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

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

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: 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

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

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

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

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.

Rating: 2 Units

The Missouri Valley has been a home-oriented loop this season; ask Bradley, just 1-5 SU and vs. line on Valley trail after last Wednesday’s loss at Northern Iowa. Meanwhile, surging SIU has just one spread L in last eight thru Feb. 7, including spread push vs. Braves at Peoria back on Jan. 9. Catalyst in recent Saluki uprising has been 6-10 juco Kavion Pippen (Scottie’s nephew), scoring 17.3 ppg last three into last Thursday vs. Illinois State, and providing vet HC Barry Hinson with a Valley rarity...a true back-to-the-basket threat in the post.

Rating: 2 Units

Recalling a pair of defeats last year vs. SMU, Cincinnati (which hasn’t lost SU since Dec. 9 vs. Florida) made sure to take care of business vs. Mustangs in 76-56 romp at temporary home of NKU’s BB&T Arena in nearby Highland Heights on Jan. 7. With only two spread Ls last nine, Mick Cronin’s Bearcats mostly handling heavy imposts in American play. Meanwhile, even with a neutral-floor win over Arizona and a success at Wichita State, SMU’s Big Dance at-large case has been damaged by recent losses to UConn and Tulsa, as Mustangs having trouble getting above .500 in AAC. Note that snarling Cincinnati “D” has held American foes to 56 points or fewer in 8 of first 10 loop games

Rating: 2 Units

When these two teams met back on Jan. 2 in Louisville, the Panthers were 8-6 on the season and had gone 7-2 in their previous nine games. But Louisville, led by Quentin Snider's 19 points, routed Pitt 77-51 and the Panthers haven't won since, putting them in the midst of the longest losing streak in school history. That win kicked off Louisville's 6-2 start to conference play. Louisville is on an 11-game win streak against Pitt and leads the all-time series 15-5.

Rating: 2 Units

UNLV probably feeling a bit cocky after midweek upset win at Nevada when Wolf Pack missed injury Mountain West MVP contender wing Caleb Martin. But crisp-executing Wyoming the sort of team to exploit Rebels’ lack of discipline, as big Cowboy wings 6-7 Justin James (18.7 ppg) & 6-8 Hayden Dalton (17.4 ppg) can cause some matchup problems on perimeter for UNLV HC Marvin Menzies. Note that before that Wednesday upset in Reno, money-burning Rebs had covered the number in just one of previous twelve games!

Rating: 2 Units

Cleveland State is 6-15 ATS in their last 21 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, 10-25-2 ATS in their last 37 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and 8-20-1 ATS in their last 29 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. While Illinois Chicago is 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games overall, 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record, and 21-7 ATS in their last 28 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

Rating: 2 Units

In this battle between LA-area WCC rivals, it’s looking a lot like last season when LMU avenged a bitter 1-point loss at Malibu with a 21-point home romp past Pepperdine. Well, Waves scored another win by the same score as last year (71-70) over the Lions on Jan. 25 at Firestone Field House when Pep frosh G Trae Berhow nailed a long 3-pointer in the last second, but that was also Waves’ only SU win since Dec. 5 as the walls begin to close in around beleaguered HC Marty Wilson. LMU not doing much better the past month, but did recently knock off BYU at Gersten Pavilion and has been competitive on more nights than Pepperdine. Lions HC Mike Dunlap still getting good production from juco PG James Batemon (17.4 ppg).

Rating: 2 Units

With injury-plagued, offensively-inept Rutgers (65.8 ppg; 327th) needing a GPS device to locate the basket these days, must lay the lumber with hot Nebraska, which has a real shot at Big Dance at-large bid with a strong finish in Big Ten play. Huskers—who’ve found a reliable fourth scoring option in emerging 6-8 sophomore F Isaiah Roby—are a highly-profitable 10-1 vs. the spread in conference play, including 60-54 victory at Rutgers in late January. And Scarlet Knights unable to quickly make up an expected deficit in Lincoln, canning a meager 4.5 treys pg (350th) at 30.2% (340th).

Rating: 2 Units

Since offensively-stodgy & erratic-gunning UGa (68.7 ppg; 42.7% from the floor) unable to gain any real traction in SEC play, believe SEC leader Auburn can sweep series after being swept by the Dawgs in 2016-17. Tigers, who still have a shot at a top four seed in the Big Dance despite 81-80 home loss to surging Texas A&M on Wednesday, figure to crash the boards with more ferocity after being out-rebounded by the Aggies 33-22 in the 1-pt. setback. And AU can afford to double-team UGa’s premier weapon F Yante Mateen if necessary, since the Dawgs convert only 5.9 triples pg (309th) at a rim-clanking 32% (310th). Plus, you can expect an inspired effort from the Tigers’ dangerous 6-3 jr. G Bryce Brown (16.6 ppg; poured in 28 in 1st meeting), who hails from Stone Mountain, Georgia

Rating: 2 Units

Loyola Chicago is  23-7 ATS in their last 30 games following a straight up win, 30-12-1 ATS in their last 43 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, and 40-17 ATS in their last 57 games following a ATS win. While Indiana State is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Missouri Valley, and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Shorthanded Minnesota is possibly down three starters with the most recent injury to 6-5 jr. G Dupree McBrayer (leg; check status). So, must “lay it” with the profitable Hoosiers (7-2 vs. spread last 9 in Big Ten play) eager to get back to .500 in Big Ten play. Once again, the laboring Gophers will have no answer for IU’s dynamic duo of 6-8 jr. F Juwan Morgan (16.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg) & 6-3 sr. G Robert Johnson (13.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg), who combined for 48 points in their 75-71 upset win in Minneapolis in early January. “Costly” & defensively-lax Minnesota, which is a lowly 2-7 vs. the spread last 9 in league play, has yielded a whopping 76 points or more in 8 of L9 in the Big Ten!

Rating: 2 Units

Yale is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. While  the favorite 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings. In addition, Columbia is 4-14 ATS in the last 18 meetings and 2-7 ATS in the last 9 meetings in Yale.

Rating: 2 Units

The Wright St. Raiders are 11-1 at home this season, and 10-2 against 8-5 opponents.

At home the Raiders are averaging 66.9 scoring, and holding teams to 56.7 points scored on defense. While the Green Bay Phoenix are 0-11 while on the road this season, 5-8 against conference opponents, and 5-8 against non-conference opponents. On the road, the Phoenix are averaging 68.5 scoring, and holding teams to 82.4 points scored on defense. In addition, the favorite is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

North Carolina State looks for its fourth straight win as it visits Virginia Tech in an important matchup tonight. The Wolfpack are tied for fifth and hold a one-game lead over the Hokies in the crowded ACC standings as both teams need all the wins they can get down the stretch to improve their NCAA Tournament resumes. N.C. State is playing its best basketball of the season and is fresh off a dominant 76-58 victory over Notre Dame where the Wolfpack shot 50 percent and allowed their second-fewest points against this season.

Rating: 2 Units

The move to the Missouri Valley has not been an easy one for Valparaiso, which was able to physically wear down opponents in the lesser Horizon. That recipe, however, isn’t working in the rougher Valley, as the Crusaders have been getting hammered consistently off the glass, something that rarely happened in their old neighborhood and hampered Valparaiso in home loss to Evansville (which won board battle 42-34) on Jan. 24. Purple Aces will be glad to get physical again vs. Crusaders, who also will have problems containing host’s on-fire G Ryan Taylor (20.4 ppg), who had scored 22 or more in three straight (all E’ville wins, including 22 in first meeting) into last Saturday vs. Illinois State. Valparaiso win less SU (0-5) on Valley trail into last Saturday at SIU.

Rating: 2 Units

With back-to-back victories over Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech, Miami played its way back into the Coaches Poll at No. 25. Now the Hurricanes, who have won four of their last five, have to work hard to remain there, beginning with Wednesday's visit from Wake Forest, which has lost seven straight in the state of Florida.  Wake has yet to beat a ranked team this season and is winless in its last 20 road matchups with ranked opponents. That doesn't bode well against the Hurricanes, who have made their home court a real advantage with 35 wins in their last 38 games, including an 8-1 mark at the Watsco Center this year thanks to outscoring its opponents by an average of 16.2 points per game. Miami is set up for a strong stretch run to the postseason with five of its final eight games at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Life in the Big East with a young team is proving difficult for Marquette, which plays a conference game at Seton Hall. The Golden Eagles have lost four straight games including the last three at home and face an uphill battle the rest of the way with five of their final seven contests on the road starting with the Pirates, whom they beat by 20 points last month. In their most recent loss to Providence, the Golden Eagles were 0-of-8 from beyond the arc in the second half and received only seven points from Andrew Rowsey, who was coming off his first scoreless game of the season.

Rating: 2 Units

Nebraska is 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win, 10-1 ATS in their last 11 vs. Big Ten, 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and 17-5 ATS in their last 22 games overall. While Minnesota is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up loss.

Rating: 2 Units

Oklahoma State is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, 40-17-2 ATS in their last 59 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, and 44-21-3 ATS in their last 68 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. In addition, Oklahoma State, is 15-6-2 ATS in the last 23 meetings at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Kent State is 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 home games, 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall, and 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. Mid-American. While Eastern Michigan is  7-19 ATS in their last 26 vs. Mid-American and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Eastern Michigan is also 4-9 ATS in the last 13 meetings overall and 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Kent St.

Rating: 2 Units

Davidson is 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall, 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. Atlantic 10, 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record, and 22-7-1 ATS in their last 30 Tuesday games. In addition, Davidson is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Temple off upset of Wichita State on Thursday following its well-played 85-67 romp over UConn. Hence, would “invest” on the revenge-minded Owls, who hit a season-worst 4 of 21 from deep in their 85-75 home upset loss to Tulane in the AAC opener on Dec. 28th. Owls, who subsequently covered at Houston and pulled off big upset at SMU, should even the series vs. an erratic Tulane contingent, which barely escaped in 71-69 OT win at also-ran East Carolina on Wednesday. Watch for a high-impact showing from Temple’s usually-steady 6-10 sr. F Obi Enechionyia, who canned a season-worst 1 of 9 from the field in the first clash

Rating: 2 Units

Maryland is 6-0 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 home games, and 7-0 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. While the home team is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Auburn has won four in a row following its only setback in conference play, a five-point loss at Alabama on Jan. 17, and opened a two-game lead in the SEC with its 79-70 win at Mississippi on Tuesday, coupled with Florida's loss to Georgia. Bryce Brown is averaging a team-high 16.6 points per game for Auburn and will look to string together back-to-back 20-point games for the first time this season. The 6-3 junior shooting guard scored 23 against Mississippi on 9-for-16 shooting from the floor.

Rating: 2 Units

The slope could be a bit slippery for MW leader Nevada at Moby Arena, where CSU us usually capable of plotting a trap. But not sure Rams up to it now after all-out effort fell short in OT at midweek vs. border rival Wyo. Moreover, CSU has been down its top two scorers (G Nixon with ankle, G Paige with hand) in recent games, and distractions mounting in Fort Collins with HC Larry Eustachy apparently being fitted with a noose by administrators. Would rather not touch Rams at moment, and much prefer percolating Wolf Pack, off of back-to-back 100-point eruptions (though double OT helped in recent trip to Wyoming), and all starters scoring 16 or more in Wednesday’s explosive 102-92 win over dangerous Fresno.

Rating: 2 Units

Clemson clearly demonstrated it can win a marquee game sans the services of injured 6-8 sr. F Donte Grantham in its headline-grabbing 82-78 home upset victory over North Carolina  on Tuesday. And don’t expect the Tigers to suffer from any letdown after Wake Forest pulled off a 76-72 upset win over Florida State on Wednesday. But seriously doubt the Deacons can knock off nationally-ranked, defensively-stout Clemson (65.8 ppg; 41.2% from the floor; 5.6  bpg),which had seven different players nail a 3-ball vs. the Tar Heels. Look for Tigers’ clutch 6-3 jr. G Macquise Reed to take over the game in crunch time as he did for Roy Williams’ troops vs. a WF contingent, which is only 2-4 SU last 6 in Lawrence Joel Coliseum.

Rating: 2 Units

Memphis, which is in the hunt for a top four finish in the AAC (and first-round bye in at the upcoming conference tourney), is placing extra importance in this winnable game with juggernaut Wichita State on deck. So, more than willing to lay a short price vs. offensively challenged & often-careless ECU (65.4 ppg; ranked 331st; 311 in TO margin), which lacks much come-back ability, nailing a paltry 5.1 triples pg at a horrific 27.3% (351st). Tubby Smith’s Tigers—who’ve covered 4 straight as chalk—owns one the league’s most improved players in the AAC in sizzling 6-3 jr. G Jeremiah Martin (18.3 ppg TY; 10.3 LY), who’s surpassed the 20-point plateau in 4 of his last 5 outings. Additionally, UM’s productive 6-8 jr. F Kryon Davenport (12.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg) quickly establishes his post game vs. Pirates’ vulnerable forecourt, missing shelved 6-10 sr. F Jabari Craig (out for year with foot injury).

Rating: 2 Units

Unable to develop reliable  secondary scoring options beyond do-everything 6-9 sr. F Alize Johnson (15.3 ppg & 11.5 rpg; only DD scorer on team), Missouri State’s fortunes have taken a dip since New Year’s, winning just twice SU and failing to cover a number in last eight games. Before Bears season turned south, they did win a close verdict vs. Valley front runner Loyola before Xmas. But Porter Moser’s revenge-fueled Ramblers have made much better progress since, recently on a 7-game SU win streak, and having developed admirable balance with five DD scorers, led by on-fire former Iowa State transfer G Clayton Custer (scored 20+ in last two games)

Rating: 2 Units

Mississippi is 7-2 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record,  36-13-2 ATS in their last 51 games following a straight up loss, and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 Tuesday games. While Auburn is 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Mississippi and 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings overall.

Rating: 2 Units

Kentucky is 10-4 ATS in their last 14 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, and 12-5 ATS in their last 17 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. While Vanderbilt is  5-16 ATS in their last 21 games overall, 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600, and 4-14 ATS in their last 18 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Rating: 2 Units

Illinois State is  5-17 ATS in their last 22 games following a straight up win, 0-8 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS win, and 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 road games. In addition the home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings while Illinois State is 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings, and 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Missouri St.

Rating: 2 Units

South Dakota State is 11-3 ATS in their last 14 home games, 7-2 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, 13-5 ATS in their last 18 vs. Summit, and 21-9 ATS in their last 30 games overall.

Rating:  2 Units

Oklahoma State is 40-16-2 ATS in their last 58 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, 44-20-3 ATS in their last 67 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, and 15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 Tuesday games. While TCU is 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings and 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Oklahoma State.

Rating: 2 Units

Central Michigan is  9-3 ATS in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. While Northern Illinois is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games, and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Rating: 2 Units

Ohio is 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 road games, 1-3-2 ATS in their last 6 games overall, 2-6-2 ATS in their last 10 vs. Mid-American, and 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 Tuesday games. In addition, Ohio is 3-8 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Bowling Green.

Rating; 2 Units

URI is 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, 21-7-1 ATS in their last 29 games following a straight up win, and 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 games overall. While UMASS is 17-35-2 ATS in their last 54 vs. Atlantic 10, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Tuesday games.

Rating: 2 Units

The Panthers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points and 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 Monday games. While the Flames are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 Monday games.

Rating: 2 Units

The Crusaders are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 vs. Patriot League, 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win, and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Monday games. While the Mountain Hawks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall, 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record, and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Monday games.

Rating: 2 Units

Rider is 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up win, 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400, and 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall. While Monmouth is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games, 2-6 ATS in their last 8 Monday games, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Rating: 2 Units

The Blue Devils are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss and 17-8-1 ATS in their last 26 games overall. While the Fighting Irish are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Atlantic Coast.

Rating: 2 Units

The Bulldogs are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record, 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win, and 9-3 ATS in their last 12 Monday games. While the Buccaneers are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings and the underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Shamet averages team bests of 15.0 points and 5.2 assists despite totaling only 11 points and nine assists in his last two games. Morris (12.5 points, 4.6 rebounds) is averaging 16 points over his last three games after recording 19 versus UCF as the Shockers improved to 8-0 this season when he scores 18 or more points. Senior forward Rashard Kelly (5.8 points, team-high 7.5 rebounds) will play his 127th game Sunday, moving him into 10th on the school's all-time list.The Shockers have won nine of the last 10 meetings, including a 72-69 victory on Jan. 13 behind 16 points apiece from sophomore guard Landry Shamet and senior guard Conner Frankamp.

Rating: 2 Units

It’s not like the old days for SDSU, whose new HC Brian Dutcher has junked Steve Fisher’s patient offense and has the Aztecs (scoring nearly 80 ppg!) running these days, reflected again in 97-point explosion at midweek vs. CSU. Better news is that recent minor injury to key G Trey Kell didn’t keep him out of Wednesday’s win over Rams, when Kell played 26 minutes. Meanwhile, UNLV not similarly progressing under cool guy HC Marvin Menzies, who has watched Rebs fail to cover a staggering ten straight games (0-9-1).

Rating: 2 Units

With coming Nebraska (RPI in low 60s) seeking to be in the conversation of the NCAA Tourney Selection Committee, willing to lay single digits vs. defensively-lax Iowa (76.4 ppg, 44.7% from the field), which hasn’t strung together back-to-back quality efforts in the Big Ten so far. Hawkeyes, who were able to efficiently run their half court attack vs. struggling, slowish Wisconsin on Tuesday, will be afforded few uncontested looks vs. defensively-sticky Huskers (68.5 ppg; 41.5% from the floor). Moreover, anticipate more formful shooting from NU’s terrific back court tandem of 6-6 jr. James Palmer Jr. & Glynn Watson Jr., who combined for 11 of 29 from the floor in their grinding 60-54 victory at improved Rutgers. Hustling Huskers 10-1-1 last 12 vs. the spread.

Rating: 2 Units

Tennessee raced out to a 17-point halftime lead and held on for a 67-62 win against the Commodores. Bowden scored 19 points and tied a career high with five 3-pointers after entering the night shooting 25 percent in conference games. However, Tennessee can’t take Iowa State lightly, as the Cyclones enter having won their last five games against top-25 non-conference teams at Hilton Coliseum.

Rating: 2 Units

TCU (lofty RPI of 16) seeking to avoid any bad losses and secure a good seeding in the Big Dance. So, would favor the happening Horned Frogs, benefiting from ego-boosting 82-73 home upset win over West Virginia on Monday. Vanderbilt lives and dies from the 3-point line, but the Commodores won’t outgun high-octane, good-passing TCU (87.3 ppg; 6th nationally; 20 apg; 2nd), which cans 9.2 triples pg at a solid 40.6%. Vanderbilt's perimeter game took a hit with loss of key 6-5 wing Matthew Fisher-Davis out for the season with a shoulder injury. Plus, the Commodores ill-equipped to slow down the Horned Frogs’ highly-effective 6-11 sr. F Vladimir Brodziansky (15.4 ppg, 80% from foul line), while 6-7 sr. G Kenrich Williams (14.4 ppg; 42% from the 3-point line) is a matchup nightmare.

Rating: 2 Units

Something has to give here as the irresistible force (Duke’s nation’s leading scoring offense at 91.7 ppg) meets the immovable object (Virginia’s nation’s best 51.6 ppg scoring defense). Measured vote for the ‘Hoos, as Tony Bennett’s patient style and smothering defense has routinely jammed the gearbox on the Blue Devil attack in recent years, with several lower scoring match ups. Bennett getting reliable offense from emerging soph G Kyle Guy, scoring better than 15 ppg (very good for a Bennett offense) and canning 43% beyond arc. Points should work with UVa.

Rating: 2 Units

In this SEC-Big 12 Challenge clash, must side with dangerous Ole Miss. Though UT has done a commendable job compensating for the loss of star G Andrew Jones (leukemia), believe his absence will be exploited by a G-heavy Ole Miss squad, which has covered 3 straight as an underdog, including outright upsets over Florida and Arkansas. Rebels’ smooth 6-2 sr. G Deandre Burnett (15 ppg; 38 triples at 41%) ending his career with a bang, while emerging soph G Breein Tyree (10 ppg) has greatly improved his marksmanship, nailing 39% from the arc after only 29% from distance in SEC games a year ago. Longhorns, nailing a poor 30.5% from deep (331st), only 12-14 as home chalk since 2015-16.

Rating: 2 Units

The Rams are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up loss. While Rams are 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings. In addition, the underdog is 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings and the road team is 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Credit Air Force HC Dave Pilipovich for scheming the Falcons into several recent competitive efforts, including a shock win at CSU last Wednesday. But maybe we shouldn’t be surprised, as the Force took a 5-game cover streak into last Saturday vs. Fresno, as Falcons getting big efforts from a variety of sources (G Trevor Lyons scored 22 in upset at Fort Collins; soph F Ryan Swan 19 in recent win at San Jose; soph F Lavelle Scottie scored 26 in near-miss vs. UNLV on Jan. 10). Meanwhile, Utah State appears headed in opposite direction, with defensive deficiencies exposed in recent 3-game MW losing streak.

Rating: 2 Units

The Bearcats built upon the longest active home winning streak in the country with an emphatic 86-60 triumph over East Carolina, and look very much like a team that isn't ready to see that run come to an end. It hasn't even mattered that Cincinnati has had to play its home games at Northern Kentucky University's BB&T Arena while Fifth Third Arena undergoes extensive renovations; the Bearcats have won all 10 games played there so far this season, and have won their first three American Athletic Conference home games by an average of 26.7 points. They'll look to continue that red-hot run against an Owls team that has won two straight games, and nearly pulled off an upset in a 55-53 loss to Cincinnati back on Jan. 4.

Rating: 2 Units

The Fighting Illini are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Monday games and 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss. While the Spartans are 3-8-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings versus the Illini.

Rating: 2 Units

It would have been easy for Bruce Weber's Wildcats, who lost starting point guard Kamau Stokes indefinitely to a foot injury, to fold up after the 73-72 loss to the No. 10 Jayhawks which ended with junior guard Barry Brown missing a potential game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer. But Kansas State bounced back three nights later with a 87-69 blowout of No. 6 Oklahoma and then followed that up Saturday with a 73-68 victory over 25th-ranked TCU. The Wildcats now must avoid a letdown when they travel to Waco to face a Baylor squad that is smarting and tied for the Big 12 cellar after blowing a six-point lead in the final 2:50 of a 70-67 loss at first-place Kansas on Saturday night.

Rating: 2 Units

Mountain West showdown between teams both on course for Big Dance (recent RPI had Nevada at 16 and Boise at 29, well within at-large range). Last season, however, a similar looking Broncos team was outclassed twice by Wolf Pack, and regional insiders believe this is a better Nevada edition, especially on stop end. Pack has more length on perimeter than any other MW entry, and can effectively tie up top Boise scorer wing Chandler Hutchison (19.6 ppg), who recently dropped 44 on San Diego State. Eric Musselman now getting consistent big efforts from 6-7 Purdue grad transfer wing Kendall Stephens, scoring 19 ppg last four after the NC State transfer Martin twins had stolen many of the early-season headlines.

Rating: 2 Units

Herb Sendek doesn’t have the weapons on hand as he did a year ago, when inheriting bombs-away G Jared Brownridge from predecessor Kerry Keating, as well as a useful frontline scrapper in Nate Kratch. Broncos badly missing those weapons this season, and Sendek was helpless to watch on Dec. 30 at Spokane, when Zags viciously dismembered SC 101-52. Mark Few might display a bit more compassion in rematch, but Gonzaga still scoring 90 ppg, and hard to make a case for Broncos, only 3-13 vs. spread entering weekend

Rating: 2 Units

With streaking RI gunning for its 13th straight victory, must lay short price with A-10 front runner, double-revenger Rams, who played their best defensive game of the year in 73-51 home romp over previously-surging UMass on Wednesday. Disciplined & careful RI (+5.2 TO margin; 6th nationally) smoothly directed by blossoming 6-3 soph PG Jeff Dowtin, who has collected 91 assists & only 21 TOs. Meanwhile, Rams’ sharpshooting back court mates 6-3 sr. Jared Terrell (18 ppg; 42% from the arc) and E.C. Matthews (13.6 ppg) will exploit a sagging Dayton defense, which has allowed 80 ppg over the last 3 outings. Flyers, who’ve already suffered home defeats administered by UMass & Penn this term, will eventually succumb to a hot & profitable Ram contingent, 6-0-1 vs. spread last 7 tilts.

Rating: 2 Units

Since uptempo, good-shooting LSU (79.8 ppg; 49.4% FGs) has actually played better on the SEC trail than in Baton Rouge, have no qualms endorsing the Bayou Bengals seeking their fourth straight road win, including upset victories at Texas A&M & Arkansas. LSU’s gifted 5-11 frosh PG Tremont Waters (16.3 ppg; 40% from distance; 102 assists) is a prime candidate for SEC Newcomer of the Year, while undervalued 6-11 sr. F Duop Reath (12.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg) will do plenty of biz in the post area vs. undersized Vanderbilt, being forced to use shortish 6-6 sr. F Jeff Roberson at the center spot. Additionally, the Bayou Bengals can afford to pack it in on the stop end, since the Commodores are only canning 32.2% from trey land (296th). Underperforming Vanderbilt is a bankroll-evaporating 1-14 vs. the spread TY!

Rating: 2 Units

Though Illinois still seeking its first Big Ten victory, strongly recommend “taking” with a highly-combative Illini squad, which has lost 8 of its 9 games by 7 points or fewer, including three OT setbacks. Expect Illinois to shoot straighter after nailing only 3 of 18 from deep in taut 64-63 loss at improved Nebraska on Monday. Wisconsin still too overly-dependent on do-everything 6-10 jr. F Ethan Happ, who won’t outclass the Illini’s mettle tested, good-shooting 6-10 jr. F Michael Finke, who scored 16 points and hauled in 10 caroms vs. the Huskers. Plus, Illinois’ industrious 6-7 jr. F Leron Black (14.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg) will be tough matchup for the Badgers, who’re ranked a lowly 289th in FG% defense (46.2%).

Rating: 2 Units

To this point, Buffalo looking the clear class of the MAC, which some regional sources suggested once Mizzou transfer G Wes Clark (15.4 ppg) became eligible in mid-December. That gave Bulls a third heavy-duty scoring wheel behind smooth-stroking jr. G CJ Massinburg (186 ppg’40% triples) and emerging 6-8 jr. PF Nick Perkins (16 ppg), who scored 26 in recent Jan. 16 blowout of NIU. No MAC foe yet within single digits of Bulls, and WMU hard-pressed to break that trend unless sr. G Thomas Wilder (17.6 ppg) begins to get a bit more scoring help (no other Bronco scoring better than 10 ppg).