 11 points below their season mark in the three defeats, while Marquette is putting up just under 80 points per game.
Expect a tight game, as these teams have come within four points or less of each other in the previous four head-to-head. Marquette defeated Villanova last time out and has been a good pointspread bet - covering in three of the past four matchups.
An obvious trend that has emerged with this pairing is the high-scoring affairs that have made winners of OVER bettors in four of the past five against one another.
Duke Blue Devils vs Maryland Terrapins
Fifth-ranked Duke (19-2 SU, 9-10 ATS) will try to avenge a lopsided upset at the hands of the St. John’s Red Storm from Sunday when they tip off against the Maryland Terrapins (14-7 SU, 8-7 ATS), where they will be slight road favorites in a late NCAAB betting matchup Wednesday.
Kyle Singler has been in a shooting slump lately, but he did put up 25 points and 10 boards for a double-double in leading Duke over Maryland earlier in January. This could be Singler’s return to form and a rebound that leads Duke into March Madness.
Duke reeled off 18 wins over a 19-game stretch after suffering an upset last season, but it was Maryland who handed the Blue Devils the loss. The Blue Devils will get most of the betting attention in this game, since they rarely suffer back-to-back losses.
The Terrapins have covered the spread in three of the previous four head-to-head, and with Duke looking vulnerable it could be a good line to take on the pointspread.
This matchup is like the earlier game where OVER/UNDER betting is more predictable with four of the past five between the two sending UNDER bettors to the payout window.
College Hoops Heaven
By Brian Edwards
Gamblers are in heaven Wednesday with 13 televised games in college hoops. We’ve even got a day game with Oklahoma hosting Baylor at 3:00 p.m. Eastern. This Big 12 matchup was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but weather conditions forced school officials to postpone the game.
Indiana will take on Minnesota at Assembly Hall in Bloomington at 6:30 p.m. Eastern on The Big Ten Network.
The Hoosiers will be without leading scorer Christian Watford, who is out indefinitely after having surgery on his broken left hand. Watford is averaging 17.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. He scored 21 points in Sunday’s overtime loss at Michigan St.
In his third season at the helm of a major rebuilding project, Tom Crean has to be wondering if he’ll ever catch a break. Maurice Creek is already out for the season for a second straight year and Verdell Jones Jr. (12.9 PPG, 3.6 assists per game) is ‘doubtful’ tonight with a knee injury.
As of early this morning, most betting shops had the Gophers listed as three-point road favorites.
Then at 7:00 p.m. Eastern, there are games tipping off on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU. Connecticut (17-3 straight up, 10-4 against the spread) will play host to suddenly sagging Syracuse (18-4 SU, 7-13 ATS).
Jim Boeheim’s team has lost four in a row since starting the season with 18 consecutive victories. The slump began with a Jan. 17 loss at Pitt by a 74-66 score. In the loss to the Panthers, the Orange was without leading scorer Kris Joseph, who returned from a concussion one game later.
Joseph’s return didn’t prevent the ‘Cuse from going down to Villanova, 83-72, as a 5½-point home favorite. Likewise, Joseph’s 17 points couldn’t stop Seton Hall from coming into the Carrier Dome and dealing out woodshed treatment in the form of a 90-68 clubbing as a 12½-point underdog.
Then on Saturday, Syracuse went down 76-70 at Marquette as a two-point road underdog. Joseph had 18 points and four steals in the losing effort, while Scoop Jardine had 13 points and 13 assists against the Golden Eagles.
UConn had won six in a row until losing 79-78 Saturday vs. Louisville in double overtime. Jeremy Lamb and Kemba Walker had 21 and 20 points in defeat, respectively.
The ‘under’ had cashed in five straight UConn games and was poised to hit for a sixth straight time in its Saturday game vs. Louisville. However, with the game tied at 59 at the end of regulation, the game went ‘over’ 142 in the extra sessions.
Most books had the Huskies listed as three-point favorites early this morning. ESPN will have the telecast from Storrs.
Virginia Tech (14-6 SU, 7-8-1 ATS) will take on North Carolina St. (12-9 SU, 7-10 ATS) in Raleigh on ESPN2. The Hokies have won 10 of their last 12 games and are sitting in a fourth-place tie in the ACC. They are off a 72-68 non-covering home win over Miami as eight-point favorites.
Jeff Allen had a double-double against the ‘Canes, finishing with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Malcolm Delaney chipped in with 14 points. Delaney, a senior guard, is averaging a team-high 18.0 points and 4.5 assists per game.
Sidney Lowe is in big trouble with the Wolfpack, who haven’t been invited to the NCAA Tournament since Herb Sendek was on the job. N.C. St. is in a ninth-place tie in the ACC with a 2-5 record in conference play.
Most spots had the Hokies favored by three early this morning.
Maryland and Duke will collide tonight in College Park at 9:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN. Most books had the Terrapins listed as four-point home underdogs early this morning.
Duke is coming off its worst performance of the season in Sunday’s 93-78 loss to St. John’s at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Blue Devils lost by double digits as eight-point favorites.
Gary Williams’s team has won three consecutive games, including a pair of ACC road wins by double-digit margins. The Terps went into Atlanta on Sunday night and beat Ga. Tech 74-63 as two-point road favorites. Jordan Williams was the catalyst with 21 points and 15 rebounds.
When these teams met on Jan. 9 at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke captured a 71-64 win but disappointed its backers as a 14 ½-point home ‘chalk.’ Kyle Singler had 25 points and 10 rebounds for the winners, while Williams had 23 points and 13 rebounds in the losing effort.
Maryland has been an underdog five times this season, compiling a 3-2 spread record. This is the first time the Terps have been home ‘dogs.
The ‘under’ is 10-5 overall for the Terps but just 4-3 in their home games. Meanwhile, Duke has seen the ‘over’ go 12-8 overall. In the last seven head-to-head meetings between these ACC adversaries, the ‘under’ has cashed at a lucrative 6-1 clip.
There are several late-night options in play, including a Pac-10 showdown between USC and UCLA. These bitter rivals will collide at 11:00 p.m. Eastern with FSN airing the telecast from Pauley Pavilion.
Most books are listing UCLA as a three-point home favorite with a total of 131 ½.
Utah St. (20-2 SU, 10-10 ATS) will try to stay undefeated at home when it squares off against Nevada at 11:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2. Most spots have tabbed the Aggies as 14½-point favorites.
B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets
Wisconsin scored eight unanswered points in the final minute to beat Purdue 66-59 as a five-point favorite last night. Jon Leuer paced the Badgers with a game-high 24 points. The 125 combined points stayed ‘under’ the closing total of 125½.
Florida extended its SEC East lead to 1 ½ games over Kentucky when it beat Vanderbilt 65-61 in overtime. The Commodores covered the number at most spots that closed at 4 ½. UF’s Kenny Boynton hit a clutch trey for the go-ahead points in the extra session. Next, Vandy’s John Jenkins shot an air ball from 3-point range, although Kevin Stallings thought his player got fouled on the play.
Kentucky fell to 4-3 in SEC play by losing 71-69 at Ole Miss as a 6 ½-point road favorite. The Wildcats rallied and surged into the lead in the final minute, only to see their brief lead disappear when Rebels’ senior guard Chris Warren drained a pull-up jumper from 26 feet out. The Rebs hooked up money-line backers with a plus-230 payout (paid $230 on $100 wagers).
St. John’s senior forward Justin Brownlee has a broken thumb on his non-shooting hand, but he will play tonight vs. Rutgers. Most books are listing the Red Storm as a nine-point home favorite in this classic letdown situation for the Johnnies.
As of early this morning, West Va. leading scorer Casey Mitchell (16.6 PPG) remained suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules. Mitchell is not expected to be in uniform tonight when the Mountaineers take on Seton Hall as nine-point home favorites.
vegasinsider.com.
Tips and Trends
Syracuse Orange at Connecticut Huskies
ORANGE: It seems like so long ago that Syracuse was undefeated and at the top of the national polls. 4 losses later, and it appears the sky is falling for the Orange. Such is life in the rough and tough Big East Conference. The Orange are 18-4 SU and 7-13 ATS overall this season, as they are ranked 17th in the nation this week. Syracuse is 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS in true road settings this year. The Orange are 1-1 both SU and ATS this year as the listed underdog. F Kris Joseph leads the Orange with a team high 15.2 PPG this season. F Rick Jackson is averaging 13.2 PPG and a team high 11.5 RPG this year. The Orange are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Wednesday games. Syracuse is 9-3 ATS in their last 12 road games against a team with a home winning percentage greater than .600%. The Orange are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU loss. Syracuse is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games against the Big East.
Orange are 0-4 ATS last 4 games overall.
Under is 14-6 last 20 games following an ATS loss.
Key Injuries - F DaShonte Riley (foot) is out.
Projected Score: 65
HUSKIES: (-4.5, O/U 138.5) UCONN has been arguably the most surprising team in the nation this year. The Huskies weren't expected to be ranked this year, and here they are ranked 7th in the country. Connecticut is 17-3 SU and 10-4 ATS overall this year. The Huskies are 3-2 ATS as a single digit favorite this season. G Kemba Walker has proven to be one of the 3 best players in the nation this year. Walker has carried UCONN all season long, as he's averaging team highs of 24.2 PPG and 4.3 APG this year. F Alex Oriakhi is the only other Huskies player averaging double figures in PTS, as he's averaging 10.7 PPG and a team high 9.0 RPG this year. UCONN is 11-1 SU and 3-3 ATS in home games this year. The Huskies are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600%. Connecticut is 10-4 ATS in their last 14 Wednesday games. The Huskies are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU loss.
Huskies are 6-2 ATS last 8 games overall.
Under is 4-1 last 5 games against the Big East.
Key Injuries - None Reported.
Projected Score: 66 (UNDER-Total of the Day)
Duke Blue Devils at Maryland Terrapins
BLUE DEVILS: (-4.5, O/U 149) It's not often that Duke is coming off a double digit SU loss. That's exactly the situation tonight though, as the Blue Devils were dominated at St. Johns in their last game. Duke has revenge on their minds, as they lost the last time they went on the road to play at Maryland. Duke is 19-2 SU and 10-10 ATS overall this season. The Blue Devils are 4-2 both SU and ATS in true road games this year. Duke is 1-2 ATS as a single digit favorite this year. The Blue Devils are 6-1 in ACC play this year, and ranked 5th in the nation coming into tonight. G Nolan Smith leads Duke with 21 PPG and 5.6 APG this year. F Kyle Singler is averaging 18 PPG and 6.1 RPG this season. F Mason Plumlee is averaging 6.5 PPG and a team high 8.6 RPG for the Blue Devlis this season. The Blue Devils are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Wednesday games. Duke is 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games after allowing more than 90 points in their previous game. The Blue Devils are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 games following an ATS loss. Duke is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall. The Blue Devils are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600%. Duke is 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games against the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Blue Devils are 4-1 ATS last 5 games following a SU loss.
Under is 6-1 last 7 games against a team with a winning SU record.
Key Injuries - G Kyrie Irving (toe) is out.
Projected Score: 83 (SIDE of the Day)
TERRAPINS: Maryland played Duke tough on the road earlier this year, so they are likely to be full of confidence heading into tonight. Maryland is 14-7 SU and 8-8 ATS overall this year. The Terrapins are 10-3 SU and 2-6 ATS at home this season. Tonight will represent the first time this season that Maryland will be the listed home underdog. The Terrapins are 3-1 ATS as the listed underdog overall this year. F Jordan Williams has been brilliant this season, one of the best players in the ACC. Williams is averaging team highs of 17.1 PPG and 11.9 RPG this season. G Cliff Tucker is the only other Maryland player averaging double figures with 11.4 PPG. G Adrian Bowie is averaging 9.6 PPG and a team high 3.6 APG this year. The Terrapins are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games against the Atlantic Coast. Maryland is 35-15-2 ATS in their last 52 Wednesday games. The Terrapins are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following an ATS win. Maryland is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 home games against a team with a road winning percentage greater than .600%.
Terrapins are 1-6 ATS last 7 home games.
Under is 4-0 last 4 games following a SU win.
Key Injuries - F Ashton Pankey (leg) is out.
Projected Score: 71
College Basketball Knowledge
Indiana's leading scorer Watford is hurt, won't play, after Hoosiers lost in OT to Michigan State; IU covered four of last five games, winning its last two at home, vs Michigan/Illinois. Big 11 favorites are 6-1 vs spread in games where spread is 3 or less points. Minnesota is 1-2 as favorite in Big 11. lost four of its five on road, with only win 69-64 at Michigan.
Villanova won three of its last four games vs Marquette; teams split pair of close games in last two Big East tourneys; Wildcats lost three of last four games, are 3-1 as home favorite, winning at home by 16-11-14 with loss to Hoyas. Big East home favorites of 8 or less points are 20-13 vs spread. Marquette lost last three road games, by 8-1-8 points.
NC State lost five of last six games but four losses came on road; State is 0-5 vs spread as ACC underdog, with all five ACC losses by 9+ points, though they are 2-1 at home in ACC. Virginia Tech won three of its last four games; they won last three games vs NC State by 4ot-20-12 points. ACC home underdogs of 5 or less points are 2-4 vs spread.
Syracuse lost last four games after 18-0 start; they've allowed 80.8 ppg in last four games, after giving up 59.8 in first five Big East tilts, all wins. Big East home favorites of 4 or less points are 11-7 vs spread. UConn is 6-1 in last seven games, covering three of last four at home. Syracuse lost last five visits to Nutmeg State, by 28-18-23-7-14 points.
West Virginia won last six games vs Seton Hall, taking last five here, by 5-10-10-21-12 points; WVa won five of last six league games despite its leading scorer being suspended- they're 1-2 as a Big East home favorite. Big East single digit home favorites are 22-15 vs spread; home faves of 9+ points are 9-9. Pirates scored 90-81 points in winning last two games with leading scorer Hazell back in lineup after having wrist injury.
Kansas State is 2-5 in Big 12, with home team covering six of seven, as Wildcats 2-1 are as home favorite, winning by 34-8 points. K-State won last three series games, by 5-19-4 points, but they've lost three of its last four visits here, with losses by 11-7-22 points. Big 12 home favorites of 7 or less points are 14-2-1; home faves of more than 7 points are 3-10.
Southern Miss beat UAB in C-USA tourney LY, just their second win in last ten series games; Eagles lost last four visits here, by 33-7-1-30 points. UAB is 0-3-1 vs spread as home favorite, winning home games by 3-14-4 points, losing to Memphis. USM is 2-2 on road in C-USA, losing at Marshall/SMU. C-USA home faves of 6 or less pts are 7-9-1.
Home side won five of last six Miss State-Alabama games; Tide won by 18 in Starkville Jan 8 (-5). State lost five of last six visits here, losing by 49-6-1-2-5 points. Double digit favorites are 10-5 in SEC games, 5-8 at home. Bama is 5-1 in SEC, winning home games by 10-2-24 points; they are 3-1 as SEC favorite. Bulldogs are 2-3 as underdog in SEC play.
Evansville won three in row, five of last six games; Aces won last three at home- they lost by 15 (+15) at Missouri State Jan 7th, fifth straight loss vs Bears. State split their last four games, which were decided by a total of six points- they're 2-3 in last five visits here. Home underdogs are 6-10 vs spread in MVC games, 1-5 if they're getting 5+ points.
Missouri won three in row, five of last six games vs Oklahoma State, as Tigers won last two visits here by 11-2 points. Mizzou is 0-3 on road in league, giving up 83.7 ppg (60.7 at home). Cowboys lost three games in row, giving up 70.7 ppg, but they've won two of their three home games in conference play. Big 12 home underdogs are 6-7 vs spread.
San Diego State won seven in row, 12 of last 13 vs Colorado State, with wins in last five visits here, by 4-15-1-19-12 points. Aztecs are 4-2 as MWC favorite, winning road games by 13-10-9 points, with the loss at BYU. Single digit home underdogs are 3-4 against spread in MWC play. Rams are 3-1 at home in MWC, with only loss by 9 to BYU.
Duke won seven of last eight games vs Maryland, beating Terps 71-64 in first meeting this year (-14.5); Blue Devils lost 79-72 here LY, are 3-3 in last six visits to Maryland. ACC home underdogs of 5 or less points are 2-4 vs spread. Duke is 2-1 on ACC road, with wins by 14-24 and a loss at Florida State; they got pounded by 15 at St John's Sunday.
UCLA won five of six games since 63-52 loss (+5) at USC Jan 9, when its starting Gs shot 1-12 in what was USC's fourth straight series win. Trojans are 1-3 on Pac-10 road, losing by 6-4-9 points with only league road win at Arizona State. Pac-10 home favorites of 6 or less points are 3-6 vs spread. Bruins are 3-1 at home, losing only to Washington.