I'm laying the points with Gonzaga on Saturday.  Sindarius Thornwell and the Gamecocks have set the tone in the second half of their Big Dance tilts, forcing a physical style of play, while playing scramble defense and forcing teams out of their offensive comfort zone.  But it's Gonzaga who I believe will set the tone tonight.  The Bulldogs have great backcourt players, led by Nigel Williams-Goss, but they want every possession to go through the low post and that's something South Carolina hasn't faced at the level they'll see on Saturday.  I do believe it'll take the Gamecocks out of their comfort zone and the last time that happened, SC lost 64-53 to Alabama in the SEC tourney.  Gonzaga heads into this one on a 13-3 ATS run against teams that outscore their opponents by at least four ppg, and they're on a 16-4-2 ATS run against teams playing better than .600 basketball on the season.  I like the evolution of Mark Few's coaching and Gonzaga's style of play over the last few years and I'm betting it pays off here.  I'm laying the points with Gonzaga, my Knockout on Saturday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with UCF, my Tuesday Knockout.  The Golden Knights have been shocking opponents with their defensive prowess and we expect more of the same tonight.  UCF ranks 1st in the nation, holding teams to 36.3% shooting, including 22nd defending the trey.  They've stayed true to form in the NIT, holding their three opponents to 36.8% shooting, including 32.2% from behind the arc.  UCF has also owned the glass, averaging nine more rebounds than they allow in the tournament.  UCF enters on a 7-1 ATS run against teams with a winning record and they're on a 14-6 ATS run in non-conference action, while the Horned Frogs are on a 4-10 ATS slide against teams playing better than .600 basketball.  It's been a terrific first season for Jamie Dixon at TCU, but we're betting it comes to an end tonight due to another strong defensive effort from the Knights. We're taking the points with Central Florida, our NIT Knockout.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Florida on Sunday, my Beatdown.  The Gamecocks ruined our Friday when they whipped Baylor.  But they will now face a championship-caliber Gator squad that will not be surprised by anything Carolina attempts, and won't be pushed around by their physical play. The teams split the regular season tilts with SC winning 57-53 at home and Florida taking the rematch, 81-66 in Gainesville.  While SC won the first meeting, it should be noted the Gators made just 15 of 28 FTA and miss all 17 3-point attempts, yet only lost by four points.  The Gators held SC to 37 of 107, 34.6% shooting, including 7 of 27, 26% 3-pointers in the two games, combined.  UF took an approach of making sure no one outside of Sindarius Thornwell would have a big game.  Take Thornwell's stats out of the two meetings and the rest of the team made just 26 of 84, 30.9% of their FGA.  I expect more of the same in this one and another UF win and cover. I also expect the Gators to force SC into committing turnovers.  They held the Gamecocks to 16 assists with 30 turnovers in this season's meetings. And while the Gators are on a 15-5-1 ATS run as chalk of less than seven points, the Gamecocks finished the regular season and conf tourney on a 1-9 ATS conference slide.  I'm laying the points with Florida, my Sunday Beatdown.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with UMBC in Sunday's CIT action.  This one offers a matchup of opposing styles with UMBC looking to utilize their speed and force an uptempo, high scoring contest, while Liberty wants a deliberate approach and would be quite happy with a "first team to 60" result.  But there are two issues for Liberty.  While they have held their last five opponents to 57 ppg, it's not due to great defensive play, but instead because they slow down the tempo when they are in possession of the basketball.  Liberty has allowed their last five opponents to make 46% of their FGA.  You'll also see their defensive numbers in road action has not been nearly as stingy, allowing hosts to score 70 ppg on the season.  The Flames have taken 50% of their shots from behind the arc over the last five games, making just 31% of their attempts.  Numerous missed treys means a speedy team like UMBC can convert some key buckets off long rebounds.  The Retrievers average about 85 ppg at home.  They already forced Fairfield into playing a faster tempo this postseason and I expect more of the same here.  I'm laying the points with UMBC, my Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

We're laying the points with Furman on Saturday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Baylor on Friday night.  South Carolina has surprised many by getting this far, but I'm betting the run comes to an end tonight at MSG.  The Gamecocks didn't shoot well all season and in fact, rank 299th in the nation in FG percentage. But USC shot lights-out against Maryland and made 71% of their shots in the second half of the win over Duke, after making just 7 of 35 shots in the opening 20 minutes.  South Carolina scored 63 points over the final 17+ minutes of game time after trailing 35-25 to the Blue Devils early in the second half.  USC was able to knock their first two Big Dance opponents around and I doubt they'll be able to do the same tonight.  Baylor has size.  Al Freeman is a decent-sized guard.  Jake Lindsey is a big guard who'll get 20+ minutes tonight.  The Bears are a team that can take South Carolina's physical style of play and won't back-off in the second half.  The Bears also have three players with more than 100 assists on the season a definite advantage in creating shots at the offensive end.  And as far as USC's sudden hot shooting goes, Baylor ranks 22nd in the nation, holding teams to 40.4% shooting.  The Gamecocks are on a 1-7 ATS slide against teams that allow no more than 42% shooting on the season.  Since Frank Martin took the gig, the Gamecocks are 4-19 ATS when facing a team that out-rebounds their opponents by at least 4 per game during the second half of the season (15 game mark).  And finally, Baylor is on a 7-2 ATS run in non-conference contests. I'm laying the points with Baylor, my KO GOM.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Purdue on Thursday night.  We feel Bill Self's first real run playing "small ball" has met its match.  Purdue is big and have the bodies to harass the Jayhawks' smaller players. KU's guards want to drive the paint, but Purdue has a pair of 7-footers to deny.  The Boilermakers dominated a small-ish Iowa State team on the glass and we expect more of the same in this one, along with strong looks in the paint on the offensive end.  Purdue enters on a 22-8 ATS run in non-conference action and the Big-10 has certainly represented themselves well.  Meanwhile, the Jayhawks have covered just seven of their last 23 against the physical Big-10 and they're on a 2-6-1 ATS slide as chalk of less than seven points.  We had KU on Sunday and while the final score of 90-70 over Mich State looks like a blowout on paper, it certainly wasn't until the final minutes.  It was a four point game midway through the second half and a six point game with about six minutes left.  Look for Purdue to take advantage of their size.  I'm grabbing the points with the Boilermakers, my Main Event.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing Michigan, my Main Event. The Wolverines are taking care of business by not turning the ball over, shooting nearly 50%, and keeping opponents possessions per game at a minimum. We also feel this is the game and matchup where the Ducks will miss Chris Boucher.  The Wolverines have big bodies who will force guys like Jordan Bell to defend the perimeter, not just in the paint.  And U-M doesn't allow many open looks at the other end on the deep perimeter, denying players the ball.  After stealing a win from the jaws of defeat thanks to URI's inability to close out, I expect the Ducks to bow out here.  Oregon is on a 1-5 ATS slide against teams with a winning record, while the Wolverines are on a 6-1 spread run, overall, and they're 7-1 ATS in their last eight neutral site games.  They're doing everything well and I expect it to continue.  I'm backing Michigan, my Main Event.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

Late release on Ole Miss minus the points.  Thanks & GL!  Scott.

I'm taking the points with Richmond, my NIT KO on Tuesday.  Winning games by margin has not been a common trend for TCU and they're laying around four baskets in this one.  TCU is 10-13 SU in 2017 (including the postseason) and just two of the 10 wins came by more than seven points. In fact, their average margin of victory is just 6.6 ppg.  These two teams, with home/road stats as the measure, are quite close on the defensive end.  However, Richmond is spectacular defending the trey on the road, holding hosts to 29.6% 3-point shooting and both teams average about seven steals per game.  Richmond has been outstanding on the offensive end on the road, making 48% of their shots, while averaging 17 apg.  We also expect TCU to have some trouble with T.J. Cline (18.1 ppg & 7.8 rpg) and ShawnDre' Jones (17 ppg).  The two have also combined for 322 assists on the season.  TCU overcame the loss of Jaylen Fisher against Iowa.  But while they won 94-92 in OT, the difference in the game came at the FT line where Iowa made just 8 of 19 in the close loss.  I do believe TCU will miss Fisher's assists tonight, leaving Alex Robinson to do most of the "dishing" himself. TCU enters on a 4-12 ATS slide against teams with a winning record and they're 1-4 ATS in their last five as home chalk.  Meanwhile, the Spiders are on a 6-2-1 ATS run as a road underdog.  I'm taking the points with Richmond, my KO on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.  It's nitty-gritty time for the Mavs as they have fallen 3 1/2 games out of 8th place in the Western Conference standings.  But they're in a strong spot today.  In fact, while we're not big ATS situation bettors, today's spots are hard to ignore and we'll list a few.  Dallas is off a rock-bottom, 116-74 loss to the 76ers last time out. Both Rick Carlisle and Dirk Nowitzki spoke about how badly players and coaches performed, with adjectives flying.  I expect a bounce back, refocused effort today.  Dallas is actually 28-11 ATS under Carlisle when they're off a road loss by at least 20 points.  They're also on an 8-2 ATS run off a loss by 11 or more.  The Mavs beat Brooklyn 105-96 just nine days ago, falling short of covering as a 10-point favorite.  While this one is on the road, the line is much cheaper in the rematch and we note the Nets have been horrible ATS at home for the most part.  NBA teams in general have covered just 19 of their last 69 off a cover as a dog in a game they lost outright, provided they're facing an opponent off a double digit loss as a road favorite.  One final note: while Brooklyn has been playing better of late, they have been busy. This marks their 8th game in 14 days and the Nets have covered just nine of their last 36 in this spot, losing by an average score of 111-101.  The Nets have also allowed a hefty 114 ppg in their last 31 in revenge of a road loss. I'm backing Dallas minus the points, my Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Florida State on Saturday.  We have the Seminoles power rated a solid 2.5 points higher than the line, which is a big deal over the course of a season for us.  No Edmond Sumner was no problem for Xavier on Thursday, but much of that had to do with yet another Maryland meltdown, the second time for the Terps in as many games.  Xavier actually trailed by six in the second half.  Florida State is loaded with Final Four talent, they just need to perform.  They have the shooters, defenders, the right type of depth, and one of our favorite playmakers in Xavier Rathan-Mayes. The Musketeers enter on a 4-9 ATS slide when getting points and they're 5-11 ATS against teams with a winning record.  I'm laying the points with Florida State, our Smackdown on Saturday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing Marquette on Friday night. We have the Golden Eagles power rated a couple of points off the number and we also like the fact that Luke Fischer has been upgraded to probable.  Five Marquette players average in double digits in scoring and the team averages 83 ppg.  We liked the way South Carolina was playing on the defensive end earlier this season than they have of late and we expect Marquette to be able to "can" their deep shots.  SC star Sindarius Thornwell has been overworked and may find the matchups tough in this one.  We're backing Marquette to capture the win.  We have a Marquette team that's covered four straight against the SEC, while SC has dropped nine of their last 10 ATS, overall.  I'm backing Marquette, my Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing Rhode Island, my Friday Shocker.  The Creighton Blue Jays were 18-1 with Mo Watson, Jr., running the point.  They're 7-8 since his injury and I don't believe they'll get passed the Rams.  While they have a couple of upperclassmen to handle the ball at times, the Jays are also relying on younger players to replace Watson and they're falling short of the one-time POY candidate's abilities.  CU's issues are magnified against URI's backcourt led by E.C. Matthews, the best guard on the floor in today's tilt.  Matthews could stand to create more shots for others, but he and Jared Terrell offer too much for the Watson-less backcourt to handle.  I do like Jays' leading scorer Marcus Foster for the most part, but when things aren't going perfectly, the Kansas State-transfer tends to take too many shots too early in the clock and he can blow cold, harming his team in key situations.  All of these factors add up to a Rhode Island win on Friday.  I'm backing Rhode Island, my Shocker.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Virginia Tech, my DogPound release.  Buzz Williams is doing a fine job in Blacksburg, including picking up big-time wins this season against teams at and above Wisconsin's level.  Despite a couple of injuries earlier this season, Va Tech still has five players averaging 9.5 ppg or more.  They love the trey, making 40% of their attempts on the season and that's one of our solid reasons for this play.  Va Tech not only makes 50% of their FGA away from home, but they also have made 42% of their 3-pointers.  Wisconsin's Achilles heel is deep perimeter defense, where they have allowed teams to make 43% of their 3-pointers away from home, which is even worse than their 311th-ranked 3-point defense, overall. The Badgers' poor play on the defensive end was their undoing against Michigan last weekend.  Obviously, this is a neutral site game, but that gives you an idea of what the Badgers have done outside of Madison. Va Tech has been money when getting points, currently on a 23-7 ATS underdog run and they're 7-1-1 ATS in their last nine against teams with a winning record.  Considering Wiscy's defensive troubles and the fact Va Tech has several "outs," led by Zach LeDay, we believe the underdog is going to leave the floor with a win.  Our play is to grab the points with Virginia Tech, our DogPound release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with SMC on Thursday, my KO release.  We've been spot-on with SMC, playing on the Gaels when they rocked BYU in the WCC tourney and we played against them when they got rocked by Gonzaga.  While we respect VCU, they certainly don't give SMC the matchup problems the Zags did. And we note SMC is 28-1 against teams not from Spokane.  SMC is big where they need to be big, should deny anything inside, and VCU can't shoot the trey. Offensively, the Gaels have a pair of players, each with more than 180 assists on the season.  SMC is on a 35-17-2 ATS run as a favorite of less than seven points, while VCU is 0-4 ATS as a dog in the same line range. After playing against the Gaels last time out, we're back on them on Thursday. I'm laying the points with St. Mary's, my Knockout.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Iowa Hawkeyes, my Wednesday KO.  South Dakota won the Summit League regular season title, but fell short in the tournament in a tough loss to South Dakota State. The Coyotes obviously played well in conference action, but things got a little ugly when stepping up in level of competition before league play began.  South Dakota lost to Houston, Nebraska, and Gonzaga by an average margin of 25 ppg.  The problem is defense, or lack thereof.  The Coyotes lost just 11 games all season, but allowed 81 ppg in the losses.  They want to run, which plays right into Iowa's desired pace.  The Hawkeyes average 86 ppg in Iowa City and 37% of their shot attempts are taken from behind the arc.  That's an important note because South Dakota allowed their hosts to make 40% of their 3-point attempts this season, giving up an average of 27 ppg.  At home, Iowa is a bit better on the glass than USD is on the road, and the Hawkeyes average almomst 19 apg with a decent 1.39 assists/turnovers ratio.  Iowa also has Peter Jok on their side and the Coyotes have no one to matchup with him.  Iowa has owned non-conference visitors under Fran McCaffrey, (25-13 ATS), outscoring the last 38 teams by an average of 83-62.  Our final concern, especially with NIT home chalk, is a team's motivation.  Iowa is ticked-off at the selection committee leaving them on the outside of the Dance and McCaffrey knows what it takes to motivate a team in this tourney, reaching the NIT Final in 2013.  We're laying the points with Iowa, our KO on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Colorado State, our Tuesday KO.  Two years ago, the Rams fell just short of a Big Dance invite and then fell to South Dakota State in the opening round, ending a 27 win season.  Last year, Rams' players and Larry Eustachy declined a postseason invite.  But after falling short in the MWC to Nevada, Eustachy says he wants to coach this Rams' version as long as possible and players like Gian Clavell, who was on the 2015 team, has stated he can't wait for the chance to atone for the NIT the loss to SDSU.  We know the Rams are motivated to be here. Charleston also just missed the Big Dance, falling to UNCW, unable to overcome the Seahawks' 53% shooting night.  Charleston doesn't shoot well and has their issues on the glass.  They'll face a good rebounding team on their home floor and a Rams' squad that holds guests to 40.9% shooting.  CSU owns the better depth on the offensive end and the best player on the floor in Clavell, who averages over 20 ppg and 6.1 rpg.  And while the Rams are on a 6-1 ATS run off a SU loss, the Cougars have dropped five in a row ATS when getting less than seven points.  I'm laying the points with Colorado State, my Tuesday KO.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing Troy on Sunday, our KO release.  When teams sweep a season series like Texas State did over Troy this season, I'll tend to look at the team that's going for a third straight win before making a move.  However, that's only if that team controlled both games.  That wasn't the case when these teams met this season.  Both were closely fought games and either team could have won either game, it just so happens TSU finished in the win column. But we like the way Troy is playing and the fact they're the better squad on the offensive end.  The Trojans also enter on a 13-4 ATS run against teams with a winning record and an 8-2 ATS run if those teams were playing better than .600 basketball, as TSU is doing. Texas State has not been a good dog, dropping four of the last five ATS and we'll back the short favorite in this one.  I'm backing Troy, my KO.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with San Diego State on Friday night.  We felt the 21 point deficit to UNLV in the tourney opener and the fact the Aztecs came all the way back to win the game was a jolt to the SDSU system.  In fact, if you want to break it down this way, the Aztecs are now on a 131-81 run in their last game-plus since trailing by 21 points.  They own the matchups in this one and are playing better offensive basketball than they were when they lost the two regular season meetings by one point in each game.  CSU certainly swept, but didn't come close to dominating either game.  SDSU led both games by double digits at the half, but couldn't hold either lead.  But in their last five games, the Aztecs have held opponents to 33.9% shooting, including 26.3% from behind the arc, while owning a +13.5 rebound margin per game in their last four.  Combine the defensive play with an uptick on the offensive end and we believe SDSU is the side tonight.  SDSU is 3-0-1 against teams playing better than .600 basketball, while the Rams are on an 8-23 ATS slide as a dog of less than seven points.  I'm laying the points with San Diego State, my KO release. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with UTEP, my Shocker on Friday.  Tim Floyd has done an amazing job turning this team around mid-season and they have now covered 14 straight games, including a 7-0 ATS run against teams playing better than .600 basketball on the season.  UTEP has also won 12 of their last 15 SU.  MTSU is a hot basketball team also, but the line is too steep in our opinion with our power ratings sitting 3 points lower than the books hung.  UTEP shoots well, (47%), and also takes care of business on the defensive end.  The teams are well matched and in fact, UTEP beat MTSU 57-54 in early February. We feel we'll see another relatively low scoring game with both teams paying attention to the defensive end, making the nine points worth taking.  I'm grabbing the points with UTEP, my Early Shocker on Friday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Baylor, my Beatdown release in the Big-12.  These teams split the regular season series with each team winning on the other's home floor.  The Bears won 77-68 as short chalk in Manhattan, having little trouble shooting the ball over Kansas State defenders.  K-State returned the favor in a 56-54 win in Waco in early February, but the situation was not too easy for the Bears.  Baylor was off a tough loss to Kansas, coming close to upsetting the Jayhawks at Phog Allen Fieldhouse.  You could see right from the start in the loss to the Wildcats that they were flat and emotionally drained off the KU defeat.  But the teams are on equal playing ground for this one and we believe Baylor's size and athleticism on the defensive end will propel them to a spread covering win.  K-State is horrible defensively on the deep perimeter and we'll be surprised if Baylor doesn't put up similar numbers to the first meeting of the season.  The Bears are on a 7-2 ATS run as a favorite of less than seven points and they're also 7-2 ATS as neutral court chalk.  Baylor has won four of the last five meetings, winning by an average margin of 13 ppg. I'm laying the points with Baylor, my Big-12 Beatdown.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm adding a late release on UC-Riverside plus the points on Thursday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott.

I'm taking the points with CS-Northridge, my DogPound play on Thursday afternoon.  These teams split the season series with CSUN winning by five in Fullerton, while CSUF won by eight at Northridge.  In fact, Fullerton's win was the most recent game for both teams.  And we note that teams in revenge in their conf tourney opener have been "money" if both team's most recent game was against each other.  The team off the SU/ATS loss has cashed at a 58% clip the last 120 times. However, if the matchups and power ratings didn't fit, I wouldn't make the play.  The fact is, my power ratings have CSUN as the short favorite, while the books have made them the underdog. CSUF has not fared well off a conference road win, covering just 15 of the last 49 times. CSUN has won four of the last five meetings SU/ATS and they're on a 12-3 ATS run in the last 15 meetings. I'm grabbing the points with CS-Northridge, my DogPound release.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm grabbing the points with Lehigh, my Top Shocker on Wednesday.  The Lehigh Mountain Hawks won both of this season's meetings and by decent margins, including an 82-71 win at Bucknell. Lehigh has four players averaging in double digits in points scored per game and Tim Kempton leads the way averaging 20.4 ppg, while pulling down 10.1 rpg.  The Bison have had no answer for Kempton and Austin Price this season.  The two combined to average 42.5 ppg & 14 rpg in the two meetings.  As a team, Lehigh made 55 of 117, 47% of their FGA against Bucknell, including 19 of 36 3-pointers.  They also out-rebounded the Bison 73-58.  Lehigh held Bucknell to 41.5% shooting, including just 13 of 36 from behind the arc.  As you can see, Lehigh owned significant advantages in this season's meetings and we expect more of the same.  Lehigh ranks 27th in the nation in FG percentage, 23rd from behind the arc, and made 78.1% of their FTA. We like them as a dog in this one.  I'm taking the points with Lehigh, my Top Shocker on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Arizona State, my Main Event on Wednesday.  The Sun Devils won both of this season's matchups, and while they weren't blowouts, we feel they shouldn't be getting points.  If anyone can get the program on track it's Bobby Hurley and even Arizona coach Sean Miller praised the job he's doing this past weekend. ASU has four players averaging over 12 ppg and a fifth player averages 9 ppg. Torian Graham and Tra Holder are two of the better offensive players in the Pac-12 and Kodi Justice has caught fire of late.  Meanwhile, Shannon Evans is the best disher on the floor.  The Sun Devils should have more success today after nailing 44.5% of their 3-pointers in the two wins over Stanford this season.  The Cardinal are one of the worst defensive teams on the deep perimeter.  They've allowed teams to make 42.2% of their treys when Stanford plays away from home and 47% of their FGA.  Meanwhile, the Cardinal have made less than 40% of their own FGA in those games, including just 28.5% from behind the arc.  Neither team is going to scare people on the defensive end, but the Sun Devils are the much better offensive team.  ASU enters on a 9-1-1 ATS run off a SU loss.  They're also 5-1 ATS off a double digit home loss and the Devils are on a 4-0-1 ATS run in the series. I'm taking the points with Arizona State, my Main Event.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Gonzaga on Tuesday night, my KO release.  We had SMC last night and wrote about their head-to-head matchup advantages over BYU and that we thought they'd come through for a third straight time this season.  Tonight, the advantages go against SMC.  Gonzaga had little trouble in both meetings this season and have a clear advantage in the backcourt.  If the Gonzaga guards take care of business like they should, we believe they'll gain the season sweep, cover the spread, and win the WCC tourney.  SMC is known for their defensive play, but the Bulldogs are dominant on the defensive end, also, and own the better offensive players, overall. SMC enters on a 0-4 ATS slide as an underdog, while the Bulldogs are on a 14-3-1 ATS run against teams playing better than .600 basketball. Gonzaga has won 11 of the last 13 meetings SU.  They have covered 11 of the last 12, and their last 10 wins over SMC came by an average of 17 ppg. We'll lay the points with Gonzaga, my Tuesday KO.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with St. Mary's on Monday night.  The Gaels easily swept the season series, winning by 13 points in both games.  Matchups are greatly in their favor as we saw in the two meetings and it really is up to the Gaels to exploit the matchup advantages.  No reason to think the players won't respond again.  SMC has made nearly 40% of their 3-pointers against BYU this season, due in part to their bigs being able to step outside. BYU can't collapse inside because of the Gaels 25th-ranked 3-point shooting, which allows SMC to do damage in the paint when needed.  The Cougars were never in either of this season's meetings, even trailing by double digits at the half in Provo and by as many as 25 points during the second half.  One of the amazing stats is that SMC dominated both games while attempting just 14 free throws in each game.  The Gaels enter on a 7-1 ATS run when laying 7 to 12.5 points, while the Cougars are on a 6-18-2 ATS slide as a dog in the same spread range.  BYU has covered just four of their last 29 as a neutral court dog.  Finally, the chalk in this series has not only won, but covered six straight.  I'm laying the points with St. Mary's, my Monday KO. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Wisconsin on Sunday, my Knockout Blowout.  The Gophers have been red-hot of late, while the Badgers have slipped a bit, but we like the Badgers to bounce back here.  Wiscy enters on a 20-2 SU run at home, including 14-2 this season. They're nasty on the defensive end on their home floor, holding teams to 56 ppg on 38% shooting, while allowing just 20 made FGs per game.  The Badgers average 22 FTA per game, while their guests average just 12 per game and Wisconsin has forced opponents into a 0.65 assists/turnovers ratio.  They also pull down 11 more rebounds per game than they allow.  Minnesota is upside down on the glass on the road where they're making just 41.6% of their FGA.  The Gophers have covered just three of their last 21 as a road dog of less than seven points, while the Badgers enter on 5-1 ATS run at home when laying less than seven points and they're 4-0 ATS at home against teams with a winning road record.  I'm laying the points with Wisconsin, my KO on Sunday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with North Dakota on Saturday afternoon.  When these teams met in late December, North Dakota was just a one-point dog, but got crushed 99-62.  Talk about a wake-up call.  Since the loss, ND is on a 13-3 SU (11-5 ATS) run. The Fighting Hawks committed 26 turnovers in the loss and made just 4 of 18 3-pointers. The Hawks never got off the bus.  But they enter this one making nearly half their shots at home, including 39% of their 3-pointers, averaging 81 ppg. ND forces 14.4 tpg, while allowing just 10.4 apg.  Quinton Hooker & Geno Crandall are strong dishers and six players average more than 8 ppg.  ND will face a Portland squad that nailed 39 of 69 shots, including 13 of 28 treys in the 37-point win.  That's not likely to happen again, obviously, and they allow 88 ppg on the road on 50.4% shooting and 40% from behind the arc. PSU is also minus-5 per game in rebound margin away from home.  ND enters on a 10-4 ATS run, including 6-1 ATS at home.  I'm laying the points with North Dakota, my Revenge Wipeout GOM.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Texas on Saturday afternoon. The season certainly hasn't gone as planned for the Longhorns, but we like their situation in their home finale.  Texas is catching Baylor off a big home win over West Virginia, but on a 4-5 SU slide.  They enter this one on a 3-9 ATS slide as chalk.  Baylor may not have Manu Lecomte (ankle) for this one. Lecomte is the team's second leading scorer and best assists man.  However, this is a play whether Lecomte plays or not.  As a team, Baylor allows hosts a 1.52 assists-turnovers ratio. Meanwhile, Texas holds guests to 67 ppg on 41% shooting, including 29% from behind the arc.  Back to assists...Texas has the best two dishers on the floor with Andrew Jones & Kerwin Roach combining for 215 assists on the season.  We expect an upset in this one and we're taking the points with Texas, our Big-12 DogPound GOM.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Colorado, my Afternoon Annihilator on Saturday. We got what we hoped for when the Buffaloes won on Thursday night.  The Buffs believe a Big Dance berth is possible with a 20 win campaign.  After the win on Thursday and if they win this one, they'll need two more in the conference tourney to hit 20.  CU heads into this one on a 15-6 ATS run as a favorite of less than seven points and they're on a 6-1 ATS run at home against Cal.  Colorado shoots well at home where they average 26 FTA per game, while Cal averages just 15.9 FTA per road game.  The Buffaloes are also in revenge of a 77-66 loss.  CU was in a tough spot, off back-to-back outright underdog wins, including a win over Oregon.  Cal doesn't shoot well on the road and have just one win in their last five games and that came against lowly Oregon State.  Can't shoot and own a poor 0.72 assists/turnovers ratio means this team is ripe for the picking.  I'm laying the points with Colorado, my Afternoon Annihilator. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with South Alabama, my Slam Dunk on Thursday night.  The Jags have dropped three straight with the two most recent losses coming on the road.  But they're back home where they're 9-6 SU on the season and certainly better on their home floor than UALR on the road. UALR has not played well on the defensive end away from home where they allow teams to nail 46.5% of their FGA and 40% of their 3-pointers.  UALR also gets to the FT line just 15 times per game on the road, while the Jags average 24 FTA per home game.  South Alabama forces 16 turnovers per game, part of a strong 0.79 assists/turnover ratio, while UALR is upside down in a-to-t ratio on the road.  The Jags actually have six players averaging over 8 ppg and own the best disher on the floor tonight.  USA is 11-5 ATS as a home favorite of less than seven points and have covered eight of their last nine off a loss by more than 20 points.  Meanwhile, UALR is on a 0-4 ATS slide.  We're laying the points with South Alabama, our Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Utah State on Wednesday night.  We've gone against UNLV several times this season with success. We knew this team was in for a horrible campaign, playing against them all the way back in game-1 when we cashed with South Alabama, and most recently, this past Saturday when they were clocked by Nevada.  UNLV is showing no signs of life and has not only dropped nine in a row outright, but they're on a 0-7-1 ATS slide in their last eight games.  The Rebels are 5-22-1 ATS in their last 28 MWC tilts. UNLV has scored 58 or fewer points in three of their last six games, while allowing an average of 86.4 ppg to their last five opponents.  Marvin Menzies' troops can't shoot and can't defend and have been losing their man on the defensive end several times per game for weeks.  Utah State won the first meeting 79-63 in January, making 52% of their FGA and 13 of 21 3-pointers.  They out-rebounded UNLV, 38-28.  USU makes over 46% of their shots and has played well on the defensive end.  They're a ridiculous 40-19-1 ATS as chalk and 25-4 ATS in their last 29 against teams playing sub-.400 basketball.  I'm laying the points with Utah State, my Wednesday Wipeout. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with TCU, my KO on Wednesday night.  The Horned Frogs will aim for the season sweep after beating K-State 86-80 in OT a few weeks ago.  TCU nailed 10 of 17 3-pointers in the meeting and I expect another big night on the deep perimeter.  After all, Kansas State ranks 330th, allowing opponents to make nearly 39% of their treys.  The Cats are even worse on the road where they allow their hosts to make 41.1% of their 3-point attempts. We note that TCU makes over 47% of their FGA at home and own a huge advantage on the glass compared to K-State's board work outside of Manhattan.  TCU also owns the better dishers with Alex Robinson & Jaylen Fisher combining for 279 assists so far this season.  Both teams have struggled of late, but TCU's five-game losing streak came against West Virginia, Kansas, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, and Baylor.  All five teams have won at least 20 games and are a combined 114 & 35 SU.  Meanwhile, Kansas State has been losing to everyone, dropping eight of 10, including a 30 point loss to Oklahoma.  The Cats have covered just 11 of their last 35 as a road dog of less than seven points. TCU is on a 13-6 ATS run at home against teams with a losing road record.  I'll back Jamie Dixon's team to get back in the win column in their home finale.  I'm laying the points with TCU, my KO on Wednesday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Maryland on Tuesday, my KO release.  The Terps have struggled a bit of late, dropping three in a row, but we believe they're getting "just what the doctor ordered," on Tuesday.  Maryland owns a strong 7-2 SU mark on the road this season, where they make 47% of their FGA, including 40.3% from behind the arc.  They have held their hosts to 40.8% shooting. And yes this one has meaning as Maryland attempts to draw closer to wrapping up a double-bye in the Big-10 tourney. Rutgers has lost five straight games, are 2-14 SU in conference play this season and they've covered just 19 of their last 60 Big-10 games.  The Knights average just 66 ppg and rank 319th in FG percentage and 341st in 3-point accuracy.  Corey Sanders is their best disher with 97 assists, but he's committed 81 turnovers.  Meanwhile, Melo Trimble and Anthony Cowan have combined for 213 assists this season. The Knights don't have an answer for Trimble and I expect Maryland to gain the season sweep.  The Terps enter on a 7-1 ATS run on the road against teams playing better than .600 home basketball, and they're on a 10-3-2 ATS run off a double digit home loss. Bounce back time for the Terps in my opinion.  I'm laying the points with Maryland, my KO on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Western Carolina, my KO on Monday.  Both teams may be playing out the string, but at least one of the two teams still plays some defense on their home floor.  WCU is not only on a 10-4 ATS run at home, but they're on a 4-0 ATS run when laying points.  They own the better defensive numbers both in the home/road situation and overall.  In fact, VMI allows 81 ppg on the road on 49.6% shooting, including 38.6% from behind the arc.  And their offensive numbers, horrible for the season, are even worse of late, shooting under 39% from the field and just 29.4% from the 3-point line over their last five games. The Keydets also averaging a minus-6.6 rebound margin per game on the road. VMI escaped with a 79-78 win in January's meeting, but WCU has covered four of five meetings since 2015 and they're on a 5-0 ATS run against teams playing less than .400 basketball. I'm laying the points with Western Carolina, my Monday KO. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing UMass on Sunday, my KO release.  The season certainly hasn't gone the way the Minutemen had hoped, but we like their chances in this one. UMass does play defense at home, allowing just 67.3 ppg on 38.9% shooting, including 29.6% from behind the arc.  They also force 16 turnovers per game on their home floor, while averaging over 18 assists per contest. La Salle plays very little defense on the road, allowing 80.5 ppg on 47.5% shooting.  This is a situation where we believe UMass can take advantage of their intensity on the stop end and get back in the win column.  The Minutemen enter on a 6-2 ATS run in the series and La Salle has covered just 10 of their last 30 as a dog, including losing four in a row ATS when getting points.  They're a slight dog at the time of this post.  I'm backing UMass, my Knockout on Sunday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Nevada on Saturday.  We've gone against the UNLV Runnin' Rebels a few times this season with success, including in their most recent game when Air Force clocked the boys from Vegas by 23 points as a 4-point favorite.  I know this is a rivalry game, but the current Rebel roster probably couldn't care less since only a couple have been in Vegas for more than one season.  Marvin Menzies is struggling badly in his first season as coach as his players are leaving their assignments on the defensive end and simply making bad and maybe even disinterested decisions.  Speaking of disinterested, that's the community of Las Vegas when it comes to their once proud Rebel program.  I won't be surprised if more Nevada fans are in attendance for this one.  The Pack are primed for a 12-seed in the Big Dance and losing here would be devastating. This is all about the Wolf Pack staying focused.  Nevada, under Eric Musselman & former UNLV coach Dave Rice own a huge coaching advantage over their counterparts.  And the Rebels are shooting under 40% at home and are even worse on the defensive end.  The Pack have covered four straight games, while UNLV is on a 5-21-1 ATS slide in the conference and they're on a 0-6 ATS slide at home.  I'm laying the points with Nevada as they aim for the season sweep.  The Wolf Pack are my Weekend Wipeout.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Bowling Green on Saturday afternoon.  When you can't shoot straight, don't defend well, and can't rebound, you aren't going to win a lot of games.  That's the situation with Miami-Ohio.  The Red Hawks are also horrible in the assists/turnover department where they have a 0.8 ratio.  They have one disher in Michael Weathers who has 136 assists on the season. The problem is that the Miami guard has turned it over 129 times.  Only one of their other 12 players have a positive ratio and that particular player has just 16 assists and 8 turnovers.  Miami is a mess.  Bowling Green isn't going anywhere in the MAC, but they take care of the "rock," and own the best disher on the floor in Ismail Ali.  They also have Demajeo Wiggins who pulls down more than 8 rpg.  The Falcons are on a 7-3 ATS run as underdogs of less than seven points, while the Red Hawks are on an 11-24-3 ATS slide as home chalk. BG won the first meeting 83-72 despite Miami making more than 56% of their FGA.  We believe BG will gain the season sweep here.  I'm grabbing the points with Bowling Green, my Top Shocker.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Florida State Seminoles, my Morning Massacre.  The Seminoles have had problems at times on the road, but they have also beaten Miami-Florida and Virginia in road action.  The 'Noles have championship talent, I'm just not sure Leonard Hamilton can direct them to the Final Four.  But they can have their way with Clemson for the second time this season.  FSU nails 49% of their FGA and holds opponents to 40.8% shooting. Clemson allows teams to make over 45% of their FGA and 36% of their 3-point attempts.  They're bad in the assists/turnovers department and turned it over 22 times in the 48-point loss earlier this season.  Clemson had no matchup for Dwayne Bacon and Xavier Rathan-Mayes and that hasn't changed. In fact, the Tigers are basically Jaron Blossomgame and little else.  Clemson enters on a 2-8-1 ATS slide against teams playing better than .600 basketball.  Meanwhile, the Seminoles are on a 4-1 ATS run at Clemson.  And finally, we note that under coach Brad Brownell, the Tigers have covered just 7 of 23 in revenge if the opponent scored at least 75 points in the earlier meeting.  I'm backing Florida State, my Morning Massacre.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Columbia on Friday night.  The pressure grows for Princeton as they look to continue their run to an undefeated Ivy League campaign.  The thing is, if you're backing the Tigers, you are paying a premium at this point because of it. Columbia gave Princeton a scare two weekend ago when the Lions covered in a 61-59 loss as a double digit underdog. And whether you break it down by recent games or by home/road dichotomy, the Lions & Tigers are rather even in this matchup.  In fact, Columbia holds teams to 41% shooting on their home floor, while Princeton has allowed hosts to make over 45% of their FGA.  They're also better at home defending the trey than Princeton is on the road.  The Tigers are upside down on the glass away from home and they get to the FT line only a dozen times per road game. That number has dropped to less than 10 FTA per game in their last five contests, overall.  Columbia enters on a 21-6 ATS run as a dog in a line range that includes tonight's number.  And Columbia coach Jim Engles is 8-0 ATS against teams that hold their opponents to 64 ppg or less.  The Lions took Princeton to the wire on the road two weeks ago.  I expect them to at least hang the number at home tonight. I'm taking the points with Columbia on Friday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Memphis, my DogPound release on Thursday night. There are some similarities between these teams, including the fact both pay attention to detail on the defensive end, both are blessed with a pair of strong rebounders, and both teams own strong dishers.  And while we do have Cincy power rated better than Memphis, the point-spread is a tad inflated according to our numbers. We also have a double-digit favorite that's covered just 13 of their last 36 when facing an opponent that holds their opponents to 42% or less shooting.  Memphis fits the defensive bill, along with playing solid deep perimeter defense.  We also note the Bearcats are just 5-13 ATS as home chalk of 12 1/2 to 15 points under Coach Cronin.  Memphis is in need of a win if they wish to entertain thoughts of an at-large Big Dance bid.  They lost their last two games, but they're on a 7-0 ATS run off two straight conference losses.  The Tigers normally regroup in this spot and we like them to do so here, allowing them to hang the number.  I'm grabbing the points with Memphis, my DogPound on Thursday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Air Force, my Slam Dunk.  Neither team has been able to find the win column too often this season, but UNLV did beat Air Force in OT in Las Vegas last month. The Rebels won 87-85, but we note the Falcons made just 15 of 27 FTs in the two-point loss.  AFA averages 75 ppg at home and four players average in double figures in scoring.  Meanwhile, the struggling Rebels allow 82 ppg on the road on 49% shooting, including 44% 3-pointers...downright dreadful.  They're also upside down in rebounding away from Sin City.  UNLV enters on a 5-20-1 ATS slide in conference play, including 3-10 ATS this season.  They're on a 2-11-1 ATS slide as a road dog and have dropped five ATS with one push in their last six games, overall.  I'm betting the Falcons gain a measure of revenge. I'm laying the points with Air Force, my Slam Dunk on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Rider on Wednesday night.  We released Manhattan as a free play on these pages on Sunday and the Jaspers won big.  But that was their home finale and they were hosting a team that was the perfect matchup for Manhattan to shine.  But this is a different situation tonight.  In fact, it's the Jaspers who should prove to be "just what the doctor ordered," for their opponent.  Rider is a beast on the offensive end, especially at home where they average 86 ppg on 50.6% shooting, including 46.5% 3-pointers.  Five players average at least 11 ppg; Kahlil Thomas & Norville Carey average 9.1 rpg and 6.9 rpg; and their top two dishers have combined for 227 assists on the season.  The Broncs average 19 apg on their home floor. Manhattan has just two reliable scorers and no one outside of Zane Waterman is strong on the glass.  The Jaspers best assists man has 97 assists, but 88 turnovers and their second best disher has more turnovers (55) than assists (50). Manhattan has a poor 0.71 assists/turnovers ratio on the road. I'm laying the points with Rider, my MAAC GOY.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing East Carolina, my Shocker on Tuesday night.  The Pirates may own an ugly road record, but they haven't played that badly.  In fact, despite being 3-6 SU in their last nine games, overall, they have been a money-maker, covering seven times.  One of the outright wins came in a 74-65 victory over tonight's opponent.  ECU led by as many as 15 points in the second half, clobbered the Green Wave on the glass (+9), and we expect more of the same tonight.  The biggest difference between these two teams is that ECU plays defense and Tulane does not.  The Pirates allow just 63.6 ppg on 38.4% shooting, including 31.2% 3-pointers.  The defensive shooting percentages rank 7th & 30th in the nation.  Tulane checks-in with the nation's 335th ranked defense in FG percentage allowed and 333rd defending the trey.  They're also upside down in rebounding.  Tulane also enters on an 8-25-3 ATS slide at home, including 1-6-2 ATS in lined home games this season.  Meanwhile, ECU is on a 4-0 ATS run as a dog of less than seven points and they're on a 6-1-1 ATS run on the road against teams with a losing home record.  I expect the Pirates to gain the season sweep.  I'm grabbing the points with East Carolina, my Tuesday night Shocker.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing Richmond, my Slam Dunk on Tuesday night.  Richmond won the first meeting this season despite making just 4 of 9 FTs, while Davidson made 18 of 23.  The home/road dichotomy is much more to the liking of the Spiders when they're at home where they average 23 FTA per game to just 16 FTA per game for Davidson on the road. The Wildcats are too reliant on the 3-pointer with 47% of their shots on the road coming from behind the arc.  This is another advantage for Richmond, who holds their guests to 30.5% 3-point shooting. Davidson doesn't play a lot of defense outside of Belk Arena, allowing hosts to make 45% of their FGA and over 41% of their treys.  Richmond's ShawnDre' Jones & T.J. Cline combined for 40 points in the first meeting with Cline also grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out 8 assists.  Meanwhile, Jack Gibbs & Peyton Aldridge each scored 21 points for the Wildcats, which is basically their season average. The problem is that Davidson has no one else to consistently help out on the offensive end.  I believe the Spiders will offer too much for the 'Cats.  I'm backing Richmond, my Slam Dunk on Tuesday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Valparaiso on Sunday.  The Crusaders could use a bounce back win after collapsing against Oakland on Friday night.  Valpo trailed just 41-38 with 16 minutes to go, then got outscored 12-0 over the next 2 minutes and that was that.  They beat Detroit 81-74 in last month's meeting, topping 80 points despite committing 20 turnovers.  Doubt that happens again. But that shows just how poor Detroit is on the defensive end.  The Titans allow 85 ppg on the season and 88 ppg over their last eight games.  They rank 350th in FG percentage allowed (50.1%) and 322nd against the trey (38.3%). And while Valpo is +9 in rebounds per game, Detroit is upside down on the glass.  Detroit enters on a 4-0 ATS run as road chalk of 7 to 12 1/2 points and they're on a 10-3 ATS run off a SU loss. Finally, the Crusaders are on an 8-1-1 ATS run at Detroit.  I'm laying the points with Valparaiso, my Daytime Dominator.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with George Washington, my KO on Sunday.  The Colonials won the first meeting, 65-63 last month and while it was close, the Dukes had no answer for Tyler Cavanaugh, who produced a double double.  Cavanaugh averages 17 ppg and pulls down 8 rpg to lead GW and we see no reason to think Duquesne can find the matchup answer this time either. Cavanaugh also has some help to get the Colonials over the hump in this one. The Dukes have won just one of their last nine games and are on a 2-7-1 ATS slide in their last 10.  They're also just 2-8 ATS at home against teams with a losing record.  We look for GW to make it eight covers in the last 10 meetings with a win and cover on Sunday.  I'm laying the points with George Washington, my KO. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Hawaii on Saturday night.  The Warriors shoot for the season sweep and their 5th straight win and cover over Cal Poly and we believe they'll get it done.  Hawaii won the February 9 meeting, 74-65, despite making just 12 of 20 FTA, while the Mustangs made 21 of 28. Cal Poly had no defensive answer for Noah Allen and we expect more of the same tonight. And we note that CP is on a 2-10 ATS slide in revenge of a road loss. Hawaii enjoyed facing the nation's 333rd ranked team in defensive FG percentage and 329th ranked 3-point defense.  They should have little trouble again tonight.  Neither team is a world beater, obviously, but UH is the better defensive team.  They're not only on a 4-0 SU/ATS run in the series, but they're also on a 4-0 ATS run as a road dog of less than seven points.  The Mustangs won last time out, beating CSUN, however, they're on a 0-6 ATS slide off a conference win.  We'll grab the points with Hawaii, our Big West Dog of the Month.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with North Dakota on Saturday night, my Top Shocker.  Weber State is on a 14-2 SU run after a tough start to the season, but they continue to be overvalued behind the counter.  The Wildcats haven't been winning by wide margins and have covered just one of their last nine games, including a current 0-5 ATS slide.  Each of their last four games have been decided by six points or less.  And while they have the offense, they do leave a bit to be desired on the defensive end and on the glass, where they're slightly upside down. North Dakota won last month's meeting, despite playing poorly in the first half.  They outscored the Wildcats 48-37 over the final 20 minutes and finished with a dominant performance on the glass, out-rebounding Weber State 33-20.  The Fighting Hawks shot lights-out and I believe they'll take advantage of the somewhat permissive Weber defense again.  The 'Cats have no one to match-up with North Dakota guards Quentin Hooker & Geno Crandall, who're also going to be the two best dishers on the floor tonight.  North Dakota has covered four straight games and they're on a 6-1-1 ATS run when getting points. They're also on a 4-0 ATS run in the series.  Meanwhile, besides their current 0-5 ATS slide, Weber State has covered just seven of their last 27 as chalk.  I'm taking the points with North Dakota, my Top Shocker.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Florida State, my KO release on Saturday.  The Seminoles have looked like a 1-seed at home, but they have struggled on the road.  They lost their most recent road game at South Bend, losing 84-72 to Notre Dame.  But the 'Noles have had an entire week off to regroup and focus-in on taking care of business outside of Tallahassee.  We saw Florida State play well two road games ago when they rocked Miami-Florida, 75-57 as a 3-point underdog.  In fact, we had Florida State in that one and we and they know they have what it takes to play top level basketball on the road. As some players stated this week, it's time to get it together when they venture outside of Donald L. Tucker Center.  They offer too much offense for Pitt to hang with in this one, in my opinion.  The Panthers have won just two of their last 11 games and have dropped recent home games to Miami-Fla., by 26 points and to Louisville by 55 points.  Pitt is just 19-42-2 ATS in their last 63 home games.  I'm laying the points with Florida State, my KO release.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing UIC, my Friday Knockout. The Flames are a decent shooting team that averages over 77 ppg on the season and puts five players in double figures in ppg.  Detroit, meanwhile, plays no defense, allowing 86 ppg on 50.6% shooting, including 38% from the 3-point line.  When these teams met last month, UIC not only won 78-64, but shot 58%, including 53% from behind the arc.  They also crushed Detroit on the glass (+11) and won easily despite committing 23 turnovers. We expect the amount of turnovers to drop in this one and that spells more trouble for the Titans. UIC enters on a 5-0 ATS run as a road dog of less than seven points.  They're 9-1 ATS against teams playing less than .400 basketball, and are 13-3-1 ATS off a SU loss.  I'm backing UIC, my Friday Knockout.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Cornell on Friday night.  When the Big Red whipped Dartmouth, 75-62 on January 28, Evan Boudreaux scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for the Big Green.  No one else reached double figures in scoring for Dartmouth and only one other player finished with more than three rebounds. But that's Dartmouth in a nutshell; it's Boudreaux and little else. Cornell may not have a sizzling record either, but at least they have three decent rebounders and three players averaging between 12 & 17 ppg.  In fact, in that meeting, Cornell put four players in double figures in scoring and four players finished with five or more rebounds.  I expect more of the same in this one.  Dartmouth is horrible on offense and allow the opposition to make over 46% of their FGA.  They're 6-18-2 ATS as chalk, including 3-12 ATS when laying less than seven points. Meanwhile, Cornell is 14-5 ATS against teams playing less than .400 basketball at home.  I'm grabbing the points with Cornell, my Brain Chain Beatdown on Friday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Long Beach State, my KO on Thursday.  Once again, 49ers' HC Dan Monson put his troops through the ringer in the non-conference portion of the season and "The Beach" took their lumps against some of the best teams in college basketball.  But as we near the postseason Big West tourney, Long Beach looks to be toughened-up, having won five of their last seven, covering four of their last six.  They already own a 72-63 home win over UC-Irvine, our top rated team in the conference.  Long Beach owns the scorers, the better dishers, and has two rebounders to off-set Chima Moneke's work on the glass. Moneke rarely gets any help in the rebounding department.  The 49ers have made 47% of their shots over the last five games, including 41.5% from behind the arc.  They're strong on the defensive end at home where they've forced a negative assists/turnovers ratio and UC-Davis is upside down on the offensive end in this department on the road.  Speaking of defense, the 49ers held UC-Davis to a combined 95 points in last year's sweep.  I expect another strong effort tonight and I'm laying the points with Long Beach State, my Thursday Night Knockout.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Drexel Dragons on Thursday, my Shocker release.  This one reminds me a bit of our play last night on Samford.  Like the Bulldogs, Drexel is better than their record indicates. Yes, it's been a disappointing season, but they have covered three of their last four games and are the better team in this matchup.  Drexel is the much better offensive team and while Delaware's ppg allowed looks decent at first glance, the fact is, they're nothing special in FG percentage allowed or 3-point defense.  At the same time they're one of the worst offensive teams in college basketball in most important categories.  Drexel has five players averaging 9.5 ppg or more, two strong rebounders in Austin Williams and Rodney Williams, and Kurk Lee is the best disher on the floor. And Delaware owns poor assists/turnovers numbers.  I doubt they'll be able to take advantage of any Drexel defensive issues.  The Dragons are on a 6-1 ATS run off a loss, while Delaware has covered just 8 of 26 against teams that shoot at least 21 treys per game.  The Blue Hens averaged just 64 ppg in those 26 games, while allowing 77 ppg.  Drexel won and covered the last two meetings by scores of 76-60 & 74-64 and I expect a third straight series win tonight.  I'm backing the undervalued Drexel Dragons, my CAA Shocker of the Month on Thursday night. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Samford on Wednesday, my Top Shocker.  These teams went into OT in their last meeting before ETSU was able to pull out the victory.  Samford shot just 41% from the field, well below their season average, yet had their chances to win the game.  The Bulldogs lost last time out to Furman, but they were obviously gassed after playing a 4-OT game against Wofford just 48 hours prior. But Samford has had a few days off since their last game and we expect a close, hard-fought contest tonight. Not only does Samford make 46% of their shots, but they're 20th in the nation from behind the arc, while ETSU struggles in deep perimeter defense.  Samford puts four players in double digits in scoring per game.  Christen Cunningham and Josh Starkey are excellent dishers, combining for 282 assists on the season, and Wyatt Walker pulls down almost 10 rpg.  The Bulldogs are better than their record and their record isn't bad at 15-11 SU.  Samford enters on a 9-1 ATS run as a road underdog and they're on an 18-6 ATS run as a dog of 7 to 12 1/2 points.  Meanwhile, ETSU has covered just four of their last 13 as home chalk in the same line range.  I'm grabbing the points with Samford as the road team looks to make it 5-0 ATS in this series.  Samford is my Top Shocker on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer. 

I'm taking the points with Bowling Green, my DogPound release on Tuesday night.  These teams are rather even and Western Michigan's home floor certainly isn't worth four buckets.  Not that BGU is great on the defensive end, but we're talking about a decent-sized favorite in WMU that allows 78 ppg and ranks 345th in FG percentage allowed (48.8%) and 327th in 3-point defense (38.5%).  The Broncos have no one to match Bowling Green's Demajeo Wiggins on the glass and the best disher on the floor by far is another Falcons' player, Ismail Ali.  The underdog in this series is on a 7-3 ATS run and BGU has won and covered three of their last four games.  I'm grabbing the points with Bowling Green, my MAC DogPound on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with San Diego State on Sunday.  The home team has covered six straight in this series and the Aztecs couldn't be catching Nevada at a better time.  While SDSU isn't playing the type of ball they've grown used to under Steve Fisher, they're still a "tough out" on their home floor.  The situation is strong.  Nevada played their "game of the year" last time out when they hosted their chief rival, UNLV.  The Wolf Pack were jacked to crush the Rebels from start to finish and they did.  But while the Pack may be a big fish in a small pond this season, they are beatable. Over their last four games Nevada lost by 17 points at Utah State and by five points at home to Fresno State.  They'll want to get up and down the floor, but SDSU can throw a wrench into the system with their strong play on the defensive end, allowing just 38% shooting at home where they also average nine steals per game.  SDSU came within 3 points of Nevada in Reno last month despite making just 4 FTs on 6 attempts.  I believe they'll catch the Pack in the rematch.  I'm laying the points with San Diego State, my Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Gonzaga, my WCC Main Event GOY.  We saw what the Bulldogs did to SMC in the first meeting and while that was a homer for the Zags, it was dominant.  Then again, "Dominant" is the key word in this series.  Gonzaga has won 10 of the last 12 meetings, outright. They have covered 10 of the last 11, including five straight in Moraga.  And just for good measure, the nation's top-ranked team is on a 24-5-1 ATS run, overall. I've been asked several times if I think Mark Few's team is overrated? My answer?  I have Gonzaga power rated higher than any team in college basketball.  Meanwhile, I have 20 teams rated higher than SMC.  No, that doesn't mean a 21st ranked team can't beat a #1 team, but it does mean that the Gaels would have to play above their heads, while the Zags must come down a couple levels.  I don't believe it's going to happen. I also believe if Gonzaga gets up by a couple buckets by intermission or early in the second half, the pressure of "having to win" will overwhelm SMC.  We saw the Gaels nearly succumb to the pressure against lowly Portland on Thursday.  SMC is 1-4 ATS in their last five as a dog of less than seven points.  I'm laying the points with Gonzaga, my WCC Main Event. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the short points with East Carolina, my Saturday Knockout.  We have a road favorite who hasn't won a true road game this season.  This tells us where the true value lies and it's with the Pirates.  ECU has covered six in a row on the road against teams with a losing home record and South Florida fits the home bill.  The Bulls struggle in a lot of areas, including deep perimeter defense and on the glass. Geno Thorpe has no help when it comes to creating shots for others. USF is poor on the glass and should have no answer for the ECU combo of Andre Washington & Kendell Barkley, who both average more than 7 rpg.  ECU is nasty stingy on the defensive end, ranked 7th in the nation, holding teams to 38.3% shooting.  They won this season's first meeting 60-49 in December.  ECU held the Bulls to less than 30% shooting and 3 of 15 from behind the arc, while forcing 18 turnovers.  Besides their 6-0 ATS run already mentioned, ECU is 5-1 ATS in their last six overall, while USF is on a 7-23 ATS slide at home against teams with a losing record and 1-7 ATS as a home dog of less than seven points.  I'm backing East Carolina, my Knockout on Saturday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Texas on Saturday, our DogPound Crusher.  Shaka Smart's troops are playing a better brand of basketball than they're given credit for of late.  Their value has been at its best on the road where they have covered six of seven.  In fact, the Longhorns are on a 9-1, 90% ATS run as a road dog or less than 13 points and more than 7.  Texas won the first matchup in Austin, 82-79, and the Cowboys porous play on the defensive end proved no match for Tevin Mack.  Mack led four players in double digits in scoring with 27 points and Jarrett Allen owned the glass.  I expect another strong outing for Texas, facing a Cowboys' team that's 313th in the nation in FG percentage allowed (46.8%).  And we note OSU is in off of games against Baylor, West Virginia, and Oklahoma.  Look for the Longhorns to hang the number.  I'm grabbing the points with Texas, my DogPound release. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Harvard on Friday night.  The Crimson are off a tough, close loss to Ivy League leading Princeton, but they've had six days to regroup and I believe that's all they'll need to right the ship.  The Crimson can catch and surpass Yale this weekend for second place and we like their chances tonight.  Harvard allows just 40.1% shooting, which ranks 31st in the nation. They also have the best shot creator in this matchup when Siyani Chambers takes the floor.  Brown has been too permissive this season, allowing more than 77 ppg on 49.4% shooting and they're weak on the glass. The Crimson roll into this one on an 8-1-1 ATS run in league play and they're on a 4-0-1 ATS run on the road against teams with a winning home record. Brown fits the bill, but while they're 8-2 SU at home this season, they have dropped their last two and they're on a 2-6 SU slide in their last eight games, overall.  I'm laying the points with Harvard on Friday, my Beatdown release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with North Texas on Thursday night.  The Eagles have suffered through a very rough slide, having not won a game since December. They have played closer than one would imagine though, covering five of their last nine games.  Tonight, they look to extend their head-to-head run with Florida Atlantic to 6-0 SU and 8-0 ATS. In fact, North Texas has won nine of the last 11 meetings, overall.  Despite the Eagles W/L slide, these teams are quite even, showing similar results on the offensive end with North Texas playing the better brand of defense. I'd also rather have Eagles' J-Mychal Reese running the point than anyone on the Owls' roster.  Look for North Texas to hang the number at the very least. I'm taking the points with North Texas, my Shocker on Thursday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Kentucky on Tuesday, my Beatdown release.  John Calipari says he believes his team may have bottomed-out in their 88-66 loss to Florida over the weekend.  He also said, maybe the 'Cats haven't.  That to me is a challenge to get things going in the right direction. He also told his players they can continue to play their worst or play their best.  I believe they'll play their best tonight against a team that's simply in free-fall.  LSU has dropped nine straight games (3-6 ATS) by an average margin of 18 ppg.  They allowed 85 points or more in six of the nine losses and four teams topped 90 points.  Kentucky should make it five teams.  The Tigers are allowing 46.2% shooting, including 37.5% from behind the arc.  I believe LSU will be "just what the doctor ordered," for the ticked-off and embarrassed Wildcats.  LSU has covered just 8 of their last 28 conference games, while Kentucky is on a 12-4 ATS run as home chalk of 13 or more and on a 4-0 ATS run at home against teams with a losing record.  I'm laying the points with Kentucky, my Beatdown release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Maryland as the Terps look to bounce back from a weekend loss to Purdue.  The matchup is all Maryland thanks to their strong defensive play where they hold opponents to 40.1% shooting (32nd in the nation) and 32.9% behind the arc. Penn State has lost their shot.  The Nittany Lions are making just 41.5% of their FGA, which ranks 306th in the nation. They're bad on the glass and most of the roster owns weak assists/turnover ratios.  Maryland not only allows just 66 ppg, but they have five players averaging between 17.2 ppg and 8 ppg on the offensive end and Melo Trimble & Anthony Cowan have combined for 166 assists on the season. The Terps enter on a 6-0 SU/ATS run on the road and they're on a 10-1-1 ATS run, overall. Meanwhile, the road team in this series is on a perfect 4-0 ATS run.  I'm laying the points with Maryland, my Slam Dunk on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Arkansas-Little Rock on Monday night, my SunBelt KO.  UALR has been on the losing end of late, dropping four straight games, but they're getting "just what the doctor ordered," when they host Appalachian State.  The Mountaineers have lost six straight and nine of their last 10. They allowed nearly 82 ppg in the six-game losing streak and three of those opponents shot 49% or better.  One of their main problems right now is turnovers where they're minus-20 in their last four outings.  Basically, ASU has one double digit scorer in Ronshad Shabazz, with no other offensive threats.  UALR has five players averaging more than 9 ppg and beat ASU on the road, 76-68 in January. The win made if five victories SU & ATS in the last six meetings for the Trojans.  Last time here, UALR beat ASU 81-55 as a 15 1/2 point favorite.  They've won three straight home meetings by margins of 26, 18, & 15 points.  We also note UALR is off a home loss and they're on a perfect 8-0 ATS run following a conference loss on their home floor.  I like the spot they're in tonight.  I'm laying the points with Arkansas-Little Rock on Monday night.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with South Florida on Sunday, our Shocker.  Normal analysis will return with Monday's card.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday night, my KO play.  The Florida Gators have strung together three straight wins following losses to Vanderbilt & South Carolina.  But while they walloped those three squads, we note they have a combined record of 22-41 SU.  In fact, Mizzou, Oklahoma, & LSU are on losing streaks of 13, 4, and 8 games, respectively.  The level of competition rises a bit in this one. Kentucky will enjoy the fact Florida will likely try to run with them.  But the Wildcats are better at both ends of the floor.  John Calipari expects to have De'Aaron Fox back on the floor tonight, giving the 'Cats four players averaging 13 to 22 ppg.  Fox and Isaiah Briscoe have combined for 211 assists on the season and we expect the 'Cats to control the boards.  Calipari-coached teams are 12-3 ATS after allowing two straight opponents to top 75 points as Kentucky has done. They have won five straight in the series by an average of more than 13 ppg, covering four in a row.  I'm backing the Kentucky Wildcats, my KO on Saturday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing Minnesota on Saturday afternoon.  Both teams are struggling, but we feel Illinois will provide "just what the doctor ordered," for the Gophers to snap their five game losing streak.  Minnesota's last four losses came by a grand total of just 17 points with two of the losses coming by a basket each.  Richard Pitino's squad once stood 15-2 on the season.  Illinois has been a disappointment since Big-10 season began.  Six of their last nine losses came by double digits, they struggle on the defensive end, and at the other end of the floor, only one player has at least a 2:1 assists-turnovers ratio.  Minnesota has been outstanding on the defensive end where they rank 19th (39.5%) & 23rd (30.9%) in FG percentage and 3-point shooting allowed, respectively.  And we know Illinois is just 3-11 ATS after game 15 on the season against teams that hold opponents to 42% or less.  Six players average 9 ppg or more for Pitino and they have three strong dishers, led by Nate Mason with 120 assists on the season, while averaging less than 2 turnovers per contest. Finally, with John Groce as coach, we note that after 15 games of the season, the Illini are just 8-20 ATS at home against teams with a winning record. I'm backing Minnesota as they look to gain a measure of revenge for an 85-52 loss last March.  The Gophers are my Revenge Game of the Month.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Boston College, my Daytime DogPound on Saturday. This isn't an easy spot for Louisville to stay focused for an entire 40 minutes.  They're big chalk in this one after blowout wins over NC State & Pitt, but they have a date and revenge spot with Virginia in just 48 hours.  Louisville remains shorthanded in the backcourt and will face a Boston College squad that's playing better than their record would indicate.  While the Eagles have lost six straight, they have covered four in a row.  Their last four losses all came by single digits with the last three coming by a grand total of just 12 points.  There's certainly nothing wrong with the backcourt tandem of Jerome Robinson and Ky Bowman and we believe they'll keep this game closer than the spread, throughout.  Besides the 4-0 ATS run mentioned above, the Eagles are on a 9-1 ATS run against teams playing better than .600 basketball.  We'll grab the points with Boston College, our DogPound release. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Stanford, my Knockout release.  Colorado is off a big home win over Oregon, but they have struggled on the road this season.  The Buffs are allowing their "hosts" to score 78 ppg on 46% shooting.  At the same time, they're taking 22.5 3-pointers per road game, connecting on just 30% of their attempts.  CU even struggles at the stripe, making just 62% of their FTs on the road.  We also know that the Buffaloes don't have any players with really strong assists-turnover ratios this season.  Stanford has been outstanding on defense of late, allowing less than 61 ppg over their last five outings.  Reid Travis has been a beast averaging over 16 ppg and nearly 9 rpg.  And the assist combo of Robert Cartwright & Christian Sanders is the best on the floor tonight.  The Cardinal enter on a 6-2 ATS run at home against teams with a losing record. Meanwhile, the Buffs are 5-16-1 ATS as a road dog of less than seven points and they're 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12, overall.  I'm laying the points with Stanford, my KO release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the UCLA Bruins on Wednesday night.  The Bruins simply looked gassed in their last two outings and at both ends of the floor. They turned the ball over way too often against USC, but now face the Cougars, who average fewer steals than any other team in the Pac-12.  UCLA will also come into this after having a week to rest-up and re-energize.  They also have motivation after losing each of the last three times in Pullman.  Wazzu is not good from the deep perimeter on the offensive end, play little defense at the other end, and they're upside down in the rebounding department, averaging fewer rebounds per game than they allow.  The Cougars have covered just two of their last 10 as a home dog and they're on a 0-6 ATS slide at home after the 15 game mark of the season against teams that outscore their opponents by at least 8 ppg.  UCLA won the most recent meeting by 33 points in Los Angeles.  Tonight, I expect a spread covering win on the road.  I'm laying the points with UCLA, my Wednesday Wipeout.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Florida State on Wednesday.  After getting knocked around by Wake Forest and Duke, Miami is now riding a 2-game win streak that included a 77-62 win over North Carolina.  But the 'Canes have been burning bankrolls as chalk, cashing just 3 of the last 17, including a 1-8 ATS mark as a home favorite.  Despite Florida State's recent struggles, we still have the Seminoles power rated solidly ahead of Miami and a team that can make a deep big dance run.  They started showing signs of life in the second half against Syracuse and watching that game (without action) gave me a "buy" sign for this one.  After trailing by 18 at the break, the 'Noles finally woke up from their game-and-a-half slumber, getting within two of the Orange with 90 seconds to go in the game, but eventually unable to get over the hump.  Besides the poor ATS spots the 'Canes are in, we have a Florida State squad on a 6-2 ATS run as a road dog of less than seven points.  I'm grabbing the points with Florida State, my Road Warrior on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Auburn Tigers on Tuesday night, my Shocker release.  Tennessee has surprised of late, no doubt about it, winning back-to-back games as home underdogs.  But after beating Kentucky and Kansas State, we expect a somewhat young Vols' roster to struggle on the conference road as young teams tend to do off big home wins.  In fact, Tennessee has covered just three of their last 15 off an outright win as a dog, losing by an average score of 75-67.  The Vols don't shoot or defend the deep perimeter too well and they average a minus-3 on the glass in six road games this season. Auburn gets up and down the floor at home where they average over 86 ppg on 46% shooting, while holding visitors to 29% from behind the arc.  Finally, the home team has covered 16 of the last 21 in this series and the Tigers are in serious revenge from a horrible loss to Tennessee last March.  Young teams tend to struggle on the road off big wins and we feel the Vols will follow suit. I'm backing Auburn, my Shocker on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Iowa State Cyclones on Tuesday, my DogPound release. If you wish to hang with the Mountaineers you must have a backcourt that can handle the Bob Huggins-coached pressure.  We had Oklahoma over WVU a couple weeks ago because Lon Kruger has done a great job at teaching his kids to handle "press-Virginia."  Iowa State, meanwhile, has the guards. Monte Morris (16.4 ppg & 5.75 apg) has turned the ball over just 23 times in 20 games.  His backcourt mate, Nazareth Mitrou-Long (15.3 ppg & 4.8 rpg) has committed just 34 turnovers in 20 games.  This is the type of backcourt that can take WVU out of its game. ISU has four players averaging 12 ppg or more, while holding opponents to 41% shooting at the other end as a team. They're 8-2 SU at home this season, losing tight games to Kansas & Cincinnati.  WVU is off five straight "big" games and they have hot Okla State on deck.  We expect a determined ISU squad following a loss at Vandy when the Cyclones blew a double-digit lead. The boys from Ames enter on a 12-5 ATS run against teams with a winning record, while WVU is on a 1-4 ATS slide.  ISU is battle-tested to be sure, having played Kansas, Baylor, Gonzaga, Cincy, and Miami-Florida.  I believe they'll leave the floor with a check in the win column tonight.  I'm taking the points with Iowa State, my DogPound release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Michigan State, my Sunday Knockout.  The Spartans were in control for 18 of 20 minutes of the first half in their loss to Purdue a few nights ago.  They suffered a dry spell to wrap up the first half and an 8-point lead with 2 1/2 minutes to go turned into a halftime tie. They suffered another dry spell in the second half and that was all it took for Purdue to grab the road win.  But I expect MSU to bounce back here in a must win situation.  The Spartans have been limited thanks to injuries suffered to the roster, but I'm not sold on Michigan, despite their 90-60 win over Indiana.  The Wolverines are 0-5 on the road and rank 320th in FG percentage allowed and 351st in 3-point defense.  U-M is just 3-10 ATS against teams with a winning record, while MSU is on a 7-2 ATS run against teams playing better than .600 basketball, and 4-0 ATS as home chalk. Tom Izzo is getting "just what the doctor ordered," and I'm laying the points with Michigan State, my Big-10 Knockout.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing UC-Irvine on Saturday night.  The Anteaters came out flat as can be in their most recent game, losing outright as a 13-point favorite to Cal Poly.  The loss ended an 8-game winning streak, where they won six games by at least 20 points. It was also the first time they were installed as a double-digit favorite as the line finally caught up to them. But the line is back to being reasonable off the loss and we'll back them here.  UCI is a decent shooting team and a beast on the glass.  They're also ranked 54th in points allowed per game and the Anteaters hold their opponents to the nation's 10th stingiest, 38.4% shooting.  UC Davis is horrible at the FT line and weak on the glass and UCI has two defenders to throw at and slow down Chima Moneke's effectiveness.  We note that UCI is 5-0 ATS off a double digit home loss and 7-0 ATS as a favorite of less than seven points.  My power ratings say this line is too short and we'll back the Anteaters. I'm backing UC Irvine, my Big West GOM. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Northeastern on Saturday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Kansas State Wildcats on Saturday afternoon.  Tennessee surprised Kentucky backers last time out with an 82-80 outright win as a 10 point underdog.  Kentucky was flat and lethargic and simply didn't show up, shooting poorly, while the Vols made an unusual number of shots, over 47%, including 50% from behind the arc. That from a team that's made just 33.6% of their 3-pointers this season (237th in the nation).  Today, the Vols face a K-State team that allows just 41% shooting and 64.7 ppg.  K-State's also one of the top shooting teams in college basketball and have six players averaging 9 ppg or more.  Bruce Weber has three capable dishers as this team utilizes a true team effort.  Tennessee has covered just 6 of their last 27 as a home favorite or PK, and they're on a   0-7 ATS slide off an outright SEC win when getting points, allowing 82 ppg and losing by 12 ppg in the seven outings.  I'm backing Kansas State, my Knockout on Saturday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Providence, my DogPound release on Saturday.  Marquette has been red-hot, beating Creighton 102-94, then coming from 15 points down at the half to beat Villanova, 74-72.  Marquette out-scored the Wildcats, 50-33 over the final 20 minutes of action.  The Golden Eagles nailed 60% of their FGA against Creighton, including 12 of 24 3-pointers, and made exactly 50% of their FGA against Villanova, including 47% of their treys.  I expect a letdown here. We also have a situation where the line has inched-up on Marquette, thanks to their two high profile wins. Ed Cooley's Friars are rebuilding this season, but are a tad undervalued here, besides catching Marquette at the right time.  They also have four players averaging double-digit per game in scoring, a pair of strong rebounders, and an excellent disher in Kyron Cartwright.  Providence enters on a 13-5 ATS run as a road dog, while Marquette is 1-6-1 ATS as a favorite of 7 to 12 1/2 points.  I'm grabbing the points with Providence, my DogPound release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm grabbing the points with Nebraska on Thursday, my Slam Dunk.  The Huskers lost to Northwestern on January 8, ending an impressive 3-0 start in conference play and beginning a current four-game losing streak.  The Huskers looked strong out of the gate, beating Indiana and Maryland on the road and Iowa at home.  But we note Nebraska hasn't been blown out.  All four losses came by single digits and their last two conference losses came by one point each.  Tim Miles' crew is on a 5-0 ATS run as a road dog.  The Wildcats are in a tough spot, laying big points off an emotional win over Ohio State, marking the first time Northwestern beat the Buckeyes in Columbus in 40 years. The Wildcats trailed Nebraska at the half in the first meeting and trailed midway through the second half before Nebraska went ice cold.  We also note Northwestern made 51% of their FGA in the win, including 11 of 24 from behind the arc. I expect Nebraska to hang the number in Evanston.  I'm taking the points with the Huskers, my Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Xavier on Thursday, my DogPound release.  While Cincy owns the big-time shiny record, the fact is, they're piling up wins in a mediocre conference.  Flip-flop these two teams, sending Xavier to the AAC and I believe the Musketeers would easily be perched atop the conference. Xavier is too lengthy for the Bearcats up top, in my opinion, and they have owned this series of late winning three in a row and seven of the last nine. The Muskies are also on a 4-1 ATS run against their crosstown rivals, while the Bearcats have covered just six of their last 26 against Big East teams and two of their last 11 as home chalk of less than seven points.  I'm grabbing the points with Xavier, my DogPound release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm grabbing the points with Texas Tech on Wednesday, my DogPound release. Baylor is 18-1 SU and was recently ranked #1 in the AP poll.  I happen to disagree with the Associated Press often. In this case, I have 13 teams power ranked higher than the Baylor Bears.  And once again, I believe they're overvalued when they host Texas Tech, which is why they have covered just two of their last six Big-12 games.  Their last five wins have come by an average of less than 6 ppg and I expect Texas Tech to hang tough in this one.  At 49.9% shooting, Tech is the nation's 10th best shooting team.  And like Baylor, they hold teams to the mid-60's in scoring.  The Red Raiders are accurate at the charity stripe and do a great job of denying rebounds on the defensive end. Keenan Evans and Devon Thomas both set the table well, finding open looks for others, while keeping turnovers at a minimum (combined 2.74 tpg).  Baylor is 1-6 ATS at home against teams with a losing road record and they're on a 0-5 ATS slide as a favorite of 7 to 12 1/2 points.  I'm grabbing the points with Texas Tech on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the short points with Creighton on Wednesday, my CBB Shocker. The Jays are no longer a Final Four contender after losing national MVP candidate Maurice Watson, Jr., but they are better than the results we saw on Saturday in a 102-94 loss to Marquette. Then again, with the way Marquette shot, few teams would have beaten the Golden Eagles.  Marquette made 60% of their FGA, including 50% of their 3-pointers.  Georgetown isn't a bad shooting team, but it's hard to imagine they'll come anywhere close to what Marquette did on Saturday. Offensively, Creighton was just fine, scoring 94 points and led by Marcus Foster, who finished with 30 points on 13 of 24 shooting.  Khyri Thomas, Isaiah Zierden, and Davion Mintz will have to pick up the point-guard slack, but the Jays still have five players who can score in double figures when needed, three of which average between 12 & 19 ppg.  The Hoyas enter just 1-6 SU & ATS in Big East play and lost their most recent conference home game by 18 points to Providence.  They're also on a 0-5 ATS slide as a home dog.  The Jays are on an 18-4 ATS run off a spread loss and they're on a 7-0 ATS run as road chalk.  I'm laying the short points with Creighton on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Kentucky, my KO on Tuesday's slate.  It's not often when we have laid a lot of points this season, but we have a team that's laying a little less than it should be in our betting opinion.  Kentucky may be without the services of De'Aaron Fox, who is listed as questionable (ankle), however in this particular game, I believe the Wildcat talent will circle the wagons and pick up the slack.  Kentucky has three other players averaging between 21.7 ppg & 13 ppg and Malik Monk, Isaiah Briscoe, and Dominique Hawkins should be able to pick up the slack when it comes to creating shots for others.  The 'Cats are outstanding at both ends of the floor, while the Volunteers are a little shaky with their own shot and defending opponents at the other end. John Calipari should have his team focused, using a loss last season in Knoxville as added motivation. Kentucky enters on a 9-3 ATS conference run, while the Vols are 1-8 ATS off a conference win over the last two seasons.  Tennessee has covered just 12 of their last 37 home lined games.  I'm backing Kentucky minus the points, my KO release. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Appalachian State, my Monday Shocker.  While the records are quite different, we do believe GSU is overvalued in this spot. The Panthers are off back-to-back double digit wins, but before their last two games, they hadn't beaten a "board" team by more than eight points all season, with their previous four wins coming by an average of just 6 ppg.  GSU has fattened up the win column with victories over Alabama A&M, Georgia Southwestern State, Eastern Kentucky, New Jersey Tech, and Thomas University.  App State's non-conference schedule was much tougher, facing Duke, NC State, and Tennessee, and they do have six players averaging at least 7 ppg (seven players if Kelvin Robinson returns tonight).  And while the Panthers are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 home games, the Mountaineers are on a humble, yet winning 3-0-1 ATS run when getting 7 to 12 1/2 points.  I believe GSU is overvalued and we'll take the points with Appalachian State, out Shocker on Monday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Colorado State, my DogPound release.  Defense, Rebounding, and Emmanuel Omogbo are likely to be the three key reasons why CSU pulls an upset tonight.  The Rams are outstanding on the defensive end of the floor and Omogbo is unmatched in this one.  The CSU forward has averaged 15.3 ppg & 10.2 rpg over his last six games.  The Rams also enter on a 5-0 ATS run off a loss by 20 or more and they've covered four straight against teams with a losing record.  USU allows more points than they score on average, are weak on the glass, and outside of Sam Merrill, have mediocre assist-turnover ratios among the rest of the team.  The Aggies are just 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games.  I'm taking the points with Colorado State, my DogPound release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Utah Utes, my Saturday Knockout.  These two teams both score points and play uptempo basketball.  But only one of the two plays defense and that's the Utah Utes.  While Washington allows 78.5 ppg and gives up high percentage shooting, the Utes hold teams to 39.7% shooting and 65.9 ppg.  Six Utes average between 14.9 ppg & 9.5 ppg. They also have four solid dishers, score over 81 ppg on 51.2% shooting, and own a +11 rebound margin per game. Utah enters on a 6-1-1 ATS run and they're 6-0 ATS when laying less than seven points. Meanwhile, the defenseless Huskies are on a 1-7-1 ATS slide against teams with a winning record and they have dropped four in a row ATS as a home dog.  I'm laying the points with Utah, my KO release. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Vanderbilt Commodores, my Shocker on Saturday.  Florida is laying double digits and I certainly don't mind taking big points when my dog is facing a team that's mediocre when it comes to shooting accuracy and on the glass. Also, six of the Gators' top eight players in minutes played per game are upside down in the assists-turnover category.  Vandy is outstanding from behind the arc and make 77% of their FTA. Four players average between 16.3 ppg & 10.3 ppg, and Riley LaChance is strong at creating open looks for others.  Vandy enters on a 5-1 ATS run against teams playing better than .600 basketball on the season and they have covered four of the last five in the series.  I'm backing Vanderbilt plus the points, my Shocker.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Portland, my Shocker on Thursday night.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Maryland Terrapins on Thursday, my CBB Shocker.  Iowa is home off a horrible beatdown, losing 89-54 at Northwestern.  But we don't believe they'll bounce back here.  Iowa wants to play uptempo basketball and plays little defense.  Meanwhile, the Terps own the style of play to throw a wrench into the Hawkeye system.  Maryland has held their last nine opponents to less than 64 ppg and have allowed their five conference opponents to make just 41.4% of their FGA and an average of just 5.5 made treys per game.  Take the anomaly against Michigan out of the mix and Maryland has held their other four Big-10 opponents to 39.4% shooting.  While defensive play is their calling card this season, the Terps still have Melo Trimble who can match Iowa star guard Peter Jok.  Maryland enters on a 5-0 ATS run when getting points, while Iowa has dropped five in a row ATS when laying less than seven points.  I'm backing Maryland, my Perfect-10 on Thursday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Colorado Buffaloes on Wednesday, my Road Warrior.  Both teams are off to tough starts in the Pac-12, but CU is in better shape from our point of view.  CU has dropped five straight games, the longest losing streak under Tad Boyle, but he'll still be calling the shots in Boulder next season.  I doubt the same can be said for Lorenzo Romar, whose program has underwhelmed and disappointed again. Romar is firmly on the hot-seat.  Colorado actually plays some defense, while UW has been horrible, ranked 211th in FG percentage allowed and 331st defending the trey.  I'm betting Washington will be "just what the doctor ordered," for the Buffs, who're off much tougher opposition, having just played USC, UCLA, and Arizona. The Huskies enter on a 1-7 ATS slide against teams with a winning record and we'll back the Buffs here.  I'm playing Colorado, my Road Warrior on Wednesday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm grabbing the points with the Oklahoma Sooners on Wednesday.  OU is in rebuilding mode this season and it has showed, but we like the way they have been playing of late, resulting in four straight covers.  Last time out they beat Texas Tech 84-75.  The return of leading scorer Jordan Woodard is obviously a big deal, he scored 27 points and hauled-in seven rebounds in the win over the Red Raiders.  Just as important, OU HC Lon Kruger has been able to figure out the Mountaineers pressing style of play as well as any coach in the conference.  Does that mean we expect OU to pull the outright win?  No we don't.  But we do expect the Sooners to keep it much closer than the number.  We'll back the Sooners to make it five straight covers.  I'm taking the points with Oklahoma, my DogPound release.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with San Diego State, my KO on Tuesday.  One week ago tonight, UNLV went into The Pit as an 11-point underdog and came from behind to beat New Mexico, 71-66.  The win, in our opinion, was much more of an indictment of what's going on with New Mexico rather than a sudden, "we got it," moment from the Rebels.  UNLV works hard, but they're not a good basketball team.  Heck, they only made 38% of their shots against the Lobos. UNLV has made just 40.9% of their FGA this season, (313th in the nation), and they rank 210th behind the arc.  SDSU has fallen short of expectations thus far, but they still play a mean brand of defense, ranked 20th in the nation, allowing just 39.2% shooting.  Steve Fisher's team is deep with 10 players averaging over 10 minutes played per game.  I expect their defensive play to suffocate the shaky Rebels.  UNLV has covered just three of their last 14 as a dog and two of their last 10 conference games. Meanwhile, SDSU has covered 16 of the last 21 meetings, including a 6-1 ATS mark in Las Vegas. I'm laying the points with San Diego State, my Knockout release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Vanderbilt Commodores on Tuesday.  Vandy has dropped three straight games, but they're 5-1 ATS in their last six. The loss as chalk to Tennessee is a tough pill for the Commodores to swallow, but the fact is, they're undervalued in this one, according to our power ratings.  Vanderbilt puts four players in double figures in scoring per game and are one of the better 3-point shooting teams in the nation, making about 40% of their attempts.  Georgia is pathetic from the deep perimeter, to say the least. And if they can't get the basketball inside, they are beatable.  They have just two players averaging in double figures in scoring and no one outside of J.J. Frazier is too hot at creating shots for others.  We also have a Vanderbilt team that's 8-0 ATS off a double digit home loss, which is the situation they're in tonight.  I'm grabbing the points with Vanderbilt, my Shocker on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the short points with Ohio State, my Sunday Shocker.  It's been a tough run for the Buckeyes, especially when they lost the latest of their current 4-game losing streak by 23 points at Wisconsin.  But Thad Matta's troops are back home today where they're 9-2 SU on the season. The Buckeyes have bounced back well off a loss by more than 20 points, covering five straight in this spot.  They've played a decent brand of defensive basketball for most of the season and I expect a return to form here against a Michigan State squad that's struggled on the offensive end in road/neutral games this season, averaging just 64.6 ppg.  Ohio State is holding opponents to 39.5% shooting this season and I expect a badly needed win here.  I'm backing Ohio State, my Sunday Shocker. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the UCLA Bruins on Saturday.  Both teams go deep as far as double digit scorers are concerned, but UCLA gets it done inside and out, while Utah owns a week deep perimeter game on the offensive end. They'll attempt to run with the Bruins, which is exactly what UCLA would like, averaging 93.4 ppg on 53.5% shooting, including a nation's best, 44.1% from behind the 3-point line.  UCLA is also loaded with dishers led by Lonzo Bell (144 assists; 42 turnovers).  The Utes best assist man has almost as many turnovers (42) as he does assists (44). And while Utah enters 3-9 ATS as a dog of less than seven and 0-4-1 ATS as a home dog, the Bruins are 5-1 ATS when laying single digits on the season. We'll back the UCLA Bruins minus the points, our CBB Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Columbia on Saturday, my Top Shocker.  The Columbia Lions have a couple of things Cornell doesn't, including a hard-to-match forward in Luke Petrasek, who averages 14.6 ppg & 6.9 rpg.  Petrasek is extra tough to defend because he can take an opposing big man outside away from the basket on the offensive end.  Columbia also has the two best dishers in this game with Mike Smith & Quinton Adlesh combining for 80 assists and just 40 turnovers on the season.  Cornell's top two assists men also have 80 assists combined, but have also turned the ball over 76 times.  Also, the Big Red will play up to Columbia's tempo, another Lions' advantage. Columbia enters on a 4-1-1 ATS run against teams with a losing record and a 4-0 ATS run at Cornell.  Meanwhile, the Big Red are 3-10 ATS as a favorite of less than seven points and they're on a 0-3-1 ATS slide off a SU win.  I'm grabbing the points with Columbia, my Top Shocker.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the UConn Huskies, my DogPound Crusher.  The Huskies couldn't get out of neutral for the first month-plus of the season. But the squad looks to have finally found their shot on the offensive end.  UConn made 55 of 110 shots, 50% shooting with 33 assists and just 20 turnovers in their last two games combined, double-digit wins over Temple & UCF.  We believe they've turned the corner and will now take Georgetown right to the wire, if not winning outright. UConn has played well on the defensive end all season, ranked 17th in the nation, holding teams to 38.7% shooting, including 31.9% from behind the arc. The Huskies, a one-time member of the Big East are on a 19-7-1 ATS run against their former conference. Meanwhile, the Hoyas are 4-10 ATS at home and have covered just one of their last nine off a win by more than 20 points.  We're not big fans of John Thompson-III's coaching abilities and we'll grab the value here.  I'm taking the points with the UConn Huskies, my DogPound on Saturday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.