40* (CBB) - Situational ATS NO-BRAINER (Arkansas -2.5) 

I'll gladly take my chances with Arkansas as a slim 2.5-point home favorite against Kentucky. As good as the Wildcats are, they are always going to be overvalued in spots like this. Not many teams are playing as good as basketball right now as the Razorbacks. 

Arkansas is 12-1 over their last 13 games with the only loss being a mere 1-point setback on the road against Alabama. They have wins over both Auburn and Tennessee on their home floor during this run and are 15-1 on their home floor this season. Kentucky is just not the same team away from Lexington. The Wildcats are 17-0 on their home floor and just 6-5 everywhere else. Last time on the road they lost by double-digits at Tennessee. Give me Arkansas -2.5! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS SLAUGHTER (Indiana -6) 

I'll take my chances with Indiana winning by 7 or more at home against Maryland. I just really like this spot for the Hoosiers, who are now in desperation mode after dropping their last 5 games. They did show some life in their last game, losing in OT on the road to Ohio State. 

I think returning home and getting a very favorable matchup with a pretty average Terrapins team is exactly what this team needs to get back on track. Indiana already went on the road and beat Maryland 68-55. Hoosiers really had their way inside in that game and their defense, which is one of the best in the Big Ten, made it really hard on Maryland to score. It won't get any easier for the Terps on the road. The other big thing is the Terps are not a good defensive team and Indiana packs a much bigger punch offensively at home than on the road. Give me the Hoosiers -6! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (UCF -2) 

Easy play for me on UCF as a slim 2-point home favorite against the Bearcats. I just don't think the Knights are getting near enough respect at home in this one. UCF is 12-3 at home on the season. They have won 6 of their last 7 at home with the only loss coming to Houston. 

Cincinnati has lost 3 of their last 4 and are fresh off an ugly 71-75 home loss to Temple. Bearcats are just 5-5 away from home on the season with their only two road wins over the last month coming against the likes of ECU and USF. 

Cincinnati is just 3-11 ATS last 12 on the road after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 and 4-11 ATS last 15 after playing their previous game as a favorite. Knights are 8-1 ATS last 9 off a home win as a favorite where they failed to cover the spread. Give me UCF -2! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS SLAUGHTER (Notre Dame -4.5) 

I will gladly take my chances with the Irish as a 4.5-point home favorite against the Orange. Notre Dame is coming off a 74-79 loss at Wake Forest, but have not lost back-to-back games since losing 3 in a row in late Nov./early Dec. Irish are 16-4 over their last 20 games and are 11-1 on their home floor this season with the only loss coming at the hands of Duke. 

Syracuse has gone an impressive 6-1 over their last 7 games, but it's come in a very soft portion of their schedule. Four of the six wins were at home and the two road wins were against NC State and BC. The one game they lost was on the road to Va Tech by a score of 69-71. Orange or just 4-9 away from home on the season. Give me Notre Dame -4.5! 

50* (CBB) Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Iowa State -5) 

Love this spot and price with Iowa State as a 5-point home favorite against West Virginia. The Cyclones have put their 4-game losing streak behind them with two straight wins. First winning on the road at TCU and then clobbering Oklahoma 75-54 at home on Saturday. ISU will be extremely motivated for this game, as they played horribly in a 63-79 loss at West Virginia a couple weeks ago. 

That's really the only positive for the Mountaineers over the last couple months. In fact, it's West Virginia's only win in their last 12 games as they come into this game just 14-13 overall and 3-11 in Big 12 play. Mountaineers are just 3-9 away from home on the season. They have not won a road game in Big 12 play. You have to go back to a Dec. 18th win at UAB to find their last win outside of Morgantown. 

Mountaineers are 2-10 ATS as a dog this season, 1-9 ATS last 10 off a conference loss and 0-6 ATS last 10 off a loss by 10 or more. Give me the Cyclones -5! 

50* (CBB) - Big East PLAY OF THE MONTH (UConn -2) 

I will gladly take my chances with UConn as a slim 2-point home favorite against Villanova. There's no doubt the Huskies have had this game circled.

UConn will not only be out for revenge from a 74-85 loss at Villanova earlier this month, but they will be looking to snap a 5-game losing streak to the Wildcats. Huskies haven't beat beat Villanova since knocking them off in the opening weekend of the 2014 NCAA Tournament. 

This team is more than equipped to do so, especially on their home floor, where they are 12-2 this season. As good as Villanova is, they are much more beatable on the road than they are at home (11-1 at home). 

Huskies are 11-3 ATS last 14 at home when they come in having won 3 of their last 4 and 14-4 ATS in their last 18 when revenging a loss where they gave up 85 or points. Give me UConn -2! 

50* (CBB) Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (TCU -4) 

I'll take my chances with TCU laying 4-points at home against West Virginia. Both teams come into this game having lost 3 in a row, but there's just not a lot to like about this Mountaineer's team. West Virginia is way down. They are just 3-8 in road games this season and winless on the road in Big 12 play. 

It's also a horrible spot for the Mountaineers, as they just hosted Kansas on Saturday and now have to play on the road with just one day between games. You also have a West Virginia offense that ranks dead last in the Big 12 in effective FG% and dead last in the Big 12 in defensive efficiency. They need so much to go right just to be competitive on the road. 

West Virginia is 2-9 ATS as a dog this season and 3-10 ATS in Big 12 games. They are also just 6-17 ATS last 3 seasons on the road after playing their previous game at home. Give me the Horned Frogs -4! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS NO-BRAINER (Memphis -2.5) 

I will gladly take my chances with the Tigers as a 2.5-point road favorite against SMU. Memphis has been one of the hottest teams in the ACC over the last month. The Tigers have won 6 in a row with their last two victories coming on the road against Houston and Cincinnati. Memphis hasn't lost since falling 62-70 at home to SMU back on Jan. 20. 

No doubt that loss is going to serve as a big motivator here and simply put this is a different looking Memphis team than the one that lost that previous meeting. I also think you have to take into account the possibility that Kendric Davis may not suit up for SMU, as he's listed as questionable after missing their 57-64 loss at Temple with an ankle injury. 

Davis had a game-high 20-points in SMU's win over Memphis earlier in the season. Even if he plays, I still like the Tigers in this one. I just think with the way they are playing defense and the edge they have in size, they should win this game. Give me Memphis -2.5!  

50* (CBB) - Missouri Valley PLAY OF THE MONTH (UNI -1.5) 

Love the value with Northern Iowa as a slim 1.5-point home favorite against Missouri State. The Panthers have been on an absolute roll after their ugly 4-7 start to the season. UNI is 11-3 over their last 14 games with 2 of those 3 losses coming in overtime. Panthers are 6-1 at home in MVC play. The only loss coming in OT to in-state rival Drake. 

Missouri State has also been playing some strong basketball over the last couple of months, but I just don't see them winning on the road here. UNI is 31-14 in their last 45 at home as a favorite of 3 points or less. They have also won and covered in 4 of the last 5 meetings against the Bears, including a 85-84 road win at Missouri State back on Jan. 8. Give me Northern Iowa -1.5! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS SLAUGHTER (Wisconsin -2.5) 

I'll take my chances with the Badgers as a slim 2.5-point home favorite against the Wolverines. Hard to pass up on Wisconsin at this price. Michigan is coming off a solid 84-79 road win against Iowa and I just don't think the Wolverines will be able to pull off back-to-back road wins in the Big 10 in a span of just 3 days, as they took on the Hawkeyes Thursday. 

Not only that, this Michigan team has to be running on fumes right now, as they will be playing their 5th game in less than a 2-week span. 

I also like backing the Badgers here at home after they laid an egg in their last home game, losing 65-73 to Rutgers. Wisconsin is still a very strong 10-3 on their home floor this season. Give me the Badgers -2.5! 

40* (CBB) - Smart Money VEGAS INSIDER (Northwestern -3.5) 

I'll gladly take my chances with Northwestern as a mere 3.5-point road favorite against the Gophers. These are two teams I think are headed in different directions. While the Wildcats have lost their last two, those two losses came on the road at Illinois and at home against Purdue, arguably the two best teams in the Big Ten. Prior to that they had won 3 straight. 

Minnesota is just 3-12 in Big Ten play and are just 2-12 since they started the season 10-1. Gophers last 5 losses have all come by 10 or more with each of the last two coming by 20 or more. The offense has been a complete no show of late, scoring just 45 and 46 in their last two games. Give me Northwestern -3.5! 

50* (CBB) - Sharp Money SEC PLAY OF THE MONTH (Arkansas -2.5) 

I love the Razorbacks as a mere 2.5-point home favorite against the Vols. Arkansas has been one of the most impressive teams in the SEC over the last couple of months. Razorbacks are 10-1 over their last 11 games with the only loss coming by a mere 1-point on the road against Alabama. They have won 7 straight at home and are 14-1 at home on the season. 

The Vols come in having won 5 straight and 8 of their last 9. None bigger than Tuesday's 76-63 blowout win at home against Kentucky. Tennessee is just not the same team on the road as they are home. Vols are 5-6 in neutral site/road games, compared to 14-0 at home. Tennessee is 18-38 ATS last 56 on the road after winning 15 of their last 20 games and a mere 3-11 ATS last 14 after covering 3 of their last 4. Arkansas is 31-18 ATS last 49 at home, 6-0 ATS last 6 at home after winning 4/5 of their last 6 and 11-0 ATS last 11 games in the month of February. Give me the Razorbacks -2.5! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS SLAUGHTER (Davidson -2) 

I'll gladly lay a mere 2-points at home with Davidson as they host St. Louis. The Wildcats are 19-2 over their last 21 games. They are 10-1 at home this season with the only loss being by a mere 2-points to VCU. 

The Billikens are a good team, but they should be a bigger dog in this fight. Davidson has won 6 of the last 8 meetings between these two teams, with 3 straight wins on their home floor. 

I just think the value stems from the fact that the Wildcats have failed to cover each of their last 4 games and are just 1-7 ATS over their last 8. Too much value to pass up. Give me Davidson -2! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Iowa State -1.5) 

I'll take my chances with the Cyclones as a slim 1.5-point home favorite against the Sooners. It's been tough sledding for Iowa State here of late, but they were able to snap a 4-game skid with a 54-51 win on the road against TCU. I like the Cyclones to build off that win and get some revenge against Oklahoma, who beat them by 13 in Norman earlier this season. 

While the Cyclones have lost their last 2 at home, there's no denying the huge home court edge this team has. You also got to look at the fact that Oklahoma is just 2-9 since that win over ISU back in early January. Sooners are just 4-7 away from home this season with a 1-6 record in road games in Big 12 play. 

Last time out Sooners lost 78-80 in OT at home to Texas. Oklahoma is 16-30 ATS last 46 on the road after a conference home loss and 0-6 ATS last 6 on the road after a game that saw 155 or more points. ISU is 12-3 ATS last 15 after failing to cover 3 of their last 4 and 32-6 ATS last 38 as a home favorite of 3 points or less. Give me the Cyclones -1.5! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS MASSACRE (Kansas State +5.5) 

I'll take my chances with Kansas State cashing as a 5.5-point road dog against Oklahoma State. The Wildcats are a much better team than their 14-11 (6-7 Big 12) record would suggest. K-State was hit hard with Covid earlier in the season and even then they still had a number of close games not go their way. Wildcats have 4 losses in Big 12 play by 3-points or less. 

K-State comes into this one having won 4 of their last 5 with the only loss coming to Baylor. I not only think they can keep it close enough to cover, but win this game outright. Cowboys are just 2-6 over their last 8 games and while they are a respectable 8-5 at home this year, they are just 5-8 ATS in those games. Give me the Wildcats +5.5! 

50* (CBB) Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (VCU -2.5)

I will gladly lay a mere 2.5-points at home with VCU as they take on Richmond Friday night. The Rams are 14-3 over their last 17 games with their 3 losses coming to 3 of the best teams in the A-10 in St. Bonaventure, Davidson and Dayton. 

VCU has won 14 of the last 18 at home against the Spiders and have won and covered 3 of the last 4 meetings overall. 

The Rams have also had a lot of success playing teams like Richmond who rely heavily on the 3-point shot. VCU is 11-2 ATS this season vs teams who attempt 21+ 3-pointers per game and 10-1 ATS vs teams who average 8 or more made 3-pointers per game. Give me the Rams -2.5! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Iowa -4.5) 

I'll take my chances with Iowa cashing as a mere 4.5-point home favorite against the Wolverines. The Hawkeyes come in having won 3 straight and while it's come against some of the lesser teams in the Big Ten, they have more than handled their business in these games. Iowa beat Minnesota 71-59 at home, crushed Maryland 110-87 on the road and cruised past Nebraska 98-75 at home. 

You also have to factor in just how much better this Iowa team is at home compared to on the road. Hawkeyes are 13-2 at home this year compared to just 4-5 away from home. Michigan is just 5-7 in road games this year and fresh off a bad 57-68 loss at home to rival Ohio State. 

This also figures to be a tired Wolverines team, who will be playing their 4th game in the last 10 days. I also don't think Michigan has enough fire-power offensively to keep pace with Iowa. Give me the Hawkeyes -4.5! 

50* (CBB) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Texas Tech -1.5) 

I love the Red Raiders as a slim 1.5-point home favorite against the Bears. Texas Tech is Final Four caliber team and this is just too good a price to pass up on the Red Raiders at home. Tech is a perfect 15-0 at home this season and we have seen Baylor struggle a bit in big road games. Most recently losing 59-83 at Kansas and 78-87 at Alabama. 

I also think there's a lot to be said about the fact that Tech was able to go to Baylor and get a 65-62 win earlier this season. The Red Raiders won that game despite shooting just 4-14 (28.6%) on 3-pointers, attempting 6 fewer free throws and basically being even in rebounds and turnovers. 

I just think the difference in this game will be the Texas Tech defense, which is giving up a mere 58.3 ppg on 38.6% shooting at home this season. Red Raiders are also a much better offensive team at home than they are on the road. Give me Texas Tech -1.5! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS SLAUGHTER (Tennessee -1.5) 

I'll take my chances with the Vols as a slim 1.5-point home favorite against the Wildcats on Tuesday. You can be assured that Tennessee has had this one circled after the ugly beating they took in a 79-107 loss at Kentucky back on Jan. 15. 

It's almost like that win lit a fire under this team, as the Vols have gone 7-1 since that loss with the only setback being a 1-point loss at Texas. 

The other big thing is where the game is being played. Tennessee is a different beast when they take the floor at Thompson Boling Arena. Vols are a perfect 13-0 at home this season. 

Kentucky just won and covered as a big favorite at home against Florida, but are just 4-15 ATS last 19 off a cover and a mere 2-10 ATS the last 3 seasons off a cover as a double-digit favorite. Wildcats are also 2-9 ATS last 2 seasons when favoring a top tier defensive team that is holding teams to 42% or worse shooting 15+ games into the season. Give me the Volunteers -1.5! 

50* (CBB) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Indiana -3) 

Give me the Hoosiers as a 3-point home favorite. This line isn't going to make a lot of sense, as you have an Indiana team that has lost 3 straight favored over the No. 15 ranked team in the country. Everyone is going to be taking the points with Wisconsin, which is why we will gladly load up on the other side. 

There's plenty of reason to like Indiana in this spot. The Hoosiers last two losses were both on the road, where they just aren't the same caliber a team as they are at home. Indiana is a defensive minded team that feeds off the energy of their home crowd. It's a big reason why they are 13-2 SU and 11-4 ATS at home this season. 

Hoosiers are 7-1 ATS at home this season when playing only their 2nd game in a week and a perfect 6-0 ATS at home this season after failing to cover the spread in their previous game. Give me Indiana -3! 

40* (CBB) Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Oklahoma State +10.5) 

I'll take my chances with the Cowboys catching 10.5 against the Jayhawks. I just think the number here is too high, which has been a common them for KU here of late. The Jayhawks are just 3-8 ATS over their last 11 games. 

One of the biggest things that stand out to me is we have Kansas laying 10.5 when they have just 1 conference win by more than 11 points this season. 

Oklahoma State is just 5-7 in Big 12 play, but have shown up in some big games. Most notably beating Baylor 61-54 on the road. They have just one conference loss by more than 11 points. 

It's also worth noting that these two teams played once already. KU won that game 74-63 at Oklahoma State. The Cowboys are 11-3 ATS last 3 seasons when revenging a same season loss and are outscoring opponents in this spot 73.5 to 70.0. Give me Oklahoma State +10.5! 

50* (CBB) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Michigan -2) 

Love the Wolverines as a mere 2-point home favorite against the Buckeyes. Michigan was one of the bigger disappointments early on this season. A lot of people thought this team was Final 4 caliber and yet they started the season 7-7 and just 1-3 in Big Ten play. They have started to turn it around, winning 6 of their last 8, with the only two losses coming on the road to Michigan State and Purdue. Last time out they didn't just beat Purdue, they annihilated the Boilermakers 82-58 at home. 

Ohio State is a good team, but I think they are not quite as good as what people think. I definitely don't trust this team on the road. They are just 3-4 away from home in Big Ten play with their 3 wins coming against 3 of the bottom half teams in Penn St, Nebraska and Minnesota. 

I also think it could be tough here playing their second road game in 4 days after Wednesday's hard fought 64-66 loss at Rutgers. Give me the Wolverines -2! 

40* (CBB) Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Vanderbilt +11.5) 

I will gladly take my chances with the Commodores catching double-digits on the road against in-state rival Tennessee. Vandy isn't going to be scared of the Vols. While Tennessee did win on the road at Nashville earlier this season, they only did so by 8 and the Commodores had a lead in the 2nd half of the game. 

Not saying the Vols will win, but the number here is just too high given the matchup. The line inflation comes from Tennessee being viewed as an elite team and they coming in having won 3 in a row and 6 of their last 7 with the only loss being by 1-point at Texas. 

Having already beat the Vols this season and a monster home game on deck against Kentucky Tuesday, I think this could be a bit of a flatspot for Tennessee. Give me Vanderbilt +11.5! 

40* (CBB) - Smart Money VEGAS INSIDER (Florida +10)

I just don't feel like the Gators should be a double-digit dog in this fight. Kentucky's a really good team and just keep stacking up the wins, but they are overvalued because of just how big a name they are. 

Everyone just assumes the Wildcats are going to play their best every time out and that's tough to do when you are getting the best shot from every team you play. I just wonder if Kentucky won't struggle to lock in for this game with Tuesday's big showdown at Tennessee looming in just a couple days. 

This is also a Florida team that has been playing better of late. The Gators have won 4 straight and are 7-2 in their last 9 with one of those two losses being a mere 7-point setback at the Vols. Give me the Gators +10! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Michigan St -4.5) 

I will gladly lay the 4.5-points at home with the Spartans against Indiana. Love this spot for Michigan State, who is going to be extremely motivated after dropping their last two games at Rutgers by 21 and then at home by 8 to Wisconsin.

I also don't think the home court edge for the Spartans is getting near enough respect with this line. Indiana doesn't pack the same punch the same punch on the road as they do at home, largely due to the fact that they rely so much on their defense, which just isn't as strong without the home crowd to feed off of. Give me Michigan State -4.5! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Arizona -5.5) 

I got no problem laying the 5.5-points on the road with Arizona at Washington State. I don't think this is near enough points for the Cougars to be catching. The Wildcats are 20-2 with a 10-1 record in the Pac-12. Their only two losses have come in road games against the likes of Tennessee and UCLA, who are two of the 15 best teams in the country. 

It just feels like we are seeing Washington State get a little too much respect here due to the fact that they come in having won 5 straight. Thing is, they have put together this winning streak against some pretty mediocre teams in Cal (twice), Utah, Colorado and Stanford. 

It's also worth noting that in Arizona's 10 win in Pac-12 play, the smallest margin of victory has been by 9 points. Give me the Wildcats -5.5! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS NO-BRAINER (Maryland +4.5) 

I'll gladly take my chances with the Terps as a 4.5-point home dog against the Hawkeyes. I'm not so sure Iowa should be favored. While Maryland has lost 3 in a row and are just 3-9 in Big Ten play, it's not like the Hawkeyes have been dominating the opposition. Iowa has a losing record of their own in conference play at 5-6. 

I also don't trust this Iowa team away from home. The Hawkeyes are just 1-4 in Big Ten road games with losses to the likes of Rutgers and Penn State away from home. 

You also have to look at the previous meeting between these two teams. Iowa won at home in a very closely contested game 80-75. 

Terps are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games when playing after 3 straight conference losses. Iowa is just 2-9 ATS last 11 on the road after failing to cover the spread in their previous game. Give me Maryland +4.5! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Alabama -5.5) 

I'll take my chances with the Crimson Tide as a 5.5-point road favorite against the Rebels. This feels like the perfect get right spot for Alabama, who is coming off a couple of ugly losses to Auburn (81-100) and Kentucky (55-66) in their last two games. 

Ole Miss should be a team they can make easy work of. The Rebels were able to cover as 10.5-point dogs in a 57-62 OT loss at Florida last time out, but were very lucky to do so. Ole Miss scored just 46 points in regulation and shot 32.8% from the field for the game. Their first since losing star freshman point guard Daeshun Ruffin to a season-ending knee injury. 

Rebels aren't going to get away with that kind of offensive production against a team like the Crimson Tide, who are averaging 80.2 ppg for the season and 76.3 ppg in SEC play. Give me Alabama -5.5! 

50* (CBB) Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Rutgers +3.5) 

I love Rutgers as a 3.5-point home dog against the Buckeyes. I don't think the Scarlet Knights should be catching points at home. Rutgers is 11-2 on their home floor this season and in their last game they just annihilated Michigan State 84-63 at home. They also have wins over Purdue, Iowa and Michigan at home in Big Ten play. 

Ohio State is 14-5 SU and 7-3 in Big Ten play, but they are just 4-5 away from home this season with a 3-3 mark in Big Ten road games. The 3 wins coming against 3 of the worst teams in the league in Penn State, Nebraska and Minnesota. 

Rutgers is 6-0 ATS under Pikiell in home games off an upset win as a conference dog. Give me the Scarlet Knights +3.5! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Indiana +1)

I'll take my chances with the Hoosiers at basically a pick'em on the road against the Wildcats. I think this is a good time to sell high on Northwestern after back-to-back wins and buy low on Indiana after an ugly 57-74 home loss to Illinois last time out. 

The Hoosiers haven't lost back-to-back games all season and not that long ago we watched them lose 80-62 at home to Michigan and then turn around and beat Penn State 74-57 at home and Maryland 68-55 on the road in their next two games. 

Prior to Northwestern scraping by Rutgers 79-78 in OT at home and beating Nebraska on the road, the Wildcats had lost 8 of 10 in Big Ten play. Give me the Hoosiers +1! 

50* (CBB) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Illinois +6) 

I love the value we are getting with Illinois as a 6-point road dog against the Boilermakers. Purdue comes into this game having won 5 straight, but in their last two home games they have beat Ohio St by just 3 and Michigan by 6. I not only think the Illini will keep this one close, but I give them a realistic shot of winning this game outright. 

There's no doubt Illinois will be highly motivated for this game, as these two teams played back on Jan. 17 and the Boilermakers won that game on the road 96-88 in double-overtime. 

You also got to look at the fact that Illinois has lost just 5 games all season and have lost by more than 6 points just one time in Big Ten play. That being a 65-81 loss at Maryland, which was sandwiched between that game with Purdue and a home game with Michigan State. They also didn't have Kofi Cockburn for that game against the Terps. Give me the Fighting Illini +6! 

40* (CBB) - Situational VEGAS INSIDER (Minnesota +12) 

I'll take my chances with the Gophers as a 12-point road dog against the Hawkeyes. These two teams played at Minnesota back on Jan. 16. While Iowa won and covered in a 81-71 win as a 7-point road favorite, the Gophers held their own and were without a couple key rotation players in Eric Curry and Sean Sutherlin. Both will be available for the rematch. 

You also got an Iowa team that hasn't been playing that great. Hawkeyes have lost 3 of their last 4 and are just 4-6 in Big Ten play with just one of those wins coming by more than the number here. Hawkeyes should win this thing on their home floor, but I don't see it being as lopsided a matchup as this number would suggest. Give me the Gophers +12! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS SLAUGHTER (Florida -8.5) 

I think there's plenty of reason to believe the Gators will win by double-digits at home against Ole Miss. The Rebels just suffered some devastating news, as they learned that the knee injury that forced freshman Daeshun Ruffin to leave their last game against LSU is going to require season-ending surgery. It's heartbreaking for this team to lose arguably their best player when it felt like they were just hitting their stride. 

Ruffin ranks 29th in the country with a 32.0 %Poss (# of possessions used). I think we saw the problems of him not being on the floor in that LSU game. The Tigers only field goal in the last 9:50 of that game was a breakaway layup with 10 seconds to go. 

Florida isn't going to feel sorry for them, as they lost 54-70 at Ole Miss a couple weeks ago. Gators also need this win, as they are just 4-5 in SEC play right now. I just don't think Ole Miss will have the offense to make a game of it on the road. Give me Florida -8.5! 

40* (CBB) Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Butler +1.5) 

Butler should not be a home dog in this one. The Bulldogs have been playing much better of late. It started with a mere 7-point loss on the road to Providence. They then won back-to-back games at home against Creighton and Georgetown before losing by just 2 on the road at Xavier. 

While an 8-4 home record doesn't look all that great. It does when those 4 losses are to Michigan St, Seton Hall, Xavier and UConn. St. John's just won 90-77 on the road against Georgetown, but had started out 0-4 on the road in Big East play before that. 

This is also a bit of a lookahead for the Red Storm with a home game against Villanova on deck Tuesday. Give me Butler +1.5! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Wisconsin +7) 

I'll take my chances with the Badgers as a 7-point road dog against Illinois. I'm not sure why the books are giving the Illini this much love against Wisconsin, but I'll gladly take advantage of it. Illinois is a great team, but no way should they be laying more than 5-points against this Badgers team. 

Some of Wisconsin's best work has come away from home this season, as the Badgers are 8-1 SU and 7-2 ATS. The most notable of those being a 74-69 win at Purdue as a 12.5-point dog. Win or lose, I expect this to be a closely contested game the entire way. Give me Wisconsin +7! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS SLAUGHTER (Miami -4) 

I will gladly lay the 4-points at home with Miami against the Fighting Irish. I think we are seeing Notre Dame getting way too much respect on the road. Irish have gone an impressive 10-2 over their last 12 games, but it's come against a pretty favorable schedule. Notre Dame's onlywins away from home in ACC play are against Pitt, Georgia Tech and Louisville. 

Miami has been every bit as good as Notre Dame of late, as the Hurricanes are 12-2 over their last 14 games and are sitting at 8-2 in ACC play. Miami's only home loss in conference play is a 1-point setback to FSU when they were rolling. Give me the Hurricanes -4! 

40* (CBB) - Smart Money VEGAS INSIDER (Clemson -3) 

I will gladly take my chances with Clemson as a short 3-point home favorite against a short-handed Florida State team. While the Tigers are a disappointing 3-6 in ACC play, they have shown some signs of life here of late. Clemson followed up an impressive 75-48 win at home over Pitt with a near upset win at Duke, as they fell 69-71 to the Blue Devils. 

Tigers should be highly motivated for this one and will definitely be the fresher of the two teams, as they have had the last 8 days off. FSU is a team I was high on not that long ago, but injuries have really derailed things. Malik Osborne has been lost for the season, Caleb Mills is battling an illness and Rayquan Evans is likely out due to the loss of a loved one. Give me Clemson -3! 

40* (CBB) Situational ATS SLAUGHTER (Texas Tech -4) 

I'll take my chances with the Red Raiders laying just 4-points at home against the Longhorns. Texas Tech has been a money maker in Big 12 play so far with a 7-1 ATS record in 8 games. It's also really hard to not lay a mere 4-points with how good they have been at home. Red Raiders are a perfect 13-0 at home with a 9-3 ATS mark. 

It's the opposite for Texas, who is 13-1 at home compared to just 3-4 on the road. The only top tier team they have played on the road in Big 12 play is ISU and they lost 70-79. This one also has a little extra meaning as it's the first time these two teams will have faced since Chris Beard left the Red Raiders to take over at Texas. Give me Texas Tech -4! 

50* (CBB) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (St Bonaventure -2.5) 

I will gladly lay the 2.5-points at home with the Bonnies as they host Davidson on Tuesday. The Wildcats have an impressive 17-3 record, but a lot of that is the schedule they have played. While they have only loss 1 game in their last 17, they have been very fortunate in a number of games here of late. In their last 6 wins, all 6 have come by 10 or fewer with 4 of those by 4 points or less. 

You also have a St Bonaventure team that is extremely tough to beat on their home floor. The Bonnies are 7-1 at home this season. This to me feels like a statement game for St Bonaventure and I wouldn't be shocked at all if they won this game going away. Give me the Bonnies -2.5! 

50* (CBB) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Iowa -4.5) 

I really like the Hawkeyes as a slim 4.5-point road favorite against the Nittany Lions. These two teams just played 10 days ago and Iowa won that matchup handedly 68-51 at home. Penn State had just 1 guy finish that game in double-figures, where the Hawkeyes had 4. Iowa also won that game without a big game from their star player Keegan Murray, as he had just 15 points on 4 of 12 shooting. 

I just don't think it's enough to be playing at home for Penn State to see a different result, especially with Iowa motivated to play well after a loss at home to Purdue last Thursday. Nittany Lions just don't have the offense to keep it close. They have eclipsed the 70-point mark just once in 9 Big Ten games and that was back on Jan. 5 against Northwestern. Iowa is averaging 73.6 ppg in conference play. Give me the Hawkeyes -4.5!

40* (CBB) Situational ATS SLAUGHTER (Providence -2) 

I'll gladly take my chances with the Friars at basically a pick'em at home against the Golden Eagles. I just think Marquette is getting a little too much respect here coming into this game on a 7-game win streak. 

Providence is 17-2 on the season and the only loss they have suffered in the last two months is a 56-88 blowout loss at Marquette back on Jan. 4. There's no doubt that embarrassment is still fresh in the minds of these Friars' players. Providence has not lost a game on their home floor all season and they keep that perfect record at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. Give me the Friars -2! 

40* (CBB) Prime Time ATS MASSACRE (Rutgers -2) 

I will take my chances with the Scarlet Knights as a mere 2-point road favorite against the Cornhuskers. We backed Nebraska in their last game at home against Wisconsin and took it on the chin, as they lost by 8 as a 7.5-point dog. 

I know the Cornhuskers play better at home, but there's just too much value at this price with Rutgers. There will be no overlooking Nebraska for the Scarlet Knights, as they just lost at home to Maryland after losing at Minnesota a few days earlier. This will be an extremely motivated Rutgers team and they are the more talented team in this matchup. It's going to take a really bad showing by the Knights and a great showing by Nebraska, just for this game to be close. Give me Rutgers -2! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Kansas State PK) 

I will gladly take my chances with Kansas State as a mere pick'em on the road against the Rebels. While the Wildcats come in off back-to-back losses, those came at home to Kansas and on the road to Baylor. The two best teams in the Big 12. Prior to that they had won at home over Texas Tech and at Texas. They also lost by just 3 to the Jayhawks. 

I think they are without a doubt the better team. Ole Miss is just 10-10 and are a mere 2-6 in the SEC. Losses at home to the likes of Samford and Missouri really speak to the talent level on this team. Give me Kansas State PK! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS SLAUGHTER (Iowa State -9) 

I will lay the 9-points with the Cyclones at home against Missouri. I think anything in the single-digits is a great price on Iowa State. I think the Big 12 is head and shoulders ahead of the SEC and you have one of the Big 12's better teams against one of the worst. 

I also like the fact that while the Cyclones come in off a big 84-81 OT win at OKlahoma State, they are just 3-5 SU over their last 8 games. I see a very motivated ISU team taking the floor, especially at home. 

The other big thing here is the awful spot for Missouri, who just suffered a heartbreaking 54-55 loss at home to No. 1 ranked Auburn on Tuesday. For a team like the Tigers, who aren't sniffing an at-large bid, this could be a really tough game for them to get up for. 

It's also a bad matchup. Iowa State is really good defensively and this Missouri team has been one of the worst offensive groups in the SEC this year. Tigers are 10th in the SEC in offensive efficiency and 10th in effective FG%. They are bad in the turnover department and struggle big time on the offensive glass, both getting them and giving up second chance opportunities. Give me the Cyclones -9! 

50* (CBB) -Big 12/SEC Max Unit PLAY OF THE DAY (Oklahoma +10) 

I love the value we are getting with the Sooners as a 10-point road dog against the Tigers. I just think the Big 12 is a lot better than the SEC and there's some value on the Big 12 in this midseason cross-conference showdown. 

I'm not saying a team like Oklahoma is going to go on the road and upset a team like Auburn, but there's no reason for Auburn to be laying double-digits here. Not in this spot. The Tigers are off a thrilling 55-54 win at Missouri and have a MASSIVE lookahead with rival Alabama coming to Auburn on Tuesday. 

Oklahoma is just 3-5 in Big 12 play, but are ranked No. 27 in the country at KenPom, which just goes to show you how good that conference is. This is a huge game for the Sooners, as this would be quite the resume builder when selection Sunday comes around. I think they make a game of it. Give me Oklahoma +10! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Minnesota +7) 

This is a few too many for the Gophers to be catching at home against the Buckeyes. Minnesota had lost 4 straight prior to pulling out a 68-65 win at home against Rutgers last Saturday. Even though this team is 11-5 and have played the No. 48 toughest schedule, it doesn't feel like people are buying into this team being all that good. 

Part of that is their 2-5 record in Big Ten play, but that's a big reason why I feel we are getting such a great price with the Gophers in this spot. Ohio State is 12-4 and ranked No. 16 in the country, but I'm not convinced they are as good as they look. Yes, they beat Duke at home, but you have to remember that came just a few days after the Blue Devils pulled out that massive win against Gonzaga. 

The Buckeyes do have an impressive 73-55 win at home against Wisconsin, but their other 4 wins in Big Ten play are against Nebraska, Northwestern and Penn State (2x). They lost by 16 at Indiana and by 10 in the rematch at Wisconsin. They also needed OT to win at Nebraska, who doesn't have a  conference win. Give me Minnesota +7! 

50* (CBB) - Max Unit Big Ten PLAY OF THE MONTH (Nebraska +7.5) 

I will gladly take the 7.5-points at home with Nebraska, as they get ready to host No. 11 Wisconsin. No doubt this line is inflated on the Badgers with the Cornhuskers coming in having lost 6 straight, 11 of their last 13 and owning a 0-8 record in Big Ten play. 

While Nebraska is clearly a bottom feeder in the Big Ten, they are a much more competitive team at home. Despite their ugly record, they are 7-6 ATS at home this year and 4-4 ATS in Big Ten play. Three of those covers coming at home. They lost by 7 at home to Indiana, by 10 to Illinois and by 8 in OT to Ohio State. 

Nebraska is also well rested, as they last played on Jan. 17. This should be a very hungry and motivated team, as they fight for that first conference win. 

Wisconsin is 15-3, but did just lost 74-86 at home to Michigan State and have not been nearly as sharp on the road. They only won by 6 at Northwestern, by 1 at Maryland, lost by 18 at Ohio State and in non-conference only won by 4 at Georgia Tech. Give me the Cornhuskers +7.5! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS NO-BRAINER (Penn State +8.5) 

I'll take my chances with the Nittany Lions as a 8.5-point road dog against the Hoosiers. I know it's been a struggle for Penn State here of late, but I don't think Indiana should be laying this kind of number. Hoosiers are a solid team, but I definitely think they are a step below the top teams in the Big Ten. 

I also don't love the spot for the Hoosiers, who just two days ago got steamrolled at home 80-62 by Michigan. That's after they played Thursday at home against Purdue, so this is now their 3rd game in 7 days. In comparison, Penn State has had 3 days off and are playing just their 2nd game in the last 10 days. Give me the Nittany Lions +8.5! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (W Virginia -2)

I got no problem laying a mere 2-points at home with the Mountaineers, as they get ready to take on Oklahoma. Both teams come in on losing streaks, which is why I feel we are getting some value with the home team. 

West Virginia has lost 3 straight, but two of those were on the road against Kansas and Texas Tech. The other was at home against arguably the best team in the league in Baylor. Prior to this stretch, the Mountaineers had started out the season 13-2. Factor in their massive home court edge and this is just too good a price to pass up. Give me West Virginia -2! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS SLAUGHTER (Iowa St +3.5) 

I'll take my chances with the Cyclones as a 3.5-point road dog against the Cowboys. I really like this spot for Iowa State. Cyclones look like they are in trouble, as they have lost 4 of 5 and just got completely embarrassed at home by TCU in their last game 44-59. This is a team that has got to where they are based on their effort and I feel pretty good about the energy level in this one coming off that ugly showing. 

I also think Oklahoma STate is a great matchup for them. Cowboys are one of the worst offensive teams in the Big 12 and figure to be without one of their best players in Bryce Williams, who leads the team in scoring at just 10.6 ppg. Spreading the wealth is great, but when your top scorer is at 10.6 ppg, you got problems and this ISU defense is the real deal. Give me the Cyclones +3.5! 

40* (CBB) Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (K-State +14) 

I will gladly take my chances with K-State as a 14-point dog against Baylor. The big question here is how will the Wildcats come out after a crushing 75-78 home loss to Kansas, where they had a massive 2nd half collapse. I think the opponent being the Bears and this being their first crack at the defending champs, will keep them from coming out flat off that loss. 

They could also use that loss as motivation, as that's just another sign that this team is for real. K-State might be just 10-8, but they have played like an NCAA Tournament team. Prior to letting one slip against the Jayhawks, they had knocked off Texas Tech at home and Texas on the road. They also have losses by 3 or fewer points (all 7 of 8 losses by 8 or fewer). Give me the Wildcats +14! 

40* (CBB) - Smart Money ATS MASSACRE (Rutgers -3.5) 

I got no problem laying the 3.5 points at home with Rutgers against the Terrapins. I just feel like there's a lot of value with the Scarlet Knights right now. KenPom has them ranked as the 94th best team in the country. The numbers may support that, but if you have watched this team play the last couple of months, you know they are MUCH better than that ranking. 

Maryland is ranked No. 83 and I don't think they are a better team than the Scarlet Knights. The Terps did just pull off a huge 81-65 home win over Illinois in their last game, but they are just 2-6 in Big Ten play and their only true road win was a double-overtime victory against a Northwestern team that has way underperformed in Big Ten play. 

Just not enough respect here for Rutgers, especially at home. Give me the Scarlet Knights -3.5! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS NO-BRAINER (Texas Tech +7)

I will gladly take my chances with the Red Raiders catching 7 on the road against the Jayhawks. These two teams played earlier this month in Lubbock and Texas Tech won that contest 75-67 and were up by as many as 14 in the 2nd half. Red Raiders won that game without two starters in Terrence Shannon and Kevin McCullar. Shannon is arguably Tech's best player. 

It will definitely will be a lot harder on the road against the Jayhawks, but the Red Raiders are built to win on the road with their defense. Not saying they will win the game, but 7 feels like way too many. Give me Texas Tech +7! 

40* (CBB) Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Pitt +9) 

I know the Panthers come in having failed to cover 3 of their last 4, but there's just no way I'm passing up on Pitt as a 9-point dog against Clemson. The Panthers are just 7-11 overall and 2-5 in ACC play, but if you have watched this team you know their record is misleading. Pitt has had some horrible luck in close games this season. This isn't just a game they can cover, they are more than capable of winning outright. 

I'm also not so sure what Clemson has down to warrant being this big of a home favorite. The Tigers are just 10-8 overall and 2-5 in ACC play. They have lost their last 3 and it's not been pretty. They lost 56-72 at Notre Dame, 68-70 at home to a bad BC team and 78-91 in their most recent game at Syracuse. 

I just don't know that they can flip a switch here and give the kind of effort and performance to win by double-digits. It's also a bit of a lookahead spot with a game at Duke on deck Tuesday. Give me Pittsburgh +9! 

50* (CBB) Smart Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Tennessee -5.5)

I'll lay the 5.5-points with the Vols in Saturday's home game against LSU. This might seem like a few too many for Tennessee to be playing as they are the No. 24 ranked team and the Tigers are No. 13. 

It tells me the books aren't overly optimistic about LSU's injury concerns. We know Xavier Pinson won't play, but Darius Days is also questionable with an ankle injury. Days hurt the ankle in Wednesday's loss at Alabama and played just 12 minutes in that game. 

That's a lot of outside shooting that could be sidelined. Days leads LSU with 39 made 3-pointers and the next best is Pinson who has made 20 (missed 3 games). While Tari Eason was the star in LSU's 79-67 home win over the Vols earlier this year, Days and Pinson each played 32 minutes in that win, combining for 24 points, 4 made 3's (rest of team made 4), 8 rebounds and 9 assists. 

Even if Days were to play, I still think there's value at 5.5 with the Vols on their home floor playing with revenge. Tennessee is a perfect 9-0 at home this season, where they are averaging 81.2 ppg and giving up 56.0 ppg. Give me the Vols -5.5! 

40* (CBB) Situational ATS SLAUGHTER (Miami -2) 

I will gladly lay the 2-points at home with Miami against Florida State. I think the Hurricanes are one of the more underrated teams not just in the ACC but the country. Miami's 14-4 with their worst loss being against UCF, who ranks No. 79 at KenPom. They are 6-1 in ACC play with wins over NC State, WF, Syracuse, Duke (on the road) and UNC. 

Interesting to note that their only loss came in a crushing 64-65 loss at Florida State a couple weeks ago. You got to believe that the Hurricanes will be up for this one and they will have fresh legs. Miami's hasn't played since Tuesday and they had a week off before that game. 

It's a much different story for the Seminoles. Florida State is in a major letdown spot. FSU won 76-71 at Syracuse last Saturday, then won a thriller at home vs Duke 79-78 in OT on Tuesday, before beating North Florida 86-73 on Thursday. A game they only led 56-53 with 14 minutes to play. Give me the Hurricanes -2! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Wisconsin -4) 

I'll take my chances with the Badgers as a 4-point home favorite against the Spartans in Friday's Big Ten matchup. I just don't think the Spartans have what it takes to go into Madison and get a win. 

Michigan State just lost at home to Northwestern and their 5-1 record in Big Ten play is a bit misleading. The Spartans have not played any of the top teams in the conference. They have played Minnesota twice, Northwestern twice, Nebraska and Minnesota. This is by far their toughest true road game of the season, as their 3 true road games so far have come against Butler, Northwestern and Minnesota. 

Badgers are 6-1 in Big Ten Play and riding a 7-game win streak. Unlike the Spartans, they haven't had a cupcake conference schedule. Wisconsin has wins over Purdue, Iowa and Ohio State. Give me the Badgers -4! 

40* (CBB) - Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER (USC -2)

I'm going to lay the 2-points on the road with USC as they will be at Colorado on Thursday. The Trojans are 14-2, but come in having lost 2 of their last 3 and most recently just lost at home to Oregon. I not only think it's a good buy-low spot on USC, but we should also be getting a big effort here from the Trojans in this one. 

As for Colorado, I just don't think the Buffalo are that good. They certainly aren't as good as expectations. The Buffaloes started the year ranked No. 35 at KenPom and are now No. 78. They have won 6 of 7, but the only win against a Top 60 team was a 83-78 win over No. 54 Washington State. The only other team they played that was any good was No. 9 Arizona and they lost that game by 21 (76-55). Whenever the Buffs have stepped up in competition they have struggled to keep it close. Their home court edge is great, but I don't think it's enough for them to flirt with a win here. Give me USC -2! 

40* (CBB) - Big Money PUBLIC FADE (Pitt +3.5) 

I'll take my chances here with Pitt as a home dog against a struggling Virginia team. This is as down as I can remember Virginia being under Tony Bennett. They are 13th out of 15 in the ACC in offensive efficiency and a shocking 10th in defensive efficiency. 

What made this team so special was they were playing elite defense. Without that, they are going to be widely inconsistent and struggle to win games. They have already lost 4 times at home this year (only lost 3 homes games the previous 3 seasons). 

The Panthers are just 7-10, but have played a tough schedule and have suffered a lot of close losses. One of those being a 56-57 loss at Virginia. A game they have to feel like they should have won. They lost 56-52 with 25 seconds to play. I love that revenge angle here, especially at this price. Give me Pittsburgh +3.5

50* (CBB) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Rutgers +2.5) 

I love the Scarlets Knights catching points at home against the Hawkeyes in Wednesday's Big Ten action. I grew up in Iowa and the Hawkeyes were my team as a kid. I follow them pretty closely. 

This year's team is way better than expected after losing two guys to the NBA (Garza & Weiskamp). Largely due to the emergence of Keegan Murray, another future NBA guy. I still don't think there as good as what the numbers suggest. 

There's some other guys who can score, but Murray is their only reliable option. Iowa is also a very bad defensive team. They rank 12th in the Big 10 in defensive efficiency and 13th in effective FG% defense. They also get killed on the offensive glass and send teams to the line a ton. 

Rutgers is a team that started slow, but is really starting to play up to their potential. Scarlet Knights have won 5 of their last 6 and when this team has momentum behind them, Piscataway can be a nightmare for opposing teams. Give me Rutgers +2.5

40* (CBB) Situational ATS SLAUGHTER (St. John's +4.5) 

I will take my chances with the Red Storm catching 4.5 on the road against the Blue Jays. I think St. John's is vastly underrated. While they don't have a single win over a team ranked in the Top 100 at KenPom, their 5 losses have come against Indiana, Kansas, Pitt, Providence and UConn. They only lost by 2 at Indiana and took the Huskies to OT on the road. 

This is no where close to the level of talent that Creighton has had in previous years. The Huskies in the past have been offensive juggernauts. This year's team is 9th in the Big East in offensive efficiency. 

Their biggest weakness has also been turnovers. They rank dead last in the Big East in offensive turnovers and forcing the other team into mistakes. They are ranked outside the Top 315 in both categories nationally. St. John's is No. 1 in the Big East in forcing turnovers and No. 2 in protecting the basketball. I think the chaos and pace of the Red Storm will be too much for a young Bluejays team. Give me St. John's +4.5!

40* (CBB) Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Georgia Tech +2.5) 

I'll take my chances with Georgia Tech as a 2.5-point home dog against the Demon Deacons. Based on the records this is going to seem like to low a number for Wake Forest to be laying. I'm not so sure the Yellow Jackets shouldn't be favored. 

Georgia Tech's 5-1 start seems like forever ago, as they have gone just 2-8 over their last 10. Neither win being all that impressive, as they needed OT to be Georgia State at home and beat BC on the road. 

What gets overlooked is the schedule and the margin of some of those defeats. There's really not a bad loss in the 8, outside of maybe a home defeat to Louisville. How they have competed in some of the other games is what I like. They lost by just 4 at home to Wisconsin, took ND to OT at home and only lost by 12 at Duke. 

Wake Forest is 14-4, but their best wins are against the likes of Va Tech, FSU, Syracuse and Virginia. They are just 2-2 in true road games with a loss at Louisville, who is very comparable in terms of talent. Demon Deacons are also off a huge road win at Virginia, which came just a few days after hosting Duke. This has flat spot written all over it. Give me the Yellow Jackets +2.5! 

40* (CBB) - Sharp Money ATS MASSACRE (Florida St +5) 

I'll gladly roll the dice with Florida State catching 5-points at home against the Blue Devils. The Seminoles came into this season with some pretty decent hype, but a lot of that was lost after a disappointing 5-4 start that saw them lose 3-straight to Purdue, Syracuse and South Carolina.

It wasn't a matter of talent and we have seen that talent start to show itself for Leonard Hamilton's team. FSU is 5-1 over their last 6 and are 4-2 in ACC play. Hamilton routinely has this team near the top of the ACC standings. 

The other big thing here is Duke is overvalued because of how big a public play they are. Seminoles are also not afraid of this team whatsoever. I think they got a really good shot here of winning this game outright. Give me FSU +5!

50* (CBB) - Vegas Insider PLAY OF THE MONTH (Miami +2.5) 

I really like the value here with Miami as a 2.5-point home dog against the Tar Heels. I don't think the Hurricanes should be a dog at all in this matchup. Miami is 9-1 in their last 10 games. The lone lost being a mere 1-point loss on the road to a fast improving Seminoles team. The game before that they went on the road and beat Duke. I just don't understand the lack of respect for this Hurricanes team. 

UNC is 12-4, but I've not been that impressed. Their two best wins are against Michigan and Virginia. The Wolverines are nowhere close to as good as what we expected and the same can be said for the Cavaliers. In their big step up games, UNC lost by 9 to Purdue, by 17 to Tennessee and by 19 to Kentucky. Give me the Hurricanes +2.5! 

40* (CBB) Situational ATS SLAUGHTER (W Virginia +6.5) 

I've made some good money here of late fading Baylor and I'm not going to stop with West Virginia catching this kind of price at home against the Bears on Tuesday, especially with their figuing to be a good chance that Baylor won't have guard James Akinjo (listed as questionable). 

Either way I like the number here with West Virginia, who is going to be a pissed off bunch after the beatdown they just took on Saturday at Kansas (lost 59-85) The Mountaineers are a different animal at home, where they have one of the biggest home court advantages in the country. WV has not lost at home this year (10-0) and I wouldn't be surprised at all if they kept that streak alive. Give me the Mountaineers +6.5! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Nebraska +8.5) 

This just feels like a few too many for the Cornhuskers to be catching at home against the Hoosiers. Nebraska comes into this game at 6-12 with a 0-7 record in Big Ten play. It's just not as bad as it looks. The Cornhuskers are 1-10 in their last 11 games. Out of those 10 losses, 7 have come against teams ranked in the Top 35 and the three others are against NC State, Kansas State and Rutgers. 

Indiana only won by 13 over Nebraska earlier this season and the Cornhuskers are a much better team at home, while the Hoosiers have looked way worse on the road. Last two home games for Nebraska they lost by just 10 at home to Illinois and by 8 in OT to Ohio State. Indiana has played 4 true road games and lost all 4. They just lost at Iowa on Thursday and could have a tough time not looking ahead to Thursday's big home game against Purdue. Give me the Cornhuskers +8.5! 

40* (CBB) - Undervalued Underdog ATS SHOCKER (Oklahoma St +14.5) 

I got to roll the dice with Oklahoma State catching 14.5-points on the road against Baylor. The Bears are a really good team, but I think having that target on their back and getting the best shot from every team they play is really starting to wear on this team. They are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games and the one game they covered they needed to outscore TCU by 18 in the 2nd half to win by 12 as a 10-point favorite. 

As bad as the Cowboys looked last time out against Texas Tech, I just think you got to take your chances playing against Baylor right now. Bears are going to cover these big numbers every once in awhile, but I think in the long run the money will clearly be on fading the defending champs. Give me Oklahoma State +14.5! 

50* (CBB) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (TCU +1.5) 

I love TCU as a 1.5-point home dog against the Sooners. The Horned Frogs are off to a 11-2 start but aren't getting a ton of press because of the schedule not being all that challenging. I think it has people sleeping on Jamie Dixon's team. They have an impressive win over Texas A&M on a neutral and really played Baylor well for a half. I also think it says a lot for them to respond to that loss against Bears by going on the road and beating K-State. 

TCU is no easy place to play and this feels like a tough spot for Oklahoma, who just played 3 games against Baylor, ISU and Texas and have Kansas on deck Tuesday and a rematch with Baylor next Saturday. I just don't think the Sooners have done enough to be road dogs here. Give me TCU +1.5! 

40* (CBB) Smart Money ATS ANNIHILATOR (Florida St +2.5) 

I will take the 2.5-points with Florida State at Syracuse. The Seminoles have looked a lot more like the team we expected to see from the start of the season. They got a chance to prove it in this game, as they take on a Orange team that beat them on their home floor 63-60 back in early Dec. 

Since Hamilton took over at FSU, the Seminoles are 42-27 (61%) ATS when revenging a same season loss. Syracuse is definitely a team they should be able to beat if they are a real contender in the ACC. Syracuse has lost 5 of their last 8 with their only wins coming against Brown, Cornell and Pitt. Give me the Seminoles +2.5! 

40* (CBB) Blockbuster Bookie DESTROYER (Iowa St +2.5)

I will gladly take the Cyclones as a home dog against the Longhorns on Saturday. Really big game here for Iowa State, who after back-to-back road losses to Oklahoma and Kansas, are now 1-3 in Big 12 play. I've actually been impressed with the Cyclones. They only lost by 5 to Baylor at home and by just 1 at Kansas. The lone win coming against a Texas Tech team that has looked like the best team in the league since that loss with wins over KU, Baylor and Oklahoma St. 

Texas is 13-3 and fresh off a blowout win at home over Oklahoma. I just don't trust this team on the road. The previous game they lost 51-64 at Oklahoma State. Their only true road win all season is against K-State. I just think with how tough it is to win on the road in the Big 12 and how desperate ISU going to be, the wrong team is favored. Give me the Cyclones +2.5! 

50* (CBB) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Nebraska +20.5) 

I really thinking we are getting some big time value with Nebraska catching 20.5 on the road against the Boilermakers. No denying that the Cornhuskers are one of the worst teams in the Big Ten and Purdue is one of the best, but this is way too many points given the spot. 

It's hard for teams like Boilermakers to get up for inferior opponents and it's not like they have been cashing these inflated lines the books keep setting on them. Purdue is just 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games. 

I got a hard time seeing the Boilermakers taking Nebraska seriously, especially with a massive game on deck at Illinois on Monday. Fighting Illini are sitting tied on top the Big Ten standings with Michigan State at 5-0. Give me the Cornhuskers +20.5! 

50* (CBB) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Wisconsin -3.5) 

I got no problem laying the 3.5-points at home with Wisconsin. The Badgers are 13-2 with wins over Texas A&M, Houston, St Mary's, Marquette, Indiana, Purdue and Iowa. The key here is that one of those 2 losses was a early Big Ten matchup at Ohio State, where the Buckeyes won easily 73-55. 

I love the revenge spot for the Badgers at home, especially with how much better this team has been playing since Big Ten play restarted. The other big thing is I don't think the Buckeyes are the same team on the road and the results speak to that. 

Ohio State lost by 16 in their last road game at Indiana and the game before needed OT to win on the road against a bad Nebraska team. I wouldn't be shocked at all if this game got a away from the Buckeyes. Give me Wisconsin -3.5! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Seton Hall -5.5) 

This just doesn't feel like near enough for the Pirates to be laying at DePaul. Seton Hall has really been a big surprise this year. They went just 14-13 last year. They have started out this season 11-3 with their 3 losses coming against Ohio State by 3, to Providence by 5 and to Villanova by 6. They just beat UConn at home without a key contributor in Alexis Yetna. They also have a 15-point win over Butler, win at Michigan and wins at home over Texas and Rutgers. 

On the flip side, the Blue Demons have completely fallen flat on their faces after an impressive 9-1 start. DePaul has lost 5 straight since that hot start and that includes a 17-point home loss to Providence and a 15-point loss at home to Villanova. I just don't think it's asking a lot for Seton Hall to win this game by 6 or more. Give me the Pirates -5.5!

40* (CBB) - Public Money ATS MASSACRE (Wake Forest +6) 

I will gladly take my chances with the Demon Deacons as a 6-point home dog against Duke. You know going into just about every game that Duke plays they are going to be overvalued with how big a public team they are. I think it's even more so when the Blue Devils are coming off a loss like they are here. The public perception is they are going to bounce back, but they got to do a lot more than just win the game to cash a ticket here. 

Wake Forest is also one of the most improved teams in the country. The Demon Deacons were ranked 105th at KenPom coming into the season and are now 53rd after starting the year 13-3. They are a perfect 10-0 at home and have one of the better home court advantages in the country. Give me Wake Forest +6! 

50* (CBB) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (UCF +2) 

I love UCF as a home dog against Memphis tonight. This is the perfect buy-low spot on the Knights, who have lost their last two. The first wasn't all that bad, as they fell at SMU. The following loss at home to Temple was a bit of shocker. I just think the poor showing against the Owls had a lot to do with this game being on deck, as Memphis is the team everyone wants to beat in the AAC. I expect a huge effort here from the Knights. 

It's also a good time to sell-high on the Tigers, who come in having won 3 straight. Memphis has all kinds of talent, but they are not the elite team we thought they were going to be when the season started. Give me UCF +2! 

40* (CBB) - Big East PLAY OF THE WEEK (Xavier -1) 

I will gladly take my chances with the Musketeers as a slim 1-point home favorite against Villanova. Xavier will be out for some serious revenge as these two teams played at Villanova earlier this season. The Wildcats won that game 71-58, but the final score doesn't tell the whole story. 

It looks like Villanova dominated that game, but Xavier led by as many as 10-points late in the 1st half of that game. This time I look for the Musketeers to get out to another early lead and not take their foot off the gas. Xavier is a perfect 9-0 at home, while Villanova is just 6-4 on the road compared to 5-0 at home. Give me the Musketeers -1!

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (West Virginia -2.5) 

I will gladly lay the 2.5-points with the Mountaineers at home against Oklahoma State. West Virginia feels like a team to me that is flying way under the radar. The Mountaineers are 12-2 with their only two losses coming on a neutral floor to a good Marquette team and at Texas. This is a team that in my opinion deserves to be a Top 25 team and yet they aren't. 

Oklahoma State is pretty average if you ask me. The Cowboys come in off a big home win over Texas, but had lost 4 of their previous 5 with 3 of the 4 defeats coming at home. The only true road game Oklahoma State has played was at Oral Roberts on Nov. 26 and they needed OT to win that game 78-77. I don't think this is going to be close. Give me the Mountaineers -2.5! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Texas Tech +12.5) 

We took one on the chin betting against Baylor in their last game at TCU, as they were a 10-point dog and went from trailing 31-37 at the half to winning the game 76-64. It's not going to keep me from fading the Bears with these inflated numbers the books are setting on them. 

I also have come to accept that this is a really good Texas Tech team. The Red Raiders are 11-3 with a loss to Gonzaga on a neutral, 4-point loss at Providence and 4-point loss at ISU. They just beat Kansas 75-67 at home on Saturday and while I don't know that they can win this game, I do think they can keep this one within 12-points. Give me the Red Raiders +12.5! 

50* (CBB) - Smart Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Pittsburgh +10.5) 

I love Pittsburgh catching double-digits on the road against the Orange. The Panthers are one of the most undervalued Power 6 teams in the country. Pitt is 6-9 overall, but could easily have a completely different record. 

Just in their last 5 losses, all 5 of them have come by 4-points or fewer. Syracuse has no business laying this big of number, as I'm not so sure they even win outright. The Orange are just 7-8 themselves and come in having lost 3 straight and the most recent was a grueling 74-77 OT loss at Wake Forest on Saturday. Give me the Panthers +10.5! 

40* (CBB) - Situational VEGAS INSIDER (Penn State -2) 

I'll take my chances with the Nittany Lions as a 2-point home favorite against the Scarlet Knights. This is a great sell-high spot on Rutgers, who has won 4 straight and covered each of their last 3. The most recent being a 93-65 blowout win over Nebraska. 

Big thing to note with the recent surge for the Scarlet Knights, is all 4 wins during the win streak came at home. Rutgers is 0-4 in true road games with a couple of ugly losses to DePaul and UMass and lopsided defeats to Illinois and Seton Hall. 

Penn State is just 7-6, but a lot of that is schedule. The Nittany Lions' last 5 losses have come against the likes of LSU, Miami, Ohio St, Michigan St and Purdue. The only one of those teams ranked outside the Top 21 at KenPom is Miami, who is 13-3 and riding a 9-game winning streak. Give me Penn State -2! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Northwestern +8) 

I will gladly take my chances with Northwestern catching 8 points on the road against the Buckeyes. I think the Wildcats are being greatly undervalued by the books in this one. Northwestern is a legit NCAA Tournament team, but their stock is low right now after back-to-back losses at home to Michigan St and Penn St. Both of those games came down to the wire. In fact, the Wildcats haven't lost a game all season by more than 6 points. Give me Northwestern +8! 

40* (CBB) - Prime Time VEGAS INSIDER (LSU -1.5)

Great matchup here with No. 21 LSU hosting No. 18 Tennessee and I just can't help myself but to back the Tigers at basically a pick'em at home. You are clearly getting respect when you are ranked in the Top 25, but I think LSU is way better than the No. 21. KenPom has them as the No. 13 ranked team in the country. They are 13-1 with their only loss coming at Auburn. I also think their homecourt edge is sneaky good when the fans have reason to be excited about the team. 

Tennessee is a good team, but they are far from elite. They have had some slip ups away from home, losing by 18 to Villanova on a neutral,by 5 to Texas Tech on a neutral and by 5 at Alabama. I just don't think the Vols are a great road team with how much they rely on their defense, especially against a team that is every bit as good defensively as they are. Give me LSU -1.5! 

40* (CBB) - Public Money ATS BLOODBATH (TCU +10) 

I will take my chances with TCU as a double-digit home dog against the Bears. Baylor is a team that I'll be looking to fade as much as possible, as the books are surely going to inflate their lines given they are the defending champs and off to such a great start again this year. Bears figure to win a lot of games, but covering the big numbers won't be easy with the constant target on their back. 

As for the Horned Frogs, this is a team that I think is clearly better than what we expected. I get their 10-1 start has been aided by a soft schedule, but they have been impressive in those wins over lessor teams. You know we are going to get their best effort here and I'm not so sure Baylor will be as invested. Give me the Horned Frogs +10! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS NO-BRAINER (Kansas -4.5) 

I got no problem laying the 4.5 with the Jayhawks on the road against a depleted Texas Tech team. The Rad Raiders only lost by 4 in their Big 12 opener against a highly ranked ISU team, but the only reason that game was even remotely close was because of how bad the Cyclones are offensively. Not that Tech's defense didn't have something to do with it, but it was a lot of ISU just shooting the ball poorly. 

This is also a Red Raiders team that is far from full strength. They only had 5 scholarship players available for that game Wednesday at ISU and might have to work with the same group in this one, which doesn't include arguably their two best players. Kansas might not be as good as ISU defensively, but they are pretty strong on that side. The bigger thing here is they can score. Jayhawks are 4th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 8th in effective FG%. Give me Kansas -4.5! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Wake Forest -4.5) 

I got no problem laying the 4.5 with Wake Forest at home against the Orange. I just don't like what I've seen out of this Syracuse team to start this season. This is a team that when they have been good under Jim Boeheim, they have been good defensively. The Orange are not good defensively. They are one of the worst in the country. Not only do they not defend the basket, they don't force many turnovers and give up way to many offensive rebounds. 

Wake Forest has been one of the big surprises out of the ACC. The Demon Deacons are 12-3 and have went from being ranked No. 105 at KenPom to start the year to No. 53. Their only 3 losses coming away from home against quality teams in LSU, Louisville and Miami. Give me Wake Forest -4.5!

50* (CBB) - Big 12 GAME OF THE MONTH (Texas -2.5) 

*Analysis Coming* 

40* (CBB) - Smart Money ATS SLAUGHTER (Texas A&M +1.5)

I will gladly take my chances with the Aggies as a small home dog against the Razorbacks. Arkansas came into this season way overvalued and are still getting too much love. The Razorbacks started out as the No. 15 ranked team at KenPom and are now No. 50, which means they aren't even a lock to make the NCAA Tournament. They come in having lost 4 of their last 5. The losses aren't great. They lost by 22 to Oklahoma, by 8 to Hofstra, by 13 at Miss State and by 1 at home to Vandy. 

Texas A&M's rankings haven't changed much, as they started out No. 76 and are now No. 66. With that said, I do think this Aggies team is flying under the radar. They are 12-2 with their only two losses to TCU and Wisconsin. The Horned Frogs are 10-1 right now, while the Badgers are 12-2. Texas A&m comes in having won 5 straight and have one of the better homecourt edges in the country. Give me the Aggies +1.5! 

40* (CBB) - Early Bird ATS MASSACRE (Seton Hall -4.5) 

This might seem like a little too much for the Pirates to be laying at home against a good UConn team that is expected to have everyone back from either injury or Covid. I don't think it's enough. This Seton Hall team has really exceeded expectations this year and they got the resume to back up their strong 10-3 start. 

The Pirates have wins over Michigan, Texas and Rutgers. They also showed well in all of their losses, losing by 3 to Ohio State, 5 to Providence and by 6 to Villanova. 

Not that I don't think this UConn isn't any good. When they are at full strength they are a very dangerous team. The problem here is they aren't at 100%. While everyone is expected back, a lot of those guys coming back figure to be on a minutes restriction and I don't think it's a guarantee that Sanogo plays. Huskies may also be dealing with some rust, as they haven't played since Dec. 21. Give me Seton Hall -4.5! 

50* (CBB) Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (California +5.5) 

Give me the Golden Bears as a 5.5-point home dog against the No. 7 ranked Trojans. I think we are getting some exceptional value with Cal in this one. USC comes into this game 12-0. When a team is undefeated in January, people start to take notice. So do the books. The lines on these teams start to get inflated. 

Not having a loss on your resume this late in the season is impressive, but you also can't ignore the soft schedule that USC has played. The Trojans have played just three teams at KenPom who rank inside the Top 100 overall. Those being No. 41 San Diego St, No. 47 Washington St and No. 90 Utah. 

Cal is just 9-5, but they are 7-1 over their last 8 and come in on a 5-game winning streak. The Golden Bears are really good defensively and offense doesn't always come easy for the Trojans. 

Another factor that could hinder USC's offense is rust. The Trojans haven't played since Dec. 18. It will be 18 days between games for USC, which I think it's been long enough to where the time off hurts you more than it helps. Give me Cal +5.5! 

50* (CBB) Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Iowa St -3.5) 

I love Iowa State as a mere 3.5-point home favorite against the Red Raiders. The Cyclones are no longer undefeated after a 72-77 home loss to Baylor on Saturday, but there's no shame in losing that game and if ISU goes better than 1 for 14 from behind the 3-point line they probably win that game. 

I just don't think 3.5 is near enough for the Cyclones to be laying at home, as they have one of the biggest home court advantages in college basketball and will be locked in after that loss to the Bears. 

I'm also not sold on Texas Tech being as good as their 10-2 record. Sure their only to losses are to providence and Gonzaga, but they got just 1 respectable win, a 57-52 OT win over Tennessee. The guy who carried them in that win over the Vols, Terrence Shannon, won't play in this game with a back injury. 

The other big thing is turnovers. Iowa State is one of the best teams in the country in taking the ball away (No. 5 in defensive TO%) and Texas Tech is one of the worst in protecting the basketball (No. 248 in offensive TO%). Give me the Cyclones -3.5! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Miami -2) 

I will gladly take my chances with the Hurricanes as a short 2-point home favorite against the Orange. Miami is a team that I think is a little better than what people think. They are 11-3 with no bad losses (UCF, Dayton and Alabama). They come in with a ton of confidence having won 7 straight and are 3-0 in conference play. 

On the flip side, SYracuse is a team that has been a disappointment. They started the season ranked No. 42 at KenPom and are now No. 71. They are just 7-6 with their best wins coming against Arizona St, Indiana and Florida State. Three other teams I would say have not lived up to the hype this season. I just don't think with how bad they are defensively and how good Miami is offensively, they can go into the Watsco Center and get a win. Give me the Hurricanes -2! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Pittsburgh +12.5) 

I think we are getting a steal here with the Panthers at +12.5. It's easy to see why Pitt is undervalued right now. The Panthers look like a horrible team with a 5-8 record, but that's not the case at all. Their last 4 losses have all come by 4 points or fewer, including two gut-wrenching losses to open ACC play with a 56-57 loss at Virginia and a 67-68 loss at home to Notre Dame. 

Louisville is 9-4 and 4 of their best wins against Maryland, NC State, Wake Forest and Georgia Tech have all come by 8 or points or fewer. 

Another factor here is rest. Louisville just played on Sunday at Georgia Tech, so they will be on just 2 days of rest. Pitt hasn't played since last Tuesday. Give me the Panthers +12.5! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS NO-BRAINER (Clemson -3) 

I will gladly lay the 3-points at home with Clemson, as they host Virginia Tuesday night. The Tigers will be coming into this game with a ton of confidence, as they have won 4 straight and their most recent win came against the same team they are playing tonight, as they rolled the Cavaliers 67-50 back on Dec. 22. 

Usually I'm a little skeptical of taking a team in a rematch, but that's more so when the rematch comes quickly. It's been two weeks since these two teams played and while Clemson has been off since that game, Virginia had to play on Saturday, so they are on just 2 days of rest here. 

I just think we have two teams that have went in opposite directions since the start of the season and there's value with the line because of how slow the books can be to adjust their numbers. Give me Clemson -3! 

50* (CBB) - Sharp Money PLAY OF THE MONTH (Wake Forest -1) 

I love Wake Forest as a mere 1-point home favorite against Florida State. This not only feels like a great spot to back the Demon Deacons coming off road losses at Louisville and at Miami, but this is also a Seminoles team that I think is still way overvalued. 

Florida State has not lived up to their preseason hype. They are just 7-4 with their best win on their resume based on KenPom's rankings being a victory against No. 113 ranked Loyola-Marymount. 

Wake Forest had started out 11-1 before losing their last two and even with those losses they still come in ranked No. 65 at KenPom, which is quite a jump from there they started the year at No. 105. 

Home court is also a huge factor in this play, as Wake Forest had one of the best home court advantages in the country. Give me the Demon Deacons -1! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS ANNIHILATOR (Iowa St +7.5) 

I will gladly roll the dice and take the Cyclones as a 7.5-point home dog against Baylor in huge Big 12 opener between two teams that come in 12-0 in Non-Conference play. While it's been an impressive start for the Bears coming off last year's National Championship, especially given what they lost, it doesn't come close to the surprise start of Iowa State. 

A lot of people had this Cyclones team picked to finish last in the Big 12. That's not going to be the case. ISU's 12-0 start is no fluke. They have wins over Oregon St, Xavier, Memphis, Creighton and Iowa. 

They remind me a lot of the great Virginia teams of recent years. The offense isn't going to wow you, but the defense is so good that it doesn't matter. The Cyclones rank 7th in the country in defensive efficiency, 6th in effective FG% defense, 7th in opponent TO% and 3rd in 3PT% defense. 

Even when ISU is bad, Hilton Coliseum is a tough place for an opposing team to get a win. It's extremely tough when there's this kind of hype around the team. I give them a good shot to win this game outright. Give me the Cyclones +7.5! 

40* (CBB) - Sharp Money Vegas Insider (UCF +3.5) 

I will take my chances with the Knights as a 3.5-point home dog against the Wolverines. I've really been impressed with what I've seen out of UCF so far this season. The Knights are 8-2 with their only two losses coming to Oklahoma and Auburn. 

On the flip side, Michigan has not lived up to the preseason hype. This was a team that many thought was Final Four worthy and they are just 7-4 with two home losses to Seton Hall and Minnesota and a two blowout losses on the road to Arizona and UNC. 

Even with what we have seen, the betting public won't be able to help themselves. They are going to lay the short number with Michigan on the road. That tells me the books are more than happy with needing UCF to cover this short number. Give me the Knights +3.5! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Va Tech +9) 

I got to take the 9-points with the Hokies on the road against the Blue Devils. Duke is such a public team that you bet against them blindly and know that you are getting value and I just think after three straight cupcake wins (all covers), we are seeing max inflation on the Blue Devils. 

This Virginia Tech team is no joke. The Hokies are just 8-4 and while that might not seem all that impressive for a team that was expected to be pretty good, it's been good enough for them to go from being the No. 39 ranked team at KenPom to the No. 22. They have nothing to be ashamed about with their 4 losses, which have come against Memphis, Xavier, Wake Forest (undefeated) and Dayton (beat Kansas). 

I think the Hokies can make a game of this and while I don't know that they can pull off the upset, I see this coming down to the wire. Give me Virginia Tech +9! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS SLAUGHTER (Drake -24) 

This is a situation that I think you have to play no matter what and that's fading a team like Chicago State in this spot. The Cougars find themselves playing on no rest after taking on No. 9 ranked Iowa State last night. A game they lost by 31 points. 4 different guys played 30+ minutes for Chicago State in that game. 

You see teams play on no rest early in the season in some of these tournaments, but it's always both teams playing on no rest. I get there's not much travel from Ames to Des Moines, but it's still back-to-back road games in two really tough venues. KenPom has Iowa State's Hilton Coliseum ranked as the 18th toughest place to play and Drake's Knapp Center is 21st. 

This is also a Drake team that is starting to find themselves after a slow start. Bulldogs have won 5 of 6 since their 3-3 start and the only loss during this is a OT setback against Clemson on a neutral floor. This is a hungry team that should feast. Give me Drake -24! 

40* (CBB) - Smart Money VEGAS INSIDER (New Mexico +5)

I'm going to take my chances here with the Lobos as a 5-point home dog against the Mustangs. KenPom says this line should be around 8, yet it opened at 6.5 and is moving hard in favor of the Lobos. Some books are already down to 4.5. That's a pretty clear indicator of where the big money is. It's certainly not the public driving this line move. 

New Mexico is a difficult place to play. KenPom ranks their home court edge at 4.2, which is the 6th best mark of any team in the country. The environment could be a problem for a SMU team that has played a true road game since losing by 23 on the road to Oregon back in early November.

I also think this SMU team could be a little rusty in this game, as they haven't taken the floor since they hosted Dayton way back on Dec. 8th. Give me the Lobos +5! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Iowa -6) 

This feels like a great buy low spot with Iowa laying only 6 at home against Utah State. Some might think the 7-0 start wasn't all it was made out ot be after watching the Hawkeyes lose 3 in a row, but all 3 of those were against NCAA Tournament teams in Purdue, Illinois and Iowa State. I still think this Iowa team will be in the Big Dance when it's all said and done. 

Utah State is a good team, but they don't have the the defense to slow down this Iowa offense like the last 3 teams the Hawks have faced. After a bad showing against ISU, I look for one of the nation's best scorers, Keegan Murray, to have a monster game, as this Iowa team feeds off one of the best home court advantages. Give me the Hawkeyes -6!