022317

4* James Madison (527) over Drexel @ 7:00 Eastern

What makes this situation more playable is the injury bug that has hit Drexel.  They could be minus two on the bench in this battle up in Philly.   The Dragons are 2-8 SU L10 and 0-3 SU and ATS most recently.  They do possess a winning record of 15-12 but, are just shooting 62.7% since early February.  In their last five games the foul shooting has killed them, 62% and the arc probability shows 35%.   James Madison (8-21) who has suffered through some tough losses this season travels looking to sweep the in season series after defeating Drexel in December at home.  Remember the Dukes have won 6 straight in the series and were favored in the last three games, winning and covering.  Now Madison is inked as road dog with the chalk and home team carrying solid ATS results but, this is Drexel!

4* Rider (879) +9-1/2 not less over Iona

Granted Iona (18-10) has the more talent and wiped out the Broncos on the road in January 95-76 but, now you're paying for the public perception if you're going chalk.  The favorite in the series has covered 5-of-7 but, at home in this price range, the Gaels are a horrid 5-13-1 ATS.  Both Rider (14-14) and Iona over their last five games have completely forgotten the word "defense."   Each is allowing in the 80's, but I like the fact the Broncos are shooting more effectively from the charity stripe of late considering the inflated number.  Also, Rider comes in 10-4 ATS in Sunday edition's.

021917

4* Canisius (873) over Marist @ 2:00 Eastern

Difficult number laying it on the road but, 6-22 Marist has too many defensive deficits to offset scoring abilities of the Griffs.  Canisius (17-11) has won and covered three straight in this series by an average of 22.3 points per game.   And now Marist shows with a defense that has been non-existent the last five games allowing 52% from the field.  Remember, Canisius in their current streak has been hot from three shooting a nice 41.2% from the arc.  Playing on foreign boards can be a real downer in the month of February when facing revenge by the opposition but, like our chances with the Griffs who are 23-7-1 ATS in the series, while shooting lights out.  Good Luck.

4* William & Mary (619) over Delaware

Not afraid to test the Blue Hens off their heart stopping win over Drexel by one on this court.  William & Mary (14-12) who has been inconsistent lately (especially) on defense comes in off the JMU loss.  But, WM should have the emotional edge off that loss playing with a 1-3 SU and ATS record L4 times on the hardwood.  Offensively, in their last five games, they are averaging a solid 83.2 points per game 51% from the field and 38.4% from three.   Critical here, the Blue Hens defense from the arc recently has been allowing around 43% effectiveness.  Overall, in this series Delaware has a commanding edge ATS at 17-6 L23 battle.  However, the visitor WM has won and covered the last three by an average margin of 25 points.  WM is 6-2 ATS in the CAA and 25-7-2 ATS off a SU loss showing consistency bouncing back.  Would expect the line to drop this evening to -6 or -6-1/2 with some public interest on Delaware, but can't pass up a chance to use an offensive-minded unit off a loss who has shown recent dominance in this series.

021817

10* Buffalo (562) over Miami Ohio @ 3:30 Eastern

When of the great trends so far in February has been same season revenge with a unit that has been playing off the charts L5 times on the hardwood.  Mid-American’s Buffalo has been rolling scoring 89.8 points per game with a 50.2% FG, and almost 40% from the arc.  Their offensive rebound numbers have improved too, 40.4% the last five.  Buffalo (14-12) has won 5 straight games overall.  Miami Ohio (10-16) at this point is not consistent enough to stay with the home standing unit.  Over the last six games in the series the ATS winner has switched successes, MO won and covered back in January by just one point at home. The spread series has recently belonged to MO but, can’t expect any response good enough to stay within this hefty price tag.   Remember over the L10 games, 0-10 SU and 3-10 SU in conference.  Buffalo is 4-0 ATS as chalk, 6-1 in this price range.  Overall the red hot unit is 15-5-1 ATS in the Mid-American Conference.

021717

4* Pennsylvania (859) over Brown @ 8:00 Eastern

Penn (9-12) travels to Rhode Island Friday knowing they have back-to-back revenge games with Brown and Yale this weekend.  Quakers come in off an improved run of back-to-back wins defeating Cornell and Columbia. Just as a support note, the Bears lost to Columbia recently.   Brown (11-13) has been hurt this season by their horrid defense which has allowed 80.4 points per game last five times out. The Bears have not held an Ivy unit to under 70 points.   Brown is just 2-8 SU L10 losing three straight to Dartmouth, Harvard and Columbia.  Theoretically, this is a bigger game for Penn knowing the Bears have won 6-of-7 in the series (7-0 ATS).  The road team (Penn) here is 11-4 ATS in the long-time series.  With the Quakers improving offensively, and considering the short price we’ll back their 6-2 ATS record in the price range of 0-5-6.5, and their nice 5-2 ATS record on the road vs. .600 plus home unit.

021717

4* Canisius (867) over Rider @ 7:00 Eastern

The Griffs (16-11) show up for a revenge situation in New Jersey against (14-13) Rider who won their initial meeting (01/30/17) 72-66 shooting 50% from the field.   However, can’t expect the #175th rated scoring offense to sweep the series against a visitor who can go on torrid long-distance runs from the field.  Canisius is averaging almost 82 points per game when traveling.   Granted Rider has the slightly better defense, but don’t trust a unit in almost in a pick situation that shoots 66.9% from the charity line.  The Broncos have covered 4-of-5 in the series but, Canisius is a super hot 9-1 ATS on the road versus a unit with a winning home mark.   And, they have a solid 9-3 ATS record overall on the road.

4* Phoenix -3-1/2 not higher over LA

The Lakers (19-38) are going through a rough part of their schedule losing a one-point decision last night at home to SAC, and having to get back on the road again.  For this handicapper, a letdown spot is at hand.   LA is 1-7 ATS road vs. a

021517

4* Butler (564) over St. John’s @ 8:30 Eastern

CBB Blowout Alert…BDS

It would be easy to look at the Jonnies (12-14) recent 5-0 ATS run and on point 5-1 ATS record as a dog in this price range, but refer laying the points here.  Critical, the St. John’s defense “observing” defense leaves much to be desired whether home or away.   The did defeat Butler on in NY last December 76-73, but was smashed in the rebound outing (February) 89-56.  In the series, Butler has covered back-to-back games when booked as a double-digit chalk.  Now the Johnnies catch the Bulldogs off a heart-breaking loss, and seemingly a rough spot.   Remember, Butler comes in 8-1 ATS off a SU loss, and 10-4 ATS at home.   Also, the Butler defense (67.8) should be once again the difference in the game.  With a revenge game for the Bulldogs, coming off a SU loss, and at home, lay the points.  Good Luck.

021517

5* Temple (537) over East Carolina @ 7:00 Eastern

Noting, we are forecasting Owls (14-12) knowing, East Carolina guard Tyson (11.9) remains questionable (1:45 Eastern) for the game.  The Pirates (11-14) are at home in a same season revenge conference situation.   However, they have not played well of late and appear to have too many on court deficiencies to take advantage of traveling Temple. The Owls have perked recently playing well against talented Memphis.  And, bring an early January win 81-62 over ECU up in Philly to the court tonight.  The series has seen and exchange of wins of late.  Still, recent fundamentals point to the Owls who have far the superior offense in the last five games at 70.4 vs. ECUs 59.2.  Granted the Pirates have played slightly better defensively in the time span.  However, we must remember latter in the season in the second game of a home and away series, defenses seem to improve for the respective units.  Critical, the Pirates have a major deficit (29.9% vs. 35.6% for Temple) shooting from deep the last five times out, and their overall 64.2% foul shooting ineptness will hurt against a class coach like Fran Dunphy of Temple.  With the Owls having an outside shot at some tournament, and possessing an edge in strength of schedule must back their 5-1 ATS mark as chalk in this favorite price range.   In closing, Temple has covered 4-of-5 in the series.  Good Luck.

4* Ole Miss over LSU

Rough spot for the Tigers this evening, on the road versus triple revenge-minded Rebels.  We note the line evaluation has changed to OLE MISS -11-/2 or -12 tonight from LSU -10 last January.  That 21-1/2 point swing is an eye opener but, must critique current reality Tigers defense that is apathetic as they come.  Good Luck.

021417

4* Canisius+ (756) over Iona @ 7:00 Eastern

Talk about a revenge situation?   Well, the Griffs are looking to reverse their lackluster performance in January against the Gaels, who crushed the visitor 98-75 shooting an amazing 61%.  Iona (17-9) has won 4 straight in the series going 3-1 ATS.  In the last four series outings Iona has been favored -5, -12-1/2, -11-1/2, and -1.  The line here opened at -1-1/2 and is down to -1 overnight.  Canisius is 8-2 as an underdog, while the Gaels show 0-6 ATS off an ATS win.  Believe you will see a very close game throughout with Iona not shooting anywhere near 61% this time.  The key for Canisius is improve their second chance shots and rebounding.   Considering they will have the emotional edge, I’ll back their 7-2 ATS mark at home in the series, especially with the dog 15-7-1 ATS in its history.  TAKE ANY POINTS!

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021317

5* Monmouth (545) over Siena @ 7:00 Eastern

CBB Eastern Edge…BDS

At first glance this appears to be an upset spot for home standing Siena (12-14).  After all, the Hawks have won 11 straight and show off a scare in a road challenge versus Manhattan last week.  In their last series battle Monmouth (21-5) out-scored Siena 93-87 back in February 2016.  In the overall series, the Hawks have won 4 straight, 3-1 ATS in Vegas.  Critical from the current reality standpoint  Siena’s defense continues fading allowing 77.6 points per game last five times on the court, causing much doubt in the upset category.  Interesting the Saints come in off back-to-back road wins over Marist and Iona running their streak to 4-0 (4-0 ATS) L4 away.  Of late, Siena is 0-2 SU and 0-2 ATS at home.  Doubt aspiring Hawks will letdown as they continue to play well ATS on the road against home units with a .600 SU mark.  Like our chances with the more talented unit, Monmouth.  Good Luck.

021117

4* Northeastern (640) over Hofstra @ 2:00 Eastern

The Pride played their hearts out versus the Tigers the other night and with this being another road game feel their emotional level will be zapped in the second-half.  Northeastern (14-11) is very similar to Hofstra talent wise, but they do have a personnel edge overall.   Important, the Huskies are ranked #47 in FG% nationally, and like to work for a good shot.  With Hofstra 3-7 SU L10, that might work in frustrating the defensive approach, while accumulating unnecessary fouls.   Technically, in the series the Pride has the edge, but NE is 5-1 ATS L6 at home and as a home favorite.   Further, they show 7-2 ATS off a SU win and appear to be in more positive mindset for this campus battle.  Good Luck.

021017

5* Monmouth (883) over Manhattan @ 9:00 Eastern

MAAC GAME OF THE WEEK

The Jaspers have fallen on hard times this season leading with a 9-16 SU record coming into the war with the Hawks.   They are just 4-10 in conference, while running with a 2-5 SU mark of late.  Manhattan just survived against weak Marist by one, which is a glaring indicator they should be in trouble against the 20-5 Monmouth unit, despite the site.   Remember, the Hawks are a solid 12-2 SU in the MAAC and have won 10 straight games.  So, the question here is, can they cover the number as a road chalk?  They are playing improved ball last five times out with a 83.0/67.0 point differential, opposing Manhattan has slipped badly offensively with a 64.0/75.0 differential in the same time span.  The Jaspers have not been defensing the perimeter well, and they are getting edged on the boards.  So, if they don’t shoot well, they have no shot!  Manhattan is 0-5 ATS in this underdog price range, with the visiting Hawks a super 9-3 ATS in this chalk price area.  Also, the road unit is 5-2 ATS in the series, so with Monmouth coming off a big win over pesky Rider, feel the Hawks can cover the depreciating number on the road.  Good Luck. 

021017

5* Brown+ (880) over Harvard @ 8:00 Eastern

Ivy League Game of the Week…BDS

Trusting the Crimson is suffering from the bad weather, travel plans and little bit of overconfidence, we look for an ATS win by the home standing Bears.  Okay, Harvard (12-7) has won 14 straight in the series.  However, this appears to be a solid letdown spot for the Crimson after falling 57-56 to Princeton last time out, while having Yale up Saturday on the road.  Brown 11-11 (2-4 Ivies) has been dogged this season by defensive lapses.  They are coming off a rough three game road swing versus Columbia, Cornell and Yale going 1-2 SU and ATS.  Brown is 8-2 SU at home (7-2 ATS) and show with a perfect 4-0 ATS record after three consecutive road games.  So, with the underdog 5-1 ATS in the series, and Brown 5-1 ATS vs. Harvard, TAKE THE POINTS!

020917

4* SMU (751) over Temple @ 9:00 Eastern

Conference Game of the Day…BDS

Very difficult going against coach Dunphy and the Owls up in Philly, especially since the ‘Stangs won game #1 of the series back in January 79-65.   In that game, Temple was out rebounded 42-25.   Currently SMU is 20-4 SU, 12-3-1 ATS in the AAC.   They are a perfect 5-0 ATS on the road vs. a winning home unit.  They have won 16-of-17 SU, and possess one of the better defenses in the country (3rd scoring defense).  They are ranked #25 and show off a blowout win over Tulsa.  They score at a 73.5% clip, holding the opposition to 58.6 points on average.  Temple is 13-11 SU thus far playing improved ball of late.  But, their 3-7-2 ATS in the AAC and 1-3-1 ATS vs. a club with a winning road mark clouds the view.   They do average 8.9 three pointers per game (SMU 8.1).  Overall, however, they are the #225 ranked team in scoring offense.   Normally, would look at the Owls home court, revenge situation and Dunph to keep this close.  The only negative angle facing SMU, will they be primed for this encounter with Cincinnati up next?  I am taking a ticket with Larry Brown and the ‘Stangs knowing they are 9-0 ATS vs. >.500 units and 5-0-1 ATS on the road.  Finally, Temple has not been successful in this role lately with a 1-5-1 ATS mark as an underdog.

020917

4* Hofstra+ (721) over Towson @ 7:00 Eastern

Would like this a whole lot better at +5-1/2, the opener at some Vegas stores.  However, still give great respect for the underdog in this series with the number @ 4-0-1 ATS coming into Thursday night.  Realize Hofstra (12-13) has issues on defense, and they are on the road but, the series has been wacky for a long-time.  The Pride has sufficient scoring ability in the starting five but, must be careful not to exhaust their rotation in a running game with the Tigers who’s bench out pointed the latter 50-4 in their recent series win (86-80) at the Mack.  Look for the visitor to slow the pace here.  No doubt Towson (15-10) has the edge in fundamentals here, unfortunately they carry a 5-14 ATS as a favorite in this price range.  In addition, the Tigers are just 3-7 ATS at home and that’s bringing +5 games in the win column overall?  They have won 5 straight at home and show off a monster win over William & Mary in a game they trailed by 17 at half, 82-80.  My question is will Towson be ready savoring that win a little too much allowing Hofstra to sneak inside the number?   With the Pride 5-1 ATS at Towson, TAKE THE POINTS and I believe we’ll see a lower scoring game than the lines makers have projected via a total of 153.  Good Luck.

020817

4* Providence (551) +5-1/2 over Seton Hall @ 8:30 Eastern

Granted the Friars (14-8) are just 2-6 on the road of late but, should give them an edge is their rest advantage in the middle of the season.   After a week of rest, they visit Seton Hall (14-10) who looks to gain revenge for the earlier loss to Providence (65-61).  The Pirates show off a OT win at Georgetown and will play with confidence.  Sanogo is still out a key reserve for Seton Hall.  SH is 8-1 SU at home averaging 79.7 points per game.   I don’t expect this encounter to get out of the 60’s.  One key issue is the Pirates foul shooting at home where they are hitting 57.7%, 61.2% overall this season.  Providence is a pesky unit and will be on the uptick this evening after that nice rest.  Remember, in this favorite price range SH is just 0-3-1 ATS (0.5/6-1/2).  On the other hand, the Friars bring a solid 8-1 ATS mark as a road underdog in this price area and a nice 5-1 ATS record against the Big East.  They are a perfect 5-0 ATS against SU winning records.  TAKE THE POINTS.

020817

4* Detroit -6-1/2 (508) over LA Lakers

At face value one might assert the Lakers should be in a strong position to pull an upset on Wednesday night in Detroit.  After all, the line seems inflated and LA comes in off a crushing win at New York after losing back-to-back road tests against talented Boston and Washington.  My guess is they maybe a little flat, and when you consider their 1-5 ATS record with a day’s rest other factors seem to make sense.  Remember, LA is just 18-36 SU this season having lost back-to-back games SU in this series to Detroit.  Further, the Lakers have made recent lineup changes which still has the public and their followers second guessing.  Detroit 24-28 is 14-11 ATS L25 at home, and come with a 4-0 ATS record with just one day off.   They are a perfect 4-0 ATS after their current opponent allows 100+ points in their last game.  The Pistons are 3-1 SU L4 times out with wins over Philadelphia, Minnesota and New Orleans all losing teams.  Despite the Lakers having the recent edge in SOS feel the Pistons recent up-tick in confidence should go a long way in procuring the ATS money.  Good Luck.