Rating: 2 Units

A little state pride is at stake as Florida State (3) from Tallahassee in the north of returns to the NCAA field for the first time since 2012, while Florida Gulf Coast (14) from Fort Myers in the southwest is making its third appearance in the last five years. It should be noted that the Eagles (who still brand their program as “Dunk City”), have advanced in each of their two previous appearances, beating Georgetown and San Diego State in 2013 under Andy Enfield, then demolishing Fairleigh Dickinson 96-65 in a First Four game LY under long-time Kansas asst. Joe Dooley before falling 83-67 to eventual finalist North Carolina. So FGCU can play more than just a little bit. The issue in this matchup for the Eagles is what the do with the Seminoles’ superior size, as FSU starts 6-10 freshman Jonathan Issac and 7-1 sr. Michael Ojo, and can bring 7-4 soph project Christ Koumadje off the bench. Not to mention freshman star Dwayne Bacon (16.9 ppg), who plays bigger than his 6-7. But the athletic Eagles, with their four DD scorers and 10-man rotation (three 6-8 or better) are used to facing bigger teams. FGCU played at Florida, Baylor, and Michigan State early in the season, losing by 21, 9 and 1, respectively. And “Dunk City” reached its stride near Christmas, winning 19 of its last 21 games, including three double-digit victories to capture the Atlantic Sun tournament. FGCU (35%) might not hit its triples as often as in the past, but the Eagles (26-7 SU) can dunk, with an overall margin of victory of 10.6 ppg. Enough to look for FGCU to play the pest role once more time.

Rating: 2 Units

While Saint Peter’s has had almost two weeks to stew about its exit (as the second seed) in the Metro-Atlantic Tourney vs. Iona, Albany might still be thinking about one that got away in last Saturday’s A-East finale vs. favored Vermont, with the Great Danes blowing a double-digit lead in an eventual 56-53 loss. Remember, the Peacocks were the talk of their league late in the season, covering ten times in one 11-game stretch and winning their last four SU as a visitor, paced by a nasty “D” that ranked among the nation’s leaders in scoring defense (61.1 ppg, ranking 12th) and allowing only 41.1% from the floor, with punishing 6-8 sr. PF Quadir Welton (12.1 ppg) proving a viable offensive force on the blocks.

Rating: 2 Units

Kudos to 4th-year HC Richard Pitino of Minnesota (5) for leading his resurgent Gophers back to the Big Dance for the first time since 2013 (Tubby Smith’s final season in Minneapolis) after going a miserable 8-23 last season. But UM suffered a serious hit when team captain sr. G Akeem Springs (9.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg) was recently lost for the season with an Achilles injury. So, will side with veteran MTS (12), which endured only one blemish in C-USA play and is considered a superior overall squad than the one that stunned Michigan State in the Round of 64 last year. The Blue Raiders have been strengthened by the addition of 6-8 sr. Arkansas transfer, F JaCorey Williams (17.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 54.1% FGs), who along with frontline mate 6-8 Reggie Upshaw (14.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 52.5% FGs) stand a good chance of getting UM’s foul-prone 6-10 jr. C Reggie Lynch (3.5 bpg) in early “whistle trouble.” Plus, burly 6-2, 220-lb. jr. MTS G Giddy Potts (15.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg) will more than neutralize the Gophers’ go-to G Nate Mason (15.5 ppg, 5.1 apg). Undervalued Blue Raiders climb to 23-10-1 vs. the line TY!

Rating: 2 Units

Veteran, athletic UT Arlington, which had its eye on a Big Dance invitation, was unexpectedly knocked out of the Sun Belt tourney semifinals by underdog Texas State. But will still lend support to the hard-to-beat Mavericks, who posted a 4-1 spread mark as a visiting underdog TY, including upset wins at Texas and Saint Mary’s in the preconference. BYU’s main frontline weapon, 6-10 F Eric Mika, won’t easily “get off” vs. UTA’s aggressive 6-8 sr. F Jorge Bilbao. And the Cougs will have difficulty coping with the Mavs’ dynamic 6-7 jr. Kevin Hervey (17.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg), who wants redemption for his subpar effort vs. the Bobcats, when he hit only 4 of 12 from the field and had 3 TOs. Defensively-vulnerable BYU (73.3 ppg) has registered a poor 0-4-1 spread mark its last 5 in Provo

Rating: 2 Units

Interesting that these two get matched up early again as they did in a first round clash last year, when Southern Cal (11) blew a late lead and Providence (11) stole a 70-69 decision in Raleigh. While the Trojans look to have been the last team to make the field of 68, they have the capacity to win a few games in the Dance, and the revenge angle intrigues. Especially since this Friar edition, though rallying admirably down the stretch to make the field, lacks the firepower of LY’s version that featured the potent combo of G Kris Dunn (now NBA T-wolves) and F Ben Bentil. Curiously, SC lost more games after the return from injury of versatile 6-10 weapon Bennie Boatwright (14.6 ppg), but Andy Enfield’s bunch can force tempo and has the ability to rain 3s, especially Gs Elijah Stewart and Jordan McLaughlin (both near 40% triples). The battle at the point between McLaughlin and Providence counterpart Kyron Cartwright will be key, but if a similar SC almost beat a more star-studded Friars last season, the Trojans can get over the hump this time.

Rating: 2 Units

TCU’s first-year HC Jamie Dixon deserves props for quickly turning around the Horned Frog program. And while TCU represents the superior conference in this pairing, believe the oddsmakers are failing to give sufficient respect to balanced (4 starters who are DD scorers), road-proven Fresno State, which recorded a notable 8-2 underdog mark TY as a visitor (pulled off upsets at Nevada, San Diego State & Boise State) along with a 6-1 spread record in the preconference, including a near upset at Marquette in early December. The Bulldogs’ well-organized attack, led by hard-to-guard 6-6 G Jaren Hopkins (Colorado transfer), should get plenty of open looks vs. an inviting Horned Frog defense permitting 44.5% from the field (209th nationally). Somewhat overvalued TCU was a weak 5-12 its last 17 vs. the spread.

Rating: 2 Units

It’s a “Packers vs. Chiefs” rematch, not of Super Bowl I, but rather the Nov. 20 battle at the Bowling Green Tourney. Now, the venue shifts to the historic KC Municipal Auditorium (the home of several memorable Final Fours in its heyday), where host UMKC hops in, looking to atone for that earlier 95-77 loss, when Green Bay hit 53% from the floor and had five DD scorers, led by sr. G Charles Cooper, who had 17. Although they didn’t finish their season on an uptick, the go-go Fighting Phoenix still appear to have too much firepower for the Roos, who have been fighting with one hand (or one leg, given they’re the Kangaroos) tied behind them ever since LY’s leading scorer, G Martez Harrison (17 ppg), left the team earlier in the season.

Rating: 2 Units

Sure, Akron naturally is “bummed” it’s not going dancing following its 70-65 upset loss to Kent State in the MAC tourney title game. But the Zips’ savvy 13th-year HC Keith Dambrot will have his squad ready to bring its “A” game, as he did in a similar situation a year ago. In 2016, Akron suffered a taut 64-61 loss to Buffalo in the conference championship, but then gave favored Ohio State a tough tussle in Columbus in a 72-63 OT defeat in the first round of the NIT. The Zips own the No. 1 big man on this floor in 6-10, 295- lb. sr. C Isaiah Johnson, who was selected the MAC Player of the Year. The G-oriented Cougs, featuring 6-2 Rob Gray, Jr. (20.3 ppg), tailed off down the stretch, going just 1-5 their last 6 vs. the spread. U of A capable of quickly narrowing a deficit, canning 10.2 triples pg (7th nationally) at 37.4%.

Rating: 2 Units

Uptempo, good-shooting Belmont (77.4 ppg; 47.3% from the field; drills10 triples pg), under the guidance of 18th-year HC Rick Byrd, should be fully re-charged after playing its last game back on March 3. So points worth considering with the experienced Bruins, who won 18 of their last 20 games. Belmont, which hung tough at Rhode Island and was fairly combative at Vandy and vs. Florida (game played in Tampa) this year, should keep it close in Athens, where Georgia is a “costly” 2-9 as chalk in 2016-17. The Dawgs’ primary big, 6-8 jr. F Yante Maten, will have no picnic down low vs. the Bruins’ tough defender, 6-8 F Amanze Egekeze (11.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg). Meanwhile, Belmont’s electric 6-7 sr. F Evan Bradds (20.6 ppg; 63% FGs; 61 assists) can score in a variety of ways or pass out of a double-team. Take.

Rating: 2 Units

First meeting. KSU (11) owns more Big Dance experience, having gone to the NCAA tourney in 3 of the past 5 campaigns. However, prefer rapidly-maturing, high-octane Wake Forest (11), averaging 82.7 ppg under third-year HC Danny Manning, who’s quite familiar with the Wildcats, having been a star at rival Kansas during his illustrious college career. KSU’s 3-G attack will have trouble coping with the Deacons’ budding NBA prospect, 6-10 soph John Collins (19.8 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 1.6 bpg), while K-State’s smallish 6-0 soph G Kamau Stokes will be hard-pressed to bother WF’s rangy, 6-3 soph backcourt duo of Keyshawn Woods (12.8 ppg, 3.5 apg) and/or Byrant Crawford (15.8 ppg, 5.4 apg, 1.9 spg). Manning’s crew, representing the nation’s premier hoop league, learned how to “finish” down the stretch, as evidenced by its impressive 88-81 home upset over L’Ville and an 89-84 roadwin at Virginia Tech in early March. Plus, the resilient Deacons are a solid 8-2 vs. the spread following a SU loss this term.

Rating: 2 Units

According to my rankings, this clash figures as a pick ‘em game. So I recommend grabbing 3 points or so with hard-nosed, defensively-fierce GT (yielding 66.8 ppg; 39.8% from the field; 15th nationally), which went 9-5 vs the spread at home. Weak-traveling Indiana, which was only 2-8 SU as a visitor TY (0-4 as traveling chalk!), yielded a whopping 79 ppg away from Bloomington. The fast-paced Hoosiers will be discouraged to consistently drive in the lane vs. the Yellow Jackets’ shotswatting fiend, 6-10 jr. C Ben Lammers (14.3 ppg, 9.3 rpg), who ranks third nationally in bpg (3.25). IU continues to miss the services of injured 6-8 soph forward OG Anunoby, while GT’s highly-decorated 6-4 frosh G Josh Okogie (15.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg) is eager to out-duel Hoosier star G James Blackmon Jr.

Rating: 2 Units

While both sorrowful squads lost in their conference title games, it might a be more difficult for Charleston to rebound while making its longest road trip of the season, to Fort Collins. The soft-boarding Cougars (-1.2 rebound margin) will get precious few second chance opportunities vs. CSU’s springy 6-8 sr. F Emmanuel Omogbo, who was tied for 7th nationally with 20 double-doubles. The depth-shy Rams own the No. 1 “money” performer in this one in dazzling 6-4 sr. G Gian Clavell (20.3 ppg), who should boost his profitable squad to a noteworthy 19-10 pointspread mark after this anticipated victory. The defensively-improved Rams can afford to collapse in the paint area, since Charleston connects on only 6.1 triples pg (291st nationally) at just 33.0% (271st).

Rating: 2 Units

No question, Clemson was a “tough out” in the talent-rich ACC in 2016-17. Still, however, reluctant to lay DDs to dangerous, high-octane Horizon League rep Oakland (79.4 ppg), which is well-equipped to (College Forecast Continued on next page) trade most of the way. The Golden Grizzlies showed virtually no drop-off away from home (80 ppg at home, 75 away; yielded 71 ppg both home & away), going 9-2 SU as a visitor. Moreover, Oakland’s super-steady 6-7 jr. F Jalen Hayes (16.2 ppg, 8.9 rpg) can go toe- to-toe with the Tigers’ primary weapon, 6-7 sr. F Jaron Blossomgame. Plus, CU won’t easily find a groove on the attack end vs. the aggressive Grizzlies, who rank in the top 20 nationally in both blocks (5.2 pg) and steals (8.1 pg).

Rating: 2 Units

In what shapes up as a wide-open, fastpaced affair, I prefer to lay a small number with high-powered MAAC rep Monmouth (81.2 ppg), which has compiled an impressive 55-14 SU mark over the last 1+seasons, including upsets over UCLA, Notre Dame, Southern Cal (in 2015-16) and Memphis, plus a near-miss in its 70-69 OT loss at South Carolina this season. The Hawks’ 6-10 sr. C Chris Brady (9.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg; 57 blocks) can provide some resistence for Ole Miss’s main frontliner 6-9 sr. F Sebastian Saiz, while lethal Monmouth Gs 5-8 sr. Justin Robinson, even without injured backcourt mate Micah Seaborn, will do plenty of business vs. a permissive Rebel defense, permitting 77 ppg away. Ole Miss’ sole marquee triumph as a visitor came in its 81-74 upset at Vandy in early February

Rating: 2 Units

Though Illinois just fired 5th-year HC John Groce (asst. Jamall Walker is the interim HC), I still prefer to lay single digits vs. shorthanded Valpo, missing injured 6-9 NBA prospect Alec Peters (23 ppg; 8th nationally). Illini 6-6 sr. G Malcolm Hill (16.8 ppg, 3.0 apg) will be eager to atone for a season-worst 1 of 8 from the field in his team’s unsightly 75-55 setback vs. Michigan in the 1st round of the Big Ten tourney. Prior to the aforementioned dismissal of its HC, Illinois had played a bit better down the stretch, covering its final two home games in victories over Northwestern & Michigan State. Note that Illini sr. G Tracy Abrams had his best scoring performance (23, on 9 of 12 from the field vs. the Wolverines) since Dec. 10.

Rating: 2 Units

Welcome back to UNO (16), which almost eliminated hoops completely a few years ago when it dropped levels, and hasn’t appeared in a Dance since the days Tim Floyd was coaching the Privateers in the early ‘90s. Still, might slightly prefer the Mount (16), whose 19-15 SU mark was distorted by a brutal non-conference slate that began season with numerous “paydays” in nine-game road stretch to start the campaign. But the Mountaineers were rarely embarrassed vs. a string of Dance qualifers from power leagues, and emergence of smallish Gs Elijah Long and Josh Robinson (both 40% beyond arc) provided a sharper edge to the attack as the Mount drew clear in the Northeast. Not sure UNO takes advantage of small Mountie perimeter, and Privateers rely very heavily upon 6-5 sr. F Erik Thomas (19.5 ppg).

Rating: 4 Units

The Fighting Irish may be the hottest team in the conference, having won six of their last seven in the regular season and opening tourney play by topping Virginia 71-58 on Thursday. Junior forward Bonzie Colson notched his ACC-leading 19th double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds as Notre Dame reached the semifinals for the third straight season.

Rating: 3 Units

Brown, a 6-3 sophomore, was spectacular in Thursday night's upset of Baylor, connecting on all four of his 3-pointers and sinking 9-of-13 free throws, including 5-of-6 in the final 31 seconds to help seal the victory. His four-point play with 9:34 left triggered a 7-1 run that built the Wildcats' lead to 47-38, and Baylor never got closer than four points the rest of the way. Senior forward D.J. Johnson also scored in double figures (13) and  grabbed a team-high seven rebounds to go along with two steals and two blocks while sophomore guard Kamau Stokes added nine points and five assists.  Kansas State is 14-0 when holding an opponent to 65 points or fewer.

Rating: 4 Units

Just six days after they closed out the regular season against one another, Duke and North Carolina will meet for the 245th time in their storied rivalry Friday in the semifinals of the ACC tournament in Brooklyn, N.Y. The fifth-seeded Blue Devils held on to top Louisville 80-77 in the quarterfinals Thursday afternoon, their second win in the tourney after finishing the ACC slate with a 90-83 loss at North Carolina. This marks the first meeting between the programs in the postseason since 2011, when Duke won 75-58 to claim its 19th ACC tourney crown.

Rating: 3 Units

Vanderbilt has defeated No. 13 Florida twice this season and might need to do it a third time to solidify a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The seventh-seeded Commodores are on the bubble and will be in must-win mode when they square off against the second-seeded Gators in the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament at Nashville, Tenn. today

Rating: 4 Units

Indiana defied its own history in the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday when it knocked off a higher-seeded team for only the fourth time in the 20-year history of the event. The 10th-seeded Hoosiers attempt to pull off another seemingly improbable task one day later when they square off against No. 2 seed Wisconsin in the quarterfinals Friday in Washington, D.C. Indiana showed no signs of the struggles that led it to drop eight of its final 11 regular-season contests during its second-round 95-73 rout of seventh-seeded Iowa, catching fire beyond the arc after halftime (6-of-8) en route to setting school tournament records with 12 3-pointers and in 3-point percentage (60.0). The Hoosiers improved to 3-10 in the Big Ten toiurney over the last 10 years as a result.

Rating; 4 Units

The Spartans ended a two-game slide with an emphatic 78-51 victory against 13th-seeded Penn State in Thursday's second round. The Spartans, who are fighting for their NCAA Tournament lives, can cement their 20th straight appearance in the Big Dance by beating Minnesota for the third time in a row after sweeping the season series. Michigan State advanced to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals in each of the last six years while winning it three times during that span, and hopes to live up to its reputation of peaking in March with another deep run.

Rating: 3 Units

The Wildcats swept the regular-season series, winning 90-81 in overtime at home and 82-77 at Georgia, but the Bulldogs led in the final minute of regulation in both games. The Bulldogs played most of the second match up without big man Yante Maten, who injured his knee in the first two minutes and only returned to the lineup Thursday, scoring 12 points and grabbing five rebounds in 26 minutes off the bench.

Rating: 4 Units

Third-seeded Notre Dame finished the regular season with six wins in seven games and hopes to ride that momentum when it takes on sixth seed Virginia in the quarterfinals of the ACC tournament Thursday in Brooklyn, N.Y. The 16th-ranked Fighting Irish scored at least 80 points in five of six contests before losing 71-64 on Saturday at Louisville.  Notre Dame is 4-2 in ACC tournament play, including winning the championship in 2015.

Rating: 3 Units

In a conference featuring the defending national champion and seven 19-win-plus teams among its 10 members, no one is hotter than Providence, which brings a six-game win streak into the Big East tournament. The third-seeded Friars will try to pad their roll Thursday night when they take on sixth-seeded Creighton in the quarterfinals at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden.  Following a Feb. 8 road loss at Seton Hall, Providence had dropped four of five and was languishing with a 4-8 Big East record. But the Friars have not lost since, including wins over Butler (71-65), Xavier (75-63) and Creighton (68-66), and bring much momentum to the Big Apple.

Rating: 4 Units

A roster laden with seven freshmen was supposed to be Iowa's major impediment from returning to the NCAA Tournament, and the team appeared to have little hope of making a fourth straight Big Dance until it ended the regular season by winning four in a row, including victories over then-ranked Maryland and No. 23 Wisconsin. The run began on Feb. 21 when the Hawkeyes ended a three-game losing streak with a 96-90 home triumph over Indiana behind 35 points from Big Ten leading scorer Peter Jok. The Hoosiers spent the bulk of the first half of the season ranked inside the top 10 - rising as high as No. 5 - before a season-ending injury to OG Anunoby and a three-game absence from leading scorer James Blackmon Jr. contributed to a 3-8 finish to the regular season.

Rating: 4 Units

Duke had lost three of four before opening the tournament with a 79-72 win over Clemson in the second round Wednesday, riding three 20-point scorers. ACC first-team selection Luke Kennard and freshmen Jayson Tatum and Frank Jackson were the three to reach 20 points in Wednesday's win and senior forward Amile Jefferson recorded his eighth double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Louisville is 0-1 in ACC tournament play, having lost in the quarterfinal to North Carolina two seasons ago in its debut campaign in the conference.

Rating: 4 Units

Iowa State also enters off a loss - 87-76 on Friday at West Virginia - despite 22 points and six 3-pointers from Nazareth Mitrou-Long as well as 17 points from Morris and Deonte Burton. The Cyclones have owned the series of late, winning nine straight contests. Cyclones' Monte Morris joined Evans on the All-Big 12 first team, averaging 16.2 points while sporting a NCAA-best 6.2 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Rating: 2 Units

Arizona State aims for its third win of the season over Stanford today when the teams meet in the first round of the Pac-12 tournament in Las Vegas. The eighth-seeded Sun Devils beat ninth-seeded Stanford 98-93 in Palo Alto to start the league season on Dec. 30 before posting a come-from-behind 75-69 win on Feb. 11 in Tempe. The Sun Devils shot 44.6 percent from 3-point range in the two games against Stanford and figure to rely on the shot again Wednesday against a Cardinal team that is next-to-last in the league in defending 3-pointers.

Rating: 2 Units

Fifth-seeded Duke begins its quest for a record 20th ACC tournament title after an eventful regular season when it takes on 12th seed Clemson in a second-round game today at Brooklyn, N.Y. The 14th-ranked Blue Devils lost three - all on the road - of their final four games while hampered by some nagging injuries and coach Mike Krzyzewski told reporters he is hoping they will be at their best in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. For Duke to become the first team to win four games en route to the ACC tournament title, it must first knock off a Clemson team that has been in almost every league game this season despite losing nine times by six points or fewer.

Rating: 2 Units

Georgia Tech was picked to be 14th in the 15-team ACC entering the season, and some observers thought it would be challenged to win more than a couple of conference games, but the team opens the ACC tournament today at Brooklyn, N.Y. with an outside shot to reach the NCAA Tournament. The 11th-seeded Yellow Jackets meet 14th-seeded Pittsburgh in the tournament opener after a 17-win regular season that featured three upsets of ranked teams.  One of GT's victories down the stretch was a 61-52 triumph over the Panthers on Feb. 28 in Atlanta, as Pittsburgh enters the conference tournament on a four-game losing streak.

Rating: 2 Units

Wake Forest comes into this one having lost three straight in the ACC tournament since a win over Notre Dame in the first round in 2014. In addition Wake Forest is 8-17 ATS in their last 25 games following a straight up win, 8-20 ATS in their last 28 neutral site games as a favorite, and 8-22-2 ATS in their last 32 games following a ATS win.

Rating: 2 Units

With UM probably needing one more win to feel comfy about it NCAA Tourney at-large chances, suggest laying several hoops vs. stagnating, inside-oriented Nebraska (converting only 5.8 triples pg; 303rd nationally), which is only 2-5 SU its last 7 in Big Ten home games. Look for high-impact efforts from the Wolverines’ potent inside-outside duo of evolving 6-10 soph F Moritz Wagner & mettle-tested 6-4 sr. G Derrick Walton Jr., who combined for only 7 of 20 from the field in their exasperating, last-second 67-65 setback at Northwestern on Wednesday. The “hot seat” under Huskers’ beleaguered HC Tim Miles increases in temperature following another defeat in Lincoln.

Rating: 2 Units

Perhaps not properly warned, Wiscy had all it could handle from Minnesota back at the Barn back on Jan. 21, as the Badgers barely escaped with an OT win. But developments since then (8 straight wins, 7-1 vs. the number) suggest the Gophers are hardly out of their depth, as Richard Pitino’s bunch has become the hottest Big Ten entry in recent weeks. The Gophers surely have sewn up a Big Dance bid. Meanwhile, Wiscy has been coughing and wheezing in recent weeks and had lost 4 of 5 entering Thursday’s game vs. Iowa, likely kicking away the Big Ten reg.-season crown and perhaps a chance at the desired Milwaukee sub-regional. The steadying influence of several vets in Pitino’s lineup has allowed touted 6-8 frosh wing Amir Coffey (12.2 ppg) to develop into a valued contributor without too much added pressure.

Rating: 2 Units

Consistently-underperforming, offensively-pedestrian UConn (67.3 ppg; only 43.2% from the field) will probably be sitting home for the postseason (unless it miraculously wins the AAC tourney) following its listless 66-62 defeat at marginal East Carolina on Wednesday. Therefore have no problem laying several hoops with the defensively-fierce Bearcats (61.1 ppg; 38.2% FGs), who still haven’t forgotten their painful 4-OT loss to the Huskies in LY’s conference tourney. Cincy’s agile 6-9 jr. F Kyle Washington (NC State transfer; 13.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg) will likely get UConn’s overaggressive 7-0 jr. C Amida Brimah in early foul trouble, while the Huskies’ funkridden 6-4 sr. G Rodney Purvis (10 of 41 from the field over the last 3 tilts) fails to shine on senior night.

Rating: 2 Units

UNLV’s last gasp for the season probably came in its ugly midweek win over Utah State. Before that, however, the Rebs had lost nine in a row in what has already been the worst season in school history. Meanwhile, Fresno has been beating better UNLV teams in recent seasons. And the recent Bulldog surge has included a lot more than one game, with four wins and covers on the trot, including impressive successes on the MW road last week at San Diego State and Boise. Coach Rodney Terry is thanking his lucky stars that 6-6 Colorado transfer wing Jaron Hopkins (who has failed to score DDs just once in his last 12 games, and that was when saddled by serious foul issues Feb. 22 vs. the Aztecs) landed in his lap. Fresno will be properly focused for senior night at the Save-Mart Center.

Rating: 2 Units

Since BSU is seeking to stay ahead of Fresno State for 3rd place in the MW standings, willing to lay short price vs. sliding, defensively-yielding AF (74.3 ppg, 45.2% FGs; 244th nationally), which has dropped 8 of its past 9 tilts, with its only W coming vs. league co-cellardweller UNLV. No doubt the Broncos’ highly-effective 6-7 jr. G Chandler Hutchinson (17.4 ppg, 8.1 rpg) will be out for some serious redemption after canning a paltry 2 of 6 from the field to go along with six TOs in his squad’s 74-67 loss at Fresno State on Tuesday. Note that BSU has dropped back-to-back games only once since Nov. 18th.

Rating: 2 Units

No reason to jump off the UTEP gravy train that has been tracking the rising Dow Jones Industrial Average in an 11-game cover streak heading into Thursday’s game vs. ODU. The Miners finally began to understand Tim Floyd’s various defensive schemes at midseason, and UTEP Gs Dominic Artis (16.6 ppg) & Omega Harris (15.3 ppg) have emerged as arguably C-USA’s top backcourt tandem. Charlotte is not going anywhere and has been almost as cold lately (2-6 SU last 8, 2-7 vs. line last 9 before UTSA on Thursday) as the Miners have been hot.

Rating: 2 Units

With Big-Dance bound Virginia (currently projected as a No. 4 seed) jacked-up to avenge its OT loss at Pitt back on Jan. 4, will “lay it” vs. still-unbalanced, chemistry-poor Pitt squad, which has “problems with coachability,” says 1st-year HC Gene Stallings. Meanwhile, the Cav offense has gotten a needed offensive spark from highly-regarded 6-3 frosh G Kyle Guy (chosen Indiana’s Mr. Basketball as a senior prepster in Indianapolis), who has taken some pressure off do-everything sr. G London Perrantes. UVA’s smothering, pack-line defense (allowing a nation’s-stingiest 56.3 ppg) will perform with extra fervor after allowing a season-high 88 points in that earlier defeat.

Rating: 2 Units

CMU’s games have turned into a sideshow for national top scorer G Marcus Keene (29.4 ppg) and back court gunnery mate Braylon Rayson (20.7 ppg), whose green lights to shoot and their nearly 20 triple attempts pg between them have devolved Chippewa outings into near Harlem Globetrotter-like comedy. CMU (345th in the nation in defense) has now lost and failed to cover six in a row, with a Washington Generals-like refusal to offer resistance on the stop end being a main contributor to recent embarrassing efforts like Tuesday’s 109-81 home loss to Eastern Michigan. Meanwhile, WMU has been the MAC equivalent of Oklahoma State, surging toward the conference tourney at the “Q” with seven wins and covers in a row since a close Feb. 3 loss to the Chips...back when CMU was playing just a little defense and seemed more concerned about winning the game than padding the stats of its top scorers.

Rating: 2 Units

BSU highly-charged to stay tied atop the MAC West (with Western Michigan) and notch its 20th victory of the campaign. So will gladly lay a handful of points vs. middling, sliding Northern Illinois, which is only 1-6 its last 7 vs. the spread, with its only cover vs. West doormat Central Michigan. Also, look for inspired efforts from the Cards’ vet duo of 6-6 F Franko House (13.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg) & 6-6 wing Ryan Webber (9.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg), who’ll be pumped for crowd-pleasing showings on Senior Night. NIU certainly not built to narrow any expected deficit, hitting only 5.0 triples pg (335th nationally) at a lowly 30.8% (328th).

Rating: 2 Units

UNLV has disappeared into the abyss, its losing streak at 8 (and 0-6-1 vs. the line its last seven) after its Feb. 22 humbling at Air Force. Mountain West sources now believe that HC Marvin Menzies actually worked some magic earlier in the season when guiding his talent-shy Rebs to 10 SU wins! The capable Utags already outclassed UNLV by 16 at Logan on Jan. 7 when F Christian Jones (17 points) was the only Rebel to score DDs. UNLV has few options these days, especially as its FG shooting has dipped below 40%. USU is now confident it can succeed on the conference road after last week’s impressive win at credible San Jose.

Rating: 2 Units

Streaky FSU is gunning for its first four-game winning streak of the season following its ego-boosting 63-55 upset at San Diego State on Wednesday. With BSU in the midst of a five-game spread losing skein heading into Saturday’s game vs. San Jose, will gladly “take” with the ball-thievin’ Bulldogs (8.5 spg; 13th nationally), who out rebounded the Aztecs by 10 and committed only 9 TOs vs. defensively tough SDS. The Broncos’ slumping defense, which has permitted a whopping 83.3 ppg over the last 3, will have trouble slowing down the FSU attack, bolstered by blossoming, homegrown 6-8 frosh F Bryson Williams (7.8 ppg), who has popped for a combined 32 points augmented by 16 boards over the last two outings. The bustling Bulldogs are a nifty 7-2 as a visiting underdog TY.

Rating: 2 Units

I didn’t see this coming with OSU, especially after the Cowboys dropped their first six out of the gate in Big 12 play. But the Cowboys have evolved into a UCLA-like offensive force now surging toward the Big Dance for first-year HC Brad Underwood (formerly SF Austin), as the Stillwater bunch had won 9 of 10 SU after last Wednesday’s recovery from a slow start at K-State. Note electric soph G Jawun Evans, who has caught fire and scored 24 ppg in recent wins over Oklahoma and KSU. It’s very a different OSU than the one that lost at home to ISU on Jan. 11.

Rating: 2 Units

With Big Dance-bound CU off a loss at Villanova, won’t hesitate to “lay it” with resilient Bluejays (4-1 vs. the spread following SU loss thru Feb. 24), highly-charged on Senior Night to avoid their first 3-game losing skein of the year. CU’s high-octane, accurate-gunning attack (84.3 ppg; 51.9% FGs; 41.1% from arc)—benefiting from sharper play making provided by 6-3 soph PG Khyri Thomas—gets open looks galore vs. soft SJ defense, permitting 85 ppg as visitor TY. Bluejays, led by dynamic 6-11 frosh C Justin Patton (13.6 ppg; 25 in 1st tilt), outscored the Red Storm in the paint, 52-24, in their 85-72 victory in Madison Square Garden on Jan. 4.

Rating: 2 Units

Kansas has a national player of the year candidate in Frank Mason III, but it was a seldom-used reserve that helped it secure sole possession of its 13th consecutive Big 12 title on Saturday. The third-ranked Jayhawks hope to get another outstanding performance from forward Dwight Coleby when they host Oklahoma today. Kansas has won 33 straight home finales and Oklahoma hasn’t won in Allen Field House since 1993.

Rating: 3 Units

Junior forward Zach LeDay (16.6 points, 7.0 rebounds) comes off the bench but there is no doubt he is Williams' go-to scorer, shooting 52.2 percent from the field and 77.5 percent from the foul line. Virginia Tech is 3-1 since they lost forward Chris Clarke with a torn ACL thanks in large part to the play of his replacement Ty Outlaw (5.0 points), who has averaged 14.3 points on 75 percent shooting from the field in the last three games. The Hokies lead the ACC in field-goal percentage (49.1) and 3-point shooting percentage (40.6)  with four players -- Seth Allen, Outlaw, Justin Bibbs and Ahmed Hill -- shooting between 40.1 and 47.9 percent from beyond the arc.

Rating: 2 Units

The Movin’ Mavs are moving closer to locking up the Sun Belt regular-season crown. And, in this game, UTA gets a chance to avenge its biggest loss of the season, a 93-71 setback in Alabama January 14. Make no mistake, Troy is a potent foe. But the experienced Mavs (top nine scorers TY are back from LY) are undefeated in Arlington and eager for revenge, led by 5-11 PG Erick Neal (No. 3 in U.S. with 6.5 apg) and 6-7 jr. Kevin Hervey (17.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg).

Rating: 2 Units

Houston used a big second half to cool down sizzling Connecticut last game. The Cougars, looking to improve their NCAA Tournament resume, aim for their 20th win of the season when they visit Memphis in an American Athletic Conference game today. Houston won six of its last seven and boosted its RPI to 58 after defeating UConn 75-70. The Cougars got 25 points from Damyean Dotson and erased a double-digit deficit to notch the win and take over third place in the AAC. Memphis fell out of contention in the conference after dropping three straight games, including an 87-74 loss at No. 16 Cincinnati last time out.

Rating: 3 Unit NCAAB Play of the Day

Michigan State looks to continue its push toward an NCAA Tournament bid when it hosts reeling No. 15 Wisconsin in a key Big Ten Conference contest today. Losers of three of their last four, the Badgers enter the matchup just one-half game behind Purdue for first place in the conference standings, while the Spartans are coming off a win on Thursday that has them within one-half game of a three-way tie for fourth in the league.

Rating: 2 Units

In this “Packers vs. Lions” Horizon clash, compelled to look at the payback angle for host Green Bay, which was ambushed at Detroit back on Jan. 29. That day the Fighting Phoenix might have still been celebrating their big win at Oakland two nights earlier. Although GB might be in the same situation if it beat the Golden Griz again on Friday, still see no reason to fear the erratic Titans. Detroit’s defensive numbers are among the nation’s worst (85.1 ppg allowed ranks a sickly 344th) and still allowed the Phoenix to hit 61% from the floor when springing the upset four weeks ago

Rating: 2 Units

—Compelled to continue backing UTEP until further notice. The surging Miners have won 10 of their last 12 SU and have covered ten straight after Thursday’s win at FAU, as UTEP has finally mastered HC Tim Floyd’s various defensive tricks, while Gs Omega Harris (16.7 ppg) & Dominic Artis (15.2 ppg) control the offense. FIU was UTEP’s first victim when the Miner season began its turnaround in mid-January, and the Golden Panthers have continued skidding, losing 13 of their last 15 after Thursday’s upset loss vs. UTSA.

Rating: 2 Units

Surging South Dakota, which catches host IUPUI in a letdown spot after the Jaguars scored a rousing 83-82 revenge win on Thursday vs. rival Fort Wayne. Now IUPUI must deal with a percolating Coyotes squad that stretched its SU win streak to 5 on Thursday vs. WIU. That was also the 17th cover in the last 22 spread decisions for USD, which includes an 11-point win over the Jags on Jan. 7 at Vermillion. The hot Coyotes have also cracked the 90-point barrier three times in their last four games, with sizzling Air Force transfer G Matt Mooney scoring 20 or more in 7 of the last 10 games.

Rating: 2 Units

With Big Dance-seeking VT (projected as a 9th-seed) determined to avoid any “bad losses” down the stretch, have no problem laying several hoops vs. fading, talent-thin BC, which has dropped 11 consecutive ACC contests, with 4 of the last 5 by DDs. Balanced, good-shooting Hokies (48.5% FGs)—who saw six players score 8 points or more in their hard-fought 71-70 home victory over Clemson on Tuesday—are gunning for their 4th straight cover on the hostile conference trail. Keep in mind, in earlier 85-79 win in Blacksburg, VT led by 18 before the Eagles’ 6-5 jr. G Jordan Chatman (8 ppg) got the hot hand, finishing with a career-high 30 off the bench.

Rating: 2 Units

.While Penn State has stumbled a bit in the last five weeks (3-7 SU), Minnesota has apparently caught its second wind, winning six straight after a five-game losing streak. The Gophers (21-7) are now driving hard for their first NCAA tourney berth in four years. Minny’s unusual, raised-floor Williams Arena figures to disorient the Nittany Lions’ key freshman trio of G Tony Carr (12.9 ppg), F Lamar Stephens (12.5 ppg) and PF Mike Watkins (8.1 rpg) more than just a little bit. Meanwhile, Minny PG Nate Mason (15.1 ppg, 5.3 apg) is running the attack assertively, while 6-9 jr. Reggie Lynch (3.1 bpg) anchors the defense. Payback time.

Rating: 2 Units

NCAA Tourney at-large hopeful Illinois State (RPI in mid 30s; slotted on Last Four In list) is seeking to tie a school-record for wins (25) in visit to Cedar Falls. So, in near pick ‘em scenario, compelled to go with the surprising Redbirds, who were missing previously-injured 6-7 jr. MiKyle McIntosh (12.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg) in their grinding 57-51 home series win on Feb. 1st. Speaking of McIntosh, we forecast a big, bounce -back game after he went 0-6 from the field in 50-46 home win over Southern Illinois on Wednesday. Offensively-stodgy, erratic-shooting UNI (62.4 ppg; 336th nationally; 40.3% FGs; 328th) winds up its forgettable reg.- season without a signature win!

Rating: 2 Units

With veteran BSU needing a victory to stay alone atop the MAC West standings, strongly suggest grabbing a 2+ hoops with the road-proven Cardinals, who’re a notable 6-1 as a visiting underdog this term. Envision another strong offensive showing from BSU’s dynamic inside-outside duo of 6-6 sr. F Franko House (13.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg) & 6- 3 soph G Taylor Persons (15.8 ppg), who combined for 42 points in their 84-78 home series victory in late January. BSU, which hit an eye-popping 58% from the field in the first meeting, finds plenty of open looks again vs. WMU’s sieve- like defense, permitting 48.5% FGs (342nd nationally).

Rating: 2 Units

With bubble-riding Seton Hall (RPI in the high 40s) highly motivated to avoid any “bad losses” prior to the upcoming Big East tourney, have no qualms laying the small number vs. DePaul, which is likely feeling a bit giddy following its 67-65 upset win at Georgetown on Wednesday. The Blue Demons didn’t handle their rare success well in league play previously when they knocked off Providence in early January, followed by an 83-58 blowout loss at Marquette. The Pirates’ powerful 6-9 jr. F Angel Delgado (22 double-doubles; 2nd nationally) continues to control paint area, while usually-lethal 6-3 jr. G Khadeen Carrington (17.3 ppg) quickly regains his groove after a season-low 1 of 9 from the field in his team’s 71-64 home win over desperate Xavier on the same day.

Rating: 2 Units

Offensively-explosive & defensively-smothering WSU (82.4 ppg; yielding only 62.9 ppg) is continuing to make a strong case for Big Dance at-large inclusion (if he doesn’t capture MVC tourney) with Gonzaga-like increasing string of lopsided victories in conference play. Hence, have no reservations laying the lumber vs. disheartened MSU, recouping from its 77-68 upset loss at lower-tier Bradley on Wednesday. The deep Shockers—who had 14 players score in their 109-83 home romp over Evansville on Tuesday—are greatly benefiting from the emergence of poised 6- 4 frosh PG Landry Shamet (11.0 pp, 3.3 apg), who’s ranked a lofty 13th nationally in assist-to-TO ratio. Keep in mind that Gregg Marshall’s WSU side is ranked second nationally in scoring margin (+19.6 ppg).

Rating: 2 Units

Defensively-sound Oakland (yielding only 40.2% FGs) is only one game behind league-leading Valpo. So, vociferously recommend the revenge-minded, surging Golden Grizzlies (7 straight wins; 5-2 vs. spread), who haven’t tasted defeat since their sour 80-72 home upset loss to Green Bay Jan. 27. Expect astutely-coached Oakland to take better care of the ball (19 TOs in first tilt) this time. And count on more formful gunning from the Grizzlies’ potent backcourt duo of 6-4 jr. Martez Walker (17.1 ppg) & 6-4 sr. Sharron Dorsey-Walker (12.6 ppg, 3.7 apg), who combined for a “brickish” 11 of 35 from the field (2 of 13 from downtown) in the earlier tilt. The defensively-lax Phoenix (76.5 ppg; 272nd nationally) are only 3-5 as home chalk TY.

Rating: 2 Units

Hardly convinced we get a repeat of first meeting at Athens on Jan. 25, when Georgia provided little support for top scorer F Yante Maten (who scored 20), and Bama got a career-high 26 points from frosh F Braxton Key in unexpected 80-60 Tide romp. But Bama has not been able to put together more than a 2-game SU win streak in SEC play this season, and Avery Johnson’s bunch had covered just 1 of first 6 SEC games at Coleman Coliseum into Feb. 18 games vs. LSU. This is the type of spot to go with Bulldogs, who were 7-1 last 8 in preferred dog role prior to Kentucky matchup on Feb. 18.

Rating: 2 Units

If not for bad luck, Phil Martelli would have no luck this season, as St. Joe’s is now down its top two scorers after the recent foot injury to G Lamarr Kimble (15.5 ppg) following the loss of top scorer Shavar Newkirk (20.3 ppg; went down with knee in early January). While we would be careful not to dismiss the shrewd Martelli, the matchups haven’t worked lately for the Hawks vs. Bona, as even Martelli’s Big Dance qualifier lost twice to the Bonnies a year ago. That depletion in the St. Joe backcourt creates real problems vs. G-heavy Bona and its dynamic duo of Jaylen Adams & Matt Mobley, who combine for nearly 41 ppg. The absence of Kimble robs Martelli of his top scorer from first meeting on Jan. 24.

Rating: 2 Units

Regardless of the outcome of UR’s critical battle with A-10 co-leader/cross-town rival VCU on Friday, would still feel good about laying a handful with the Spiders (alone in 3rd place), who’ve covered 4 of the previous 5 at the friendly Robbins Center (prior to the Rams). Note, in first meeting, UR comfortably led 79-64 with 4:22 to go before Davidson made a late run in Spiders’ 82-80 upset road win on New Year’s Eve. Offense-minded but inconsistent-firing Wildcats (only 43.2% FGs; 33.6% from distance) have no adequate matchup for UR’s versatile 6-9 sr. F T.J. Cline, who had 19 points, 10 rebounds & 8 assists in earlier clash.

Rating: 2 Units

With nationally-ranked Purdue seeking to stay alive in the three-team race for the Big Ten reg.-season crown, will lay single-digits vs. out manned, undersized Penn State, lacking the needed momentum following a discouraging 82-66 setback at Nebraska one week ago. Envision the Boilers’ formidable frontline duo of 6-9 soph Caleb Swanigan (nation-leading 22 double-doubles) & 7-2 jr. C Isaac Haas (13.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg) doing plenty of business (again) in the paint, while sharp-shooting G tandem of 6-0 frosh Carsen Edwards (10.9 ppg) & 6-4 Dakota Mathias (9.9 ppg) prevent the stretched-out PSU defense from consistently collapsing inside. Matt Painter’s Purdue side 12-3 vs. the spread its last 15 in Big Ten action prior to Saturday’s game vs. Michigan State.

Rating: 2 Units

With Miami having trouble playing .500 ball in the ACC and struggling to stay on the Big Dance bubble, the last team Jim Larranaga’s bunch needs to see is Tony Bennett’s Virginia. The Hurricanes have had trouble identifying a reliable third scoring option beyond Gs Davon Reed and Ja’Quan Newton, with 6-5 frosh Bruce Brown recently enduring an awful 1-for-12 night against VPI. The Cavs are seeking to give the home folks something to cheer about after a rare loss at Charlottesville last Wednesday at the hands of Duke.

Rating: 2 Units

Big Dance-seeking ISU is tied with Wichita State for 1st place in the two-team MVC race. But, still unafraid of taking a generous number with veteran, dangerous Loyola-Chicago, a sterling 6-1 as a 1½-pt. or more underdog this term. Even though the Redbirds’ valuable 6-7 jr. F Mckyle McIntosh (13.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg; missed previous 5 games) returned from injury in the 67-66 win over Missouri State on Wednesday, ISU still struggles to pull away from the aroused Ramblers, itchin’ to regain respect following unsightly 81-59 home series loss on New Year’s Day (most lopsided defeat of year).

Rating: 2 Units

NCAA Tourney-bound CU is now enjoying steadier PG play, thanks to fast-developing 6-3 soph Khyri Thomas, who’s running the attack with more self-assurance (according to Omaha sources). Therefore, must lay single-digits with the revenge-minded, normally good-shooting Bluejays (52.1% from the field; 2nd nationally), who hit a poor 1 of 18 from deep in the earlier clash when the team was still out of sorts due to the recent injury loss of star floor general Maurice Watson Jr. CU owns the most fluid big man on this court in gifted 6-11, 215-pound frosh C Justin Patton (13.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg), so look for Greg McDermott’s Bluejays to climb to 18-8-1 as home chalk since 2015-16.

Rating: 2 Units

There wasn’t much home edge when these two tipped off a season ago, when the road team won both meetings. That success on the Big Ten trail has continued this season for Maryland, which won SU in all six of its chances as a Big Ten road dog through last Wednesday’s latest success in the role (at Northwestern). Coach Mark Turgeon probably is a bit concerned that frosh supporting weapons F Justin Jackson & G Anthony Cowan have been misfiring more frequently in the past few weeks, though another freshman, 6-7 sharpshooter Kevin Huerter, hit 16 triples over a recent (College Forecast Continued on next page) 5-game stretch to prevent too much of the offensive load falling upon jr. star G Melo Trimble (17 ppg).

Rating: 2 Units

ISU is 16-9 and seems NCAA tourney bound, but isn’t there just quite yet. With a little revenge in mind and a 6-1 mark as a home favorite, the Cyclones—with their superior shooting—should creep closer in this one. ISU got a big game (18 points, 12 rebs., 2 blocks) out of 6-8, 240 freshman Solomon Young Wed. at K-State. The Cyclones out-shoot the Horned Frogs from the arc (239 converted triples to 185), a nice edge at raucous Hilton Coliseum in these days of over-emphasized metrics.

Rating: 2 Units

Summit sources have sounded the alarm on South Dakota, as the revved-up Coyotes have scored 83 or more in four of the last five outings, part of longer 8-3 SU and 15-5 spread upticks. Keying recent ascent has been explosive 6-7 sr. F Tyler Flack, who has scored 22 ppg since late January return to active duty from injury. Meanwhile, soph G Matt Money has scored 20 or more in five straight. Note that Flack missed the Jan. 18 loss at the Mabee Center, and not much has gone right since that win for ORU, recently mired in 5-game SU skid before minor upset over IUPUI.

Rating: 2 Units

UCF is eager to finish with a winning record in league play and be invited to a postseason tourney. So, strongly support the defensively-stifling Knights (allow just 60.9 ppg and a nation-low 35.6% from the field), who own more quality victories than ECU, which hasn’t won back-to-back AAC games this year. Count on more representative shooting from UCF’s potent inside-outside duo of 7-0 jr. C Tacko Fall (12.0 ppg, 9.8 rpg; 133 blocks L1+Ys) & 6-5 G Matt Williams (15.5 ppg), who combined for a season-worst 3 of 16 from the field in their grinding 48-45 home series win on Jan. 3. Pirates, who scored 78 with a plethora of transition baskets vs. perimeter-oriented Temple on Wednesday, meet significantly more resistance in this slower- paced contest

Rating: 2 Units

In heated “Packers vs. Brewers” rivalry, don’t mind laying short price with Green Bay side looking for third win in a row vs. its bitter in-state rival. Pack, er, Fighting Phoenix, desperate to regain momentum heading into fastapproaching Horizon Tourney, and perfect opportunity provided by host Panthers, who have lost last five SU. Significant scoring edge (80 ppg vs. 67 ppg) for Green Bay, which had five DD scorers in recent home romp past Horizon leader Valpo and has been getting good work from Bradley transfer G Warren Jones, who has scored DDs in seven of last eight.

Rating: 2 Units

In a near-pick ‘em scenario, urge an “investment” on surging E’Ville, gunning for its sixth straight spread victory (4-1 SU, only loss in OT at Indiana State). The Aces impressively had three players surpass 20 points (including Ohio transfer, 6-5 soph Ryan Taylor) in their 87-70 home romp over Drake on Tuesday. Thus, expect a strong performance from E’Ville, which clanked a season-low 23.5% from the field in its head-burying 74-63 home upset loss to BU on Jan. 4th. Note that the offensively-challenged Braves (only 64.2 ppg; 329th nationally) have managed to defeat only lower-rung Drake since Jan. 12.

Rating; 2 Units

Big-Dance bound ND (projected as a 6th seed) is still in the hunt for the coveted ACC reg.-season crown, so have no qualms laying several hoops vs. fading NC State, in the midst of a 6-game spread losing skein. The Wolfpack continues to be plagued by poor shot selection. And the NC State players might have some trouble staying fully focused following the recent dismissal announcement of 6th-year mentor Mark Gottfried, who’ll coach the rest of the season. Plus, expect more formful shooting from the solid DD-scoring senior Irish duo of 6-8 V.J. Beachem & 6-6 Steve Vasturia, who combined for only 9 of 26 from the field in their come-from behind 84-76 victory at feisty Boston College on Tuesday.

Rating: 2 Units

Don’t look for this one to be a thing of beauty. Cal, under Cuonzo Martin, has become the stingiest defense in the Pac-12, while Stanford is seeking a little rivalry revenge after a 66-55 loss in Berkeley 2½ weeks ago. But, in a grind-it out affair, any points could prove valuable for the home dog, especially now that 6-9 F Michael Humphrey, 6-5 swingman Dorian Pickens, and streak-shooting G Marcus Allen (20 points last game) have joined in helping 6-8, 245 Cardinal star Reid Travis (17.2 ppg, 8.6 rpg) more frequently on the offensive end. With the Bears less than dynamic on the attack, the value lies with the home dog.

Rating: 2 Units

The post-Chris Beard decline at UALR has been a steep one, as the Trojans have disappeared from the Sun Belt radar in their current 2-8 nosedive, not to mention burning thru the money of any remaining backers since mid-December, dropping 12 of their last 16 vs. the number. Among several shortcomings has been an inability to identify a reliable second scoring threat beyond G Marcus Johnson, Jr. (14 ppg), the only DD scorer in Little Rock’s lineup. Meanwhile, Ark State remains in contention for the top seed in the fast-approaching Sun Belt Tourney, and star G Devin Carter (16,3 ppg) should be excited after scoring his league season high 28 in ASU’s earlier win over the Trojans Jan. 14.

Rating: 2 Units

UIC (13-13) is fighting for a winning record and a possible 2nd-level postseason tourney, a decent goal for a team that was 5-25 LY. So will gladly buck defensively-soft, low-rung Detroit, yielding 85.7 ppg (345th nationally) & 50.6% from the field. The Flames’ precocious frosh backcourt duo of 6-4 G Tarkus Ferguson & 5-11 Godwin Boahen are looking forward to this trip to the Motor City after combining for 25 pts., 12 rebounds & 13 dimes in their wire-to-wire 78-64 win over the timid Titans Jan. 6. UDM will think twice about driving into the lane recalling how UCI’s springy 6-9, 210 jr. Tai Odaise (11.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg; 172 blocks L1+Ys) swatted away 8 shots in that earlier tilt.

Rating: 2 Units

Payback time for BYU, which absorbed an 88-75 shock loss to DD dog USD at the Jenny Craig Pavilion on Jan. 14. Of course, that was a bit of revenge for the Toreros after being hammered by 58 the last time they played the Cougs a season ago. But not sure USD is going to recover from their recent humiliation at the hands of Saint Mary’s, as the Toreros lost their offense and scored only 27 points (for the entire game!). USD has been held below 50 [points on three occasions in recent weeks, with its offense failing to provide a consistent third option beyond top scorers F Brett Bailey (16.3 ppg) & G Olin Carter III (15.7 ppg), now carrying too much of the offensive burden. The 82-ppg Cougs have the offense to pull away and have plenty of blowout wins on their ledger this term, and absence of injured PG L.J. Rose not much of a negative with several other capable options avaialble for HC Dave Rose. 1

Rating: 2 Units

Until further notice, I'm inclined to ride Tim Floyd's surging UTEP, which has made a dramatic turnaround from earlier 12-game SU skid by winning 6 of last 8 SU, and covering last six, thru Feb. 10. Floyd's various junk defenses confounding recent foes who had scored only 58 ppg in recent 6-game stretch. Prior to Feb. 9 win at erratic FAU, the Mean Green had not won SU since before Christmas (Dec. 20 to be exact), and recent loss of jr. F Jeremy Combs with ankle injury leaves beleaguered UNT HC Tony Benford with just one DD scorer (frosh G A.J. Lawson at 11.1 ppg).

Rating: 2 Units

Home-loving Marshall (8-1 as a favorite in Huntington) is delighted to be back on its home floor after three straight road games. Yes, defense is often optional for HC Dan D’Antoni’s Thundering Herd. But UAB has lost three straight on the road and is only 1-4 as a visiting dog. Quick-shooting Marshall (87 ppg) should get its uptempo offense going in this one and gradually outscore the visiting Blazers.

Rating: 2 Units

UNM probably wishing it didn’t have to play this one at the Wise Pies Pit, as the Lobos continue to fare better on the MW road (5-2 SU and vs. line) than at Albuquerque (1-5 vs. spread, including a loss to DD dog San Jose State in last home game Feb. 4). The Lobos will miss injured key cog F Tim Williams (out with foot injury), who scored 19 vs. this foe in UNM’s upset win at Boise on Jan. 17. The Broncos are also faring well on the MW trail (5-1 SU and vs. line as loop visitor), with soph G Paris “John Havlicek” Austin now flourishing in his new sixth-man role (Austin 18 ppg first three coming off the bench!).

Rating: 2 Units

After enduring a series sweep LY, look for a super-intense effort from defensively-sound Sun Belt challenger UT Arlington (allowing only 69.3 ppg, 40.8% FGs; 7.3 spg), which is 4-0-1 as home chalk TY. UALR (30-5 LY; only 13-11 TY prior to Texas State Feb. 11) is clearly not the same team sans departed HC Chris Beard (now the Texas Tech head honcho, by way of UNLV). Foresee the Mavs’ highly proficient inside-outside tandem of 6-7 jr. Kevin Hervey (16.4 ppg, 8 rpg) & 6-3 jr. G Jalen Jones (12.6 ppg) continuing to thrive vs. the weak-traveling Trojans, only 2-5 vs. the spread as a visitor TY (prior to visit to Texas State on Saturday). Double revenge works!

Rating: 2 Units

Even after recent narrow defeats, St. Peter's has been tagged by sources as a team to watch in the upcoming MAAC Tourney, more so after bounce-back 76-45 romp past capable Quinnipiac on Feb. 9. The Peacocks (allow only 63.9 ppg) continue to rank among the nation's scoring defense leaders, while emergence of 6-7 soph Sam Idowu (DD scoring last three) has provided another scoring threat. Nothing to fear with Manhattan, on 2-6 spread skid thru Feb. 9. Not much of a road trip across the George Washington Bridge for Peacocks, who whipped Jaspers by 14 at Jersey City on Dec. 4.

Rating: 2 Units

Surging UNI is playing much better than it did in its 68-64 home loss to Missouri State in the MVC lidlifter back on Dec. 28. Hence, must strongly recommend grabbing any available points with the percolating Panthers, who’ve covered 6 of the past 8 in league play. Meanwhile, Bears have slipped on stop end since mid-January, allowing lower-rung Evansville to nail 56% from the field in their 74-66 road setback one week ago. Count on a fast start from defensively stiffening UNI (allowing 64.3 ppg) after falling behind 32-8 in the first meeting, along with tighter perimeter coverage after MSU hit 12 of 22 from distance. Bears a lowly 1-7 last 8 as home chalk.

Rating: 2 Units

Some progress is being made at both of the WCC outposts under new coaches. Advancements for Herb Sendek's SCU, however, a bit more pronounced, as Broncos have uncovered some viable scoring complements for bombs-away jr. G Jared Brownridge (18.2 ppg), with three other DD scorers now in Sendek's lineup. Sources report new Tiger HC Damon Stoudemire running some NBA-like offensive sets, but UOP (only 40.5% from floor) still lacking requisite shooters to make the fancy stuff work consistently. Also no home edge at Spanos Center for Tigers, just 1-6 vs. line at Stockton in WCC play.

Rating: 2 Units

UTEP lost its previous game on Thursday, but the rallying Miners continued to play well, falling only 62-61 to Louisiana Tech, which is 17-8 SU. Still, UTEP has won 6 of his last 8 games, with the two defeats by 3 and by 1 point. Former Oregon starter Dominic Artis (14.9 ppg, 6.6 rpg) continues to play well, as do consistent jr. Omega Harris (17.0 ppg) and still developing 7-1 sr. C Matt Williams (11.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg). With So. Miss struggling to score (58 points or fewer in 5 of last 6 games), defensively-conscientious UTEP resumes its surge.

Rating: 2 Units

These two MW reps have reversed roles from recent seasons and seem to be heading in opposite directions. On both counts, advantage SJSU, which beat UNLV at the Event Center on Jan. 28 and takes a 3-game SU win streak into Thomas & Mack, including its first win this millennium over San Diego State on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the shorthanded Rebs are on 2-8 SU and spread skid. For the first time in recent memory, the best player in this rivalry belongs to the Spartans, with big-time 6-8 soph F Brandon Clarke scoring 24 ppg his last 8, including 23 in the win over UNLV two weeks ago.

Rating: 2 Units

With USA (11-12) battling for a winning record and a possible second-tier postseason tourney, must lend support to the streaking Jags, who've covered 3 straight, including well-played (had a season-low 5 TOs) 76-71 upset win at Troy one week ago. Sun Belt doormat and offensively-challenged ULM (66.1 ppg)—which hasn't surpassed 68 points over the last 10 games—will have trouble keeping pace with more uptempo USA, featuring the solid inside-outside duo of physical 6-7, 260-pound soph F Josh Ajayi (11 ppg, 5.5 rpg) & smooth 6-3 sr. G Ken Williams (13.0 ppg, 3.2 apg). Warhawks not built to play catch-up, hitting only 33.5% (236th nationally) from the arc.

Rating: 2 Units

With SBU yearning to stay in the hunt for the A-10 reg.-season title, suggest an "investment" on the superior Bonnies, who expended little emotional energy in their comfy 70 -55 home victory over lower-rung Saint Louis on Wednesday. Must give decided backcourt advantage to SBU's lethal duo of 6-3 jr. Matt Mobley (19.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg) & 6-2 jr. Jaylen Adams (21.4 ppg, 6.2 apg). And GW's main post threat, 6-9 sr. F Tyler Cavanaugh, will have his hands full with the Bonnies' aggressive 6-7 sr. F Denzel Gregg (12.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg; 87 blocks L1+Ys). Underachieving Colonials, who haven't notched a signature win to date, only 2-7 last 9 vs. the spread.

Rating: 2 Units

In a near-pick ‘em scenario, give ringing endorsement to nationally-ranked, Big Dance-bound Butler (currently projected as a sixth seed), itchin’ to sweep the season series after losing three meetings a year ago, including 14-pt. setback in the Big East tourney. PC won’t easily shake off a sorrowful 72-70 OT loss at Seton Hall on Wednesday when the Friars canned only 5 of 18 from downtown. Contrastingly, the Bulldogs are feeling “good vibes’ following their 68-65 victory at tough Marquette, as crafty HC Chris Holtmann successfully tweaked his lineup. Plus, count on a highimpact outing from BU’s super-steady 6-7 sr. Andrew Chrabascz (hails from Portsmouth, RI; 11.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg), inspired by his own rooting section at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center.

Rating: 2 Units

With Oakland only 2 games behind Horizon leader Valpo, highly recommend laying a handful of points with the revenge-minded Golden Grizzlies, who committed a season-worst 25 TOs in their surprising 93-88 upset loss at Detroit in mid-January. It’s likely the Titans’ bruising 6-6, 240-pound jr. F Jaleet Hogan is given special attention if necessary after he poured in a career-high 39 in that stunner. Plus, count on more accurate gunning from Oakland’s DD-scoring trio of 6-7 jr. F Jalen Hayes, 6-4 sr. G Sharron Dorsey-Walker, and 6-4 jr. G Martez Walker, who combined for a rim-clanking 10 of 32 from the field in their 53-51 squeaker at Cleveland last Saturday.

Rating: 2 Units

To say this matchup has not worked lately for Wazzu would be an understatement after Utah has scored a pair of 88-47 wins (!) the last two meetings. Including a Jan. 18 rout in the Palouse when the Utes shot 58% and dominated the glass by a whopping 45-26 count. (By the way, the Cougs lost by “only” 21 in the first meeting last season). As a year ago, WSU still can’t match up physically with this foe, and Utah didn’t even have 6-8 Utah State transfer David Collette (14.3 ppg; returned to action Jan. 26 vs. Oregon) available in the first meeting. The Utes (15-6 SU; 6-2-1 their last nine vs. the line thru Feb. 1) are methodically positioning themselves for a call on Selection Sunday.

Rating: 2 Units

La Salle is back in the muddled A-10 race following its much-needed 88-78 home victory over UMass on Wednesday. So double revenge should work for the uptempo Explorers, whose rangy G duo of 6-7 B.J. Johnson (17.8 ppg) & 6-5 sr. Jordan Price (17.4 ppg) should have a field day vs. defensively-soft, poor-boarding Fordham, permitting 47.9% FGs (330th nationally) and is -7.6 in rebound margin(338th). Plus, there’s not much “home cooking” for the lower-tier Rams, who’ve dropped 6 of their last 8 at historic but quite quaint Rose Hill Gym (3200 capacity).

Rating: 2 Units

Slumping Mass in the midst of a 4-game losing skein (including home upset losses to Fordham & George Mason), as the sagging defense has allowed an increasing point total in each of those setbacks. So, must ardently recommend laying a small number with A-10 challenger RI, which digs in on the stop end, permitting only 66.6 ppg along with 6 bpg. Rams’ powerful post presence, 6-7 sr. F Hassan Martin (14.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg; 298 career blocks), should control the paint area. Good bet RI shoots more accurately from the charity stripe after missing a whopping 17 foul shots in its come-from-behind 79-77 home win over the Minutemen on Jan. 15.

Rating: 2 Units

Since the oddsmakers continue to undervalue Maryland, which has won its first five outright (all as an underdog!) on the Big Ten road, compelled to back the Terps at the Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State (1-4 SU its last five thru Feb. 3) has been combative, but is still falling short vs. most of the quality league foes. Many of Mark Turgeon’s ballyhooed freshmen (including 6-7 frosh Justin Jackson, who scored 25 ppg in recent back-to-back wins at Minnesota & Ohio State) are removing some of the scoring burden from jr. G Melo Trimble, whose FG percentage (now 45.2%) is the best of his career.

Rating: 2 Units

This matchup has not worked well lately for the 'Ville, which wasn't close in two tries vs. Virginia last season and was similarly flummoxed by Cavs in 61-53 loss at KFC Yum! Center on Dec. 28. As was case LY, Cards were unable to speed up the game and forced to play at UVa's pace as the 'Ville wheezed in halfcourt sets, recording a paltry 7 assists and forced into low percentage three-balls to beat shot clock, connecting on only 2 of 14 triples in process. Tony Bennett now finding some needed offense from 6-5 jr. Devon Hall, who has scored DDs in eight of last ten thru Feb. 3

Rating: 2 Units

With Cal seeking to remain on the radar screen of the NCAA Tourney Selection Committee, will lay single digits vs. CU, which allows 9 ppg more away from Boulder TY (78 ppg on road; 69 at home). The defensively-stout, board-crashing Bears (62.4 ppg; +7.9 rebound margin) will provide the Buffs few uncontested looks. Meanwhile, anticipate crowd-pleasing performances from Cal’s forceful 6-11 F Ivan Rabb (15.6 pg, 10.7 rpg) and the nifty backcourt tandem of 6-6 Jabari Bird (14 ppg) & swift 5-11 frosh Charlie Moore (13.9 ppg). The Buffs are only 6-13 as a visiting underdog since 2014-15 (prior to trip to Stanford Thursday night).

Rating: 2 Units

Bad time for injury-thinned Indiana to be playing balanced and defensively-conscientious Wisconsin. Top-scoring G James Blackmon Jr. (17.6 ppg) has missed the last two contests with a leg injury. The Hoosiers previously lost 6-8 top inside defender F OG Anunoby (11.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg) for the season with a torn ACL. The Badgers, with everyone back from LY, augmented by 5-11 frosh shooter D’Mitrik Trice (48% treys), are 7-2 laying the lumber this season in Madison.

Rating: 2 Units

Even with New Mexico missing top post threat, PF 6-8 Tim Williams (17.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg; foot injury), MW doormat UNLV still came up short in its 80-77 home loss on Wednesday. So, strongly suggest laying a short price with resilient CSU, which has covered 4 of last 5 following a SU loss. Facing the soft Rebel defense (74.4 ppg; 237th nationally), count on more representative shooting performances from Rams’ potent, senior inside-outside duo of 6-8 sr. F Emmanuel Omogbo (13.8 ppg, 10.7 rpg) and 6-4 G Gian Clavell (18.2 ppg), who combined for an icy 11 of 34 from the field in their 79-76 home loss to tough conference co-leader Boise State on Tuesday.

Rating: 2 Units

Before we forget, would be remiss if not mentioning the strong Summit League "over" trends that have often featured these entries (SDSU "over" 14-2 last 16, ORU "over" 11 in a row!). There are also reasons to like the host Jackrabbits, looking to atone for bitter 6-point loss (and another "over") at the Mabee Center on Jan. 12 and now developing some momentum for the fast-approaching conference tourney, taking down potent Omaha and Western Illinois (blowing out the latter 98-65) in last two. Note SDSU's raging 6-9 soph Mike Daum scored 35 ppg over recent 3-game stretch.