Taking MARQUETTE. Short line in Maui. VCU with new coach, albeit an old assistant. But this Marquette team can score. Might be a dark-horse in this tourney if their shooters really get hot. 4* Money Maker MARQUETTE GOLDEN EAGLES 

Taking MANHATTAN early today. I think these are 2nd best in the MAAC behind Iona. They have a nice little cast of players. Not high at all on bottom-tier Roos of the WAC. 4* Money Maker MANHATTAN 

4* Money Maker SAMFORD

4* Money Maker NORTHEASTERN 

4* Money Maker WEBER

4* Money Maker WESTERN MICHIGAN 

4* Money Maker OHIO

4* Money Maker LIBERTY

Taking NORTHERN KENTUCKY. Two of my favorite mid-majors battle and it's painful to choose a side! But. I like NK. A bit more returning experience gets the nod from me. 4* Money Maker NORTHERN KENTUCKY 

Taking OAKLAND. These guys should win the Horizon, and I have the Rockets as mid MAC team. Toledo also replacing some of their better players. Easy early edge on the Grizzlies even in a tough venue. 5* Best Bet OAKLAND GOLDEN GRIZZLIES 

Taking YOUNGSTOWN. Like the new coach. Will bring some defense to the court while not sacrificing his offense. Canisius laying what I think, a too big a number here. They need to replace some guys. Won't be shocked at an outright win here, but I think this a 2 possession game. 4* Money Maker YOUNGSTOWN STATE 

4* Money Maker WEBER

4* Money Maker HOFSTRA

Taking IONA. Had these guys last game, coming back again. Class of the MAAC. These guys are good. They just reload and move on. Weber is a good club. Should be battling for the Big Sky Championship. But I think it will take a bit for them to get it things rolling this year. Plus, this is a haul from Utah playing the Bahamas. We have an 0-2 favored over a 2-0 team. West Coast Baptist and Southern Utah are easy outs. Iona hung tough with Syracuse and lost at Albany who probably team 1A in America East. So this, as much as it is 2 mid-majors on a bracket buster Saturday in February, it is I think, a bit of step down for the Gaels. Sitting at 0-2, we might see the old circle the wagons play to get in the win column. 4* Money Maker IONA 

Taking TORONTO tonight. I think the Raptors are one of the Top 3 teams in the East. I also have the Knicks pegged as a low half team. For me, NY has been overachieving so far this year. I think KP will have a tough time against the interior of Toronto. Lowery & DeRozen are head and shoulders better than whoever the Knicks play. Toronto should pull away and win this one by double digits. 4* Money Maker TORONTO RAPTORS 

Opinion play.. I wanted the +700 on the ML. But will grab the points. OPINION PLAY only

Taking NORTHEASTERN here. Like this bunch. A couple years ago, these guys were goldmine for me. I am hoping it is the same this year. Have them as my CAA sleeper. As for Stanford, eh. A mid-tier team in the PAC 12. I know the travel isn't kind for our Huskies. But they can use a nice upset win over a Power 5 school come selection Sunday. Would really be heavy on Northeastern if Stanford hadn't just lost to Eastern Washington. So they have their upset goggles on. We have an experienced back-court which always helps early. Stanford struggled shooting the ball last game, and that can be a season long problem. 4* Money Maker NORTHEASTERN 

4* Money Maker OLD DOMINION

4* Money Maker ILLINOIS STATE

Taking VERMONT. Bradley is getting a bit more experienced, but I don't think that matters. They always seem to have problems putting the ball in the hoop. Vermont is a very strong mid major. This line might be a bit inflated off their loss to Kentucky. Make no mistake, these guys should beat up on lesser mid major schools. Early start here in the Bahamas. 4* Money Maker VERMONT 

Taking XAVIER. Like this bunch. They should be a deep tournament team. These guys will fight Nova for the Big East Title. Now Wiscy. These guys are always a solid bunch. But I don't think they are a Top 3 team in the Big 10. Just think X is the better team and it will show. 8* Sure Shot XAVIER

Taking OHIO here. Another game I would get down a little +450 ML on. Bobcats one of the more talented MAC teams. This isn't football. Clemson was a bottom rung ACC team in hoops last year. They aren't climbing to the top. Maybe an NCAA berth based on conference alone. While Ohio will have 20+ wins and if it doesn't win its tournament, it is NIT bound. These kids know this. This a one of those circle the date games to knock off a Power 5 school. 4* Money Maker OHIO 

Taking INDIANA STATE. We cashed with these guys as they won outright against Indiana. Should probably man-up and grab them +275 ML today. But we are looking to build our football bankroll with bowl games ahead. A lot of pre-season turmoil in Auburn. I don't like Pearl either. I had this team pegged for at, or near the bottom of the SEC. I like the Sycamores coach. The team is obviously playing with confidence off that Hoosiers win. Let down? eh. This is a small mid major. They can't afford let downs. I would think that they would see a win over an SEC school as another feather in their cap. Give me the hot shooting dog. 4* Money Maker INDIANA STATE 

4* Money Maker CAL DAVIS

4* Money Maker INDIANA PACERS

4* Money Maker  MONTANA GRIZZLIES

4* Money Maker BUFFALO 

4* Money Maker UCSB GAUCHOS -- sprinkle in some +190 ML

4* Money Maker INDIANA HOOSIERS

Taking KANSAS here. Look. Both of these teams are very talented. But with Kentucky, they just roll out like 7 new guys every year. It takes a bit of time to gel. These are still young kids. As much as Kansas gets new talent, they just seem to a plug a guy in who seems to have been there for 2-3 years. I just think Self does a good job with the young (one) and dones and having experience returning. Coach Cal always seems to be bringing in 5-6 star freshman to replace some top 10 draft picks. That being said. I am going with the albeit not that all much more experienced team at this price. 8* Sure Shot KANSAS JAYHAWKS

Taking GEORGIA STATE tonight. Hate laying a number like this on the road. But the Panthers are a talented bunch. They have the best guy on the floor. They play a better defense. We can't forget that Rice is breaking in a new coach, albeit their old assistant. They have 10 freshman and sophomores on the roster. Give me the road faves. 4* Money Maker GEORGIA STATE 

Taking IONA here. Should really go big balls and grab the ML. So Iona lost 3 starters. But they don't be rebuild here, they just reload. Going for 3 straight MAAC Championships. This is a tough squad. Let's not think the Orange are some great juggernaut. The last 3 years these guys have gone 18-13, 23-14 and 19-15. They lost 6 of their top 7 scorers. This is a big line and I have to grab a tough mid major and the points. 4* Money Maker IONA 

Taking MICHIGAN STATE here. Normally I would be shying away from a game like this. We have a lot of youngsters on both teams and you never know how they will gel early in the year. Especially when playing against top players and coaches. But I think edge resides with Sparty. Izzo teams always bring a toughness. I will never have to worry about effort or hustle points. They bang and board. ML, points, doesn't matter. I think MSU wins this one. 4* Money Maker MICHIGAN STATE 

Taking NEVADA here. Man this team is like transfer central. And these aren't guys coming from small schools or JUCOs. They have scorers. Rim protectors. Guys who can stretch it with the 3. Just a deep team. Look.  I like this Rhode Island team. I do. They should win the A10. But this is a tough spot to be opening up the season in Game 2. A cake-walk over NC Asheville isn't a good warm-up. Wolfpack should win this one going away. 4* Money Maker NEVADA

Taking the SUNS tonight. Well, we have a little revenge from that wild 132-130 game back on October 20th. Now. That was under a different coach. Suns got a little respectable after those games going 4-2 SU their next 6 before winning their last game over Minny to break a 4 game slide. Lakers have dropped the first 3 on this road trip as they swing back from the East coast. LA gets the hype because of the Ball kid, and of course, being LA. But the Suns have some young talent themselves. Give me the small home faves. 4* Money Maker PHOENIX SUNS 

Taking BELMONT. Will grab the small dogs. These guys have been very good and dominate in the OVC. Vandy now is a middle of the pack SEC team. Just think that the small school will be extra excited here. Bruins are tough. Outright win should be in the cards tonight. 4* Money Maker BELMONT BRUINS

Taking SOUTH DAKOTA tonight. I have the Coyotes pegged 2nd behind SDST in the Summit, while I think Bowling Green will be a middle team in the MAC. Defense travels, and I think we have the better unit on the floor tonight. 4* Money Maker SOUTH DAKOTA 

Taking JACKSONVILLE STATE. These guys won the OVC last year. Not Belmont. Or Murray State. I think they are a talented mid-major. Richmond has some problems. As 10pt faves, they lost by 13 to the Blue Hens of Delaware. 4* Money Maker JACKSONVILLE STATE

4* Money Maker DETROIT PISTONS

4* Money Maker ORLANDO MAGIC

4* Money Maker ARLINGTON

4* Money Maker IOWA STATE

4* Money Maker YALE

4* Money Maker MISSOURI STATE

4* Money Maker EASTERN KENTUCKY

5* Best Bet GEORGIA SOUTHERN

4* Money Maker INDIANA STATE

4* Money Maker OLD DOMINION

4* Money Maker WEST VIRGINIA

alright everyone. sorry for the lack of write ups this weekend in some spots.

Taking the WIZARDS tonight. One. Washington off a home loss to Dallas as double digit faves. You know they want to redeem themselves from that mess. Plus. They have revenge as the Lakers beat them out in LA. You know they want to humiliate Ball. Can you imagine the trash talk as his brother is going to be locked up China for at least a few weeks! - Look. Wizards have struggled out the gate. Their bench hasn't helped much. This is b2b to LAL who played Boston last night, while the the homies rested and planned their revenge. 8* Sure Shot WASHINGTON WIZARDS 

Taking the NUGGETS. You know I am not a fan of laying any type of numbers like this. But I think we are still getting value. Nets are going to be a bad team. But yet, here they are win 4 wins to Denver's 5. So the Nuggets really haven't been as sharp, or at least, winning like I think they can. But we have Brooklyn in off a win last night in Phoenix. Now they travel for a back to back in the altitude. Easy edge for Denver. Last game out, Denver lost to GS on this same court 127-108. The real telling stat for me. Not one starter scored in double figures. Expect a huge bounce-back off that loss from the entire team tonight. 4* Money Maker DENVER NUGGETS 

Taking the NETS tonight. First game for the Nets on their west coast swing. Now. Sometimes I think the east team is a little flat in game 1 out here. But in this case, I am not so sure. The Lakers are really a hot mess. Just lost Nance. Ball is, well, whatever you think of him. This is a rebuilding year for both clubs. Something just tells me though that D'Angelo Russell has a huge night tonight.  Magic called out Russell. He is saying all the right things, but you know inside he has something to prove to Magic and the Lakers. Brooklyn looking to end 3 game slide. Lakers in off last second loss. I'll grab the small dog and won't be shocked at +125 outright win. 4* Money Maker BROOKLYN NETS 

Taking the WARRIORS tonight. This is one of those spots where we will see GS show up. They aren't winning 80, 75, 72, 70 games. They will cruise to first place. They will pick and choose spots to play their stars. That is just the game in today's NBA. Spurs still missing pieces. They have dropped 3 straight. Easy to think they cover since they are home. But Warriors come in on fire. 141-113 of the Clippers. Clips were 4-1 and probably were looking past the Pistons when they got picked off the game before. But GS had to make an example out of someone. And now they get to show the league they are for real by crushing an injured SA squad. 4* Money Maker GS WARRIORS 

Taking the MAGIC. Just one of those spots. I know it is their 3rd straight road game. But they were off yesterday, so I think that helps out our legs tonight. Memphis likes to slow things down, while Orlando is looking to speed up the pace. They have drastically improved their offense from last year. I know Grizzlies have owned this series recently, but I am bucking that trend tonight. 4* Money Maker ORLANDO MAGIC 

Taking the HORNETS tonight. As much as I like the Bucks and think they will be a nice little squad to back this year, I can't in this spot. Off a loss, you would think that against facing the Thunder, Milwaukee would bring their 'A' game. Well, getting run out by almost 20 at home is not a good look. Now they face a decent Charlotte team playing with revenge from their 103-94 loss just a week ago in Milwaukee. 4* Money Maker CHARLOTTE HORNETS

Taking the PACERS tonight. I mean, maybe this line is a trick and they are begging us to take Indiana. Cavs have dropped 3 straight. They have covered once so far this year. Can't trust them yet. It is as simple as that. 4* Money Maker INDIANA PACERS

Taking the PELICANS tonight. Gonna look to fade this Magic team. A tough b2b off a big win last night. They have been really get up and down the court and not playing much defense. Just a scheduling spot for a small play tonight. 4* Money Maker NEW ORLEANS PELICANS 

Taking the CLIPPERS tonight. Cashed nicely with these guys as a top Sure-Shot play over the Jazz, and will come back on the road vs the Trailblazers. I like this team. Just think they are getting overlooked since they traded CP3. They still have some pretty decent guys left. I do like this Portland back-court. But that being said, I think LAC is a live dog and won't be shocked at an outright win. 4* Money Maker LA CLIPPERS 

Taking the CELTICS. A little quick revenge on the plate tonight. Bucks went into Boston after the Celtics lost their big-money FA signing and on the heels of a furious comeback that fell short. Of course they will be flat in their home opener. But this is still a deep Boston team. I really like the coach. And everyone loves the Greek Freak. Guy is a beast. I think Celtics might even pull this out straight up tonight. 4* Money Maker BOSTON CELTICS 

Taking the CLIPPERS here. So Utah ran them out of the playoffs last year. But both teams lost a big star in the off-season. That being said, I just like the LAC roster more. So, they beat up the Lakers and then rolled Suns. Now they get to really put it together against a 'better' team. And what better way to open up things and get see how good you are than by beating a team that has success against you. Just think Clips have something to prove here. 8* Sure Shot LA CLIPPERS 

Taking the WARRIORS. Well. We haven't been around this team since fading them opening night. But off another loss, I will get my feet wet. This is a just a spot I think they have one of those 20+ blow outs. I get they will be sleepwalking most of the time because they are so much better than teams. But I don't think we have seen a vintage game yet from GS and I think we get a good performance tonight. 4* Money Maker GS WARRIORS 

Taking the PISTONS. Can't trust this process yet. Philly unable to get into the win column. No way they lose 4 straight right? Let's not forget that Philly is breaking in a bunch of young guys who haven't played as a unit all that much. Takes time to get in sync. 4* Money Maker DETROIT PISTONS 

Taking the CLIPPERS tonight. Am I missing something with the Lakers? Ball is Magic, Kobe, Shaq and Worthy all rolled into one? Not jumping on the Showtime bandwagon. Clippers quietly have assembled a nice team. Deep bench. Shooters. Everyone knows CP3 is gone. But this is still a dangerous team. Lakers defense was terrible last year. Don't see a huge improvement in that area this season. 4* Money Maker LA CLIPPERS 

Taking the KINGS tonight. Yeah. What are these guys? The over the hill gang? Vince Carter. George Hill. Zach Randolph! Look. A b2b spot for the Rockets. CP3 a bit banged up already. Harden a beast year. But what an impressive win last night. We cashed both dogs last night in the NBA so that's a nice start. But Houston left it all out there last night rallying from a double digit 4th quarter deficit. Not shocking to see some tired legs and a cover by the home dogs tonight. 4* Money Maker SACRAMENTO KINGS 

4* Money Maker HOUSTON ROCKETS

4* Money Maker BOSTON CELTICS

Taking the CAVALIERS here. Will be going ML every time Cleveland is a dog. We have the best player in the league, plus the PG advantage with Kyrie. Kyrie isn't much for playing defense, but he loves to get in Curry's head. If he was healthy 2 years ago, I think we are talking Cleveland 3-Peat. Any team with Lebron, Love and Kyrie has a shot. I know GS signed arguably a Top 3 NBA player in KD. But. The guy misses some time. And as we saw when the 'Big 3' got together in Miami. Things don't always play out like people think. Give me ML +260-270 and I will take the bonus points. 4* Money Maker CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 

Taking the CAVS here. Now. I am sure Cleveland might be a little sluggish with the amount of time they have been off since their last game. So maybe you might want to get on Boston 1st half. But that being said. Celtics off a short turn-around. They just closed out a Game 7 win on Monday, and have to face a peaking Cavs team. LeBron is the difference, as he always is. Just a scheduling play for me on Cleveland. After seeing GS struggle early in their Game 1, I am sure the Cavs will not want to be in the same boat. 4* Money Maker CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 

Taking the WARRIORS here. I will say this. I thought the Rockets were going to upend the Spurs. But this SA team does not quit. That being said. It is a lot easier shutting down 1 player then at least 3. Klay, Curry and Kevin Durant are a little too much for San Antonio to handle. I do like the big guys of SA. But this team is far from 100% right now. Even in Leonard was 100%, he and Aldridge and Gasol would have their plates full. It is tough fading any Pop team. Especially getting double digits. But I think GS is the play in every game this series. 4* Money Maker GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS 

Taking the WARRIORS. These guys aren't skipping a beat without their coach. And the Jazz just have no answers or the right match-ups working right now. Golden State isn't a team that is saying, oh, we'll win by 28 back at home. Let's wait till then. Warriors should hold a 10pt lead most of the game and pull away for one of their typical high teens type win. 4* Money Maker GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS 

Taking the CAVS here. Thought about for a second taking the Raptors. Off b2b 20+ point losses you would think they would come out swinging this afternoon. But, back to back. They put up a good fight until falling apart in the 4th. Now they will likely be without Lowery. Last year the Cavs closed out the series by winning by 27. I will take a win by 9. 4* Money Maker CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 

Taking the ROCKETS here. Said on twitter a few days back how I thought Houston would win this series. Well, we are knotted at 1 a piece and Houston will be looking to do some damage after getting absolutely destroyed in Game 2. Ok. So both teams took bad losses in Games 1 &2. Tony Parker is now done. James Harden will look to play like the MVP candidate he was during the regular season, as he struggled a bit shooting in the first two games. I think he finds his shot, and the basket here at home. 4* Money Maker HOUSTON ROCKETS

Taking the CAVS here. These guys have a pretty good battle going on between them. Only problem is LeBron is playing against ghosts. The guy goes to the Finals seems, like every year he has been in the league. Rivalry with the Raptors? Steph Curry? The Warriors? James is the rarified air of NBA greatness. He leaves your team, you win 25 games. He arrives you win 60.  I think James and the Cavs have been playing a bit possum vs the league. This line to mean says, people will be guns blazing backing Toronto. I have to go the other wide. 4* Money Maker CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Taking the SPURS here. Have to have faith in Pop off a loss and a little rest for some of their older players. Didn't like Memphis at all this series. Thought they might take 1. They did, stealing one on the road. Spurs a talented, better coached team. SA should pull away for a close to double digit cover for us. 4* Money Maker SAN ANTONIO SPURS 

Taking the THUNDER here. I might sprinkle some ML on these guys tonight. I see +280 all the way up to +310. You get your butts handed to you and lose by 31 in the playoffs - Oh my. You damn well know that none of these guys are taking that lightly. Off that kind of loss, I expect a very close game and OKC should be in a position to win outright. 4* Money Maker OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER 

Taking the CAVS here. Do people really think Cleveland is done? King James has been to, what, 6 straight NBA Finals? He knows, and his puppet coach knows, he needs Kyrie and Love to be ready for the long haul. So they lose some games down the stretch. The Pacers are Paul George and some guys. They don't have an advantage anywhere on the floor. Get out the brooms. I will be shocked if the Cavs don't win this one by at least 15. Putting to bed any thoughts that they are in trouble. 4* Money Maker CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 

Taking GONZAGA here. I can't knock South Carolina one bit. What a run. Knocking off Baylor, Duke and Florida. Great job. But I just think Gonzaga team is playing old, we are getting no respect card here. Let's be honest. As much as everyone is shocked South Carolina here. Everyone also thought that the Zags might be caught sleeping against Mike Daum and South Dakota State. Then it was Vandy who would knock them off in Round 2. Alas, Northwestern was not up to the challenge. But oh that Press Virginia. They will beat this over-rated WCC team. This is a tough squad. Gamecocks playing with house money for sure. But this Zags bunch is very good, and I believe under-rated since they are the WCC. They are that 'mid-major' that people don't realize aren't a mid-major anymore. These guys needed a deep run for all their early departures lately, and they got it. I think Few will have the troops ready. These guys took care of business all year. In conference, and out. Do we forget them beating Arizona, Florida and Iowa State? Best teams SC beat were Michigan and Florida all year before the NCAAs. They beat a Duke team with no PG. Baylor, who underachieves like that is their championship game. And Florida again. Please. Marquette went 19-13 this year. Not a special club at all.  I think Zags win this one going away. 5* Best Bet GONZAGA 

Taking CORPUS CHRISTI here. Had these guys over MBC, and will come back here in the CTI Championship. Texas A&M CC going for their 5th win of the tournament tonight! They have already won 3 in a row on their home court and get a chance to do it again tonight. A Championship Game home puppy? Where do I sign up? Wins by 16,9 and 16 at home already in this tournament. They clearly have the best player on the floor, Rashawn Thomas. He is getting great help from 17ppg scorer Ehab Amin. As much as I like the Peacocks defense, I just think that this CC team is a pretty tough out at home (16-1). St Peter's had Furman looking foolish as they raced out to a 37-19 half-time lead. Furman hit their first FG 9 minutes into the game. This is a tough home venue that the Peacocks are coming into. I can't see them getting off to a fast start like that. 4* Money Maker TEXAS A&M CORPUS CHRISTI 

Taking WYOMING again. Backing the Cowboys for the 3rd time in this best of 3 championship series. As I said the other night. Coastal not that good on the road. Just 3 wins. So they had some time to get used to the altitude. Will they make a difference tonight? The Chanticleers were already down their 3rd leading scorer (Wiggins) coming into their conference tournament and here in the CBI. Now you add in a loss of Cyr who puts up 10ppg, but more importantly was their 2nd leading rebounder at 6.5 a game. I thought the size would be the difference maker when I wrote my Game 1 preview. And I still think it is a huge factor tonight. 4* Money Maker WYOMING 

Taking TCU here. Yep. Lost both semis taking dogs. But I will grab TCU here. Just think they are the better team. They were looking at an NCAA spot before a late fade. But they have handled themselves beating what I believe are better teams. Fact is that heading into Mississippi, Tech had won 2 road games all year. Not sold on them after getting Indiana in a defacto home game. Who didn't want anything to do with the NIT and opted to play on the road. And fired their coach after the loss. Luck into Belmont at home. They did win at Mississippi. And took care of a hot WAC team in Bakersfield. Frogs do everything just a tad bit better in my eyes. 5* Best Bet TCU HORNED FROGS 

Taking WYOMING here. Lost with these guys in Game 1. Think the led 4-2 and then the wheels fell off. A terrible showing. CC just rolled over them like a hot knife through butter. But as I see this line, I think they are begging you to take Coastal. I mean. Win by 10 and get 8? Look. I liked the Cowboys in Game 1. Maybe I should have though about the cross country flight more. And now they are making it again to come home. But they will clearly have a big edge as CC isn't familiar with the altitude. Cowboys went 17-3 at home. CC 3-10 on the road, beating Texas State, Arkansas Little Rock and South Alabama. 2 of those were sub .500 programs. Championship Game, at home, do or die. Give me the home team. 4* Money Maker WYOMING COWBOYS 

Taking CORPUS CHRISTI here. Will grab the small pups here. These guys went 25-8 a year ago an lost in the CIT, dropping their opening to UL Lafayette by 24. After dropping 2 straight conference tournaments, I think that it is safe to say that senior F Rashawn Thomas is on a mission. After scoring 22 ppg, he has upped his play going for 26,29 and 31 in this tournaments 3 games so far. To go along with 16,8, and 9 boards. Thomas and G Ehab Amin have been pacing the Islanders this tournament. I know that MBC can put up the points (82ppg). Just think that A&M CC has a bit more to prove. 4* Money Maker TEXAS A&M CC 

Taking CENTRAL FLORIDA here. It is easy to take an ACC and Big 12 fave to reach the NIT Final, especially with these short numbers. But again, I am liking the dog here. I had Illinois State and UCF climbed out of an 18pt hole to win. On the road. It was Ill State's only home loss of the year. Defense baby. That is what I think will push them over the top here tonight. 4* Money Maker CENTRAL FLORIDA 

Taking CAL BAKERSFIELD here. Have to ride this team. Heck. I didn't like them their last 2 games. I thought all the travel, playing on the road, and hot shooting would eventually come to an end. But you get the whole, team of destiny feel coming from the Roadrunners. GT obviously out of a stronger conference, and has beaten superior teams. But the line tells me that even though Tech has wins North Carolina, Florida State and Notre Dame. Bakersfield was WAC Champ this year and won the WAC Tourney last year. A nice veteran group that should shock an ACC team tonight. Bakersfield will not be a pushover. Dog it up at MSG. 4* Money Maker CAL BAKERSFIELD 

Taking WYOMING here. Just think the Cowboys are a little better. I think that Coastal is going to have some problems matching up with the size of Wyoming. Cowboys have run a lot of guys at you. A guy who is scoring 1.7ppg played 13 minutes last game! And he's also a 6'8 big which helps us on the glass. In a close road game like this. I like rebounding and FT shooting. Cowboys have the edge there in my eyes. 4* Money Maker WYOMING 

Taking KENTUCKY here. Had these guys Friday night, and will come back on them today. Just think they match-up well. We saw NC have some problems with Arkansas, and the Wildcats are a tad bit better. We know that Berry isn't 100%. Fox and Monk just went off for 60 vs UCLA. This good be a big problem for the 'Heels. 4* Money Maker KENTUCKY 

Taking TEXAS A&M CC here. Not making the same mistake I made with Wisconsin going ML with a short number. That was a terrible way to go down after battling back and taking a nice lead in OT. That being said, let's move to the Islanders here. As much as I like Ft Wayne earlier this year, especially that win at Indiana, I think we saw how these worked out. Mastodons, I thought, were going to be an easy conference winner. They struggled (8-9). Like this big kid Thomas for A&M.  He has been playing great, and will be a tough match-up for anyone on Ft Wayne. 4* Money Maker TEXAS A&M CC 

Taking OREGON here. If I was over .500 for this tournament I would be all in ML on this game. I just can't get a good rhythm going here in NCAA action. Conference tournaments. Winners with my eyes closed. These last 2 weekends have been tough, and I don't force big plays. Have to chip away and that is what we are doing. Like the Ducks though. I think they have the guys to really get this Kansas team in trouble. Think Brooks is a good match-up on Jackson. Kansas shy on inside depth. Like Bell to be the 'X' factor tonight. I think he gets a huge double /double and the Ducks quack into the Final Four. 4* Money Maker OREGON DUCKS 

Taking XAVIER here. Well. I didn't think these guys would get past last week. So maybe I am late to the party. You can say they are due for a let down. But each game they have surpassed the amazing of the game before. No way I can trust the Zags to finally have a complete game. They have cost me the last 2 games. This is a big nut against a team that is clearly have an amazing March run. Gonzaga has been in dog fights and all X has done is rattle off a 9-0 run to win their last game over a 1 seed and blitz a 3 seed in Florida State the game before. Have to take the dogs. 4* Money Maker XAVIER 

Taking ST PETERS here. Like this little MAAC squad. I think they do the little things, just a tad better than State. FT, boards, 3pt shooting and defense. Well, both bring pretty good D's do the floor this afternoon. But I think Peacocks in the better conference and had the better non-conference schedule. In a coin flip like this, have to go with what I have seen of St Peter's in their tournament. 4* Money Maker ST PETERS 

Taking BAYLOR here. I get Baylor was on a 5-5 run heading into the Big 12 Tourney and promptly lost to Kansas State. But that was then. They notched an easy win over New Mexico State. Then had to battle USC to the wire. I mean. I clearly remember these guys the #1 team in the land when I unload on West Virginia giving them 5 when the Bears came to visit. (we won that big play $) - The guys lost to tournament teams Kansas, Kansas State, West Virginia and Oklahoma State. Their worse loss was a 6 point road game at TCU. Which doesn't look all that bad since TCU is at MSG for the NIT quarter-finals. I am not anywhere near sold on South Carolina. So they beat Duke. I had Duke! - But prior to beating the NCAAs, want to know how many tournament teams they beat. 3 - Vermont - Michigan, in November, Wolverines shot 19% from the field, 7% from 3! - and Florida off an OT game. All at home. South Carolina playing with house money for sure. But I can only see them coming down after that win over Duke. The coach was crying after the game! A 2nd round game!! Give me the Bears. 10* Money Bomb BAYLOR BEARS 

Taking ARIZONA. Tough to lay these points, but I just think the depth of Xavier will be the downfall tonight. Wildcats are a very good team, you see the number we are laying. I will tell you I thought that Florida State was going to roll over these guys. And boy was I wrong. So we get Sean Miller facing his old program. He took X to the NCAAs in 4 straight years including the Elite 8 and Sweet Sixteen his last 2. He faces his former assistant in Chris Mack. Safe to say, these guys probably know each others' tendencies pretty well. But this isn't a regular season game in December. This is for an Elite 8 spot. Arizona was bounced in the 1st round last year. No way they play like a 'friend.' They need a win. And I think their depth and length will outlast the guts of X. I know that Xavier has put together a nice little run, but that ends tonight. 5* Best Bet ARIZONA 

Taking GONZAGA here. Back to the scene of the crime. These guys blew a 20pt lead for us against Northwestern. But we aren't laying anywhere near close to double digits today. I will be the first to agree with people who say the Zags haven't done much in the NCAAs. And I have cashed several times with West Va this year. But I just don't like this match-up. Yes, 'Press Virginia' generates turnovers. But the Zags turn it over what, 10, 11 times a game. They can handle the ball. I want to know how are the Mountaineers scoring? I think they will have trouble with the bigs inside from Gonzaga. And I don't expect to be reigning 3s at a 54% clip like they have the first 2 rounds. One, for the year they were at 37%. And 2. The Zags play defense. They give up nearly 7 less ppg than West Va. I think this group gets a bad wrap. But they have beat all comers. Florida, Arizona, Iowa State, St Mary's 3 times. With just 1 of those game (St Mary's) at home. Rare we get a 1 seed with the disrespect card, but I think the Zags are using that this tournament. 4* Money Maker GONZAGA 

Taking ARLINGTON here. Again, back on these guys for the 3rd time in NIT action. Cashed them both as Best Bets last time, but will pull back a bit here. This Bakersfield team is shooting lights out. 10-13 from 3pt at one point at Colorado State as they raced to a 20pt lead (I had CSU) and finished 11-19 (59%). That was on the heels of squashing Cal 44-19 in the first half of their game Berkley. Safe to say, the Mavericks have to keep the Roadrunners in check early. So. I know that we lost last night with Ole Miss as Georgia Tech came away with the outright win. But again. It is tough to like road teams in this tournament. 3rd straight road game for CSB. And it is tough to not take points with a team that is shooting this well. I just have liked this Arlington team all year and  will have to lay it at home. 4* Money Maker TEXAS ARLINGTON 

Taking ILL-CHI here. Part of me wants to go +150 ML here, but we have been up and down the last week, so we will keep with the points. Coastal out of the Sun Belt really hasn't impressed me. 5 of their 10 conference wins came from the teams below them in the standings. Think the Horizon was a better league, and we had cashed with Ill-Chi a couple times already this year. They are young team, but are playing well right now. They knocked off a pretty decent Stony Brook team that went 12-4 in America East play. GW had 20 wins and won the NIT last year. Those 2 teams in my eyes better than Hampton, and Loyola MD. Both a pair of sub .500 clubs. 4* Money Maker ILLINOIS CHICAGO 

Taking MISSISSIPPI here. We had Georgia Tech as a nice home puppy when the knocked off Indiana. But we will fade away here. GT after beating the Hoosiers who then fired their coach, were obviously a team in turmoil. They then beat Belmont, who were probably riding high from knocking out Georgia. Now they go on the road, a place where they are 2-10 this year, to face SEC Ole Miss. The same Mississippi team that went into Syracuse and beat the Orange 85-80, while GT ended their regular season in the Dome getting trucked 90-61. The closest road losses - a 4pt loss at ND and 1pt loss at VT. Tech won by 3 in OT at VCU and beat NC State (another team that fired its coach). I can't trust them to hang here. Rebels beat Sweet 16 South Carolina to end their season. Beat MizzU in the SEC Tourney. Lost a 1pt game to Arkansas. Went on the road and beat a decent Monmouth and the aforementioned Syracuse squads. GT a middle of a road team at best, that plays poorly on the road. I look for Ole Miss to pack their bags for MSG. 5* Best Bet MISSISSIPPI 

Taking COLORADO STATE here. Had these guys over Charleston and they delivered nicely for us. Have to say. You gotta be impressed with the way this team has responded since mid-January. They just win games. 2 losses to Nevada a 3pt loss to Boise since then. Hey. I am happy for Bakersfield. But you and I both know they shot the moon by beating Cal on the road. They were up 44-19 at the half and coasted to a 7pt win. Not sure how they handle the elevation here either. And. They have 1 guy who hits FTs. Give me the Rams. 4* Money Maker COLORADO STATE

Taking ARLINGTON here. We had these guys as a big play in their win over BYU. Of course we are playing them at home. But we also lost a play on Houston. So I am not sure what we get out of Akron here. I thought they would mail it in after not getting into the NCAAs. Still have to go on the Mavericks. They now have some nice road wins over BYU, St Mary's and Texas. I said in their conference tournament they are a tough out. Holds true today. 5* Best Bet TEXAS ARLINGTON 

Taking ILLINOIS STATE here. Have to lay it vs Central Florida. I just think that the Redbirds are one of those teams with a lot to prove. They lost in to Wichita in the MVC finals. They were the top seed there. They had a great conference run. I think they really have the proverbial chip on the shoulder. For what it's worth, we do have a common foe in Tulsa. Illinois State lost on the road by 2 back in non-conference play. While UCF lost on the road to them by 11, but beat them by 18 at home. Side note - Should be an interesting match-up when 7'6 Taco Fall faces 7'1 Daouda Ndiaye. Just a couple guys from Dakar shooting hoops! What the heck is in the water there? 4* Money Maker ILLINOIS STATE 

Taking DUKE here. Just think they are the more athletic bunch. If this was a regular season game, maybe Coach K would call off the dogs a bit. But a team on a Final Four march. Well, not so much. I just can't see SC getting enough stops to pull this out. Blue Devils look to be peaking at right time. 4* Money Maker DUKE