Total Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #845 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Illinois Illini vs Iowa Hawkeyes @ 7 ET - One of the strongest handicapping angles is actually playing ON something that looks a little OFF. This is a perfect example of that. The reason it is successful is because usually something looks a little out of kilter for a good reason! In this case, you can not find a recent total posted this high (148) in an Illinois game. Yet the Illini game versus Iowa Sunday has a big total posted on it even though the first meeting only had a posted total of 140 plus it ended up staying under that total! This also was the 2nd straight under in meetings between these teams and yet this game has a higher total despite that result and also has one of the highest totals posted on an Illini game this season. Must be a huge mistake, right? Of course not. Look for this one to fly over the total. Iowa is averaging 78 points per game this season. However, the Hawkeyes have allowed 78 points or more in 4 of their last 5 road games. In fact, in those 4 road contests Iowa allowed an average of 88 points per game. Look for a shootout in Champaign tonight. 10* OVER the total in Illinois

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #635 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Creighton Blue Jays vs Seton Hall Pirates @ 2:30 ET - This is a big game with the regular season Big East title on the line. Pirates, with a win, take it. Blue Jays, with a win, get a share of it with the Pirates (and also Villanova if they beat Georgetown earlier). That said, one might expect some extra defensive intensity here but truly neither one of these teams has been defined by defense. Creighton, particularly at home, is known for piling up points and firing up threes! The Blue Jays are averaging 83.5 points per game game at home this season. They are a 3.5 point favorite in this game. Logically this game could be expected to surpass the 160 mark given those numbers. The first meeting between these teams this season did go over the total. That first match-up totaled 167 points and that was even with the teams combining to make just 15 of 52 three pointers for a poor combined 29% mark from the beyond the arc. Entering this game, the over is 5-2 in the Blue Jays last 7 games and 5-1 in the Pirates last 6 games. Look for the high-scoring trend to continue here. 10* OVER the total in Creighton

Tourney Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #865 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Bradley Braves vs Southern Illinois Salukis @ 3:35 ET - This total is priced as if Southern Illinois is going to dictate the tempo of that game and I don't see it that way. The Salukis have lost 5 of their last 6 games. The Braves have won 20 games on the season and also enter this game having won 5 of 6 games before a season-ending loss by a single point against Loyola. Two of Bradley's recent games did go to overtime but even with removing the OT points from the equation, those games totaled more than this total. One was 72-all at the end of regulation and the other was knotted at 67 at the end of regulation. So let's take a closer look at recent Bradley scores. The Braves last 8 games have all totaled 127 points or more. Given today's low total posted on this game, that would be an 8-0 run to the over. Bradley has allowed 69.4 points per game in those 8 games. The Braves have scored an average of 70.4 points per game their last 7 games. That said, even though the Salukis have a tendency toward lower scoring games, I don't see them pulling down the better team's numbers that much in this game. Bradley will dictate the flow and is a confident group of scorers with the way they have been playing in recent weeks. As for Southern Illinois, they have allowed an average of 72.4 points per game their last 5 games. Before an ugly loss at Missouri State in their regular season finale, the Salukis had scored 67 points or more in 3 of 4 games. Look for this game to get into the 130s. 10* OVER the total in Bradley (game played in St Louis - MVC Tourney)

AAC Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #665 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Connecticut Huskies vs Houston Cougars @ 7 ET - The Huskies are seeking big-time revenge here. Not only did they lose a tight one at Houston in January, Connecticut also got thoroughly embarrassed in an absolute bloodbath loss (by 39 points) in the AAC Tournament last March. The Huskies may or may not get their revenge here but one thing is for certain...UConn does not want this game to turn into a low-scoring grinder. The Huskies enter this game having won 3 straight games and 7 of their last 10. They do it with offense as Connecticut is 9-2 to the over their last 11 games. Not including overtime, the Huskies have scored 67 points or more in 6 of their last 7 games. Keep in mind, Houston is favored in this game. In other words we should see at least mid-130s and that is at a bare minimum given the above. That said, I look for this game to get well into the 140s. Houston has averaged 75 points per game in their last 4 meetings with the Huskies. Also, the Cougars enter this game having averaged 69 points per game (not including OT) their last 7 games. It is quite logical that both teams get into the 70 range here as, to reiterate, the Huskies make sure this game plays at a little faster pace if they're going to have a chance to get their revenge here. Look for UConn to continue their recent high-scoring surge. 10* OVER the total in Connecticut 

Tourney Top Total - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #815 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New Mexico Lobos vs San Jose State Spartans in MWC Tourney in Vegas @ 5:30 ET - This total may seem big but it is truly justified. The Spartans simply do not play defense and this is even more true when traveling. When away from home, San Jose State has allowed an average of 90.3 points per game in their 9 games! The Lobos are about a 10 point favorite here. So if the Spartans allow their recent typical average and the odds makers are a correct about the spread here than you're looking at a 90-80 type game which crushes the total. The fact is New Mexico loves to play a run and gun style with very little focus on defense and they'll be able to that here against the Spartans. The last time San Jose State and New Mexico met the Lobos scored 86 points. In the first meeting this season the Spartans won 88 to 85. You can see why I am expecting plenty of points here. I don't expect San Jose State to be able to stop the Lobos but I also don't expect them to go down without a fight in tourney action. In other words, they should indeed do enough running and gunning of their own to hang within about 10 points here and that means this one flies over the total. New Mexico's most recent road loss was a tight low-scoring grinder but those are unusual for sure. In their 7 preceding road games in 2020, the Lobos allowed an average of 89.4 points per game. This one gets crazy. 10* OVER the total in New Mexico (game played in Vegas)

Tourney Top Total - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #655 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs Cleveland State Vikings @ 7 ET - The Vikings have only had two overtime games this season. The impact of those two OT periods in a 31-game season is minimal. That said, I feel this total is far too low because Oakland likes to play more uptempo than the Vikings do and I expect them to control the tempo in this one since this game is on their home floor. The Vikings average scoring 64.3 points per game this season but allow 71.5 points per game. Cleveland State, not including OT, scored at least 67 points in 3 of their last 4 road games. That included scoring 74 here at Oakland in a game that totaled 153 points. As for the Grizzlies, they have had 3 overtime games this season. However, just looking at points scored in regulation time, Oakland has allowed 71.3 points per game their last 8 games. The Golden Grizzlies have averaged, not including OT points, 74.2 points per game their last 5 home games. I see this game getting into the 140s or at least right around 140 and yet we've got a total right around a 130 which means solid value being offered here. I'll take it! 10* OVER the total in Oakland

ACC Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #861 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Duke Blue Devils vs NC State Wolfpack @ 7 ET - Duke is off back to back losses including a 52-50 grinder against Virginia. Now they get a chance to really open things up again. After being held to just 50 points in their most recent game, I have no doubt the Blue Devils are going to run and gun against a willing participant, NC State. The Wolfpack have gone 5-2 to the over their last 7 games. Duke is 12-4 to the over in home games this season. The Blue Devils also have revenge in this one as they lost at NC State by a count of 88-66 two weeks ago. Duke shot an uncharacteristic 4 of 17 from beyond the arc and 10 of 22 at the charity stripe! Those numbers won't happen again here. The Blue Devils are averaging 84.2 points per game at home this season. The Wolfpack have scored 77 points or more in 5 of their last 7 games. The set up here is perfect for a high-scoring match-up. Also, note that the over is a perfect 7-0 in the last 7 meetings between these teams. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER the total in Duke

Big Ten Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #831 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan Wolverines @ 4 ET - I am aware there are a few injury situations in this game but I feel we have great value here with this total and I don't expect Eli Brooks to play for the Wolverines while the Buckeyes only really significant absence is Kyle Young but others will step up in his place at home. In terms of the value with this low total here, the Wolverines are 7-2 their last 9 games and have averaged scoring 73 points per game during this stretch. They are about a 4 point dog in this one. Last time I checked a 77-73 final totals 150 points. In other words, if Michigan hits their recent average and the odds makers are right about the spread here, we have ourselves an easy winner. The Buckeyes have won 4 of their last 5 games and have averaged 74 points per game during this stretch. Off an easy win versus a bad Nebraska team, Ohio State could be in for a surprise here as the Wolverines are playing with a lot of a confidence and scoring very well of late. Also, Michigan has revenge from a low-scoring home loss to the Buckeyes early last month. After sub-par shooting in that meeting, watch things open up in a big way today and we'll see plenty of scoring in this one. 10* OVER the total in Ohio State

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #647 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Marquette Golden Eagles vs Seton Hall Pirates @ 2:30 ET - The odds makers are sharp. That said, the first game between these teams easily stayed under the total and yet this total opened up at a higher number than the first meeting! Why? Well, for one thing these teams had a ridiculous 2nd half in the first meeting. They had combined for 77 points at halftime but then the Golden Eagles scored only 18 points in the 2nd half of the game. That happened at Seton Hall and I guarantee that won't happen with Marquette as the host in the rematch. Home in Milwaukee for this one, look for the Eagles to score plenty but their weakness is they won't be able to stop Seton Hall. The Pirates have averaged 74 points per game in their last 3 meetings with Marquette. Also, Seton Hall enters this game scoring an average of 77 points per game their last 4 games. The Golden Eagles have scored an average of 80 points per game on their home floor this season. Both teams enter off a win in which they scored more than 80 points and that confidence spills right into this game and both teams continue their high-scoring ways. 10* OVER the total in Marquette

Ivy Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #861 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cornell Big Red vs Dartmouth Big Green @ 7 ET - This total has been pushed too low. The Big Red could get Jordan Jones and/or Jimmy Boeheim back tonight. But, either way, Cornell has averaged scoring 61.5 points (in regulation time) in the two games since Boeheim got hurt. Also, this is a revenge game from the ugly 75-53 loss at Dartmouth two weeks ago which was the game in which Boeheim got hurt early. This actually increases the likelihood that he'll be back tonight to be part of the revenge attack. But again, either way, I like the over plenty in this one. The total has simply been pushed too low by over-reaction to the fact the Big Red allowed just 45 points in their most recent game. Keep in mind, Cornell had allowed 74.4 points per game in regulation time of their 7 games that preceded the low-scoring win versus Brown. Also, the Big Green enter this game having scored an average of 67 points per game in going 3-1 their last 4 contests. The issue for Dartmouth on the road has been defense. The Big Green have lost 7 straight road games and have allowed an average of 68 points per game in those 7 defeats. You can see, per the above, why I am expecting this game to get into the mid-130s and yet we're dealing with a total in the mid-120s. I'll take it! 10* OVER the total in Cornell

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #615 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Purdue Boilermakers vs Indiana Hoosiers @ 7 ET - These teams have played some ugly games in recent meetings but that has led to this total being kept to low by the betting markets. There are plenty of signs pointing to this game getting well into the 130s and yet this total has dipped into the 120s in early market activity. The Boilermakers are on a 4-game losing streak but 2 of those defeats came on the road. Purdue has continued to score well in home games. Prior to being held to 63 points at home against Michigan, the Boilermakers averaged scoring 76.6 points per game in their 5 preceding home games. Speaking of hot scoring, Indiana is "feeling it" right now. The Hoosiers have won 3 of their last 4 games and scored an average of 75 points in those 3 wins. Indiana has allowed an average of 70.6 points per game their last 8 games. The Boilermakers have allowed an average of 74 points per game their last 4 games. Given all of the above, you can see why this game getting into the 140s would certainly not be a total shock. That is why I certainly expect this game to get well into the 130s and that makes this one a very strong play given the line value we're getting here. 10* OVER the total in Purdue

PA Insider - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #781 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Villanova Wildcats vs St John's Red Storm @ 6:30 ET - The Wildcats are off a low-scoring grinder win over Xavier on Saturday. You saw how the Musketeers reacted in their next game as their match-up with DePaul last night had 80 points by half-time and went over the total rather easily. I look for a similar situation here with Villanova. We have a higher total to deal with than last night's Xavier game but that's because St John's is known for getting involved in high-scoring games. The Red Storm have allowed 81 points per game their last 4 road games. The Red Storm are off an ugly loss at Seton Hall Sunday but had scored an average of 77 points per game their 4 prior games this month. As for the Wildcats, they are off the aforementioned low-scoring win over the Musketeers, but that extended their winning streak to 4 games and they averaged scoring 80 points per game in their 3 prior wins. Also, Villanova has allowed 72 points per game in their last 3 home games. The Cats will run and gun here with the Red Storm. 10* OVER the total in Villanova

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #609 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Xavier Musketeers vs DePaul Blue Demons @ 7 ET - Xavier needs to bounce back strong after a low-scoring home loss to Villanova Saturday. Prior to that defeat, the Musketeers had been on a 4-1 run and they averaged 70.5 points per game in the 4 victories. On the season, Xavier is averaging 71.6 points per game at home. In other words, they'll bounce back strong here. The key to the over is that DePaul has been getting involved in plenty of high-scoring games of late. The Blue Demons have scored an average of 70.3 points per game their last 4 games. The issue for DePaul is they can't stop anyone. The Blue Demons have allowed 76 points or more in 6 of their last 8 losses. DePaul has allowed an average of 84 points per game their last 3 games. That even includes a rare win, versus Georgetown, in their most recent game. I am well aware of the under trending in this series but this one is set up perfectly for an over based on the situational aspects of this one. 10* OVER the total in Xavier

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #821 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Indiana Hoosiers vs Penn State Nittany Lions @ Noon ET - The Nittany Lions had been rolling but enter Sunday off an ugly loss to Illinois. In that game Penn State scored only 56 points. This was preceded by a stretch in which PSU scored an average of 78 points per game during an 8-game winning streak. Now this total that opened up at 145 is down to a 143 and I feel we have great value with the over in this match-up. The Hoosiers have been scoring well at home but won't be able to stop an angry Nittany Lions team on the other end in this one. That means we should see plenty of points in this one. Indiana has scored an average of 76 points per game in its last 3 home games. You can see why I am expecting this game to get into the 150s given the above recent trending for these teams. Also, we're getting value here because the last meeting between these teams stayed well under the total but both teams had rare poor shooting nights from beyond the arc. With regards to the rematch, note that the Nittany Lions are hitting 36.3% of their threes in road games this season and the Hoosiers are knocking down 35.3% of their shots from long range in home games this season. Indiana has allowed an average of 80 points per game their last 3 games and this one has all the right ingredients to turn into a back and forth high-scoring affair. 10* OVER the total in Indiana 

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #719 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Louisville Cardinals vs North Carolina Tar Heels @ 4 ET - I used the over in Louisville's first revenge match-up this week as I knew they wouldn't take their foot off the gas with a chance to blowout Syracuse. Indeed it played out that way as the Cardinals won 90-66. Now, with a chance to get payback against the Tar Heels, I look for Louisville to again pile up the points. North Carolina has been a nemesis for Louisville in recent seasons and that includes knocking them out of the ACC Tourney last March. Now the Cards get a chance at revenge while the Heels are having a down season. They won't pass up this opportunity and, just like the game against the Orange, they won't take their foot off the gas. The Cardinals are averaging 78 points per game at home. The Cards have averaged 84 points per game in their last 4 home games. The Tar Heels are not a very good team defensively this season but are capable of putting up solid point totals in the right situation and this is one of those. Louisville is going for the home rout here and will be willing to play a fast pace with plenty of running up and down the court and quick points in transition. The over is 8-3 in the Cardinals last 11 games. There have been only 4 unders in North Carolina's last 13 games. 10* OVER the total in Louisville

Horizon League Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #853 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Detroit Mercy Titans vs Wisconsin Green Bay Phoenix @ 7 ET - I know this is a very big total posted on this game but both these teams are poor defensively and the Phoenix love to run and gun. As for the Titans, they'll be bringing a strong effort right from the opening tip in this one as they were done in by a very poor first half in their most recent game here and then scored 39 in the 2nd half. Detroit can put up big points in the right situations and this is one of them. Green Bay is off a big win at rival Milwaukee. That game totaled 184 points as the Phoenix continue to rely on offense to win games and they continue to be weak on the defense end. They gave up 90 points to the Panthers in that win and no, there was no overtime! History in this series also suggests a wild game is on tap. There has been just 1 under in the last 8 meetings between these teams. Also, the average points scored in the last 10 meetings between these teams is 180.7 per game. UWGB is allowing opponents to hit 47% from the field in road games this season and 38% from three point land away from home. On the season the Titans are allowing 77.5 points per game and the Phoenix are scoring an average of 81.4 points per game. Given the situation here, as well as the series history and the recent trending for each of these teams, we should see an absolute shootout. Before a low-scoring OT loss in their most recent game, Detroit Mercy had scored an average of 75.4 points per game their 8 preceding games. Now take that level of scoring and match it up with the run and gun Phoenix and you have the makings of a game where each team is likely to get well into the 80s. Green Bay has scored more than 90 points in each of its last 3 victories and here they are taking on a 6-21 Titans team certainly not known as a defensive stalwart. 10* OVER the total in Detroit

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #627 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Temple Owls vs Connecticut Huskies @ 7 ET - The Owls are ready to hit the floor running tonight. They are off a home loss to Villanova Sunday in which they were really shut down in the 2nd half and managed a total of only 56 points for the game. The Huskies defense took a major blow with the loss of 6'9 shot-blocker Akok Akok in the very first minute of the game against Memphis Sunday. Connecticut managed to win without him as they defeated the Tigers but, long-term, that is going to be a major blow for the Huskies in terms of defense around the rim. Look for Temple to immediately take advantage. Also, even though the over is only 3-2 in the last 5 meetings between these teams, note that all 5 of those games totaled 138 points or more. I really like the great value here with today's posted total being held in the mid-130s. The Owls loss to the Wildcats stayed under the total but they entered that game on a 3-game over streak. The Huskies win over Memphis stayed under the total but they entered that game having gone 5-1 to the over in their 6 prior games. The Owls had averaged 79.3 points per game in regulation time of their 3 home games prior to the loss to Nova. UConn has averaged 70 points per game in its last 3 road games. 10* OVER the total in Temple

Total of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #785 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Louisville Cardinals vs Syracuse Orange @ 7 ET - This total, as of very early game day morning, has dropped quite far from its opener and I won't hesitate to step in on the added value. The Orange have had just 1 under in their past 8 games. The Cardinals have seen 7 of their past 10 games result in an over. Syracuse consistently allows 70 points per game and has allowed 82.3 points per game in its last 4 games. Louisville has revenge on their mind here as they lost last season at Syracuse by 20 points. The Cardinals had been red hot all season long but now enter this game off back to back road losses. At home, angry, playing with revenge...Louisville will NOT take their foot off the gas in this game. That said, Syracuse certainly is a vulnerable defense that is capable of giving up a ton of points. At the same time though, the Orange have also scored an average of 76 points per game their past 9 games. The Cardinals have scored 80 points or more in each of their last 3 home games. Look for this one to fly over the total because, given the situation (as noted above), there will be no let up from the Cards and they'll be running hard and scoring big all night long. 10* OVER the total in Louisville

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #863 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs North Carolina Tar Heels @ 7 ET - The Tar Heels have had just 4 unders in their last 15 games. North Carolina takes to the road after an intense defensive effort Saturday went for naught when Virginia drained a 3-pointer to hand the Heels a last-second loss. That is the type of game that means the Tar Heels defense won't be traveling with them here per se. It is simply very difficult to come up with strong defensive efforts in back to back games and I look for this match-up with Notre Dame to turn into a run and gun affair. Keep in mind, North Carolina had allowed 79 points per game in their two prior games (not including OT versus Duke). As for the Irish, they have allowed 77 points per game in their last 4 home games. The over went a perfect 4-0 in those games as the Fighting Irish also scored an average of 83 points per game in those home games. Notre Dame is coming off a home game versus Duke in which they allowed 94 points. The Irish offensive production has been bottled up in recent games but that had a lot to do with whom they were facing. That all changes here against a Tar Heels team having a rough season. This game played very loose with plenty of points considering what these teams are coming off of. The first game between these teams this season continued the trend of unders in recent meetings between these foes. However, the pace was there for an over and the situation with both these teams is much different late in the season than it was early in the season. North Carolina becoming cemented in the bottom of the ACC standings and the Irish turn to their normally potent offense at home to carry them in this one. The result will be an absolute shootout. 10* OVER the total in Notre Dame

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #847 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boise State Broncos vs San Diego State Aztecs @ 4 ET - The Broncos would love to knock off the 25-0 Aztecs here. We could see a bit of a letdown from San Diego State in terms of defensive intensity too. That's because they just locked up the MWC title. Yes, they have already clinched with 4 games to go in the season. As for the Broncos, they know they're unlikely to top the Aztecs in a low-scoring grinder. They need to play fast and move the ball well to create easy scoring opportunities like they did in the second half of their win over Air Force earlier this week. Boise State is averaging 83.7 points per game at home this season. San Diego State is averaging 76.5 points per game on the road this season. The over is 5-1 in the Aztecs last 6 games. The over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings between these teams. When these teams meet at San Diego State, the Broncos have struggled to score well at time. But in their last 4 neutral site meetings or games played at Boise State, the Broncos have averaged 79.3 points per game. Of course the Aztecs are favored here for a reason (going 25-0 is no accident!) but you can see why San Diego State is projected to have to score plenty here to topple Boise State. The Broncos are a very tough home team (12-1 this season) and score very well as a host. The result is plenty of points in this one Sunday. 10* OVER the total in Boise State

SEC Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #645 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Kentucky Wildcats vs Ole Miss Rebels @ 2:00 ET - Ole Miss is rolling with momentum right now. The Rebels are off a third straight win as they just knocked off rival Mississippi State Tuesday. The Rebels have averaged 78.3 points per game their last 3 games. The over is 6-3 in the last 9 meetings between these teams including a perfect 3-0 L3. Many of those overs have absolutely crushed the posted totals and I feel this one will too. The average score of the last 10 meetings between these teams is Kentucky 85, Ole Miss 71. The Wildcats also enter this game on a 3-game winning streak and they have averaged 78.3 points per game in those 3 victories. On the season the Wildcats are averaging 77.4 points per game at home. I know that the Rebels have some ugly full season numbers in terms of scoring on the road but the way they have been playing of late and the fact Kentucky has a big game on deck at LSU (also 9-2 in SEC like the Cats are) has me expecting Ole Miss to score very well in this game. The problem for the Rebels will be, like it is for most teams playing Kentucky, they won't be able to slow down the Wildcats here. UK is off a win versus Vanderbilt Tuesday which totaled 142 points. That would have gone over given today's number but though it resulted in an under in that game, the over was on a 10-3 run in Wildcats games heading into that match-up with the Commodores. 10* OVER the total in Kentucky

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #625 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cincinnati Bearcats vs Memphis Tigers @ 7 ET - When these teams met on January 16th, the very first total that popped up on the game was a 140. The game held close to that range despite the market activity that day. The end result though was a game that totaled only 109 points. Now, 4 weeks later, nearly the identical total has been posted on this game as it opened up at a 139. So clearly the odds makers don't know what they're doing, right? Of course I am being sarcastic here but the point is there is very good reason the odds makers opened this total up in nearly the identical spot despite the fact the first meeting between these teams stayed under the total by a margin of 30+ points! For one thing, despite the last game here staying under the total, the over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between these teams in Cincinnati. That is some historical perspective. However, the key reason this total is where it is relates to the way these two teams have been playing recently. The Bearcats, since being held to 49 points at Memphis 4 weeks ago, have scored an average of 74.5 points per game their last 6 games and that does NOT include teh OT points in the loss at Connecticut Sunday. As for the Tigers, they have scored 70 points more in 4 of their last 5 games and have averaged 74 points per game their last 3 games. Both teams enter this match-up off back to back overs. Memphis is 3-1 to the over this season in games in which they are an underdog. Also, the Tigers are 6-1 to the over when they are off an upset loss as a favorite. The Bearcats are 6-1 to the over when off a loss in AAC action. 10* OVER the total in Cincinnati

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #784 Wednesday 10* Top Play UNDER the total in Seton Hall Pirates vs Creighton Bluejays @ 6:30 ET - The Bluejays have remained under the total in 7 of 9 road games this season. The Pirates have remained under the total in 8 of 12 home games this season. Creighton is off a very high-scoring home win versus St John's on Saturday but the Bluejays simply shot "lights out" in that game and that is unlikely to be repeated here. Creighton has not shot the ball well on the road this season. This is normal year in and year out with the Bluejays. They light it up at home but struggle to consistently score on the road. They don't shoot the 3-ball as well on the road and note that the Pirates, 10-1 in Big East action this season, have held opponents to just 27% from beyond the arc in home games this season! Seton Hall has allowed just 62.2 points per game at home this season. In the Pirates last 4 home games they have averaged scoring just 67 points per game. In other words, they've been winning at home with defense and certainly they are not interested in getting into a fast-paced transition game with the Bluejays. Seton Hall is well aware of how Creighton successfully used their transition game at home on Saturday. The Pirates will be methodical here and rely on their strong defense to frustrate the Bluejays. The last time these teams met here in Newark the game totaled only 121 points. I am not saying this one will be quite that low but I am saying it should only reach into the 130s at most given all of the above! 10* UNDER the total in Seton Hall

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #601 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Purdue Boilermakers vs Penn State Nittany Lions @ 6:30 ET - The Nittany Lions are red hot and have won 6 straight games SU and ATS. The Boilermakers also are heating up again with 3 straight wins including a win at rival Indiana on Saturday. Purdue has been on fire from beyond the arc as they have hit 27 of 54 three pointers in their past two games and averaged scoring 89 points per game in the process. I don't foresee them slowing down at home either. Of course that is why the Boilers are a 5 point home favorite over a red hot Penn State team that has climbed all the way to #13 in the rankings. The Nittany Lions are in for a barrage of 3 pointers here and remember they allowed 55 points in the 2nd half of what ended up being a nail-biter win over Minnesota Saturday. That said, I expect Purdue to score plenty here but Penn State to battle back as they could also get a boost with the return of Myreon Jones for this one. Either way, the high-scoring trending in this series continues. Their last 4 meetings all have gone over the total and the one before that 4-0 run to the over totaled 144 points and so of course that would make it 5 straight overs if had a total like Tuesday's (135) game does. The over is 5-1 in the Boilermakers last 6 home games and I look for that trending to continue here as both teams stay hot with their shooting and will battle for the full 40 minutes in this one. A game likely to end up being a back and forth affair trading big buckets down the stretch. 10* OVER the total in Purdue

ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #866 Monday 10* Top Play UNDER the total in Duke Blue Devils vs Florida State Seminoles @ 7 ET - I used this same angle (short rest) to successfully cash with the Noles UNDER last Monday and I expect it to be successful again here. Both Duke and FSU are off high-scoring wins on Saturday and now playing on short rest. The Blue Devils situation is made even tougher as their victory came in dramatic fashion and included overtime. Florida State wants to utilize their defense to try and stay close to Duke throughout this game and then swoop in late for the upset win on the road. Keep in mind the Seminoles allowed only 59 points to North Carolina last Monday. In fact that was the 3rd straight game in which the Noles allowed 63 points or less. As for Duke, they had allowed 67 points or less in 3 of 4 games prior to the wild win over the rival Tar Heels. With both teams on short rest I expect to see a bit more of a half-court battle in this one and the result should be this one falling well short of the big total posted on this match-up. We're getting line value after the wild wins these teams just had on Saturday plus because these teams have been trending to the over for many weeks. This one is all about the situation and, specifically, the situational value that has been created. 10* UNDER the total in Duke

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #831 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Connecticut Huskies vs Cincinnati Bearcats @ Noon ET - The first time these teams met Cincinnati won 67-51 despite making just 13 of 24 free throws. The teams combined to hit just 6 of 28 three pointers and, Connecticut shot a horrific 32% from the field overall. None of these stats are likely to be repeated in this one and I am expecting this game to get into the 140s. UConn tends to score much better at home and the Bearcats also have shown that, many times, they tend to leave their high intensity defense at home when they are traveling. Cincinnati, not including OT points of course, has allowed 74.4 points per game in its last 7 games away from home. The Bearcats have scored an average of 70.4 points per game in those 7 contests played away from home. Cincy has averaged 84.5 points per game in its last two road games. The Huskies, again not including any OT points of course, have scored an average of 72 points per game in their last 6 home games. This will be a fierce battle in this game but look for more scoring than many are expecting as the first match-up this season had a total impacted by unusually low shooting percentages. 10* OVER the total in Connecticut

TV Total Smash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #707 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in La Salle Explorers vs St Joseph's Hawks @ 5 ET - A battle in Philly and this rivalry will bring plenty of showmanship from the players. Both teams are enduring rough seasons but facing each other as part of the Big 5 in Philadelphia is going to turn this into a run and gun wide-open affair. The Hawks can't stop anyone. They are allowing 84 points per game on the road this season and this game is at La Salle. The Explorers have allowed 72.4 points per game in regulation time during their current 7-game losing streak. One could easily expect a game (based on the 8 point line) ranging anywhere from 81-73 to 84-76 given the above numbers. The fact is that neither team is very polished or disciplined at all when it comes to defense but each team has a combination of guys that can drive the paint or knock down open jumpers. The most recent match-up between these teams resulted in an under but the 3 prior meetings all went over the total and averaged 153 points per game. The over is 7-2 in La Salle's last 9 games and 3-0 in St Joseph's last 3 games. This total opened up at 151.5 points and has already dropped 4 points from there. The Explorers won't take their foot off the gas after losing to the Hawks in March in their most recent meetings. They want to take advantage of St Joseph's in a down season as they've won just 4 games. That means plenty of points here as the Hawks defense continues to be non-existent. 10* OVER the total in La Salle

Early TV Total - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #875 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Northern Illinois Huskies vs Kent State Golden Flashes @ 7 ET - The Golden Flashes jumped out to a 17-5 lead versus Ball State Tuesday. They then proceeded to have their worst shooting stretch of the season and ended up with only 54 points on their home floor in an embarrassing loss. You can bet (literally) that Kent State will respond here. The Golden Flashes have revenge from a 76-69 home loss to the Huskies a few weeks ago. Also, Kent State has a bye week on deck as, after this game, they won't play again until the 15th. In other words, there is every reason to expect the Golden Flashes to go all out for the full 40 minutes. They want to do a better job in the rebounding department (Northern Illinois dominated in first meeting) and use those boards to break out quickly in transition for easier scoring options. It is all conducive to an over because the Huskies aren't going to be push-overs at home either. Northern Illinois enters this game having won 5 straight games. The Huskies are averaging 69.4 points per game at home this season. The Golden Flashes are averaging 72.5 points per game on the road this season. I know the Huskies have had some strong defensive performances of late but their not stopping the Golden Flashes in this situation and Kent State isn't going to shoot 1 of 20 from three point land again like they did against the Cardinals Tuesday. Take advantage of the low total here as these teams should again get into the mid-140s in this one. 10* OVER the total in Northern Illinois

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #628 Thursday 10* Top Play UNDER the total in Wichita State Shockers vs Cincinnati Bearcats @ 7 ET - This one should be an ugly low-scoring grinder and yet the total has made an upward move in early market activity. That is adding to the value here with this one. The Bearcats are off a big home win over the Cougars. For the 6th time in 7 games Cincinnati held an opponent to 62 points or less. In those 6 games the Bearcats have allowed an average of only 53.3 points per game. The Shockers are off a loss at Tulsa but they were very solid defensively. It was the 4th time in 5 games Wichita State held an opponent to 65 points or less. In those 4 games the Shockers allowed only 56.8 points per game. Each of the last 4 meetings between these teams have totaled 134 points or less. The average points scored in these 4 match-ups is 126.8 and yet this total is in the mid-130s. I like the value with the under here as the Shockers are hell-bent on revenge after losing each of their last 4 meetings with the Bearcats. At home and playing with a ton of emotion, Wichita State will bring a very intense effort on defense. Of course Cincinnati is known for their solid play on defense as well and that should turn this key AAC meeting with the Shockers into a low-scoring grinder. 10* UNDER the total in Wichita State

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #785 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Pittsburgh Panthers @ 6:30 ET - The Fighting Irish are going to dictate the tempo of this game on their home floor and that means plenty of points. The over is 5-0 in Notre Dame's last 5 games. The Irish have scored 78 points or more in each of their last 5 games. Also, Notre Dame has allowed 72 points or more in 6 of their past 7 games. In other words, the Panthers will "get theirs" in this game too. Pittsburgh is off a tight low-scoring win at home against Miami. However, prior to that game the Panthers had allowed 73.3 points per game their 3 prior games. The over is 5-1 this season when Pittsburgh is off a game in which they allowed 25 or less points in the first half. Watch what Notre Dame does to them in the first half of this game after that very unusual performance versus Miami for the Panthers. The over is 6-3 this season in Fighting Irish games with a posted total in the 130s. 10* OVER the total in Notre Dame

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #605 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Kent State Golden Flashes vs Ball State Cardinals @ 7 ET - The Golden Flashes are off a hard-fought emotional 1-point win over the biggest rivals, Akron, in their most recent game. Don't be surprised if Kent State is lacking in defensive intensity after a win like that over the rival Zips. That said, I expect Ball State to score better than the normally would in this game. We've seen this total be on a bit of an uptick early this morning. That is despite the fact that Cardinals games are on an under streak of 6 straight games. Rest assured, when a team is trending under but their total is then moving toward the over, it is usually with good reason! That said, I do like the over here given this situation as I am sure the Golden Flashes are going to "get theirs" at home but I look for the Cardinals to take advantage of some lax Kent State defense and this one should turn into a bit of a run and gun track meet. The Golden Flashes were on an 8-4 run to the over prior to their game against the Zips staying under the total. Look for the trending toward the over to quickly resume in this one given the situation. The over is a perfect 6-0 in the last 6 meetings between these teams! 10* OVER the total in Kent State

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #862 Monday 10* Top Play UNDER the total in Florida State Seminoles vs North Carolina Tar Heels @ 7 ET - The Tar Heels last 6 games featured an OT game and a double-OT game. That has skewed the perception of their totals higher than it should be. Note that UNC has allowed 73 points or less in regulation time of 7 straight games. The average points allowed by North Carolina in this 7-game stretch was 68 points. The Seminoles are favored by about 10 points here. No matter how you look at it...if the Heels allow their average of 68 or their 7-game regulation high of 73...if the odds makers are right about the spread here you're looking at a game ranging from 68-58 (126 points) to 73-63 (136 points) and we've got a total in the mid-140s here! I'll gladly take the under here because Florida State has a history of struggles against the Tar Heels and will most definitely take advantage of facing them in a down year. The Noles can turn up the heat on defense. FSU has allowed just 62 points per game in their past two games. Also, in 2 of their last 3 home games Florida State has allowed 58 points or less. Look for a lower-scoring game than many are expecting as, even though the Heels welcomed back Cole Anthony recently they now have senior Brandon Robinson dealing with an ankle injury. The season of frustration continues for North Carolina as the Seminoles turn up the heat on defense in this one. 10* UNDER the total in Florida State

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #831 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Pittsburgh Panthers vs Miami Hurricanes @ Noon ET - Big mistake right? The odds makers kept this total (138) in the same range as the first meeting this season even though that game totaled just 124 points. The odds makers don't know what they're doing, right? Long-time followers know how I feel about that philosophy! That said, I am happy to fade the early line move on this one as it already came down to a 136.5 as of early game day morning. The fact is that the Panthers had a horrific shooting effort at Miami in their meeting last month. Note that Pittsburgh took 64 shots from the field so certainly the proper pace was there for an over. Of course I expect the Panthers to shoot much better from the field here. Note that Miami is allowing 78 points per game on the road this season. Also, prior to a strong effort on defense in their most recent game, the Canes had allowed an average of 86.5 points per game their 4 prior games. Their most recent game stayed under the total but that was preceded by 3 straight overs. As for the Panthers, the over is on a 6-3 run. The Panthers have scored an average of 73.2 points per game in their past 6 home games. Miami has scored 71 points or more in 3 of their last 4 games. The Hurricanes can score well here against the Panthers but, they've proven time and time again this season that they are not a very good team defensively and this has proven particularly true on the road. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Pittsburgh

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #717 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Fresno State Bulldogs vs New Mexico Lobos @ 5 ET - The Lobos get involved in high-scoring games no matter whom they're playing. The Bulldogs are coming off a momentum boosting road win at Air Force in which they shot the ball very well. That certainly can continue here at home as Fresno State has knocked down 37.3% of their three pointers this season when at home. Also, New Mexico is simply a very poor team defensively. By the way, in terms of the Lobos production on offense, I am aware they are missing a couple guys right now but those guys have been out for the last few games and it was not a huge impact. Yes, New Mexico did not score well against San Diego State but the Aztecs are 22-0 this season for a reason. Prior to that, the Lobos scored an average of 80 points in two games without JaQuan Lyle and Vance Jackson. That continued a season-long trend as New Mexico is averaging 79 points per game this season. The Lobos simply don't play defense though and they are allowing an average of 97 points per game in their last 4 road games! As for the Bulldogs, they are looking to atone for a very ugly performance offensively in their most recent home game. They have struggled in recent home games against Boise State and San Diego State. Look for them to bounce back at home against the run and gun Lobos and this should turn into a wild high-scoring game. The over is 9-2 in New Mexico's last 11 games. The over is 3-0 in Fresno State's last 3 games. The Bulldogs have allowed an average of 80.3 points per game their last 3 games. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Fresno State

Total Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #851 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Pennsylvania Quakers vs Harvard Crimson @ 5 ET - This total opened up at a 146 and has dropped to a 142.5 in early market activity. Of course the market activity is telling the odds makers they don't know what they're doing. Long-time followers know how I feel about that. I am grabbing the value on the other side of this move and expecting plenty of points here. Yes, the Quakers are finally off a win (versus Temple) in their most recent game but the fact they allowed only 59 points in that victory was definitely an aberration. Penn actually allowed 75 shots from the field for the Owls! Also, in the Quakers prior two home games they had allowed an average of 82.5 points per game. Penn will struggle to stop Harvard here. The last two meetings between these teams stayed under the total but, prior to this, it had been 5 straight overs in this series. Also, each of the last 3 meetings between these teams in Philly have gone over the total. Look for this one to as well. The Quakers have struggled with their 3-point shot this season but normally do shoot it better at home and note that the Crimson have allowed 38% shooting from beyond the arc in road games this season. Also, before scoring just 66 points versus Temple, Penn had averaged 77.8 points per game in their 5 prior games. The Crimson enter this game having averaged 74 points per game in the 7 games since their star guard Bryce Aiken got injured. Look for both teams to get well past the 70 mark here and that sends this one flying over the total. 10* OVER the total in Pennsylvania

Total Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #617 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in James Madison Dukes vs College of Charleston Cougars @ 6:30 ET - Two slumping teams and James Madison is bad overall and the College of Charleston is on an 0-5 ATS run. That means plenty of points here as the Dukes have allowed 78 points or more in 7 of their past 9 games. James Madison simply doesn't focus much on the defensive end (and allowed 85 points to Cougars in first meeting) but one thing the Dukes do better at home is score plenty. James Madison is averaging 80.6 points per game at home this season. The Dukes can't stop anybody but they do score well as a host and that should lead to a very high-scoring battle here. Don't be surprised if the Cougars again eclipse the 80 point mark here but, with James Madison at home for this rematch, the Dukes should be hanging around all the way in this one. As a result, I am expecting the 160 range here and yet this total is down closer to the 150 range. I'll grab the value here as the over is 6-3 in Dukes home games and also 6-3 in Charleston conference games this season. 10* OVER the total in James Madison

Total Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #803 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Massachusetts Minutemen vs St Joseph's Hawks @ 7 ET - Two bad teams thanks in large part to horrific defense. These teams focus on scoring points and are generally very lax on the defensive end. I know UMass is off a game in which they allowed only 64 points but that is certainly the exception rather than the norm for them. The Minutemen had allowed an average of 78 points in 7 games leading up to that one. The Hawks are allowing 83.5 points per game on the road this season. St Joseph's has struggled defending the 3-point shot this season and Massachusetts is known for success from beyond the arc, particularly at home. Two of the last 3 meetings between these teams, including the most recent one here, have totaled 158 points or more. This total opened up at 154 and dropped to a 151.5 in early market action. The Hawks have averaged scoring 80 points per game in their last 3 road games. UMass is averaging 76.5 points per game at home this season where they are also knocking down 39% of their three pointers this season. The over is 7-1 in St Joseph's road games this season. The over is 4-1 when the Minutemen are off an outright upset win as an underdog. Look for these trends to continue in a high-scoring game here. 10* OVER the total in Massachusetts

Total Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #843 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Creighton Bluejays vs Xavier Musketeers @ 4 ET - The Musketeers are off a win over Georgetown but what was surprising was how low-scoring the game was. Don't look for a repeat here and, yes, I know the history of unders between these teams. The last 7 meetings between these teams have stayed under the total but look for this one to snap the trend. Creighton has gone over the total in each of their past 3 games. Each of the 3 games totaled more than 150 points and I expect this one too as well. The Bluejays have shot 48.3% from the field at home this season including 39.6% from three point land. Creighton is averaging 82 points per game at home this season and is a 5-point favorite in this one. So if the Bluejays hit their average here and the spread is in the right range you're looking at an 82-77 type game which blows this total away. The Musketeers, prior to holding the Hoyas to 57 points had allowed an average of 82 points per game their 3 previous games. Look for a lot of points here. 10* OVER the total in Creighton

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #721 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Richmond Spiders vs Dayton Flyers @ 6 ET - The Spiders lost leading scorer Blake Francis to injury recently. However, the over is 2-1 in the 3 games since he has gone out and Richmond has scored an average of 81 points per game in those 3 games. On the season the Spiders are averaging 80.4 points per game when at home. On Saturday they're hosting a red hot Flyers team. Dayton enters this game having won 8 straight games and they are a scoring machine. The Flyers have averaged 83 points per game on the season and are very consistent in terms of scoring. In their 8 game winning streak Dayton has scored at least 77 points in all 8 victories. This game being played at Richmond certainly is likely to continue the trend. The over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings between these teams here and the most recent meeting saw the teams combine for 168 points. We're getting some line value here because of Francis being out. Richmond has plenty of scorers other than Francis as they have shown in recent games. At the same time, Dayton likes to play fast and is more concerned with piling up points than playing lockdown defense. That said, the Spiders should score plenty here on their home floor but the Flyers also should remain red hot. Dayton enters this game on a perfect streak of 4-0 to the over their last 4 games. 10* OVER the total in Richmond

CAA Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #601 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Hofstra Pride vs Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens @ 6:30 ET - The Fightin' Blue Hens shoot the ball very well including on the road. The Pride are not a good team defensively. Delaware's games are on an 8-2 run to the over in their past 10. Hofstra has averaged scoring 87 points per game in its last 3 meetings with the Fightin' Blue Hens. Additionally, the Pride have scored an average of 90.5 points per game in their last two home games against Delaware. Hofstra enters this game having averaged 76.5 points per game in its last 4 games and 3 of those were on the road. At home this season the Pride are averaging 81.9 points per game. Delaware is making 47.3% of its shots from the field on the road and even is hitting 36% of three pointers on the road as well. The Pride are hitting 45.6% of their shots from the field at home and they like to play with pace and will dictate an uptempo game here on their home floor. The Fightin' Blue Hens have allowed an average of 79 points per game in their past 3 games. The Pride have allowed 81.5 points per game in their last two home games. Hofstra's shooting is red hot their last 4 games. Delaware has also been shooting the ball well (as their shot has traveled well this season) in road games including knocking down 57.4% of its shots at Villanova last month. Last 5 road games the Fighting Blue Hens hitting nearly 50% from the field. When Delaware is off an ATS loss they've gone 24-11 to the over including 6-1 this season. When the Pride are off a loss they've gone 14-6 to the over including 3-1 this season. 10* OVER the total in Hofstra

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #781 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Xavier Musketeers vs Georgetown Hoyas @ 6:30 ET - These teams are known for playing high-scoring games and the set-up here is perfect for another one. Not only is the over 7-1 in the last 8 meetings between these teams, the lone under did total 153 points. That means that, at the current total (148) posted on this game, the over would be on a perfect 8-0 run in this series! The reason the set-up is ideal too is because the Musketeers are at home and have lost 3 straight games. In the past two they scored just 65 points in each game and they enter this game after a week off. Xavier can't wait to get on the floor and run and gun against a Hoyas team that certainly is not known for its defense! One thing that Georgetown can do, however, is score very well as they are averaging 79 points per game on the season. The Hoyas have scored 80 points or more in 3 of their last 4 games. However, Georgetown also has allowed 80 points or more in 3 straight games. I would not be surprised to see this game get into the 160s and we only need 150s to be a winner. Recent trending toward the under over the last few weeks overall has led to a lower total here than we would have otherwise seen and I won't hesitate in taking advantage of it. 10* OVER the total in Xavier

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #611 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in LSU Tigers vs Florida Gators @ 7 ET - This total has dropped from an early opener of 146.5 to a 143 and there a few reasons for that. One is that the Tigers are without guard Charles Manning, Jr. However, they already won their first game without him and he is a solid player but certainly his absence is not a huge one for the team. Another reason for the downward move on this total is because Florida has allowed an average of just 51 points per game in their last two games. However, those games were at home and now the Gators are on the road and they allowed 91 points in their most recent game away from home. Florida has allowed an average of 78 points per game in its last 3 true road games. As for the other end of the floor, the Gators have averaged scoring 83.7 points per game in their last 6 games. LSU has averaged 80 points per game this season and I am looking for plenty of points here. The over is 4-1 in the Tigers last 5 games and the over is also 4-1 in the Gators last 5 games played away from home. The last 3 meetings between these teams have all gone over the total. Look for this one to fly over the total as well and we'll take advantage of the downward line move here. 10* OVER the total in LSU

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #649 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Georgetown Hoyas vs Marquette Golden Eagles @ 2 ET - The Hoyas are averaging 82.5 points per game at home this season. The Golden Eagles are averaging 77.2 points per game this season. Trouble here because they are on the road? Not so fast my friend as Marquette actually is hitting an incredible 41.1% of their three pointers when away from home this season! Georgetown is horrible at defending the arc and the Eagles love to run and gun. The Hoyas also love to run the floor and get quick points in transition and this is particularly true when they are at home. That said, I love the over in this match-up. The Golden Eagles are off a big win versus Xavier and the over is now 7-2 in their lat 9 games as Marquette continues to pile up big points in recent weeks! The Golden Eagles most recent road game was a rare exception (at Xavier) and they make up for that effort here as they take advantage of facing a weak defense. 10* OVER the total in Georgetown

A10 Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #857 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Louis Billikens vs Dayton Flyers @ 7 ET - I have had my eyes on this match-up for awhile as one that is likely to lead to plenty of points. The Flyers lost to St Louis in the Atlantic 10 Tourney last season and it is payback time here. That said, I expect Dayton to score plenty in this one but the Billikens are a strong home team that can put up big points as a host. St Louis is averaging 74.5 points per game at home this season. The Flyers, even on the road, are a huge scoring team as they are averaging 81.6 points per game away from home this season. Dayton enters this game on a 6-game winning streak and has averaged 81.5 points per game in these six victories. The Billikens most recent home game was a low-scoring win but that was preceded by 3 games as a host which saw St Louis average 80.7 points per game. The over is 12-6 in Dayton's last 18 games. The over is 6-3 in the Billikens last 9 games. Also, in the last 6 meetings between these teams, 4 have gone over the total. More of the same here. The Flyers were held to just 55 points in their last match-up with STL and that means Dayton will not take their foot off the gas no matter how big their margin in this revenge game. 10* OVER the total in St Louis

Total of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #639 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles vs North Texas Mean Green @ 8 ET - Looking for games that are a bit "off the radar" often lead to some top value situations and that is precisely the case here. A 4-13 Southern Miss team is certainly not going to have most people lining up at the betting window but I love spots like this. The Golden Eagles should score well here at home but they are a very bad team defensively and North Texas will take advantage. The result here should be an absolute shootout and yet we have a rather low total to work with on this one. The Mean Green have averaged 82.3 points per game in their past 6 games. The Golden Eagles are off a 70 point effort at UTSA. In terms of their recent home games they had a rare dud in their most recent game as a host. Look for Southern Miss to make up for that here as, in their 3 preceding home games, the Eagles had averaged 79 points per game! On the season Southern Mississippi has averaged 73 points per game at home. But the Golden Eagles have allowed 75 points per game this season and I am expecting this game to get well into the 140s. The over is a perfect 3-0 in meetings between these teams in which the Eagles are the host. North Texas enters this game on a 6-3 run to the over. 10* OVER the total in Southern Mississippi

Total Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #789 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Georgetown Hoyas vs Creighton Bluejays @ 7 ET - I am aware of the fact that Creighton does not shoot the 3-ball as well on the road as they do at home. However, specific to playing at Georgetown, that stat has not held up! In their last two visits here, the Bluejays have shot a combined 29 of 65 for 44.5% three pointers! Georgetown is not a very good team defensively and this is particularly true when it comes to defending shots from the beyond the arc. That said, I like my chances in terms of Creighton scoring plenty in this one. Keep in mind, the Bluejays have scored an average of 87 points per game in their last 4 meetings with Georgetown. The Hoyas are happy to play at a fast pace and they are known for putting up big numbers when on their home floor. In fact, Georgetown has averaged 87 points per contest in their last 5 games on their home floor. Now you can see why the big total posted on this game is absolutely justified. The Bluejays enter this game having seen each of their last 3 games stay under the total while the Hoyas are on a 5-game under streak. Yet we see a big total posted on this game. Now you know why so don't be fooled here...this one should fly over Wednesday. 10* OVER the total in Georgetown

Total Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #601 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Ohio State Buckeyes vs Nebraska Cornhuskers @ 6:30 ET - Buckeyes games have stayed under the total in 4 straight games. Cornhuskers games have stayed under the total in 6 straight games. Yet this total is climbing higher in early trading action. Why would that happen? Sharp money! The fact is that the Buckeyes need a breakout game on offense as they are mired in a 4-game losing streak in which they have been held below 60 points in all 4 games. Tuesday Ohio State will take advantage of facing a Cornhuskers team which has allowed 78.4 points per game in match-ups played away from home this season. As for the Huskers offense, note that they have averaged 72.7 points per game this season. The Buckeyes offense will be in run and gun mode here and they are happy to be back home for this one. Ohio State has averaged 79.1 points per game in home games this season. The Buckeyes have hit 41.5% of their three pointers at home this season while Nebraska has hit a solid 34.5% of their three pointers on the road this season. We're getting some value here because Ohio State's most recent home game was a plodding affair against Wisconsin (Badgers like to play that way). Note that, prior to that, the Buckeyes had averaged 92 points per game in their 3 preceding home games. Look for plenty of points here! 10* OVER the total in Ohio State

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #841 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Illinois-Chicago Flames vs Wright State Raiders @ 4:12 ET - The Raiders bring an 8-game winning streak to Chicago for this match-up. However, when they last visited here the Flames got the win and held Wright State to just 53 points. That game will be but a distant memory after this one goes into the books. The Raiders have averaged 84.8 points per game during this 8-game winning streak. The Flames are not a very good team on the offensive end but they will put up a decent number of points here considering they are at home and facing a team that will force them to score. Wright State will push the tempo here and, keep in mind, the Raiders have allowed an average of 72.3 points per game their past 6 games. Wright State has NOT held an opponent below 69 points in ANY of those games. The Raiders last 2 games stayed under the total but this was immediately preceded by a run of 7-1 to the over in Wright State games. That type of run will resume here. While the Raiders want to make up for their 53-point effort here last time, UIC is looking to make up for a 52-point effort in their most recent home game! The Flames had averaged nearly 70 points per game over the 9-game stretch that preceded that dismal effort. 10* OVER the total in Illinois-Chicago

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #793 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Joseph's Hawks vs Duquesne Dukes @ 7 ET - The Hawks are not a good team defensively and the Dukes will take advantage. Though St Joseph's has unimpressive numbers on offense this season, they are a better team when at home. The Hawks average 73 points per game when at home this season.  The issue for St Joseph's is they allow 82 points per game! Now the Hawks take on a Duquesne team which scores an average of 73 points per game. The last 3 meetings between these teams have averaged 168 points per game and the over went a perfect 3-0 in those contests. Look for the over streak to reach 4-0 with another high-scoring shootout here. The Dukes have scored at least 71 points in 7 of their last 9 games. The Hawks have allowed 80 points per game in their last 5 home games. Duquesne is favored by about 8 points for a good reason but I don't see St Joseph's going down without a fight. That said, the Hawks are going to have score plenty to "hang around" in this game and I absolutely expect them to do just that. 10* OVER the total in St Joseph's

Total Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #737 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Ohio State Buckeyes vs Kentucky Wildcats @ 5:15 ET in Las Vegas - I understand the respect for these two defenses as it is certainly deserved. However, in my opinion, not enough respect is being given to how potent these two teams are on the offensive end and I am taking advantage of the low total posted here. The Wildcats have not shot threes well this season but they've certainly done just fine inside the arc on the year. The Buckeyes have shot the ball very well from all over the floor including inside the arc. Both teams have trended under this season but Kentucky is averaging 75.4 points per game game and Ohio State is average 80 points per game. Now I am not expecting those types of point totals here but I am expecting each team to get close to 70 in this one and that would make this ticket a winner! Kentucky has scored 66 points or more in 9 of 10 games this season. Ohio State scored "only" 64 points in their opener but they have since scored 71 points or more in 10 straight games. The last two times the Buckeyes have been a single digit favorite the game has gone over the total. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Ohio State (game played in Las Vegas)

TV Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #629 Tuesday 10* OVER the total in Providence Friars vs Florida Gators @ 7 ET @ Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY - Florida is off a long layoff and sometimes that can lead to poorer shooting results with teams. However, the Gators are actually a long-term 12-6 to the over (including 3-1 in recent seasons) when they play a game after having had at least 7 days of rest between games. Look for fresh legs to lead to plenty of points in this one. As for Providence, they do like to play higher-scoring games and they worked off the rust from their layoff by scoring 82 points in a win on Saturday. The Friars are facing a Florida team that is not afraid to D up but note the following: Providence is 3-1 to the over in recent seasons when facing a team that allows an average of 64 points or less per game. Also, Providence is on an ATS losing streak but they are hungry to snap it and will push hard in this contest. That will help the over as the Friars like to push the pace and are 9-3 to the over long-term including a perfect 3-0 to the over in recent seasons when they are on an ATS losing streak of 5 or more games. The over is also a long-term 10-5 including 3-0 in recent seasons when Providence is facing an SEC opponent. The Friars are scoring an average of 75 points per game this season. The Gators are off an ugly effort in which they were held to 62 points in their most recent game but they are still 4-0 to the over in their last 4 games. Also, Florida entered that game having scored 70 points or more in 4 straight games. The Gators have allowed 65 points or more in 3 straight games. The Friars have allowed 75 points or more in 3 straight games. I see this game climbing into the 140s. 10* OVER the total in Providence (game played in Brooklyn, NY)

Total of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #821 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Morehead State Eagles vs Marshall Thundering Herd @ 7 ET - Last year these teams met and the total posted on the game was nearly 170. The game ended up totaling only 140 points and was an easy under. However, that meeting was at Marshall and this one is at Morehead State. I expect the Eagles to score much better at home in this one and, in terms of line value, this total is posted at just 145 as of early gameday morning. I know the Eagles are coming off some ugly low-scoring games but they will be a different team at home tonight and after having had a layoff to hit the "reset button" for this one. Their most recent home game was an ugly low-scoring win but prior to that Morehead State had averaged scoring 86 points per game in its first 3 home games. As for Marshall, they tend to score a lot but also allow a lot no matter where they play. It has simply been the way the Thundering Herd are known for playing. They push the tempo and aren't too focused on defense. Marshall has scored an average of 78 points per game in its past 5 games. They allowed a very low point total in their most recent game but that was against a clearly outclassed small college team. Prior to that, the Thundering Herd had allowed 78.4 points per game in its last 7 games. You can see why I am forecasting this game to get well into the 150s. The over is 4-0 in Marshall's last 4 lined games. The Thundering Herd are 17-7 to the over when coming off a blowout home win by a margin of 20 or more points. The over is 22-9 (including 3-0 in recent seasons) when the Eagles enter a game having failed to cover the spread in 4 of their last 5 games. This situation brings out the best in the home team but the Thundering Herd strong scoring ability means these teams are trading buckets all night long. 10* OVER the total in Morehead State

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #676 Friday 10* Top Play UNDER the total in Colorado State Rams vs Colorado Buffaloes @ 8 ET - Look for better defense in this one than many are expecting. This is a rivalry match-up. The Rams are a home dog. Don't look for a lot of easy buckets here as Colorado State will have to try to scratch and claw their way to a home win over the superior Buffaloes here. Colorado enters this game off back to back losses but they faced a couple of tough match-ups. Keep in mind, the Buffaloes had started the season a perfect 7-0 and had allowed just 53.8 points per game in the final 6 games of that win streak. Hungry for a win here against their in-state rivals, and coming off back to back losses, look for Colorado to turn up the heat on the defensive end. Colorado State does have a tendency to get involved in higher scoring games but I feel the Buffaloes are not going to allow that to happen. Colorado will be buckling down on defense and note that the Rams, prior to a win in their most recent game, had been held to an average of 60.5 points per game in the back to back games (both losses) that preceded the win at South Dakota State. Also, in 5 of their first 7 home games this season, Colorado State had allowed 65 points or less in regulation time of those games. In fact an OT loss in which New Mexico State scored 18 points in OT certainly skewed their numbers a bit. 11 of Colorado's last 16 games have resulted in an under. In the month of December, Buffaloes games have stayed under in 7 of their last 9. When these two rivals square off, 5 of the last 7 meetings have resulted in an under. Considering all of the above as well as the total having been driven up from the mid-130s to now being in the 140 range, I love the value here with going against the line move on this one. 10* UNDER the total in Colorado State

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #741 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Indiana State Sycamores vs North Dakota State Bison @ 5:30 ET - Both teams weakness is the frontcourt. That means more opportunities for points in the paint with drives to the bucket and also 2nd chance opportunities off the glass on offense. I am well aware of the fact that the Bison have been trending under all season long but that has had a lot to do with the match-ups they faced. Now they go on the road and face a Sycamores team that has been knocking down the 3-ball extremely well this season. Indiana State is hitting 44% of their threes this season. North Dakota State is allowing 37% from beyond the arc on the season. The Sycamores overall defense has been sketchy for sure as opponents are hitting 46% from the field. You can see why I am expecting plenty of points here and I am taking advantage of an early downward line move on this total. It opened up at 138 and is now down to 135.5 as of early game day morning. Indiana State has scored an average of 76 points per game in its last 3 lined games. The Bison have averaged 70 points per game their past 7 games. Each team is capable of reaching double digits in three pointers made in this one and I look for plenty of points with the game also close enough late (line on this game is a -5) to encourage fouls and free throw shooting for the team in the lead with the team playing catch up jacking up (and making plenty of) three pointers! 10* OVER the total in Indiana State

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #799 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Minnesota Golden Gophers vs DePaul Blue Demons @ 3 ET - I am well aware of the fact that the Golden Gophers have seen all 6 of their games stay under the total this season. The result, however, is great value here with the over. This total has dropped down to a 134 and Minnesota is hosting a Blue Demons team that has good defensive numbers on the season but has struggled a bit when facing tougher competition. DePaul has allowed 67 points or more in 3 of their last 4 games. The Blue Demons have scored at least 70 points in all 7 of their games this season. DePaul is undefeated on the season but will face a much tougher challenge here. The Golden Gophers have played the tougher schedule this season but come into this game averaging 77 points per game their last 3 games. The key to Minnesota's solid scoring early this season is they are shooting the 3-ball much better than last season. Speaking of hot shooting, DePaul is hitting 50% from the field this season and also doing a solid job from beyond the arc. This match-up features a pair of confident teams that both have been shooting the ball well. I expect plenty of points in this one and will take advantage of the low total posted here. The over is 6-1 when the Gophers are at home and their line ranges from a pick'em to a -6. The over is a perfect 5-0 when the Blue Demons enter a game on an ATS run of 3 or more consecutive covers. 10* OVER the total in Minnesota

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #663 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in South Carolina Gamecocks vs Wichita State Shockers @ 6 ET in Cancun, MX - The odds makers have no idea what they are doing to they set this total at 136 when it opened. Of course I say that in jest as we all know the odds makers are pretty sharp and now that this total has been crushed down to the 131 range as of game day morning it is time to step in on the over. Yes both these teams have some pretty impressive numbers on defense this season but lets not forget that the Shockers are averaging 76.4 points per game and the Gamecocks are averaging 75.4 points per game. I feel we've got good value here after the move on this total. Also, South Carolina has allowed an average of 70 points per game their last 3 games and all 3 of those have resulted in an over. The Gamecocks have scored at least 70 points in 4 of their 5 games this season and Wichita State has scored at least 68 points in all 5 of their games this season. Both teams have a lot of confidence in the offensive end too because that is a direct product of winning games and scoring plenty of points. The Shockers have averaged 82 points per game their last 3 games. The over is 6-2 when Wichita State enters a game on a winning streak of 5 or more games. The over is 16-6 when the Gamecocks play in a game with a posted total in the 130s. 10* OVER the total in South Carolina (game played in Cancun, MX)

Total of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #831 Friday OVER the total in Rhode Island Rams vs North Texas Mean Green @ 4:30 ET in Jamaica Classic Arena in Montego Bay - This total is simply too low. It has been overadjusted downward due to some unusual results for the Mean Green early this season. Keep in mind, both North Texas and Rhode Island averaged about 70 points per game last season. Not much has changed with either program as they head into this season. Now of course this is a neutral site game and that can effect shooting percentages but this is simply an over-adjustment in my opinion. The Rams have scored 70 points or more in 3 of their 4 games this season and they have allowed at least 65 points in all 4 games. North Texas is the team that has had some strange results but that has had a lot to do with the teams they were matched up with. In this one the Mean Green are matched up with a Rams team that is not known for defense nor is it known for playing a plodding style. In other words, we should see a good pace with this game. Even with some grinder games early this season the Mean Green have allowed an average of 60 points per game their last 4 games but they are facing a much different style of play in this one and the results will be reflected on the scoreboard. North Texas will also enjoy a breakout game on offense as they take advantage of more open court in this game (based on the way the Rams play). So we should see some quick transition points in this game and the Mean Green have erupted for 79 or more points twice already this season. North Texas put up 80 in their most recent game and faced a weak foe but still it is a confidence booster for offensive production. Speaking of confidence, the Rams have now averaged 81.5 points per game in their last two games, both victories! Winning leads to confidence which leads to strong play in the offensive end with shots falling! 10* OVER the total Rhode Island (game played in Jamaica)

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #635 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Marshall Thundering Herd vs College of Charleston Cougars @ 7 ET - I had the over when Marshall played Notre Dame on Friday. The teams combined for 141 shots from the field but the game stayed under the total. Sometimes stupid things happen. In other words, the pace was absolutely there for an over but the Fighting Irish made only 24 of 76 shots! Even with that horrific shooting effort from ND, the Thundering Herd have allowed an average of 85 points per game their past two games. At home for this one, I expect Marshall to have a much better performance on the offensive end but look for the Herd to continue giving up a lot of points. The College of Charleston comes from the Colonial Athletic Association and that conference has led the nation in offensive efficiency the past two seasons! The Cougars are one of the top teams in the CAA and the only reason their numbers on offense are down a bit early this season is because of their most recent game as they faced a tough match-up with Oklahoma State. Prior to this one, Charleston had averaged 79 points per game in their first two match-ups this season. The Cougars have allowed 76.5 points per game their past two games. The over is 10-3 when Charleston is on the road with a line ranging from a pick'em to a six point favorite. The over is 6-3 when Marshall enters a game having played each of past two games as an underdog. Look for the Thundering Herd to tear it up on the offensive end after back to back tougher match-ups. This one will be a run and gun affair with the Herd shooting better courtesy of playing at home. 10* OVER the total in Marshall

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #609 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Evansville Purple Aces vs SMU Mustangs @ 7 ET - The Purple Aces want to play fast this season and are disruptive on the defensive end of the floor too. They proved that in their monumental upset of #1 Kentucky and Evansville scored 67 points at Rupp Arena in that one which is certainly not easy to do! That said, the Purple Aces can absolutely control the tempo here at home against SMU and that will mean plenty of points here. The Mustangs have big scorers in their playing rotation and will have no problems matching Evansville here in a run and gun game. SMU has averaged 77 points per game this season and the Purple Aces have scored an average of 84 points per game this season in their other two games this season. Both teams are 3-0 on the season and playing with a ton of confidence. Both of these teams are expected to make a move up in their respective conferences this season. That said, I look for this to be a back and forth battle that flies over the total as each of these teams is "feeling it" right now in terms of execution on offense. The Purple Aces are making 50% of their shots from the field at home this season and Southern Methodist is knocking down 47% from the field this season. Look for easy buckets at hot shooting throughout this one with a lot of quick transition buckets as these teams fly up and down the court. 10* OVER the total in Evansville

Total Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #833 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Wisconsin Badgers vs Marquette Golden Eagles @ 1 ET - Marquette has given the Badgers D some trouble in recent seasons. That is why the over is a perfect 3-0 in the last 3 meetings between these teams. Also, Wisconsin has averaged 75 points per game in the last 3 meetings and plus they are out for revenge after losing each of the last two meetings including one here in Madison. The Badgers have payback on their minds here but they have allowed 40% from three point land this season and the Golden Eagles come into this one knocking down 44% of their shots from beyond the arc. Also, while the Eagles give the Badgers trouble outside the arc on one of the floor look for Wisconsin to give Marquette trouble in the paint on the other end of the floor. The result will be a lot more points than many are expecting here and with the line dropping from 131 to 128 I am grabbing the over in what also should be a close game which means we're seeing plenty of late game opportunity for points with this one with trips to the free throw line while quickly firing up threes on the other end of the floor. The Eagles are 10-3 to the over when off B2B games in which they allowed 55 points or less. The Badgers are 8-3 to the over when off a home blowout win by a margin of 20 or more points. 10* OVER the total in Wisconsin

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #687 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Marshall Thundering Herd @ 7 ET - Notre Dame had a tough season opening game as they faced North Carolina. But since then the Fighting Irish have exploded for an average of 85.5 points per game their past two games. The Irish are likely to continue their high-scoring ways here as they take on a Marshall team that just got torched for 96 points by Toledo. The thing I like about that game as the Thundering Herd were down big at halftime but that didn't keep them from pushing the tempo and scoring throughout the 2nd half. We could see a similar result tonight as a big favorite, Notre Dame, gets a sizable lead on the Herd by half-time and then the game plays out very "loose" in the 2nd half too with plenty of scoring from both teams. Marshall has a solid back-court tandem and they each scored 20 in their loss to the Rockets. The Thundering Herd wants to prove that, even though they lost some key contributors from last season's team, that they can still run with the big boys. Well, as the ugly loss to Toledo proved, they may run up and down the floor all they want but they're still going to give up a ton of points in the process and I expect a similar result in this one like we saw in the Rockets game. When off a game in which they were a home underdog, the Thundering Herd are 3-0 to the over. When off a home blowout loss by a margin of 20 or more, Marshall is 7-1 to the over! While the Herd are off an ugly loss, the Irish are off an easy win. That is noteworthy in this spot because the over is 13-6 when the Fighting Irish are off a game which they led by 20 or more points at the half. 10* OVER the total in Notre Dame

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Game #735 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in DePaul Blue Demons vs South Florida Bulls @ 7 ET - I am aware of the injury situation for the Blue Demons. The following 3 players are listed as questionable for tonight: Devin Gage, Eli Cain, Jaylen Butz. However, not only do I most certainly NOT expect all 3 of those guys to miss tonight's game and a chance to win the CBI Championship on their home floor, note that the other 5 plays (NONE listed on injury report) are the DePaul players that accounted for 90 of their 100 points in Wednesday's OT win! The point is, we still have plenty of potency with this Blue Demons team regardless of those injured players but, again, I do expect at least 1 if not 2 of them to be good to go tonight. Even though Wednesday's game went to OT, they didn't need it to get the over. The teams totaled 164 points in regulation. With this game total opening up at a 147 and dropping to a 145 I love the value we're getting here in this spot. DePaul made only 31.8% of their threes in Game 2 on Wednesday and yet still totaled 100 points! The over is 9-5 this season in games where South Florida is an underdog. The Bulls are 12-6 to the over the last 18 times they've allowed 80 points or more in a game. DePaul is 15-7 to the over in home games this season. Also, the Blue Demons are 11-5 to the over in non-conference games, 9-4 to the over after allowing 80 or more points, and 4-1 to the over when they enter game having failed to cover the spread in each of their 3 prior games. All of those trends are current season trends and they continue here. 10* OVER the total in DePaul

Total of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Game #717 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in DePaul Blue Demons vs South Florida Bulls @ 8 ET - Since the CBI is a series, this sets up a classic situation that leads to great line value. The job of the odds makers is to set numbers that balance the action. Now, because Monday's Game 1 of this Best of 3 series ended up being so low scoring down in South Florida they've posted this one a full 5 points below the Monday opener. They had to do it because they know how the markets would have reacted if they had again posted a number north of 150. But the fact is the odds makers are quite sharp and their 151 in Game 1 was posted with full reasoning and logic. That said, the fact the series has now shifted to Chicago is actually MORE conducive to an over and yet the odds makers had to give a lower number. The home team tends to have more impact of controlling the tempo and pace in games and that favored South Florida on Monday and the Bulls are known for relying on their defense to win games. DePaul, on the other hand, pays little attention to defense and loves to run and gun. The Blue Demons are averaging 81 points per game when at home this season and, keep in mind, they've allowed an average of 76 points per game on the season. The over in DePaul home games went 14-7 this season. Also, the Blue Demons are were 10-4 to the over in non-conference games prior to Monday's game staying under the total. Look for the home team to force a much different pace in this game than what we saw Monday. South Florida is on a 14-4 run to the over in Wednesday games. The Bulls, as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points, are 4-1 to the over. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in DePaul

Total Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Game #693 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Kentucky Wildcats vs Auburn Tigers @ 2:20 ET - The way Auburn is red hot from three point land it is very hard not to like the over in this match-up. What is most impressive about the Tigers run is that all this hot shooting has come in games played on a neutral floor. Auburn has shot 35% or better from 3-point land in 8 straight games and each of the last 7 were games played on a neutral floor. Incredibly, the Tigers have shot about 42% from 3-point land in their last 5 games! They will score plenty here against Kentucky but won't be able to stop the Wildcats. Keep in mind, Auburn has allowed an average of 77 points in their last 3 games and the over is a perfect 4-0 in Auburn's last 4 games. Kentucky is off back to back low-scoring games but that had a lot to do with the type of teams they faced. Prior to those two match-ups, the Wildcats had scored an average of 77 points per game in their 3 previous games. Kentucky is averaging 76 points per game on the season and Auburn is averaging 80 points per game on the season. The over is 14-5 this season in Auburn's games with a posted total in the 140s and I love the value here as this total first opened at a 144.5 offshore and is now a 140.5 as of early Sunday morning. The Wildcats averaged 81 points per game in their two games with Auburn this season! 10* OVER the total in Kentucky 

March Madness Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Game #684 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Texas Tech Red Raiders @ 6:10 ET - The very first total that popped up offshore on this game early Friday morning was 140 and now we're looking at a 137. Yes, I am well aware of the Red Raiders defense but their not stopping this Bulldogs offense. Gonzaga has the most efficient offense in the nation and, unlike what Texas Tech saw with Michigan, these Bulldogs will be on the run in transition. Unlike the Wolverines, the Bulldogs aren't going to allow this game to settle down into a match-up filled with halfcourt sets. Every chance they get Gonzaga will be pushing the pace and I look for plenty of points in this one because you also don't want to count out the Red Raiders offensive production. Texas Tech scored "only" 63 points in the win over the Wolverines but Michigan is one of the toughest teams in the nation to score on. Prior to that, the Red Raiders had scored 70 points or more in 10 straight games! In fact, Texas Tech averaged 79.4 points per game in those 10 games! Gonzaga is averaging 88.2 points per game on the season! The over is 11-2 in Red Raiders Saturday games this season. The over is a long-term 19-8 in Bulldogs neutral court games with a total in a range of 135 to 139.5 points. Both these teams can play some D but take a look at their full season numbers on offense (including shooting percentages) and you can't help but be very impressed. That said, and knowing the Bulldogs plan of attack for this game, this is a generously priced total that we can take advantage of. 10* OVER the total in Gonzaga

Total of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Game #655 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Florida State Seminoles @ 7:10 ET - These teams each have big frontcourts and that gives them a solid line of defense in the paint. However, don't underestimate the potency of each one of these offenses and also don't forget the big points they've given up in similar match-ups. Yes I know last season's match-up stayed well under the total but now this season's total posted for this game has been adjusted below that one even though one could easily make a case for this game being much higher scoring. Note that Gonzaga is ranked as the most efficient offense in the nation and they are averaging 88.6 points per game on the season. However, also note that the Bulldogs faced two ACC opponents this season (NC and Duke) and they allowed an average of 95 points per game in those two games! As for Florida State, they are surging with confidence in the offensive end after putting up 90 in their 2nd round win. On the defensive end though lets look at how they fared against Duke (twice) and North Carolina. The Seminoles allowed an average of 77 points per game in their 3 meetings with those powerful offenses. Based on the above you can see why plenty of points are likely in this one! Also, in games with a posted total of 144 or more, the Bulldogs are 4-1 to the over their last 5. Florida State has gone over the total in each of their NCAA Tourney games thus far and Zags games against ACC teams both flew over the total this season. 10* OVER the total in Gonzaga

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #635 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in DePaul Blue Demons vs Coastal Carolina Chanticleers @ 8 ET - The over is a PERFECT 6-0 in the Blue Demons last 6 games. DePaul has allowed an average of 87 points per game in its last 4 games. Coastal Carolina enters this game having scored an average of 95 points per game in its last 2 games. You can see why we should expect plenty of points here as the Chanticleers are hot in the offensive end and the Blue Demons are about the furthest thing from a defensive-minded team. DePaul relies on quick-strike scoring to beat teams and they will simply look to run and gun their way past Coastal Carolina. Of course the Blue Demons have played a tougher schedule than the Chanticleers and that is why I expect DePaul to enjoy plenty of success in the offensive end. I just don't foresee the Blue Demons as being able to stop Coastal Carolina in this one and we should see a wildly high-scoring affair. DePaul has averaged 90.3 points per game in its last 6 games. The Chanticleers have allowed an average of 81 points per game in their last 10 games. The over is a long-term 4-1 in Coastal Carolina semi-final games in tournaments. The over is 13-7 in Blue Demons home games this season and I look for their overall streak with totals to make it 7 in a row on Wednesday. 10* OVER the total in DePaul

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #871 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Houston Cougars vs Ohio State Buckeyes @ 8:40 ET - The odds makers, fully unaware that the Cougars are a strong defensive team, put the first number on the total in this game at 134. Of course I am joking but I do think many will still feel this total is too high even though it has dropped to a 132 now. The fact is the odds makers are sharper than many people give them credit for. Of course Houston has a strong defense but Ohio State is use to a banging and bruising style in the Big Ten and the Cougars are too smart to let this game turn into a half-course snooze fest. Houston's best bet is to be quick and not allow the Buckeyes to get comfortable playing their typical style. That said, Ohio State is going to get their fair share of points here but they won't be able to stop Houston either. The Buckeyes had a poor shooting effort but snuck by Iowa State in the first round. Note that Ohio State had averaged scoring 72 points per game in their 3 games prior to facing the Cyclones and all 3 of those went over the total. The Cougars are on an under streak right now but they scored 84 points in their first round game and that means Houston has now scored 84 points or more in 6 of their last 10 games. The Cougars averaged 76 points per game this season. Many people talk about their defensive play but also fail to realize how efficient their offense is too. This one will see both teams get to 70 in my opinion. The over is a long-term 25-15 in Buckeyes NCAA Tourney games. The under in the 1st round was their first under in 4 neutral court games this season. The Cougars are 6-3 to the over in a neutral court game where the total is 130 to 134.5 points. 10* OVER the total in Houston

1st Round Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Game #797 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Duke Blue Devils vs North Dakota State Bison @ 7:10 ET - The Bison are known for their hot shooting ability but they also are horrible defensively. I expect that to lead to plenty of points in this one. North Dakota State is now 6-2 to the over this season in neutral site games after their game versus North Carolina Central on Wednesday easily went over the total. The Bison have scored an average of 79 points per game in their 8 neutral site games this season. ND St has shot better than 40% from three point land in EACH of their last four games. The way I see this game playing out is that Duke will score a ton of points and get out to a huge lead and then will be able to relax defensively. This will open up the scoring for the Bison in "garbage time" as this game goes on. North Dakota State has proven all season long they have sharpshooters and that will help send this one over the total because Duke might get to triple digits on their own in this one! The over is 4-1 in Bison NCAA Tournament games. The Blue Devils are a long-term 16-10 to the over in games with a posted total in the 140s. Also, just two of Duke's last 6 NCAA Tournament games have resulted in an under. The Blue Devils averaged 88 points per game this season in games where they were favored by 13 or more points. 10* OVER the total in Duke

Total Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Game #783 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Kansas Jayhawks vs Northeastern Huskies @ 4 ET - The Huskies live and die with the 3-ball but it looks like that should set them up very well in this game. Northeastern knocked down an incredible 40% of their three pointers this season in road games! Kansas allowed a whopping 37.4% from beyond the arc in their road games this season. In other words, the Huskies should do some damage with their outside shooting in this game. The key to the value with the over here is that, while Northeastern should score plenty, they will struggle to stop a high-power Kansas attack that was one of the top scoring teams in the Big 12. The Jayhawks went 9-3 to the over in non-conference games this season. Also, Kansas is 7-2 to the over the past two seasons in NCAA Tournament games! Overall, Jayhawks games played in the month of March on a 15-6 run to the over. The Huskies are 11-6 to the over this season in games with a posted total in the 140s. Northeastern is 8-4 to the over in non-conference games this season. Huskies have allowed 46% shooting to their opponents on the season. Plenty of points in this one! 10* OVER the total in Kansas

Big Ten #1 Top Game O/U - Rickenbach CBB Game #655 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Michigan State Spartans vs Michigan Wolverines @ 3:30 ET - The over is a perfect 5-0 in the last 5 meetings between these teams. Also, the over is 9-4 when Michigan State, past the midway point in a season, faces a team that is allowing 64 points or less per game. Why? The reason is because the oddsmakers tend to over-adjust when the Spartans are matched up with a team that is also strong defensively just like they are. That said, we've got a lot of value here as this total opened up in the mid-130s but has dropped down to as low as 130 early this morning. Even with yesterday's Michigan game staying under the total, the over is still on a 7-3 run in Wolverines conference tournament games. The Spartans game yesterday also stayed under the total but that is part of what is driving the total down in this one and leading to even more value on the over. 70% of yesterday's games stayed under the total and the betting public is always guilty of being very short-sighted. Just because the majority of games stayed under the total yesterday does not mean a repeat performance today. Yet you're seeing most of the unders getting pounded today. Even though both these teams were involved in unders yesterday, the Spartans scored 67 points and they're averaging 79 points per game on the season! The Wolverines scored 76 points yesterday and they've scored 69 points or more in 8 of their last 11 games. 10* OVER the total in the Big Ten Championship Game

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #629 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Villanova Wildcats vs Seton Hall Pirates @ 6:30 ET - The over is 3-0 in Villanova's last 3 games and the Wildcats game with the Pirates last Saturday totaled 154 points. Seton Hall enters this game having allowed 70 points or more in 7 of its last 9 games. The Pirates have also scored 70 points or more in each of their last 5 games away from home. Villanova has scored over 70 points in 4 straight games. Based on these numbers it is very reasonable to expect this game to get into the 140s. The over is on an 11-5 run in Seton Hall's tournament games. The over is on a 10-4 run in Wildcats games played away from home. These teams shot the 3-ball very well in their last meeting and I expect more of the same in the rematch as they play their 3rd straight game in 3 days at Madison Square Garden in New York. 10* OVER the total in Villanova

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Game #635 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New Mexico Lobos vs Wyoming Cowboys @ 4:30 ET - These teams just met at Wyoming on Saturday and the game totaled 169 points. The Lobos totaled 81 points and the amazing aspect of that is that New Mexico had 7 players that played 17 minutes or more in the game and 4 of the 7 combined to make just 9 of their 35 field goal attempts. Even with poor shooting from 4 guys whom each had at least 7 field goal attempts, New Mexico still put up 81 points on the scoreboard. Both the Lobos and Cowboys are two of the worst teams defensively in the Mountain West in terms of points allowed. Also, Wyoming has built up confidence (particularly on the offensive end) based on recent performances. The Cowboys have won back to back games for the first time this season and Wyoming has averaged scoring 80.3 points per game their last 3 games. On the season the Lobos have averaged 76 points per game so I expect plenty of points in this one. New Mexico has averaged 92 points per game in their last 4 meetings with Wyoming. The Cowboys have scored 75 points or more in 3 of last 4 meetings with Lobos. Also, in the last 3 meetings NOT played at New Mexico (either at Wyoming or at neutral site) the Cowboys have averaged scoring 92.3 points per game! The over is 3-0 in Wyoming's last 3 games overall. The over is 4-1 this season in Lobos games with a posted total of 148 or less. This one falls into that category and after opening as high as a 147 has dropped to as low as a 145.5 as of early this morning. That is a value add I won't pass up. 10* OVER the total in New Mexico 

The Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Game #839 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in East Carolina Pirates vs Connecticut Huskies @ 2 ET - Two of the worst teams in the American Athletic Conference matched up in this season finale. Allowing too many points has been a big part of the problem for both teams. The Huskies tend to forget their defense at home when they have hit the road this season! Connecticut held the Shockers to 65 points at Wichita State in their most recent road game but previously had allowed 77 points per game in their 4 prior road games. The Huskies gave up at least 73 points in all 4 of those road games. As for East Carolina, they've allowed 72 points or more in 7 straight games. In those 7 games, the Pirates have allowed an average of 81.6 points per game. Look for both teams to play very loose in this season finale. Certainly the Pirates are the lesser of the two teams but East Carolina's games had gone over the total in 4 straight games prior to their ugly loss at Wichita State. In those 4 games the Pirates averaged scoring 75.3 points per game. Look for both teams to get into the 70s in this one as it flies over the total. On the season Connecticut is allowing 78 points per game when on the road. The Pirates are allowing 74 points on the season in all their games. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in East Carolina

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #707 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Memphis Tigers vs Tulsa Golden Hurricane @ 9:30 ET - Many will look at this total and feel it is too big but I see plenty of value here with the over. Memphis has locked in their seeding for the upcoming AAC Tourney and now at home on senior day. The Tigers are loaded with seniors and will be able to play a loose and relaxed game with no pressure. That will equate to plenty of points in this one as Tulsa certainly is fine with a fast-paced style as well. The first meeting between these teams this season saw the teams combine for 174 points. The Golden Hurricane scored 95 in that game and they enter this game off a confidence-boosting win versus East Carolina. They put up 91 points in that game and even though the Pirates are a bad team, having a huge performance like that does wonders for the confidence of scorers. In other words, look for Tulsa to again be lighting up the scoreboard in this one but, at the same time, Memphis is going to have a huge game in their home finale. The Tigers are off a bit of a grinder at Cincinnati but that is typical Bearcats basketball. Now Memphis will go back into run and gun mode for this one and the Tigers had averaged 90 points per game in their 3 games prior to the loss to Cincy. The Golden Hurricane are 5-1 to the over this season when off a game in which they scored 80 or more points. Tulsa is 4-0 to the over this season in games against teams that average 77 points or more per game. The Tigers are 8-3 to the over in Saturday games this season. 10* OVER the total in Memphis

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #601 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Butler Bulldogs vs Xavier Musketeers @ 6 ET - Butler's game at Villanova stayed under the total but they entered that game having gone over the total in 4 straight games. All signs point to the over trend resuming here. The Bulldogs have allowed 49% or more from the field in 3 of their last 4 games. Also, Butler has allowed 48% or more from the field in 7 of their last 10 games. On Tuesday they are hosting a Xavier team that has been red hot with their shooting. The Musketeers have averaged well over 50% from the field in their last 4 games and also have been consistently knocking down close to 40% of their threes during this stretch. The over only went 2-2 in those 4 games and Xavier is on a long-term under trend but that is helping keep this total lower than it should be. In fact it opened up as high as 140 but is now down to a 138 as of early Tuesday morning. This has led to even more value with the over. The last 6 meetings between these teams have seen 5 go over the total. The Musketeers are on a long-term 9-5 run to the over in games with a posted total in the 130s. Also, Xavier is a long-term 9-5 to the over as a road dog in a range of 3.5 to 6 points. When off a win against a Big East foe this season the Musketeers are 5-2 to the over. Also, there is a "tightener" in all this and that is that Xavier is a perfect 5-0 to the over the last 5 times they've been on the road in a game with a posted total between 135 and 139.5 points. Butler is 8-1 to the over the last 9 times they've been a home favorite in a range of 3.5 to 6 points. In home games with a posted total between 135 and 139.5 points, the Bulldogs are on a 6-1 run to the over. 10* OVER the total in Butler

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #821 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Temple Owls vs Tulane Green Wave @ 2 ET - There is unlikely to be very much defensive intensity in this match-up. The Owls are one of the top teams in the AAC while the Green Wave are the worst team in the conference. We're getting a little extra line value here because this season's first match-up between these teams stayed under the total. Keep in mind, the over was on a 5-0 run prior to that. Tulane is also a long-term 17-5 to the over when playing with home loss revenge. The Green Wave also are 4-1 to the over this season as a road dog of 12.5 or more points. Temple is 9-4 to the over in home games this season. Also, the Owls are a long-term 4-1 to the over when facing teams that allow an average of 77 points or more per game. The Green Wave enter this game having allowed 82.3 points per game their last 7 games. Tulane has averaged a respectable 73.7 points per game their last 3 games. Temple has scored 81 points or more in 5 of its last 6 home games in American Athletic Conference action. The Owls have allowed 74.6 points per game their last 5 games. You can see why I am expecting this game to get into the 150s or even 160s early Sunday afternoon. 10* OVER the total in Temple

PA Insider - Rickenbach CBB Game #827 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Xavier Musketeers vs Villanova Wildcats @ 1:30 ET - Great value with this low total in my opinion. Each of the last 3 meetings between these teams have totaled at least 154 points and the posted total on this one has gone from a 137.5 to a 136 as of early game day morning. I like the fact that Villanova is off back to back losses (and has lost 3 of their last 4 games) and is very hungry for a strong performance. The Wildcats won't take their foot off the gas in this game even if they end up getting a double digit lead. Based on the current line (Nova -6), you can see that is a distinct possibility. As for Xavier, they aren't exactly known for their defense. The Musketeers are allowing 71.6 points per game this season. Also, Xavier has allowed an average of 90 points per game in their last 3 games against the Wildcats. That might have you wondering if one of those games went to OT. No, none of the 3 games were OT games. Musketeers simply won't be able to stop the fired up Wildcats here but I do look for Xavier to score very well. The Musketeers are averaging 75.5 points per game at home this season and the Wildcats defense has not been as strong this season. Villanova is allowing an average of 74 points per game in their last 6 road games! The over is 7-3 this season in Wildcats road games. Also, when off a loss in conference action, Villanova is 6-3 to the over their last 9 games. Xavier is 4-1 to the over this season when off a win in conference action and they come into this game with some added confidence thanks to a 3-game winning streak. Also, the Musketeers are 9-4 to the over their last 13 games with a posted total in the 130s. Look for another one here! 10* OVER the total in Xavier

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Game #631 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Missouri State Bears vs Indiana State Sycamores @ 2 ET - This total opened up in the 135 range and has dropped to the 130 range. When these teams met last month the posted total was 148. This is the type of major adjustment I look for. Of course the Bears have been trending under all season long but the odds makers factored that into their opening number (135) already. Now the betting markets have forced the total to adjust another 5 points. This is how you get extra value in a situation like this because the numbers don't bear out that this game will finish below 130. The Sycamores are off a RARE gem on defense where they allowed just 50 points but that game was at home. In their last 4 road games, Indiana State has allowed an average of 80.5 points per game! Missouri State is off an embarrassing 63-43 home loss. That's right, the Bears scored just 43 points in their most recent game and it was at home. Prior to that Missouri State had scored at least 65 points in each of their 4 prior games. So here you have a situation where the road team is off one of their best defensive performances (rare) of the season and the home team is off one of their worst offensive performances (rare) of the season. The result here is tremendous line value. The first meeting this season stayed under the total but prior to that these teams had gone over in 5 straight meetings. Also, the over is 5-1 the last 6 times the Bears were the host in this series. 10* OVER the total in Missouri State

Total of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Game #607 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Michigan Wolverines @ 7 ET - The Wolverines are known for defense. However, Michigan also has been known for having some sub-par performances on the road. That said, the Golden Gophers offensive production also has been much better when at home. Combining those factors we've got great value here with a low total posted on this game. The first meeting between these teams this season stayed well under the total but both teams had horrible shooting nights. Prior to that game however, the over was 3-0 in the 3 prior meetings and those games averaged 157 points. Now, consider this as well. The total in the first game between these teams was posted at 137. Now, because of the low-scoring result in that match-up, we're seeing totals as low as 131.5 for this game as of early this morning. This is more than 5 points less than the first match-up even though the fact that this game is at Minnesota means it should be higher scoring. Keep in mind, the over is 8-4 the last 12 times the Golden Gophers have hosted the Wolverines. Also, Michigan has allowed 71.3 points per game in their last 3 road games. As for Minnesota, they've had one ugly recent performance at home versus Wisconsin. However, other than that, the Golden Gophers have averaged 80.3 points per game in their last 6 home games! Minnesota is a much more confident team when at home and their shooting stats show that. Also, the over is 10-5 in Golden Gophers home games this season. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER the total in Minnesota

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Game #801 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Massachusetts Minutemen vs George Washington Colonials @ 7 ET - This is a type of late-season match-up that I look for when looking for games that should turn into a shootout. Here you have two teams both have disappointing seasons, with a history of high-scoring games when they meet, both shooting the ball well of late, and both struggling on the defensive end of late. Seriously, who is really to going to play intense defense here? There is just no high motivation for defense in this match-up and the 'kicker' for me was confirming that UMass guard Luwane Pipkins (hamstring) did upgraded from questionable to probable. I do expect him to be good to go here. The over is a perfect 5-0 in the last 5 meetings between these teams and all 5 games totaled at least 150 points. The Minutemen have shot over 40% from three point land in their last 3 games combined. However, Massachusetts has allowed 80 points or more in 2 of their last 3 games and they have allowed red hot hot shooting for their opponents in each of their last 3 games (despite the Davidson game being an ugly score, the shooting was there). As for George Washington, they've shot 40% or better from three point land in 3 straight games and all 3 went over the total. The Colonials, however, have allowed 82.3 points per game in their last 3 games as they surrendered hot shooting over this 3-game stretch. The over is 15-8 when UMass is off a game in which they allowed 80 or more points. Also, February games for the Minutemen are on a 15-3 run to the over. The over is 9-3 this season in George Washington games with a posted total in the 130s. Also, the Colonials are 10-2 to the over when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. Ideal set-up here for a shootout. 10* OVER the total in George Washington

Big Ten Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Game #625 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Iowa Hawkeyes vs Maryland Terrapins @ 8 ET - The earliest total that first popped up on this game was a 151.5 and now, as of early game day morning, the total has dropped to as low as a 147 in some books. I am happy to grab the extra value here. The over is 2-1 in the last 3 meetings between these teams and the lone under did total 150 points. In other words, at the current number posted on this game, the over would be a perfect 3-0 in the last 3 meetings. Look for the over to improve to 7-4 the last 11 times that Maryland has been on the road with a line ranging from a pick'em to a +3. The Terrapins have not had an over since mid-January - a stretch of NINE straight games. Their highest posted O/U in their last 5 games has been a 138. So the odds makers were fools to set this total at 151.5 as an opener, right? You guys know how I feel about this. When something looks "off" to the betting public it is usually for good reason! Keep in mind, Iowa is at home here and loaded with confidence as they continue to find ways to win games even when it takes late game "magic". That said, the Hawkeyes will continue to play at a fast pace here and will dictate the pace of this game with the Terps. Iowa's most recent game, at Rutgers, resulted in an under, but the over was 5-2 in the Hawkeyes 7 prior games. That's because Iowa averaged 81 points per game during that stretch and that is perfectly in line with their season average for points per game! The Hawkeyes are one of the highest-scoring teams in the Big Ten and are averaging 83.3 points per game at home this season. The over is 7-1 the last 8 times the Hawkeyes have been at home with their line ranging from a pick'em to a -3. Look for a shootout here. 10* OVER the total in Iowa

TV Game of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #853 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Wisconsin Badgers vs Illinois Illini @ 8 ET - The Illini are off a low-scoring upset win at Ohio State. Illinois is now 6-3 SU in their last 9 games. Also, prior to that rare low-scoring result with the Buckeyes, the Illini were on a 7-2 run to the over in their 9 previous games. One of the few ugly games during that stretch was when they lost at home to Wisconsin. In fact, other than the low-scoring win over the Buckeyes and the low-scoring loss to the Buckeyes, the Illini have scored 71 points or more in all their games since mid-January. In fact, in those 7 games Ilinois has averaged 81 points per game. Keep in mind, versus Wisconsin, the Illini should have scored just fine but they were completely off in that one. Illinois shot just 35.5% from the field, 54.5% from the free throw line, and 19% from three point land! Not only that but the Badgers Ethan Happ was limited by foul trouble and had one of his worst games of the season. Note that, even with all that, the game still totaled 132 points! That is why I feel we're getting great line value here with the low total posted on this one. Illinois is playing with a lot more confidence now than they were a month ago when these teams met in Champaign. I expect the Illini to get their fair share of points as a result but, keep in mind, this is still a team that is allowing 77 points per game on the road this season. The strength of Illinois certainly is not defense. Also, the Badgers have long been known for dominating the Illini and have scored an average of 75 points in the last 3 meetings. Wisconsin is 4-1 to the over when playing with 5 or 6 days of rest between games. The Badgers are 4-1 to the over as a home favorite in a range of 9.5 to 12 points. Illinois is 4-1 to the over as a road dog in a range of 9.5 to 12 points. 10* OVER the total in Wisconsin 

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #719 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New Mexico Lobos vs Fresno State Bulldogs @ 7 ET - The over is a perfect 3-0 in the last 3 meetings between these teams. The first meeting this season at Fresno State saw the Lobos score 70 points despite shooting only 31.9% from the field. Both teams were horrible from beyond the arc in that game too as they combined for a ridiculously bad 12 of 57 performance from three point land. The point is that, even with all that poor shooting, the game totaled 152 points. Why? Because these teams are known for playing at a great pace in their meetings and, keep in mind, the two prior meetings saw those games average 175 points! This is also the type of situation I love to look for with overs. You have the lesser team, New Mexico, at home and seeking revenge. The Lobos are averaging 80 points per game at home this season. They'll look to win this game with a red hot shooting night and they are known to "run and gun" at home. Of course Fresno State is happy to play the same pace here as they are off a low-scoring win versus Boise State but the Bulldogs previously scored an average of 80 points per game in their 4 prior games. The Lobos confidence at home is very high right now as they have scored 83 points or more in 4 of their 6 home games since the 1st of the year. Look for the over to improve to 4-1 this season in Lobos games with a posted total in the 140s this season. The over is a perfect 3-0 the last 3 times Fresno State has played at New Mexico. The Lobos give the Bulldogs all they can handle here and the result is a shootout. 10* OVER the total in New Mexico

PA Insider - Rickenbach CBB Game #611 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in James Madison Dukes vs Drexel Dragons @ 7 ET - When Drexel travels away from Philly they have shown a strong tendency for leaving their defense at home! The Dragons have allowed insane numbers on the road: 82.8 ppg, 51.6% from the field, and 42.9% from 3-point land! Another weakness of Drexel is they have a weak bench so their starters tend to get over-used. However, they are all very capable scorers (all 5 averaging in double digits on the season) and the Dragons starting five is well-rested here. Drexel hasn't played since Saturday and they shot 53.7% from the field against the College of Charleston but the Dragons also allowed 52.5% from the field in a 2-point loss that totaled 170 points. We have great value with the rather low total posted on this one as Drexel has shown a tendency all season long to get involved in very high-scoring games away from home. James Madison is likely to oblige the "run and gun" style in this one as the Dukes, even though they allowed only 66 points at Towson, allowed 51.1% shooting! James Madison has allowed 49% or better from the field in 5 of their last 7 games. The Dukes, prior to holding Towson to 66, allowed an average of 79.5 in their 6 prior games. The over was 5-2 in James Madison's 7 games prior to the Towson game staying under the total. The Dukes are averaging 76.6 ppg at home this season and have revenge from losing at Drexel this season and from getting knocked out of the conference tourney by the Dragons a year ago. That means they won't take their foot off the gas here but Drexel can match them bucket for bucket. In other words, plenty of points in this one! 10* OVER the total in James Madison

Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach CBB Game #855 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in North Carolina Tar Heels @ 7 ET - There are 3 teams that are clearly the top teams in the ACC. That group includes these two matched up here as well as Duke. There is no doubt that the Tar Heels are very similar in style to the Blue Devils. This is the only regular season meeting between North Carolina and Virginia. That said, lets look at how the Cavaliers fared against Duke this season. They just had their 2nd match-up of the season on Saturday. The Blue Devils scorched the Cavs from three point land. In the prior meeting this season, at Duke, the Cavaliers held Duke in check but gave up too much inside. That is why the Blue Devils averaged 76.5 points per game this season in their two games against the vaunted defense of Virginia. Note that UNC is averaging 88.3 points per game on the season. You can see where I am going with this. The fact is the Tar Heels are going to "get theirs" in this game in terms of scoring plenty of points. They do not want to let UVA control the tempo here and, since this game is at North Carolina, I do expect the Tar Heels to have quite a say so in the tempo of this game. The Heels will look to run and gun and create quick transition scoring opportunities. The Cavaliers defensive mindset is still shaken from getting blitzed by Duke and now they have to face a team that is averaging even more points per game than Duke this season. This is a tough match-up for the Cavs but I do expect them to score plenty. Virginia has shot 47% from the field on the road and averaged 70 points per game away from home this season. The over is 4-1 in the Cavaliers last 5 games against teams with a winning record. The over is 3-1 in Tar Heels home games with a posted total between 140 and 144.5 points. North Carolina wants revenge for last season's ACC Tourney loss to the Cavaliers and the Tar Heels know they will NOT get revenge by playing a plodding slow style here. In other words, this game has "up tempo" written all over it! 10* OVER the total in North Carolina

Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach CBB Game #837 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets @ 6 ET - There is a long history of match-ups between Notre Dame and Georgia Tech staying under the total. That continued in this season's earlier match-up at Georgia Tech 3 weeks ago. The Yellow Jackets are known for getting involved in low-scoring grinder type games. Looking at the final score of 63-61 in the Jackets win over the Fighting Irish 3 weeks ago it looks like Georgia Tech was very successful in slowing down Notre Dame. However, when one digs a little deeper one finds that the Irish actually attempted 65 shots in the game including 30 three pointers! So it wasn't really the tempo of the game that kept it under the total, it was the fact that the Irish shot very poorly in that game. I don't expect a repeat of that here. The Fighting Irish are not offensive juggernauts but they do average a solid 73 points per game when at home this season. They also are allowing 68 points per game at home. It will be Notre Dame, on their home floor, dictating the pace in this game and I expect us to get well above the 128 that is currently posted on this one. You can see that Fighting Irish games tend to total around 140 points and they're very likely to shoot much better in this rematch. Also, the over is a long-term 29-16 (including 6-2 in recent seasons) when the Irish are a home favorite in a range of 3.5 to 6 points. The over is 6-3 when Georgia Tech enters a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. 10* OVER the total in Notre Dame

PA Insider - Rickenbach CBB Game #851 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Joseph's Hawks vs St Louis Billikens @ 7 ET - These teams have a history of playing to the under in recent meetings. However, there is plenty of reason to believe that this one snaps that trend. When these teams met three weeks ago at St Louis, the Hawks shot only 29.5% from the field and allowed the Billikens to shoot only 38.6% from the field. Even with those very ugly numbers the game totaled 125 points. This total, as of early game day morning, is currently as low as 131.5 points and I feel we're getting great value here when you consider the first result between these teams. The reason is because St Joseph's will look to increase the pace on their home floor and also it is highly unlikely that we'll see such poor shooting in the rematch. How unlikely? The Hawks have allowed at least 43% from the field in each of their five games since the loss at St Louis and 4 of the 5 games saw St Joseph's opponents shoot 46% or better from the field. The Hawks allowed 73.6 points per game in those 5 games. Also, St Joseph's other 7 games since mid-January (other than the ugly performance against the Billikens) have seen them held under 40% from the field just 1 other time. In the other 6 games the Hawks averaged 70.3 points per game. You can see why I am expecting this game to get to the 140 to 145 range tonight. The Billikens have allowed their last 3 opponents to average 48% from the field and St Louis has shot 42% or better in 3 straight games. The Hawks are hungry for revenge here and they know they can't afford to let the Billikens turn this game into a "grinder" so I expect a lot of pressure and that can turn into turnovers and quick transition points as well as breakdowns in defense when St Louis beats the pressure. In other words, there is going to be some quick scoring runs throughout this game in my opinion. The over is a perfect 3-0 when St Louis is a road favorite of 3 points or less. The over is 12-5 in St Joseph's February games. Also, the Hawks are 3-0 to the over as a home dog of 3 points or less. 10* OVER the total in St Joseph's

TV Game of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #607 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Ohio State Buckeyes vs Penn State Nittany Lions @ 7 ET - This is a revenge game for the Buckeyes as they lost to the Nittany Lions in the Big Ten Conference Tournament in March. That said, Ohio State is not going to take their foot off the gas in this one and they are known for scoring very well on their home floor. The Buckeyes have averaged 77.3 points per game in their home games this season. However, something about Ohio State always seems to bring out the best in Penn State and the Nittany Lions have averaged 75 points per game in their last 4 games against the Buckeyes. I would not be surprised to see PSU trading buckets with OSU for much of this game and we should see some great scoring runs throughout this contest. The first total that popped up on this game offshore was 132.5 and it dropped to a 131 as of early this morning and I feel we have great value here with the over. Each of the last 5 meetings between these teams have totaled at least 135 points. The over is 8-3 in Penn State's last 11 visits to Ohio State. The over is also 5-1 in the Buckeyes last 6 home games entering this contest. Though the Nittany Lions have mostly trended under this season, the over is 3-1 the last 4 times Penn State has been a road underdog in a range of 6.5 to 9 points. The over is also 3-1 this season in Buckeyes home games versus teams with a losing record. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Ohio State

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Game #833 Saturday CBB 10* Top Play OVER the total in California Golden Bears vs Stanford Cardinal @ 4 ET - Those who appreciate strong defensive play in college hoops might want to look elsewhere on Saturday. The Cardinal are allowing 74 points per game on the road this season. The Golden Bears are allowing 50% from the field, 38.5% from three point land, and 79 points per game on the season! Each of the last 3 regular season meetings between these teams has resulted in an over and this total on Sunday is low enough to fully expect another one. The over is 4-2 in Stanford's last 6 road games. The over is 4-2 in California's last 6 home games. The average points scored in the last 6 road games for the Cardinal is 151. For Cal, 5 of their last 6 home games have totaled at least 146 points. That is why the small drop on this total this morning carries even a little more significance for our purposes here. In terms of long-term trending, the over is 11-3 in Stanford's February games the last two years. The over is 4-1 when the Golden Bears are playing with 7 or more days of rest between games and also 4-1 when the Bears are a home dog in a range of 3.5 to 6 points. Look all these trends to continue here on Sunday afternoon. 10* OVER the total in California

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #861 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Iowa Hawkeyes vs Michigan Wolverines @ 7 ET - The fact this game is at Iowa makes a big difference. This is a contrarian play because Michigan is allowing just 56 points per game this season. If that average were to hold true and they win the game by 4 points as odds makers are calling for, you've got a 60-56 game that falls well short of this total. So the odds makers must have made a big mistake, right? Of course not! The fact is that Iowa is fully capable of putting up big points (they average 82 per game this season) and this is particularly true when they are at home where the shooters are even more comfortable. The over is actually 7-1 the last 8 times these teams have met at Iowa. The Hawkeyes also lost to the Wolverines in the Big Ten tourney last season so there is extra motivation here - and, by the way, that neutral site game also went over the total. The Hawkeyes enter this game off a defeat and the over is 4-0 this season when they are off a Big Ten loss. The over is 9-5 in Michigan's February games the past two years. The long-term trending of these games going over when the Hawkeyes are the host continues here. 10* OVER the total in Iowa

Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach CBB Game #635 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Georgetown Hoyas vs Xaviers Musketeers @ 8 ET - The last 7 meetings between these teams have all gone over the total. In addition to that perfect 7-0 O/U record, the over is 11-3 this season in Georgetown's games against teams with a winning record. The Hoyas are on an 8-1 run to the over in their last 9 games overall. Georgetown is averaging 87 points per game this season but their defense certainly has not been overly impressive. That is where Xavier will look to take advantage. The Musketeers are off a loss versus Marquette Saturday where they had a big lead but perhaps got a little too complacent with hit and they paid the ultimate price as the Golden Eagles rallied for the win. Xavier won't make the same mistake here and they'll push the pace all game long and certainly the Hoyas are proven to enjoy the "run and gun" game this season. The over is 4-1 in the Musketeers last 5 games. Xavier has struggled to stop the 3-point shot this season and the Hoyas are averaging 38% from beyond the arc in their home games. In other words, look for a high-paced shootout and I am happy to take advantage of the line move here too as this one opened up at a 155 but is down to a 152.5 as of early game day morning. 10* OVER the total in Georgetown

Game of the Week total - Rickenbach CBB Game #619 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Texas Longhorns vs Kansas Jayhawks @ 7 ET - The very first total that popped up on this game was 141 yesterday. It has been adjusted down to as low as a 139 now. The last 7 meetings between these teams have all totaled at least 142 points. That's 7 straight game totals in match-ups between these teams that have eclipsed the total on this game. I understand the mindset that the Longhorns have to bounce back at home after giving up 98 points at Georgia in the Big 12/SEC Challenge this past weekend. However, Texas giving up high percentage shots on defense has been a recurring them in recent weeks. The O/U in Horns games is now 4-1 their last 5 and that includes 2-0 in home games. The Longhorns have allowed an average of 76.6 points per game during this stretch. As for Kansas, they employ a 4-guard lineup and of course that can cause some issues defending the paint and rebounding. The Jayhawks can score just fine though as they're averaging 77.3 points per game on the season. However, Kansas has allowed 72.5 points per game their last 4 games and the Longhorns have averaged 78 points per game in their last 3 meetings with the Jayhawks. That includes the 80-78 loss at Kansas two weeks ago. The over is 3-0 in the last 3 meetings between these teams. Also, the over is 7-0 in Jayhawks games with a posted total between 130 and 139.5 points. The Kansas over is also 9-3 this season when off a non-conference game. The over is 5-2 in the Longhorns last 7 home games. 10* OVER the total in Texas

Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach CBB Game #835 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Iowa Hawkeyes @ 5 ET - Iowa is averaging 82 points per game this season. Minnesota is averaging 80 points per game at home this season. The over is a long-term 17-9 when the Hawkeyes are off a Big Ten loss and that includes a perfect 3-0 this season. Also, when on the road in a game with a line ranging from pick'em to +3, Iowa has gone a perfect 3-0 to the over the past two seasons. Minnesota is 4-1 to the over the past two seasons in home games in which their line ranges from pick'em to -3. The Golden Gophers are also 3-0 to the over this season when off a game in which they were held to 60 points or less. Minny goes from facing the Big Ten's top defense (Michigan) to one of the Big Ten's worst (Iowa). The Hawkeyes go from facing a strong Michigan State defense to facing a Gophers D that, prior to the low-scoring grudge match with the Wolverines, had allowed 78 points per game in their 4 prior games. The Golden Gophers are allowing 38% three pointers at home this season and Iowa is a strong team from beyond the arc. This one turns into a shootout. 10* OVER the total in Minnesota

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #857 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Creighton Bluejays vs Butler Bulldogs @ 8:30 ET - The very first number that popped up offshore on this total was a 157 and it has since plummeted to as low as 152.5 in some spots. In typical contrarian fashion I am on the over here but it is, of course, not without reason. First off, Butler is 7-0 to the over this season in conference games. Secondly, Creighton is 3-0 to the over this season when playing with road loss revenge. The Bluejays lost at Butler earlier this month and that game was the 2nd straight in this series that flew over the total. Look for this one to make it 3 in a row. Creighton relies heavily on knocking down their 3-pointers and they are hitting 47.7% from beyond the arc in home games this season. Butler is also having a solid season from 3-point land as the Bulldogs are hitting 37.4% of their threes on the season. In fact, Butler has averaged better than 40% from three point land in their last 4 games and two of those games were on the road as well! Amazingly, the Bluejays have hit 40% or better from three point land in 9 of their 10 home games this season. The lone exception was against Ohio State and they still hit 36% against the Buckeyes! Creighton is loaded with shooters and they particularly like the "run and gun" approach when playing at home. Look for the over to improve to 10-5 this season in Bluejays games against teams with a winning record. Take advantage of the drop on this total from the opener. 10* OVER the total in Creighton

Game of the Week total - Rickenbach CBB Game #609 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Temple Owls vs Memphis Tigers @ 7 ET - The very first total that popped up on this game yesterday afternoon was a 160 and not surprisingly the under starting getting hit and it has dropped as low as a 157.5 this morning. The fact is that this total may seem too big but Temple is at home and is going to get big points here but the problem is they are one of the worst teams in the AAC in a number of defensive categories. One they do excel in is steals which of course leads to a lot of transition points. However, a gambling mentality on defense (going for those steals) also can lead to open looks and easy scoring opportunities for the opposition when Temple fails to get the steal. Facing a Memphis team that is the top scoring team in the AAC means this game is going to be played with a great tempo for over players. The Tigers are averaging 84 points per game this season. The Owls are a 5 point favorite here. If Memphis hits their average and Temple wins by the margin the odds maker is suggesting you've got an 89-84 game that crushes the posted total by 15 points here. In other words, we've got some value here with this total in my opinion. The Tigers love to play up tempo basketball and the Owls will be happy to oblige on their home floor. Temple, prior to their 77-70 loss to Penn, had scored over 80 points in 4 of their last 6 home games. Memphis, other than neutral court games, has scored at least 76 points in every single game this season! That is another way to look at this total too. If the Tigers hit that mark of 76 (they've never failed to at home or in a true road game this season) and the Owls win by 5, you're already at 157 points here. Again, you can see why I am liking the value here in a game that many will perceive to have "too high" of a total. Memphis is 8-4 to the over this season in games against teams with a winning record. The Owls, since the calendar turned the page to 2019, have gone a perfect 6-0 to the over. Look for 7 straight here! 10* OVER the total in Temple

Game of the Week total - Rickenbach CBB Game #603 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Kentucky Wildcats vs Mississippi State Bulldogs @ 7 ET - Two very talented teams matched up here and they are loaded with balanced scoring. I don't see the Bulldogs as being able to slow down the Wildcats scorers at Kentucky. In fact the over is 5-0 in Mississippi State's last 5 road games at Kentucky. Though the Bulldogs won't be able to stop the Cats here, note that Mississippi State ranks 2nd in the SEC for number of 3-pointers made this season. Both of these teams have been lighting it up overall from the floor as well as from beyond the arc. Kentucky is averaging 80 points per game and the Bulldogs are averaging 79 points per game this season. Yes there will be some defensive intensity in this key SEC battle but note that this can also lead to turnovers and quick transition points and both of these teams have been lethal at making teams pay for mistakes. Overall, Mississippi State enters this game having gone 4-1 to the over in their last 5 games. Another key factor here is that the spread on this game has the Wildcats favored by about a half dozen points. This game is indeed likely to be quite close late and that means plenty of late fouls and trips the free throw line could result as the trailing team won't give up without a fight. Again, the ability of each team to knock down threes will also be key at that late stage in the game should we need "scramble points" like this in the final minutes. 10* OVER the total in Kentucky

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #857 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Nebraska Cornhuskers @ 8 ET - I lost with Nebraska on Thursday when their much improved offense fell short against the stifling defense of Michigan State. After that result, I had a strong feeling I would be involved with the Cornhuskers again in their very next game and, sure enough, we've got great value here. The value in this one lies with the total. I know that this series with Rutgers has a recent history of staying under the total but Nebraska is going to have a breakout game on offense in this one but I am not about to lay a double digit spread on the road. This is one of those solid situations for an over as the road team is the superior team and highly motivated off a loss while the lesser team is at home where, as usual, most poor teams tend to score better. Rutgers will "get theirs" tonight but they're not going to be able to stop a Nebraska team that is averaging 77.7 points per game this season. Keep mind, the Scarlet Knights defense has not been as strong this season as it was last year and they're giving up a higher percentage on outside shots. The over is 3-0 this season when Nebraska is off a Big Ten loss. Prior to the Huskers ugly effort on offense versus the Spartans, they had shot 44% or better from the field in 12 straight games! The over was 5-1 this season in Rutgers Big Ten games before their low-scoring home loss to Northwestern. Including the loss to the Wildcats, the Scarlet Knights are allowing 75 points per game in Big Ten action this season. The Knights do shoot a little better when at home, the game versus Northwestern an exception, but they've also been getting lit up from beyond the arc and, overall, allowed 48% or higher from the field in 3 of their 4 games prior to the loss to the Wildcats. Look for the Huskers to get a big lead in this game and, because of being off a loss, they'll keep their foot on the gas but it is also natural to relax on defense with a big lead. The result should be a game that gets well into the 140s. 10* OVER the total in Rutgers

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #817 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston College Eagles vs Florida State Seminoles @ Noon ET - The over is a perfect 3-0 in the last 3 meetings between these teams. I also like having the lesser team, Boston College, at home in a situation like this. The Eagles should be able to score well since they're on their home floor but they have very little chance of slowing down the Seminoles in this one. That's because Boston College is a weak team defensively and Florida State enters this game off a loss and looking for a breakout game offensively. The Noles have faced tough match-ups recently at Pittsburgh, versus Duke, and at Virginia. Now the Seminoles can take advantage of facing a weaker foe with weaker defense. The over is 4-1 in Boston College's last 5 games. Also, the Eagles are 12-3 to the over when they enter game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. Overall, BC is on a long-term run of 25-10 to the over in home games. Florida State found it tough to score this season in only 3 games: at Pittsburgh, at Virginia, and on a neutral floor versus Villanova. In their other 14 games this season the Seminoles have averaged 82 points per game this season. They are a 7 point favorite. In other words if FSU scores like they normally do and the odds makers is right about the spread you have yourself an 82-75 type game which means this one should fly over by double digits. I'll take it. 10* OVER the total in Boston College 

ESPN Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #601 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Duke Blue Devils vs Virginia Cavaliers @ 6 ET - Once again the odds makers made a HUGE mistake, right? You guys know how I feel about the odds makers. Tremendous respect for the quality numbers they put out on games. That said, the last two meetings between these teams totaled just 120 points and 128 points. Yet, even though the Blue Devils also lost point guard Tre Jones to injury in their most recent game, this total opened up at a 140! The odds makers really screwed up, right? Hardly! The fact is people don't fully think about such things and Jones, even as described by his head coach, is a "defensive catalyst". On the flip side, in terms of offensive production, Duke is expected to have Cam Reddish back for this game and of course the Blue Devils are loaded with great offensive production including freshmen RJ Barrett (23.4 ppg) and Zion Williamson (21.2 ppg) - the two leading scorers in the ACC. Well aware of the Cavaliers defensive prowess but the Blue Devils have still averaged 64 points per game in their last two games against Virginia. Also, playing with home loss revenge from last season and arguably as dynamic as their offense has been this season, I look for the Blue Devils to get into the 70s in this one and Virginia will be right there with them! The Cavs are undefeated this season thanks, in part, to an offense that has averaged 74 points per game thus far. Look for the over to improve to 3-1 in Virginia's ACC games this season. The Blue Devils are 13-6 to the over when off a game in which they allowed 80 points or more. 10* OVER the total in Duke