8:05 Eastern

10* Cleveland+ over Golden State

NBA CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF

GAME OF THE YEAR…BDS

It takes some insight or guts to come back with Cleveland after their ATS win and SU heart braking loss to Golden State in game #1 of the series.   Remember, the Cavs were 0-10-1 ATS going into their previous set when playing on the West Coast and they almost won the game!  Cleveland is 3-2 ATS the L5 games vs. the Warriors.  Statistically, the two units are very close in their recent matchups.  For Cleveland their offense is averaging 109.2 points against Golden State, while the Warrior offense is around 113.0 points per game vs. Cleveland’s defense.  Further, the Warriors in the series is shooting 49.7% against the “D” of Cleveland, and the Cavs are hitting 47.3% from the field challenging GS.  The numbers alone indicate another close affair in game #2.  From the player standpoint, the Warriors may not have Iggy in the lineup and Durant is shooting a horrid 31.7% from three in the overall post season.  Technically, Cleveland has covered 4 straight and 5-of-6 ATS vs. the West. The Cavs have been playing well against >.600 units going a profitable 5-1 ATS.  On the other hand, Golden State comes 12-25 ATS vs. >.500 units and 6-18 ATS off a SU win.  In closing, State is 0-4 ATS vs. the East and 0-4 ATS after two days of rest.  Good Luck.

4* Villanova over Kansas @ 8:45 Eastern

NCAA FINAL FOUR BEST BET...BDS

Difficult to go against Kansas especially considering their highly successful season.  However, Nova comes in tonight with the best player in the country, guard Bronson.  They have covered four straight in the NCAA tournament.  In addition, Nova is 4-1 ATS in their series with Kansas and 21-8 ATS in neutral site games. In closing, fundamentally the 'Cats have more offensive options to help cover the number.  Good Luck. 

4* Illinois-Chicago+ over No. Colorado

NCU is the superior team here, but I like number for Illinois-Chicago. NCU won SU as an underdog last time out.  We used the Flames as part of our UNDER move.  Tonight they come into this tourney road test a PERFECT ATS 7-0 vs. home unit with a >.600 mark in their own gym, and 10-1 ATS on the road overall.  Northern Colorado, in contrast, is a horrid 1-11 ATS at home vs. a winning road >.500 unit.  Good Luck.

11-6 RUN OVERALL

3* PORTLAND over Memphis @ 8:05

The Blazers are on marvelous run 15-2 ATS, and they own Memphis in this building going 7-0 and 6-1 respectiively.  And they can't afford to lose with closest oppojnent 2-1/2 games in the West.  Good Luck.

4* Western Kentucky (778) over Utah @ 7:00 Eastern

Utah surprised many experts this season competing well in the PAC-12, however, they did falter in the quarter final round of the conference tournament, despite having a huge front line.  WKU has one of the better offensive units in the country shooting almost 79% from the field, all five starters have produced double-digits.  Utah is the better defensive team from the statistical standpoint allowing only 68-points per game.  However, because of their offensive style they have inconsistent runs at times vs. quality opposition.  Seemingly, the Utes were highly impressive beating St. Mary’s in OT but, I was more impressed with ‘Toppers who closed out last time dominating(?) Oklahoma State.  Utah shows 1-5-1 ATS on neutral sites. Hard charging WKU has been perfect of late in non-conference 4-0 ATS L4 with a long-term ticket of 42-19-1 ATS on neutral boards…Good Luck.

5* KANSAS+ over Duke

Despite the injury issue, we like the Jayhawks very much as they won 3-of-4 in this series.  Duke starts four freshmen, while Kansas counters with a classy guard combo that can control the tempo.  Just as important their three-point shooting should actually be the difference in the game.  Kansas won six straight and should be heading to the FINAL FOUR....Good Luck.

10* Florida State+ over Michigan

NCAA TOURNEY GAME OF THE YEAR

The difference here will be the defense of FSU which is long, quick and takes away the corner on a daily basis illustrated in their magical run.  Believe Blue is overvalued because of their conference and some good fortune.  Remember UM is 2-6 ATS versus the ACC.  Good Luck.

5* (871) West Virginia+ over Villanova @ 7:25 Eastern

Cashed our 5* yesterday with Florida State, and now look for more on Friday evening.  Realize Nova is a powerful unit and a former National Champion, still must respect the Mounties relentless play at both ends of the floor.  Granted they did go 0-3 SU against Kansas this season who is another tourney favorite.  But, in their previous tourney games, the Mounties have extracted 34 turnovers.  Which clearly illustrates their abilities to force play.  If they can keep the 'Cats off balance at the three-point line they have a great chance of winning this SU.  Strengths that will give Nova trouble are the West Virginia aggressiveness on the boards, and in a close game their 76% foul shooting efforts this year, could be the key difference in the outcome SU...TAKE THE POINTS!

10:05 Eastern

(819) 5* Florida State+ over Gonzaga…BDS

NCAA Tourney…Best Bet

This late-night edition in the West has the ‘Zags coming in off a 32-4 season winning 16 straight.  However, once getting into the NCAA they have missed 24 free throws, while shooting a meager 31% from the deep stripe.  Technically Gonzaga is 0-4-1 ATS against the ACC and 2-6-1 ATS in NCAA tourney games.  Florida State shows 22-11 but, with a defense that is sometimes faulty, i.e. they are the underdog here.  The Sems do have a height edge and recently had nine players with double-digits.  With the Zags only 7/5 to win the West we’ll take the points with FSU who is 10-2 ATS in non-conference games.  Good Luck.

4* Kentucky over Kansas State

Despite the 'Cats (24-11) returning their best player from injury, can't help back Cal and Wildcats (26-10) who are red hot.  KU is 9-1 SU/ATL L10.  State comes in an unfavorable 8-8 ATS, while Kentucky has covered 7 straight as a single-digit chalk.  Good Luck.

5* (747) So. Dakota State over Ohio St.

NCAA WEST REGOPMAL OPENER...BDS

No doubt OSU has the physical edge from the stronger conference ending with a 24-8 scorecard. SDS (28-6), though, is a very pesky bunch as they gave Wichita St. all they could handle prior. Huge win was vs. Ole Miss and Big-10 entry Iow a.  Clearly, the Buckeyes can get to the final game in regional but will need to keep their focus.  They show 0-6 ATS in the NCAA tourney and 0-4 ATS against non-conference.  Aspiring SDS has a real chance of pulling an outright upset considering their talent and the emotional edge.  With SDS 3-0-1 ATS vs. the Big-10 and 5-0 ATS vs. > .500+ teams must support the underdog. GL.

4* Eastern Washington+ (567) over Utah Valley @ 9:00

CBI TOURNEY BEST BET...BDS

Utah (22-10) seemingly has edges on offense and defense in this spot, however, can't trust mental after difficult 75-60 loss to Grand Canyon on Friday.  EWU is 20-14 after winning eight straight games but, faltering last time out losing to Montana 82-65, but with all due respect, the unit from Washington never did get untracked in the game. No doubt Utah has the better defense, though, the line movement seems to be benefiting EWU who had been playing more efficient hoops prior to the UM fiasco. Looking at their strength of schedule, Utah has a slight edge.  On the floor, Utah has more offensive weapons.  So, in order for EWU to at least cover, they'll need a solid performance from Akolda Manyang who is a double-digit scorer and rebounder.  The units last met in 2014 with EWU winning 75-50.  We are looking for a close game and we'll back Eastern Washington who is 7-1 ATS off an SU loss.  Good Luck.

4* Indiana over Utah

Realize the Jazz played well at home, but now test the road with hungry Pacers.  However, Indiana has won three straight in the series, while the underdog is 5-1 ATS in the series.  Although the line has been moving, must be the home unit here.  Good Luck.

5* Georgetown over SJU

The wrong team is favored!  The Johnnies are 1-6 ATS on neutral boards, while the series ATS L7 has gone GT.  We look for the Hoyas defense to take over the action early and carry the game.  Good Luck. 

1

5* (606) LASALLE over UMass

Two bad teams in a tournament play out situation this evening.  Must back the Explorers at this number with the chalk 5-1 ATS.  LaSalle has not done well ATS in neutral sites, but with Powell and Johnson red hot for the Explorers, lay the points...Good Luck.

3* AIR FORCE+ over UNLV

Rebels have lost five straight and although they should win here, can't trust laying doubles even against stoggy Force.  The Rebels (19-12, 8-10 MW) enter the game against Air Force (12-18, 6-12) having made 17 of 75 3-pointers in those five defeats, or 22.7 percent. Opponents have made 49 of 108 such shots, or 45.4 percent. The 32 additional made 3-pointers for UNLV’s foes equates to a 19.2-point advantage per game, and the Rebels’ average margin of loss over that time is 18.0.  Remember too, Falcons 6-0 ATS in the series...Good Luck.

5* DETROIT+ (865) over Wisconsin-Green Bay @ 5:30 Eastern

Tourney Upset Alert...BDS

This afternoon Titans face WGB, who defeated Detroit on 2/24 winning 107-97.  However, both have been off since the 24th which should accrue the Titans an edge in energy with WGB in letdown mode considering recent 3-0 (winning by an average 10) domination.  WGB has a 2-4 SU mark of late, and Detroit is 0-3 losing 6-of-7.  Still, Detroit has played hard and just needs to keep out of foul trouble (Foley) with their inconsistent defense.  The underdog in the series is 4-1 ATS with WGB 0-4 ATS in Friday games.  Good Luck.

10* Butler over St. John's

CBB Injury Game of the Month...BDS

3* Houston over SMU

CBB APPRECIATION SIDE...BDS

Difficult going against the 'Stangs at home but, they are 1-6 SU of late and 2-4-1 ATS without guard Milton (18.0).  They bring a 16-13 mark 4-9-1 ATS against the AAC but, they are 7-3 ATS at home versus a winning road unit.  22-6 Houston just blasted ECU 109-58 and could be in for a road letdown but, can't support that theory considering solid 5-1-1 ATS marks L7 and vs. the AAC. The Cougs are 12-4 ATS after scoring 90+ points.  Remember in their last meeting when Milton did not play, Houston came out on top in every key stat including, FG%, 3FG%, FTM%, rebounds, assists, steals, turnovers, and blocks. 

5* (776) MT. SAINT MARY'S over Robert Morris

Eastern Edge Game of the Day...BDS

The previous two meetings have been horrible for RMU losing by an average of 22-points. The major reason RMU has struggled with a 15-16 mark this year is their inconsistent offense with Robinson (22 ppg…most likely NEC best player) being the major contributor.However, their defense has been tough and is rated #120.  When emotionally ready they can effectively generate 22.8% turnovers up against each opponent position.  But, the Mount has more flexibility on offense, shooting 54.3% from the field one of the best markers in the country. That’s basically dictated by playing position offense trying to be effective on each set.  Seemingly, because of their strong focus on offense, the defense is not as strong as in prior years.  However, in the testy NEC they do rank high in all defensive stats,49.7% shooting and 21.2% turnover average gains respect.  We know history indicates RMU plays the Mount tough in conference tourney’s, however, we feel they are outclassed here.  We are usually considering dogs in conference play but, not tonight. Though, Mount Saint Mary’s must stay out of foul trouble considering they lack the depth of their opponent. MSM has covered 5-of-6 in the series with a 6-0 ATS streak overall in 2018, 5-0 ATS at home and 4-0 ATS in the NEC. Good Luck.

5* (720) XAVIER over Providence

CBB Blowout Alert...BDS

Hard pressed to go against the Muskies who 4-1 ATS against the Big East, 6-2 ATS Wednesday inserts and 27-10 ATS overall. Remember, the Friars won  81-72 and 75-63 over the X this season and this is a classic double-revenge situation.  Providence comes 1-8 ATS Wednesday's, 0-4 ATS after an SU win and 1-4 ATS vs. >.600 unit.  In the series, the home team has covered 4 straight with the chalk a solid 6-1 ATS edge. Good Luck.

10* LSU (721) over South Carolina

CBB TOP PLAY ALERT...BDS

Huge game for coach Wade and LSU with the NCAA questioning recruiting tactics.  And they show in double revenge after being smashed by SC 88-63 in their last meeting. Tigers are 14-0 SU win they have a higher shooting percentage than their opponent.  Also, LSU is 6-1-1 ATS at SC with the road unit 10-3-1 ATS in the series. Good Luck.

10* (525) Florida over 'Bama @ 7:00 Eastern

SEC GAME OF MONTH...BDS

This really should be a TREND special with the Gators 5-1 ATS on Tuesday's and 6-0 ATS L6 at Alabama you can see why we are hot for Florida.  And the road team to conclude is 17-4-1 ATS in the series.  Good Luck.