Dave Price
1 Unit on Pittsburgh +7
Prior to last season's embarrassing 35-10 home loss to West Virginia, Pitt had won 2 of the last 3 in the series. And keep in mind the loss came by only 3 points. Motivated by last year's defeat, and with a chance to become bowl eligible, expect Pitt to give WVU a game. The Mountaineers are a good offensive team, but the Panthers are 7-0 ATS versus good offensive teams that average 5.9 or more yards/play over the last 2 seasons. Also, the Panthers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog. The Mountaineers are just 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 home games. We'll take the points.
Mike Davis
Virginia Tech vs. Oklahoma State
Play: Virginia Tech -3
Virginia Tech handled the big stage of Madison Square Garden very well in the first half against Syracuse. Unfortunately for them, Syracuse made several big runs in the 2nd half to send the Hokies to the 3rd place game. However, Va. Tech showed me a lot in that game. They are athletic and they can bang the 3-ball. This is a team that has a chance to finish in the top four of the ACC.
Oklahoma State was embarrassed in Madison Square Garden as Stanford beat them by 15 points but led by as many as 28 in the 2nd half vs. the Cowboys. Coach Ford blamed the lopsided loss on the youth of his ball club. Can his team grow up enough in two days to play better vs. the Hokies? Yes, I think they will play better but it won't be good enough to stay within a 3-point basket of the Hokies.
There is some small value in this line and I recommend Virginia Tech as a small play.
Jeff Alexander
1 Unit on Tulsa +3.5
Houston may be 11-0 but I'm not sold on it as the 7th-best team in the country. Tulsa has 3 losses on the season but those came to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Boise State - teams I'm certain Houston would also fall short against. Tulsa won last year's meeting by 3 points and Houston won the 2008 meeting by a single point. I expect this one to go down to the wire as well, so there's no way I'm not taking the points. The Cougars are a lousy 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games road favorite. They are also 0-8 ATS in their last 8 as a road favorite of 7 points or less, losing these games by an average of 7.3 points. We'll take the points with the upset-minded home team.
Steve Janus
Iowa +9.5
These two teams have been waiting all season for this game, and I expect a close hard fought matchup that isn't decided until the final minutes. I think there is a good chance Nebraska will win this game, but 9.5-points is a lot to ask from a team that is 3-7 ATS this season and only 1-5 ATS when playing at home.
Iowa isn't the best road team, but looked good in their 31-21 win at Purdue last week. The Hawkeyes have great balance offensively. They can pound the football behind Marcus Coker and can air it out with quarterback James Vandenberg and future NFL wide out Marvin McNutt. The Nebraska defense has been suspect all season long, and I expect them to struggle to keep the Hawkeyes from scoring. The Cornhuskers gave up 45 points and 418 yards of total offense in their last game against Michigan, the same Wolverine team the Hawkeyes beat 24-16 just a few weeks back. The last time Nebraska took the field at home, they lost 25-28 to a Northwestern team Iowa knocked off 41-31 earlier this season.
Iowa's defense hasn't been all that great either, but tend to play well against offenses who can really only run the ball. Nebraska averages 224.1 ypg on the ground, but come in gaining just 166.9 ypg through the air.
In order to cover a spread like this you have to be able to score a lot of points and keep the opposing team from putting in the end zone, something I think Nebraska will struggle to do.
Iowa is 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games as a road underdog of 3.5-10.0, while Nebraska is just 3-13-1 ATS in their last 17 games as a home favorite. BET THE HAWKEYES +9.5!
Jeff Scott Sports
5 UNIT PLAY
WESTERN MICHIGAN -27.5 over Akron: The Zips have just been horrendous this year and it's getting worse for them as their last 3 games would indicate. In thjose last 3 games the Zips have been outscored by a 40.3 to 5.3 count. Ouch. THey have also been outgained by 199 ypg in those three games. Overall the Akron offense comes in 116th in totall offense (284.7 ypg) and 118th in scoing (13.7 ppg) and they have really struggled on the road putting up just 10 ppg and 236.2 ypg, including just 139.8 ypg passing. Talk about futility. Now they do get to face a Bronco defense that has struggled this myear as they are 108th overall (454.6 ypg), 111th vs the run (219.8 ypg) and 79th in points allowed (28.8 ppg), but at home they have played much better, allowing just 19.2 ppg and 370.8 ypg. The Bronco offense has been excellent this year behind the arm of Alex Carder, who has hit 67% of his passes for 3454 yards, with 28 TD's and just 10 INT's. I don't see this Akron defense being able to stop him, especially after he went 17/24 for 372 yards with 5 TD's and no INT's in last years 56-10 win. The Broncos are 6-5 on the year and while they are bowl eligible they are still trying to attract attention from possible bowls and a nive 30+ point win here would really help. I almost see 56-10 again. KEY TRENDS--- The Zips are 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 games on Fridays and just 5-13 ARS in their lastb 18 road games vs a team with a winning home record, while the Broncos are 6-1-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a SU win.
4 UNIT PLAY
Arkansas +11.5 over LSU: Wow 11.5 points in a series that has been decided by 8 points or less in each of the last 6 years and not to mention that this is the best arkansas team thatLSU has faced in that stretch. The Razorbacks are rolling right now on offense as they have averaged 45.7 ppg and 491.7 ypg in their last 3 games. I know all about the UCLA defense, but they have fattened most of their stat sheets up on pathetic offenses and when they did face good offenses (Oregon & West Viginia) they allowed 20.5 ppg and 434 ypg. This is by far the best offense they will have faced all year and it will not be easy on that LSU DL as the Hogs have one of the better OL's in the country. The Arkansas defense in not that caliber of Bama, but they have been good on that side of the ball, ranking 43rd overall and 30th in points allowed and they should be able to keep an LSU offense that can struggle in check. Ya know all I heard about when OSU was number 2 in the BCS was that they don't deserve to be in the BCS title game because they don't play good defense. Well in watching the LSU/ Alabama game I realized that both team shouldn't be in the title game because both have shitty offenses and horrible QBs. LSU is can run the ball but they are 105th in passing and i knowing they can't pass I expect the Hogs to stack the box and shut down the run. Arkansas has the much better offense and special teams, while LSU has the better defense, but I don't see LSU being able to put enough points on the board to make this a blowout. Arkansas has a shot at the BCS title and they will not let LSU run and hide here.
3 UNIT PLAYS
Boston College/ Miami Under 44.5: The BC offense has been horrible for much of the year and they have scored 14 points or less in 5 of their last 6 games, while averaging just 15.2 ppg over that span. The Eagles are 113th in total offense (295.8 ppg) and 112th in scoring (17.6 ppg), plus they have really struggled on the road, putting up just 14.6 ppg and 265 ypg. Well this is not a defense that this pathetic offense need to face as the Canes defense comes in hot, allowing just 13.3 ppg and 283.3 ypg in their last 3 games. At home this year Miami has allowed just 16.2 ppg and 342 ypg), plus let's also note that Miami has played great defense vs the Eagles in the past as they have allowed just 12.5 ppg to them in their last 6 meetings.The Canes offense is not spectacular and they only are 61st in scoring (27 ppg) and the BC defense isn't that bad as they have allowed just 24.1 ppg (48th). in order for this one to go Over I feel the Canes will have to almost all of the points themselves, but let us remeber that they stated this week they will NOT go to a bowl games so their offense may be a bit disinterested in this one, especially knowing that their defense will shut down BC. I don't see more than 31 points in this one.
Louisville/ South Florida Under 43.5: This line seems a bit high considering that USF is off a 6-3 game vs Miami, they should be with out QB BJ Daniels and the Louisville defense has been solid so far this year and that's where I will begin. Louisville comes in ranked 23rd overall (329.4 ypg), 14th vs the run (107.1 ypg) and 13th in points allowed (18.7 ppg). THe cardinal has struggled a bit on that side of the ball of late, but as I stated at the to USF should be without Daniels for this one and even when they did have him they put up just 19.3 ppg and 373 ypg in their last 3 games. Louisville's defense should get back on track vs this offense today. The Louisville offense has come alive of late, but they have still averaged just 20.6 ppg and 324 ypg on the year, and just 24.2 ppg wityh just 308 ypg in conference play. The USF defense has been very good this year as they have allowed just 20.6 ppg and 348.7 ypg overall, while at home they have allowedjust 18.2 ppg and 314 ypg. Both of these teams play excellent defesse and with USF missing their catlyst and the Louisville offense not that strong I just don't see how this one will hit 44 points. The OU is 2-8-1 in Louisville's last 11 overall, while 5 of the last 7 in this series has gone under. Mid 30's at best here.
2 UNIT PLAYS
Texas/ Texas A&M Under 53: The Longhorns offense has really gone south the last 2 games as they have averaged just 9 ppg and 278.5 ypg. Their defense though has not taken any time off as they have allowed just 294 ypg (10th) and 20.6 ppg (26th), plus in their last 4 games they have allowed just 229 ypg and 13.5 ppg. Thew Aggies can score and they have no defense, but I feel that Texas will find a way to slow this one down and not get into a shootout. Mid 40's here.
Houston -2.5 over TULSA: Boy this would make a great bowl game and I heard that both teams have asked their punters to stay home. LOL. The Cougars have outscored their last 6 opponents by a whopping 42.6 ppg and they have put up an eye popping 59.3 ppg. Tulsa has been on a roll of late as they have won their last 7 games in a row, but they haven't been as dominant as they have won by just 23 ppg. Houston and Case Keenum are on a mission and even though they will mnot be apart of the BCS Title game they still would love to finish undefeated and get an invite to a BCS bowl game. Tulsa's offense is good, but Houston's is better and they should win this one by a TD.
1 UNIT PLAY
Pittsburgh +6.5 over WEST VIRGINIA: Pitt is 9-2 ATS in their last 11 vs a team with a winning record. The panthers have not been playing at the bad of late as they have won 2 of their last 3 games. Thier defense is getting better as they have allowed just 20 ppg and 320.7 ypg in their last 3 games. West Virgina has also come in winners in 2 of their last 3 games, but they have really struggled on the defensive side where they have allowed 30 ppg and 380 ypg in their last 3 games. The Pitt defense will be the difference here as they make enough plays to keep this one close.
SPORTS WAGERS
Edmonton +126 over MINNESOTA
A little more than a quarter of the schedule in and the Minnesota Wild are first in the West while the Canucks are 11th. That’s ridiculous and a correction is coming because the Wild are not a first place club. Minnesota is getting crushed during 5-on-5 play in terms of shots for and shots allowed. The Wild currently own the third-worst shot differential per game during even-strength play at minus-6 and they don’t score a lot of goals, mostly because their power play is weak. The Wild are relying almost entirely on their goaltending, which is good in the short-term and sometimes very frustrating to wager against but over time, getting outplayed nightly will catch up to them. Edmonton has won two of its last three and in that pair they scored nine on the Blackhawks and six on the Predators. The Oilers are inconsistent and you can never really be sure what you’re going to get from them on a nightly basis. What we do know is that when they’re determined and focused they’re a tough out and after losing eight straight to this division foe, expect the “good” Oilers here to show up in a strong attempt to get this proverbial monkey off their backs. Play: Edmonton +126 (Risking 2 units).
Chicago -½ +120 over ANAHEIM
The Blackhawks couldn’t have handpicked a better team to take their frustrations out on. Chicago is coming off three losses in a row in which they were outscored 15-4. They were clearly the better team in San Jose on Wednesday but lost 1-0 after allowing 14 goals in its two previous losses. Now Chicago will face a Ducks team that has one good line, a horrible defense, shaky goaltending and that has two wins in their last 16 games. Anaheim is already without its best d-man in Lubomir Visnovsky and Bobby Ryan might be sitting this one out with a hip contusion. Yeah, the Ducks are desperate but they’re a bad club while the Blackhawks are an elite one that, after three straight losses, has no excuses for not coming in here and playing their hearts out for 60 minutes and putting this extremely flawed club away early. Don’t miss this one. Play: Chicago -½ +120 (Risking 2 units).
Winnipeg +125 over CAROLINA
There are certain teams you can almost always wager against when they’re favored and the Hurricanes are one of those teams. Carolina has four losing streaks already of three or more games. They’re also coming off a group of intense games in which they faced Pittsburgh, Philly, Montreal, Buffalo, Toronto, Philly again and Montreal again. The Canes have picked up points in three straight but they blew a 3-0 lead in their last game against the Habs and were in a very favorable scheduling situation in its win over the Maple Leafs. Carolina is a weak favorite, period. Meanwhile, the Jets are so close to being a tough out every night. They roll out three good lines. Defensively, Zach Bogosian and Dustin Byfuglien could crack any lineup in the NHL. They’ve picked up points in four straight and even when they’re losing they always seem to be in striking distance. Playing in Atlanta, these former Thrashers played in a city that did not care whether they won, lost or even played. Playing in Winnipeg for a passionate fan base has raised the level of play for each and every player and the dividends are beginning to pay off. The Jets want to win badly and they’re more than worthy of a bet here. Play: Winnipeg +125 (Risking 2 units).
N.Y. Rangers +129 over WASHINGTON
The Capitals are 8-1-1 at home, which is unsustainable because they give up a ton of scoring chances and it’s eventually going to bite them. The Caps opened the year by going 6-0 at home but a close look reveals that its last five home games have resulted in two losses, two OT wins and a 4-3 victory over Phoenix. So, while their overall record at home is dominating, the Caps play at home has been anything but and again, it’s going to catch up to them. Washington is going to remain a good fade team and until we see something that suggests otherwise, we’ll continue to bet against them. The Rangers don’t excite us much either. Their last two efforts against Montreal and Florida were bordering on embarrassing. That’s something that John Tortorella will not tolerate and at the very worst, we’re going to get a strong effort out of these guests. Prior to those two lame performances, New York had won seven straight by playing its heart out on every shift. Expect more of that here. Play: N.Y. Rangers +129 (Risking 2 units).
John Ryan
Iowa at Nebraska
Play: Nebraska
5* graded play on Nebraska as they take on Iowa set to start at Noon ET. Many prognosticators had expected Nebraska to win the Legends division of the Big-Ten despite it being the first full season in the Big-Ten Conference. The style of play is vastly different between the Big-12 and Big-10 and Nebraska has been largely inconsistent in light of that fact. However, I believe they have had a strong first season and ?a dominating win over Iowa will serve to improve their bowl position. Nebraska is coming off a surprising and embarrassing 45-17 blowout loss at Michigan in ?a game where they were installed as 4 ? point dogs. Iowa is coming off an impressive 31-21 win at Purdue and covered the skinny 1 ? point line. Iowa can also improve their bowl position with an upset win, but playing in Lincoln for the first time is just too much to overcome for the Hawkeyes. The Nebraska program played on the road at Wisconsin, Minnesota, Penn State, and Michigan and were all venues where not even the coaches had played before. This adjustment takes at least two trips to get accustomed to and the same can be said for those Big-Ten schools traveling to Lincoln, NE for the first time. Playing at Memorial Stadium is equally as intimating and hostile for a visiting team as any Big Ten Stadium. Once in a while, I find a player or group of players speaking from the heart and this week Nebraska wide receiver Tim Marlowe gets that spotlight. He stated that, ?We play for us, we play for our team, we play for our coaches, our families, and the state of Nebraska. We have a lot of pride. We still have a chance to win 10 games.We have a great Iowa team coming in. We hope to beat them, get to a good bowl game and hopefully end the year 10-3.? How, that statement speaks in great volumes that Nebraska will play well and hard in this game. That concerns about the team not having anything significant to play for since being eliminated from winning the Legends division are grossly exaggerated. The line for this game opened with Nebraska installed as a 10 ? [point favorites over Iowa. For reasons mentioned above, the betting flows have been supporting Iowa significantly more than Nebraska and the line has declined to 9 ? at most shops. I expect that you will the line move to Nebraska favored by 9 points between now and game time. So, my suggestion is to be patient and look for the flows to continue pushing this line modestly lower. The opening total for this game was posted at 53 ? -110 and has remained static since. There are a few 54 point totals sprouting up at some of the shops, but I do not see any reason for additional line movements. There may be a silver lining to last week?s horrid loss to Michigan where Nebraska lost the turnover battle too. Nebraska has shown a strong resiliency in these situations and sports a 16-4 ATS making 11.6 units per on unit wagered in home games after a game with a turnover margin of -2 or worse since 1992. Take Nebraska.
NHL Predictions
Columbus Blue Jackets +125
The Sabres enter tonight’s game 12-8-1 on the season, and 7-2 on the road, but are coming off an emotional home shootout loss against the Boston Bruins. That game was the first time those two teams met since Lucic injured starting goalie Ryan Miller. Buffalo has lost 4 of their last 6 games, including two losses against Boston, and losses against New Jersey and Phoenix. The Columbus Blue Jackets are 5-13-3, but their play has picked up in recent games. The return of Jeff Carter has sparked this team, and Curtis Sanford in net has given them the chance to win any of his 4 consecutive starts coming into tonight. Sanford is 2-0-2 with a 1.33 GAA and .946 SV% over that span. Columbus had beaten Nashville and Calgary and had shootout losses against Boston and New Jersey. The Sabres have some injury troubles right now, including their top defenceman Tyler Myers. Losers of two straight coming into tonight’s game, the Sabres are in a tough spot tonight, and I look for the Columbus Blue Jackets to continue to play good hockey. Columbus doesn’t deserve the +125 price tag I got at SportsInteraction, and I will happily take them as a good sized home dog.
Larry Ness
Ohio +16
The seventh-ranked Louisville Cardinals (4-0) continue their season-opening home stand as they host the Ohio U Bobcats, who are 3-0 but leaving Athens for the first time this season. Pitino's team has been without PG Siva (10.5) the last two games with an ankle sprain (he's expected to miss again, here) and that leaves him with just one double-digit scorer, 6-4 guard Kuric (12.3-4.5). However, don't feel sorry for "Ricky's team," as the Cards have plenty of talent and can play more than just a little D. Louisville has been fueled by its strong defensive play, limiting foes to just 44.0 PPG, allowing only 28.6 percent shooting, including a mere 21.5 percent from behind the arc. While Ohio is playing its first road game of the season and the KFC Yum! Center is hardly a hospitable venue for visiting teams, let me note that the Bobcats were a PERFECT 8-0 as road underdogs last year. This year's team is led by 5-11 guard DJ Cooper (15.3-4.0-6.3) and 6-3 Ohio St transfer (head coach Groce was an assistant at OSU and its chief recruiter, before taking the Ohio U job) Offutt, who is scoring 14.0 PPG while grabbing 7.3 RPG. Joining Cooper as returning starters are guard Kellogg (8.7) and the 6-8 Baltic (10.0-6.0). The 6-8 Keely came off the bench last year (5.3-4.6) but he's opened by upping those numbers to 12.3-6.0. Throw in another freshman guard in Taylor (8.7) and the Bobcats can 'hang' with the Cardinals. Take the points.
Scott Delaney
Boston College vs. Cal Riverside, at Anaheim
Cal Riverside is now 1-3 so far and is still in search of their first win over a Division I foe. After destroying the California-Lutheran Kingsmen, 72-48, to start the season, the Highlanders were limited to 41, 49 and 46 points in their next three games, all losses, to UTEP, Youngstown State and Villanova.
Boston College is in after a hard-fought loss to St. Louis, 62-51, in another opening round game. The Eagles did cover the number, though, as they caught 18 points from St. Louis, which is receiving votes in both the AP poll and ESPN/USA Today coaches poll. The Billikens are a superior team to the Eagles, but those same Eagles are far superior of the Highlanders.
I know Boston College is off to a slow start, having lost three of its first four games, but this is the perfect spot for it score a much-needed win. I'm laying the points with another Big East-member, this time Boston College, as it rolls to a blowout win.
3♦ BOSTON COLLEGE
Chuck O'Brien
St. Louis vs. Villanova
On a day both teams had a chance to flex their muscles, the only one I saw doing such a thing was Villanova, telling me the Wildcats have come West to dominate one of the more impressive tournament fields I've seen this preseason.
After falling behind by six early in their game against the Cal Riverside Highlanders, 'Nova used its relentless defensive pressure to stifle Riverside for nearly 7-1/2 scoreless minutes. The 'Cats scored 16 unanswered points to move ahead 28-14 in the opening round game in Anaheim, California, and eventually went into the locker room with a 32-16 lead at the half. Villanova came out and kept it going after intermission to extend the lead to 24 points, and eventually won, 71-46.
What I saw about this team is how well-rounded this team is, as Maalik Wayns, Darrun Hilliard or James Bell are all go-to players who can lead this team. Last night was Wayns, who scored a season-high 23 points.
Now it gets a St. Louis team that somewhat took some tome to shake free of Boston College, a team I thought the Billikens should have dominated. Instead, it took too long for them to get their killer instinct turned on, and eventually win by 11.
As I release this game, I don't see an overnight line, but I can't imagine the Wildcats laying more than -10 points. I'll lay the number the oddsmakers put up in this one.
1♦ VILLANOVA
Jeff Benton
Your Friday freebie comes in college football in what is going to be the biggest blowout on the college football board today, and that is to lay the wood with the Broncos of Western Michigan as they take the lowly Akron Zips to the woodshed.
Western Michigan has 13 senior starters playing in the last home game of their careers, and the Broncs have five of their last seven lined home games, and are 11-5-1 against the spread their last 17 lined games overall.
Akron's numbers this season under Coach Ianello are not pretty: 1-10 straight up, 2-7-1 against the spread in their ten lined games, and an average of just 5-points per game over their last three losses, losing by an average of 35-ppg in their last three games.
Western Michigan is on a 4-1 spread run the last five series meetings, and with the Broncos currently at 6-5 and thinking ahead to a bowl game this holiday season, a solid blowout win would dress-up their resume just a little.
This one won't be close, take WMU in a blowout win and cover.
3♦ WESTERN MICHIGAN
Derek Mancini
For tonight's Free Play where looking at the college Hardwood, and I'm siding with Arizona State as they battle Wake Forest in Orlando, Florida. I know bettors are looking to fade the Sun Devils following their loss to Fairfield, but I'd be careful about that. Clearly, oddsmakers are aware of that perception and have set the line accordingly. Laying less than a basket with a 3-1 Wake Forest team seems like a bargain, but you should know by now that there is no such thing as bargains from the oddsmakers.
So why Arizona State in this spot? First, they have to be embarassed by their effort against Fairfield, and will almost certainly play harder today than they did yesterday. Second, there's a significant defensive gap between these two teams, with the Sun Devils allowing opponents to shoot 38% as compated to the Deacons 73 ppg on nearly 43% shooting. And lastly, besides Lockett, the rest of the Sun Devils starters have a lot of making up to do tonight. This is a better team than their 1-3 record indicates, and you'll see as much in this one.
Finally, let's consider the line. You know the saying: "if something look too good to be true, it probably is..." Well such is the case with Wake Forest, as they've yet to be really tested, and that includes their loss to Dayton. Sorry, but ASU is by far the most talented team they've seen this season. Moreover, the Sun Devils will be mighty motivated tonight. Take Arizona State plus the points over Wake Forest Friday.
3♦ ARIZONA STATE
Chris Jordan
Georgia at Xavier
Let's get to another College Basketball winner, and roll to a non-conference affair up in Cincinnati, where I love the Xavier Musketeers against the visiting Georgia Bulldogs. The 12th ranked team in the nation has had a bit of time off, and should be rested long enough to take on a Georgia team that came into the season minus their two leading scorers and rebounders, as Travis Leslie and Trey Thompkins hardshipped to the NBA.
So while Georgia coach Mark Fox has a slew of freshmen on his roster, the Musketeers haven't taken a major hit regarding the players departing from the program. The loss of forward Jamel McLean was the biggest hit, but the team has three seniors on the starting lineup, one junior and a very talented freshman forward in Dezmine Wells, who has been a hit in his first three games as a Musketeer, averaging 12.0 points per game. Wells is bidding to become the first freshman of this program to score in double figures for a season in seven years.
The Musketeers are 3-0, and yes they haven't played in a week, and also have played a bit of a cupcake schedule, but what I like about this team thus far is how they share the rock. They rank 27th in the nation in assists, with 17 per game, and also rank 32nd overall with their 49.4 field-goal percentage. Overall what exudes most is confidence from this team, as it plays so well with one another, using each other on the court in their specific roles.
Take the 12th-ranked Musketeers, as they roll past Georgia.
2♦ XAVIER
Dom Chambers
For my free selection, going to back UNLV against Southern Cal in the third round of the Las Vegas Invitational.
The Rebels have been one of the surprise teams so far this season. With new coach Dave Rice, they are bringing back the uptempo style he had played when he was a player and what he installed at Brigham Young as an assistant coach.
Southern Cal, 2-3, barely got by Morgan State, 65-62, and lost to Cal Poly, 42-36.
The Rebels whipped Morgan State 92-55 and Cal Poly 75-52.
UNLV is 5-0 and the only game it did not cover was against in-state rival Nevada. They had an 18-point lead, but had a second-half lapse cost them the ATS win.
The offensive firepower is the biggest difference here. Southern Cal is averaging 56.4 points a game. The Trojans are shooting 40.2 percent from the field and 25.7 percent for 3-point field goals. Southern Cal is the lowest scoring team in the Pac-12 and tied for 323nd in the nation.
Compare that to UNLV, and it’s no contest. The Rebels are averaging 83.2 points. They are shooting 49.2 percent from the field and 38.2 percent from beyond the arc.
The Rebels have four starters averaging in double figures. Forward Mike Moser leads the way, averaging 16.0 points. Chace Stanback is next at 13.3. The Trojans just have two players averaging in double figures, with Aaron Fuller at 15.0 points and Maurice Jones at 14.6.
Bottom line is UNLV will put too much pressure on Southern Cal and pull away in the second half for a comfortable win.
4♦ UNLV