Rating: 2 Units

The intrigue is quickly leaving this rivalry that once had the ability to captivate NBA Nation. Not so this season, with focused Golden State rolling to a pair of easy wins and covers vs. the ever-depleted Spurs, who now might be looking at LaMarcus Aldridge on the shelf with ankle problems to go along with Kawhi Leonard (might return sometime in March) and perhaps even Paul Gasol. Warriors have played in some breathtaking spurts since the All-Star break as they ramp up for another run at the ring, and even at full strength Coach Pop would be hard-pressed to change this season’s series dynamics.

Rating: 2 Units

The possible top pick in the next NBA draft, Ayton averaged 23 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 55.6 percent from the field in two regular-season meetings against Colorado. The Buffaloes will also need to focus on stopping Trier, who was named last season’s Pac-12 Tournament MVP and received All-Pac-12 first-team honors this week after averaging 18.9 points on 52.3 percent shooting. Sophomore guard Rawle Alkins finished the regular season by scoring in double figures in five of his last six games and appears fully healthy after battling a foot injury early in the year.

Rating: 2 Units

UC Riverside is  9-20-1 ATS in their last 30 games following a ATS loss, and 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games. While UC Davis is 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record, 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Big West, and 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

Rating: 2 Units

UMKC is 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Western Athletic. While Grand Canyon is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall, 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win, and 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games.

Rating: 2 Units

Eighth-seeded Texas A&M looks to beat No. 9 Alabama for the second time in five days when they meet in the second round of the SEC Tournament on Thursday in St. Louis, Mo. The Aggies, who have won seven of their last 10 games, edged the Crimson Tide 68-66 on Saturday to wrap up the regular season with 20 wins and hope to ride the momentum to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2015-16. The Crimson Tide seemed poised to end their five-year NCAA Tournament drought, but dropped their last five games of the regular season to fall on the bubble. Alabama, who finished with a losing record in SEC play for the fourth time in five seasons, has lost three games by 10 or more points during its skid and hopes to make a run in the conference tournament to punch its ticket to March Madness.

Rating: 2 Units

TCU will end its 20-year NCAA Tournament drought next week but first the Horned Frogs would like to tack on some victories in the Big 12 Championship in Kansas City. Fifth-seeded TCU faces fourth-seeded Kansas State in Thursday's quarterfinals and has won four of its last five games entering the conference tournament. enior guard Kenrich Williams has recorded 12 double-doubles and the second-team All-Big 12 selection averages 12.9 points and a team-leading 9.3 rebounds and 53 steals. Senior forward Vladimir Brodziansky, a third-team All-Big 12 choice, shoots 57.7 percent from the field while leading the squad in scoring (15.2) and blocked shots (50), while sophomore Desmond Bane (13.1) drained a team-best 57 3-pointers. The Horned Frogs rank second in the Big 12 in scoring (83.6) and lead the league in field-goal percentage (50) and 3-point percentage (40).

Rating: 2 Units

Ninth-seeded Louisville needed to make a statement in the ACC Tournament and they did just that Wednesday, surviving a second-half comeback from No. 8 seed Florida State in the second round at the Barclays Center to defeat the Seminoles 82-74 and fortify its NCAA Tournament resume. Now the Cardinals get another crack at upending top-seeded Virginia, who earned a double bye into the quarterfinals after capturing the regular-season ACC championship, with the winner moving on to the tourney semifinals to face either No. 4 seed Clemson or No. 12 seed Boston College.

Rating: 2 Units

Not the Boogie Cousins reunion as earlier meetings this season but some interesting stuff nonetheless as the road dog has won outright all three match ups, including a pair of surprise Sacramento successes at Smoothie King Center. That was all, however, before Pelicans began to ramp things up a few weeks ago, with SU win streak at 7 after win at Spurs on Feb. 28, and Anthony Davis scoring almost 40 ppg during that stretch. For those considering a contrarian vote on Kings, note that into last week the bottom seven teams in the NBA had combined to lose 41 straight games, with Sacramento’s latest SU skid at five straight into March. Scoring 127 ppg in their uptick, hard to see Pelicans getting outgunned by this Kings lot at Golden 1 Center.

Rating: 2 Units

Florida Atlantic is 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600, 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, 1-5 ATS in their last 6 neutral site games, and 1-10 ATS in their last 11 Wednesday games.

Rating: 2 Units

Marquette is in this precarious position partially because of its loss to DePaul late last month, when it suffered a 70-62 setback to the league's last-place team. That is the only defeat in the last five games for the Golden Eagles, who watched all three of their scoring stars struggle from the field in that one. Marquette will hope to ride its offense that has clearly swung the fate of the team in recent weeks. The Blue Demons have lost five of six, managing only the win against Marquette on Feb. 24 during that stretch.

Rating: 2 Units

South Carolina enters as the No. 11 seed, having won three of its last five following a six-game skid. The 14th-seeded Rebels lost their final three games of the regular season and 10 of the last 11, and they’re 1-3 in four games since Tony Madlock took over as acting head coach following longtime coach Andy Kennedy’s resignation.

Rating: 2 Units

This could prove rather entertaining as was the 115-111 Houston win (but Milwaukee cover) at Toyota Center back on Dec. 16. James Harden (scored 31) and the Greek Freak (added 28) put on a good show that night, when Harden needed help from Chris Paul (scored 25) to help Rockets survive. Since then, however, Milwaukee has jettisoned HC Jason Kidd, and interim Joe Prunty finding it a bit harder against improved opposition in recent weeks, as Milwaukee had dropped 4 of 5 SU into March. Meanwhile Houston 20-9 as road chalk after last night's demolition of Oklahoma City

Rating: 2 Units

Just as the vultures were starting to circle at Little Caesars Arena as the Blake Griffin experiment seemed to be going off the rails and likely taking Stan Van Gundy’s job with it, Detroit circled the wagons for a home romp past the Bucks on Feb. 28 to maintain a playoff pulse. But replicating that sort of effort against a Toronto side that blasted Pistons by 27 in their last meeting (pre-Griffin) on Jan. 17 might be a tall order for Detroit, which among other things has not made much of a fortress out of its new arena (just 13-18-2 vs. line at home). That recent W vs. the Bucks was also only the third Pistons cover in last 18 vs. line, making some Detroit die hard's wish for the days of Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley.

Rating: 2 Units

Florida A&M is  6-14 ATS in their last 20 games overall, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. While Hampton is 10-4 ATS in their last 14 vs. Mid-Eastern Athletic, and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 neutral site games.

Rating: 2 Units

UMass is 16-35-1 ATS in their last 52 Wednesday games, 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win. While the favorite (LaSalle) is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings between these two teams.

Rating: 2 Units

South Alabama is 5-12 ATS in their last 17 Wednesday games, 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss, and 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 vs. Sun Belt. While Troy is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss, and 17-7 ATS in their last 24 games following a straight up loss. In addition South Alabama is 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings versus Troy

Rating: 2 Units

Portland caught the Knicks during the height of “Kristaps mania” back in late November but still beat NY at MSG by 103-91 count. Porzingis tried his best that night (scoring 22) but Knicks couldn’t do anything about Damian Lillard who burned them for 32. Sobering for NY is that in rematch, Porzingis is out and Lillard very much in the Portland fold. At one point this season we would have been interested in giving Knicks a shot in dog role, but probably not now on heels of 1-9 spread skid into March. Meanwhile Portland had dropped just 5 of last 17 vs. line into last Thursday’s game vs. T-wolves.

Rating: 2 Units

Prairie View is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games, 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400, and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up win.

Rating: 2 Units

Alabama State is 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 road games, 5-13-1 ATS in their last 19 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record, and 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

Rating: 2 Units

Home team has won first three meetings to date this season, though Dallas covered in each of those. But things a bit different since the last time these two tangoed on Jan. 27, as Paul Millsap has returned to active duty for Denver and the Mavericks’ season has continued to go south, with SU losses in 15 of 19 heading into last Friday’s game vs. the Bulls (which is solace for those who don’t like Mark Cuban, knowing the Dallas owner will be obliged to watch). Hard to find many silver linings at moment for Mavs, who rank 28th offensively in their recent slump. Further, their three small guards--- Dennis Smith Jr., Yogi Ferrell and J.J. Barea--have shot a combined 38 percent during skid, while Smith ranks as the league’s least effective shooter (minimum 100 shots) over the last month. Moreover, their latest starting lineup (with Barea and Smith in the backcourt) has allowed 117 points per 100 possessions over the past two weeks. Otherwise, all is fine in Big D. Playoff hungry Nuggets can’t afford to blow games like this one.

Rating: 2 Units

Houston might relish the revenge role, which it used to its advantage in recent beat down of the Clippers at the Staples Center. Now the focus is on an Ok City side that won on Christmas at the Peake when Russell Westbrook (scored 31) outgunned James Harden. But Houston was minus Chris Paul in late December and with Paul in the fold the Rockets had unfurled a 14-game SU win streak into last Saturday vs. Boston (Paul only missed one of those 14 games). And Thunder now minus defensive ace Andre Roberson. Ok City remains a risky investment, dropping 9 of last 12 vs. line into March, and if GM Sam Presti can’t find another wing on the buyout market, erratic Thunder might find itself in a struggle just to get out of the first round of playoffs.

Rating: 2 Units

It’s been like stealing candy from a baby for Toronto against Atlanta this season, and Raps have romped to three DD wins and spread covers at Hawks’ expense. Not sure that changes here, as Atlanta playing for some date down the road (2021? 2022?), with Mike Budenholzer turning over more playing time to young guys; John Collins now in the starting lineup and Isaiah Taylor saw a big minutes bump in February. Meanwhile Toronto looking to solidify its hold as the top seed in the East and had lost SU in just 1 of 10 into last Friday vs. the Wiz. Still, expect Dwane Casey to keep an eye on the defense, as the starting lineup allowed an alarming 115 points per 100 possessions in a recent four-game stretch. That should require some fine tuning and should keep Raps sharp enough to hammer Hawks again.

Rating: 2 Units

Stony Brook is 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.,  2-5-2 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, 3-8-3 ATS in their last 14 games overall, and 1-4-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. America East.

Rating: 2 Units

Utah hit one of its high notes earlier this season on the same night Orlando might have touched a low when Jazz romped by 40 at Amway Center on Nov. 18. Utah “D was smothering that night, holding Magic to 38% FG shooting. Things have gotten a bit better for Orlando since, at least vs. spread (14-6 last 20 thru March 1), though Magic was on a 6-game SU skid heading into last Friday’s game vs. Pistons as return of both Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic to active duty hasn’t translated into wins. Meanwhile Utah has not regained the momentum it had before All-Star break when uncorking 11 wins in a row, dropping 2 of 3 SU and vs. spread since into last Friday vs. Twolves. Utah was, however, able to get well in recent win streak vs. teams at Orlando’s level, and the first meeting suggests some problematic fundamental match ups here for Magic.

Rating: 2 Units

After losing by 23 to Chicago when the Bulls were heating up (remember those days?) in mid December, Boston avenged that loss twelve nights later on Dec. 23 when rolling by 25 at TD Garden. All Celtic starters scored in DDs that night led by Kyrie Irving’s 25 points. Chicago since is heading full-speed into the draft lottery with latest skid at 5 games into last Friday vs. Dallas. Bulls’ Zach LaVine is showing some offensive promise, scoring 17.7 points per game and shooting 39.5% from three since his return in Chicago. However, it’s the other end of the floor that’s a concern — the Bulls are 8.2 points per 100 possessions better defensively when LaVine sits. One of many issues Fred Hoiberg won’t be solving anytime soon.

Rating: 2 Units

Miami didn’t need Dwyane Wade when it beat Phoenix by 11 in the desert back on Nov. 8. All Heat needed that night was Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside, who combined for 52 points as Miami exploited the burnable Phoenix defense with 53% FG shooting. Now Wade is in the fold and Miami seems energized, undefeated last six vs. line into last Thursday vs. Lakers, and turning around what had been poor spread fortunes at AA Arena in process. Suns did break a 10-game SU losing streak when topping white-flag-waving Memphis on Feb. 28, but Suns a bit nicked up with Tyson Chandler (neck) and T.J. Warren (tailbone) hurting late last week.

Rating: 2 Units

Brooklyn has been a fairly sold play when getting some points on the road this season, racking up a 15-8 mark getting 4 pts. or more away from home. The Nets have been getting better scoring recently with the return of D’Angelo Russell (17 ppg L5Gs) and an uptick in performance from Allen Crabbe (also 17 ppg L5). The Clippers have covered 5 of their last 6 games, but all 5 of those “Ws” have come on the road. L.A. was just 2-4 SU and 1-5 vs. the points in its last 6 at Staples Center prior to hosting the Knicks on Friday. The first game was just 2 weeks ago (Feb. 12), and 7 Clippers scored in double figures, but some of those guys won’t be available this time around.

Rating: 2 Units

The Milwaukee Bucks are sinking in the Eastern Conference with four straight losses. One of the teams taking advantage of that swoon is the Philadelphia 76ers, who jumped in front of the Bucks in the standings and will try to make the advantage even larger when they visit Milwaukee today. The Bucks looked set to make a big move in the East after earning an overtime win at East-leading Toronto coming out of the All-Star break but have since fallen to four straight playoff hopefuls, including a 103-96 setback to the Indiana Pacers at home on Friday.

Rating: 2 Units

Davis will try to lead the Pelicans to an eighth straight win when they visit the Dallas Mavericks today. Davis stepped up his level of play when All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins went down with an Achilles injury and was rewarded with a Western Conference Player of the Month Award for his work in February. Davis averaged 35 points and 13 rebounds in February and finished it off with his ninth double-double of the month in a 121-116 win at San Antonio on Wednesday. New Orleans entered play on Saturday a half-game behind four teams tied for the No. 3 spot in the West and overcame double-digit deficits in each of its last three triumphs. The Mavericks are not enjoying quite as much success and are still looking for their 20th win after dropping six of the last seven games.

Rating: 2 Units

Toronto failed to post at least 111 points for the first time in eight games on Friday but still pulled out the win with a 102-95 triumph at the Washington Wizards. The Raptors will play their next three against sub-.500 teams and get the first two at home with the Atlanta Hawks coming to town on Tuesday. The Hornets were crawling up the standings with wins in five straight before getting blasted by the Boston Celtics 134-106 on Wednesday and falling off late in a 110-99 setback at Philadelphia on Friday.

Rating: 2 Units

With NCAA Tourney at-large “lock” Houston looking to roll into the American Tourney on a high note, must lay the lumber with under performing UConn, which hasn’t covered back-to-back games since January 13th. Cougars highly-successful 4th-year mentor Kelvin Sampson, who has led three other teams (Wazzu, Indiana & Oklahoma) to the NCAA Tourney, is thrilled with his front line depth. Plus, UH’s torrid-shooting 6-3 soph G Armoni Brooks (nailed 15 of 26 triples over last 3 games) giving nifty support to terrific sr. PG Rob Gray Jr.(17.7 ppg, 4.7 apg), who’ll be jazzed-up for Senior Night. Be sure, Cougs have circled this date after capturing both reg.-season meetings LY before painful upset loss in the conference tourney.

Rating: 2 Units

Recent Memphis form suggests Tigers could be a bit of a handful in next week’s American Tourney in Orlando, as Tubby Smith’s bunch seems to be peaking, winning and covering last four into March including a rousing home upset win over ranked Houston on Feb. 22. Moreover, there’s a revenge factor here as Tigers look to atone for one of their low moments of the campaign when losing at bottom-rung ECU on Feb. 3. Most impressive is that Tubby’s team seems to have overcome recent loss of top scorer G Jermeiah Martin (ankle), with 6-4 frosh Jamal Johnson looking up the challenge after scoring 18 in recent win at UConn, and rugged 6-9 juco FF Mike Parks, Jr. picking up some or the scoring slack (also scoring 18 vs. UConn). Not sure woebegone Pirates want to show up after their last American road game went rather badly (and how...trailed Houston 62-13 at half last Sunday..)

Rating: 2 Units

Both of these Pac-12 entries seem destined to ride on the bubble into Selection Sunday, but a bit more might be on the line at Galen Center for UCLA, badly in need of a late-season boost after getting swept in the Pac-12 “altitude trip” to Utah and Colorado last week. Steve Alford has now beaten Andy Enfield three in a row after earlier 82-79 win at Pauley Pavilion on Feb. 3 when Bruin PG Aaron Holiday badly outplayed Trojan counterpart Jordan McLaughlin, outscoring him 23-5. SC in trouble if it can’t win that matchup, and Holiday’s recent form (scored 20 or more in 7 of last 9 games!) suggests Trojans will have issues again on perimeter.

Rating: 2 Units

Portland will be gunning for its 5th straight win-and-cover effort against Oklahoma City. The Blazers have won 7 in a row against OKC at the Moda Center, and they were a sizzling 11-1 SU and 9-3 vs. the points in their last 12 home games prior to hosting the Timberwolves on Thursday. Blazer G Damian Lillard was on fire in February, scoring 31.4 ppg, while C.J. McCollum has scored 22 ppg in the last 5. OKC played in Phoenix last night, and the Thunder are just 14-22 vs. the number after a SU win

Rating: 2 Units

The Spurs have won eight of the past 10 against the Lakers but Los Angeles beat the Spurs on Jan. 11 in the two teams' first meeting of the season and has now won two straight against San Antonio. The Lakers have won 16 of their last 23 games and have already eclipsed their win total from all of last season. Los Angeles has captured three straight games on the road and may just make it four in a row against a less than 100 percent San Antonio team. Take the points.

Rating: 2 Units

Sure, SH hung tough with Villanova despite absence of injured top scorer 6-6 sr. F Desi Rodriquez (out last 2 tilts with ankle) in 69-68 OT loss in Philly. Would still, however, strongly recommend taking a handful of points with Big Dance-hopeful Butler (RPI of 41; currently a 7th seed according to TGS bracketology),which is geeked for rematch after squandering an 11-point lead in painful 90-87 home loss on Jan. 6. Bulldogs’ normally-productive, DD-scoring duo of 6-1 soph G Kamar Baldwin & 6-7 sr. Kelan Martin figure to display more typical marksmenship after combining for a season-worst 10 of 37 from the field in their team’s 75-68 OT loss at St. John’s on the same day. Hey, the Pirates no bargain as home chalk, logging a 5-9 spread mark at the Pru Center TY.

Rating: 2 Units

Cleveland was 7-23 vs. the points at the “Q” this season prior to hosting Philly on Thursday, and that’s probably enough right there to favor Denver. The Nuggets won last night at Memphis, but Denver is 10-4-1 vs. the points in 2nd of back-to-back games on the road dating to last season. The Cavs are a perfect 4-0 SU and against the number on the road since making their moves at the deadline, but still can’t get it together at home (1-3 vs. the points) or on defense (allowed 114 ppg at home since trade)

Rating: 3 Unit NCAAB Mismatch of the Day

Middle Tennessee State is 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600, 40-15-1 ATS in their last 56 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, 48-18-2 ATS in their last 68 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, and 37-16 ATS in their last 53 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. While Marshall is 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings vs Middle Tennessee State and 0-6 ATS in the last 6 meetings at Middle Tennessee St..

Rating: 3 Unit NCAAB Play of the Day

Utah is  38-13-2 ATS in their last 53 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, 40-14-2 ATS in their last 56 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, and 35-17-1 ATS in their last 53 Saturday games. While Colorado is 18-38-1 ATS in their last 57 road games, 17-36-1 ATS in their last 54 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, and 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. While Colorado is 3-10 ATS in the last 13 meetings with Utah.

Rating: 2 Units

North Texas is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win, 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Saturday games, and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. While UTEP is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings vs North Texas/

Rating: 2 Units

UVa likely hits the ACC Tourney on top of the polls if it can get this one. But not sure it’s going to be easy for Cavs, as Notre Dame has regained services of PF Bonzie Colson (scored 12 in 21 minutes of return game vs. Pitt at midweek) and the attention of the NCAA Selection Committee that is going to take a look at the full-strength Irish if Mike Brey’s team finishes fast. Note ND form has already been improving (5-2 SU last 7) since return to active duty of G Matt Farrell (18 ppg last 8) in early February. Remember, Domers won the Maui Classic when all hands were on deck back in November.

Rating: 2 Units

Kansas is  10-4 ATS in their last 14 road games, 10-4 ATS in their last 14 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. While Oklahoma State is  2-6 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600, 3-10 ATS in their last 13 home games, and 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up win.

Rating: 2 Units

With Big East leader X-Men shooting for a top four seed in the Big Dance, don’t mind laying single digits with the ultra explosive, good-shooting Musketeers (85.2; 49.8% from the floor), primed to win & cover their sixth consecutive on the conference trail. Count on a more formful offensive showing from Xavier’s rangy 6-5 sr. J.P. Macura (12. 4 ppg), who scored only 6 points before fouling out in his team’s 84-74 home victory over pesky Providence in mid-week. Defensively-lax DePaul (74.2 ppg)—which has yielded 82 ppg or more 3 of the last 4 games—will eventually succumb to the mighty Musketeers, who won’t take the Blue Demons lightly after needing to overcome a 16-point deficit in their 77-72 home  win back on Dec. 30th, when they nailed a season-worst 4 of 22 from deep.

Rating: 2 Units

Virginia Tech is  7-3 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.,  7-3 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and 28-13-1 ATS in their last 42 games following a ATS win. While Miami is 8-20 ATS in their last 28 games following a ATS win, 3-8 ATS in their last 11 vs. Atlantic Coast, and 7-21 ATS in their last 28 home games.

Rating: 2 Units

With postseason tourney seeking BSU seeking its 20th win of the season, willing to lay  short price with road-proven Cards, who’ve notched victories at Ohio, Toledo & Akron in MAC action. Expect BSU’s top-scorer 6-3 jr. G Taylor Persons (14.6 ppg)to bounce back after hitting only 3 of 14 from the field in his team’s head-burying 75-51 setback at Central Michigan on Tuesday. Defensively-soft MAC West doormat NIU (76 ppg; 46.5% from the floor; 291st nationally)—licking its wounds from 97-67 home blowout administered by Toledo on the same day, lacks much quick strike ability, converting a paltry 5.2 triples (lowly 340th) pg at 32.6%. Watch for the Cards’ powerful 6-9, 245-pound jr. C Trey Moses to lead his team to the “promised land” again after scoring 23 along with 12 caroms & 3 blocks in his team’s 77-68 series win on Feb. 20th.

Rating: 2 Units

Philly’s “Process” appears to be progressing swimmingly, as the Sixers are 17-8 SU since just after Christmas, and the team is courting LeBron James as the missing link to a title. Philadelphia played last night in Cleveland and the Sixers have a 2-7 spread mark when unrested this season, a record linked in part to resting C Joel Embiid in those games in first half of the season. Now Embiid has been playing without rest, and Philly is 19-9 vs. the points at the Wells Fargo Center. Hornets on uptick (5-1 SU L6; covered 4 of L5) as G Kemba Walker has been hot (55% L5; 25 ppg), but trust the process facing Hornet side that’s just 6-14 as a road dog.

Rating: 2 Units

Cincinnati bounced back from its Feb. 18 home loss to Wichita State with victories over Connecticut and Tulsa and would love to get back to its defensive roots after surrendering 70 or more points in two of its previous three games. Facing the nation's second-ranked defense will be a tall task for the Green Wave, who halted a six-game losing skid with a 79-68 win at South Florida last time out. It's the third game against a ranked opponent this season for Tulane, which fell to North Carolina and Wichita State by an average of 15.5 points

Rating: 2 Units

Georgia Tech looks to snap a seven-game losing streak in its penultimate home game of the season as the Yellow Jackets host streaking North Carolina State today in an ACC contest The Wolfpack are getting hot at the right time of year and are winners of four in a row, including a 20-point home win over Florida State on Sunday.  The Yellow Jackets, on the other hand, have just one win in their last 12, including a 75-67 loss to No. 18 Clemson on Saturday where they missed 13 layups.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cavaliers held Pittsburgh to seven points in the first half and 23.9 percent shooting overall en route to a 66-37 triumph Saturday to clinch the ACC title and first seed in the tournament. Sophomore guard Ty Jerome has averaged 15.5 points the last two games and freshman backcourt mate De’Andre Hunter poured in 14.8 per contest over his last four outings. Sophomore guard Kyle Guy, who leads the team in scoring (14.5), was limited to 11 points combined in the last two games while senior guard Devon Hall (11.8) is averaging just 5.7 the past three.

Rating: 2 Units

Wichita State continues its pursuit of an American Athletic Conference title when it tries for its seventh straight victory today at Central Florida. The No. 11 Shockers are coming off an 84-78 win over SMU on Saturday and are second in the AAC, trailing No. 10 Cincinnati by one game with two to play as a showdown against the Bearcats looms Sunday. Wichita State senior forward Shaquille Morris is in the twilight of a career that has seen him record 14.0 points and 5.3 rebounds per game this season, but his averages of 20.5 points and 8.8 rebounds over the last four contests serve notice that he could be tougher to deal with down the stretch

Rating: 2 Units

Penn State cruised past the Wildcats 78-63 in the first meeting of the season before suffering a 70-61 setback on Jan. 20 and strive to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2015. Northwestern has dropped six consecutive games, including a 77-70 loss to Iowa on Sunday to end a disappointing regular season. The Wildcats, who returned most of their core players from the team that earned the first NCAA Tournament berth in program history last year, struggled under the weight of expectations and hope to avoid their first losing season since 2014-15.

Rating: 2 Units

Nevada cut down the nets after Sunday's home win over Colorado State which garnered the 21st-ranked Wolf Pack at least a share of a second consecutive Mountain West regular season championship as well as the No. 1 seed for next week's conference tourney in Las Vegas. But even though his team has just seven players on scholarship including two that are battling injuries, Nevada coach Eric Musselman scoffed at the notion of resting some players for Wednesday night's game at UNLV.

Rating: 2 Units

Round Three of the Chris Paul reunion, though Paul has only played in one of the two previous Rockets-Clips meetings this season, both won by LA. In the game Paul played, James Harden didn’t, so with them both on the floor would have to like Houston’s chances to gain revenge, especially considering how Harden scored 51 in the Paul-less loss at Toyota Center back on Dec. 22. Rockets less likely to hit those flat spots down the stretch as they battle with Warriors for best record in West and home edge in playoffs, which could be a very  big deal by the time we get to late spring.

Rating: 2 Units

While distracted and dispirited CSU might be better-advised to simply forfeit if putting forth non-efforts at home like last Wednesday’s 33-point loss to Boise, New Mexico looking like it’s having a bit of fun as it runs and guns for first-year HC Paul Weir, who led downstate  New Mexico State into the Big Dance last March. Lobos just cranked out 119 points in win at Wyo, bombardier G Anthony Mathis continuing to hit nearly 50% beyond arc, and UNM has not been bothered on MW road, where it has already won SU three times

Rating: 2 Units

Butler may have clinched an NCAA Tournament bid in its last two games with impressive victories, but can add some insurance when it pays a visit to dangerous St. John’s today for a Big East contest. The Bulldogs knocked off Providence on Feb. 17 and routed No. 24 Creighton 93-70 three days later before getting a much-needed rest as they prepare to end the regular season with two road games. The Red Storm have been a much better team the last month with shocking wins over Duke and Villanova, although they lost their last two contests against Marquette and Seton Hall to sit at the bottom of the league standings.

Rating: 2 Units

Leading scorer Shake Milton has been out for that entire stretch - which includes a 67-58 loss at Houston earlier this month - with a fractured hand and is doubtful for Wednesday. The Mustangs will honor seniors Ben Emelogu II and Akoy Agau, whose final seasons have been derailed by their own injuries and injuries to teammates that have left SMU with seven or fewer scholarship players during the past seven games. SMU has won seven of the past nine meetings with Houston but will need a big defensive effort to slow the Cougars. Houston scored a conference-record 109 points in Sunday's win against East Carolina and tied its own record with 18 3-pointers in the win.

Rating: 2 Units

No. 5 Villanova is still in good shape to earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but its margin for error is getting thin. With an uncharacteristic 3-3 record in their last six games, the Wildcats look to return to form today at Seton Hall. The Wildcats beat the Pirates 92-76 earlier this month, but they lost to unranked St. John's in their next contest and have since fallen on the road to two more unranked teams - Providence and Creighton in the last two weeks. In Saturday's overtime loss at Creighton, Villanova received double-digit points from all five starters but got virtually nothing from its bench. Seton Hall is in a four-way tie for third place in the Big East entering Tuesday's action and can effectively clinch its NCAA Tournament spot by beating the Wildcats.

Rating: 2 Units

The Houston Rockets are bridging the All-Star break with an 11-game winning streak but are about to begin the toughest part of the remaining schedule with 10 of the next 13 on the road. That stretch begins with a high-altitude back-to-back, starting with a visit to the surging Denver Nuggets today. The Rockets, who head to Utah on Monday and will play 12 of the next 13 games against teams with current winning records, are trying to hold off the defending champion Golden State Warriors for the top spot in the Western Conference. Houston didn't show any rust out of the break on Friday, when it enjoyed one of its few home games over the next month by breezing past the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-102. The Nuggets are tied for the second-longest winning streak in the West at four in a row and are trying to emerge out of a pack of teams tightly grouped from third through tenth in the standings.

Rating: 2 Units

Illinois Chicago is 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games overall and 11-4 ATS in their last 15 vs. Horizon League. While Wright State is  1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Horizon League. In addition, Wright State is 3-11 ATS in the last 14 meetings including 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Illinois-Chicago.

Rating; 2 Units

Nebraska improved to 15-1 at home with the win and hope to avenge a 76-74 overtime loss on Jan. 12 to the Nittany Lions, who dropped their second straight following Wednesday's 72-63 setback at home against Michigan. Penn State can still reach the 20-win mark for the first time since 2008-09 with a win today, but it will have to do so without impressive sophomore forward Mike Watkins (12.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.3 blocks), who has been ruled out after suffering a right knee injury early in Wednesday's defeat.

Rating: 2 Units

Detroit is two games under .500 and sitting in the No. 9 spot in the East with 24 games remaining in the regular season, 15 of which will come on the road, and suffered a 110-98 home loss to the Boston Celtics coming out of the break on Friday. The Hornets are trying to play their way into the playoff race as well and used a three-game winning streak to pull within 2 1/2 games of the Pistons. Charlotte did not show any sluggishness coming out of the break and followed a 111-96 win over Brooklyn on Thursday with a 122-105 pasting of the Washington Wizards on Friday.

Rating: 3 Unit NCAAB Play of the Day

The Wildcats struggled without Trier on Thursday at 10th-place Oregon State, needing two free throws by Rawle Alkins with 14 seconds left in regulation to push the game to overtime, where they finally pulled away for a 75-65 victory. Oregon got a much-needed win against No. 25 Arizona State on Thursday, and that should give the Ducks added confidence against the Wildcats, who beat Oregon 90-83 behind 25 points from Trier on Jan. 13. The Ducks enter the weekend tied for sixth in the conference with Washington, and they can leapfrog a few more teams with a strong finish against Arizona and at Washington State and Washington next week. The Ducks haven't finished lower than third in the Pac-12 since finishing seventh in 2010-11, when it was still the Pac-10.

Rating: 2 Units

Whereas the lonely surroundings of the Event Center have often lulled San Jose State foes to sleep the past few seasons, surging SDSU eager to get on any court to continue recent uptick that’s seen Aztecs impressively win three in a row, an ascent that has coincided with return to active duty of sr. G Trey Kell, a steadying influence and leader on the floor. Aztecs  now working on three double-digit wins and covers in a row after comfy midweek win at Air Force, while Spartans still wearing the big doughnut (0-15 SU!) In MW play. SJSU already proved vulnerable to an Aztec KO blow after getting hammered 85-49 at Viejas Arena back on Jan. 9.

Rating: 2 Units

The Utah Jazz will look to start a new winning streak when they host the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Utah won a season-best 11 straight games prior to the All-Star break but struggled offensively Friday when it dropped a 100-81 decision to the Portland Trail Blazers. Dallas is 7-22 on the road this season and figures to face long odds against the Jazz in a road back-to-back while Utah is playing consecutive home games on its back-to-back.

Rating: 2 Units

The Portland Trail Blazers attempt to complete a four-game season sweep of Phoenix when they visit the sinking Suns today. Portland has scored an average of 118.7 points while winning this season's previous three meetings, and that includes a 124-76 romp over Phoenix in the season opener Oct. 18. All-Star point guard Damian Lillard has scored 25 or more points in each of his last seven games against the Suns and he tuned up with 24 in Friday's 100-81 road victory over the Utah Jazz.  Phoenix suffered a 128-117 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday for its eighth straight setback and 16 in its past 18 games. The Suns clinched their fourth consecutive losing campaign with their latest loss and are tied with the Atlanta Hawks for the NBA's worst record.

Rating: 2 Units

Stanford is 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall, 10-4 ATS in their last 14 vs. Pacific-12, and 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games after scoring more than 90 points in their previous game. While Washington State is 1-9 ATS in their last 10 road games, 0-8 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, and 0-8 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. In addition, Washington State is 5-16-2 ATS in the last 23 meetings versus Stanford.

Rating: 2 Units

Philadelphia is enjoying its longest winning streak since a six-game run during the 2011-2012 season and is focused on moving up the standings in the Eastern Conference, with the third-place Cleveland Cavaliers only 2 1/2 games ahead entering play on Friday.  The Magic are not in the playoff chase and are just trying to stay off the bottom of the East after a 120-113 home setback to the New York Knicks on Thursday dropped them 22 games under .500. The loss was the fourth straight for Orlando, which is 7-23 on the road and kicks off a stretch with seven of 10 away from home today.

Rating: 2 Units

With NCAA Tourney-bound WSU (currently projected as a 3rd seed) likely to have top-scoring 6-4 soph Landry Shamet (missed Tulane on Wednesday due to illness) back in the lineup, suggest laying single-digits with angry Shockers itching to avenge 83-78 home upset loss in mid-January, which halted their protracted 27-game win streak at Charles Koch Arena. Anticipate a ferocious defensive effort from WSU after the Mustangs hit a sizzling 64% from the field, and had 33 points from now-sidelined 6-6 jr. G Shake Milton. Shorthanded SMU a bankroll-depleting 3-9-1 last 13 vs. the spread. 1

Rating: 2 Units

Though both squads need to make deep runs in the SEC tourney to have any shot at a Big Dance at-large-bid, still strongly recommend “taking” 2+ hoops with revenge-minded LSU, which is primed to nab its 3rd straight league win for the first time this season. Tigers’ gifted 5-11 frosh PG Tremont Waters (15 ppg, 5.9 apg) has “vaulted’ the “freshman wall” after scoring 28 points & dishing out 9 assists in his team’s 88-78 home victory over Vanderbilt on Tuesday. Moreover, LSU can surely afford to “double-team” Georgia’s top weapon 6-8 sr. F Yantee Maten since the Dawgs nail only six 3-pointers pg at a rim-clanging 32.1% (317th). Will Wade’s Tigers still seething after blowing 34-24 halftime lead in last-second 61-60 home loss in mid January, when aforementioned Waters (then battling a virus) contributed only 6 points.

Rating: 2 Units

Surging Davidson (6-1 SU last 7; 5-2 vs. the line) desiring to stay tied with St. Bonaventure for 2nd place in the A-10. Hence, we have no qualms laying short price with the ultra-disciplined & error free Wildcats, who lead the nation in critical assist-to-TO ratio. Davidson’s dynamic 1-2 punch of explosive 6-7 sr. F Petyon Aldridge (20.1 ppg) & prized, sharp-shooting 6-5 frosh G Kellan Grady (16.7 ppg; team-high 57 triples) will continue to shine in Pittsburgh, while erratic-gunning, scatter-passing Duquesne (42.2% from the field; 301st; 11.7 apg; 305th) ill-equipped to play catch-up. Note, Dukes have lost by 7 points or more in 9 of 12 setbacks TY

Rating: 2 Units

Cleveland has been ignited by trade, as newly acquired Gs Jordan Clarkson and Rodney Hood combined for 30 ppg and shot 57% off the bench after being acquired. Larry Nance Jr. pulled down 6.5 rpg as a reserve as well, and James looked like a newly-crowned King with 30 ppg, 9.5 rpg and 12.8 apg since the trade prior to facing Washington last night. The Cavs haven’t been great when unrested on the road this season (1-3 vs. points), but also-ran Memphis is coming off a long layoff (on the beach in the Bahamas?). Cleveland has been working to integrate its new parts and the clash last night will sharpen their game.

Rating: 2 Units

Visitor has won 7 of last 9 in this series SU, and Detroit has been in a point spread tailspin since Christmas. The Pistons are just 8-14 SU in 2018 and only 3-13-1 vs. the number since mid-January. Boston struggled into the break, losing its 4 of its last 5 SU, but the losses were against revitalized Cleveland, Toronto, the Clippers and Indiana. Detroit traded its most explosive weapon against Boston (Tobias Harris, 25 ppg vs. Celtics TY), and the shine is off the Blake Griffin apple a bit. Pistons covered just 1 of Griffin’s first 8 games with the club

Rating: 2 Units

After barely surviving in 95-93 OT win at LaSalle on Tuesday, expect defense-minded, Big Dance-bound RI (currently a projected 5-seed; 67.8 ppg) to dig in on the stop end after permitting a season-high point allowance vs. the Explorers. Moreover, watch for extra effort performances from RI’s terrific senior backcourt triumvirate of 6-5 E.C. Matthews (13 ppg), key reserve 6-0 Jarvis Garrett (6.3 ppg, 58 assists) & 6-3 Jared Terrell (18 ppg, 40 steals) on Senior Night. Mediocre, defensively-soft Dayton (73 ppg; 46.2% from the floor; 289th) is a poor 1-8-1 last 10 vs. the spread. Note, that the Flyers nailed a blistering 63% from the field and still failed to cover in 88-74 home loss on Jan. 20th.

Rating: 2 Units

We’re convinced about Houston’s capabilities after watching Cougs keep rugged Cincy off balance, which makes us believe Kelvin Sampson’s crew might be able to land on the safe side of the Big Dance cut line. The ability of UH bombers Corey Davis and Armoni Brooks (both better than 43% beyond arc) to hit from deep gives Houston a dimension that Memphis (only 29.6% triples) lacks. Need more evidence than recent win over fading SMU that Tubby  Smith’s Tigers (only 2-5 SU and vs. line last seven into last Saturday vs. Tulane) can step up vs. a real quality foe

Rating: 2 Units

Fresno has owned this series lately vs. UNLV, and continued recent mastery with 69-63 win at Save-Mart Center on Jan. 23, holding go-go Rebs to their lowest scoring output of season. Bulldogs have since picked up the pace and won their first three February games in romping fashion, with former Colorado transfer G Jaron Hopkins (only 5 points in first meeting) having tapped a rich vein of form, tallying 19 ppg last three into Saturday’s game vs. CSU. Overvalued Rebs not providing a lot of Golden Knights-like value in Vegas, where they’ve dropped 7 of last 9 vs. line

Rating: 2 Units

The Valparaiso Crusaders are 8-3 at home this season, and 5-11 against 9-4 opponents. At home the Crusaders are averaging 69.0 scoring, and holding teams to 66.0 points scored on defense. The Northern Iowa Panthers are 0-9 while on the road this season, 5-11 against conference opponents, and 8-4 against non-conference opponents. On the road, the Panthers are averaging 59.1 scoring, and holding teams to 70.0 points scored on defense.

Rating: 2 Units

After averaging a lofty 23-win campaign over the previous six campaigns, Akron’s 1st-year HC John Groce has clearly been unable to reload at all on a zipless Zip squad (11-14) fighting to stay out of the MAC East dungeon. On the contrary, postseason-seeking BG (16-10) has won 4 of its last 5 tilts SU (5-0 vs. spread) prior to tough trip to Buffalo, including back-to-back home upsets over Eastern Michigan & Western Michigan. Well balanced Falcons (5 avg. between 9 & 15 ppg) have greatly benefited by one of the loop’s top newcomers, 6-4 RS frosh Justin Turner (15.4 ppg, team-high 36 steals), who has been a positive force on both ends of the floor. Payback works for BG following stinging 80-78 loss in “The Rubber City” in mid-January, when the Falcons missed 14 foul shots & lost on a 3-pointer with 3 ticks left!

Rating: 3 Unit NCAAB Play of the Day

Since defeating Baylor in early January, West Virginia has been on a steady downhill spiral. The 21st-ranked Mountaineers aim to stop the bleeding today when they visit the Bears in Big 12 action. West Virginia nipped Baylor 57-54 on Jan. 9 as senior guard Jevon Carter, the heart and soul of the team, knocked down the decisive 3-pointer in the final minute. Carter is enjoying a terrific senior season, but his team still has lost seven of 11 since the win over the Bears. Baylor has followed a four-game losing streak by winning its last five, including massive victories against Kansas and Texas Tech in the last 10 days.

Rating: 3 Unit NCAAB Play of the Day

Wisconsin has won seven straight meetings with Minnesota dating back to 2014. The Gophers have been hit hard by injuries to several key players. Amir Coffey and Dupree McBrayer are questionable for Monday's game. In addition, the Golden Gophers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games versus teams with a losing record., 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss, and 1-7 ATS in their last 8 versus the Big Ten.

Rating: 2 Units

In a near pick ‘em scenario, would side with revenge-minded NW, which will be looking to snap a 3-game losing skein following loss to No.2-ranked Michigan State on Saturday. Wildcats’ star 6-3 sr. G Bryant McIntosh (12.1 ppg) will be especially geeked for this rematch after coming up with a rare goose egg in 73-59 setback in College Park on Feb. 10. While the Terps have successfully fed off the palpable fan support at home, Mark Turgeon’s troops haven’t been able to get over the hump on the hostile conference trail, dropping seven straight as a visitor. Moreover, Maryland still betrayed at time by miscues, evidenced by its horrific 327th ranking in TO margin.

Rating: 2 Units

Payback for Stanford after bitter 77-74 loss in Berkeley on Dec. 30. Not much has gone right for Golden Bears since, who’ve subsequently won SU just once (at Haas Pavilion vs. Oregon State), while Cardinal has steadied itself and could be in line for some sort of postseason bid. Key Stanford G Dorian Pickens (14.1 ppg) was a bit rusty in what was his return-to-action game in first meeting, hitting just 3 of 13 from floor, while front liners Reid Travis and Michael Humphrey were hampered by fouls, and Tree could only hit 17 of 33 from FT line. No wonder Stanford lost! Repeat unlikely at Maples Pavilion, where recent home-oriented trend in the Bay Area rivalry (host has won and covered last six) should continue.

Rating: 2 Units

There’s some history between these two that dates to the early 60s, and the night in ‘63 when Wichita ended a long Cincinnati win streak (when Bearcats were the defending national champs) at the old Roundhouse as Dave Stallworth poured in 46 points, an effort regarded by oldtimers alongside Elvin Hayes’ 39 points vs. Lew Alcindor in the Houston/UCLA “Game of the Century” at the Astrodome in 1968. But this is 2018, not 1963, and though Shockers have started to resemble their recent Valley form with 3s starting to fall in recent games, doing so against snarling Cincinnati defense (55.9 ppg; behind only Virginia nationally) a different matter. Note Mick Cronin’s bunch has been handling point spread premiums in American play, covering 9 of first 12 vs. loop foes into Thursday’s game vs. Houston. In addition, Wichita State is just 1-4 ATS in its last five road games against teams with a home winning percentage of greater than 60 percent, while Cincinnati is 7-1 ATS in its last eight against teams with a winning SU record and 5-1 ATS in its last six at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Big Dance seeking & streaking Nebraska (RPI of 51; six straight wins/covers!) strongly desiring to finish in 4th place in the Big Ten standings and gain a coveted double-bye in the upcoming conference tourney in the Big Apple. Therefore, have no hesitation in laying short price with struggling, offensively-choppy Illinois, which is a sorry 2-4 SU at home in the Big Ten. Huskers’ emerging 6-8 soph F Isaiah Roby has become an integral part of the increasingly-lethal attack, featuring legit Big Ten Player of the Year candidate, 6-6 jr. G James Palmer, Jr. (17.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3 apg). NU seriously improves on its rim-clanging 5 of 23 shooting performance from deep in taut 64-63 home win in mid-January vs. Illini bunch, permitting 46.8% from the field (305th nationally). 

Rating: 2 Units

Cal Irvine is 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400, 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss, and 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. While Cal-Poly Slo is  7-19 ATS in their last 26 home games, 7-20 ATS in their last 27 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, and 4-13 ATS in their last 17 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

Rating: 2 Units

Now that Utah has moved itself into threatening position on the Big Dance bubble, have no problem continuing to fade Wazzu, whose season peaked at the Wooden Classic during Thanksgiving week and has been in a steep descent since, with SU and spread losses in 11 of 12 in Pac-12 play into Thursday’s game vs. Colorado. Recent Cougar scorelines not competitive either (six straight DD losses into game vs. Buffs), heightening speculation that beleaguered HC Ernie Kent about to walk the plank, especially with a new AD in Pullman. Excellent Ute interior “D” will force WSU to fling from long range, while Long Beach transfer G Justin Bibbins (team-best 14 ppg) continues to provide Utah with a real spark.

Rating: 2 Units

Illinois State is 12-4-1 ATS in their last 17 games following a straight up loss, and 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games following a ATS loss. While Northern Iowa is 16-33-2 ATS in their last 51 games overall, 10-25-1 ATS in their last 36 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 games after scoring less than 50 points in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

Though UF is currently an NCAA-at-large invite and Vanderbilt needs to win the SEC tourney for a Big Dance bid, would still give a nod to the hard-trying Commodores, who’ve won 4 straight in oddly configured Memorial Gymnasium. Note, Vanderbilt nailed 14 of 27 from downtown in thrilling, last-second 81-80 home win over dangerous Mississippi State in mid-week, while erratic-shooting UF canned only 38% from the floor in stunning 72-69 home OT loss to previously-reeling Georgia on the same day. Also, expect a “friendlier whistle” in Nashville after the Gators attempted 16 more foul shots in 81-74 home win back on Dec. 30th

Rating: 2 Units

Hawaii’s challenge in the Big West fizzled on recent mainland trip when Rainbow Warriors lost at UCSB & Cal Poly, with the malaise carrying over to subsequent home loss to subpar UC Riverside. Offense short-circuited in losses to Mustangs and Highlanders, failing to hit 40% from floor vs. either. Not sure things get much better vs. defense-tough UCI, which looks to be ramping up for fast-approaching Big West Tourney in nearby Anaheim with wins and covers in four straight into last Saturday vs. UCR. Remember, Anteaters bludgeoned Hawaii on both occasions last season, and HC Russell Turner finding some offense in recent weeks from emerging soph G Evan Leonard, scoring 20 ppg in recent three-game stretch.

Rating: 2 Units

In this old rivalry between Bay Area Catholic entries, dynamics not working lately for smallish USF, which hasn’t been within single digits vs. SMC since last season and was bludgeoned at Moraga by 36 on Feb. 1. Two weeks ago, USF had no answer for Gaels’ rampaging 6-11 Aussie C Jock Landale, who battered for 26 points in the paint, as SMC dominated glass by 44-29 count. Landale since scored 34 (vs. USD), and not even venue switch to the Hilltop can help host Dons overcome this fundamental mismatch on blocks.

Rating: 2 Units

With UCLA desperately looking to move to the safe side of the Big Dance cut line, inclined to “lay it” vs. sliding OSU, which has dropped 4 straight (SU & vs. the line) ever since its 69-63 home upset over the Bruins on Jan. 18th. UCLA’s highly-effective duo of 7-0 sr. C Thomas Welsh & 6-1 jr. G Aaron Holiday especially juiced-up for rematch after combining for 8 of 23 from the field in the earlier tilt in Corvallis. Moreover, seriously doubt OSU can successfully slow the pace vs. the go-go Bruins, who’ve erupted for 82 points or more in 3 of the past 4 outings.

Rating: 2 Units

Though UH is fighting for 2nd place in the AAC, must still lend support to defensively-suffocating league front runner Cincinnati (56.1 ppg; 36.7% from the field; 2nd nationally in both categories) riding a 15-game win skein (prior to SMU on Feb. 11). Bearcats (RPI of 8) who have a real shot at a top 4 seed in the Big Dance—will continue to hound the Cougars’ primary weapon 6-2 sr. G Rob Gray Jr.(18.3 ppg), who knocked down only 4 of 15 from the field in his team’s come-from-ahead 80-70 setback at Cincy on Jan. 31st, when the Cougs blew an 18-point lead. So, have faith Mick Cronin’s nicely balanced Bearcats (5 average between 8 & 14 ppg) notch their 4th straight win/cover in series.

Rating: 2 Units

Improved, postseason-seeking Bradley in chippy mood after its 12-game home win skein was snapped in 78-68 upset loss to Drake on Feb. 3. So, not adverse to laying single digits vs. ISU squad out to settle a score following 70-57 setback in Normal on in mid-January. Braves, who’re a noteworthy 10-1 vs. the spread at energizing Carver Arena, should extend that mark vs. a Redbird contingent, which is only 1-4 vs. spread on the MVC trail prior to trip to Valpo on Feb. 11. Bradley figures to shoot straighter from downtown after converting a season-worst 5 of 28 from deep in the earlier tilt. In addition, ISU’s instrumental 6-0 jr. G Keyshawn Evans (15.6 ppg, 3.4 apg) is sidelined 1-3 weeks with a knee injury.

Rating: 2 Units

With SIU trying to keep within reach of MVC leader Loyola-Chicago, don’t mind laying a handful of points with surging Salukis, who’ve won 5 straight (4-0-1 vs. the number) through Feb. 7. SIU’s ever-improving 6-10 juco C Kavion Pippin (nephew of former Bull star Scottie Pippen; 12.2 ppg; 5.8 rpg; 33 blocks) will greatly neutralize MSU’s top gun 6-9 sr. Alize Johnson in the paint area. Meanwhile, the Salukis do everything 6-4 jr. G Armon Fletcher (14.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 30 steals; is the most versatile performer on this hardwood, so chances are the Bears drop to 1-6 last 7 vs. the spread on the MVC trail.

Rating: 2 Units

The move from the Horizon to the Missouri Valley has proven a bit much for  Valparaiso, which has yet to win SU in first seven on the road in its new league. Unlike days in the Horizon, Crusaders have been getting hammered mercilessly off glass in their new, tougher neighborhood, as MVC-leading Loyola proved in 70-54 road win on Jan. 21. Lack of reliable bench contributions (only three points in first meeting) another ongoing concern for Valparaiso, while Ramblers moving into possible Big Dance at large discussions with wins and covers in 9 of 10 into last Saturday vs. Indiana State.

Rating: 2 Units

The off season can’t come soon enough for either of these teams, especially Dallas, as Mark Cuban’s “creative tanking” should net Mavericks a high draft pick and a chance to re-make the roster when properly cleared of excess salary. Until then, Mavericks might be hard to watch, especially with Harrison Barnes still nursing a bad ankle, and Dallas having lost 9 of last 11 SU into Golden State on Feb. 8. Kings already won once as a dog at Big D way back on Oct. 20, when now-departed George Hill led Kings with 21 points. Arrival of Iman Shumpert from Cavs at deadline (part of the Hill deal) at least prevents a net-loss for Sacramento, whose recent form hasn’t been too bad (4-3 SU last seven, 5-2 vs. line last eight, both thru Feb. 8). Dave Joerger still using a heavy-rookie starting lineup, but vets like Zach Randolph and Kosta Koufos remain to do heavy lifting for Sacramento

Rating: 2 Units

Bucks have caught a bit of an updraft since the return of Jabari Parker and won 7 of 8 SU into last Friday vs. Heat, albeit vs. a mostly-forgiving schedule. That latter dynamic, however, remains in place for visit of lowly Hawks, who while not an automatic go-against on the road (where indeed they have a winning spread mark) have still won only 5 of their first 26 SU away from Philips Arena thru Feb. 7. And not even home court could help Atlanta in first meeting back on Oct. 29, when the Greek Freak and Khris Middleton combined for 60 points in 117-106 Milwaukee cruise.

Rating: 2 Units

Toronto was comfy enough with its current composition to stand pat at the deadline, which fellow East contenders Cleveland and Boston did not; we’ll see if the Raptors come to regret their relative inactivity. Meanwhile, Dwyane Wade has made a feel-good return to Miami with hopes of rekindling past glories, and his form in Cleveland has been good enough to suggest he can help the Heat. No matter, Toronto will be on alert after getting dumped by underdog Miami in Heat’s last visit to Air Canada Centre on Jan. 9, when Raps (minus Kyle Lowry that night) hit barely 38% from floor in bitter 1-point loss. Expect them to do a bit better in rematch, especially considering recent form that including three thumping wins and covers in a row on recent home stand into Feb. 8 game vs. Knicks

Rating: 2 Units

With a five-point loss at Ohio State on Jan. 22 serving as its only blemish in over a month, Nebraska has won seven of its last eight to rise to fourth place in the Big Ten. The Cornhuskers improved to 13-1 at Pinnacle Bank Arena - 6-0 in conference action - following Saturday's 67-55 victory over Rutgers, putting them on the verge of their first 20-win regular season since 1992-93. Since its only signature victory of the season came in a 72-52 home rout of No. 20 Michigan on Jan. 18 and with no other resume-building opportunities remaining in the regular season, Nebraska would be well-served to win out to stay on the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble. The Terrapins are coming off a 73-57 triumph over Northwestern on Saturday but have dropped six in a row on the road and are 1-7 away from home this season.

Rating: 2 Units

Sixth-ranked Texas Tech is experiencing a magical season and looks to retain its lead in the Big 12 when it hosts No. 23 Oklahoma today. The Red Raiders are 15-0 at home this season and hold a one-game edge over Kansas in the conference race as they look to avenge last month's road loss to the Sooners. Texas Tech's 21-4 start matches the second best in school history and the program is thriving in Chris Beard's second season at the helm. Oklahoma is sliding in the wrong direction with three consecutive setbacks and is coming off Saturday's 88-80 loss to last-place Iowa State.

Rating: 2 Units

TCU looking like it could be victimized by ruggedness of the Big 12 as it inexorably slips closer and closer to the Big Dance bubble. Absence of key G Jaylen Fisher (knee) didn’t hurt Frogs in earlier 82-73 win over WVU at Fort Worth, but without their best assist man, Jamie Dixon’s offense has been less efficient in recent weeks. Recent panic in Morgantown after 1-5 Mountie skid in January now in rear-view mirror after impressive back-to-back wins over K-State and Oklahoma.