50* WAKE FOREST/NOTRE DAME *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Notre Dame -8) 

I'll gladly take my chances here with Notre Dame laying single-digits against Wake Forest in the first round of the ACC Tournament. Nothing is a guarantee, but when you look at how bad the Demon Deacons have been and how these two teams matchup, a lot will have to wrong for the Irish to not win here by 10 or more. 

Wake Forest closed out the regular-season with 6 straight losses by at least 12 points. They played about as well as they could in the regular-season finale (senior night) and still lost by 12 to Georgia Tech, who didn't have a lot to play for. Yellow Jackets also were just 4 of 13 from behind the 3-point line and still won by double-digits. 

Notre Dame finished the year just 10-14 with a 7-11 mark in ACC play, but still come into this game ranked No. 67 in the country at KenPom. They played the 19th toughest schedule in the nation and were competitive in a lot of their losses. They also come in with some momentum after knocking off FSU 83-73 in the regular-season finale. 

In the only meeting between these two teams this season, Notre Dame dominated Wake 79-58 and were up by as many as 28 with under 5 minutes to play. Irish should feast from behind the 3-point line, as they were No. 5 in 3-point shooting in ACC play and WF was dead last in defending the 3-pointer. Demon Deacons also foul a lot and ND as a team shoots 77% from the free throw line. Give me Notre Dame -8! 

50* ST. MARY'S/GONZAGA *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (St. Mary's +18)

I'll take my chances here with St. Mary's at least being able to keep it close enough to cover as a 18-point dogs in the semifinals of Monday's WCC Tournament action. While Gonzaga swept the season series with the Gaels, both games St. Mary's was able to keep it very close to this number. They only lost by 14 in the first meeting at home and while they lost by 22 on the road in the rematch, it took the Bulldogs shooting 61.1% from the field to win by that margin. 

You also have to keep in mind that while winning the WCC Tournament and preserving their perfect record going into the NCAA Tournament would be nice, it's not that big of a deal. Even if they were to somehow lose this game, they are still going to be a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. 

I just think having not played now in 9 days and facing a desperate St. Mary's team that needs to win this tournament to get into the Big Dance, really increases the likelihood the Gaels came make a game of it. Give me St. Mary's +18! 

40* PENN ST/MARYLAND NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Maryland -5.5) 

I will gladly take my chances here with Maryland as a 5.5-point home favorite against Penn State. I think the Terps are one of the more underrated teams in the country, in large part because the Big Ten is so loaded and they started out so slow. They also lost at Northwestern as a 4-point favorite in their last game, which I think is playing into the value here. 

Thing is Maryland had won 5 straight before losing at Northwestern and that was really a game they should have won, as their defense once again was dominant, holding the Wildcats to just 36.4% shooting. That's now 6 straight games where they have held their opponent to 43% or worse from the field. 

Penn State comes in off a big 84-65 home win over Minnesota, but the Gophers are arguably playing the worst basketball of any Big Ten team down the stretch. Prior to that win the Nittany Lions lost by 21 at home to Purdue. Their only other win besides Minnesota since early February is a mere 3-point win at Nebraska. Give me Maryland -5.5! 

50* MICH ST/MICHIGAN NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Michigan St +8.5)

I've been on the Spartans quite a bit down the stretch, as Tom Izzo once again has his squad playing their best basketball when it matters the most. I did however, stay away from Michigan State in Thursday's road game at rival Michigan. Even though the Spartans were getting double-digits, I didn't like the spot on the road against a Wolverines team that was coming off that embarrassing loss to Illinois. 

It really set up a great spot and price to back Michigan State at home in the rematch with Michigan. While the Wolverines aren't just going to lay down against their rivals, this game definitely doesn't mean as much now that Michigan has wrapped up the Big Ten regular-season title. I also think cause they won that game on Thursday so easily, it makes it harder for them to get up for this rematch. Spartans desperately need a win here to boost their resume and I don't think it's out of the question that they pull off the upset. Either way I think this one goes right down to the wire. Give me Michigan State +8.5! 

40* FLORIDA/TENNESSEE NCAAB ATS KNOCKOUT (Tennessee -5.5) 

I like the value here with the Volunteers as a 5.5-point home favorite against the Gators. Tennessee has struggled a bit here of late, losing 3 of their last 5, including a 72-77 loss at Auburn as a 8-point favorite in their last game. I just think it has the Vols a bit undervalued here in their home finale against a Florida team that has won 3 of their last 4, but are just 2-4 ATS in their last 6. 

There's also a huge revenge factor here, as the Gators embarrassed Tennessee in Gainesville 75-49 earlier this season. Vols couldn't have shot it much worse in that one, as they hit a mere 29.3% from the field. Vols had won the previous 3 games in the series before that setback and are 16-5 SU in the last 21 at home against Florida. Give me Tennessee -5.5! 

40* XAVIER/MARQUETTE NCAAB LATE NIGHT BAILOUT (Marquette -1.5)

I think we are getting a great price here with the Golden Eagles as a mere 1.5-point home favorite against the Musketeers. I love the fact that Marquette comes in having won 3 of their last 4 with the only loss coming against maybe the most underrated team in the country in Connecticut. 

The other huge thing here that I think a lot of people will overlook is the fact that Marquette has played their last 6 games on the road. I see the Golden Eagles being ecstatic to get back on their home floor and get their revenge against the Musketeers, who they barely lost to 88-91 on the road earlier this season. Speaking of close losses, 9 of Marquette's 13 losses have been by single digits. 

As for Xavier, they are just 2-4 in their last 6 and yes one of those wins was a big upset at home against Creighton, but they have lost their last 3 on the road to the likes of Georgetown, Providence and St. John's. The Musketeers are also a banged up team right now. Give me Marquette -1.5! 

40* USC/UCLA NCAAB ATS NO-BRAINER (USC -1) 

I think a lot of people are going to see UCLA as a home dog and instantly look to back the Bruins in this game. Not me. Going into last Saturday's game at Colorado, UCLA was in the drivers seat to win the Pac-12 regular-season title and get the No. 1 seed for the Pac-12 Tournament. Their path got harder following a 61-70 loss to Colorado on Saturday, but they still were in a great spot if they could beat Oregon on Wednesday. 

It looked like they were going to do just that. They controlled most of the game and were up by as many as 9 with just over 11 minutes to play. Things went bad in a hurry as they were outscored 31-14 the rest of the way and lost 74-82. 

I just think it's going to be really hard for UCLA to come out and be excited about this game given what's taken place the last week. Even if they were to win and Oregon somehow lost to Oregon State tomorrow, they still would lose out for the top spot because of a tie-breaker. USC on the other hand can win here and get the No. 1 seed with a Ducks loss, as they won the only meeting with Oregon. Give me USC -1! 

50* ILLINOIS/OHIO ST NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Ohio St -2) 

I can't help myself here. I'm loading up on the Buckeyes -2 at home against Illinois. I get that the Fighting Illini have played great in the 3 games without Ayo Dosunmu. They have won all 3 and the last two were road wins over Wisconsin by 5 and Michigan by 23. I just think after what they did to the Wolverines, it has them getting way too much respect here. They were a 8.5-point dog to Michigan and now are only a 2-point dog. 

I think that Wolverines game was a result of Michigan just not taking Illinois seriously without Dosunmu. Thing is because of that game, that won't be the case here for Ohio State. Not that the Buckeyes were going to look past this game anyway. Ohio State is desperate to get things back on track after losing their last 3. I believe they not only win, but win going away. Give me the Buckeyes -2! 

40* ALABAMA/GEORGIA NCAAB ATS SLAUGHTER (Alabama -8)

I'm going to take a shot here with Alabama as a 8-point road favorite against Georgia on Saturday. While the Crimson Tide have won their last 2 and are locked into the No. 1 seed in the SEC Tournament, I don't see them looking past their regular-season finale. Head coach Nate Oats has made it clear he wants everyone to play and really wants to get his team going offensively after failing to score more than 70 in their last 3. They also know this is their last game for a week given the byes they will get in the SEC Tournament. 

Getting their offense back on track against the Bulldogs doesn't figure to be a problem. The only team that ranks worse than Georgia in the SEC in defensive efficiency is Vanderbilt and in the previous meeting between these two teams back on Feb 13, Alabama scored 115 points in a 33-point blowout win. I just don't think you can play with the tempo Georgia wants to play at and be that bad defensively and expect to keep it close against this Crimson Tide team no matter the location. Give me Alabama -8! 

40* MINNESOTA/RUTGERS NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Rutgers -3) 

I will take my chances here with Rutgers -3 on the road against the Golden Gophers. I just think this Minnesota team is broken right now. The Gophers have went from being a team that was being projected as a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament to completely out of the picture. Minnesota has lost 6 straight coming into this game and there only hope now is to win the Big Ten Tournament next week. 

This team has a horrific time scoring the basketball and are as banged up as any team in the Big Ten right now. I think if Rutgers wasn't just 2-4 in their last 6 and off an ugly 21-point loss at Nebraska, this line would be a lot higher. Two of the other other losses this stretch were at Iowa and Michigan. 

The game definitely means more to the Scarlet Knights, as they are far from a lock to make the NCAA Tournament, something you know this program desperately wants given how long it's been. I just have a hard time not seeing Rutgers win this game. Give me the Scarlet Knights -3! 

50* GA TECH/WAKE FOREST NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Georgia Tech -8)

I'll take my chances here with the Yellow Jackets as a 8-point road favorite against the Demon Deacons. These two teams are headed in complete opposite directions to close out the regular-season. Georgia Tech enters on a 5-game winning streak and have covered 6 in a row.

Wake Forest on the other hand has lost 6 straight and failed to cover 5 in a row. Demon Deacons haven't just been losing, they have been getting absolutely destroyed. All 5 losses during their 5-game skid have come by double-digits. They just have no offense to speak of. In these 5 straight losses they haven't shot better than 41% from the field and in their last 3 they have shot 36% or worse. 

While the Yellow Jackets have secured a first round bye in the ACC Tournament, they still aren't a lock to make the NCAA Tournament. Simply put, this is not a game they can afford to lose. I just don't think it's asking much for Georgia Tech to win here by double-digits. Give me the Yellow Jackets -8! 

50* TEXAS/OKLAHOMA BIG 12 PLAY OF THE MONTH (Oklahoma -2) 

I absolutely love this spot and price with the Sooners as a mere 2-point home favorite against the Longhorns. Oklahoma comes into this game having lost their last 3 with each of the last two being really close calls against rival Oklahoma State. To say the Sooners are going to be motivated for their regular-season finale at home is an understatement. 

Texas is also a team that I think is a bit overvalued. The Longhorns have gone just 5-6 since opening the season 10-1 and 4 of those 5 wins have come against Kansas St (2x), TCU and Iowa State. Those 3 teams are a combined 8-39 in Big 12 play. They did beat Kansas 75-72 at home, but needed OT and trailed by as many as 14 in that contest. Give me the Sooners -2! 

50* BOSTON COLLEGE/FLORIDA ST NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Boston College +19) 

I think we are getting a gift here with Boston College as a massive 19-point dog in Wednesday's game at Florida State. There's no question that the Seminoles are the better team and yes they need to win this game to stay on track to win the ACC regular-season title, but I just think it's asking a lot for them to win here by 20+ points. 

Boston College comes in with a mere 2-9 record in ACC play and are just 4-13 overall. The thing is, the Eagles just recently fired head coach Jim Christian and it was pretty clear that the players had given up on Christian a while ago. All you got to do is look back at some of their games and how they played and compare that to Saturday's performance in their 94-90 win against Notre Dame in the first game under interim head coach Scott Spinelli. It was like a different team took the floor in that game for BC. I think that effort/energy carries over to this game against FSU and if the Seminoles don't take the Eagles seriously, this could be a lot closer than expected. Give me Boston College +19! 

40* MISS ST/TEXAS A&M NCAAB NO-BRAINER (Mississippi State -5) 

I got no problem laying the 5-points on the road with Mississippi State, as they visit College Station to take on Texas A&M. I like the fact that the Bulldogs will be out for revenge from a 1-point home loss to the Aggies back in January, but that's a small factor in this one. 

This is 100% a play against Texas A&M given the circumstances. The Aggies didn't play a single game in the month of February, as they last took the floor against Kansas State way back on Jan. 30th. It's just near impossible for Texas A&M to come out and play well in this game after more than 30 days of no game action. Give me Mississippi State -5! 

40* PROVIDENCE/ST JOHN'S NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (St. John's -1.5) 

I'm going to take the St. John's Red Storm -1.5 at home against the Providence Friars. I just think this is a great spot to sell high on Providence and buy low on the Red Storm.

St. John's comes into this game having lost 3 of their last 4, but could have easily gone 3-1 in this stretch, as 2 of the 3 losses were by 4 or fewer. The one that really sticks out is their most recent, which was a 58-81 thrashing on the road at the hands of Villanova. 

Prior to losing 3 of 4, the Red Storm had won 6 straight, which included road wins over UConn, Marquette and Providence, so they aren't that far removed from playing really good basketball. 

Not only do I like the fact that St. John's was able to beat the Friars on the road, but I also love that they have been sitting on that loss to Villanova for a week now. I full expect this team to be 100% locked in when they take the floor at Carnesecca Arena Wednesday night. 

Providence has won 3 of 4, but two of those are nothing to get excited about. One was a win over UConn without their best player in James Bouknight and another was against a Depaul team that has lost 7 of 8. They did just beat Xavier by 15 at home in their most recent game, which looks really good, but that was a result of them shooting lights out.

Friars shot 54% from the field, including 11 of 21 from deep. This is a team that had shot better than 43% just once in their previous 8 games. They have also shot just 42.7% from the field in road games this season. 

St. John's is a very strong 9-3 at home this season and have been a great team to back at home over the last couple of years, going 19-10 ATS on their home floor the last 2 seasons. They are also great in this spot off a big loss, as they have covered 8 of their last 9 at home off a conference loss by 10 or more. 

They are also a perfect 6-0 ATS at home this season against teams like Providence who don't force many turnovers, averaging 14 or fewer turnovers/game. Friars are also 1-8 ATS last 9 games vs up-tempo teams who average 62 or more shots/game. St. John's averages 65 and play at the fastest tempo of any team in the Big East and rank 12th nationally in pace of play. Give me the Red Storm -1.5! 

50* KENTUCKY/OLE MISS NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Ole Miss -3) 

I love the value here with Ole Miss as a mere 3-point home favorite against Kentucky. Lot of people might be hesitant to back the Rebels after watching them lose outright at Vandy on Saturday as a 10.5-point favorite, especially given the Commodores were down their two best players. 

Thing is, the Rebels really didn't have much to play for. Even though Ole Miss had won 5 of 6 coming into that game, they know their only path to the NCAA Tournament is to win the SEC Tournament. Makes it pretty easy for them to struggle to show up with the right kind of mindset against a bad Vandy team that didn't figure to put up a fight without their two best players. 

I expect to see a completely different Ole Miss team when they take the floor here against Kentucky. I know the Wildcats have played better of late, but this is just not their season. Books have also continued to overvalue this team. Kentucky is just 3-9 ATS in their last 12. Give me Ole Miss -3! 

40* DUKE/GA TECH NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Georgia Tech -1.5) 

I'll take my chances here with the Yellow Jackets as a slim 1.5-point home favorite against Duke. The Blue Devils have been playing better here of late and all the talk right now is what Duke has to do to make the NCAA Tournament. I'm not denying that the Blue Devils are playing better, I just think it has them overvalued here against the Yellow Jackets. 

Georgia Tech is one of the better teams in the ACC that people don't know about. The Yellow Jackets are just 9-6 in league play, but could be much better as they have had a number of games not go their way late in games. They have figured out how to close games out here of late, as they come in having won 4 straight. One of those games they felt like they should have won that they didn't was a 68-75 loss at Duke earlier this season. No way they have forgot about that loss. Yellow Jackets are also 12-3 ATS last 15 at home after 2 straight games where they made 50% or more of their shots and a perfect 7-0 ATS last 3 seasons when they come in having won 3 or more games in a row. Give me Georgia Tech -1.5! 

40* WAKE FOREST/PITT NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Pittsburgh -4.5) 

I will gladly take my chances here with Pitt as a slim 4.5-point home favorite against Wake Forest. I know the Panthers have had a couple of key guys decide to leave the team via the transfer portal, but it's not as bad as it might look. Pitt comes in having lost 5 straight and 8 of their last 9, but could easily have a winning record during this stretch. Of those 8 losses, 7 have come by 10 or fewer with 3 of them by 3 or fewer. 

I just think that this team has been so close that they are going to show up here and take care of business against the Demon Deacons. I don't even know if they need their best showing to win and cover here. Wake Forest has lost 5 straight and have struggled to even keep games close. In their last 4 games they have lost by 24 at home to Duke, by 18 at home to NC State, by 21 at home to Clemson and by 38 at Virginia Tech. Give me Pittsburgh -4.5! 

40* OKLAHOMA/OKLAHOMA ST NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Oklahoma -1.5) 

I'll gladly take my chances here with the Sooners as a 1.5-point road favorite against the Cowboys. This line smells something awful. Oklahoma just lost at home to Oklahoma State 90-94 in OT on Saturday. That's now back-to-back losses for the Sooners, while the Cowboys have won 4 straight. 

The betting public won't be able to help themselves here with Oklahoma State as a home dog. When it looks like the wrong team is favored, especially this late in the year, in a game of this magnitude, you got to look the other way. That's exactly what I'm doing. I still think the Sooners are the better team. Keep in mind it took a career-high 40 points from freshman Cade Cunningham for the Cowboys to get that win in Norman on Saturday. 

Oklahoma State is also a mere 1-9 ATS in their last 10 home games when off 2 or more consecutive wins and 0-6 ATS in their last 6 if off 3 or more consecutive wins. Sooners are 11-3 ATS last 14 on the road when playing a good team that's won 60% to 80% of their games. Give me Oklahoma -1.5! 

40* MICHIGAN ST/MARYLAND NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Maryland -2.5) 

I think we are getting big time value here with the Terps as a small home favorite against the Spartans. Michigan State has made quite a statement over their last 3 games, beating Indiana on the road before knocking off Illinois and Ohio State at home. No question Tom Izzo has this team playing better, but this is the Big Ten we are talking about. 

Winning on the road in this conference is extremely difficult. I think all the talk coming into this game will be about how good the Spartans are playing. I don't think it will sit well with a Maryland team that has won 4 straight and are 8-4 in their last 12 overall. I just feel laying less than 3 points at home with the Terps is too good to pass up. Give me Maryland -2.5! 

40* ALABAMA/MISS ST NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Alabama -5.5) 

I know this is going to be a big public play, but if there's one team in the SEC that I will go down swinging with it's Alabama, especially when the Crimson Tide are coming off a loss like they are here. Alabama played about as poorly as they could in Wednesday's 66-81 setback to Arkansas. 

I'm confident Nate Oats will have this team ready to go on Saturday at Mississippi State. A team they can beat with ease if they show up with the right mindset. I just don't see the Bulldogs being able to keep pace offensively. Alabama is scoring 83.4 ppg in SEC play and Mississippi State averages a mere 66.9 ppg in conference games. Give me the Crimson Tide -5.5! 

50* FLORIDA ST/N CAROLINA NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (North Carolina +3.5) 

I really like North Carolina as a 3.5-point home dog against Florida State. I think we are getting exceptional value with the Tar Heels because of the fact that they come into this game off an ugly loss at home to Marquette, losing by 13 as a 9.5-point favorite. While I didn't think they would lose, that wasn't a surprising result for me (I was on Marquette), as I thought that was a trap game for UNC off that huge 99-54 win against Louisville and having this huge game against FSU on deck. 

Florida State is a really good team and are currently 2-games in front in the ACC standings over Virginia, but I don't know that the Seminoles are elite. I think they are getting a little too much love in this spot. North Carolina is a team that has gotten better and better as the season has went on and simply put this game means a lot more to them than it does the Seminoles. UNC also has proven they can hang with FSU, as they lost by just 7 on the road earlier this season. Give me the Tar Heels +3.5! 

40* ILLINOIS/WISCONSIN NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Wisconsin -4) 

No way am I passing up a play on Wisconsin as a mere 4-point home favorite against Illinois with the Fighting Illini down not just their best player but one of the best players in the country in Ayo Dosunmu. I get Illinois destroyed Nebraska by 16 without Dosunmu on Thursday, but that's Nebraska. Most of the top Big Ten teams could beat the Cornhuskers by double-digits on their home floor without their best player. 

Not only that, but the Fighting Illini are playing this game at Wisconsin on just 1 day of rest and as good as the Badgers are, it will be hard for Illinois to not look ahead to Tuesday's huge road game at Michigan. As for Wisconsin, they really need a win here after going just 4-5 in their last 9. They will definitely be the fresher team, as they have been off since Sunday. I think it all adds up to not just a win but an easy win for the Badgers. Give me Wisconsin -4! 

40* N TEXAS/MARSHALL NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Marshall -3.5) 

I will gladly lay the 3.5-points at home with Marshall on Friday as they get ready to host Nort Texas. The Mean Green come in tied with WKU for the best record in C-USA at 8-2, but it's a bit misleading. North Texas has only played 2 games to this point against the Top 5 teams in the conference (N Texas, WKU, La Tech, UAB and Marshall). Those both coming against LA Tech at home. They lost the first game to the Bulldogs and barely won the second by a final of 57-55. 

Simply put I think the Mean Green are way overvalued in what will easily be their toughest road challenge since playing 3 on the road in non-conference against Arkansas, Miss St and W Virginia. Marshall has won 6 of their 8 home games with the only setback at home in conference play against what I think is the best team in C-USA in WKU (only lost by 2). Give me the Thundering Herd -3.5! 

40* OHIO ST/MICHIGAN ST NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Michigan St +4) 

I will take a shot here with Michigan State as a 4-point home dog against Ohio State. You always expect a Tom Izzo coached team to progress as the season goes on and it feels like this Spartans team has turned a big corner in the last week. 

It started on Saturday when they went on the road and beat Indiana 78-71 as a 6.5-point road dog. They followed that up with an even more impressive win, beating Illinois 81-72 as a 8.5-point home dog. There will be no letdown or taking the foot off the gas, as Michigan State needs this game to really improve their chances at an NCAA Tournament bid. 

Most will see this as a big bounce back game for Ohio State after having their 7-game winning streak snapped in Sunday's 87-92 loss to Michigan. I'm not sold on that being the case. That was such a huge game against the Wolverines. I actually think they could come out flat here. Keep in mind they got two massive games on deck to close out Big Ten play at home against Iowa and Illinois.

Buckeyes will also be short-handed in this game. Starting power forward Kyle Young is out with a concussion. They could also be without key reserve Musa Jallow, who is questionable after missing their last game with an ankle injury. Give me the Spartans +4! 

40* W KENTUCKY/HOUSTON NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (WKU +12)

I really like the value here with the Hilltoppers as a 12-point road dog against No. 12 Houston. We cashed in a very similar spot last night with Marquette as a 9.5-point dog at North Carolina. The Golden Eagles not only covered, they won the game outright 83-70. 

Playing out of conference this late in the year is a bit challenging and I think it's more so for a team like Houston, who doesn't have a whole lot to prove right now. Cougars also have to be feeling themselves a little bit after absolutely destroying Cincinnati 90-52 in their last game. 

This game means so much more to a team like Western Kentucky and you can bet they aren't too happy about how big a dog they are in this game. That's only going to light the fire that much more for the Hilltoppers. Not like we haven't seek WKU show out against top tier teams, as they only lost by 6 to West Virginia on a neutral floor back in November and won at Alabama 73-71 in mid-December. Give me the Hilltoppers +12! 

40* TENNESSEE/VANDERBILT NCAAB ATS ANNIHILATOR (Vanderbilt +8)

I'm willing to take a shot here with the Commodores as a near double-digit home dog against the Volunteers. Vanderbilt comes into this game a mere 6-12 overall and 2-10 in SEC play, but if you look closely you will see that the Commodores haven't been playing as bad as their record would indicate. Out of their 10 losses in SEC play, 7 have come by 7 points or fewer, which includes each of their last 5 conference losses. They just lost by a mere 4-points at Alabama in their last game, who is by far the best team in the league. 

Tennessee did beat Vandy by 20 at home earlier this year, but the Vols aren't playing at near the same level now as they were when they faced off in mid January. Tennessee just lost at home to Kentucky 70-55 in their last game. Any time a good team like the Vols are off a bad loss and playing a bad team, public loves to back them and it creates value on the other side. Give me Vanderbilt +8! 

40* RUTGERS/INDIANA NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Rutgers -3) 

I'm going to take the Rutgers Scarlet Knights -3 at home against the Indiana Hoosiers. I think this is a great buy low spot on Rutgers, who comes in having lost 3 of their last 4. While two of those were road games at Iowa and Michigan, the most recent was a 59-68 setback at home to Maryland as a 5-point favorite.

That's the game the betting public will have trouble looking past and I believe why we are getting such a great price in this matchup. Big thing to note with the bad showing against the Terps is it did come on just 2 days of rest after really laying it all on the line against Michigan the game before. 

While Rutgers hasn't been as dominant at home as they were last season, they are a very respectable 9-4 at the Athletic Center and prior to the loss to Maryland the other 3 home losses were all to teams ranked in the Top 15 at KenPom in Iowa, Ohio State and Wisconsin. Last two times they have hosted Indiana they have come away with easy wins. Last year they beat the Hoosiers 59-50 and the year before won 66-58. 

As you can see Rutgers defense really made life miserable on Indiana's offense and I think we are going to see that trend continue. Scarlet Knights are only giving up 66.9 ppg on 41.1% shooting at home this year and the Hoosiers are far from a great offensive team. While Indiana does average 70.3 ppg on the road, they have shot just 43% from the field in those games and those ppg numbers are a bit skewed because of the fact that they have played 5 OT periods on the road this year. 

I just don't see the Hoosiers being able to keep pace in this one and I think we are getting a solid 2-3 points in value on the number here. Give me Rutgers -3! 

40* MARQUETTE/N CAROLINA NCAAB ATS SLAUGHTER (Marquette +9.5) 

I really like the value here with Marquette as a 9.5-point road dog against the Tar Heels. I just think we are getting exceptional value with the Golden Eagles, who are just 2-6 in their last 8 games. What I like with Marquette is they are coming off one of their best games, beating Butler 73-57 last Wednesday and will be chomping at the bit having had a full week off. 

As for the Tar Heels, we are seeing them way overvalued in this game after their 99-54 thrashing of Louisville on Saturday. Thing to keep in mind is that was an awful spot for the Cardinals playing their first game in nearly 20 days. 

I also don't love the spot for UNC with a massive home game on deck against ACC front-runner Florida State. Not saying the Tar Heels won't win, but I think they are sloppy enough to let Marquette hand around and keep it within the number. Give me the Golden Eagles +9.5! 

40* KANSAS/TEXAS NCAAB ATS NO-BRAINER (Texas -2.5) 

I like the value here with the Longhorns as a 2.5-point home favorite against the Jayhawks. Texas has to be chomping at the bit here to get back on the floor after blowing a 19-point 2nd half lead in Saturday's 82-84 loss at home to West Virginia. 

I also think we are getting value here because of the fact that Kansas comes in having won 5 straight with the most recent being a big 67-61 win at home over Texas Tech. Thing is the only two games on the road during this 5-game winning streak were at ISU and K-State, the two worst teams in the Big 12. Prior to those 2 road wins, Kansas had dropped 5 straight away from home in Big 12 play. Jayhawks also lost 59-84 at home to Texas earlier this season, so we know the Longhorns matchup well here. Give me Texas -2.5! 

50* OLE MISS/MISSOURI NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Missouri -3) 

I love the value here with Missouri as a mere 3-point home favorite against Ole Miss. Missouri got back big man Jeremiah Tilmon after he had missed the last two and it resulted in an easy 93-78 win at South Carolina as a mere 4-point favorite. I think the books are still undervaluing the Tigers here at home against the Rebels. 

Part of the reason for the value here is the fact that Ole Miss beat Missouri 80-59 at home recently on Feb. 10th. What gets overlooked in that outcome is the fact that the Tigers were in a huge letdown spot coming off two hard fought wins at home over Kentucky (75-70) and Alabama (68-65). There will be no overlooking the Rebels in the rematch at home. Give me Missouri -3! 

40* FLORIDA/AUBURN NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Auburn -1) 

I like the value here with Auburn as a mere 1-point home favorite against Florida. It's been a rough go here of late for the Tigers, who have lost 5 of their last 6, but 3 of those defeats could have easily went the other way. 

I just think their ability to put up a big number here offensively will propel them to a win. Auburn is averaging 81.3 ppg at home and will be facing a Florida defense that gives up 76.8 ppg on the road. The Tigers are also much better defensively at home than on the road and will be facing a Gators team that is shooting just 44% as a team in their last 5. Give me Auburn -1! 

40* NOTRE DAME/LOUISVILLE NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Louisville -4) 

I'm willing to take a shot here with Louisville as a mere 4-point home favorite against Notre Dame. We played against the Cardinals at UNC on Saturday and won easily, as the Tar Heels cruised to a 99-54 win. 

I just hated that spot for Louisville playing on the road against a red-hot Tar Heels team after not having played a game in almost 20 days. I expect a much better showing out of the Cardinals here at home, where they are 8-1 on the season. It's also not a great spot here for Notre Dame, who is off a loss at Syracuse on Saturday and back on the road after just 2 days off. 

Cardinals have really responded well to an ugly loss, as they are a perfect 6-0 ATS last 2 seasons off a loss by 10 or more. Give me Louisville -4! 

40* SYRACUSE/DUKE NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Duke -5) 

I will gladly lay the 5-points at home with Duke against Syracuse. I've mentioned this quite a bit, the Orange are simply a team that you need to look to back at home and fade on the road. It's why I unloaded on Syracuse with a 50* Top Play as a small home favorite against ND on Saturday (won 75-67) and will now instantly fade them on the road against the Blue Devils. Syracuse is 11-1 at home compared to just 2-5 on the road. The offense takes a dip on the road as expected, but the defense really regressess. 

Duke is also a team I want to be on right now. Blue Devils have won and covered 3 straight and are a team on a mission as they try to finish strong and make a case for a NCAA Tournament bid. Duke has got their offense going with 5 straight games shooting 50% or better from the field. I just don't see Syracuse's defense being able to hold up. Give me the Blue Devils -5! 

40* PENN ST/IOWA NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Penn St +11.5) 

I think there's some pretty good value here with the Nittany Lions as a double-digit road dog against the Hawkeyes. Iowa comes in having won and covered 3 straight and I just feel it has them laying a few too many points in a really tough spot. 

The Hawkeyes are fresh off a huge 77-62 road win at Wisconsin on Thursday and will have a really tough time here not looking ahead to their next game against Big Ten leader Michigan. Not saying they won't win at home here, but Penn State is not going to go down without a fight and if they can hit shots they will be in this thing right down to the wire. Give me the Nittany Lions +11.5! 

50* ST. BONAVENTURE/DAVIDSON *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (St Bonaventure -5) 

I think we are getting a great price here to back the Bonnies as a mere 5-point home favorite against Davidson. Good spot to jump on St Bonaventure, who will be motivated here after losing last time out at VCU, especially given they haven't got a chance to play in 8 days. Bonnies are a perfect 6-0 SU and 4-2 ATS at home this season. They have also won every game at home in A-10 play by at least 13 points, including a 70-54 win over VCU as a mere 3-point favorite.

Davidson comes in having won 5 in a row, but their only game since Jan 24th is a cupcake game against a non-DI school in Southern Virginia, which they won 101-51. This basically the first real test the Wildcats will have had in almost a month and it's on the road against one of the best teams in the conference. Give me St Bonaventure -5! 

40* LOUISVILLE/N CAROLINA NCAAB STEAMROLLER (North Carolina -5.5) 

I was ready to lay the short number at home with Louisville on Wednesday against Syracuse, but that game got postponed because of more Covid problems for the Cardinals. It's unclear who will be available for Louisville in this one and I just feel the value is with the Tar Heels at home. 

North Carolina has been playing much better after a sluggish start to the year. Tar Heels are 8-3 since starting out 5-4. They are also a perfect 7-0 on their home floor this season. Louisville is just 3-3 on the road and are scoring just 64.5 ppg away from home. UNC averages 78.1 ppg at home. I don't see the Cardinals keeping up in this one. Give me UNC -5.5! 

40* PURDUE/NEBRASKA NCAAB ATS SLAUGHTER (Nebraska +7) 

I'm willing to take a shot here with Nebraska as a 7-point home dog against Purdue. The Cornhuskers are just 1-11 in Big Ten play and are easily considered the worst team in the league. Thing is they have been playing much better here of late. Nebraska is 3-1 ATS in their last 4 games and the one game they didn't cover as a 10-point dog at Maryland they should have, as they completely fell apart in the final minutes of that game allowing the Terps to go on a late 13-2 run. 

Thing is, Nebraska is considered to be such a bad team that even though their recent play suggests this is a team to back, the betting public just can't do it. I not only think they can cover the big number against the Boilermakers, I wouldn't be surprised at all if they won this game outright. Give me the Cornhuskers +7! 

40* AUBURN/LSU NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (LSU -4) 

I will gladly lay the 4-points at home with LSU as they host Auburn. The Tigers have won 2 straight since dropping 4 of 5 and are fresh off a huge 78-65 home win over Tennessee. The good thing is that big upset win came last Saturday, so there's no concern here with a letdown. 

While LSU is surging, Auburn has really fallen off of late. The Tigers are just 1-4 in their last 5 games and have played just 1 game in the last 10 days. Not to mention the only win during this poor run is a mere 6-point win over bottom-feeder Vanderbilt. Auburn is 2-10 ATS last 12 on the road after a game where they failed to cover and 1-9 ATS last 10 on the road after an upset loss as a road favorite. Give me LSU -4!

40* MISSOURI/S CAROLINA NCAAB SHARP STAKE (South Carolina +3.5) 

I'll take a shot here with South Carolina as a home dog against the Tigers. This line screams take the Gamecocks. Everyone is going to be on a ranked Missouri team here against a South Carolina team that has lost 4 straight, including each of their last 3 at home. 

Thing is the Tigers aren't exactly in prime form right now. Missouri has dropped their last 3 games and are just 2-5 ATS in their last 7. It's a great spot here to back the Gamecocks off that ugly 20-point loss to Tennessee (73-93) on Wednesday. South Carolina is 11-2 ATS last 13 off a conference loss by 10 or more and 6-0 ATS last 6 after giving up 90 or more in their last game. Give me the Gamecocks +3.5! 

50* NOTRE DAME/SYRACUSE NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Syracuse -2.5) 

I love the Orange as a slim 2.5-point home favorite against Notre Dame today. Syracuse is just one of those teams you want to back at home and look to fade on the road. The Orange are 10-1 at the Carrier Dome, compared to 2-5 on the road. I also like that we have a very fresh and motivated Syracuse team in this one, as they haven't played in a week after Wednesday's game against Louisville was postponed. 

Also, I feel the value here is stemming from the fact that the Irish enter this game having won 2 straight and 6 of 8 overall. I just feel their recent run is more a result of the schedule being easy than it is this team is any good. Give me Syracuse -2.5! 

40* RUTGERS/MICHIGAN NCAAB ATS NO-BRAINER (Rutgers +9)

I'm willing to take a shot here with the Scarlet Knights at +9 on the road against Michigan. I think we saw the books discount the Wolverines a little bit in their last game against Wisconsin, which was their first game back after more than 3 weeks off. While it took a huge 2nd half comeback, the betting public is only concerned about the final result, which ended in a 67-59 win. 

I think it has them a bit overvalued here at home now against Rutgers, one of the hottest teams in the league. Scarlet Knights are 5-1 in their last 6 games. They also desperately need this game to really help out their NCAA Tournament resume. 

As for Michigan, they are sitting pretty right now. I think coming off that big comeback win over Wisconsin and a massive game on deck against No. 4 Ohio State, who also is their biggest rival, makes this a perfect play against spot. Give me Rutgers +9! 

50* UTAH/OREGON ST NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Oregon State +2.5) 

I love the value here with Oregon State as a home dog against the Utes. This is a perfect buy low spot on the Beavers, who come in having lost 3 straight. Thing is, those 3 losses all came on the road. The first two were against two of the best teams in the Pac-12 in Colorado and Arizona. The other was a mere 2-point loss at Arizona State on just 2 days of rest. 

Prior to this stretch the Beavers had won 5 of 7 and the only 2 losses during this stretch were road games at USC and UCLA. Oregon State has won 7 of their last 9 at home and I just don't think they should be a dog here. Utah has won 3 of 4, but just lost at Stanford 66-73. This will also be the Utes 3rd straight road game and 6th out of their last 7 away from home. 

Utah is also dealing with some key injuries right now. The Utes recently lost big man Mikael Jantunen and one of their top guards, Rylan Jones, is questionable with a arm injury that has kept him out of their last two games. Give me Oregon State +2.5! 

40* OHIO ST/PENN ST NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Penn State +4.5) 

I will take my chances with the Nittany Lions as a 4.5-point home dog against the Buckeyes. I just feel like this is a great spot to back Penn State, who is way undervalued after just losing at home to Nebraska as a double-digit favorite in their last game.

The Nittany Lions had won their 4 previous home games before that shocking loss and it's almost like they took the Cornhuskers lightly. They won't take No. 4 ranked Ohio State lightly. A team they know they can hang with, as they only lost by 4 on the road to the Buckeyes earlier this season. 

Another huge factor here is the spot for Ohio State. This could be a really tough game for them to bring their "A" game. Buckeyes come in having won 6 straight and just crushed Indiana by 19 in their last game. Easy for them to not give their full attention to a struggling Penn State team with a massive game on deck Sunday at home against Michigan. Give me the Nittany Lions +4.5! 

40* MINNESOTA/INDIANA NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Indiana -4.5)

I'm going to take the Indiana Hoosiers -4.5 at home against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. This is just too good a price for me to pass up with Indiana. To say the Gophers have been awful on the road this year would be putting it nicely. Minnesota has played 7 road games and lost all 7. Everyone of those coming in Big Ten play. 

It's not just the inability for the Gophers to win on the road, they struggle to simply keep games close. Of those 7 road losses, 6 have come by double-digits. A big reason for that is their offense can't score. Minnesota averages a respectable 75 ppg on the season, but only 63.6 ppg on the road. 

Gophers are also the worst 3-point shooting team in the Big Ten, which plays right into the strength of this Indiana defense. The one thing that Minnesota's offense does well is rack up offensive rebounds. They are No. 2 in the Big Ten in that department. That figures to be negated some here, as Indiana is 4th best in the Big Ten at keeping opponents off the offensive glass. 

It's not just the offense that goes missing for the Gophers away from home. They are giving up a staggering 80.0 ppg on the road. Not to mention only Iowa and Northwestern have a worse defensive efficiency in the Big Ten. Look for the Hoosiers to get a lot of easy looks and rack up a big edge at the free throw line. Indiana is No. 1 in the Big Ten in free throw rate and Minnesota is No. 12 in the conference in terms of sending opponents to the free throw line. I just don't think 4.5 is enough, as I would make this closer to 6-7 point spread. Give me the Hoosiers -4.5! 

40* NEBRASKA/MARYLAND NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Maryland -10) 

I will take another shot at fading the Cornhuskers on the road. I played on Penn State -11 at home against Nebraska on Sunday and was shocked to see the Cornhuskers not only cover but win the game 62-61. That's not going to keep me from taking Maryland here. 

Clearly getting that elusive win in Big Ten play was a big deal for Nebraska. They were winless at 0-9 in conference games going into that contest and had lost 26 conference games in a row dating back to last year. They also snapped a 24-game road losing streak. 

The fact that they got that win only makes me like the Terps more, as I see Nebraska having a big letdown in this game. Not only is this game less of a big deal since they got that elusive win, but it's also their 3rd game since playing an OT game against Illinois on Friday and their 4th game in the last week. Not to mention their second straight on the road with just 1 day of rest. Give me Maryland -10!  

40* VIRGINIA/FLORIDA ST NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Florida State -1) 

I'm confident we will cash a winner here with Florida State at basically a pick'em at home against Virginia. I wasn't surprised to see the Seminoles struggle a bit with Wake Forest on Saturday, as that was their first game in almost 2 weeks. The important thing is they found a way to win in OT and now will be 100% locked in for this game against the Cavaliers. 

Considering the fact that Florida State has won 23 straight conference home games, that's really enough for me to back the Seminoles at this price at home. I know Virginia is 5-1 in ACC road games, but those 5 wins have come against Notre Dame, BC, Clemson, NC State and Georgia Tech. All of those teams rank outside the Top 45 at KenPom, where FSU is ranked 20th. 

Seminoles have also gone 8-1 ATS last 9 at home against great defensive teams like Virginia, who are allowing 64 or fewer points/game. They are also 11-3 ATS last 14 at home vs a ACC opponent. Virginia is 3-11 ATS last 14 off a win by 10 or more and 1-8 ATS last 9 after allowing 55 or less. Give me Florida State -1! 

40* NEBRASKA/PENN ST NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Penn State -11) 

I will lay the 11-points with Penn State at home against Nebraska. I know the Cornhuskers are searching for that elusive Big Ten win, but this is a team that has simply not been competitive on the road in conference play. Nebraska is 0-4 in away games in the Big Ten, losing by 14 at Wisconsin, 36 at Ohio State, 10 at Michigan State and by 18 at Minnesota. They also lost by 24 at Creighton in their only non-conference away game. 

I just think the Cornhuskers are getting a little love after taking Illinois to OT at home in their last game. I actually think they it will be harder for them coming so close to beating a team like the Fighting Illini and coming up short. As for Penn State, they should be motivated here off a loss at Michigan State. Penn State has won 4 straight at home in Big Ten play and have to have this one. Give me the Nittany Lions -11!

50* UTAH/STANFORD PAC-12 GAME OF THE MONTH (Stanford -4.5) 

I backed Stanford as a slim home dog against Colorado on Thursday and it didn't go well with the Cardinal losing 51-69. It was just a bad game from the start for Stanford, who fell behind 10-0 to start the game and gave up 3 different 10-0 runs in the game. You got no chance of beating a team like the Buffaloes doing that. 

I just feel that performance has the Cardinal showing some really good value here as a slim 4.5-point home favorite against Utah. The Utes have won 3 straight, but are not a team to be trusted on the road. Utah is a mere 5-14 ATS on the road over the last 2 seasons, where they are losing by an average of 10 ppg. Stanford is 14-5 ATS last 19 as a home favorite or pick, 22-9 ATS last 31 at home after failing to cover 4 of their last 5 and 14-5 ATS last 19 at home off a home game. Give me the Cardinal -4.5! 

40* OLE MISS/S CAROLINA VEGAS INSIDER (Ole Miss -1.5) 

I will gladly back the red-hot Rebels as a slim 1.5-point road favorite against South Carolina. Ole Miss comes in off about as impressive 3-game stretch as you will find in SEC play. The Rebels knocked off Tennessee at home, beat Auburn on the road and then absolutely destroyed Missouri 80-59 at home in their last game. 

South Carolina on the other hand has lost 6 of their last 8 games, including the last two at home. They lost by 16 at home to a very mediocre Mississippi State team last Saturday and then lost 78-81 at home to the top SEC team in Alabama. I just think they put everything they had into that game against the Crimson Tide and to lose they way they did, I just think it's going to be really hard for them to bounce back with the kind of effort needed to take out Ole Miss. Give me the Rebels -1.5! 

40* DUKE/NC STATE NCAAB ATS NO-BRAINER (Duke -3) 

I'm willing to take a shot here with Duke as a mere 3-point road favorite against NC State. I just feel like now is the time to buy low on the Blue Devils, who come in having lost 3 straight with the last two coming as home favorites against UNC and Notre Dame. 

It just feels like it's now or never for Duke to flip the switch and get this thing turned around. I don't know that there's a better team for them to do that against than the Wolfpack. NC State is just 4-7 in ACC play and have lost 7 of their last 9 with their only two wins coming against bottom feeders Wake Forest and Boston College. Give me the Blue Devils -3! 

40* GEORGIA/ALABAMA NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Alabama -13) 

I got no problem laying the 13-points with Alabama at home against the Bulldogs. The Crimson Tide are coming off a game where they failed to cover in a 81-78 win at South Carolina. However, they really should have covered. They led 78-70 with 3:37 to play and managed to score just 3 points the rest of the game. 

On the flip side of things, Georgia is coming off a very fortunate cover on the road against Tennessee. The Bulldogs trailed by 23 with just under 11 minutes to play in the game and wound up only losing by 8. I don't think they are going to be able to keep it close at all against Alabama. The Crimson Tide are just as good, if not better, defensively than the Vols and are way better on the offensive side of the ball. After the sloppy finish against South Carolina, which followed a loos at Missouri, I look for Alabama to really come out with one of their better performances. Give me the Crimson Tide -13! 

40* IOWA/MICHIGAN ST NCAAB ATS ANNIHILATOR (Iowa -4.5) 

I will lay the short number on the road with the Hawkeyes against Michigan State. Iowa snapped out of it's recent funk with a convincing 79-66 home win over Rutgers. The Hawkeyes were in control of that game from the get go and it wasn't a huge surprise to see Iowa get back on track with the return of C.J. Fredrick. When he's on the court this is just a different team. 

I know the Hawkeyes failed to cover as a 9.5-point home favorite against the Spartans earlier this season, winning by just 6. However, they still put up 84 points and won the game despite a really off night from behind the 3-point line. They were just 5 of 17 (29.4%). This is a team that averages 10 made 3-pointers a game and is shooting 39% as a team from deep. 

Not only was Iowa off, Michigan State went 12 of 29 (41.4%) from deep. That's not normal for the Spartans, who only average 7 made 3's per game and are shooting just 33% as a team. I just think Iowa is the much better team and are playing with a sense of urgency after their recent 1-4 stretch. Give me the Hawkeyes -4.5! 

40* TULANE/UCF NCAAB ATS SLAUGHTER (Tulane +5.5) 

I like the points with Tulane as they hit the road against UCF on Friday. Some might see the fact that the Knights just played a really good game at home against Wichita State (lost 60-61) as a positive, but often times losing a close game like that is a lot harder to bounce back from than if you got your teeth kicked in. 

I just think for a team like UCF, who is 5-10 overall and 3-9 in the AAC, with no shot at making the NCAA Tournament, that only makes it that much harder to bounce back. As for Tulane, they just upset Tulsa 58-48 on the road Wednesday and have really been playing some of their better basketball here of late. This is not only a game they can keep close, but win outright. Give me the Green Wave +5.5! 

40* PURDUE/MINNESOTA NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Minnesota -3.5) 

I will gladly take a shot here with Minnesota as a small home favorite against the Boilermakers. Some might be hesitant to back the Gophers given they lost by 19 (62-81) at Purdue roughly two weeks ago. Thing is, Minnesota is just a different team at home than they are on the road. Gophers are 12-1 SU and 10-3 ATS at home compared to 0-6 SU and 1-5 ATS on the road. 

You also have to love how head coach Richard Pitino has got his team to respond when revenging a blowout loss to an opponent. As a head coach, Pitino's teams are 21-9 ATS at home when revenging a loss of 10 or more points. Gophers are also a dominant 20-9 ATS in their last 29 at home against a team with a winning record. Give me Minnesota -3.5! 

40* LSU/MISS STATE NCAAB ATS SLAUGHTER (LSU +2.5) 

I think we are getting big time value here with LSU as a dog against the Bulldogs. The Tigers had started out 10-2 before going just 1-4 over their last 5 games. It might seem like LSU isn't playing well, but in reality the schedule has been brutal. Two of the 4 losses were to the best team in the SEC in Alabama, they also lost at Kentucky and a heartbreaker at home to Texas Tech in the SEC/Big 12 challenge. 

I look for LSU to get back on track in a big way here against Mississippi State who is just 2-4 in their last 6 games and those 2 wins have come against ISU and South Carolina. Bulldogs figure to have a hard time keeping up offensively with the Tigers in this one, especially given LSU is almost a sure-in to win the turnover battle. Tigers are No.1 in the SEC in offensive TO%, while Mississippi State is No. 13 in defensive TO%. Give me LSU +2.5! 

40* RUTGERS/IOWA NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Iowa -6)

I'm going to take the Iowa Hawkeyes -6 at home against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Most are going to want nothing to do with Iowa in this one, as they are just 1-4 SU and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games. I think it has Iowa showing some decent value here. Note that in 4 of their last 5 home games they have been a favorite of 9.5 or more. Not to mention they already went on the road and beat Rutgers earlier this season. 

It's been a combination of a lot of things that has played into the Hawkeyes recent slump. They aren't shooting the ball quite as well from deep, especially in the 2nd half of games, the defense has been sloppy at times and they just haven't closed games out. In almost all of these losses Iowa has had a big lead and let it slip away. 

I just think with their backs against the wall, we are going to see them deliver in a big way at home against the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers has won 4 straight after losing 5 in a row, but none of those wins have come against a top tier team in the Big Ten.

This is also a Scarlet Knights team that has had a much harder time scoring on the road.They are averaging 72.6 ppg on the season and yet just 65.3 on the road. They also are shooting 46.5% from the field on the season, but only 43.8% on the road. You have to be able to score to keep it close against the Hawkeyes and I just don't think Rutgers will have the fire-power to do that. Give me Iowa -6! 

50* VIRGINIA/GA TECH NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Georgia Tech +4.5) 

I really like the Yellow Jackets here as a home dog against Virginia. Georgia Tech is just 2-3 in their last 5 games, but have been playing better than that record would lead you to believe. They had two games they could have easily won on the road against Virginia and Duke. They ended up losing 62-64 to the Cavaliers, despite leading by double-digits in the 2nd half. 

I will take the points in the rematch, but I'm confident the Yellow Jackets win this game outright. Virginia is 4-1 in true road games, but only one of those road wins was against a team that ranks in the Top 50 at KenPom. The loss was by 14 at Va Tech. Even in their last two wins they haven't been all that impressive, beating NC State by just 7 on the road and Pitt by 7 at home. 

Cavaliers are just 9-19 ATS over the last 2 seasons vs a team with a winning record. Georgia Tech on the other hand is 9-2 ATS last 11 when playing a team that's won more than 80% of their games. Yellow Jackets are also 47-28 ATS last 75 as a home dog of 6 or less and 9-2 ATS in their last 11 after failing to cover 2 of their last 3. Give me Georgia Tech +4.5! 

50* ST. JOHN'S/BUTLER *BIG EAST PLAY OF THE MONTH* (St. John's +1) 

I love the value here with St. John's as a dog against the Bulldogs on Tuesday. The Red Storm are the hottest team in the Big East right now, as they come in having won 6 straight with 4 of those 6 wins coming on the road, including a 92-81 victory at Providence on Saturday. 

Butler is coming off a 68-58 win at home against DePaul, but that's nothing to get excited about given how bad the Blue Demons have been in conference play (1-8). Butler just doesn't do much that gets you excited. Their offense is anemic and the defense isn't a whole lot better. These two already played once and St. Johns won by 12 despite shooting just 45% from the field. No way should the Red Storm be a dog here. Give me St. John's +1! 

40* ALABAMA/S CAROLINA NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Alabama -6) 

I got no problem laying 6-points on the road with Alabama. This is a huge bounce back game for the Crimson Tide after suffering their first conference loss of the season in Saturday's 65-68 loss at Missouri. Alabama couldn't have shot any worse (33.3%) and yet they still almost found a way to win on the road against one of the better teams in the SEC. 

I definitely don't think they will have any problem getting their offense back on track against the Gamecocks, who are one of the worst teams in the SEC in almost all of the major defensive categories. You also just have to look at common opponents to see how big an edge the Tide have here. Alabama is 5-1 outscoring common opponents by 12 ppg (84.8 to 72.8). Gamecocks are 1-4 against common opponents and getting outscored by 8.8 ppg (73.4 to 83.2). 

Tide are 8-1 ATS last 2 seasons off a loss by 6 or less and a perfect 7-0 ATS when coming off a loss by 3 or fewer. Give me the Crimson Tide -6! 

40* TEMPLE/WICHITA ST NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Wichita State -8.5)

I will lay the 8.5-points at home with Wichita State against the Owls. The Shockers have been a team I have been on a decent amount. Not a lot of people talk about this team, despite the fact that they are 10-4 with their only 4 losses coming to Missouri, Oklahoma St, Houston and Memphis. All of which are ranked in the Top 50 at KenPom. 

I was on the Owls in their last game at home against Cincinnati and they somehow lost to a depleted Bearcats team that hadn't played and barely practiced in almost a month. The Owls shot a miserable 39.6% from the field and were once again sloppy with the ball with 19 turnovers, including several bad turnovers down the stretch with the game on the line. 

You could see how devastated Temple was after losing that game and I just have a hard time seeing them showing up for this game on Super Bowl Sunday. Not to mention we have a Temple offense that ranks 9th in offensive efficiency facing a Wichita State defense that is No. 4. On the flip side the Shockers have the No. 2 most efficient offense in the ACC vs the No. 9 Temple defense. The Owls were a 12-point road dog to SMU and 17-point road dog to Houston. Give me the Shockers -8.5! 

40* NOTRE DAME/GEORGIA TECH NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Georgia Tech -4.5) 

I really like the Yellow Jackets as a small 4.5-point home favorite against Notre Dame. I think we are getting an absolute steal here with Georgia Tech at this price. The Yellow Jackets have lost 3 of their last 4, but those 3 losses all came on the road to good teams in Virginia, Duke and Louisville. 

Georgia Tech has won 7 straight at home and are a perfect 4-0 at home in ACC play with all 4 wins coming by at least 5 points. Notre Dame comes in having won 4 of their last 5, but those 4 wins have come against BC, Miami, Pitt and Wake Forest. Those are their only 4 wins in ACC play. Give me Georgia Tech -4.5! 

40* UCF/TULSA NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Tulsa -4.5) 

I got no problem laying the 4.5-points at home with Tulsa against the Knights. This is a good time to buy low on the Golden Hurricane as they come in having lost 4 of their last 6. Thing is 3 of those losses came on the road, while the lone loss at home was to a good SMU team by just 2-points. 

As for UCF, they have really been struggling. The Knights have lost 3 straight and 8 of 9 overall. Their only win during this stretch coming at home against ECU. UCF has lost 6 straight on the road and will be playing their 4th straight road game here. Give me Tulsa -4.5! 

50* N CAROLINA/DUKE NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Duke -3) 

I love the value here with Duke as a mere 3-point home favorite against North Carolina. I know the Blue Devils are coming off an ugly loss at Miami on Monday, but I really think this team is headed in the right direction and are going to make easy work of the Tar Heels in this one. 

North Carolina is simply getting way too much respect right now because they have won 6 of their last 8, but it's not so much a result of how well they are playing but more so the schedule. I know it's not as difficult playing at Duke this year as others with no fans, but I just think the price is too good to pass up. Give me the Blue Devils -3! 

40* OLE MISS/AUBURN NCAAB ATS SLAUGHTER (Auburn -5)

I really like the spot and price we are catching with Auburn at home against Ole Miss on Saturday. This is a huge bounce back game for the Tigers, who after a hard fought loss at Baylor, laid an egg two days later at home to Georgia. Prior to those two setbacks Auburn had really been playing well behind the emergence of freshman point guard Sharife Cooper. 

While the Tigers are poised for a turnaround, this is a big letdown spot for the Rebels who are coming off a big 52-50 upset win over Tennessee on Tuesday. Ole Miss has also lost 5 of their last 6 on the road. Give me Auburn -5! 

50* SYRACUSE/CLEMSON NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Clemson -3) 

This is just too good a price to pass up with Clemson at home. We cashed an easy 50* Top Play on the Tigers in Tuesday's 63-50 win at home against North Carolina. Clemson did lose at Duke the previous game, but before that beat Louisville at home 54-50. Tigers are 7-1 SU at home with their only loss coming at the hands of Virginia. 

Syracuse has won 3 of their last 4, but all 3 wins came at home, while the lone loss was on the road. That's kind of been the theme for the Orange this season, as they are 9-1 at home compared to just 1-4 on the road. Big reason they struggle on the road is their defense, which is giving up 80 ppg. With how good Clemson is defensively, if they let the Tigers score anywhere close to that this thing is going to get out of hand. Give me Clemson -3! 

40* BOISE ST/NEVADA NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Boise St -4) 

I got no problem laying 4-points on the road with Boise State. Now I just played against the Broncos in their recent 2-game road trip at Colorado State, but that's an underrated Rams team and it was the first time the Broncos had been tested in a while. I'm not as bullish on this Nevada team. 

The Wolf Pack are 7-5 in MWC play, but those 7 wins have all come against teams who have losing records in conference play. I just feel that Nevada is completely outclassed here. The Wolf Pack usually exploit teams at the free throw line, but I don't think that will be the case here. Without that edge I don't know how Nevada keeps this close as the Broncos are better on both side of the ball. Give me Boise State -4! 

50* CINCINNATI/TEMPLE AAC PLAY OF THE MONTH (Temple +2) 

I think the fact that the Owls most recent outcome is a 64-81 home loss to Tulane as a 7.5-point favorite has them showing some big time value here as a 2-point home dog to a Cincinnati team that has no business laying points on the road in this spot. 

The Bearcats are just 3-7 overall and 1-4 in AAC play, but even more important here is the fact that Cincinnati will be playing their first game in almost a month. The last time the Bearcats played was on Jan. 10. It's not like they have been using all this time to practice an improve. Even with walk-ons they haven't had enough guys to go 5 on 5. Speaking of Walk-ons, word is they are going to be so short-handed for this game that some of them will have to play. 

While the Owls have only played 9 games because of Covid, they been back in the swing of things for weeks now and had won 3 of 4 before that ugly showing against the Green Wave. Coming off a bad loss has been a good time to back Temple, as they are 24-11 ATS last 35 off a home loss by 10 or more. Give me the Owls +2! 

40* KENTUCKY/MISSOURI NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Kentucky +4) 

I'm going to take the Kentucky Wildcats -4 on the road against the Missouri Tigers. I really like this spot for Kentucky, who were a pissed off bunch after Saturday's game against Texas was called off because of Covid concerns. The important thing to note is that it wasn't a player related problem. They had a staff member that tested positive. No players are going to be missing this game against Missouri because of Covid. 

Because their game against Texas was called off Kentucky will be coming into this game against Missouri with some fresh legs, as they will have a full 8 days off since they last took the court at Alabama.

They should be able to use those fresh legs to their advantage, as Missouri will be coming into this game on just 3 days of rest after a grueling 102-98 OT win at home against TCU, where they spent the majority of that game playing from behind. 

I also like how the Wildcats matchup with Missouri. The Tigers are an awful 3-point shooting team and really need to score inside to get their offense going. That plays right into the strength of Kentucky's defense, which is No. 2 in the SEC in 2P% defense. Missouri has a good defense, but they really struggle with fouling. They are dead last in the SEC in opponents free throw rate. That's huge for a Wildcats team that doesn't exactly shoot the ball well from the field, but is No. 1 as a team in the conference at 76.6% from the free throw line. 

I know the wins haven't been stacking up like we normally see with a Kentucky team, but the Wildcats always seem to find their groove in February and March and while they are just 1-4 in their last 5 there's been a lot of positives for this team. I really like them to win this game outright, but will take the 4-points as a little added insurance. Give me the Wildcats +4! 

50* LSU/ALABAMA NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Alabama -8.5) 

I got no problem laying the 8.5-points at home with the Crimson Tide. A lot of people might be hesitant to lay this many points against a decent LSU team, but I just love the spot and the matchup for the Tigers. 

Alabama will be 100% locked in for this game after a 61-66 loss at Oklahoma on Saturday. That setback snapped the Crimson Tide's 10-game win streak. This is also a team that is really focused about closing out the season strong after struggling in February over recent years. 

The Tide are 8-1 at home where they are winning by almost 14 points/game. They are 9-0 in SEC play with an average margin of victory of 16.1. Their only win at home in conference play by fewer than double-digits was a 8-point victory against Mississippi State. 

LSU is a great offensive team, but are not very good defensively. Alabama is great on both sides and it's why they beat the Tigers 105-75 on the road back on Jan. 19th. I just don't think LSU's defense will be able to make enough stops to keep this close. Give me the Crimson Tide -8.5! 

40* USC/STANFORD NCAAB LATE NIGHT BAILOUT (Stanford +2.5)

I really like the value here with Stanford as a home dog against USC. The Cardinal could once again be without Bryce Wills, Ziaire Williams and Daejon Davis (all 3 are questionable), but I actually think that's playing into the value here. Stanford has shown they can compete at a high level without these guys and a big reason for that is they still got one of the best players not just in the Pac-12 but the country in Oscar da Silva. 

Not only is Stanford going to be jacked up for a home game against one of the top teams in the Pac-12 in USC, but this will also be the first game for the Cardinal this season on their home floor at the Maples Pavilion. 

The other big thing for me, is I just don't think USC is all they are made out to be. They are good team, but they have also played the easiest conference schedule of any team to this point. Their last 5 games have come against Washington, Washington State, Cal and Oregon State (twice). This is the first real test they have had in over 3 weeks. I just don't think they should be favored here. Give me Stanford +2.5! 

50* UNC/CLEMSON ACC GAME OF THE MONTH (Clemson +3) 

I love the value here with Clemson as a home dog against the Tar Heels. It's been a rough go for the Tigers after their impressive 9-1 start, as they have lost 4 of their last 5 and are now just 4-5 in ACC play. Thing is the schedule has been brutal of late. In their recent 1-4 stretch, 3 of those losses came on the road to Georgia Tech, FSU and Duke. The only loss at home was to the ACC's best team in Virginia. They did manage to beat Louisville at home in their only win and I expect them to win here. 

North Carolina has won 6 of their last 7 games and it has them way overvalued. It's a great stretch, but it's also come against a soft schedule. The Tar Heels 6 wins during this stretch have come against Notre Dame, Miami, Syracuse, Wake Forest, NC State and Pitt. The Orange are the only one of those teams ranked in the Top 50 at KenPom. 

The other big thing here is this is a brutal spot for UNC playing on the road against a desperate team with a massive game against Duke looming on Saturday. With how well it's been going for the Tar Heels it will only make it that much easier for them to look past the Tigers. Give me Clemson +3! 

40* UCF/MEMPHIS NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Memphis -8.5) 

I'll take my chances here with Memphis laying 8.5-points at home against UCF. Not only is this a play on the Tigers, who I think are playing some of their best basketball of the season, but it's just as big a play against the Knights. 

Memphis did have their 3-game losing streak in a heartbreaking 2-point loss at SMU last Thursday, but did manage to cover the spread for a 4th straight game. The Tigers defense has really picked it up. Memphis is allowing just 61.1 ppg on 38.5% shooting in American Athletic play. 

As for UCF, this is just a brutal spot playing on just 1 day of rest after a grueling OT loss at Wichita State on Saturday. That's a game the Knights would love to have back, as they blew a 8-point lead in the final 4 minutes of regulation and then another 5-point lead in OT. 

I just don't know that the Knights can play any better than they did at Wichita State. UCF shot a season best 57.4% from the field in that game. That was only the 2nd time all season they shot better than 46%. I could see that shooting percentage plummeting here with what has to be tired legs and a great Memphis defense. Give me the Tigers -8.5! 

40* AUBURN/BAYLOR NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Auburn +14.5) 

I don't have high hopes for the SEC in Saturday's SEC/Big 12 showdown, but I can't pass up with the value we are getting with Auburn as a 14.5-point dog against Baylor. The Bears are one of the best teams in the country, but this is a huge number to be laying against a surging Tigers team that has found new life behind star freshman point guard Sharife Cooper. He's played 6 games since getting cleared to play and has been unbelievable, averaging 22.3 ppg, 8.7 apg and 5.0 rpg. 

Auburn is 4-2 in the 6 games he's played and the 2 losses have been by a mere 4-points at home to Alabama (by far the best team in the SEC) and a 2-point loss at Arkansas. I believe he's going to be the difference in the Tigers keeping this within the number. I also feel like this game means more to the Tigers than it does the Bears. Give me Auburn +14.5! 

40* ARKANSAS/OKLAHOMA ST NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Oklahoma St -2) 

I just can't pass up on Oklahoma State as a mere 2-point home favorite against the Razorbacks. While the Cowboys are just 4-4 and probably the 7th best team in the Big 12, they would be one of the best teams in the SEC.

Arkansas is just 5-4 in SEC play and has not fared all that well on the road. The thing is the Razorbacks are 13-4 overall and that has them way overvalued in this one. What people overlook with their great record is the played the 300th toughest non-conference slate and have not delivered against any of the top teams in the SEC. Give me the Cowboys -2! 

40* UCF/WICHITA ST NCAAB ATS STEAMROLLER (Wichita St -5.5) 

The Shockers are worth a look here as a mere 5.5-point home favorite against UCF. A lot of people threw Wichita State under the bus early in the year when they lost their head coach, but there's lot of talent still on this roster. Wichita State has won 7 of their last 10 with the only two losses coming on the road to two of the better teams in the AAC in Houston and Memphis. 

UCF had that shocking 3-1 start to the season where they beat Auburn, Florida St and Cincinnati, but are just 1-5 in their last 6. The Knights have also not had much success of late against Wichita State. The Shockers have won all 5 meetings between the two programs with each of the last 3 and 4 of the 5 overall by at least 8 points. Give me Wichita State -5.5! 

50* TEXAS TECH/LSU NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Texas Tech -3.5) 

I love the Red Raiders here as a small road favorite against LSU. I've played the Tigers a decent amount this year, but this is not a matchup that favors them at all. LSU wants to outscore teams and that just doesn't work against a team like Texas Tech. The Tigers simply won't be able to go score for score with a team like the Red Raiders who are such a force defensively. 

We have seen what happens here of late when LSU faces a decent defensive team in SEC play, as they got annihilated 105-75 at home by Alabama and 82-69 at Kentucky. I just look for Texas Tech to take control of this game right away and never look back. Give me the Red Raiders -3.5! 

40* NORTH TEXAS/RICE NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (North Texas -7) 

I'm sticking with my bet on North Texas -7 (gave out as a free pick yesterday) and actually going to throw a little more on it. I just feel that this North Texas team is flying a bit under the radar right now. They went just 4-4 in non-conference play, but there was no shame in that as the 4 losses came against Arkansas, Mississippi State, West Virginia and Loyola-Chicago. All 4 of which came on the road.

They have started out 3-1 in C-USA action with the only loss coming on no rest in a back-to-back situation against UTSA after they had beat the Roadrunners the night before. 

The Owls had started out 4-1 in league play, but have since lost 3 straight and part of their struggles of late has to do with the absence of sophomore Travis Evee, who is out because of Covid. There's also a chance they could be without senior Cavit Ege Havsa. If he can't go the Owls would be down their top two options at the point guard position. 

Another key factor in this matchup is rest. North Texas hasn't played since Jan. 16th, where Rice will be playing their 3rd game in a 7 day stretch. 

Offensively there's not a lot that separates these two teams, but North Texas is by far the better defensive team. The Mean Green rank 2nd in C-USA in defensive efficiency, while Rice is 13th. I believe the absence of Evee and the edge defensively should be more than enough for North Texas to cover here. 

Mean Green are 26-13 ATS over the last 2 seasons and have covered 18 of their last 25 as a favorite. They are also 14-5 against teams like Rice who attempt 21+ 3-pointers/game and 12-3 ATS last 15 vs team like the Owls that average 18 or fewer free throws/game. Give me North Texas -7! 

40* UAB/MIDDLE TENNESSEE NCAAB SHARP STAKE (UAB -10) 

I will gladly take my chances here with the Blazers winning by more than 10-points on the road against Middle Tennessee. UAB is 12-2 and are sitting on top C-USA with a 5-1 league mark. They just recently got back one of their best players in Quan Jackson after he missed 4 games. One of their losses came in the game he got hurt and the other when he was out. In the two games he returned for against Rice they won both by double-digits. 

While UAB is one of the best teams in C-USA, Middle Tennessee is one of the worst. The Blue Raiders are 3-9 overall and 1-5 in league play. Their only conference win coming against FIU is also one of the worst teams in the conference. UAB has a massive edge offensively in this one. They are 2nd in offensive efficiency in C-USA and the Blue Raiders are dead last. Another thing is turnovers. UAB is the best in the league in protecting the ball, turning it over just 12.5% of the time. Middle Tennessee is one of the worst with a 21.8% turnover rate. That should be more than enough to cash this ticket. Give me UAB -10! 

40* MICHIGAN ST/RUTGERS NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Rutgers -2.5) 

I will lay the short number with Rutgers at home against Michigan State. The Scarlet Knights finally got the monkey off their back with a 74-70 win at  Indiana on Sunday. The victory snapped a 5-game skid for Rutgers. I still really like this Rutgers team and I've been just waiting for them to get back in the win column. I know they got embarrassed at Michigan State 45-68 earlier this season, but that almost makes me like them more, as they will be extremely motivated here to get revenge. 

At the same time, I don't love this spot at all for the Spartans, who are coming off a massive covid break. Michigan State hasn't played since Jan. 8. This is also a team that wasn't playing great before the break, as they are just 2-4 in Big Ten play. Their only two wins outside of Big Ten play against teams in the Top 100 were against Duke and Notre Dame and that victory over the Blue Devils is less and less impressive the more we see of Duke this year. GIve me Rutgers -2.5! 

40* BOISE ST/COLORADO ST NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Colorado St +1)

I'm going to take the Colorado State Rams +1 at home against the Boise State Broncos. I don't play a ton of Mountain West games, but I've had my eyes on this matchup for a little while now. I just think this is the perfect spot to fade Boise State, who comes into this game a perfect 9-0 in Mountain West play and has won 13 straight since losing their opener at Houston way back on Nov. 27th. 

Going into the final days of January without a conference loss is impressive, but I believe a big reason for that is due to Boise State schedule. KenPom ranks the Broncos conference slate the easiest of any team in the MWC to this point. All of their wins have come against the bottom 5 teams in the conference in Wyoming, Fresno St, Air Force, New Mexico and San Jose State. Their schedule including non-conference ranks 283rd in the country. 

Colorado State is 8-2 in MWC play with their only two losses coming on the road against two of the best teams in the league in San Diego State and Utah State. It's also worth noting that the Rams split their 2 games on the road against both of those teams. 

Colorado State has two sophomore studs in point guard Isaiah Stevens and power forward David Roddy. Both of those are listed on KenPom's All-MWC team, which is given to the 5 highest graded players. Boise State doesn't have any on that list. The Rams will have the two best players on the floor and I expect them to be extremely motivated not only to give the Broncos their first conference loss but due to the lack of respect they are getting as a home dog in this matchup. Give me Colorado State +1! 

40* WISCONSIN/MARYLAND NCAAB ATS SLAUGHTER (Wisconsin -2.5) 

I just can't help myself with Wisconsin laying this short of a number on the road against the Terps. I played and lost with the Badgers at home against Ohio State on Saturday and that was about as bad as they could have played. One thing you have to love with Wisconsin is they don't let one bad game linger into the next matchup. Wisconsin has not lost consecutive games this season. 

Maryland comes in off a surprising and impressive 63-49 win at Minnesota, giving the Gophers their first loss at home this season. One thing to note about that game is that was a abit of a letdown for Minnesota off a huge upset win over Michigan. I just don't think it's worth reading into that game much. Terps are still just 3-6 in Big Ten play and while the Badgers don't lose consecutive games, Maryland has not won back-to-back conference games. Give me Wisconsin -2.5! 

40* MARQUETTE/PROVIDENCE NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Providence -1.5) 

I think we are getting a steal here with the Friars at basically a pick'em at home against the Golden Eagles. Providence may be just 8-7 overall and 4-5 in Big East play, but so much of that has to do with their schedule. The Friars have played the 14th toughest schedule to date of any team according to KenPom and the toughest slate so far in Big East play. 

They are just 1-4 in their last 5 games, but have had to play 4 of the 5 on the road and the lone home game was against Creighton. Simply put this is the perfect time to buy low on Providence. As for Marquette, they are fresh off an ugly home loss to DePaul and while they beat the Friars at home back on Jan. 12th, that's actually a huge plus as Providence is a perfect 7-0 ATS over the last 2 seasons when revenging a same season loss and are winning in this spot by 8 points/game. Give me the Friars -1.5! 

40* LSU/TEXAS A&M NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (LSU -5)

I'm confident LSU will go on the road and make easy work of the Aggies. These two teams already played once this season back on Dec. 29th. The Tigers won that game 77-54 as a 8-point home favorite. Even with this game being played at Texas A&M, I don't think it's going to impact the outcome enough for LSU to not win here by at least 6 points. 

This is a huge get right game for the Tigers coming off back-to-back double-digit losses. First a 30-point loss at home to Alabama and then a 13-point loss at Kentucky. Prior to that LSU had started out 5-1 in SEC play and 10-2 overall with their only 2 losses by 4 points to St. Louis and Florida on the road. Texas A&M is 2-5 in SEC play and their 2 wins have come by a combined 3 points. Give me LSU -5! 

50* MISSOURI/AUBURN NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Auburn -2) 

I will gladly lay the short number at home with Auburn. The Tigers are playing their best basketball of the season right now. They have won 3 of their last 5 with the two losses in this stretch coming by a mere 4 points at home to Alabama and by 2 points on the road to Arkansas. They just destroyed South Carolina 109-86 on the road in their last game. 

Big reason for the strong play of late for Auburn is their star freshman PG recruit Sharife Cooper was finally cleared to play. He's played each of the last 5 games and has been incredible, averaging 21.2 ppg and 9.0 apg. He's also averaging a modest 4.4 rpg and 1.2 spg. I think he's the best player on the floor in this game and I just don't think people are aware of how much better this Auburn team is with him out there. Give me the Tigers -2! 

40* MEMPHIS/SMU NCAAB ATS NO-BRAINER (Memphis -2) 

This is too good a price to pass up with Memphis at home. The Tigers were one of the worst teams to back early on, as they went just 1-9 ATS in their first 10 lined games. However, that was more of the books just inflating the numbers on this team.

They have finally started to hit their stride, covering back-to-back games with ease. First it was a 72-52 win at home against Wichita State as a 3.5-point favorite. Then it was a 80-53 win at ECU as a mere 7-point favorite. Big reason for these two great showings is the Tigers got the 3-ball working with 11 made 3's in each of the last 2 games. SMU is a quality team, but they are getting way too much respect on the road in this one. Give me Memphis -2! 

50* TEXAS TECH/W VIRGINIA BIG 12 PLAY OF THE MONTH (W Virginia -1.5) 

I love the value here with West Virginia at basically a pick'em at home against the Red Raiders. The Mountaineers are 10-4 with their 4 losses coming to Gonzaga, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. They were are one of the few teams to keep it close with Gonzaga (lost by 5) and 2 of their 3 conference losses are by 4 or fewer points. 

While West Virginia will be playing on just 1 day of rest compared to a full week off for the Red Raiders, note that the Mountaineers had a 2 week break before playing on Saturday against Kansas State. They also didn't need to use a ton of energy in that win over the Wildcats, as they cruised to a 69-47 win. 

Last year West Virginia won 66-54 at home over the Red Raiders and are 7-1 SU in their last 8 home games against Tech. Give me the Mountaineers -1.5! 

40* NOTRE DAME/MIAMI NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Miami -2.5)

I like the value here with the Hurricanes as a small home favorite against the Irish. Miami is a team that I feel there's value with right now. The Hurricanes come in off an ugly 57-83 loss at Syracuse and are now just 6-7 overall and 2-6 in ACC play. What gets overlooked is this team has really battled injuries and have also played a tough schedule.

Each of their last 6 losses have come against teams in the Top 100 at KenPom. They have been much better at home in ACC play when not completely depleted. In their last 3 homes games they lost by 1 to Clemson, 2 to UNC and beat Louisville by 6. Notre Dame has been equally bad in this season, as they have lost 4 of 5, but they are coming off a 10-point win against BC, which I feel is playing into the value here with Miami. Give me the Hurricanes -2.5! 

40* LSU/KENTUCKY NCAAB SHARP STAKE (LSU +1.5) 

I will gladly take LSU as a small road dog against Kentucky. If it wasn't for the brand name that the Wildcats have, there's no way they would be favored in this matchup. Kentucky just isn't very good. The Wildcats have lost 3 straight and are a mere 3-8 over their last 11 games. 

This is also a brutal spot for Kentucky coming off a crushing 62-63 loss at Georgia, where the Bulldogs hit the game-winning shot with a second to play. You might argue that LSU is also in a bad spot coming off an ugly 75-105 blowout loss at home to Alabama, but it's actually much easier to bounce back from a blowout loss than it is a close defeat, especially one like Kentucky had where they had no business losing. Give me LSU +1.5! 

50* OHIO ST/WISCONSIN NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Wisconsin -4.5) 

I absolutely love the value here with the Badgers as a mere 4.5-point home favorite against Ohio State. This is simply too good a price to pass up with Wisconsin at the Kohl Center. I don't care who the opponent is, I would lay 4.5 with the Badgers at home in conference. Wisconsin is 10-1 at home this season where they are winning by an average of 17.2 ppg. All 4 of their Big Ten home wins have come by at least 7 points. 

I get Ohio State has been playing really well here of late, but they Buckeyes did just have their 3-game winning streak snapped in a crushing 65-67 loss at home to Purdue. A game they led by double-digits and have to be absolutely sick about losing. The Buckeyes made 14 3-pointers against Purdue, but were to reliant on the outside shot shooting 35 3-pointers to just 18 2-pointers. That just won't work against Wisconsin. Give me the Badgers -4.5! 

40* CLEMSON/FLORIDA ST NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Clemson +6.5)

I really like the value here with Clemson as a pretty decently sized road dog against the Seminoles. It's been a rough last two games for the Tigers. They went into their game at home against Virginia sitting at 9-1 and got absolutely worked by the Cavaliers 85-50. They let that loss turn into two as they laid an egg a few days later at Georgia Tech, falling 65-83. 

My money is on Clemson to fire back here with one of their best showings of the season and this is a team we know they can hang with. The Tigers already beat FSU 77-67 at home back on Dec. 29th. I get the Seminoles have been playing well and will be out for revenge, but both of those factors have been accounted for with this line. Give me Clemson +6.5! 

40* MARSHALL/FIU NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Marshall -8) 

I know this might seem like a big number, but I got the Thundering Herd winning this game by double-digits rather easily. This is a huge game for Marshall, who after going 6-1 in non-conference has started out 1-3 in C-USA play. 

Thing is they have played 2 of the best teams in La Tech and WKU each twice and 3 of the 4 were on the road. All 3 losses were by 8 or fewer points. FIU is 2-4 in C-USA, but have played the 12th easiest conference schedule to date. FIU doesn't have the offensive fire-power or defensive presence to keep pace with Marshall. Give me the Thundering Herd -8! 

40* COLO ST/UTAH ST NCAAB LATE NIGHT BAILOUT (Colorado St +8) 

I like the value here with Colorado State as a near double-digit dog in Thursday's rematch against Utah State. These two teams played on Tuesday and the Aggies rolled to a 83-64 home win. It was just a bad night shooting for the Rams, who shot just 33% from deep. Utah State on the other hand was on fire, shooting 53% from behind the 3-point line. 

Even after that game the Rams still are the much better 3-point shooting team, as they are hitting 39% as a team on the season. Colorado State is also suffered just 3 losses all season and are one of the more well coached teams in the MWC. Not only do I think the Rams shoot better in the rematch, but they are going to be the more motivated team having getting blown out in that first meeting. Give me Colorado State +8! 

40* WICHITA ST/MEMPHIS NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Memphis -2.5) 

I think this is the perfect price and spot to roll the dice with Memphis at home against the Shockers. The Tigers come into this game a mere 6-5, but could easily be sitting with a much better record, as all but one of their defeats have come by single digits. They also only have lost once on their home floor. 

The value with Memphis in this one stems from the fact that they come in having failed to cover each of their last 7 games. I just think you have to put that aside given the small number we are dealing with.

I also like the matchup. The Tigers are 3rd in the AAC in both offensive rebound rate and free throw rate. Two things Wichita State has struggled with. The Shockers are also built defensively to take away the 3-point shot and Memphis is a team that wants to attack you inside. Give me the Tigers -2.5! 

50* KENTUCKY/GEORGIA NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Kentucky -3)

I'll lay the 3-points here with Kentucky on the road against the Bulldogs. It's been a rough go for the Wildcats this year, but they have shown some signs of getting this thing turned around. They have lost their last two games, but one was at home against an Alabama team that is looking elite and the other was on the road against Auburn. 

Both of those were bad matchups, as both of those teams are good at defending the 3-point shot, which is what Kentucky's offense relies a lot on. Georgia is one of the worst defensive teams in the SEC. They rank 13th in defensive efficiency and 13th in 3P% defense. They also are one of the worst teams at allowing offensive rebounds and Kentucky is No. 3 in the SEC in offensive rebound rate (one of the few things they do well). I just think this is a get right game for the Wildcats. Give me Kentucky -3! 

40* VCU/ST BONAVENTURE NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (St Bonaventure -2.5) 

I'm going to take the St. Bonaventure Bonnies -2.5 at home against the VCU Rams. I've been on St. Bonaventure quite a bit this season and will gladly lay the short number at home with them against VCU. 

The Bonnies returned all 5 starters from a 19-win team that finished T-5th in really good A-10 conference last year. They come into this game 6-1 overall with a 4-1 mark in conference play. They have won 4 straight conference games since losing their opener on the road to Rhode Island. That includes a big road win at Richmond. 

VCU comes in having won 8 of their last 9, but it's really been a favorable stretch here with their schedule. Out of those 9 opponents during this hot streak, they have played just 1 team that's currently ranked in the Top 100 at KenPom and that was Rhode Island, who beat them on their home floor 83-68. The only other team they played in the Top 150 during this stretch was George Mason and they barely pulled out a 66-61 win against the Patriots. 

I'm not saying the Rams aren't a quality team, I just think they are a little bit overvalued in this spot. I think this line should be closer to 6 than 3. VCU is a team that causes a lot of turnovers, but also turns it over a lot. St Bonaventure is 3rd in the A-10 in both offensive and defensive TO%, so look for the Bonnies to win the turnover battle. 

St Bonaventure should also have a massive edge on the glass in this game. They are No.1 in the A-10 in offensive rebound rate and VCU is 13th in giving up extra possessions via the offensive rebound. The Rams also tend to foul a lot, ranking 13th in opponents free throw rate and the Bonnies are 4th in the A-10 as a team with a 71.1% free throw percentage. Give me St. Bonaventure -2.5! 

40* MARYLAND/MICHIGAN NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Michigan -10) 

I got no problem laying 10 points at home with Michigan against the Terps. The Wolverines were bound to suffer a loss at some point and it came this past Saturday at Minnesota. Michigan fell 57-75 in by far their worst performance of the season. It just looked like the Wolverines weren't ready to play. 

I don't see them letting that sluggish performance carry over into this game against a Maryland team they should dominate. The Terps just don't have the size inside to compete with top tier teams like Michigan. Look for standout freshman Hunter Dickinson to have a huge game, while the Wolverines defense keeps a suspect Maryland offense in check. Give me Michigan -10! 

50* MIAMI/SYRACUSE NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Syracuse -4) 

I absolutely love this spot and price with the Orange at home against the Hurricanes. This is huge buy low sell high situation, as you have Syracuse coming into this game off an ugly 76-96 loss at Pittsburgh, while Miami is off a huge 78-72 upset win at Louisville. 

Great win for the Hurricanes, but there's a couple of factors working against Miami in this one. The Hurricanes are still missing several key players and that will be felt on just 2 days of rest. Miami is also a team that relies heavily on their ability to drive to score and that just isn't a great recipe for success against the Syracuse zone. Orange are also undefeated on their home floor this season and we know they are showing up with a big effort here. Give me Syracuse -4! 

40* PURDUE/OHIO ST NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Ohio State -4.5) 

I will lay the 4.5-points at home with Ohio State against Purdue. Both teams come in having won 3 straight, but I've been more impressed with the Buckeyes not just during this recent stretch but over the course of the entire season. This one is also going to mean a little extra for Ohio State, as they will be out to revenge a 60-67 setback at Purdue back on Dec. 16th. 

While Purdue has won their last 2 road games, they were 0-4 in true road games prior. The Buckeyes are a perfect 7-0 on their home floor this season. That includes a perfect 3-0 record in Big Ten play and all 3 of those home wins in conference play have come by at least 10 points. Ohio State is also a strong 10-1 ATS last 11 at home after a cover and 6-0 ATS last 6 at home after back-to-back covers. Give me the Buckeyes -4.5! 

50* W KENTUCKY/MARSHALL NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Marshall -2.5)

I will gladly lay the 2.5-points at home with Marshall as they take on Western Kentucky for the second time in 3 days. This time at their home court after losing 73-81 on the Hilltoppers home court Friday. Marshall only lost by 8 in that game, despite shooting just 42.3% from the field and getting outscored by 17 (19-2) at the free throw line. Look for a few more shots to fall at home, as well as a few more trips and makes at the charity line. That combined with the Herd simply being the more motivated team having lost the first matchup and it sets up for a very favorable spot and price here. Give me Marshall -2.5!