Rhode Island has an 9 game winning streak and playing their best ball of the season. They are well coached and play solid defense. I cant figure out how RI an a #11 seed when all their losses came earlier in the season when their top players were hurt and they have been destroying everyone for the past six weeks. Oregon is without their top forward Chris Boucher and his 12 points/6 rebounds per game. I like RI to keep it close with EC Mathews and Hassan Martin who both average over 14 ppg. Look for RI and HC Danny Hurley to possible pull the upset and keep this one within the ATS cover.

10*

Both teams survived first-round scares, as Virginia trailed a good portion of the way against UNC Wilmington and Florida outlasted East Tennessee State. I like the best defensive team in the country here on this matchup. The frontcourt of Florida lack some quickness, and the Cavs perimeter defense will keep the Gators in check. I like VIRGINIA to outrebound Florida here too and pull away in the 2nd half.

5*

MTSU wins this game from what I see. This isn't your typical #12 seed. They were favored over Minny and I like them over Butler in this one. Middle Tenn St won 18 road games this year and they seem to have the right chemistry. What's really crazy is that Potts and Williams hasn't had that breakout game yet and didn't shoot particularly well vs Minnesota. They were cold first game. Sometimes some players can get intimidated when going to the rim - not Jacorey Williams, he will drive without concern, and he plays very hard all the time. Which is what you like to see if you're a Middle Tennessee St. fan. He has the ability to get by pretty much any defense he goes against. For being a long guy, Williams can get through making some nifty moves to get through a clogged lane. The Butler deep ball game has really fallen off with their poor shooting on the offensive end of the court as of late, and that’s hurt them in trying to turn around their up and down play. Middle Tenn St, we'll see you in Memphis as they win and advance on Saturday night.

10* GAME OF THE WEEK

Wisconsin is moving the ball well as of late, playing more as a team versus individual. They are a very talented #8 seed. Bronson Koenig is playing great and moving without the ball and letting Trice run the point has been a huge improvement to this team. If they stay away from Koenig dribbling the ball for 20-25 seconds on possessions and Nigel settling for long jumpers I fully expect Wisconsin to win this game in a close one. The Badgers have recent Final Four experience and one of the best post players in the country in 7-footer Ethan Happ, who is sure to cause matchup nightmares. If Wisconsin can continue to produce from the outside, as it did in its first-round win over Virginia Tech, this has all the makings of going down to the wire. 98% of the public is also loving Nova but we'll buck the public and take the points with Wisky here on Saturday afternoon.

5*

Rhode Island has an 8 game winning streak and playing their best ball of the season.
THey are well coached and play solid defesne.

I cant figure out how  RI an a #11 seed when all their losses came earlier in the season when their top players were hurt and they have been destroying everyone for the past six weeks while Creighton is reeling

RI is led by EC Mathews and Hassan Martin who both average over 14 ppg. Look for RI and HC Danny Hurley to get a convincing win here on Friday evening.

10*

Seton Hall has won 6 of their last 8 games and 2 of those losses were to Villanova. Seton Hall is clearly the better defensive team in this matchup and defense is where I tend to lean towards the end of March. As long as the Pirates can make free throws and dont get into early foul trouble they should win this game.  5*

Wisconsin knows how to win in March and I like them tonight minus this small number. The Badgers were the second-best team in the Big 10. They received little respect from the committee and oddsmakers alike, because they are better than an No. 8 seed and this spread is too light. This team still has quite a bit of Final Four experience and one of the best big men in the country in Ethan Happ. He will pose a matchup nightmare for the Hokies, who also tend to turn the ball over against good defensive teams. Wisconsin pulls away in the 2nd half and wins by double figures.

10* Oddsmaker Mistake play

Bucknell will play fundamentally sound. They will try to push the ball before WVU can set rhe press. If WVU doesnt get off to a fast start and they start missing foul shots, it could be a repeat of last year. I think West Virginia is overlooking the team. We’re already hearing the Mountaineers talk about not looking ahead to a potential matchup against Notre Dame in the next round. Just too many points here and I like Bucknell with the points.

5*

Iowa was very good at home going 14-4 and hosting S Dakota tonight. Freshman-laden Iowa got whipped by Indiana in the Big Ten Tournament and ended up as a No. 1 seed in the NIT. Before that loss, the Hawkeyes were playing well, winning four in a row and covering each. That included victories at Wisconsin and Maryland. Iowa has more height and rebounding for this game and should win by 15 or more on Wednesday night. 5*

We've got some drama here. Syracuse takes on a UNC-Greensboro team that hails from the city coach Jim Boeheim despises. While Greensboro is a solid team, I still believe the Spartans are reeling from losing in the Southern Conference final to East Tennessee State. Syracuse is very good at home and I beleive NC-Greensboro will struggle to score against their matchup zone.

Look for the Orange to continue the dominance it has shown this season in the Carrier Dome. 5*

We've got some drama here. Syracuse takes on a UNC-Greensboro team that hails from the city coach Jim Boeheim despises. While Greensboro is a solid team, I still believe the Spartans are reeling from losing in the Southern Conference final to East Tennessee State. Syracuse is very good at home and I beleive NC-Greensboro will struggle to score against their matchup zone. Look for the Orange to continue the dominance it has shown this season in the Carrier Dome.

5*

Utah won their last 3 regular reason games to get to 20 wins but lost their opening Pac-12 game and missed out on the Big Dance. After getting to and winning a tournament game each of the last 2Y including getting to the Sweet 16 2Y ago this is a letdown. Boise did not make any post-season tournament LY plus they are at 19 wins giving them double motivation. Utah not one to blow teams out (2-6 ATS as DD Home Fav) and we’ll take the points here in this one.

5*

Cincinnati has built their foundation on defense as the Bearcats rank 4th in the nation in total defense.

SMU doesn't have have great depth, so I think that will be a factor today.

It's true SMU has won 15 straight games, but the last time the Mustangs lost, it was to Cincinnati. These teams split during the regular season. Sunday's championship game will be a defensive slugfest but the Bearcats are more physical and I expect them to get to the FT line more.

Look for Cincy to use their fierce defensive principles and grind out a win as an underdog here on Sunday.

5*

Don’t mind backing the nation’s best team off a grind it out come from behind win. Seton Hall and their deliberate offense caused them troubles again while Creighton’s 12 point win gives us line value. Blue Jays lost potential Player of the Year Mo Watson in mid-January and finished going 0-4 SU/ATS as a dog.

5*

We’ll go right back to Rhode Island as they did what was expected yesterday and now face Davidson who is off an upset win against the A-10 Champs Dayton. Rhode Island has won 6 in a row and playing their best ball of the season. I'll back them here in the early action on Saturday afternoon.  5*

CAL St Bakersfield was 12-2 in conference play and the much better team in my opinion here. The WAC has 8 teams with only 7 eligible so only the top seed got a bye which is Bakersfield. Utah Valley beat Seattle last night but shot only 26% in the 2H and that was against my #202 defense and now they play my #24 defense of Cal St Bakersfield and will struggle to score. CAL ST by 10,

5*

I like the Heels in this one mainly because Duke has already played two close games in two days, not to mention they aren't the deepest team in the world. Meanwhile, the NC Heels didn't have to use too much energy to beat Miami as the game was out of reach pretty early. Now is the time when the extra day makes a difference. Duke playing their third game in 3 days and off a heavy weight title fight versus a physical Louisville team. I like NC BIG in this one.

10* Conf Tournament Game of the Year

Short line here as Fullerton was a 4 pt HF and lost 70-65 on Jan 7th then beat Northridge on Mar 4th as a 3 pt AD. Teams headed in opposite directions as Fullerton has won 6 of their last 7 games (5-1-1 ATS) and the loss was understandable as it came at Hawaii three days after upsetting Cal Irvine. Northridge has lost 6 straight (1-5 ATS) and their streak is also understandable as they lost their PG to an Achilles injury 8 games ago. Take Cal State Fullerton. 5*

New Mexico was picked 2nd in the MW but finished only 10-8 in conference action as the #5 seed. The reason is that all conf forward Tim Williams missed 7 games. He’s back and it changes the way you have to defense New Mexico not playing a zone and one on Elijah Brown (MW leading scored LY, #3 TY). The Lobos are now a confident bunch and are also the nation’s best FT shooting team which comes into play against Fresno which presses a lot and has a great deal of fouls called on them.

5*

These teams split their regular-season meetings, each winning handily at home. But Temple is 4-0 ATS in its last four neutral-site games, and I see Temple taking care of business. Temple is well coached and they also swept Memphis in league play, so there is something there. ECU is a lost cause. They are one of the worst programs in the country and I simply can't see them winning this game.

5*

This is a nic spot here for SE Louisiana. This is a Louisiana team that lost to Lamar by 20 points earlier this year but this is a team trending upwards. For example, this is a team that just beat New Orleans by 5 points on the road, is top 25 when it comes to offensive rebounding and top 110 when it comes to 3 point shooting. Dont' be surprised at all to see SE Louisiana do well here and get revenge against Lamar from the 20 point loss earlier this year and likely get it done.

5*

San Diego St was they overwhelming favorite to win the MW regular season title and instead they come in with a chip on their shoulder as a #6 seed. The Aztecs have been to the conference finals 3 straight years and have won 9 straight opening round games. UNLV most likely will be without their leading rebounder Tyrell Green who has a knee injury in the regular season finale. The Rebels have lost 10 of their last 11 games with 6 of their last 7 by double digits. SD ST’s #49 defense will shut down UNLV which has been held to 43.5% shooting or less in their last 19 games.

5*

We’re playing on a team that is again on a lengthy losing streak but more so playing against Wake Forest as a DD favorite. The venue being shifted out of NC hurts Wake as they would have had some casual fans. The Demon Deacons off B2B upset wins to finish the regular also benefits us. WF was an ACC favorite 5 times this season going 2-3 ATS with 4 games at home and one on the road. Of those 5 they were favored in both meetings against BC and while they won both they did not cover either winning 79-66 at home (-15) and 85-80 at BC (-6.5). I like the underdog here with BC plus the points to keep this one close throughout.

5*

The first round of the MAC tourney is at the higher seed so we are at Kent St. I don’t mind backing a team in the conf tournaments that is playing on a long losing streak as they play very lose with nothing to lose and a chance to advance. Central Michigan only has 6 MAC wins but one of those was here back on Jan 28 as they pulled the upset 105-98. Kent St has not been a good favorite and in fact they are 1-5 ATS as a MAC Home Fav and the one win was by only 3 points as a 1.5 pt fav. Central Mich has my #49 offense and the nation’s leading scorer with Marcus Keene and his 30 ppg. Lastly in the Kent Golden Flashes last 17 games they are 7-1-1 ATS when holding their opponent to 69 points or less and they 0-8 ATS when allowing 70 points or more. Take the UNDERDOG here tonight with CENTRAL MICHIGAN.

10*

Vanderbilt shocked the Gators in Gainesville 68-66, becoming the only team to beat Florida on its campus this year. Vanderbilt has Florida's number and they are a decent team, winner of four of their last five and just gave Kentucky all they could handle. The Commodores are 88th in the nation in scoring defense as they give up an average of 68.9 points per game. Vanderbilt's resume is unique. According to CBSsports.com's RPI, the Commodores have the No. 2 strength of schedule in the country -- that should rise to No. 1, since the Gators are No. 3 in the RPI -- and the toughest out-of-conference slate, too. This is Vandy's final regular season game and a MUST WIN if they want to make it into the big dance. They have a unique arena and with their defense, scoring could be difficult for the Gators. Vanderbilt knows how to connect from the 3-point line led by Luke Kornet and that will be the difference this afternoon as Vandy has 4 players averaging 10 or more points and have a balanced attack and get the upset this afternoon at home.

10* GAME OF THE MONTH

I am rolling with the Citadel as a small favorite here for a variety of reasons and we have been watching them over the last few games to close out the Southern Conference and they are playing good ball right now. We never worry about a team's win and loss record.  Here, you have a Citadel team who lost both times to Western Carolina by 5 and 4 points despite the fact they are indeed the better team.
Let's roll with the better team here both on offense and handling the ball who also has revenge on Friday evening.

5*

Evansville lost to Illinois State by 12 and 10 points earlier this year and playing with double revenge.
Don't be surprised here if you see Evansville stay within single digits in a low scoring affair. Evansville just beat Indiana State, is a top 140 defense, top 120 in turnover percentage and top 75 in 3 point shooting as they have been clutch all year and I expect a tight one this afternoon.

5*

The first meeting went into 2OT and Utah had 19 turnovers in that game and played sloppy. I expect them to be much better and focused at home tonight. Utah needs the win to avoid the possibility of falling squarely on the March Madness bubble heading into the conference tournament next week. The Utes dominated most of the first matchup at Berkeley before falling apart. They controlled the boards and got to the FT line. Utah is #11 in free throw shooting but #5 in field goal shooting defense. They also dominated in the paint and I beleive their superior size to be the difference maker here on Thursday night.

5*

Houston still potentially alive for an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament, but the Cougars would probably need this win today on the road, and that's a lot easier said than done. In their 1st meeting Houston lost by 9 at home and they missed 16 of 19 three-pt attempts. The Cougars still have a shot standing 20-8 overall and 11-5 in the AAC. Houston is the only other team that isn’t Cincinnati and SMU in the AAC that has a chance at a potential at-large bid to the Big Dance. Houston has bounced back nicely over the past week picking up wins against UConn at home and Memphis on the road and playing some very good ball right now. Houston has leaned on their defense this season, like many squads in the AAC, ranking 30th in the nation in points allowed and I expect a big effort out of the Cougars in this road game. Take the Underdog Houston Cougars in this one on Thursday evening.

5*

Keenan Evans has really come on for Texas Tech. He has become the man to put the ball in the hoop over the last several games. He gets elbow space, and moves the scoreboard in the right direction. Teams need to be careful they don't get lost when playing the Jr Guard of Texas Tech. They are especially dangerous with getting to the stripe, and creating plays. Texas have no matchup player that can really contain the backcourt of Tech. Texas is a low ended team - and lacks the instinct to not foul players too frequently. Texas has struggled with keeping guys off the offensve boards with any semblance of strength. Including giving up 15 at Oklahoma and 20 to Kent State back in December - that is scary for Texas. The Red Raiders are 15-3 at home and I like them to win comfortably over the visiting Longhorns.

10* HAMMER PLAY

I think it'll be an emotional night for the Demon Deacons -- senior night and all -- and I expect them to come out playing hard, despite their overall/conference records. Also, Louisville probably won't shoot 57% overall and 45% from 3 pt land again Wed. night like they did Sunday. A win here would do wonders for Wake Forest's at-large resume, and they are tough at home. Look for a tight game throughout and I'm backing the home underdog in this one.

5*

Arkansas St is very good at home going and shoot the ball well.
They are now 19-9 and they are coming off a loss.  They only shot 32% on Saturday and also missed 12 FT's.  Their 3-pt shooting was also off going 4-23 from downtown.

The Red Wolves have won 14, 19, 19, 11 and 11 games each of the last 5 years so there was a great deal of pressure on them this past Saturday going for a 20th win which they failed to do getting upset as a 7 pt home favorite.
Now ASU gets another crack at it and this time they are also playing off their first home loss of the year where they are 7-2 ATS as a single digit HF. We have the team with a better offense and slightly better defense at home for a second straight against a team playing their second straight on the road and its a pickem situation.  I'll take ARKANSAS ST at home here to bounce back with a big win. 

10* College BURIAL

I like Illinois here as they are the better team and an underdog. They are coming off 2 outright upsets vs Iowa and NW. These teams are tied in the Big Ten race entering Sunday's game in Lincoln. Illinois comes in playing better, having won three of four, while Nebraska has lost nine of 12 and I'll take the better defensive team on the road led by Senior guard Malcolm Hill and his 17 ppg. Lets back Illinois plus the pts here.

5*

Indiana has dropped 5 in a row and 7 of their last 8 games and not playing well defensively. The Wildcats are still chasing the 4 seed for a bye. They played a close game with Illinois until the end when there offense failed to keep the game close. The Illini defense is much stronger than Indiana's, so I do not see the same problem in this one. Northwestern is well coached behind Head coach Chris Collins and they should get their 21st win here which would be a school record for basketball.

5*

Iowa State is finally starting to look like the team they were thought to be early in the season. Baylor is a good team, which goes without saying, but the 'Cyclones are getting hot at a good time right before the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments. If the cyclones can carry the momentum from the 4 game win streak they will get the win and cover here this afternoon. They 2 keys are that Iowa St needs to slow down Motley/Acuil. It will also come down to stepping in up on defense and also Iowa St hitting their outside shots. I think they need to make 12 threes or more to win this game in my opinion. These teams now have identical 10-5 conference records as Iowa State has won four straight, including impressive road wins against Kansas State and Texas Tech. Baylor squeezed out a win against undermanned Oklahoma in its last outing but is still reeling, with losses in two of its last three. Take IOWA ST here at home.

10* College Hoops Slam Dunk

The Akron Zips have stood atop the MAC throughout the regular season, but the Zips haven’t been quite as consistently dominant as you’d expect from a squad that currently stands 22-6 overall and 12-3 in conference.  Akron has the better record yet they are the 2 pt dog on the road tonight.
Buffalo is 4-1 their last 5 at home and getting a balanced attack on offense.

The Akron Zips simply haven’t been as strong as of late and perhaps this group is just getting a bit worn down as we head into the final stretch of the regular season.

The Buffalo Bulls had been the hottest team in the MAC winning 6 straight, but the Bulls had their winning streak snapped the other day at home as the Bulls fell to Kent State by a final of 69-77. Buffalo has shown progress throughout the regular season and the Bulls have the tools to make a run in the MAC tournament as this group currently stands 15-13 overall and 9-6 in conference. Buffalo has shown a very high ceiling at times on the offensive end, especially over the past month, as the Bulls have improved to 88th in the nation in scoring average. Forward Blake Hamilton has stepped up leading the squad averaging 17.4 points and 4.1 assists per game.

Buffalo was nearly able to beat Akron on the road about a month ago, falling to the Zips by just 1 points, and this is now a great chance for the Bulls to exact some revenge. Akron has been slipping as of late and this won’t be the easiest matchup to start to turn things back around. I like Buffalo at home on Friday night.

5*

The Charlotte defense can push some annoyingly good pressure, at times. Making teams lull into getting comfortable when they are trying to make a play, and before you realize it, it's a closer game than you thought it was going to be. And when they get teams surrounded with their defenders, teams can get jumbled and lost in their own plays. Jon Davis, is pretty good, and will be a problem for Western Kentucky. Western Kentucky seems to lose their identity at times, which lacks much as it is. I will go with the home team. It has been a rocky ride for Mark Price in his second year in Charlotte. But he has some good young guards. Price's team is one of the top 3-point and free throw shooting teams in the league. And they are at their best at home. I don't think that Western Kentucky is going to be able to score enough to win this I'm backing the home team with NCChar here tonight.

5*

In their first meeting the Huskies were missing point guard Jalen Adams, who is white-hot now. UConn is allowing just 60 points in its four-game win streak, and playing well.
They are clicking at the right time and making a run to try and make the NCAA Tournament.
 Kevin Ollie is coaching well and UConn has a top 50 defense, lost to this team by at 16 at home and will be highly motivated coming into this game.

5*

This is a big public fade as the public is all over CAL at home tonight. This is a Oregon team that beat Cal 86-63 earlier this year and are just too good offensively.
 This is a Oregon team as well that is a top 15 defense that will shore up on the road as well. We like that Oregon scored 101 points in their last game against Colorado and really clicking right now.

Take the Oregon Ducks minus the small number..

5*

Richmond coming off B2B losses with Davidson coming off B2B wins. The difference being that the Spiders are home for a second straight game off a home loss to the best team in the conference (VCU) while Davidson is on their second straight road game off a win against a last place teams. The Wildcats are only shooting 42.8% on the road and only 40.2% their last 5 games. In Davidson’s last 9 games they are 5-0 SU/ATS against A-10 teams with losing conference records and they are 0-4 SU/ATS versus conf teams with winning records, Richmond is tied for 3rd at 9-5 and already handled Davidson on the road. I'm backing Richmond here at home on Tuesday night.

10*

The Penn St. ball movement has been very disorganized over the last several games, this won't get easier vs Purdue. They had many problems moving the ball around recently vs Nebraska and Maryland - both who are far less dangerous than the Purdue team. PSU plays tougher teams tough - this wont be a walk in the park for Purdue. I think Penn St will be fired up here at home and 8 pts is too high here tonight. I'm backing the home underdog with Penn St.

5*

This is a rare sold out game for GT. GT plays very good defense here at home. The Orange have covered two of their past nine road games as they travel to play a rejuvenated Georgia Tech team under Josh Pastner. Despite the Yellow Jackets' loss to Miami, they've covered eight of their last 10. And they've won five straight at home. Back Georgia Tech.

5*

Just five games left in the regular season, and while the Hoyas are playing for the dancing resume in next month's big tournament, Creighton is arguably playing for a highly favorable seed. Both teams are in must-win mode. The 20th-ranked Blue Jays (21-5, 8-5 Big East) is in revenge mode against Georgetown (14-12, 5-8, as the Hoyas won the first meeting behind a stingy defense. Creighton was limited to a season-worst 1-for-19 shooting from three-point range in a 71-51 shellacking. Georgetown is dealing with injuries, and I look for Creighton to get the win and cover here at home.

5*

It’s make of break day for Marquette. The Golden Eagles are off their worst loss of the year (18 pts defeat at Georgetown), are off a previous home loss and have dropped 3 straight to Xavier including in the conference tourney. Marquette was able to get a few days off with no mid-week game which means they’ll push the tempo. Xavier meanwhile played at Providence Wednesday are of course without G Sumner and G Trevon Bluiett has missed the last 4 games and will try to go but won’t be 100%.The Bradley Center is sold out as this is National Marquette Day as they celebrate 100 years of Marquette basketball have a huge alumni presence and the hotels are packed with visitors and the home court should be rocking!
Take MARQUETTE

5*

ASU has actually been pretty solid over the past month of play, including a 1 point loss on the road against Oregon standing out as a great result for the Sun Devils. Arizona State has been able to take care of the lower tier teams in the Pac 12 this season which has allowed the Sun Devils to stand a respectable 6-8 in conference play. Arizona State has shown a high offensive ceiling at times in conference and this group now ranks 49th in the nation putting up nearly 80 points per game on average.

Arizona State has been playing some better ball over the second half of action in the Pac 12 and the Sun Devils are looking to close out the regular season on the right foot as they continue their rebuilding efforts under head coach Hurley. ASU should get the job done here on road Saturday evening.

10*

Baylor comes in, playing a game at home where they have been very good - and what a game it will be. They are coming in wanting to prove a little something to the rest of the NCAA. Baylor is still the team to go through in the BIG12 - Baylor was somewhat held in check last time they played - and I expect an angry Baylor team this game.


Kansas for them, this is going to be a very real challenge of the season. On the road - vs a very hungry crowd and I'll lay the 2 pts with the home squad Baylor Bears.

5*

Penn is coming off 2 straight big wins and playing some great ball. This team won 11 games last year under Steve Donahue and this year they have already won 9 games including some big wins over UCF 58-49 on the road who is a top 100 team, Drexel by 8 points at home, top 200 Fairfield by 6 points at home, top 125 La Salle by 3 points on the road and recently beat Columbia and Cornell. This is a team that is top 135 in defense, top 170 in effective field goal percentage and top 100 when it comes to 2 point field goals as well. Brown is outside the top 300 in defense and outside of Penn they have not beat a top 200 team all year. You are going to see a highly motivated Penn team here with revenge as they should not have lost to Brown in the beginning, and they get the win on the road here on Friday night!

5*

Wisconsin was upset in their last outing at home losing to the shorthanded Northwestern Wildcats by a final of 59-66. The Badgers play at a similar pace to the Wolverines standing 4th in the nation in total defense compared to 176th in scoring average. The Michigan Wolverines have been stepping up their play at the right time winning their last two outings against Michigan State at home in blowout fashion followed by a nice double digit win on the road against Indiana in their last outing. Michigan seems to be back on the right side of the bubble, but the Wolverines are looking to secure their position even more as they head down the final stretch of the regular season. When playing up to their ceiling, Michigan has shown they can compete with just about anyone and this veteran led group has the pieces to be a factor come the postseason. We’ll side with the home squad in this one as Michigan goes on to cover the spread.

5*

With five regular-season games left before the Big East tournament, Butler coach Chris Holtmann is focused on his team's development. They are coming off a rare loss and I expect the team to be hungry and focused here at home tonight. Butler primed for a huge game coming off a loss while also playing with revenge for a loss at St John’s as an 8 point fav back on Dec 29th. The Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS off a SU loss this season and are lost each of their last 2 home games as well.

5*

Penn State has been playing some great ball in the Big Ten as of late coming off back to back wins against Maryland and Illinois to improve to 14-12 overall and 6-7 in conference. Penn State seems primed to make the NIT and the Nittany Lions have the kind of talent to make a deep run in whatever postseason tournament they potentially make beyond the Big Ten tournament. Penn State has been a developing group this season as a number of underclassmen have taken on large roles. The Nittany Lions spread the ball around liberally with 5 players averaging at least 9 points per game. Nebraska has largely been competitive throughout conference play, but the Huskers have had their issues with coming through in close games now standing 10-14 overall and 4-8 in the Big Ten. The Huskers have been a work in progress throughout the regular season, especially on the offensive end where this group ranks just 243rd in the nation in scoring average. Penn State was very convincing in their last outing on the road against Illinois in a winning effort and the Nittany Lions will try to carry over their recent momentum into this tough test on the road against Nebraska. I like Penn St here with the 3.5 pts.

10* Underdog Slammer

VT is coming off a huge OT win over Virginia on Sunday. With Clarke out for the season and VT likely lining up with only 7 players, 8 if they decide to use the walk on Galloway, and coming off an exhausting double OT thriller just 2 days ago. Now playing on the road will be tough. Pitt has been better as of late. Pittsburgh needs to make the most of their looks and I like them by 7 or more here on Tuesday night. PLay the PANTHERS. 5*

I have South Alabama as the better team, with a better offense and better defense getting 7 points. ULL comes in having lost 4 straight games, three as a fav or pick, and they are 2-7 SU their last 9 games with both wins by 6 points and they are laying 7 today. The Ragin Cajuns defense has been non-existent allowing 50% or higher in five of their last six games and that won’t get fixed with only one day off since allowing 100 points to Troy. Lets take the Underdog here with South Alabama.

5*

Despite winning on Friday night Monmouth did not play well in that game. They only shot 31% and had 18 turnovers. Overall they are having another strong campaign standing 21-5 overall and 13-2 in the MAAC, and it would be devastating to the players and program if the Hawks weren’t able to make a run to the NCAA tournament again this year. Monmouth has turned things up winning their last 11 games in a row including 5 straight on the road. Siena doesn’t particularly rank well on either end of the court standing 199th in the nation in scoring and 223rd in total defense. Siena has fallen in 2 out of their last 3 home games and the Saints have actually looked a lot better on the road than at home as of late.

Monmouth continues to get increased production out of veteran guard Justin Robinson, who started the year a bit slow, but now is leading the way averaging 18.8 points and 4.9 assists per game. Monmouth plays with pace ranking 46th in the nation in scoring and they get to the FT line a lot which will be the difference tonight.

10*

It's amazing how good the guards of Northwestern have been playing recently, over the last month they have been scoring at will. If Wisconsin can't contain this game vs a typically cold-shooting Northwestern team - that only hit around 43% from the field, then Wisconsin could be in serious trouble. I doubt Northwestern will win at Wisconsin, as the Badgers have won 19 straight home games but this line is too high. I like the Wildcats to bounce back from their two-game skid and be highly competitive here.

5*

The Stanford Cardinal haven’t been having the kind of year they were hoping for under their new coaching staff as this veteran group stands 12-12 overall and 4-8 in the Pac 12. Stanford has been trending down losing 4 of their last 5. Stanford has been a work in progress on the offensive end all season long as this group looks to slow things into the half court ranking 108th in the nation in total defense and 282nd in scoring average. Arizona State picked up one of their better wins in Pac 12 play earlier on in the year against Stanford beating the Cardinal on the road by a final of 98-93. Arizona State was able to dictate the pace of play against the Cardinal on the road and it’ll be interesting to see if the Sun Devils have similar success today in the rematch at home. ASU has been up and down throughout Pac 12 play, but the Sun Devils have shown a higher ceiling in some of their games on the road recently against USC and Oregon. Arizona State has been all about their tempo as this group ranks 49th in the nation in scoring average. We’ll side with Arizona State to get the job done here at home on Saturday night.

5*

The Spiders come off a week long bye to play in Philly against La Salle. Richmond has won 3 of their last 4 games and I like them this afternoon with the extra time off. The Explorers have lost four of their last six games entering this one with the wins being over Fordham and UMass. The Spiders have split their last six games, but are feeling better about themselves with ShawnDre Jones and TJ Cline leading the way. DeMonte Buckingham and Nick Sherod are improving as freshmen. Their offense has been cruising so the one question is if the time off cools it off a bit. Richmond has covered eight of their 11 games in the A-10. Play on RICHMOND.

5*