I'm backing Tulsa on Sunday. As I said on Thursday night when we backed SMU over Memphis, those who have followed me know I haven't been much of a Memphis fan all season. Josh Pastner could be out of a job if his team fails to make the Dance, which means the Tigers will have to win the postseason conference tourney. The biggest problem this season is that Memphis has been horrible on the offensive end. If you can't shoot, you can't beat the better teams on your schedule. Memphis ranks 315th in FG percentage and 299th in 3-point accuracy. They have shot less than 40% in five of their last seven games. It's tough to improve on their FG shooting against a Tulsa team that has held their opponents to 41% this season. The Golden Hurricanes are also the best in the conference at forcing turnovers and in steals. I expect Tulsa to harass Memphis all game. It's a Tigers' team that could be hungover as it is, following the heart-breaking loss to SMU on Thursday. Memphis enters on a 2-9 ATS slide at home against teams with a winning road record, while Tulsa is on a 5-0 ATS run against teams with a winning record, overall. I'm backing Tulsa, my Sunday Knockout. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Virginia on Saturday. The Cavaliers have a chance for a perfect home season, but need wins over North Carolina and Louisville to get it done. UVA enters Saturday 13-0 SU at home. The general basketball fan confuses Virginia's style, believing they're a slow paced basketball team. But UVA's deliberate style isn't due to inability on the offensive end. The fact is, the Cavaliers rank 8th in FG percentage and 11th in 3-point accuracy. They have made half of their shots at home. At the same time, they have held the opposition to less than 60 ppg. UVA also owns fantastic assist-turnover ratios at home, owning a 1.69, while forcing their guests in a 0.72 ratio. And with their style of defensive play, the Cavaliers can force UNC out of the comfort zone, which means the Tar Heels will have to "hit" from the deep perimeter. The Heels have made just 27% of their 3-pointers on the road this season and this is their weakness. UNC has not beaten a top level team on the road this season, losing at Notre Dame, Louisville, and Texas, allowing 78 ppg and 27 FTA per game. Meanwhile, Virginia is 7-1 ATS against teams that outscore their opponents by an average of at least 12 ppg. UVA outscored those eight opponents by an average margin of 13 ppg. We should also note that over the second half of this season and last, UNC has covered just one of nine games against teams that make at least 37% of their treys. UVA makes 40% of their 3-point attempts. I'm laying the points with Virginia, my Knockout release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the short points with Kentucky on Saturday. The Wildcats are heating up down the stretch, just a weird, OT loss to A&M from a perfect 6-0 SU run entering this game. Vanderbilt will be motivated in this one, looking to impress the selection committee. Outside of Texas A&M, the Commodores don't have a big, shiny win so far this season. The problem for Vandy is that they don't matchup well with Kentucky. The Wildcats whipped Vandy, 76-57 in January. Kentucky won by 19 points despite shooting just six FTA, compared to 25 attempts for Vanderbilt. In fact, the Commodores outscored Kentucky 20-4 from the stripe, but couldn't come close in the game. The Wildcats shot lights-out and held Vandy to 16 of 50 shooting. I expect more of the same with Kentucky holding their last five opponents to 33.9% shooting and less than 20 made FGs per game. And at the other end of the floor, John Calipari's troops have made 44% of their 3-point attempts during the same five game span. Vandy enters just 2-8 ATS in their last 10 against teams playing better than .600 basketball, and they're 3-14 ATS in their last 17 at home following a double digit road win. Talent wins out in this one in my opinion and I'm laying the points with Kentucky, my Saturday Slam Dunk. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm playing Mississippi State on Saturday. The Bulldogs have played better of late, covering four of their last five outings, including SU wins over Vanderbilt and Alabama. Ben Howland's troops welcomed back Malik Newman to the mix last time out and while he only played 18 minutes, we expect Newman to get back to his normal numbers on Saturday. His return gives the Bulldogs virtually five players averaging in double digits in points per contest. I.J. Ready is an outstanding disher, piling up 115 assists with just 39 turnovers on the season. Everyone knows their part for Howland's squad right now and the team is also getting it done on the defensive end where they have held their guests under 40% shooting. That's bad news for a South Carolina team that has struggled with their shooting on the road. And while we aren't making the bet simply based on it, the Gamecocks have a flu-bug traveling around the locker room, which certainly doesn't help their cause. Mississippi State is on a 13-3 ATS run at home against teams that outscore their opponents by at least four ppg, and they're on a 15-5 ATS run in revenge of a double digit road loss. MSU lost 84-74 at SC in late January. I'm backing Mississippi State, my Revenge Wipeout on Saturday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Miami on Saturday. Give Louisville and Rick Pitino a ton of credit. They could have packed it in when it was announced they were banned from postseason play and lost back-to-back games to Duke and Notre Dame. But they have since won three straight games, including exacting revenge against Duke. Louisville turned a one-point halftime lead into a 72-58 win over Syracuse. The Cardinals trailed Duke by eight at the half and by five with less than seven minutes to go, before winning by seven. And they trailed Pitt by eight points with less than eight minutes to go before capturing the win. Include the close, hard-fought losses that preceded the winning streak and Louisville has been involved in five straight, virtually down to the wire battles. Facing Miami on the road is tough enough as it is. The Hurricanes are 14-1 SU at home this season, while the Cardinals have allowed as many points on average as they score, on the road. One of the Cards' problems away from home has been the amount of PF's they've committed. Louisville "hosts" have attempted an average of more than 27 FTA per game. That's an average of 12 more per game than Miami "guests" have averaged. Miami has shot lights-out at home, while holding opponents to less than 40% shooting. And, just one game back of UNC for top spot in the ACC, Jim Larranaga's squad will be completely focused with this being their final home game of the season. The Hurricanes enter on a 13-3-1 ATS run at home, while the Cardinals are 1-7 ATS in their last eight road games. I'm laying the points with Miami, my ACC Main Event. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing USC on Thursday night. The Trojans were used and abused by Utah center Jakob Poeltl last time out. Fortunately, Stanford doesn't have a center in Poeltl's class. The Cardinal have taken four straight against USC, but this is the Trojans best team during that span. Andy Enfield knows his team is likely set for the Big Dance, but no reason to take any chances and his squad could use a bounce back win here. I believe they'll get that win. USC is still an offensive powerhouse and they defend well, ranked 57th and 26th in FG percentage allowed and 3-point shooting. And while their offensive scoring average is down a bit over their last few games, they still average over 80 ppg on the season and Stanford has struggled on the defensive end. The Cardinal are "just what the doctor ordered" for the Trojans to get back on track offensively. And remember, USC puts six players in double digits in scoring on average. Stanford heads into Thursday on a 1-6-1 ATS slide against teams with a winning record and they're 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 conference tilts. I'm backing USC, my Slam Dunk on Thursday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with SMU on Thursday night. The Mustangs aren't going to be involved in the Big Dance. They learned of their one-year ban back in October. But SMU has played well for Larry Brown all season and head to Memphis with a 22-4 SU mark. The Mustangs four losses all came against teams I have power rated higher than Memphis. Those who have followed me know I haven't been much of a Memphis fan all season. Josh Pastner could be out of a job if his team fails to make the Dance, which means the Tigers will likely have to win the postseason conference tourney. But the bottom line with Memphis, they're horrible on the offensive end. If you can't shoot, you can't beat the better teams on your schedule. Memphis ranks 316th in FG percentage and 300th in 3-point accuracy. Good luck fixing those numbers against one of the top defensive teams in CBB. And good luck keeping up with SMU, who ranks 6th and 3rd in the nation in FG percentage and 3-point shooting, respectively. Nic Moore leads six players averaging between 16.8 ppg and 9.4 ppg for SMU. Markus Kennedy, Ben Moore, and Jordan Tolbert are relentless on the glass where the Mustangs own a +13 rebound margin per game. Memphis is not too hot on the glass and in fact, they're 1-8 ATS against teams that average at least 7 rpg more than they allow. The Tigers are 2-8 ATS at home against teams with a winning road record. And finally, CBB favorites of 3 1/2 to 9 1/2 points are on a 47-20 ATS run if the opponent is off a SU loss as a road favroite of seven or more. Memphis lost 80-71 at South Florida last time out, as a 9-point favorite. We've enjoyed playing against Memphis throughout this season and we'll do so again tonight. I'm laying the points with SMU, my Road Warrior. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Northern Iowa on Wednesday. Final home game for the Panthers and it comes with a shot at avenging a loss to ISU earlier this season. UNI has turned their season around with a current 7-1 SU/ATS run, which included a win in Wichita over the Shockers. Meanwhile, the Sycamores look to have packed it in. Rumors abound that ISU's coach is leaving for a job as an NBA assistant as soon as the season comes to an end. The Sycamores have lost five in a row both SU & ATS and have allowed over 83 ppg in their last six losses. Their last two losses came by 33 points and 28 points. ISU ranks 330th in the nation in shooting accuracy and I'm betting they'll have no chance hanging around in this one. ISU is on a 0-6 ATS slide on the road and they're 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11, overall. Meanwhile, the Panthers enter their home finale 16-5-1 in their last 22 home games, to go along with the 7-1 mark mentioned above. I'm laying the points with Northern Iowa, my Main Event. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Boise State on Tuesday night. Goodluck Okonoboh (left team), Ben Carter (knee), Daquan Cook (dismissed), Stephen Zimmerman, Jr., (knee), and now, as announced on Monday, Dwayne Morgan (shoulder). That's five key contributors to UNLV's basketball team, who're all out of the lineup at this point of the season. Add in the fact that the "honeymoon" enjoyed by interim coach Todd Simon has long since ended and UNLV is a hamstrung team. Give them credit for "leaving it all on the floor" in their OT win over in-state rival Nevada, but there is no extra motivation tonight. Instead, motivation lies with the Broncos, who lost in Las Vegas in late January, part of the Rebels' 4-1 SU/ATS start following the firing of Dave Rice. UNLV owns just one road win under Simon and they're 2-8 SU on the road this season, overall. Ben Carter and Stephen Zimmerman, (both out as noted above), combined for 28 points on 12 of 21 shooting, with 19 rebounds in the January meeting. Boise's best player, Anthony Drmic, wasn't 100% healthy in the loss to the Rebels and scored just 7 points in 22 minutes of action. Drmic is fine now and scored 30 against New Mexico last time out. And while BSU enters on a 13-6 ATS run at home against teams with a losing road record, UNLV is on a 0-4 ATS slide on the road. I'm laying the points with Boise State, my Slam Dunk release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the short points with Ohio University on Tuesday night. We have two teams firmly headed in the opposite direction and the team that's playing well, Ohio in this case, also owns the revenge factor. In fact, it's revenge and then some. Long story short, Ohio led BG by five at the half in their mid-January meeting, before eventually losing, 91-75. BG shot extremely well in the second half, but the nail in the coffin came when the Bobcats were called for three technical fouls on one play late in the game. BG made a 3-pointer before and after the technicals, and shot FTs for the technical fouls, sealing the game for the Falcons with a 10-point possession. By the end of the game, Ohio had been whistled for 30 personal fouls and all five starters were in foul trouble. So much for home cooking. Ohio has kicked it into gear, winning and covering five straight games, averaging 81.6 ppg. The Falcons have lost seven straight games both SU & ATS, and have won just one of their last 10 SU/ATS. Most of all, the Falcons don't have an answer for the inside/outside game of Antonio Campbell & Jaaron Simmons. Ohio, as a team, has made over 50% of their FGA over their last five games, including nearly 44% from behind the arc. They're the better rebounding team and own a 1.55 assist-turnover ratio, while the Falcons are upside down. We'll back the Bobcats. Ohio minus the points, my KO play on Tuesday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Illinois on Sunday. Tough spot for the Badgers, who're laying double digits in this one. Wisconsin is off games against Maryland and Michigan State and they have a date with Iowa next. Looking past the Illini, or at least not bringing the same energy as we have seen of late, would not be a big stretch. And Wiscy has covered just four of their last 17 as double digit chalk this season and last. Illinois has a true Big-10 star in Malcolm Hill and Maverick Morgan has been on a tear. Toss in the play of Kendrick Nunn and Jalen Coleman-Lands and taking this team lightly would be unwise for the Badgers. Illinois is on a 6-2 ATS run on the road, and under John Groce they're 19-9 ATS as a road dog against teams playing .600 to .800 basketball. I'm betting the Illini keep this one close and hang the number. Illinois plus the points, my DogPound release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the USC Trojans on Sunday. Andy Enfield's squad got back on track last time out, beating Colorado in the Trojans return home, but coming up just short against the number. They did look a little sluggish at times, but we expected it, coming off back-to-back road losses to the two Arizona schools. Today, with their home legs back under them, I expect USC to not only pick up their 16th home win of the season in as many tries, but to do so by spread covering fashion. USC is on a 13-3-1 ATS run at home and they are 6-0-1 ATS at home against teams with a winning road record. Utah is off their first ever win at Pauley Pavilion, but average just 69 ppg on the road and should be hard-pressed to "keep up" with USC's offensive prowess. The Trojans average 87 ppg at home on 48% shooting, (40% 3-pointers), while holding guests to 38.7% shooting. They also average nearly 25 FTA per game at home, while Utah averages less than 17 FTA on the road. USC has dropped five straight meetings with the Utes, but this is the first time they'll meet this season and I'm backing Andy Enfield's squad. I'm laying the points with USC, my Knockout release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Gonzaga on Saturday night. Things have been a little shaky of late for the Gaels, who are just 3-2 SU in their last five games with losses to BYU and Pepperdine. We have played against SMC twice since their January 21 home win over Gonzaga and cashed both times. And when watching the game with the Zags, we saw an overrated SMC squad benefit from mistake after mistake by the Bulldogs in the closing minutes. Gonzaga looked to be in control, winning by 10 points with 6 1/2 minutes to go in the game and by eight points with just over 5 minutes to go. But they couldn't get a call down the stretch, attempting just five free throws all night. Add in unforced mistakes and Gonzaga scored just three points over the final 4 1/2 minutes. SMC finished with a 70-67 win, while the Zags got the cover. But in a season when it looked to many like SMC would knock-off the Zags in the WCC, here we are, roughly one month later and Gonzaga is back on top of the conference standings. They're 7-1 SU in their last eight games with the lone loss coming at SMU, nothing to be ashamed of there. Mark Few's troops have kicked it into gear at home on the offensive end where they have averaged 87 ppg in their last four contests. The Bulldogs have nailed over 48% of their FGA at home this season, while holding their guests to less than 39% shooting, including 23.6% from behind the arc. GU is the much better rebounding team in this situation and I highly doubt they'll attempt just 5 FTA the entire game in this one. SMC enters on a 1-9 ATS slide, overall, and they're 0-7 ATS off a SU win. Meanwhile GU enters on a 9-2-1 ATS run at home against teams with a winning record and they're on an 8-0 ATS run in this series. The two perfect ATS spots add up to a combined 15-0. I'm laying the points with Gonzaga, my WCC GOY. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Purdue on Saturday night. Odd happenings at the top of the Big-10 of late sets up Indiana with a chance to take sole possession of the conference lead with a win tonight. But Purdue has something to say about that and I believe there's an upset brewing in Bloomington. The Hoosiers are undefeated at home this season, but their play on the offensive end of the floor has failed them a couple of times of late. IU has lost two of their last four games, scoring just 63 points and 69 points in the losses. Purdue can certainly make teams look bad with their style of defensive play. The Boilermakers allow just 63.5 ppg on 38.3% shooting (6th in NCAA) and 30% accuracy from behind the arc (18th). They're one of the best rebounding teams in America at both ends of the floor and their size should give IU trouble. The Hoosiers shot less than 38% in recent games against Michigan State and Penn State and saw the Spartans block 10 shots. Indiana has allowed their last five opponents to make 47.5% of their FGA and have also allowed a 1.57 assist-turnover ratio. I expect Purdue to take full advantage. The Hoosiers are off the wide margin win over Nebraska last time out, but they're 1-8 ATS off a double digit conference win. Purdue enters on a 23-12 ATS run off an ATS loss. I'm grabbing the points with Purdue, my Saturday Shocker. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing Texas A&M on Saturday. Big win last time out for the Aggies after dropping a few games. It shows they're back in the mix and have righted the ship as far as we're concerned. Meanwhile, Kentucky looks like a team no one wants to face right now, having won four straight by double digits (0-7 ATS after at least three straight wins by 10 or more points). But Kentucky has not been great on the road this season and College Station is a tough place to do business. While the Wildcats are 3-5 SU on the road, A&M is 14-1 SU at home. The Aggies average over 80 ppg at home this on 48% shooting and they've held guests to less than 23 made FGs per game on 39% shooting. I also expect A&M to get the the FT line in this one. Kentucky has seen their hosts average 33 FTA per game. A&M is the better rebounding team in this spot and they average 20 assists per game and just 12 turnovers per game at home, while forcing 16 turnovers per game. In fact, they are great at forcing even the best ball-handling teams into mistakes, currently on a 14-4 ATS run against teams that average no more than 12 tpg. I'm backing Texas A&M, my KO release on Saturday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Marquette on Saturday. A chance at revenge for Wojo's troops after losing at home to DePaul earlier this season. The Blue Demons haven't done much right outside of that win and a victory over Providence, losing three straight games and 11 of their last 13, overall. DePaul beat Marquette 57-56 on a last second 3-pointer, despite making less than 39% of their shots, but they got plenty of second chances, scoring 12 offensive rebounds to just five for the Golden Eagles. That in itself, will be a motivating factor for Marquette. The Eagles have also had a week off to get back on track after squandering some chances in a 65-62 loss to Creighton. DePaul ought to be "just what the doctor ordered," and I expect Marquette to exact some revenge. DePaul has covered just four of their last 16 home games and they're just 2-11 ATS off a double digit road loss. I'm laying the points with Marquette, my Revenge Wipeout. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Syracuse on Wednesday. When Louisville announced its self-imposed postseason ban, the players reacted well, crushing Boston College 79-47. But the Cardinals have since lost two straight, dropping games to Duke and Notre Dame. We thought they'd have enough to get passed the Irish, but Louisville was unable to hang on after building a double digit lead. Rick Pitino has been candid, stating his team is having a tough time staying focused with the loss of a postseason berth. He also said he's going to use his team's remaining games to take a look at players who wouldn't normally receive a lot of playing time if all things were normal. They're catching a Syracuse team that's focused on the task at hand and one that's won five straight games and eight of their last nine (7-2 ATS). Five players are averaging between 9.6 and 17.4 ppg, keeping the pressure on the Cardinals on the defensive end of the floor. Syracuse has covered five straight road games, while Louisville has covered just eight of their last 26 as home chalk of 6 1/2 to 9 points. We'll grab the points with Syracuse, my DogPound release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with TCU on Tuesday.  Kansas State has been involved in a lot of tough games in conference play of late, with seven of their last eight games coming against Baylor (twice), Oklahoma, Kansas, West Virginia, Iowa State, and last time out, an OT loss to Oklahoma State.  I do believe they're ripe for the upset traveling to TCU.  The Horned Frogs are on a 7-1 ATS run at home against teams with a losing road record.  TCU takes on a K-State team that has seen their "hosts" make 47% of their FGA, while the Wildcats have made just 39% on the road.  And while Bruce Weber's squad has made less than 27% of their 3-point attempts on the road, they have allowed a 37% rate to the opposition.  And we should mention the 'Cats 0.79 assist-turnover ratio away from Manhattan.  K-State enters on a 1-5 ATS slide and I'm going against them tonight. I'm taking the points with TCU, my Tuesday Shocker.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with West Virginia on Tuesday. A chance to avenge a home loss tonight for the Mountaineers. WVU, averaging 80 ppg on 45.4% shooting, was held to 49 points in a seven-point home loss to Texas on January 20. But it was a tough spot for the Mountaineers, who were off of back-to-back games against Kansas and Oklahoma, beating the Jayhawks before coming up a basket short against the Sooners. Bob Huggins' troops were gassed against Texas and the Longhorns took full advantage. WVU made just 31% of their shots that night, including a 3 of 21, 14% night from behind the arc. I expect big changes here, coming off a blowout win over TCU this time. Meanwhile, it's Texas who's coming off of draining games this time, losing roadies at Oklahoma and Iowa State in their last two games. We went against the Longhorns last time out and cashed with ISU and we'll go against them again tonight. I'm taking the points with West Virginia, my Slam Dunk, as they look to extend their conference run to 6-1 ATS. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Iowa Hawkeyes on Sunday. Once in a while we find a solid spot to lay big lumber and this is one of those times. The Hawkeyes are off a loss at Indiana last time out, yet with a win here, combined with a possible Indiana loss to Michigan State earlier in the day, Iowa could sit atop the Big-10 standings by the end of the day. So, there's motivation for focus from start to finish tonight. And although the teams haven't met this season, Minnesota did beat Iowa when they met a year ago. This season has been an absolute nightmare for Richard Pitino's Gophers. They'll enter Sunday 0-12 SU in conference play and 0-6 SU on the road. Minnesota allows 80 ppg on 48% shooting on the road, while Iowa turns it up at home, averaging 84 ppg on strong shooting inside and outside the arc. Minnesota has covered just nine of their last 34 road games against teams playing better than .600 basketball. In other words, Iowa gets "just what the doctor ordered." The Hawkeyes have been home favorites of more than 12 points 27 times under Fran McCaffrey, and they have outscored their "guests" by an average of 81-56 in those games, covering at a 67% winning clip. I'm laying the points with Iowa, my Sunday Knockout. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Iowa State on Saturday night. The Cyclones will aim for a little payback in this one after dropping a 3-point loss in OT in mid-January. Three is the key word as the Cyclones were outscored 39-18 from area code 3 in the defeat. But the Longhorns' 13 of 31 night from the 3-point line is not likely to be repeated in Ames, Iowa. Texas has made less than 34% of their treys on the season (213th) and Iowa State promises to be in an angry mood off an OT road loss at Texas Tech, not to mention a home loss to West Virginia the last time in Ames. The Cyclones have averaged 86 ppg at home this season on 50% shooting and they own a 1.68 assist-turnover ratio at home. That last stat is quite important when facing a Shaka Smart-coached team. ISU should have little trouble on the glass against a poor rebounding road team, and they're on a 49-20 ATS run at home as a PK or a fave up to 6. They're also on a 12-1 SU run (11-1-1 ATS) at home in same season revenge. I'm laying the points with Iowa State, my Big-12 Revenge GOM on Saturday night. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Montana State on Saturday. Payback will be on the minds of the Bobcats, one of just four teams to lose to hapless Southern Utah all season. The Thunderbirds (4-18 SU) couldn't miss in Cedar City on New Year's Eve, nailing 54% of their FGA, including 46% from behind the arc, en route to a 93-82 win. But since the calendar changed to 2016, SUU is just 1-10 SU/ATS, losing the 10 games by an average score of 84-64. SUU allows 85 ppg on the road this season on 53.5% shooting, including 44.6% from behind the arc (those aren't typos). This plays right into Montana State's strength, perimeter shooting. The Bobcats hoist a lot of treys. In fact, 44% of all shots at home are taken from behind the 3-point line, where they have made 45.3% of their attempts. MSU averages over 12 made 3-pointers per contest at home, where they average 81 ppg. Southern Utah is 3-17 ATS this season, while MSU enters on a 5-2 ATS run. I expect the Bobcats to exact revenge by a wide margin. I'm laying the points with Montana State, my Mismatch release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Oregon on Saturday. The Ducks will look to bounce back from an ugly performance last time out, an 83-63 loss to Cal. The loss snapped a six-game SU/ATS winning streak, which included wins at Arizona and at home over USC. I mention those two wins because we were on the Ducks in both covers. We'll jump back in with Dana Altman's bunch today. Oregon whipped Stanford 71-58 in January, out-rebounding the banged-up Cardinal 37-19. Stanford is hamstrung on the glass with the lengthy absence of Reid Travis, who remains sidelined. Stanford has dropped four straight, both SU & ATS, losing by an average margin of 16 ppg. In fact, their last six losses have all come by double digits, and they aren't immune to big losses at home, already falling by 12 points to Oregon State and by 14 points to Arizona. Stanford is not likely to "keep up" in this one, ranked 284th in FG percentage and 312th in 3-point accuracy, and their numbers are almost equally bad on the defensive end. I expect the Cardinal to be "just what the doctor ordered" for the Ducks. Oregon enters 6-1 ATS off a SU loss and they're on a 23-9 ATS run in their last 32 games, overall. Meanwhile, Stanford is 0-5-1 ATS in their last six and 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 conference games. I'm laying the points with Oregon, my Road Warrior. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Evansville on Thursday. Illinois State picked up a big win at home last time out, handing Wichita State their only loss this conference season. But the win had as much to do with the Shockers loss of focus as it did anything else. After all, Wichita led ISU by as many as 16 points in the second half. The Redbirds made just 15 of 55, 27% of their FGA in the win, but overcame the Shockers due in part to a 22-9 advantage at the FT line. ISU's poor shooting was nothing new. The Redbirds rank 308th in FG percentage and 229th in 3-point accuracy. Yes, 229th, yet they fire-up 20 3-point attempts per game on the road. They took 31 3-pointers in the first meeting with Evansville, making just six and losing 66-55. The Purple Aces will enter with a 12-1 mark at home, where they average over 81 ppg on 51% shooting. They don't take a lot of treys, but when they do, they have made 40%, while holding "guests" to a 30% success rate. I don't believe ISU will be saved by the free throw in this one because Evansville drives and draws fouls, getting to the stripe almost 30 times per game at home, while the Redbirds average less than 18 FTA per game on the road. I also look to play teams with strong assist-turnover ratios and the Aces are strong in that department with a 1.45 ratio. Evansville has covered eight of the last 10 meetings at home and I'm on them again. I'm laying the points with Evansville, my Knockout release on Thursday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Oakland on Thursday. Bad combination of key situations for Milwaukee tonight. The Panthers don't play much defense, ranked 306th in FG percentage allowed and 340th in 3-point defense, but they like to play an uptempo brand of basketball. That spells trouble against the high powered Oakland offensive attack. While Milwaukee has dropped three of four, Oakland has won six in a row, (5-0-1 ATS). The Grizzlies are one of the better shooting teams in the nation and they're ranked second in CBB in scoring averaging over 86 ppg. Oakland will stay focused throughout in this one after the first meeting was a little close for comfort in an 82-79 Grizzlies' win. Five players average at least 9.5 ppg and leading scorer Kahlil Felder leads the way, averaging nearly 25 ppg. An interesting note from the first meeting, Felder made just 6 of 18 shots, yet his team still topped 80 points. He's now back home where he's scored a total of 84 points in his last three games, combined. Milwaukee doesn't have the defensive acumen to slow down the high scoring Grizzlies. Oakland is on a 23-4-1 ATS run off a SU win and we'll back them here. I'm laying the points with Oakland on Thursday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Baylor Bears on Wednesday. Good spot to jump on Baylor tonight. The Bears are looking to snap a two-game skid, while the Wildcats are off the big win over Oklahoma last time out. K-State has let down off of important wins already this season and have yet to win two straight conference games. Baylor has proven their worth on the road already this Big-12 season with wins in Ames, Iowa, Lubbock, Texas, and Stillwater. This also marks K-State's fourth game against a top-20 opponent in their last five outings and I don't believe they'll keep up with Baylor's offensive attack. The Bears are 45-21 ATS following at least two straight losses and we'll back them again tonight. Baylor is my Situational GOM. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Houston Cougars on Wednesday. Memphis is off a rare big win last time out, beating Cincinnati 63-59 at home. We went against Memphis and cashed with Temple on January 13 and I mentioned the Tigers were a little overvalued, that they were piling up wins against lessor opponents. We cashed with Temple that night, and Memphis is on a 2-4 SU slide over their last six games. They're in a tough spot tonight against a hard-driving Houston team that already owns a home win over SMU. We should note that while Robert Gray is questionable, (ankle), he missed the game against the Mustangs and the Cougars were still able to pull the upset. Houston is loaded with quality depth in the backcourt if Gray is sidelined again. Memphis has been horrible on the offensive end, ranking 321st in the nation in FG percentage and 304th in 3-point accuracy. We like Houston's offense to force Memphis to play "keep up" and they just don't have the shooters to do so. Memphis has covered just 7 of their last 26 against teams playing better than .600 basketball, while the Cougars are on a 23-7-1 ATS run at home against teams playing worse then .400 basketball on the road. I'm backing the Houston Cougars, my Mismatch. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Kansas on Tuesday. A win here and the Jayhawks can even up the season series and move into a tie for first place in the Big-12 standings. KU owns a big matchup advantage in this one as Perry Ellis should give the short-handed Mountaineers fits. Jonathan Holton will miss his second game due to suspension and his absence leaves a gaping hole on the defensive end, along with pulling down more than seven rebounds per game. KU held WVU to 33% shooting in the first meeting, a 74-63 Mountaineer win. But they couldn't overcome a 33 of 47 night from WVU at the FT line, compared to just 13 makes by the Jayhawks. And besides the FT situation, the Jayhawks also turned the ball over 22 times. I expect that to be remedied here at Phog Allen, where KU owns a 1.51 assist-turnover ratio. Bill Self's troops force a 0.69 ratio on their "guests," which means WVU may find the shoe on the other foot tonight. The home team is 6-1 ATS in this series and Kansas is 12-1 ATS at home in revenge of a double digit road loss, winning the rematch by an average margin of 16 ppg. I'm laying the points with Kansas, my Knockout release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Clemson Tigers on Monday night. To say the Tigers "dig" their temporary home would be a major understatement. Clemson has played their home games in Greenville, SC, while Littlejohn Arena undergoes renovations. They'll head into Monday on a 5-0 SU/ATS conference run at "home," beating Pittsburgh, Miami-Fla., Duke, Louisville, and Florida St., by an average margin of more than 8 ppg. Clemson has held their "guests" to 37.5% shooting and 56.2 ppg. The opposition has averaged just 11.7 FTA. That may be an important note tonight, because the Irish used a big FT disparity on Saturday to come from behind and beat North Carolina. The Irish didn't shoot well from the field, got out-rebounded by the Heels, but held a 31-16 advantage at the FT line, receiving 38 chances to just 21 for UNC. Notre Dame is a big foul drawing team on the road, averaging less than 14 FTA per contest. The Irish have allowed their "hosts" to make 48% of their FGA, including 39% from behind the arc. And they'll enter Monday just 2-6-1 ATS against teams with a winning record. I'm backing the Clemson Tigers, my Monday Mismatch. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with South Dakota State on Saturday. After dropping two of three games in mid-January, the Jackrabbits have rediscovered their offensive mojo and have reeled off four straight wins (3-1 ATS). SDSU is a perfect 9-0 SU at home this season, while IUPUI has lost 12 of 16 on the road. IUPUI has made less than 40% of their FGA on the road, while allowing teams to nail 46% of their shots. SDSU should flourish at both ends of the home floor, where they're also the much better rebounding team. SDSU will aim to exact revenge, while staying on the heels of IPFW for top spot in the Summit. The Jackrabbits weren't too happy with the way things went in their early January meeting in Indianapolis, outscored 21-10 at the FT line, afforded 11 fewer chances. Three key SDSU players finished with at least four personal fouls with two being disqualified. They've circled this date ever since and cozy Frost Arena will be jumping. SDSU is on a 10-1 ATS run at home off a conference road win, and they have won five straight home meetings with IUPUI, all coming by double digits. In fact, the Jackrabbits have won the last three meetings at home by an average final score of 78-52! I'm laying the points with South Dakota State, my Summit League Knockout. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Maryland on Saturday afternoon. The Terps have been good to us so far in 2016. We're 3-0 ATS playing on or against Maryland and we will jump on the side of Mark Turgeon's team today. Maryland enters with a 12-0 home record, where they have outscored their opponents by an average of 18 ppg. The Terps have made over 50% of their FGA at home, while Purdue has allowed their "hosts" to make 44% of their shots. I don't believe the Boilermakers are going to be able to hold the Terrapin offense in-check. Maryland will likely shut down Purdue from the deep perimeter, holding teams to 27% 3-point shooting. The Terps also get to the home charity stripe over 22 times per game, while their "guests" average just 13. Melo Trimble leads five players averaging more than 10 ppg, and he and Rasheed Sulaimon have combined for 205 assists on the season. Outside of A.J. Hammons, Purdue doesn't have a lot of offensive firepower on an individual basis and I expect that to be a key to their downfall in this matchup. Maryland enters on a 17-5 ATS run at home following three straight conference wins and they're on a 12-5 ATS conference run, overall. I'm laying the points with Maryland, my Daytime Dominator. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Michigan State on Saturday. The Spartans overcame Maryland on January 23 to end a 3-game skid and begin a current 3-game winning streak. The Spartans are healthy now and we've seen what that means to Denzel Valentine, who has seen his offensive numbers climb over the last five outings. Michigan holds a one-game lead over Mich State for 4th place in the conference standings, but the Wolverines have not stepped up well against top notch opposition, while fattening up against the softer teams on their slate. Michigan is just 2-6 SU/ATS against Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Purdue, SMU, Texas, UConn, and Xavier. They lost those six games by an average margin of more than 15 ppg. The most recent, an 80-67 home loss to Indiana was even worse than the score would indicate. Michigan was never truly in the game, trailing 45-24 at the half, and by 24 points with less than three minutes to go in the game. They're still playing without leading scorer and best player Caris LeVert, and his absence hurts against Michigan State. The Spartans should be able to take advantage of the Wolverines mediocre defensive play and should have a huge advantage on the glass, where Sparty rocks, while U-M struggles. Michigan has covered just three of their last 16 against teams that average at least seven more rpg than their opponents, and they're on a 1-5 ATS slide in Big-10 play. Meanwhile, Michigan State is on a 14-4 ATS run as a road PK or favorite and the road team is on a 5-1 ATS run in this series. I'm laying the points with Michigan State, my Rivalry Wipeout. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with BYU on Thursday night. SMC owns two big home wins this season, beating Gonzaga in a late Bulldog meltdown, and beating BYU 85-74 as a 6 1/2 point favorite. While the normally sound shooting Cougars made just 41% of their FGA that night, SMC made 31 of 55, 56% of their FGA and obviously, that was the difference in the game. Despite the huge shooting disparity, BYU actually led at one point of the second half and were down by only six points with a little more than six minutes to go in the game. I'm not completely sold on the team from Moraga, and in fact, we went against them on these pages on January 23 and cashed with Portland, a 16 1/2 point underdog. The Gaels have now lost five straight ATS and are again overvalued tonight, even though they're on the road. BYU enters with an 11-0 SU record at home this season where they've outscored their guests by 17 ppg. The Cougars are a monster on the boards in Provo, and average 19 apg, while committing just 11 tpg. And while BYU gets to the FT line 23 times per home game, SMC averages just 14 FTA per game on the road. We should note that under HC Dave Rose, BYU is 9-0 ATS at home against weak foul drawing teams, those that average no more than 18 FTA per game. I'm laying the points with BYU, my West Coast GOM. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Oakland on Thursday. The Golden Grizzlies had won five straight meetings with Youngstown State before falling victim to one of the biggest upsets of this season on January 4. Oakland was as flat as can be as a 17-point favorite over YSU, and the Penguins took full advantage with a 100-98 outright win. Youngstown State, one of the worst shooting teams in college baskets (267th in FG percentage), nailed 16 of 32, 50% of their 3-point attempts that night and while Oakland played well on the offensive end, they simply couldn't overcome their lack of energy on defense. Since that win, YSU has dropped five of eight games, allowing at least 81 points in six of those games and 93 points or more on three occasions. Kahlil Felder leads the way for the Grizzlies, averaging over 25 ppg. He leads no less than six players who average at least 8 ppg. Oakland has won and covered four straight and six of their last seven games, scoring an average of 89.8 ppg in the six wins, making more than 45% of their FGA in all six. And while YSU is on a 0-7-1 ATS slide at home against teams playing better than .600 basketball on the road, the Grizzlies are on a 22-4 ATS run off a SU win. I'm laying the points with Oakland, my Revenge Wipeout. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Washington on Wednesday night. The Huskies already beat Arizona State once this season and I expect their play on the offensive end to be too much for the defensively challenged Sun Devils in the rematch. Washington averages 89 ppg in Seattle and will face an ASU squad that allows their "hosts" to make 48% of their FGA, including over 40% from behind the 3-point line. U-Dub averages over 8 blocks per game at home, while forcing teams into 18 turnovers per game, which leads to an uptempo offensive game plan that includes an average of more than 28 FTA per contest (10 more FTA per game than ASU averages on the road). Huskies' leading scorer Andrew Andrews (21 ppg) was a nightmare matchup for the Sun Devils in the first meeting, scoring 30 points with 12 assists and 6 rebounds. I expect the 6'2 guard to have his way with the ASU backcourt once again. Washington's on a 9-4 ATS run at home and Lorenzo Romar teams are 23-9 ATS at home off a conference road loss. I'm laying the points with Washington, my Wednesday Hammer. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Cal Irvine on Wednesday. The Anteaters enter with a 17-6 SU record, while holding a 1/2-game lead over Hawaii in the Big West standings. Before a lackluster, flat performance last time out in a home loss to Cal Santa Barbara, Cal Irvine's previous five losses came on the road at Kansas, Oregon, and St. Mary's, along with neutral site losses to Boise State and Evansville. Those teams own a combined record of 87-22 SU. I expect a bounce back in this one. Cal Poly has been quite permissive on the defensive end of the floor, even at home, where they have allowed their "guests" to make 45% of their FGA and 42% of their 3-pointers. Cal Irvine should have little trouble taking full advantage, especially after receiving a "wake-up" call on Saturday. They're fierce on the defensive end, where they rank 7th in the nation in FG percentage allowed, while holding teams to 63.5 ppg. The Anteaters enter on an 8-2 ATS run in conference action. Meanwhile, the Mustangs are 3-8-1 in their last 12 conference tilts and 0-4 ATS against teams playing better than .600 basketball. I'm laying the points with Cal Irvine, my Big West Knockout GOM. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with New Mexico on Tuesday. Tonight offers a much different setting than the earlier meeting when UNLV was charged up for their new (interim) coach Todd Simon. The Runnin' Rebels won 86-74, starting a three-game winning streak as they began the post-Dave Rice era. But the same issues that flared-up time and time again under Rice have shown up in two of UNLV's last three games and they're 1-2 SU since the great start. The Rebels have also lost Ben Carter (knee) to intensify their troubles. Carter added 8.6 ppg and 6 rpg to an already mediocre rebounding squad. UNLV struggles on the road in many key areas, including on the offensive end, where they make just over 26% of their 3 point attempts. They have an upside down assist-turnover ratio on the road, where they average over 15 tpg. Meanwhile, UNM is outstanding at both ends of the floor at home and Elijah Brown is a nightmare matchup for the Rebels. The Lobos are 6-0 ATS this season at home against teams with a winning record, outscoring those six opponents by 18 ppg. They're also 9-2 ATS off a conference road win under Coach Neal. More of the same. I'm laying the points with New Mexico on Tuesday, my Revenge Wipeout. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Butler on Tuesday. The Bulldogs were rolling, posting an 11-1 SU record through their first 12 games, but have since dropped six of nine. But it's not like they have faced an easy slate. Butler lost four of those games on the road, including defeats at Creighton, Providence, and Xavier, along with a 5-point home loss at home to Villanova. Throw a road loss at Marquette where they had their chances and the Bulldogs are "this close" to a 7-2 SU mark in those nine games, rather than 3-6. Tonight, the Bulldogs get a chance to get back on track and I do believe they will. Butler nails over 51% of their FGA at home, while allowing their "guests" just 38.5% shooting, including 30.1% from behind the arc. They also crash the boards much better than Georgetown, which has led to a +10 rebound margin per game at home. The Hoyas are a Creighton collapse away from a 1-4 SU slide (trailed by 8 w/ :40 to go) and they're in the wrong spot at the wrong time tonight, covering just four of 17 following back-to-back home games as chalk. Butler will enter on a 6-0 ATS run at home the last two seasons after losing two of their last three games, winning by an average score of 70-54. I'm laying the points with Butler, my Tuesday night KNOCKOUT. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing Illinois on Sunday. Wisconsin is in a tough spot today. The Badgers have been in battle-after-battle over their last six games, losing the first three by a combined nine points to Indiana, Maryland, and Northwestern. They have since won the last three games by a combined 10 points, beating Michigan State by one point, Penn State by six, and most recently, exacting revenge in an 82-79 OT win over Indiana. I believe it's going to be tough for the Badgers to continue to play with the type of emotion they have played with for the last three-plus weeks. Meanwhile, Illinois will view this as a solid chance to pick up their second win in three games. And let's not forget, when the Illini are focused, they can play with the best of them, as we saw in a 14-point win over Purdue just a couple weeks ago. Mike Thorne, Jr., (knee), might suit-up for this one, but if not, the Illini have grown used to playing without him and we'll back them anyway. Illinois is playing their second straight at home and they're 8-1 ATS at home following a game in Champaign. I expect a win and cover in this one. I'm taking the available points with Illinois, my Sunday Knockout. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Cal Irvine on Saturday night. Cal Santa Barbara is coming off a tough 80-70 overtime loss at Long Beach State on Thursday as a great defensive effort was wasted when the Gauchos held the 49ers to 39.3 percent from the floor. Michael Bryson scored 25 points in the loss at Long Beach. Now a tired Santa Barbara team goes to Cal Irvine, a team that has won seven in a row and is 5-2 ATS in that span. The Anteaters beat Cal State Northridge 73-63 on Wednesday as Mamadou Ndiaye and Luke Nelson scored 14 points apiece and their team shot 51.8 percent from the floor. UC Irvine has a stifling defense allowing opponents only a .377 field goal percentage overall and just .324 at home. Irvine has covered the number the last five meetings and Santa Barbara hasn't fared well after losing with a 5-12 ATS in that situation dating to last season. Look for Cal Irvine to continue its winning ways with a win and cover on Saturday night. I'm laying the points with Cal Irvine, my Big West Main Event GOM. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with South Carolina on Saturday. South Carolina is 18-2 and 13-4 ATS and looking to avenge the loss that ended its 15-game winning streak to start the season. Alabama blew out the Gamecocks 73-50 on Jan. 13 when South Carolina was held to a .358 field goal percentage. Michael Carrera was the only player in double figures for the Gamecocks with 14 points as his team made just three of 18 three-point attempts. South Carolina has won three of four since that game, including 84-74 over Mississippi State on Tuesday when Carrera poured in 34 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Alabama has lost three of four since beating the Gamecocks but defeated Tennessee 63-57 on Tuesday (we won with Alabama). Retin Obasohan scored 22 points and Shannon Hale added 20 points for the Crimson Tide. The South Carolina defense has an opponent field goal percentage of just .364 at home and Alabama is shooting just 39.8 percent away from home. The Gamecocks have covered the spread 11 of their last 13 home games and we will back them in revenge in this one. I'm laying the points with South Carolina, my SEC Revenge Knockout GOM. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing Illinois State on Saturday. Illinois State already has beaten Missouri State 74-61 on Dec. 30 with Deontae Hawkins leading the Redbirds with 17 points and DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell adding 14 points. Illinois State won the game at the three-point line where it was 15-of-27 compared to 6-of-13 for the Bears. Illinois State has won three in a row after beating Drake 76-64 on Tuesday when once again the Redbirds had a big night from distance hitting 15-of-28 three-point attempts and MiKyle McIntosh scoring 25 points. Missouri State has lost two in a row, including 68-59 at Indiana State on Wednesday. The Bears shot just 32.3 percent from the field and made only one shot from beyond the arc. Jarred Dixon was the leading scorer with 19 points. Two of Missouri State's three leading scorers, Chris Kendrix and Camyn Boone, are questionable for this game. We will play against MSU whether they suit-up or not. Missouri State is 1-4 ATS its last five home games and 1-4-1 ATS against winning teams. I'm backing Illinois State, my Road Warrior on Saturday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Oregon Ducks on Thursday. These teams hooked-up three times last season and all three ended in blowouts, all in favor of the Arizona Wildcats. The final blowout win came in the Pac-12 postseason championship, an 80-52 win in Las Vegas. But this Oregon team is much more athletic than the one Dana Altman fielded last year and Arizona has just one starter back. The Ducks have other motivation, they'll enter with a chance to put two games between themselves and the Wildcats in the conference standings. Allonzo Trier is still out (hand) for Arizona and this is the kind of opponent where it catches up to them in my opinion. Oregon is led by forwards on the offensive end with three of their top scorers all playing the position and they matchup better than most teams do with the Wildcats. Oregon is 26-16 ATS as a road dog with Altman as coach and we'll back them here. I'm taking the points with Oregon, my Knockout release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Maryland on Thursday night. Iowa is having an amazing season, now ranked third in the nation, after being off the radar before the season began. But this is a different type of game, where the Iowa backcourt hasn't faced a player like Melo Trimble. I expect the Maryland guard to disrupt the Iowa flow on one end of the floor, while causing the Hawkeye backourt fits when the Terps have the basketball. Maryland has five players averaging between 14.4 ppg and 10.3 ppg and they do everything well as a team, from FG percentage to 3-point accuracy, to defense. The Terps hold their "guests" to just 61 ppg. That's not to say Iowa doesn't do those things well, but at home, the Terps are the better rebounding team and average 22 FTA to just 14 per game for the Hawkeyes when they're on the road. Mark Turgeon's teams are 20-8 ATS against teams that make at least 41% of their treys on the season and they're on a 10-4 ATS run in Big-10 play. I'm laying the points with Maryland on Thursday, my Hammer release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Va Tech on Wednesday night. The Hokies have played well at home, averaging 79 ppg, while drawing a lot of fouls. Va Tech gets to the stripe for an average of 31 FTA per home game, a likely advantage in this one with Louisville attempting less than 20 FTA per game on the road. Va Tech also forces "guests" into a 0.85 assist-turnover ratio and Louisville is upside down in this category on the road. Rick Pitino's troops have dropped four straight ATS away from home, winning two of five games SU on the season. And the biggest problem for the Cardinals in true road action is their deep perimeter shooting, making just 28% of their 3-pointers. We should also note that Louisville's biggest road win of the season came by five points. We'll back Virginia Tech, plus the points, as they look to extend their home spread run to 5-0. The Hokies are my Wednesday Hammer. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Wyoming on Tuesday night. We went against Wyoming on Saturday and cashed a big play with Boise State. One of the reasons we backed the Broncos was the suspension to Cowboys' star Josh Adams. Adams returns tonight and I expect a refocused, no nonsense effort. Adams leads the team and the conference averaging 24 ppg, but he's more than just a great scorer (as if that's not enough). He pulls down half-a-dozen rebounds per game and gets to the FT line nine times per contest, where he makes 80% of his attempts. Josh Adams is truly one of the top players in college basketball. While we cashed with Boise in an 81-71 win, the Cowboys may be better off with Adams having missed that game. The rest of the team picked up the slack and have to be extremely confident heading into this one. Wyoming shot 52% as a team and hit 10 of 21 3-pointers, led by Jason McManamen's 25 points. Alan Herndon's 16 points led three other players scoring nine or more. And the team had a healthy 16 assists on 25 made FGs. With Adams back, I'm betting Wyoming will be even stronger. Meanwhile, Fresno State has not played as well since the Calendar turned to January as they did earlier in the season. The Bulldogs are just 3-3 SU this month, including double-digit losses to Boise State and New Mexico, while hanging on for an 81-74 win as a 15-point favorite over SJSU (led by one with less than six minutes to go) and eking out a 56-55 win over Air Force last time out. Fresno has remained a tad over-valued heading into this one. Wyoming enters on a 9-3-1 ATS run against teams with a winning record and they're on a 4-0 ATS run against teams playing better than .600 basketball. Fresno has covered just three of their last 10 conference games. I'm grabbing the points with Wyoming, my Shocker release on Tuesday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Alabama. These two teams have something in common...they are the only two teams to beat South Carolina this season. The Tide were the first to accomplish the feat with a 73-50 win on January 13. The problem is, after playing their most complete game of the season, Alabama hasn't been able to win since. Avery Johnson's crew has dropped three straight since knocking off the Gamecocks, but did cover two of the three games and had a shot to beat both Auburn and LSU. Tonight, I expect the Tide to put it all together and get back in the win column. Tennessee beat South Carolina in Knoxville last time out, but the road has not been too kind to the Volunteers. Rick Barnes' troops are 1-4 SU in true road action and 1-7 SU in all games away from home. The biggest problem comes on the defensive end where the Vols have allowed 83.5 ppg in their last six away from Knoxville. The six opponents nailed 48% of their FGA, including 40% from behind the arc, while out-rebounding Tennessee by a margin of 7.3 rpg. Alabama has made the most of home court when they're off a home loss, going 6-0 ATS the last two seasons. They lost by a basket to LSU at home last time out. The Tide are 8-1 ATS overall, following at least two straight conference losses. I'm laying the points with Alabama, my Tuesday night Knockout. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with USC on Sunday. We went against the Trojans a few nights ago and cashed when Oregon won and covered in an 89-81 victory. USC wasn't their normal selves from behind the arc and looked a little sluggish. That was part of the handicap since they were coming off an OT win over Arizona and another win over rival UCLA. But I liked the team's reaction following the loss. Coach Andy Enfield took a "no big deal" approach and simply stated that the team is off to a good start and they won't always play perfect basketball (paraphrasing). USC missed open shots and didn't have their legs under them. But they have had a couple nights off after the loss and I expect the Trojans to bounce back in Corvallis. USC leads the Pac-12 with more than 160 made 3-pointers on the season, at a 40.2% rate, which ranks 15th in the nation. They're an accurate shooting team, overall, and will force Oregon State to try to play "keep up" basketball. But while USC puts six players in double-figures in scoring per contest, the Beavers are short-handed; only two players average in double-figures and I do believe OSU will be extremely busy on the defensive end. Oregon State has covered just five of their last 19 conference tilts, while USC is on a 10-2 ATS run against teams that force no more than 14 turnovers per game. I'm laying the points with USC, my Knockout release on Sunday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Portland on Saturday night. We've been cashing big underdogs in January, including Northwestern over Maryland and Minnesota over Michigan, this week, alone. We'll grab the big spot here with the Pilots. St. Mary's has been unbelievably sharp on the offensive end this season, but they haven't exactly faced a daunting schedule. They're also off a rare win over chief rival Gonzaga on Thursday, (had lost 8 straight meetings), a game the Bulldogs could have and should have wrapped-up. Off a bench-clearing and court-rushing win, it's not going to be easy getting up for a team SMC believes it can beat without max effort. Let's also not forget that both Gonzaga and St. Mary's aren't that well thought of in national circles. After all, the Bulldogs went into the game on Thursday ranked 62nd in the latest RPI, while the Gaels were ranked 52nd. Portland is good enough to play with the better teams in the league, already having beaten BYU, 84-81 on January 16. And oh by the way, BYU was off a tight win over Gonzaga in their previous game, just like SMC. Portland has offensive players to hang around in this one, led by Alec Wintering, who can score on anyone in the league. The backcourt sets up others and takes care of the basketball, with Wintering and Bryce Pressley combining for 162 assists, an average of nearly 8 apg. Portland is deep with 10 players averaging 10 or minutes played per contest. The Pilots are on an 8-1 ATS run against teams with a winning record, including a 5-0 ATS run against teams playing better than .600 basketball. Meanwhile, SMC went into January 9 with a 12-0 ATS record, but the line has caught-up to the Gaels and they have now dropped three straight ATS. I believe this is too tough of a spot for the Gaels to lay big points and I'm taking those points with Portland, my Saturday Shocker. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Michigan State on Saturday. Tom Izzo was beside himself and his team looked a little lost last time out in a loss to Nebraska. It was the Spartans' third straight defeat and the second in a row to be decided by one point. In their previous game against Wisconsin, MSU was called for 28 personal fouls. So, before the game against the Cornhuskers, Izzo told his team to stay away from foul trouble, to be careful of closely called ticky-tack situations. The players looked a little too worried about getting called for cheap fouls and played a soft brand of defense. Nebraska's Shavon Shields was then able to attack the basket all night long without much resistance. Having said that, if the Spartans would have had a halfway decent night at the FT line (12 of 21) they would have won the game. Michigan State enters this one ranked 8th in FG percentage allowed and 8th in 3-point defense. They're top 30 in both categories on the offensive end and average 15 more rebounds than they allow per contest. Maryland is a very good basketball team, but I believe they're in a tough spot in this one and will have a rough time defending a determined Denzel Valentine. I don't believe the Spartans will play a timid brand of basketball tonight. The Spartans enter on a 10-1 ATS run off a loss by no more than six points and they're 28-9 under Izzo of a loss by three points or less, outscoring the 37 opponents by 14 ppg. I'm laying the points with Michigan State, my Slam Dunk. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

PLEASE NOTE THE CORRECT PLAY: WE ARE TAKING THE POINTS WITH TCU (+10).  I'm taking the points with TCU on Saturday afternoon. Iowa State heads to Fort Worth off a huge home win last time out over Oklahoma. The Cyclones have taken on a tough slate in 2016, playing six games in January, including Oklahoma twice, a home game with Baylor, and a road game at Texas. And to top it off, they'll face Kansas on Monday. As we see each and every season it's not easy to play at peak level when you face one of the perceived lessor teams in a program's conference in the middle of taking on the league's elite. We cashed a pair of games like this already this week, taking the points with Northwestern over Maryland and Minnesota over Michigan. This is the "poster game" for a sandwich spot with the Cyclones between the Sooners & Jayhawks. Meanwhile, TCU is playing competitive basketball. They suffered one bad loss at the hands of Baylor, but they also played Kansas within seven points at Allen Fieldhouse, played West Virginia within eight points, and beat Texas. TCU is on a 6-1 ATS run off a SU loss and they're catching the Cyclones in a tough spot. I'm taking the points with TCU, my DogPound release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Wright State on Friday night. Biggest game of the season thus far for the Raiders and we believe the number is too high. Valpo is the most talented team in the Horizon League and they're leading the pack with a 6-0 conference mark, while Wright State sits 5-1. WSU wins with defense and I expect that to be the case tonight. Valpo does have the best offensive player in this one with Alec Peters, but while he is expected to play, he isn't 100% healthy. And outside of Keith Carter, six of the Crusaders other eight key players are upside down in assist-turnover ratio and the two who aren't are one weak game from joining the other half-dozen. I'm betting WSU will keep the tempo slower than Valpo would like and that leads to a Raider cover. Wright State is on a 6-2-1 ATS run and we'll back them here. I'm taking the points with Wright State, my Friday Shocker. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Oregon on Thursday night. Andy Enfield has the USC Trojans off to the program's best start in 24 years. They're off wins over UCLA, Arizona, and Arizona State. In fact, USC is on a 10-1 run. But I don't like it when teams experiencing "new" success have a long break in the schedule right when they are playing their best basketball. That's certainly the case for the Trojans, who haven't played a game in eight days. The layoff can put a crimp in the flow and I expect that to be the case in Eugene. Oregon is on an 11-3 ATS run at home, where they have held their "guests" to just 64.5 ppg. Ducks' PG Casey Benson owns the Pac-12's top assist-turnover ratio at 5.2, while as a team, Oregon has forced their opponents into a 0.69 assist-turnover ratio (11.1 apg; 16.7 tpg) at home. The Ducks average 13 more FTA per game than their opponents at Matthew Knight Arena, and they're 15-5 ATS in their last 20 at home after making at least 50% of their shots, including 6-0 ATS under Dana Altman. They beat those six opponents by an average score of 80-54. I don't expect a blowout of that magnitude tonight, but I do expect a spread-covering win. I'm laying the points with Oregon, my Knockout release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing Kentucky on Thursday night. The Wildcats have been a little shaky at times this season, relatively speaking. But John Calipari has had little trouble getting his young team's attention following a SU loss and they'll enter this one following a 5-point loss at Auburn. UK is a perfect 3-0 SU following a loss this season, covering two of those games. In fact, the lone ATS loss came in a 21 point win as a 24 1/2 point favorite. Kentucky beat the three opponents by an average score of 80-67, making 52% of their FGA and out-rebounding those teams by a combined 115-82. UK held those teams, including Alabama and Louisville to 39.4% shooting, including 14 of 56, 25% from behind the arc. While Arkansas has played well on the offensive end, they can be had on the defensive end and that's what I expect tonight; a tough outing against Kentucky's offensive sets. I'm backing the Kentucky Wildcats, my Road Warrior. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with UCLA on Wednesday night. Oregon State will look to right the ship after dropping two straight and three of their last four games. Offense took a hit in back-to-back losses to Utah & Colorado, making just 39 of 111, 35% of their FGA, including just nine made 3-pointers, combined. Making matters worse has been their shaky FT shooting, making just 20 of their last 35 attempts. They'll have to "keep up" against a Bruin team that averages 80 ppg on 46% shooting. UCLA brings more scoring options to the mix with five players averaging between 17 ppg and 11 ppg and Bryce Alford has been a solid disher with a better than 2:1 assist-turnover ratio this season. Tony Parker and Thomas Welsh are averaging nearly 20 rpg, combined, and should have their way against an Oregon State squad that struggles on the glass. The Beavers have cashed just five of their last 18 conference games, while UCLA has been a solid second half of the season money-maker under Steve Alford (post 15th game of the season), going 24-9 ATS against "good" teams, those that outscore their opponents by at least 4 ppg. I'm taking the points with UCLA, my Wednesday Knockout. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Minnesota on Wednesday. This one handicaps similar to our play last night on Northwestern over Maryland. Like the Terps, Michigan is off of three straight big games, having just played Iowa, Maryland, and Purdue, with two of the three on the road. They return to Ann Arbor against a Minnesota squad that's been struggling and would be a little easier to take lightly. The oddsmaker certainly hasn't given Michigan backers much wiggle room with this big number. We believe the line is too big for the spot these teams are in, and let's also note that the Gophers gave Indiana a run before losing by seven points as a double-digit underdog last time out. Minnesota puts four players in double-figures in scoring per game and leading scorer Joey King got back on track against the Hoosiers, while Nate Mason is a solid distributor. The Wolverines have been playing without leading scorer Caris LeVert (leg), who's listed as out indefinitely; we don't mind if he plays or not. Michigan has beaten Minnesota seven straight times, but the average margin has been just 6 ppg and the largest margin of victory was 10 points. Look for Minnesota to hang the number. I'm taking the points with the Golden Gophers, my Wednesday Shocker. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Southern Illinois on Wednesday. SIU has been a force in Carbondale, entering tonight's contest hitting 47% of their FGA, while forcing their "guests" into a 0.70 assist-turnover ratio. They'll host Indiana State, and while the Sycamores have been playing winning basketball, they have had their troubles preventing their true hosts from scoring, allowing 74 ppg on 47% shooting. ISU is upside down in assists-turnovers on the road and average seven fewer rebounds than they allow. The Salukis, on a 22-8 ATS run off a SU win can take full advantage in all facets. SIU has one of the best scorers in America on their roster in Anthony Beane, Jr., who's averaging over 20 ppg on 46% shooting, including 43% from behind the arc. The Salukis have a shot to snap a four-game head-to-head losing streak and we believe they will. I'm laying the points with Southern Illinois, my Slam Dunk on Wednesday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Northwestern on Tuesday night. Tough spot as big chalk for the Terps. Maryland crushed Ohio State 100-65 last time out, getting right back in the win column after a loss to Michigan. The Terps have games against Michigan State and Iowa in their next two, and while Northwestern is 15-4 on the season, it's much easier getting up for the Buckeyes, Spartans, and Hawkeyes than a Northwestern team they manhandled on January 2. Maryland jumped out to a 40-20 lead at the break and cruised to the 13 point win in Evanston. The Wildcats were ice cold last time out, missing 17 straight 3-point attempts, finishing the game 3 of 26 from behind the arc and lost to Penn State as a 9-point favorite. Chris Collins' troops normally shoot well, hitting 47% of their FGA on the season and they have held their opponents to 39.3% shooting, which ranks 33rd in the nation. The 'Cats aren't used to losing by big margins, with their biggest loss coming in the aforementioned game with Maryland. Poor shooting and a stretch of game time where they couldn't hang onto the ball hurt the 'Cats in that meeting. I suspect they'll take better care of the basketball and refrain from being hurried on the offensive end in the rematch. Northwestern has five players averaging more than 9 ppg, while Bryant McIntosh and Tre Demps have combined for 203 assists and just 69 turnovers, a fantastic, 2.94 assist-turnover ratio. I expect a terrific effort from the Wildcats in a bit of a sandwich spot for the Terps. Maryland is 1-10 ATS in 11 tries as a home favorite of 12 1/2 to 18 points under Mark Turgeon, including six straight ATS losses. Meanwhile, the Wildcats are on a 7-0 ATS run in revenge of a double-digit loss over the last two seasons. I'm taking the points with Northwestern, my Shocker on Tuesday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with St. Bonaventure on Tuesday. The Bonnies had their five-game winning streak snapped last time out by Duquesne, but their competitive juices will be flowing again, looking to snap a five-game head-to-head losing streak to Dayton. The Flyers won all three meetings last season, including a 75-71 win in the A-10 tourney. Dayton is "ripe for the picking," struggling with their shooting in true road action. The Flyers attempt 37% of their shots from behind the arc where they're making an average of just 23% of their attempts (5 of 22). In fact, they've made less than 38% of their road FGA, overall. If you want to beat the Bonnies, you better be able to score. Mark Schmidt's troops average nearly 80 ppg on 45% shooting at home, where they average 15 apg and just 10 tpg. Dayton must contend with Marcus Posley, Jaylen Adams, and Dion Wright, who all average more than 16 ppg. Wright is a beast on the glass and three players are able to dish and create shots for others. The Bonnies are on a 16-4-1 ATS run in their last 21 games against teams with a winning record. They're on a 9-1 ATS run in conference action and have covered four straight at home. We'll grab the points with St. Bonaventure, our Tuesday night Hammer. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing Butler on Tuesday. The Bulldogs will attempt to exact a little same season revenge when this one tips off. Butler led the Friars 36-25 at halftime of their New Year's Eve meeting in Indianapolis, but the Friars couldn't miss in the second half, outscoring Butler, 56-37 over the final 20 minutes. Butler coach Chris Holtmann took the blame, but the fact is, Providence made 57% of their second half shots, making 17 of 30, and they nailed 12 of 26, 46% of their 3-point attempts for the game. Meanwhile, Kellen Dunham and Andrew Chrabascz made just 5 of 25 shots combined, and missed all nine of their 3-point attempts for Butler. It was simply a perfect storm over the final 20 minutes and Providence took home the win. But the Friars have not played well on the offensive end of late, dropping two of three games, losing to Marquette and Seton Hall, while barely escaping with a two-point win over Creighton. Butler is one of the best shooting teams in college basketball, while averaging over 84 ppg. They normally control the tempo of a game and I do believe the Friars are going to have a tough time "keeping up" in this meeting. Providence enters on a 0-5 ATS slide at home against teams with a winning road record. And CBB road teams (+3/-3 line range) when playing with revenge are on a 60-28 ATS run, provided their opponent scored at least 75 points in the first meeting and is off a conference loss as a favorite. We'll back the Butler Bulldogs, Tuesday's situational Knockout. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Michigan State on Sunday. We have learned that Iowa has the Spartans' number so far this Big-10 season. We have also learned that the going is tough for Wisconsin this season without the Ryan-Kaminsky-Dekker, coach and players connection. Wisconsin still wants to mix it up, which I believe will play right into Michigan State's strengths on Sunday. And Tom Izzo will likely have his players' full attention after the getting swept by the Iowa Hawkeyes. Wisconsin doesn't shoot well and they're mediocre on the defensive end as far as FG percentage allowed, while being downright bad at defending the trey. Wiscy enters on a 0-4 ATS slide at home against teams playing better than .600 basketball on the road. Meanwhile, the Spartans are on a 21-7 ATS run off a SU loss, including 6-1 ATS after a double-digit home loss. They're also on an 8-1 ATS run against Wisconsin. I'm laying the points with Michigan State on Sunday, my Knockout release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Air Force on Saturday night. UNLV will take the floor for the second time since the in-season firing of Dave Rice. The first game was successful for the Rebels, but I don't believe they're ready to lay this big of a number. Interim HC Todd Simon, whose only experience as a HC came at the high school level was able to roll the ball on the floor and let his team's talent come to the surface against New Mexico. But playing a team like Air Force, one that disrupts the flow of an offense, will take some coaching. The less talented Falcons have split the last six meetings SU with the Runnin' Rebels and they're 4-1 ATS the last five times when receiving double-digits in the series. Air Force has covered 11 of the last 17 meetings at the Thomas & Mack. UNLV owns some blue-chip talent, but they need to be coached-up. They didn't receive the kind of coaching to improve as a team under Rice and I don't believe the inexperienced Simon will have the answers in this one. UNLV was a highly emotional team before, during, and after the game against UNM. In fact, Simon had tears running down his face in post-game interviews. I do expect a minor letdown to combine with Air Force's unique style of play to keep this one closer than the number. I'm taking the points with Air Force, my DogPound release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Marshall on Saturday. The Thundering Herd are off to a 4-0 start in Conf-USA play, while Rice snapped their 0-3 start with a home win over Western Kentucky last time out. WKU actually led Rice by double digits in the second half and led 70-62 with 6:10 to go in the game. The Hilltoppers went ice cold, trying to protect a lead and scored just three points over the final 6+ minutes, virtually awarding Rice an 83-73 win. Yes, the previously winless (conf play) Owls outscored WKU, 21-3 over the final half-dozen minutes of action. Rice outscored WKU 24-10 at the FT line, awarded 32 FTA to just 14 for the Hilltoppers. This is a Rice team that has watched their "guests" shoot 25 FTA per game on average this season. Marshall has averaged nearly 90 ppg over their last five contests, making over 46% of their FGA. The Herd have averaged 18.2 apg and just 10.8 tpg over the last five games, while forcing opponents into a 0.75 assist/turnover ratio. Rice, meanwhile, is upside down in the assist-turnover category over their last five and I do believe it'll come into play in this one. Marshall is on an 8-0-1 ATS run, overall, including a perfect 4-0 ATS mark in league play. Rice enters on a 0-4 ATS slide following a cover. Western Kentucky's collapse should keep Marshall focused to the finish in this one and I'm laying the points with the Thundering Herd, my Road Warrior. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Cincinnati on Saturday. We backed the Owls plus the points over Memphis and got the cover a few nights ago. We also got what we wanted in that it was a battle. Now, the Owls, who couldn't miss in their 77-70 win at Memphis in late December, will face a hungry Bearcats team that will be looking to atone for their poor defensive play that particular night. Temple ranks 321st in FG percentage (40.3%) and 291st in 3-point accuracy (31.6%), yet nailed half their FGA in the first meeting, making 26 of 52, including a strong 10 of 22 night from behind the arc. And making the night even more out of character is the fact Cincy has held their opponents to less than 61 ppg on the season on 38.9% shooting (25th stingiest). Temple actually does their worst shooting at home, making less than 40% of their shots on the season, including a horrendous 24.8% from behind the arc. And if any more motivation was needed, Cincy HC Mick Cronin called his team's defensive play "embarrassing" following the first meeting. Just in case you're wondering, Temple's not nearly as strong as today's opponent on the defensive end, where they rank second to last in the AAC in FG percentage allowed. I'm laying the points with Cincinnati, my Morning Massacre on Saturday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Milwaukee on Thursday. This marks the second time we have taken the Panthers after cashing last week when they made quick work of Youngstown State. In fact, Milwaukee was a big play for us, our Horizon League Road Warrior GOM. They have been true road warriors this season, owning wins over Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Santa Clara in non-conference tilts, while beating YSU last Thursday, and gaining a road win over Cleveland State last time out. The Panthers are 5-1 SU/ATS in true road games so far this season. Tonight, I expect the competitive juices to be flowing, taking on the Horizon's top dog, Valparaiso. A win here and UWM moves into a first place tie with Valpo at 4-1 in conference play. The Panthers put five players in double figures nightly and average 79 ppg on 46% shooting. Matt Tilby is a nightmare for most teams, averaging 14.6 ppg and 8.8 rpg. And Jordan Johnson is one of the best playmakers in the nation, dishing out 134 assists with just 40 turnovers this season, an average of 7.9 apg and just 2.4 tpg. In fact, Johnson has 16 assists and just one turnover in his last two games, combined. There's a reason Valpo is the team to beat in the Horizon. But I believe they're overvalued ATS. Milwaukee has the goods and they're on an 11-3 ATS run on the road, while Valpo enters on a 7-16 ATS slide as home chalk in a line range that includes tonight's number. I'm grabbing the points with Milwaukee, my DogPound release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Michigan State on Thursday. The Spartans are in revenge and while we don't play revenge by itself, we do have solid reasons to jump in on this one. Spartan leading scorer Denzel Valentine missed a couple of games, including the loss to Iowa. Tonight's game will mark his second contest back on the floor after getting his feet wet, playing 23 minutes in a blowout win over Penn State last time out. There was more to it than Valentine's absence in the first meeting. For instance, Mich State missed 10 of 13 treys and had four players whistled for four or more personal fouls, leading to 11 fewer FTA's than Iowa was afforded. Michigan State did out-rebound Iowa, 38-27, and they average a +17 rebound margin per game. We note that Iowa is on a 3-12 ATS slide against teams that average at least +7 rebounds per game. The Spartans rank 24th in FG percentage and 3-point accuracy, while owning the nation's stingiest defense in FG percentage allowed and ranked 3rd in 3-point defense. Tom Izzo's program enters on a 35-11 ATS run as a home favorite of 6 1/2 to 9 points. One final note - the Hawkeyes will be playing their first game since January 5 and just their 3rd game in 17 days. It's not easy staying sharp with a schedule like that. I'm laying the points with Michigan State, my next Hammer release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Temple on Wednesday. Memphis has been filling up their win column against teams of a lessor class, and thanks to weak shooting, have not been able pick up a lot of wins when the level of competition steps up. Temple may not be the greatest shooting team either, however, they have proven they can win on the road against decent opposition, including victories over Connecticut and Cincinnati. The Owls are a deep basketball team with nine regulars averaging more than 10 minutes played per game and because of this, the scoring is rather balanced after Quenton DeCosey's 15.6 ppg. The Owls are one of the best in the nation at hanging onto the basketball, turning it over less than 10 times per game, meaning Memphis isn't likely to get many easy looks at the other end. The Tigers haven't been closing well and that's part of the reason Josh Pastner's seat is getting a little warm. Memphis is just 1-6 ATS in their last seven home games against teams with a winning record. Meanwhile, Temple is on a 4-0 ATS run at Memphis and beat the Tigers outright in both of last year's meetings. I'm grabbing the points with Temple, my Hammer release on Wednesday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Ohio State Buckeys on Wednesday. Ohio State looked to be turning things around, hitting their stride before a crash-and-burn in Bloomington, Indiana last time out, ending a seven-game winning streak that included a victory over Kentucky. Ohio State looks to land right back in the win column and they'll get "just what the doctor ordered" on Wednesday. Rutgers is off a horrible, 90-56 home loss to Nebraska last time out and the roster has been hamstrung by injuries. As if losing DeShawn Freeman wasn't enough, there are four other players listed as "out" or questionable on Wednesday. The Scarlet Knights have dropped four straight games and the last three have come by margins of 34, 25, and 22 points. Rutgers has lost by a margin as big or greater than tonight's spread on six occasions this season and they've only played 17 games. The Knights' best chance to keep this one fairly close is if OSU takes them lightly. But again, off the debacle against the Hoosiers, I expect Ohio State to be focused from start to finish. The Buckeyes are on a 12-2 ATS run at home against teams with a losing road record, while Rutgers is on a 2-11 ATS slide off at least three straight conference losses, averaging just 58 ppg, while allowing 76 ppg. Ohio State followed their last two SU losses with blowout wins. I expect another here. I'm laying the points with Ohio State, my Tapout on Wednesday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with New Mexico on Tuesday night. These two teams are definitely headed in opposite directions. UNM has won three straight games and will be looking to begin MWC play with a 4-0 record. UNLV, meanwhile, has dropped three straight to start conference play and five of their last six games (SU & ATS), ending with the firing of HC Dave Rice following their latest loss at Wyoming. It's not just Rice's fault, (although he certainly leaves a lot to be desired), but also the lack of confidence among several players. Most importantly, they don't have a true point-guard and turnovers are a major issue. UNLV has just 31 assists in their last three games, combined, while committing 55 turnovers. Not having a PG makes the turnaround tough, even with a new coach. The interim coach is Todd Simon, who will make his collegiate head coaching debut. Simon has been an assistant under Rice for three years, and while he's much more fiery than Rice was, he was also part of the problem. New Mexico's Elijah Brown will be a tough matchup for the struggling Rebel backcourt. Brown leads three players averaging between 19.3 ppg and 14.6 ppg. We should note that road dogs of 3 1/2 to 9 1/2 points are on a 24-4 ATS run if they're off three straight double-digit wins and their opponent is off a game where they scored no more than 60 points. Also, New Mexico is on an 8-1 ATS run as a road dog of 6 or less (the Lobos are +6 at the time of this post). I'm grabbing the points with New Mexico, my Situational Slam. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Kansas State on Tuesday. Tough spot for Texas Tech after expending a lot of emotion and energy at home last time out against Kansas. Tech had their chances, trailing the Jayhawks by just four points with less than three minutes to go in the game before losing by 10. Tubby Smith's troops made just 9 of 19 FTA and just 4 of 16 3-pointers, or it might have been a different story. It was actually their second straight war after losing to Iowa State by seven, a game they trailed by just three points with just over two minutes to go in the game. Once again, Tech shot poorly from the FT line, making just 9 of 15 and made just 2 of 15 from behind the arc (2 of 15 is their average 3-point makes & attempts on the road this season). Texas Tech ranks 314th in 3-point accuracy and I believe the close losses and the lack of accurate shooting down the stretch is going to catch up to them earlier in this one. Kansas State will look for their first Big-12 win in 2016 after losing in OT to West Virginia, by three to Texas, and then losing last time out at Oklahoma. The 'Cats are certainly battle-tested and they're fierce and stingy on the defensive end, owning the type of tenacious play that can force another rough shooting night for Tech. K-State is allowing visitors to make just 39% of their shots and 21.6% of their 3-pointers. They get to the FT line 31 times per game at home, while Tech has averaged just 15 FTA on the road. And finally, K-State forces nearly 16 tpg at Bramlage Coliseum. The Wildcats are on a 7-1-1 ATS run against teams with a winning record, while the Red Raiders have covered just five of their last 18 on the road. I'm laying the points with Kansas State, my Tuesday Hammer. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Texas Tech on Saturday. It's been a huge week for the Jayhawks, voted #1 on Monday and just a few hours later, defending the new ranking with a thrilling, 109-106 triple-OT win over Oklahoma at Allen Fieldhouse. Meanwhile, Texas Tech continues to fly under the radar. Tubby Smith's Red Raiders are 11-2 SU on the season with their only two losses coming in their second game of the season to Utah (12-4) and last time out at Iowa State (12-2). No shame in losing to either one of those teams and the 7-point loss as an 11-point dog at Iowa State had to be inspiring. Tech trailed 40-30 at the half, but pulled within three points at 65-62 with roughly three minutes to go in the game. Watching Tech compete at a high level against the quality of Iowa State was the final test we needed to see before backing them here. If this was just about a possible letdown spot for KU, we wouldn't have jumped in. But Tubby has his squad playing extremely well, already with home wins over quality opponents, including, Texas, South Dakota State, and Hawaii. The trip to Lubbock also marks just the second true road game of the season for Kansas. The Jayhawks enter on a 3-8 ATS conference slide, while the Red Raiders are on an 8-0 ATS run, overall, and own seven straight covers at home. I believe we have a live underdog here and I'm grabbing the points with Texas Tech, my DogPound release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Northern Iowa on Saturday. The Panthers opened the season 5-1 through their fist six games, including a huge win over North Carolina. The schedule hasn't been an easy one for UNI, but they're back at the friendly confines, where they're on a 5-0 SU (4-1 ATS) run. The Panthers won the five home games by an average final score of 79-61, including the 71-67 win over the Tar Heels. Northern Iowa held the Heels to 5 of 18 shooting from behind the arc and put four of their own players in double figures in scoring. UNI has four players averaging in double figures this season and five players average at least 8 ppg. We also note that the Panthers have made 51% of their FGA in Cedar Falls. Drake will be looking for their first road win, currently 0-4 SU (1-3 ATS). Only three players average more than 5 ppg and the Bulldogs have no one to help Jacob Enevold Jenson on the glass. In fact, Drake has a minus-8 rebound margin per game average on the road, where they also average just 11 assists, but 15 turnovers. As far as the techs are concerned, college basketball double digit favorites that are off of at least two straight SU losses as favorites are on a 52-23 ATS run, provided their opponent is off a home loss. And Northern Iowa is 11-2 ATS when playing against a team with a losing record, holding those teams to 52 ppg. Finally, Drake is averaging just 54 ppg in their last 19 conference road tilts. I'm laying the points with Northern Iowa, my Situational Slam. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Arizona on Saturday. We got what we wanted on Thursday when Arizona lost to UCLA in the first of their 2-game L.A. road trip. Now we just need Sean Miller and the players to oblige with their own personal bounce-back win. I do like what Andy Enfield is doing at USC, now in his third season and with a lot returning from last year's team. But I do believe we have seen and will see a few more growing pains this season. USC shoots and defends well, most of the time. But they can be had on the glass against top-notch opponents. We saw USC lose to Xavier 87-77, getting crushed on the boards. The were able to sneak by Wichita State earlier this season, but that was before the Shockers had their best player, who was sidelined by injury. Again, the Trojans were beat on the glass. I bring it up because Arizona rebounds quite well and they're extremely deep even if Elliott Pitts is still sidelined (doubtful). Without Elliott, Sean Miller has eight players averaging between 18 and 31 minutes played per game and seven players average between 15 ppg and 7 ppg. Then besides all the scoring, Arizona's Kadeem Allen and Parker Jackson-Cartwright have combine for 109 assists and just 47 turnovers through 15 games. Everyone knows their role. The 3-point loss to UCLA wasn't a bad game by Arizona, just a night when the Bruins couldn't miss. UCLA made 51.6% of their shots, including 11 of 22 3-pointers (equivalent of a 75% night from inside the arc). I expect an intense game on defense from UofA. After all, they have held their opponents to 69 ppg and to 30.8% from area code 3. The 'Cats are outstanding on offense and also own a +15 rebound margin per game average (back to the rebound notes mentioned above). Arizona enters on a 6-1 ATS run in their last seven against USC, and they're on a 5-0 ATS run against teams playing better than .600 basketball at the time of the game. USC is coming on under Enfield, but I expect Trojan growing pains in this one. I'm laying the points with Arizona, my Road Warrior. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Milwaukee on Thursday night. Youngstown State pulled off one of the biggest point-spread upsets of the season on Monday night, upsetting Oakland, 100-98 as a 17-point underdog. Oakland had played Virginia, Michigan State, and Washington in three of their last five games and had just whipped Cleveland State by 18 points. There was the chance they'd look passed YSU and you could see from the opening tip, the Grizzlies weren't engaged. However, it was another case of the Penguins playing little defense. Youngstown is a disaster on the defensive end. Remove a game against the Geneva Golden Tornadoes and they allowed 96.2 ppg on 52.6% shooting in their other five games since December 12. YSU allows over 46% shooting on the season and over 80 ppg, and they're on a 0-5-1 ATS slide at home against teams playing at least .600 road basketball. Milwaukee fits the bill. They have proven themselves on the road, beating Wisconsin and Minnesota, while covering in a loss at Notre Dame. The Panthers put five players in double figures nightly and average 80 ppg on 46% shooting. Matt Tilby is a nightmare macthup for YSU, averaging 15.5 ppg and 8.9 rpg. And Jordan Johnson is one of the best playmakers no one outside of the Horizon knows about, dishing out 118 assists with just 39 turnovers this season, an average of 7.9 apg and just 2.6 tpg. Milwaukee has the goods and with the Penguins off the big win over Oakland, the Panthers will be focused on the task at hand. The Panthers are on a 10-2 ATS run on the road and they have covered four straight against the Penguins. I'm laying the points with Milwaukee, my Conf Road Warrior GOM. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Stanford on Wednesday night. Timing might not be everything, but it certainly matters. That's the case for the Cardinal in this one. First of all, I don't believe they should be getting this many points at Oregon State as it is, but Stanford is also "catching" OSU off their big win against "hated" rival Oregon last time out. Emotions were on high as the Beavers jumped out to a 15-point halftime lead and finishing with a 70-57 win as a short underdog. But outside of Gary Payton-II and Tres Tinkle, the Beavers have no other double-digit scorers. Stanford has been stingy on the defensive end where they allow just 64.8 ppg on 41% shooting. I do believe the Cardinal will keep this game close thanks in part to their defensive play. Stanford also owns more scoring depth. Even with Reid Travis sidelined with a leg injury, the Cardinal have four other players averaging between 13.6 ppg & 10.6 ppg. I also expect OSU to have problems on the glass with Rosco Allen and Michael Humphrey. Stanford lost 56-55 to Colorado last time out, the game coming just two days after the Cardinal beat Utah in OT; they were in a bad spot and the Buffaloes had timing on their side. This time, it's Stanford with good timing and I expect them to hang the number at the very least. Stanford is on a 13-4 ATS run in their last 17 games at Oregon State, meanwhile the Beavers have covered just three of their last 12 against teams with a winning record. I'm grabbing the points with Stanford, my Wednesday DogPound release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Oregon on Wednesday. Big game for the Ducks who're coming off a poor performance in a 70-57 loss at Oregon State. They host what has been a poor traveling Cal Bears' team tonight. California has played away from home just four times this season, (two neutral & two road), and they're just 1-3 SU in those games with the lone win coming in OT at Wyoming. Cal lost in OT at Virginia and lost a pair of neutral court games to Richmond and San Diego State in Las Vegas. While there's no shame in losing to Virginia, getting taken to OT by Wyoming and losing to Richmond is a little shaky. Oregon enters on a 5-0 ATS run off a SU loss and they're 10-2 ATS in their last 12 home games. The Ducks are one of the better defensive teams in college basketball and four players average at least 12 ppg at the other end of the floor. We'll look for the Golden Bears' struggles away from Haas Pavilion to continue. It's a big game for the Ducks as they look to avoid a 0-2 conference start. Lose here and they'd drop to 2 1/2 games behind Cal. But instead, I'm betting Oregon will come through. I'm laying the points with Oregon, my Wednesday Wipeout. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Furman on Tuesday. Niko Medved has a team that most expect to land in the upper three spots in the Southern Conference this season. The Paladins returned their top eight players, including all five starters from last year's squad. No less than 10 players are averaging over 11 minutes played per contest with guard Stephen Croone leading the way (14.5 ppg). Furman clobbered VMI in the conference opener last time out, winning 85-57 as a 6 1/2 point favorite. UNC-Greensboro didn't fair so well in their conference opener, losing 87-76 to then 3-9 Wofford. The Spartans were hoping for better things after last season, but the best player on the team, Tevon Saddler left the program in November. UNCG is off to a sluggish 4-10 start to the season and won't match Furman's abilities or depth in this one. The Paladins enter on a 7-0 ATS conference run going back to last season, while the Spartans enter on a 0-6 ATS slide as a home dog of no more than three points. I'm laying the short points with Furman, my Southern Conf Knockout GOM. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Fairfield on Monday night. While most eyes will be on the ACC or Big-12 tonight, we feel this contest is the one with the most value. The Stags have a chance to take it to a struggling Dartmouth team that can't shoot and can't defend. Fairfield has played a tough slate, yet still manages to knock down nearly 80 points per game. They're solid from the field, making 48% of their FGA at home, where they average over 15 assists per game. And while the Stags make nearly 30 FG's per game at home, Dartmouth makes less than 22 FG's on the road, hitting just 37.6% of their FGA. The Ivy League entry has allowed their "hosts" to make 48% of their shots on the season and have a minus-8 rebound margin. The Big Green are 9-24-1 ATS in their last 34 lined games and on a 0-6 ATS slide against teams from the MAAC. Meanwhile, Fairfield is on a 4-1 ATS run at home. Finally, Dartmouth simply doesn't have scorers, while the Stags have five players averaging between 19.4 ppg & 8.1 ppg. I'm laying the points with Fairfield, Monday's Mismatch. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Iowa State on Saturday. Steve Prohm was named Cyclone head coach over the summer. Prohm had an outstanding run in the same position at Murray State and is considered to be one of the best young coaches in the nation. Prohm should send Fred Hoiberg a thank you letter for leaving the program loaded with talent. The Cyclones are off to an 11-1 SU start under Prohm and will face an Oklahoma team thinking about the top perch in college basketball. Even Lon Kruger mentioned his team could move up to #1 with a win today. But standing in their way is not only an undervalued Cyclone squad, but also a taxing travel log so far this season. OU made two trips to Hawaii in December. The Sooners were there for a game and subsequent win over Villanova on December 7. They then came home to take on Oral Roberts and Creighton, then flew back to the nation's 50th state for three more games in four days, culminating with a win over Harvard on Christmas day. While they have been home for a few days, this is not going to be easy to win by margin against a team that will push the tempo. ISU ranks 10th in the nation, making over 50% of their FGA, and they average 86.1 ppg, also 10th in the nation. This is not the team you'd want to face following all that travel. The Cyclones are on a 4-0-1 ATS road run and they're 7-1 ATS after scoring at least 90 points...a true momentum team. Meanwhile, the Sooners are on a 1-7 ATS Big-12 slide. I'm grabbing the points with Iowa State, my Conf DogPound GOM. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Central Michigan on Tuesday. The Chippewas got off to a disappointing 3-4 SU start, but the record hardly tells the story. CMU went into the 2015-16 season expecting big results with five starters back in the mix and coming off an outstanding season. But the Chips weren't at full strength for their first seven games. However, they are now with the return of Chris Fowler. The Chips' guard returned on December 7 and CMU is 3-1 SU ever since. Fowler could be called the "glue" to this team. He's averaged 13.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, and 6 apg through his first four contests. The senior played in 94 games through his first three seasons and piled-up 532 assists to just 259 turnovers, a better than 2:1 ratio. He's averaged 16.2 and 17 ppg over the last two seasons, while nailing 50.1% of his shots. And with Fowler back in the mix, we saw CMU blast Howard 72-52. I bring up that particular game because Howard beat William & Mary 79-77 on November 28. Obviously, you can't base a team's strength off of one common opponent, but you can see that CMU is a different handicap now with Fowler back on the floor. The Chips now have six players averaging between 15.3 ppg & 8.2 ppg. John Simons is a beast on the glass and Rayshawn Simmons has already dished our 68 assists in 11 games. Simmons (14 ppg) & Fowler have combined for 54 assists and just 19 turnovers in CMU's last four games. William & Mary will be a player in their own conference, the CAA, but I believe they're laying too many points in this one. The now healthy Chips are getting some respect, but not enough, in my opinion. I'm grabbing the points with Central Michigan, my DogPound release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Monmouth on Wednesday. We have been involved in several Monmouth games this season, winning every time, including their win last week over Georgetown and another win when we went against them in their non-cover last time out at Rutgers. The Hawks were laying the same number at Rutgers that they are here and we feel they're undervalued this time. Monmouth probably should have covered against the Scarlet-Knights. The Hawks, leading the nation in FT shooting, making nearly 80% of their attempts on the season, made just 11 of 20 FTA against Rutgers. Don't expect that to happen again. Justin Robinson leads this guard-heavy and talented squad, averaging nearly 20 ppg. He, Micah Seaborn, and Je'lon Hornbeck are all strong ball-handlers and get the "rock" to open teammates well, while Deon Jones is a beast on the glass. Defensively, the Hawks have held their opponents to 38.7% shooting, including 29.7% from behind the arc. And remember, they have posted those numbers against a schedule that has included games against UCLA, Georgetown, two games against USC, and a matchup with Notre Dame, and none of those games were played at home. Cornell is 4-0 SU at home, (5-5 SU, overall), but they are taking a serious step-up in this one. Three of Cornell's home wins came against Lafayette, Binghamton, and Penn State-Harrisburg. Their only home win of any note came against Siena, a fortunate one-point victory after trailing the Saints by double-digits in the second half. The Big Red are not a good shooting team, are upside down on the glass, and struggle on the defensive end, where they rank 268th in FG percentage allowed and 227th defending the trey. Several players for Cornell are upside down in the assist-turnover category and even their assist leader, Robert Hatter, has 43 turnovers and just 45 assists. Monmouth enters on a 5-1 ATS run, while the Big Red are 1-7 ATS in their last eight lined games. I'm laying the points with Monmouth, my Wednesday Wipeout! Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Wichita State on Tuesday night. This marks the fourth time we have played the Shockers this season and so far we're 2-1. Our loss came over the weekend when the Shockers blew a double-digit lead in the second half, eventually losing outright to Seton Hall as a 4-point favorite. The Shockers simply went ice cold. But as the team gets healthier, we expect Gregg Marshall's troops to catch fire. Anton Grady made his return against the Pirates, but he was rusty. I expect a big game in his second game back. We are also seeing Kansas transfer Connor Frankamp begin to get comfortable in his new digs. Frankamp scored 13 points in 21 minutes last time out, after scoring a total of just 7 points in a grand total of just 28 minutes through his first two games. And of course, Fred VanVleet and Ron Baker will only become even more effective as the team begins to round into shape. Nevada is the unfortunate opponent tonight as the Shockers look to bounce back from the game that got away. Nevada is on a 1-5 ATS slide, overall, and they have covered just 7 of their last 27 off a spread loss. Wichita State enters on a 44-28 ATS run, overall. I'm laying the points with Wichita State, my Tuesday Night BLOWOUT. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing Southern Illinois on Monday night. The Salukis are off to a 9-2 start to the season and unlike some of the SIU teams we have seen over the last decade, they're filling the basket. The Salukis are averaging over 80 ppg on 49% shooting, ranked 28th in FG accuracy. Leading scorer Anthony Beane (20.2 ppg) goes unmatched in this one. Same goes for Sean O'Brien, who not only averages 14 ppg, but also grabs 6.8 rpg. O'Brien teams up with Bola Olaniyan, to combined for nearly 15 rpg. And with Mike Rodriguez leading the way, averaging almost 4 apg and just over 1 tpg, the Salukis have a fierce combination under Barry Hinson. St. Louis has lost its swag as the Rick Majerus influence has faded. The late coach built SLU into a top-notch basketball program, but Jim Crews has not been able to follow suit. The program has faded since the start of last season. The Billikens are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 home games and 0-7 ATS off a SU loss. I went against SLU once this season and won (Wichita State). I'll go against them tonight and we expect to land in the win column again. I'm backing Southern Illinois, my Road Warrior. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.