My 10* Situational Stunner is on the GS Warriors at 8:35 ET.

James Harden is in sole possession of the second-longest 30-point scoring streak in NBA history at an astounding 32 games but his Houston Rockets lost 111-106 at teh Lakers in Houston's first game back from the break. Harden scored exactly 30 points before fouling out with 1:24 remaining on Thursday and watched from the bench as Houston finished squandering a 19-point lead in a 111-106 defeat at Staples Center. The Warriors returned from the break on Thursday as well, eking out a 125-123 win over the Sacramento Kings in Oakland. It's hardly been smooth sailing for Golden St this season but at 42-16, the Warriors own the West's best record and are within two games of Milwaukee for the NBA's best record, overall.

Houston center Clint Capela (17.5 PPG and 12.5 RPG are career highs!) returned from a 15-game absence on Thursday (thumb), scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in 33 minutes. However, the Rockets lost their second in a row and fell to 33-25, a full 12 games below where they stood at this point last season. Some analysts are grumbling about the club's style of play and reliance on Harden (36.5-6.7-7.7). Houston head coach Mike D'Antoni labeled such talk "absurd" before the Thursday game. "I don't know if they watched last year," he said of the naysayers. "Nobody else can do what he does. ... If you're a ball-stopper, usually you're inefficient. He's very efficient. So when the ball stops, it's a good thing."Is D'Antoni right? I'm NOT convinced.

KD (27.6-7.0-5.9) was named the MVP of Sunday’s All-Star Game in Charlotte, and he showed off his skills at both ends of the floor in Thursday's win. He scored 28 points, grabbed nine rebounds and handed out four assists while matching a career high with seven blocked shots! Curry (28.8-5.1-5.3) added 36 points while going 10-of-16 from 3-point range, setting an NBA record with his fifth game this season with 10 or more made three-pointers. Golden St ranks 1st in scoring (118.9 PPG) and FG percentage (49.0), while ranking third in three-point percentage (38.4) and 4th in FT percentage (81.3).

The Warriors have NOT been money-makers for awhile now but they almost will SURELY been heavily focused on Houston, which has already beaten them twice this season, including 135-134 in OT at Golden State on Jan 3. The Warriors have won 17 of their last 19 games and "put it all together" here vs the Rockets,. Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Conference Crusher (Big East) is on St John's at 8:00 ET.

Note: Larry was able to complete full analysis with SEVEN of his nine plays for Feb 23 but an unforseen emergency left him with no time to do so for his final two plays. Sorry for the inconvenience. Back to "normal" on Sunday.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Revenge Rout is on Wichita St at 8:00 ET.

Jeremiah Martin set the American Athletic Conference single-game scoring record with a career-high 43 points in a 102-76 Memphis victory over Tulane. The Tigers' senior guard will now lead 16-11 Memphis (8-6 in AAC play) into a road game with the 13-12 Wichita State Shockers (just 6-7 in AAC play). Memphis will be visiting Wichita State for the first time in over FOUR decades on Saturday! As for the Shockers, Wichita State will look to get back to .500 after a 1-6 conference start, as it won for the FIFTH time in six games Wednesday with an 81-60 rout of Tulsa. The Shockers tied a school record by draining 15 three-pointers and Dexter Dennis matched a freshman mark by hitting six 3-pointers en route to his team-high 18 points.

Martin (28.3-4.1-4.5) is averaging 29.6 points over his last six contests and became the first Memphis player – and first in AAC history – to record 40 or more twice in a career.

The 6-8 Davenport chips in 14.0 & 7.1 plus freshman guard Harris adds 11.7 PPG. First-year head coach Penny Hardaway likes to use his bench and Memphis has six more player averaging between 4.8 and 9.0 PPG.

Jamarius Burton posted a career-high 10 assists in Wednesday’s victory, the most by a Wichita State freshman since 1973. Leading scorer Markis McDuffie (18.3 & 4.8) saw his career-high streak of 15 straight games with a three-pointer come to an end Wednesday, as the senior finished with just nine points (0-6 on threes). However, the Shocjkers still won at Tulsa by 21 points! PG Haynes-Jones (12.6) joins McDuffie as Wichita State's lone double digit scorers but the 6-11 Echenique (8.5 & 5.8) and  freshman guard Dennis (7.4 & 4.7) are rounding into solid contributors.

Memphis is great at home but a modest 2-6 on the road, where the Tigers allow 83.2 PPG. This Wichita St team is not like recent additions but the Shockers are rounding into form (see above). The revenge motive will be huge here (lost 85-74 art Memphis to open conference play on Jan 3) and let's NOT ignore the fact that Wichita St is 81-6 the last six-plus years at Koch Arena!.

Good luck...Larry

My 3rd pick of Saturday's STP is a 9* on Miuss St at 6:00 ET.

South Carolina may be just 14-12 overall but after back-to-back home wins last week ( 84-77 over Texas A&M and 79-64 over Ole Miss), the Gamecocks are now fourth in the SEC at 9-4 and remain in a position to earn a top-four seed (AND a double-bye in the upcoming SEC tournament). South Carolina travels to Starkville on Saturday to face the 19-7 Miss St Bulldogs, who find themselves just 7-6 in SEC play, two games behind the Gamecocks (Miss St is in a three-way tie for sixth place in the SEC). The Gamecocks won 87-82 in overtime at home in the first meeting of the season between the two schools.

South Carolina features a dominant big man in the 6-9 Chris Silva (14.3 & 7.4). He has scored in double figures in eight of his last nine games and is averaging 16.0 & 7.8 in SEC play. That said, South Carolina can also stretch the floor by making 36.4 percent of its three-point attempts. Freshman guard A.J. Lawson (13.9 & 4.6) had one of his best all-around games against Ole Miss with 15 points, nine rebounds and six assists and fellow guard Hassani Gravett (11.3 & 3.5) is shooting an SEC-best 49.3 percent from three-point range in league games. Silva gets help up front from the 6-11 Bryant (8,8 & 3.5) and the 6-6 Kotsar (7.2 & 4.8).

Miss St is somewhat of a disappointment (ranked 11th before the season by The Blue Ribbon Yearbook and18th in the AP's preseason poll) but don't count the Bulldogs out just yet, They are one of the SEC’s most balanced teams, as SIX players average at least 9.2 PPG. MSU is led by Quinndary Weatherspoon (18.6 & 5.1), who scored a career-high 31 points in last week's 68-67 win at Georgia. He is averaging 23.5 over his last six games, while PG Lamar Peters (12.0 & 5.3 APG) runs the team with great efficiency. Miss St has excellent size up front, as the 6-10 Holman comes off the bench to add 9.7 & 6.5 plus 6-10 freshman forward Reggie Perry (9.2 & 6.6) has emerged as a major force inside lately, recording double-doubles in FIVE of his last seven contests.

South Carolina has struggled on the road this season (sit just 3-6), after dropping four of their last five road games.Meanwhile, Miss St comes in off three straight wins, including confidence-building road wins at Arkansas (77-67) and Georgia (68-67). Take Miss St (in payback mode) in this one, as the Bulldogs are 11-3 SU at home (averaging 84.0 PPG) against the poor-traveling Gamecocks who are averaging only 70.1 points in true road games.

Good luck...Larry

My 2nd play of Saturday's STP is an 8* on UMass at 2:00 ET.

St Joe's is 11-15 (4-9 in A-10 play) as it travel to Amherst to face UMass. The Minutemen are just 9-17 overall and are tied for last-place in the A-10 with Fordham, at 2-11. The Hawks are led by the 6-7 Brown (19.9 & 5.7) who will be the best player on the floor but St Joe's also owns a pair of solid guards. SG Kimble averages 16.7 PPG plus PG Bynum adds 11.3 PPG and 4.6 APG. UMass' best player is PG Pipkins, who averages 16.6 PPG, as well as 5.0 RPG and 5.2 APG. Pierre (11.4) and Cobb (8.4) join him on the perimeter, while the 6-11 Hollaway (9.2 & 5.6) and the 6-6 Laurent (8.2 & 4.4) are the Minutemen's best inside players.

Why play this "nothing-burger" of a game? St Joe's was barely able to eke out a 64-62 home win over UMass and now must win on the road, where the Hawks are an abysmal 1-9 in true road games this season. UMass has split 14 home games and if the Minutemen could almost beat St Joe's in Philly, where leading scorers Pipkins and Pierre combined to make just 2 of 11 shots (and total a combined FIVE points!), UMass should not have an problem exacting revenge in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 1st play of Saturday's STP is an 8* on Iowa St at 2:00 ET.

No. 19 Iowa State (19-7 / 8-5 in Big 12) is reeling somewhat off back-to-back losses. BOTH came at home, the latest being 73-69 loss to Baylor this past Tuesday. TCU is 17-8 overall, including just 5-8 in Big 12 play, as the Horned Frogs have lost THREE in row (lost Monday 68-61 at Okla St).

The undersized Cyclones start four guards, along with the 6-9 Jacobson (11.8 & 5.8). Senior guard Marial Shayok is averaging a team-high 19.1 PPG (5.4 RPG) and is joined on the perimeter by  Horton-Tucker (12.2 & 5.3), Babb (9.6-4.8-4.2) and Haliburton (7.13.5-4.0). Sophomore reserve guard Lindell Wigginton is second on the team in scoring at 13.1 PPG. The Cyclones average 78.5 PPG (53rd) and allow 66.9 PPG (63rd)

TCU is led by the guard duo of Bane (15.0 & 5.5) and Robinson (13.0 & 7.0 APG). However, the Horned Frogs own size the Cyclones do not, with the 6-7 Noi (14.8 & 4.4), the 6-8 Miller (10.5 & 6.6) and 6-11 center Samuel (7.0 & 7.3). The good news is that Noi is expected to be cleared to start Saturday, after missing the last two games with a left-ankle injury. However, Robinson is listed as questionable with an ankle issue.

TCU is typically tough at home but Iowa St is looking to avenge a 92-83 loss to TCU at Hilton Coliseum back on Feb 9, when the Horned Frogs quieted the home crowd with a 27-4 first-half run before shooting 63.3 percent in the second half. That's HIGHLY unlikely to happen again.Iowa St is angry after losing at home to Baylor ("You're not supposed to lose at home," said Iowa State fifth-year senior Nick Weiler-Babb. "A place like this, it has a history of winning at home. We're not doing any justice to it. It's embarrassing."), as ISU led 63-62 with 6:22 minutes to play but missed its next nine shots and turned over the ball on another possession, allowing Baylor to escape with the win. TCU's 92-83 upset win at ISU on Feb  9 is the Horned Frogs' only ATS win in its last SEVEN games. The Cyclones have won at Texas Tech, Ole Miss, and Kansas State in recent weeks, so why not here in Fort Worth?

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Eye-Opener is on Oklahoma at 12:00 ET.

Texas has beaten Oklahoma in each of the last three meetings (2-0 last season and 75-72 in Austin earlier this season) and the Longhorns will be in Norman at 12 noon ET today, looking a second straight regular season sweep of the series. Texas is 15-11 overall (7-6 in the Big 12) but will have to play without its leading scorer in this one, as senior guard Kerwin Roach II (15.0-4.5-3.1) has been suspended indefinitely following an unspecified violation of team rules. Oklahoma is in danger of missing the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years, as the Sooners check in at 16-10 overall, including a poor 4-9 in conference action.

Roach's suspension comes at a bad time, as Texas was hoping to build momentum off a 68-57 victory over Oklahoma State last Saturday, when Roach scored a team-high 16 points for his 12th straight double-digit performance. The Longhorns do own backcourt depth though, as Coleman (10 & 3.5 APG) is joined by a trio of guards chipping in just over 20 PPG, combined. Up front, 6-11 freshman Hayes (10.3 & 5.2) and 6-9 senior Osetkowski (10.1 & 7.8) are a solid duo.

The Sooners snapped their five-game losing streak with a 71-62 road triumph against TCU last Saturday and they'll welcome the week of rest and a return to Norman. "(The win) feels really good. We haven’t had one in a while,” Oklahoma’s Christian James told reporters after scoring 14 points last Saturday.  James leads Oklahoma in scoring (15.3) and rebounding (6.5) but no Oklahoma player is hotter right now than 6-7 forward Kristian Doolittle (9.9 & 6.6). He led the Sooners with 21 points and 10 rebounds during Saturday’s win. He's averaging a team-high 12.8 points in 13 Big 12 games (up from the 6.9 he averaged in 13 non-conference contests). The 6-9 Manek (11.7 & 6.5) is Oklahoma's only other double digit scorer on the season but the Sooners have depth on the perimeter, with a trio of other guards combining to average about 22 PPG.

I have to believe that Oklahoma is "overdue" to break though vs Texas, after THREE close losses to the Longhorns since last season (includes a 75-72 nail-biter at Austin on Jan 19 when the Sooners had a chance until the final seconds, three times missing on triple attempts in the waning moments that could have given them the win). Oklahoma head coach Lon Kruger dusted off a zone defense to help Oklahoma contain TCU in that crucial 71-62 win last Saturday and note that Texas continues to rely on the three-ball, having attempted the most three-pointers in the conference (654). However, Texas makes just 33.0 percent of its three-point attempts (second-to-last in the Big 12 and 254th in the nation). Expect Oklahoma to win and cover.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the OKC Thunder at 9:35 ET.

Both the Utah Jazz and the OKC Thunder return from the All Star break with both teams looking to make amends. The Jazz lost 115-108 at Golden St in their last game before the break, while the Thunder lost 131-122 at New Orleans in their last time on the court. The 32-25 Jazz currently own the West's 6th-seed but are only 2 1/2 games clear of the playoff 'cut line.' As for the Thunder, they have recovered from an 0-4 start to the season to go 37-16. The team's 37-20 record gives them the West's 3rd-best record and seem to be a huge favorite to enter the postseason with one of the West's top-four records (good enough for the homecourt edge in the first round).

The Jazz return to the court after a 10-day break. They have won 13 of their last 16 games and as noted above, come out of the break sixth in the Western Conference. However, the good news is that they have one of the NBA's easiest schedules down the stretch, playing just eight of their final 25 games against teams that are above .500. Center Rudy Gobert didn't hide his disappointment at not making the NBA All-Star Game for the first time despite, averaging 15.2 points and 12.9 rebounds while leading the league in field-goal percentage (65.4). "Just recharge, completely -- mentally, physically," Gobert said. "For me, I was able to get a little bit of sun and feel a lot better when I get back. The next two months, I feel like, will be a lot better." He's surrounded by a backcourt led by Mitchell (22.4-3.9-4.0) and PG Rubio (13.0 & 6.1 APG). Up front, it's SF Ingles (11.7-3.8-4.9) and PF Favors (11.0 & 7.1). SF Crowder comes off the bench to average 11.8 & 4.7, while SG Korver adds 9.5 PPG on 39.8% shooting from three-point range. Defensively, the Jazz allow 105.9 PPG to rank 4t-best in the league. 

OKC was 11-1 SU (10-2 ATS) prior to the team's loss at New Orleans just before the break. PG Russell Westbrook (21.7-11.2-11.2) takes to the court looking to extend his record of 11 straight triple-doubles, a stretch in which he is averaging 21.1-13.3-13.5 (he owns 24 triple-doubles on the season).Paul George (28.7-8.0-4.10 is having an outstanding season and that duo gets significant help from four more players. Backup PG Schroder 915.7 & 4.1 APG) is the team's third-leading score with starters like center Adams (14.7 & 9.5), PF Grant (13.1 & 5.1) and SG Ferguson (6.8) completing the group.  More help is on the way with recently signed forward Markieff Morris expected to make his team debut after missing the last eight weeks due to a neck injury. Morris averaged 11.5 points and 5.1 rebounds in 34 games for the Washington Wizards before the injury and said he is ready to play a role in helping Oklahoma City make a deep playoff run.

I noted above that the Jazz have a VERY favorable schedule down the stretch. However, in stark contrast, the Thunder have one of the league's most challenging schedules moving forward. OKC plays 17 of its remaining 25 games against teams above .500 including each of the first five out of the break. That said, the Thunder are 2-0 against the Jazz this season and have won the past five regular-season matchups. What's more, the Thunder have won 15 straight regular-season home games against Jazz with Utah's last win in Oklahoma City being a 120-99 rout on Oct. 31, 2010. Lay the short price!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Revenge Rout is on Illinois-Chicago at 9:00 ET.

The Green Bay Phoenix will travel to UIC Pavilion to take on the UIC Flames this Friday night in Horizon League play. Both teams are 14-13 overall on the season, including 8-6 in league play. Green Bay fell behind by a 44-33 margin early in the 2nd half against Detroit in its last game but was outstanding on both ends of the court down the stretch to come away with an 82-73 win. As for UIC, the Flames trailed by a 43-38 margin at halftime vs Youngstown State but after taking the lead midway through the 2nd half, were done in by an 11-0 Penguins run in an 81-73 loss (the defeat snapped a four-game Flames' winning streak).

The Phoenix are a high-scoring team, averaging 82.7 PPG (18th). PG Cohen leads the team in scoring (16.6), rebounding (6.4) and assists (4.7), while fellow guard McCloud comes off the bench to average 13.9 PPG. Three more guards combine to chip in about 22.5 PPG. The lone frontcourt player of note is the 6-6 Hemphill (11.5 & 5.4). Green Bay's problem is a defense allowing 81.3 PPG (345th).

The Flames are a guard-oriented team as well with SG Marcus Ottey (15.9), PG Tarkus Ferguson (15.1-6.7-5.1) and fellow Godwin Boahen (14.5-3.3-2.9) leading the way. A trio of forwards chip in about 23 points and 13 rebounds per game. The Flames average 75.0 PPG and allow the exact same amount (hence a 14-13 record).

This is a key battle for 3rd-place in the Horizon League standings (Northern Ky and Wright St are each 11-4) and I favor the home team in "revenge mode." UIC lost 90-85 in Green Bat back on Jan 19, the most points the Flames have allowed in any game this season (excluding OT). Now, here at home (where the team is 11-3), the Flames can serve up some "payback" vs a Green Bay team that's just 3-11 SU on the road, allowing a whopping 87.8 PPG!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Cha Hornets at 7:05 ET.

Charlotte hosted the All-Star festivities this past weekend during but the Hornets now return to the court in hopes of nailing down the franchise's first playoff appearance since the 2015-16 season. The 27-30 Hornets are currently in seventh place in the East coming out of the break and first up is the 24-34 Washington Wizards, one of the team's chasing them. The Hornets went 1-3 on a four-game road trip heading into the break and entered the long layoff with a sour taste after getting crushed 127-89 at Orlando on Feb 14. As for the Wizards, they are trying to turn their fortunes around as well, after dropping SEVEN of 10 heading into the break, capped by losses at Detroit and Toronto.

Washington's pre-deadline deals sent away starters Markieff Morris and Otto Porter Jr, while bringing back forwards Wesley Johnson, Jabari Parker and Bobby Portis. It's not clear whether the Wizards are rebuilding or looking to fight for a playoff spot. That said, SG Bradley Beal isn't conflicted. "I'm locked in; I'm beyond locked in," Beal told reporters after the All-Star Game. "Hopefully my teammates will be the same way because we got a lot of games that we need. These games are imperative and important that we get them. I'm going to make sure that everybody's locked in. I feel good. My body feels good. We're going to hit the ground running." Beal is averaging 25.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.4 assists, while shooting 47.2 percent from the floor.SF Ariza has played well since joining the team from Phoenix awhile back, averaging 15.4-5.6-4.3 plus Portis (19.0 & 7.3) and Parker (12.2-7.5-5.3) have both contributed in their four games since coming from the Bulls. However, what should we make of Parker, who sandwiched a pair of 20-plus outings around a scoreless effort in his last three games.

All-Star PG Kemba Walker (24.9-4.4-5.6) has carried a heavy load for Charlotte, as only SG Lamb (15.2 & 5.6) is a consistent scoring threat. However, the Hornets do have a deep roster, as EIGHT players chip in between 6.5 and 10.3 PPG. Charlotte will play seven of its next eight games at home, as it tries to hold off the likes of Detroit, Miami, Orlando and the Wizard. Western Conference powers Golden State and Houston will be part of this current homestand, so a win here vs Washington is a 'must!'

This is the first of three games between Charlotte and Washington in a three-week span. They play again in Charlotte on March 8 and wrap up the four-game season series at Washington on March 15. Washington took the first meeting 130-126 at home back on Dec 29, despite 47 points from Walker. As noted, Charlotte almost has to consider this game a 'must win.' Charlotte is only 8-21 on the road but is 19-9 at home. The Wizards are 7-23 SU on the road (9-21 ATS), where they are allowing a whopping 119.7 PPG.   Throw in that the Hornets have covered SEVEN of their last 10 at the Spectrum Center and are 9-3 SU and 8-4 ATS in their last 12 hosting Washington and the play HAS to be Charlotte. 

Good luck...Larry

Oregon State is 16-8 on the season, including 8-4 in Pac-12 play (Beavers are a surprise, sitting in second-pace in the Pac-12). Oregon State comes to Los Angeles this weekend to play UCLA and USC, looking to nail-down a top-four seed in the upcoming Pac-12 tourney. However, the Beavers know that there is little margin of error, as they sit just a half-game ahead of Arizona State and Utah. Up first are the UCLA Bruins, who are only 13-13 on the season, including 6-7 on conference play. UCLA dismissed head coach Steve Alford on December 31, 2018, two days after the Bruins' ugly 73-58 loss to Liberty. It marked the first time the program ever had made a coaching change in the middle of the season. Murry Bartow (son of former UCLA coach Gene Bartow) was named interim coach for the Bruins and in his first game (at home vs Stanford), UCLA ended a four-game slide with a 92-70 win over the Cardinal. Two more wins followed but the 'honeymoon' period is over for UCLA's interim coach, as following that 3-0 start in the conference, UCLA has dropped SEVEN of its last 10 Pac-12 games.

Oregon State is fresh off its first season sweep of rival Oregon in nine years, as the Beavers' 72-57 win over the Ducks was the team's fourth win in its last five games (the 8-4 start is the program’s best 12-game conference start since the 1990-91 squad began 11-1). 6-8 forward Tres Tinkle leads OSU isn scoring (20.1), rebounding (7.6) and assists (4.1). Along with guards/brothers Stephen Thompson Jr. (16.3-4.6-3.5) and Ethan Thompson (13.7 &5.), the trio accounts for more than two-thirds (67.6 percent) of Oregon State’s scoring.

Scoring hasn't been the problem for the Bruins, who are averaging a conference-best 79.6 in Pac-12 play (78.0 PPG on the season ranks 62nd in the nation ). However, sloppy ball handling (league-most 16.2 turnovers in conference action), off-target free-throw shooting (conference-worst 62.8 percent for the season) and poor defense (79.5 points surrendered per Pac-12 contest) have been UCLA’s downfalls. The Bruins' 104-80 loss at Stanford last Saturday night is only the latest example. 6-7 swingman Kris Wilkes (17.3 & 4.8), PG Hands (13.0 & 6.2 APG) and fellow guard Ali (9.7) give UCLA a formidable perimeter group. However, 7-0 freshman center Moses Brown (11.0 & 8.8) is UCLA's lone frontcourt contributor of note.

Sure, Oregon St has had the much better season but the Beavers are ripe for the taking in this one. Oregon St is fresh off its first season sweep of rival Oregon in nine years and the Beavers are now eyeing another sweep Thursday when they visit UCLA (beat the Bruins 79-66 on Jan 13 at home). However, if Oregon St was to complete the series sweep tonight at Pauley Pavilion, it would mark the first time that it would have happened in 31 years! UCLA may be a modest 10-5 at home this season but the Bruins have won 40 of 48 games in Pauley Pavilion since the start of the 2016-17 season. Expect a UCLA 'uprising!' 

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Revenge Rout is on USC at 9:00 ET.

Oregon was the Pac-12's preseason favorite but a regular season Pac-12 championship is no longer a realistic goal for the Ducks. Oregon is 15-10 overall, including just 6-6 in the Pac 12. The Ducks trail first-place Washington (12-1) by FIVE games with just six games remaining to go. The eighth-place Ducks travel to USC on Thursday night. The 14-12 Trojans begin the week in a three-way tie for fifth at 7-6 and are still within striking distance of a top-four finish and a key first round bye in next month's Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas.

Oregon comes in off a 72-57 Civil War loss at second-place Oregon State on Saturday. Oregon still has games at home against Arizona State and at likely Pac-12-champ Washington on the agenda, as it tries to build its case for an NCAA at-large berth. However, an at-large bid is likely a stretch. Senior forward Paul White told The Oregonian on Saturday, "We have six regular-season games and then a huge part of our season, which is the (Pac-12) tournament."A top-four finish is not impossible but it won't be easy, either. Oregon lost its best player, 7-2 freshman center and likely lottery pick Bol Bol, to a left-foot injury before conference play started. Bol was leading the the team in scoring (21.0), rebounding (9.6) and blocks (2.7) while also shooting an eye-popping 52 percent from three-point range. Louis King, a 6-9 freshman forward, has helped pick up some of the slack, averaging 16.0 points in Pac-12 action which is tops for any freshman (he averages 12.3 & 5.4 RPG on the season). Junior PG Payton Pritchard (11.8-3.9-4.4) runs the team and the 6-9 White (10.5 & 3.8) is the other double digit scorer.

USC comes into this contest after snapping a three-game losing streak with a 89-66 victory at California on Saturday (note: Cal is 0-13 in league play), 6-10 senior forward Bennie Boatwright leads the team in scoring (18.4) and made a USC record 10, 3-pointers on 13 attempts in the win at Cal which also tied the Pac-12 record for treys. Boatwright is averaging 21.3 points in conference play, which ranks second to Washington State's Robert Franks (22.4). He's joined up front by 6-11 junior forward Nick Rakocevic (15.5 & 9.8). Junior guard Jonah Mathews (12.7) is also averaging in double figures, while shooting 42.6 percent from three-point range. Four more guards average between 8.0 and 9.3 PPG.

USC has lost its last two home games to Utah (77-70) and Colorado (69-65) but I believe that makes them even more dangerous in this one (Trojans opened the season 11-2 at the Galen Center and had won SEVEN straight at home before stumbling vs the Utes!). I doubt that USC needs "extra motivation" (a possible top-four seed should be enough) but I will note that the Trojans will be trying to avenge their worst defeat of conference play this season, an 81-60 loss on Jan 13 in Eugene. REVENGE works in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My CBB 10* Game of the Week is on BYU at 9:00 ET.

No one is surprised that Gonzaga sits atop the WCC at 12-0 (25-2 Zags are currently No. 2 in the AP poll). Tonight in WCC play, the 20-6 San Francisco Dons will travel to the Marriott Center in Provo to take on the 18-10 BYU Cougars. The Dons won their third straight game this past Saturday when they edged Portland 68-63 in OT. At 8-4, San Francisco is tied for third in the WCC with St Mary's. The Cougars come in off winning their fifth in a row after defeating Loyola Marymount 70-62 this past Saturday. BYU sits 10-3 in WCC play, second to only Gonzaga.

San Francisco had trouble on the offensive end in regulation against the Pilots but Dons found their offensive rhythm in the extra period and were able to pull away after taking a 63-58 lead with 2:21 left in OT. San Francisco starts guards Mineland (14.9 & 4.8), Ferrari (14.3-5.4 APG) and Ratinho (9.7), with the 7-0 Lull (8.5 & 5.3) and the 6-8 Renfro (7.2 & 5.2) up front. However, the 6-9 McCarthy comes off the bench to average 9.4 PPG and a team-high 6.5 RPG.

BYU trailed by a 36-30 margin at halftime vs the Lions but was outstanding defensively in the second half and was able to pull away after a 14-0 Cougars run gave BYU a 66-58 lead with just :51 seconds left in regulation. BYU can score, averaging 80.1 PPG (39th in the nation). The 6-8 Childs leads the Cougars in scoring (21.1) and rebounding (9.6) but the biggest percentage of BYU's offense comes from the perimeter. PG Haws averages 17.5 PPG and 5.2 APG and Hardnett just misses out on double digits with 9.7 PPG, Another trio of guards combine for about 20 PPG. BYU's problem is a defense that allows 75.1 PPG (264th)

BYU's Hardnett has been sidelined by a hand injury (expected to be out here) but the Cougars haven't missed a beat. BYU lost at St Mary's by 20 points back on Jan 5 but has since gone 9-2, losing badly at San Francisco and at home to Gonzaga. Since the loss to the Zags, BYU has won FIVE in row (4-1 ATS), Hard to believe the Cougars WON'T well-remember their loss at San Francisco and it's impossible to ignore the fact that the Dons are 0-7 ATS in seven WCC road games. Make that 0-8!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Phi 76ers at 7:05 ET.

Elton Brand was as solid NBA player but he's made quite a mark as Philly's GM here in the 2018-19 season. Brand made his second big move since the beginning of the year by adding PF Tobias Harris from the Clippers (at the trade deadline), after dealing for Jimmy Butler earlier in campaign. However, 37-21 Philadelphia would not have homecourt advantage in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs if the season ended at the All-Star break. The 76ers will try to continue to try to push their way up the standings when they return from the break by hosting the 26-30 Miami Heat on Thursday. The Heat are tied with the Detroit Pistons for the No. 8 spot in the East heading into the final stretch and are finishing off a six-game road trip that bridged the break.

Miami opened its trip with a 118-108 win at Portland (Feb 5) but then dropped THREE in a row. However, the Heat closed out the Western Conference portion of their trip with a 112-101 victory at Dallas on Feb 13. After finishing up with Philadelphia, Miami will play 10 of its next 12 at home, including two games against the Pistons. Miami began to surge after former All-Star PG Goran Dragic went down and the team inserted SF Justise Winslow into the starting lineup and let him take over playmaking duties. Dragic (15.3 & 4.9 APG) is on the verge of returning from arthroscopic knee surgery. Is that good or bad news? Winslow (12.4-5.5-4.1) has been playing at the point with Wade (14.0-3.8-4.3) coming off the bench. SG Richardson (17.6) leads the team in scoring and center Hassan is a double-double 'machine,' averaging 12.8 & 12.4. Miami's D has been good all season, allowing 105.7 PPG  on 44.3% shooting (both rank 3rd-best in the NBA).

Philadelphia is third in the league in scoring (115.9 PPG) but 20th in points allowed (112.2). The 76ers recognize that they need to get better on that end of the floor to compete for the East title. "We know that offensively we are a top-power team," Tobias Harris told reporters. "We also know that if we become a top-power defensive team that's going to make us really tough to play against so that's how we've got to look at it." Harris has been an excellent addition, averaging 17.8 points on 51.9 percent shooting in four games since joining the team from the Los Angeles Clippers. Center Embiid (27.3 & 13.5) is an established All-Star plus the trio of Butler (18.8-5.0-3.8), Redick (18.6) and Simmons(16.8-9.0-7.9) give Philly quite the starting-five.

Miami has been inconsistent all season, with only one win streak longer than two games. The Heat now look to complete this six-game road trip with a visit to Philly, a trip which began way back on Feb 5 (odd, to say the least). As for Philly, the 76ers have to be VERY anxious to get back on the court and get rid of the 'bad taste' left by their Feb 12 home loss to the Celtics (0-3 vs Boston this year!). Miami doesn't score much (ranks 27th at 105.1 PPG) and Philly averages a whopping 119.1 PPG at home. Lay the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Underdog Shocker is on North Carolina at 9:00 ET.

There isn't a bigger rivalry in college hoops than NC/Duke. The 2018-19 season gets its first installment of the Tobacco Road rivalry Wednesday night when 20-5 North Carolina (10-2 in the ACC) visits 23-2 Duke (11-1 in the ACC). The Blue Devils are back atop the AP poll (released Monday) and will put their NINE-game win streak on the line against the Tar Heels. As for No. 8 North Carolina, the Tar Heels can move into a tie atop the ACC standings with a victory. Not a bad set up, right?

North Carolina bounced back from its home loss to then-No. 3 Virginia two games ago with the most lopsided conference road win in program history. The Tar Heels routed Wake Forest 95-57 on Saturday. "We jumped on them early," senior Kenny Williams told reporters afterward. "I think our defense was really focused and we made everything tough on them." Senior guard and leading scorer Cameron Johnson (16.3 & 5.4) had 27 points on 10-of-13 shooting, including 7-of-10 from long range. Joining Johnson in double digits on the season are freshman guard Coby White (15.7 & 4.2) and 6-8 senior forward Luke Maye (14.5 & 9.6). Williams has a bothersome knee but he adds 8.9 PPG and 3.7 APG. Chipping in up front with Maye are the 6-6 Little (9.6 & 4.4) and the 6-9 Brooks (8.2 & 6.2).

 Few are unaware of Duke's Fabulous freshman. 6-7 swingman Barrett averages 22.7 & 7.4. the 6-7 Wiliamson is a 'highlight reel' nightly, adding 22.4 & 9.2. Then there is 6-7 guard Reddish (13.8) and PG Jones (8.7 & 5.4 APG), who also checks in as Duke's best 'on-ball" defender. Barrett recorded the first triple-double by a Duke player in 13 years Saturday with 23 points, 11 rebounds and a season-best 10 assists in the Blue Devils' 94-78 victory over North Carolina State.

This is the 149th consecutive meeting with at least one of the teams ranked and surprisingly (it was to me), Duke holds the No. 1 ranking for a matchup with the Tar Heels for the first time in 13 years!  North Carolina leads the ACC in scoring at 87.5 PPG and Duke is second at 86.4. Expect a racehorse pace and Duke has on occasion, shown some defensive liabilities. Carolina is 8-1 SU on the road this year, including 6-0 SU & ATS on the ACC road. Meanwhile, Duke is 6-6 ATS in conference play, including 2-4 ATS at home. Take the big points, as Carolina vets like Johnson and Maye keep this one close against the "Fabulous Freshman."

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on Arizona St at 9:00 ET.

Bobby Hurley's Sun Devils generated national headlines by handing then-top-ranked Kansas its first loss of teh season, 80-76, back on Dec. 22. However, Arizona State has proven to be one of the most inconsistent teams in the country. 17-8 ASU is just 8-6 after its 9-2 start (record after teh Kansas win), including 8-5 in Pac-12 play. The Sun Devils will welcome 14-11 Stanford to Tempe, a team which has won five of its last six games to move into a three-way tie for fourth place in the Pac-12 at 7-6.

Stanford is off an impressive 104-80 win over UCLA on Saturday, as 7-0 senior center Josh Sharma (9.4 & 6.2) had 22 points and 12 rebounds. The 6-9 Okpala (17.6 & 5.8) added 20 points and freshman guard Cormac Ryan (9.1) finished with a career-high 19 points while shooting 5-of-9 from three-point range. Good news came in the form of sophomore PG Daejon Davis (12.5 & 4.5 APG) returning after missing two games due to injury. He recorded 12 points and 11 assists in 38 minutes. Joining Davis and Ryan in the backcourt are Wills (6.2) and Sheffield (5.3). The 6-9 Da Silva (9.5 & 6.0) joins Sharma and Okpala, up front.

While ASU may be an up-and-down team, that can't be said of senior forward Zylan Cheatham. The San Diego State transfer recorded his league-leading 11th double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds in last Saturday’s 98-87 win over Utah and checks in averaging 12.0 & 11.0 on the season. Freshman guard Luguentz Dort is the leading scorer at 16.4 PPG (also adds 4.5 RPG) plus two more ASU players score in double digits. PG Martin checks in at 13.0 & 5.1 APG and guard Edwards at 11.0 PPG. The 6-7 Lawrence (9.7 & 3.8) plus the White (9.2 & 5.6) are quality frontcourt players.

I love the way Stanford has come on (I had them against UCLA on Saturday) but I expect ASU to avenge its 86-71 loss at Stanford back on Jan 12 in this one. The Sun Devils are 11-3 SU at home, where they average 81.9 PPG. Then again, ASU's NCAA Tournament resume includes wins over Kansas, Mississippi State and Washington but also surprising losses to Princeton, Vanderbilt and Washington State. Sun Devils DON'T need a hiccup, here. Lay it.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Crusher (AAC) is on Tulsa at 9:00 ET.

Two also-rans in the AAC meet Wednesday night, as 12-12 Wichita St travels to 16-10 Tulsa. The Shockers are just 5-7 in league play, although after a disappointing 1-6 start, Wichita State reeled off four straight victories before falling 72-62 to then-No. 25 Cincinnati on Sunday. Tulsa sits 6-7 in conference play and the Golden Hurricane's only setback in their last five games is a 79-68 defeat at Wichita State on Feb 2

Dexter Dennis recorded team highs of 14 points and 13 rebounds on Sunday in the 10-point loss to the Bearcats. It was for his first career double-double and the first by a Shockers freshman in 11 years (note; Dennis averages just 7.0 & 4.5 on the season). Wichita State got encouraging contributions from its three centers, Jaime Echenique, Asbjorn Midtgaard and Isaiah Poor Bear-Chandler, who combined for 17 points, 25 rebounds and six blocks against Cincy. However, on the season, only the 6-11 Echenique (8.4 & 5.9) has been a somewhat consistent contributor. The 6-8 McDuffie (18.7 & 4.9) plus PG Haynes-Jones (12.4 & 2.8 APG) are Wichita State's lone double digit scorers. The Shockers average only 69.4 PPG (271st) on 40.7% shooting (331st).

The Golden Hurricane needed overtime on Sunday to extend their winning streak to three games, as they posted a 77-73 road triumph over East Carolina. SIX players reached double digits in scoring, including 6-8 junior Martins Igbanu, who was 7-for-8 from the floor en route to team highs of 16 points and eight rebounds. Igbanu (12.0 & 5.5) is joined up front by the 6-7 Horne (9.9 & 4.). Tulsa's strength is a backcourt led by Jeffries (13.8 & 5.5) and PG Taplin (10.1 & 4.3 APG) plus a trio of other guards combining for just over 18 PPG.

This marks the 130th all-time meeting between the two programs and the Shockers have won 11 of the last 12, including 79-68 at Wichita State on Feb 2. However, this year's Wichita St team is a woeful 1-7 SU in true road games, averaging a pathetic 59.2 PPG. Meanwhile, Tulsa is a robust 12-2 SU at home, losing only to AAC 'heavyweights' Cincinnati and Houston. Wichita St is NO 'heavyweight'  this season.

Good luck...Larry

The 3rd play of my STP is a 9* on Clemson at 9:00 ET.

It's been a heart-breaking week for Clemson, as the Tigers suffered back-to-back one-point losses on the road to Miami (Fl) 65-64 and Louisville 56-55. The going won't get any easier on Tuesday night, as 15-10 Clemson (5-7 in the ACC) hosts surging Florida State. The Seminoles know about trying to pull out of a slump. Florida State lost 80-78 to then-No. 1 Duke on Jan 12 and spiraled after that, dropping its next two games at unranked Pitt and Boston College. However, the Seminoles returned home on Jan 22 to beat Clemson 77-68. That victory sparked a SEVEN-game winning streak (note: the seven consecutive league wins matches the school record).

The Seminoles come in off a -22point win over Ga Tech, in which FSU held Tech to just 47 points, the school's lowest in an ACC game since it limited Clemson to 41 back in 2014. One game after producing his first career double-double (20 points, 12 rebounds) against Wake Forest, 7-4 senior center Christ Koumadje (6.6 & 5.7) did it again against Georgia Tech with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Senior guard Terance Mann  (11.8 & 6.6) remains a team leader but the Seminoles continue to get strong play from a deep bench. In fact, leading scorer Mfiondu Kabengele (a 6-10 sophomore) averages a team-high 13.7 PPG (also adds 5.4), while not starting.

"That's our third one this year (by one point)," Clemson head coach Brad Brownell told reporters after the Louisville game. "I'm just incredibly proud of our players. … Obviously we fought for the full 40 minutes. We defended great, about as well as you can guard them. Our kids played extremely hard." The Tigers fell short despite holding Louisville to just 19 points before intermission, the fourth time in the last 10 halves that Clemson held an opponent under 20 points and the Cardinals wound up with their lowest point total (56) and shooting percentage (35.2) of the season. Brownell continues to rely on his seniors, with guard Marcquise Reed (18.6-5.4-3.0), the 6-9 Elijah Thomas and guard Shelton Mitchell (11.8). Joining Thomas up front are the 6-7 Simms (8.8 7 4.6) and the 6-8 Skara (7.3 & 4.2).

I realize FSU is on a roll but Clemson enters with an 11-2 SU home record. The Tigers are allowing just 63.8 PPG (21st) on the season and that includes allowing only 60.2 PPG in home contests. Clemson has outscored opponents 277-217 in winning its last four home games.That 15-point winning margin sounds about right, here.

Good luck...Larry

The 2nd play of my STP is an 8* on Iowa at 8:00 ET.

It's a battle of ranked teams tonight in Iowa City, as No.24 Maryland (19-7 / 10-5 Big Ten) takes on No. 21 Iowa (20- / 9-5 Big Ten). Iowa looks to extend its winning streak to five in a row but the Hawkeyes have won four in a row by 'living on the edge.' Joe Wieskamp banked in a desperation three-pointer as time expired to lift the Hawkeyes past Rutgers 71-69 on Saturday, a game that followed one in which Jordan Bohannon drilled a game-winning triple in an 80-79 victory against Northwestern on Feb 10. As for Maryland, the Terps are coming off a 65-52 road loss at Michigan on Saturday.

Aaron Wiggins was one of the lone bright spots on offense against the Wolverines, as the freshman guard led the Terrapins with 15 points to go along with six rebounds and three assists in the loss.PG Cowan (15.8-3.8-4.5_ leads Maryland in scoring and assist, while Wiggins is part of a trio of supporting guards (Ayala & Morsell as the others), combining for right around 25 points per game. The 6-10 Bruno Fernando (14.5 & 10.6) missed out on recording his eighth straight double-double vs Michigan, finishing with 12 points and eight rebounds against the Wolverines. Fellow 6-10 forward Jalen Smith (11.8 & 6.8) added eight points but Maryland was held to 36.4 percent shooting from the floor.

"It was a big shot, but we still got six Big Ten games left plus we want to play deep into the postseason," Wieskamp told reporters after his game-winner vs Rutgers. "It's been a lot of fun out there and coach (Fran McCaffery) has a lot of confidence in me." Wieskamp (11.8 & 4.8) is joined on the perimeter by Bohannon (11.4) and Moss (9.8). Up front, Iowa features the 6-9 Cook (16.3 & 8.1), the 6-11 Garza (13.5 & 4.8) and the 6-87 Baer (6.4 & 4.6).

With Saturday's loss at Michigan, the Terrapins fell to 0-19 in road games against top-25 opponents under head coach Mark Turgeon. "If I had the answer I would fix it," Turgeon told reporters. "Hopefully we learn from it and do better on Tuesday." The trouble is, Maryland's road woes against ranked teams extend before Turgeon, with the Terps having dropped 27 consecutive road games against ranked opponents! Hard to see Maryland's road woes against ranked teams ending here at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, where Iowa is 13-2 SU and averaging 83.3 PPG (note: Maryland is averaging 66.7 PPG in true road games).

Good luck...Larry

The 1st play of my STP is an 8* on Penn St at 7:00 ET.

Penn State is just 9-16 overall and at 2-12 in Big Ten play, sit 14th of 14 Big Ten schools. The Nittany Lions welcome 15-11 Nebraska to Happy Valley Tuesday night and the Cornhuskers are not all that much better in league play, entering this contest 5-10. While noting the above, both schools have shown "signs of life" in February. Eight of Penn State's 10 losses during its 0-10 start in conference play took place in January. However, the Nittany Lions offered hints of their improved play with three close defeats to end  that month and then finally broke through with a 59-52 victory at Northwestern on Feb 4. Penn State followed a four-point loss at Ohio State three days later with a stunning upset of then-No.6 Michigan last Tuesday, before dropping a 12-point decision at then-No. 11 Purdue on Saturday. As for the Cornhuskers, they have snapped a seven-game losing streak with home wins over Minnesota and Northwestern.

The loss of Nebraska's best big man has been tough to overcome. The 6-9 Copeland (14.0 & 5.4) has not played since late January and won't return. The 6-8 Isaiah Roby (11.2 & 7.2) had 19 points, a career-high 16 rebounds, a season high-tying five blocks and two steals in the win over Northwestern. He became the first Cornhusker since Aleks Maric in 2008 to produce at least 19 points and 16 rebound in a game. Nebraska relies on a strong perimeter group led by Palmer (18.8-4.3-3.2). Glynn Watson Jr. (12.1 & 4.0) has returned to form offensively following a four-game stretch in which he totaled 15 points on 6-of-37 shooting, averaging 15.5 points while converting 13 of his 28 field-goal attempts over the last two contests (both wins). The third member of Nebraska's guard trio is Allen (8.9)..

The 6-8 Lamar Stevens (19.2 & 8.0) ranks second in the conference in scoring and became only the 11th Nittany Lion to reach 1,500 career points with 18 against the Boilermakers, although he was also responsible for half of his team's 16 turnovers. He's complemented up front by the 6-9 Watkins (7.7 & 7.7). Like Nebraska, Penn St owns a trio of solid guards, Bolton (12.2), Reaves (10.0-4.4-3.1) and Dread (8.9). Of note as of late is freshman guard Bolton, who is averaging 15.4 PPG over his last five outings, topping his season scoring average each time.

There is a school of thought that says a strong Nebraska finish ('Huskers face four consecutive ranked teams to end the regular season) would get them back into NCAA Tournament consideration. However, I believe that theory is flawed. I believe Nebraska is at best, headed to the NIT. The 'Husker only beat Penn St 70-64 back on Jan 10 (in Lincoln) but now face a Penn St team on the road that is playing MUCH better. The Nittany Lions look to move to 3-2 in Feb. Expect the home team to win and get the CA$H!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Revenge Rout is on Loyola-Chi at 4:00 ET.

It goes without saying that this is not the same Ramblers team which made an improbable run to last year's Final 4. Loyola finished last season 32-6 but had six losses (against only seven wins) this season, before Christmas. Loyola is missing two key cogs from last year's team, swingman Donte Ingram (11.0 & 6.4) & PF Aundre Jackson (11.0 & 3.2). Hence, the six losses through 13 games. However, Loyola is currently 16-10 overall, including a MVC-best 9-4. The Ramblers welcome the 14-12 Missouri State Bears to Chicago on Sunday. The Bears enter having won SIX of their last seven to get to 8-5 in MVC play (third behind Loyola and 9-5 Drake).

Missouri State features a quartet of guards, surrounding the 6-8 Da Silva (14.9 & 7.0). Cook (13.2 & 4.3), Dixon (13.1), Kreklow (8.0) and PG Webster (7.6 & 5.2 APG) man the perimeter. The Bears average a modest 71.3 PPG but allow only 68.2 PPG (94th). Key returnees from Loyola's Final 4 team of a year ago are guards Townes (15.3-4.8-3.7) and Custer (11.8) plus the 6-9 Krutwig (14.3 & 7.6). An odd stat is Loyola shooting 49.3% from the floor (8th in the nation) but averaging only 66.6 PPG (317th). However, Loyola still plays great D, allowing 60.8 PPG (7th-best).

Missouri State beat Loyola-Chicago 70-35 Jan 23 in Springfield, with the Ramblers shooting 34.3% overall (just 2-of-10 on threes), while getting held to just 11 points in the second half. Meanwhile, Mo St connected on 63.4% (12 of-23 threes!) in the win. Anyone think the Bears can replicate that here in Chicago? NOT likely! See above for Loyola's defensive numbers on the season and then note that the Ramblers are 11-3 SU at home, where opponents average only 59.2 PPG. Yes, REVENGE works in this one!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on Creighton at 3:00 ET.

Villanova (11-1) and Marquette (10-2) have separated themselves from the rest of the pack in the 10-team Big East this season. Seton Hall was picked to finish eighth in the 10-team conference by league coaches in late October but "The Hall" made more than a little 'noise' back in December with upset wins over Kentucky and Maryland, laying the groundwork for what appeared to be the beginning of the school's fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. However, the Pirates inability to win away from home during Big East play has ninth-year head coach Kevin Willard's team flirting with bubble status at 15-9 (6-6 in league play). The Pirates travel to Creighton on Sunday afternoon to take on the disappointing 13-12 Bluejays. Creighton is coming off a winless road trip in which it dropped a pair of overtime affairs, and lost all three games by seven points or fewer. Yes, the 4-8 Bluejays are in a three-way tie for last place but they are only two games out of third in the tightly packed Big East (Seton Hall and St John's are tied for third at 6-6).

Seton Hall turned in its most complete performance during league play Wednesday, taking down Georgetown 90-75 triumph over Georgetown. Myles Powell (22.0) is the Big Easts second-leading scorer and posted his fifth 30-point game of the season vs the Hoyas, sinking all 10 of his free-throw attempts for the second straight contest to extend his streak at the foul line to 25 in a row. PG McKnight (10.2 & 4.0 APG) and Cale (9.7 & 4.5) start with Powell in the backcourt. Up front, it's the 6-8 Nzei (9.6 & 5.1) and the 6-10 Mamukelashvili (8.5 & 7.2). Senior forward Michael Nzei enjoyed one of his best all-around performances of the season against the Hoyas, finishing with 18 points and nine rebounds (eight on offensive end). 

Alexander leads the team in scoring (16.4) while five other players average between 8.2 and 12.8 PPG. The Bluejays own a deep perimeter, as Zegarowski (10.9), Ballock (10.0-4.1-3.4 & 3.6) and Mintz (9.8) join Alexander at the guard position. The 6-9 Krampelj (12.8 & 6.7) and SF Jefferson (8.2 & 5.1) have been the best frontcourt contributors. .Ty-Shon Alexander has made at least one 3-pointer in 28 straight contests, tied for the second-longest streak in school history. Junior forward Martin Krampelj is averaging 16.3 points and 8.2 rebounds over his last 15 games (note: He compiled a career-high 25 points and season-best 11 rebounds in the Feb 9 meeting against the Pirates) .

Seton Hall still has at-large aspirations but I believe that's 'fool's gold.' Seton Hall hopes to end a five-game road slide in this contest, as the Pirates begin a stretch in which they play three of four on the road, before wrapping up the regular season with home contests against No. 10 Marquette and No. 13 Villanova. These teams just met eight days ago (Feb 9) at the Prudential Center, with the Pirates edging the Bluejays 63-58. In this quick turnaround rematch, expect Creighton to easily get the better of Seton Hall. The Pirates have averaged only 67.2 PPG in eight true road games this season, while Creighton averages an impressive 81.5 PPG at CenturyLink Center. Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Stanford at 10;00 ET.

UCLA dismissed head coach Steve Alford on December 31, 2018, two days after the Bruins' ugly 73-58 loss to Liberty. It marked the first time the program ever had made a coaching change in the middle of the season. Murry Bartow (son of former UCLA coach Gene Bartow) was named interim coach for the Bruins and in his first game (at home vs Stanford), UCLA ended a four-game slide with a 92-70 win over the Cardinal. Two more wins followed but the 'honeymoon' period is over for UCLA's interim coach, as following that 3-0 start in the conference, UCLA has dropped SIX of its last nine Pac-12 games and finds itself 13-12 overall, including 6-6 in Pac-12 play. Stanford looks to avenge that earlier loss to UCLA, while hoping to continue its climb up the Pac-12 standings when the teams meet at Maples Pavilion on Saturday night. The Cardinal have won FOUR of their last five games, after Wednesday’s 79-76 home win over USC. Stanford is 13-11 overall and like UCLA, 6-6 in Pac-12 play.

UCLA needed overtime to get past last-place California on Wednesday, snapping a three-game losing streak. The Bruins avoided a disastrous loss to Cal after interim coach Murry Bartow took his starters out just three minutes into the contest and replaced them with five backups – including freshman guard David Singleton, who finished with 12 points on four 3-pointers. Throughout the season, UCLA's "Core 4" have been forward Kris Wilkes (17.7 & 4.8), guards Hands (12.4-3.6-6.3) and Ali (9.7) plus freshman center Moses Brown (10.7 & 8.9).

The Cardinal rallied from a 14-point deficit to post their fifth straight win over the Trojans on Wednesday, as guard Marcus Sheffield scored a season-high 16 points. Senior center Josh Sharma had 14 points and nine rebounds in the victory and is averaging 10.7 points and eight rebounds over the past seven games (8.9 & 6.0 on the season). Sharma is joined up front by 6-9 sophomore forward KZ Okpala (17.5 & 5.7) and the 6-9 Da Silva (9.6 & 5.8). PG Daejon Davis (12.6-3.1-4.2) is suffering with a head injury (questionable here), giving more "PT" to Ryan (8.5), Wills (6.0) and the aforementioned Sheffield (5.2).

The Bruins are a mess (needed OT to escape vs 5-19 / 0-12 in Pac-12 Cal), while the Cardinal are finding their 'sea legs,' with FOUR wins in their last five. Stanford is 8-2 SU at home, while UCLA's only road wins have come at Cal (see above), Wash St (3-8 in Pac-12) and in OT vs Oregon (trailed by 17 in the second half and were down 76-68 with 45 seconds to go in regulation!). Don't expect any 'miracles' here by fading UCLA.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Crusher (SEC) is on Kentucky at 8:00 ET.

It was No. 2 Duke at No. 3 UVa last Saturday night and this Saturday night, it's No. 1 Tennessee at No. 5 Kentucky. 23-1 Tennessee owns a perfect 11-0 SEC record and takes a school-record 19-game winning streak into Lexington (only three of the contests have been decided by fewer than 10 points) but things figure to get a bit tougher down the final month of the season. The top-ranked Volunteers open a stretch in which they play three of the teams sitting directly below them in the SEC standings a total of four times over the next two weeks, beginning Saturday with this visit to No. 5 Kentucky. The 20-4 Wildcats (10-2 in SEC play) are likely still smarting from LSU's controversial tip-in at the buzzer to upend the Wildcats 73-71 on Tuesday. the loss ended Kentucky's 10-game winning streak and the defeat was also Kentucky's first in its last 17 home games, including 14 this season.

The Volunteers rolled to their sixth consecutive double-digit victory with Wednesday's 85-73 win over South Carolina. Tennessee is defeating its opponents by an average of 18.1 points during its school-record, 19-game run. The 6-7 Grant Williams (19.4-7.4-3.5) is the reigning SEC player of the year and is a 2019 national player of the year candidate. He's surrounded by a plethora of perimeter players in 6-6 guard Schofield (16.7 & 6,4), PG Bone (13.2 & 6.5 APG) plus fellow guards Turner (11.7) and Bowden (11.5), There is also 6-11 center Alexander (8.5 & 6.9).

As always, Coach Cal has impact freshman in guards Johnson (14.0 & 5.3) and Herro (13.0 & 4.0). However, 6-8 sophomore PJ Washington (14.4 & 8.1) and 6-8 senior transfer Travis (11.6 & 7.0) may be the keys to Kentucky's success this season. Washington has emerged as the team's primary offensive option and Tuesday marked the sixth time in his last seven outings he reached 20 points and the fourth time in the last six games he corralled at least nine rebounds. Reid Travis, who finished third in the Pac-12 in scoring (19.5 points) last season at Stanford but he has been held to fewer than 10 points in eight of 11 SEC outings. Coach Cal needs more from him!

Kentucky is 90-17 all-time in Lexington against Tennessee but the Volunteers won 61-59 at Rupp Arena last season, as part of their regular-season sweep of the Wildcats. Tennessee is attempting to become the first school to win in back-to-back seasons in Lexington since Vanderbilt and Florida did it in 2005-06 and 2006-07. That's a tall order. I'm on the 'Cats, "Big Time!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Revenge Rout is on SD State at 7:00 ET.

The 11-14 Boise State Broncos and the 15-9 San Diego State Aztecs meet in MWC action from Viejas Arena at the Aztec Bowl on Saturday evening in San Diego. Boise comes in off a 65-63 loss to Fresno State, falling to 6-6 in league play. Meanwhile, San Diego State is off a 71-60 win over Colorado State, the Aztecs' FIFTH win in their last six (SDSU is 7-4 in MWC play).

Boise head coach Leon Rice has led the Broncos to 21 wins or more is SIX of his seven seasons but he's NOT getting TY's team to 21 wins. Rice lost three productive seniors from last year, including the 6-7 Chandler Hutchison ((20.0 & 7.7), who was the 22nd pick in last year's NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. This year's team is loaded on teh perimeter with four guards averaging between 10.5 and 12.9 PPG (Jessup leads the way). Two more guards chip in 6.8 & 6.1 PPG but the only size the Broncos have is the 6-11 Haney (8.4 & 4.2).

PG Devin Watson (16.3 & 4.5 APG) led the Aztecs with 21 points on 8 of 14 shooting in the win over CSU, while the 6-10 Jalen McDaniels (17.1 & 8.6) added 18 points with a team-high 12 rebounds. Watson is joined by Hemsley (9.4) and Schakel (8.0) in the backcourt .The 6-6 Mitchell (10.4 & 3.3) chips in up front with McDaniels.

Boise St is just 3-7 SU on the road this season and is just 6-16-1 ATS in its last 23 games against a team with a winning record. SDSU could be without Schakel (achilles) but I have to be impressed with SDSU's play at home, where the Aztecs are 11-2 SU, holding opponents to 65.5 PPG, while averaging 79.3 PPG. SDSU has some revenge on its mind from an ugly 88-64 loss in Boise back on Jan 5 plus note that the Aztecs are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 conference games.

Good luck...Larry

My 2nd play of Saturday's STP is an 8* on UCF at 6:00 ET.

Central Florida was the preseason favorite in the AAC but the 18-5 Knights are currently 8-3 in league play, trailing 9-2 Cincy and 11-1 Houston, which is 24-1 overall and ranked 9th in the latest AP poll. A 13-point victory over South Florida on Wednesday has UCF 2 1/2 games behind first-place Houston and just a game back of second-place Cincinnati, as the Knights welcome 15-10 Memphis (7-5 in AAC) to Orlando. UCF suffered its most lopsided loss of the season at Memphis back on Jan 27 (77-57) but have won three of four since. Memphis followed up the big win over the Knights with three straight losses but the Tigers have rebounded with back-to-back victories over UConn and East Carolina.

Senior guard Jeremiah Martin (17.4-4.0-4.3) had just 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting in the win over UCF but is since averaging 24.8 in five games, after pouring in 31 in Wednesday's 79-69 win over the Pirates. 6-8 senior forward Kyvon Davenport is second to Martin in scoring (14.3) and leads the team in rebounding (7.0). However, he was held to a season-low three points at East Carolina. Freshman guard Harris adds 11.9 PPG but note that Hardaway likes to use his bench, as Memphis has six more players averaging between 5.3 and 8.6 PPG.

7-6 senior center Tacko Fall put up a season-high 21 points to go along with nine rebounds and five blocks in Wednesday's win. He's averaging 10.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG and 2.7 BPG on the season (he makes 75.6% of his FGs) and head coach Johnny Dawkins noted after the game, "He played 26 minutes; I thought it was probably the most assertive 26 minutes he's played since I've coached him here. I felt his presence throughout the entire time he was out there on the floor. That's a tribute to him." Fall is obviously important to the team's success but the team's 'backbone' is its guard duo of Senior B.J. Taylor (16.5) and junior Aubrey Dawkins (15.3 & 5.2).

Expect the revenge motive to be HUGE in this one and UCF had won four straight meetings over the Tigers prior to that loss at Memphis late last month. UCF is 12-2 SU at home, allowing just 66.4 PPG. Meanwhile, the Tigers have been an awful defensive team on the road, allowing 83.9 PPG in true road games. The Knights get their revenge.

Good luck...Larry

My 3rd play of  Saturday's STP is a 9* on USF at 6;00 ET.

No. 9 Houston is atop the American Athletic Conference at 11-1 with just over a month remaining until Selection Sunday. Cincy is at 9-2, UCF at 8-3 and the 18-7 Temple Owls  check in at 8-4. Temple knows that it has little margin for error if it hopes to reach the NCAA Tournament. The Owls pay a visit to Tampa on Saturday to face USF, which is 17-7 overall, including 7-5 in AAC play. Temple's off an eight-point home win over SMU, while USF is off a 78-65 loss at UCF. However, Temple should take note the Bulls team nearly beat the Owls in Philadelphia back on Jan 12, before ultimately dropping an 82-80 decision in overtime.

It's nothing new that the Owls got the bulk of their scoring in their win over SMU from their trio of guards (59 of the team's 82 points), Shizz Alston, Quinton Rose and Nate Pierre-Louis. Alston, the team's leading scorer at PPG, registered 28 points in that contest and made multiple 3-pointers for the 16th time in his last 17 games. Rose (16.6) added 15 points and Pierre-Louis (13.9 & 6.0) added 16 points.That said, other Temple players contributed, as well. The 6-10 Ernest Aflakpui (6.2 & 7.1) grabbed 10 rebounds, the 6-7 J.P. Moorman II (5.6 & 3.7) had a career-high seven assists with nine rebounds plus guard Alani Moore (4.9) pitched in four assists and two steals off the bench.

The Bulls are led offensively by guard David Collins (15.4), who enters this contest with four straight 20-point efforts while shooting nearly 57 percent from the floor over that stretch. The 6-8 Alexis Yetna is just shy of averaging a double-double on the season (12.5 & 9.9) and he also shoots 44.1 percent from the three-point line. Justin Brown (8.4) has knocked down a team-leading 45 three-pointers, including nearly 60 percent of his long-range attempts over the last five outings. Junior transfer Laquincy Rideau continues to shine at the point, averaging 13.7 points along with league highs of 5.8 assists and 3.1 steals per game. However, Rideau was awful against UCF, shooting 3-of-17 in the road loss.

That said, Rideau notched 18 points, 10 assists and 10 steals against Temple last month. It was just the SIXTH points-assists-steals triple-double in Division I over the last 20 seasons! Expect South Florida to continue its climb into the top half of the American Athletic Conference with a win here. The Bulls have already won their most contests (17) since 2011-12 and have clearly left the recent past in the rear-view mirror. USF is off seasons of 10, 7, 8, 9 and 12 wins.The Bulls allow just 66.1 PPG (46th) on the season and here at home, are 13-2 SU, allowing only 63.3 PPG. Home teams gets this win.

Good luck...Larry

My 1st play of Saturday's STP is an 8* on Texas Tech at 2:00 ET.

No. 15 Texas Tech is surging up the Big 12 standings with five wins in its last six games. The 20-5 Red Raiders are 8-4 in league play (tied with Kansas), 1 1/2-games back of conference leading Kansas St (9-2). Texas Tech welcomes 16-8 Baylor (7-4 in Big 12) to Lubbock on a three-game winning streak in which the Red Raiders have won by an average of 23.7 PPG. Baylor beat Texas Tech at home 73-62 back on Jan 19, a victory which was part of a six-game winning streak for the Bears. However, they then lost two in a row before upending Oklahoma 59-53 at home Monday night.

The Bears had allowed an average of 77 points in losses to Texas and Kansas State, before limiting the Sooners to 22 second-half points in Monday's win Junior guard Devonte Bandoo (averaging just 7.7 PPG on the season) connected on a career-high five 3-pointers, en route to 19 points. Leading scorer Makai Mason (15.6) returned from a one-game layoff to make just two of his 14 shot attempts, but the senior led the way with a career high-tying eight assists. Injuries just HAVE to be an issue for Baylor down the stretch, as the Bears lost the 6-9 Clark (14.6 & 6.2). to a season-ending knee injury on Jan 8 and senior G King McClure (9.9 & 5,4) has missed two straight games with a knee injury and is listed day-to-day.

Sophomore "do-everything" guard Jarrett Culver leads Tech with 17.7 PPG (ranks third in the Big 12) plus adds 6.2 RPG and 3.6 APG. Senior guard Matt Mooney (10.8) and sophomore guard Davide Moretti (10.6) nicely complement Culver on the perimeter for Tech. Up front, the 6-10 Owens (8.3 & 5.4) and 6-8 center Odiase (4.1 & 5.3) are the biggest contributors.

The Bears have had to reinvent themselves after losing sophomore big man Tristan Clark and now head coach Scott Drew doesn't know when guard King McClure will return from a knee injury. This hardly seems like the best time to visit Lubbock, with the Red Raiders seeking revenge from that January loss in Waco. Head coach Chris Beard's Red Raiders identity is unabashedly defense. The Red Raiders are first in the nation in defensive field goal percentage (36.2) and second in scoring defense (57.0). Here in Lubbock, Tech is 13-1 SU, outscoring opponents 74.6-to-52.8 PPG. Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Eye-Opener is on TCU at 12:00 ET.

Oklahoma is 15-10 overall but a woeful 3-9 in Big-12 play (ahead of only 2-9 Okla St & WVa). The Sooners visit Ft Worth on Saturday afternoon to take on the 17-7 TCU Horned Frogs, who sit 5-6 in Big 12 play. The Sooners enter on a season-high five-game losing streak, after a 59-53 setback Monday at Baylor. As for TCU, the Horned Frogs saw their 12-game conference home winning streak come to an end, as TCU was outlasted 82-77 by Kansas on Monday, its first home loss to a Big 12 opponent in over a year.

Late-game execution once again was the Sooners’ downfall on Monday, as Oklahoma was held scoreless in the final two minutes. “You’ve got to play really well to have a chance, and we haven’t played enough 40 minutes of basketball,” Oklahoma head coach Lon Kruger said after the defeat. “It seems like every game, we find a stretch or something that hurts us, and we’ve got to try to work through that.” The Sooners were an 'ugly' 3-for-18 from three-point range vs Baylor, setting season lows for makes and three-point percentage (16.7). 6-4 senior guard Christian James leads in scoring (15.4) and rebounding (7.0), while the 6-9 Manek (11.6 & 6.5) is the only other Sooner in double digits. However, six Oklahoma players chip in between 4.2 and 9.4 PPG.

TCU lost on Monday but freshman Kendric Davis has recorded consecutive double-digit scoring performances for the first time, as he finished with 16 points while adding a career-high seven assists on Monday. He's filled in nicely for guard Fisher (12.9), who is out for the season and will transfer. Davis averages 6.5 PPG and backs up junior guard Bane (15.7 & 5.4) and senior PG Robinson (12.9 & 7.3 APG) on the perimeter. Up front, the 6-7 Noi (14.8 & 4.1) and the 6-8 Miller (10.4 & 6.5) surround 6-11 freshman center Samuel (7.3 & 7.2).

TCU has way more offensive options than Oklahoma, as only James and Manek are in double digits. What's more, James is only 15 of 51 from floor (29.4%), averaging a mere 10 PPG his last five contests. The five days off between games will be much needed by the Horned Frogs, as three players set career highs in minutes played during Monday’s overtime loss, Bane (44), Davis (36) and Noi (42). Lay the points with TCU, which is 11-2 SU at home, allowing just 67.3 PPG.

Good luck...Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Princeton at 7:00 ET.

15-4 Yale sits atop the Ivy League at 5-1, with Cornell, Harvard and Princeton a game back at 4-2. Harvard (a 10-point home favorite) appeared to be in complete control with a 13 point lead at the half last Saturday but the Big Red went on a 46-27 second half run, as Cornell snapped Harvard's five-game winning streak. With Harvard's five-game homestand now in the rear-view mirror, the Crimson take to the Ivy road the next two weekends, beginning with tonight's game in Princeton against the Tigers. Princeton (also 4-2 in Ivy play) is 12-7 overall (Harvard is 11-8). The Tigers just completed four road games the last two weekends and now (in direct contrast to Harvard), will be home these next two weekends.

Harvard's Bryce Aiken did not play in the Crimson's Ivy opening loss on Jan 12 to Dartmouth but he made his junior season debut on Jan 21 at Howard, 348 days to the date he went down in agony in Morningside Heights, as the Crimson suffered a rare loss to the Columbia Lions (his left knee would require offseason surgery). Aiken averaged 14.1 PPG last season and in six games this season, is averaging 19.2 PPG.  The 6-9 Chris Lewis (11.9 & 4,3) and guard Bassey (10.3 & 7.3) have been stalwarts this season, although Bassey did not play in the loss to Cornell (?). Guards Juzang (9.7) and Kirkwood (9.2) plus the 6-8 Djuricic (7.3 & 4.1) round out the main contributors.

Princeton's senior guard Cannady (19.8) is one of the Ivy's best backcourt players and is joined in the backcourt by fellow senior Stephens (12.6), who is also the team's leading rebounder (6.5). Freshman guard Llewellyn  joined the team in December and is closing in on averaging double digits at 9.3 PPG. 6-9 center Aririguzoh averages 11.4 & 5.9.

The winner here keeps it close with Yale (the Bulldogs are a big road favorite tonight at Columbia) and note that Harvard is just 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games overall plus enters this game 1-5 ATS in its last six away games (lone cover at Howard of the MEAC). Princeton had a seven-game winning streak snapped with back to back road losses last weekend and the Tigers will be happy to get back home, The Tigers won 67-66 at then-No. 17 Arizona State during their seven-game winning streak and I like them here at home vs the overrated Crimson. The price is cheap!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Crusher (Ivy League) is on Cornell at 7:00 ET.

The Brown Bears and the Cornell Big Red meet in Ithaca, NY for Ivy League action from the Newman Arena at Bartels Hall on Friday night. The Brown Bears beat Princeton 78-70 in its last outing and comes in 14-8 overall but just 2-4 in Ivy League play. Meanwhile, Cornell swept Dartmouth and Harvard on the Ivy road last weekend and while the  Big Red are 12-10 overall, they are 4-2 in conference play (tied with Harvard and Princeton), just one-game back of first-place Yale (5-1).

Desmond Cambridge led Brown in scoring as a freshman (17.3) and tops the team again this season, averaging 16.4 PPG. That said, 6-5 SF Choh (12.8), could be the team's best all-around player, leading in rebounds (8.9) and assists (3.5). Senior guard Okolie (11.0) is the the team's third double-digit scorer. Cornell's Matt Morgan has led the Ivy League in scoring in each of the last three seasons and the senior is well on his way to making if FOUR times in four years. He enters the season having scored in double digits in 51 straight games and has extended that streak to 73 in a row, this season (he's averaging 23.5 PPG and 4.5 RPG). 6-8 swingman Warren adds 10.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG and 3.1 APG. Jimmy Boeheim (Coach Boeheim's son) rounds out the double digit scorers at 10.6 PPG and the 6-6 Julian is the team's top rebounder at 6.5 per game (adds just a modest 4.0 PPG).

"The Ancient Eight" (as the Ivy used to be called) joined the rest of the college hoops world by holding a postseason tourney a few years back but only the top-four teams get in. onA loss here by Brown (would fall to 2-5) could put the Bears' tourney hopes on 'life-support.' However, "must win" doesn't mean "will win." It's hardly good news that Brown's leading scorer (Cambridge) comes in shooting just 12 of 61 (19.7%) from the floor in his last four contests. Cornell's "road sweep" last weekend (see above) is a good sign for the Big Red, as is Cornell's recent domination of Brown (won both meetings last year). In fact, Cornell is 15-5-2 ATS in the last 22 meetings between these two schools and Brown limps in 1-9-1 ATS in its last 11 Ivy games. Go Big Red!

My 10* LEGEND play is on San Diego at 10:00 ET.

It's live from the Jenny Craig Pavilion in San Diego on Thursday night, as 16-win teams BYU and San Diego square off in WCC action. The Cougars are 16-10 overall and their 8-3 league mark puts them in second -place behind only the No. 3-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs, who are 23-2 (including 10-0 in WCC play). BYU looks to build on their current 3-game winning streak, after a 69-59 win over Pacific in the team's last outing. San Diego is hoping for a little more consistency, after alternating wins and losses in each of its last four games. The Toreros lost 70-67 at Pepperdine in their last outing, failing to avenge their LONE home loss of the season (more on that, later)..

The 6-8 Yoeli Childs led the Cougars with 19 points along with 13 rebounds for the double-double in BYU's win over Pacific. Guard Connor Harding (13 points) was the only other BYU player to finish in double figures. BYU can score, averaging 80.2 PPG (36th). Childs leads the Cougars in scoring (21.0) and rebounding (9.7) but the biggest percentage of BYU's offense comes from the perimeter. PG Haws averages 17.0 PPG and 5.0 APG and Hardnett just misses out on double digits with 9.7 PPG, Another trio of guards combine for about 20 PPG. bYU's problem is a defense that allows 75.4 PPG (272nd)

San Diego's 6-7 Isaiah Pineiro(19.2 & 9.0) will be a excellent counter to BYU's Childs. As for the backcourt, Carter averages 16.0 PPG, Wright 13.4 & 4.0 and PG Williams 8.8 & 3.1 APG. Helping out Pineiro up front are the 6-10 Massalski (7.6 & 5.9) and the 6-8 Floresca (5.2 & 3.1). San Diego doesn't score as much as BYU, as the Toreros check in averaging 73.5 PPG but they play better D, allowing 68.0 PPG (91st)

BYU owns lots of firepower but the Cougars have been betrayed by theri porous D, especially on the road. BYU is 3-7 SU in true road games this season, allowing 86.5 PPG. BYU is 3-11 ATS in their last 14 road games and 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games against a team with a winning record. Sure, it's slightly uncomfortable laying points with an inconsistent San Diego team but the Toreros are 11-1 SU at home (lone loss to Pepperdine) and BYU's only conference road wins have come at Pacific, Pepperdine and Portland, teams which have combined to go 8-25 in WCC play. BYU's play against higher-quality opposition has seen them lose three times by 19 or more vs WCC 'heavies' Gonzaga, USF, & Saint Mary’s. San Diego is clearly NOT in Gonzaga's class but the Toreros are on par with the latter two. San Diego easily beat BYU at Jenny Craig last year (75-62) and is BYU is 4-0 ATS in BYU's last four visits to this venue. Also note that BYU's third-leading scorer (Hardnett) is sidelined with hand injury. Make that 5-0!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Crusher (Pac 12) is on Colorado a7%) run with all CBB plays since Saturday.t 10:30 ET.

The Colorado Buffs opened the season 9-3 in non-conference games but when Pac-12 play began, Colorado started 2-6. However, the Buffs have rebounded from their poor Pac-12 start to post impressive double-digit wins over Oregon and UCLA, before winning 69-65 at USC Saturday as a 5 1/2-point underdog. Suddenly, Colorado is the hottest team in the Pac-12. The 14-9 Buffaloes (5-6 in Pac-12 play) will try to build on their positive mojo Wednesday night when they host 16-7 Arizona State. The Sun Devils have won five of their last seven contests and are tied with Utah and Oregon State for second place at 7-4. That’s still a full three games in back of Washington but Arizona State is fresh off handing the Huskies their first conference setback, winning 75-63 at home Saturday night.

Two days have struggling through one of their worst shooting games of the season (33.8-percent in a 91-70 home loss to Washington State), the Sun Devils shot a season-best 61.7 percent in beating Washington. Forward Romello White had 17 points to lead four Arizona State players in double figures and also was one of three Sun Devils to collect at least eight rebounds. ASU dominated the Washington 40-23 on the boards. Led by guards Luguentz Dort (16.2 points per game) and Remy Martin (13.1), five players are averaging double figures for Arizona State. Senior forward Zylan Cheatham (11.5 & 11.0) plus guard Edwards at 10.4 and the 6-7 Lawrence at 10.O are the other two. White (9.3 & 5.7, just misses.  ASU leads the conference in overall scoring at 78.9 PPG (that's 52nd nationally) and average rebound margin (7.1).

As for Colorado, even with its win streak, the Buffaloes haven’t gained much ground in the Pac-12 standings. They are currently part of a four-way tie for seventh place at 5-6. Only Washington State (3-8) and hapless California (0-11) are worse. That said, the Buffs have dominated defensively during their current three-game win streak, holding Oregon, UCLA and USC to a combined 39.6 shooting, including 17-of-70 from three-point range (24,3%). PG McKinley Wright leads the team with 13.0 PPG and 4.9 APG. Swingman Tyler Bey adds 12.0 PPG and a team-high 8.9 RPG. 6-10 forward Lucas Siewert (11.3 & 5.1) and guard Gatling (10.7) round out the double digit scorers.

I noted Colorado's excellent defensive play earlier but the Buffs have played excellent D all season long. Colorado is third in the conference in allowing 68.8 PPG and is limiting the opposition to 30.5-percent shooting from three-point range (33rd nationally). Arizona State’s 61.7-percent shooting outing versus Washington marked its first 60-pecent showing in a Pac-12 game since 2013.DO NOT expect a repeat performance here in Boulder, where the Buffs are 8-2 SU. No real pointspread to worry about here.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NBA Game of the Week is on the Dal Mavs at 8:35 ET.

The Miami Heat have performed well away from home for much of the season. However, the Heat will conclude a five-game road trip prior to the All Star break with tonight's game in Dallas. Wins have been tough to come by on their current trip, against some of the best the Western Conference has to offer. Miami opened the trip with a 118-108 win at Portland (Feb 5) but has since dropped THREE in a row. One night after a valiant effort in a two-point loss at Golden State, Miami dropped a 103-87 decision at Denver on Monday, tumbling out of the top eight in the East with a 25-30 record.

As for the 26-30 Mavericks, they traded four starters in an eight-day span. Second-leading scorer Harrison Barnes (17.7 & 4.2) was the last to go, when Dallas shipped him to the Sacramento Kings for fellow forwards Justin Jackson and Zach Randolph. Prior to that, the Mavs traded PG Dennis Smith Jr. (12.9 & 4.3 APG), SG Wesley Matthews (13.1) and center DeAndre Jordan (11.0 & 13.7) to the New York Knicks. That left star rookie Luka Doncic as the lone remaining starter.The Mavs had won SIX of nine but their last time out, lost 120-104 to James Harden ("just" 31 points!) and the Houston Rockets on Monday.

Center Hassan Whiteside entered Denver averaging 17.8 points and 14.6 rebounds during a streak of five straight double-doubles but he was held to six and eight, respectively, against the Nuggets' big men. The 29-year-old Whiteside (12.9 & 12.5) averages 14.1 points, 13.9 rebounds and 2.5 blocks at home, where Miami plays 10 of 12 games soon after the All-Star break. With PG Dragic and his 15.3 PPG and 4.9 APG sidelined, Winslow (12.4-5.3-4.1) has been playing at the point with Wade (13.8-3.8-4.4) coming off the bench. SG Richardson (17.6) leads the team in scoring. Miami's D has been good all season, allowing 105.7 PPG  on 44.4% shooting (both rank 3rd-best in the NBA).

Rookie Luka Doncic (20.8-7.1-5.5) had 21 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for Dallas in the road loss at Houston. Doncic is likely looking forward to the break, after playing all 12 minutes of the fourth quarter in Sunday's win over Portland and then carrying Dallas through 36 minutes in the loss to Houston. I expect that both Hardway (14.5 PPG in his four games with Dallas) and Burke (8.5 in the same span), will get plenty of "PT" here in Dallas. Also, expect forwards Powell (8.7 & 4.4) and Finney-Smith (7.9 & 4.7) to see increased minutes and offer increased production after the trades. In fact, Powell is shooting 62.3 percent from the floor over his last 10-games.

Miami opened this trip with an upset of Portland and sat 14-11 SU (16-9 ATS) on the road at that time. However, the Heat are 0-3  over the previous seven days. This is the final contest of a five-game, nine-day road trip and Dallas is 20-8 SU (19-8-1 ATS) at American Airlines Center this season. Doncic will surely be looking forward to a rest with the All Star break coming (that said, he has to be a little miffed he's not playing in it)  but 19-year-old isn't showing any signs of slowing down on the stat sheet. He's averaging 24.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists in five games in Feb. Mavs roll.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Revenge Rout is on Auburn at 8:30 ET.

Ole Miss was picked to finish last in the SEC preseason media poll but the Rebels, under first-year head coach Kermit Davis, opened the season 13-2 and a near-perfect 14-1 ATS. The Rebels have cooled since that incredible start but at 16-7 (6-4 in the SEC) are making a serious bid for their first trip to the NCAA Tournament in four seasons. Ole Miss has answered a four-game losing streak with back-to-back victories and looks to complete a season sweep of the Tigers tonight in Auburn. The Tigers won NINE of their first 10 games but have gone 7-6, since. Auburn was ranked 14th at 13-3, when it lost to Kentucky, the first of a three-game skid. The Tigers snapped that three-game losing skid by winning three in a row but then blew an early 16-point lead in Saturday's 83-78 loss at LSU (currently ranked 19th).

Ole Miss rode a 31-point performance from Breein Tyree to an 80-64 win at Georgia on Saturday, moving them to 6-4 in conference play, the first time it has been above .500 through 10 games in the SEC since last going to the NCAAs in 2014-15. Tyree is Ole Miss' leading scorer (18.5) and has been on a tear over the past five games, averaging 24.0 points. Backcourt mate Davis is second on the team in scoring  (16.2) plus leads in rebounding (6.3) and assist (3.6). He has scored in double figures in 12 consecutive games but note that no other Rebel averages more than 9.3 PPG.

Senior guard Bryce Brown (16.7) is the Auburn's leading scorer and junior PG Jared Harper (15.6) leads the SEC in assists (6.3), 6-8 sophomore forward Chuma Okeke (10.5 7 6.7) has stepped up with 6-11 junior Austin Wiley's missing four straight with a leg injury. Wiley's hardly played the last two games but still checks in at 9.6 & 5.5 on the season. Okeke has 12 points in the loss to LS( he's been in double digits on SEVEN of his last eight) plus added a season-high 14 rebounds.

Auburn was CLEARLY rusty in its 82-67 Jan 9 loss at Ole Miss, as that contest followed an extended 11-day layoff. In this rematch (or should I say, "revenge" match?), expect the Tigers to be energized at Auburn Arena, where they are 12-1 SU (lone loss a two-point one vs Kentucky), outscoring opponents 87.5-to-63.8 PPG.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on NC Stata at 8:00 ET.

It's an ACC clash Wednesday in Raleigh, as 17-7 Syracuse (8-3 in league play) visits 17-7 NC State (5-6 in league play). Syracuse bounced back from an 'ugly' 82-60 home loss to Florida State a week ago Tuesday with a 67-56 home win over Boston College on Saturday. The Wolfpack struggled through a rough stretch that saw them lose four of five — all to ranked teams — but managed to hold off the late-charging Pitt Panthers for the 79-76 road win on Saturday.

Buddy Boeheim, a freshman guard averaging 13.5 minutes and 5.7 PPG, had a career-high 16 points in the win over BC. "He's helping us," Boeheim’s father and head coach Jim Boeheim told reporters after the game. "He's making shots. We need somebody to make shots out there and he's making shots." Junior guard and leading scorer Tyus Battle (17.9 points per game) once again led the Orange with 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting. Up front, it's forwards Elijah Hughes (14.0 & 4.3) and Oshae Brissett (13.6 & 8.0).

Boeheim's zone D is giving opponents fits this season (as always), as Syracuse allows just 64.0 PPG (21st on 39.4% shooting (15th).

Kevin Keatts' Wolfpack like to put as many as four guards on the floor at a time and push the tempo. Swingman Torin Dorn is the team’s top scorer (13.6) and rebounder (6.6) despite being just 6-6, while C.J. Bryce (12.5 & 5.0) and PG Markell Johnson (11.1 & 4.0 APG) both shoot better than 40 percent from three-point range. Devon Daniels (9.5) and Braxton Beverly (9.8) also contribute to a talent-rich backcourt. 6-10 sophomore Funderbunk (8.5 & 4.1) is NC State's best inside player.

The Wolfpack were in desperate need of a win, as their losing streak saw them drop out of the top-25 and to the bottom half of the ACC standings. They got one by competing hard at both ends of the court in the win over BC. Now, it's time to beat a quality opponent. The last time the Wolfpack played at home (Feb 2), they were held to 24 points by Virginia Tech.However, they are averaging 87.5 points over their last two games (both on the road). Despite NC State's 'nigthmare' of  game vs Va Tech, the Wolfpack are 12-3 SU at home, outscoring opponents 82.9-to-64.7 PPG. Expect an easy win for NC State, here.

Good luck...Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Temple at 7:00 ET.

It's an AAC contest Wednesday night as the SMU Mustangs (4-7 in AAC play) travel to Philly to take on the 17-7 Temple Owls (7-4 in AAC play). SMU most recently lost by six points to UCF and enters this contest having lost SIX of its last seven games.As for Temple, the Owls were crushed 76-58 by Tulsa 76-58 on Saturday, as leading scorers Shizz Alston Jr., Quinton Rose and Nate Pierre-Louis combined to shoot 8-of-31 from the floor (26%).

The Mustangs hope to break a four-game losing streak in tonight's game at Temple. Jimmy Whitt Jr. had a career-high 23 points for SMU against UCF but he went scoreless in five minutes against UCF. Head coach Tim Jankovich said, "He was late for practice yesterday, so that was a big part of it. And it's been hard for him to practice. Last week he didn't one time and then this two days before the game he only practiced once because he's a little dinged up. Hopefully he'll get healthy quickly." If McMurray is hurting against Temple, can guard Whitt (12.9-6.4-4.5) and the 6-8 Isiaha Mike (12.3 & 5.1) step up? Mike notched his first double-double of the season (18 points, 10 boards) against the Knights. The 6-9 Chargois (12.3 & 6.7) also averages in double digits. 

Temple owns a three-headed scoring attack on the perimeter in PG Shizz Alston Jr. (18.1 & 5.0 APG) plus fellow guards Quinton Rose (16.6) and Nate Pierre-Louis (13.8 & 5.9) The Owls endured a putrid effort against Tulsa, as only Alston (4-of-14) made more than two field goals and the team as a whole managed a total of five two-point baskets in the game. Rose committed seven turnovers and shot just 2-of-12 from the floor. Pierre-Louis (12 points) has scored in double figures in 12 of the last 13 games but is just 4 of 22 from three-point range in the previous seven games.

Temple is still very much alive for a third-place finish in the AAC (behind Houston and Cincy) and is 9-2 SU at home. This price seems very "doable," as I expect Temple's perimeter trio (see above), to return to form. Lay the short price.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the GS Warriors at 10:35 ET.

The Golden State Warriors have scored at least 100 points in 26 consecutive games, the franchise's best run since a 36-game streak during the 2016-17 campaign. At 40-15, the Warriors will look for their 16th victory in their last 17 games when they host the Utah Jazz on Tuesday. However, in the 32-24 Utah Jazz, Golden State will face a team which is almost as hot. The Jazz visit Oakland having won 14 of their last 18 games, after an impressive 125-105 home win over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.

Center Rudy Gobert had 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting and collected 13 rebounds against San Antonio for his fourth straight double-double (14th in his last 16). The reigning NBA Defensive of the Year is viewed as one of the biggest snubs for the All-Star Game, as he's averaging 15.2 & 12.8.  All-Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell (22.4-3.8-4.0) scored 23 points against the Spurs and has topped 20 in 16 of the last 17 games, averaging 27.2 points during the stretch. PG Rubio (12.9 & 6.1 APG) is back healthy and the above three are joined in the starting lineup by SF Ingles (11.8-3.8-5.0) and PF Favors (11.0 & 71.). Coming off the bench are Crowder (11.9 & 4.8) and Korver (9.6 & 40.2% on threes). Utah is one of the league's best defensive teams, allowing 105.8 PPG (4th).

The Warriors rallied from 19 points down to edge the Miami Heat 120-118 at home on Sunday night. It was the second straight game in which the Warriors won after trailing by at least 17 points. They overcame a 17-point deficit to win at Phoenix on Friday. The Warriors have won FIVE times this season after falling behind by at least 15 points, including Oct 19 at Utah, when Golden State rallied from 16 points back to prevail 124-123 on a buzzer-beating tip-in by Jonas Jerebko. Forward Kevin Durant (39 points on Sunday) and guards Klay Thompson (29) and Stephen Curry (25) have each scored 25 or more points in 12 straight games after the club rallied from a 19-point deficit to record a hard-fought 120-118 home win over the Miami Heat. DeMarcus Cousins (14.1 & 6.5 in his 10 games / eight starts) made the decisive two free throws with 5.4 seconds left against the Heat and coach Steve Kerr said he is impressed with the effect the big man has had on the squad since returning from an Achilles injury. "He's basically single-handedly negated the dog days, he really has," Kerr told reporters. "DeMarcus has come in and energized our team. ... He's just bringing this excitement and energy every game and he's getting better and better and fitting right in with the group."

With Cousins now healthy enough to play, Golden State's starting-five is quite scary. The Warriors rank first in scoring (119.1 PPG) and FG percentage (49.3), while ranking third in three-point percentage (38.6) and free-throw percentage (81.4). The Warriors have yet to lose (8-0) since Cousins joined Draymond Green, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry in the starting lineup. Don't expect the Warriors to fall behind early in this one, as no comeback will be needed in a likely wire-to-wire win

'Good luck...Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Miss St at 9:00 ET.

Alabama’s 83-79 home win over then-No. 22 Mississippi State on Jan 29 helped the Crimson Tide right the ship in the SEC. 15-8 Alabama has won three of its last four games to climb into a tie for fifth place in the SEC standings at 6-4. As for the Miss St Bulldogs, they have headed in the opposite direction by losing three of their last four contests. Miss St (16-7 / 4-6) let two close home games against ranked opponents slip away last week. The Bulldogs lost 92-88 in overtime against No. 21 LSU and then pushed No. 5 Kentucky to the brink of a 71-67 defeat. 

Alabama is a perimeter-based team, led by freshman PG Lewis (14.3 & 3.0 APG) and sophomore guard Petty (11.7 & 4.1). That duo is joined by Mack (9.0 & 3.7) and Ingram (7.6 & 4.0). Alabama's lone inside threat is the 6-9 Hall (10.9 & 8.7).

Miss St opened 12-1 but enters this contest just 4-6 in its last 10. The Bulldogs are led by one of the SEC’s most dynamic players. The 6-5 Quinndary Weatherspoon averages 17.9 PPG (5.5 RPG) and can score in numerous ways. PG Lamar Peters (12.4 & 5.7 APG) is a solid play-maker and the duo is joined by Weatherspoon's brother Nick (9.8) on the perimeter. Starting up front are the 6-11 Perry (8.7 & 6.4) and the 6-11 Aldo (5.0 & 4.8). However, the Bulldogs' best frontcourt player comes off the bench, as the 6-10 Holman averages 10.6 PPG and a team-high 7.0 RPG.

Revenge should work here, as Miss St is 10-3 SU at home, while averaging 84.2 PPG. Freshman forward Reggie Perry has moved into the starting lineup in the last three games and is averaging 14.4 points and nine rebounds over his last five contests. Miss St has way more depth up front and the Bulldogs' guard trio of the Weatherspoon brothers and Peters is more than a match for Alabama's guards. Home team wins with "room to spare.!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on St John's at 8:30 ET.

Marquette edged Villanova on Saturday, 66-65. The result left the Wildcats at 10-1 and moved the Golden Eagles to 9-2. Those schools are well ahead of the rest of the pack in the conference, as the Big East has five teams tied for third at 5-6 in league play. Two of that quintet of teams, which all look up at Villanova and Marquette, will meet Tuesday night when 14-10 Butler visits 17-7 St. John's. All five of those schools will need a strong stretch run if they plan on making this year's NCAA Tournament.

Butler rebounded from a three-game losing streak by winning its last two contests by just a combined six points. The Bulldogs' leading scorer Kamar Baldwin had 18 points to help Butler to a 73-69 victory at Georgetown on Saturday. The junior guard leads the team in scoring (17.2) and rebounding (5.0) and is joined on the perimeter by Jorgensen (11.8) and PG Thompson (6.1 & 4.2 APG). 6-7 sophomore forward Jordan Tucker (Duke transfer) scored 14 of his 15 points prior to the break in the win at Georgetown and is now averaging 10.0 & 5.2 since becoming eligible 15 games ago. 6-6 forward McDermott adds 9.9 & 3.8 while the center duo of the 6-11 Brunk (8.1 & 4.1) and the 6-10 Fowler (5.5 & 4.0) complete Butler's major contributors.

St John's is coming off a damaging 70-56 home loss to Providence on Saturday. That 56-point effort was the Red Storm's worst in Big East action since it was held to 45 in a loss at Butler last season. The absence of second-leading scorer Mustapha Heron (15.0 & 4.9) with a knee issue was a factor. Junior PG Shamorie Ponds scored 20 points and checks in at 20.7-4.6-5.3 on the season. Fellow guard Figueroa averages 14.3 PPG and a team-high 6.5 RPG plus another guard, Simon, adds 10.1-4.8-3.5. St John's doesn't have much size up front, as the 6-7 Clark (11.4 & 5.8) is the team's best frontcourt player.

Butler has won seven of the last nine meetings with St John's, including 80-71 at home back on Jan 19 (Baldwin had 30 points). Yes, Butler has made the "Big Dance" in 10 of the previous 12 years but the prospects for a 2018 invite are bleak. Butler has won just two of seven road games this season (averaging only 65.7 PPG), while St John's checks in 9-3 SU at home, where the Red Storm are outscoring opponents 80.7-to-69.6 PPG. More good news comes St John's way in that Heron is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday (see above).

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Phi 76ers at 8:05 ET.

Elton Brand was as solid NBA player but he's made quite a mark as Philly's GM here in the 2018-19 season. Brand made his second big move since the beginning of the year by adding PF Tobias Harris from the Clippers, after dealing for Jimmy Butler earlier in campaign. Both moves were made to ostensibly to get Philly over the hump vs.new/old nemesis Boston. The Philadelphia 76ers are sure playing like a team that is headed in the right direction, as they are coming off impressive wins over the Denver Nuggets (117-110) and Los Angeles Lakers (143-120) since making a series of deadline moves. The Boston Celtics failed to make any upgrades prior to the deadline and are looking like a team that could have used a shake-up. The Celtics lost 129-128 on a buzzer-beater to the Los Angeles Lakers at home on Thursday and then blew a 28-point lead before falling to the Los Angeles Clippers 123-112 on Saturday in a demoralizing defeat.

Boston's Saturday's collapse began late in the first half, after All-Star guard Kyrie Irving suffered a sprained knee that will leave him on the sidelines Tuesday and potentially Wednesday against Detroit at home. Gordon Hayward  (10.2 & 4.6) had a team-high 19 points off the bench but Irving's fellow starters combined to shooting 14-for-42 (33.3%) from the floor without their leader. Hayward comes off the bench along with Brown (12.7 & 4.3), while Tatum (16.4 & 6.3) and Morris (14.6 & 6.) typically start up front with Horford (12.4 & 6.6). With Irving sidelined, expect Rozier (9.1) and Smart (8.2) to start in the backcourt.

Joel Embiid (27.4 & 13.5) went off for 37 points and 14 rebounds in Sunday's 143-120 rout of the Lakers, as 36-20 Philadelphia moved one game ahead of Boston (35-21) for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Embiid was 12-for-16 from the floor in Sunday's win, while newly acquired forward Tobias Harris had 22 points on 9-of-14 in his second game with the team. Harris was averaging career highs of 20.9 & 7.9 with LA and has averaged 18.0 & 7.0 in his two games with the Sixers. Rounding out Philly's starting-five is Butler (18.9 & 4.9), Redick (18.7) and PG/swingman Ben Simmons (16.7-9.2-7.9).

Philly's starting-five may not quite measure up to Golden State's (which team's does?) but it's clearly the East's top unit. I'm not sure Boston can 'hang' with Philly here, without Irving's 23.6 PPG and 6.9 APG. The 76ers are 23-6 at home, averaging a whopping 119.4 PPG. Sans Kyrie, Boston gets rolled, as Philly avenges the Celtics' two home wins (105-87 & 121-114 in OT) over the 76ers earlier this year. Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Conf Crusher (Big Ten) is on Maryland at 6:30 ET.

17-6 Purdue will be in College Park on Tuesday night to play 18-6 Maryland. The Boilermakers come in off an 81-62 win over the Cornhuskers on Saturday night, the school's EIGHTH in a row. Purdue sits 10-2 in Big Ten play, a half-game back of first-place Michigan. The Terps have had six days off since last Wednesday's 60-45 victory at Nebraska and sit 9-4 in league play, tied for fourth-place. The Boilermakers eked out a 62-60 victory in the first meeting between the two teams back on Dec 6 in West Lafayette.

Preseason All-American guard Carsen Edwards scored 20 points in that first meeting, while sophomore guard Nojel Eastern's blocked Darryl Morsell's potential game-winning three-point try at the buzzer. Edwards leads the Big Ten in scoring (24.6), which also ranks seventh nationally, He's joined on the perimeter by Cline (12.7) and Eastern (7.0 & 5.3), while the 7-3 Haarms gives the Boilermakers a big inside presence, averaging 7.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Four forwards combine to add about 23 points and 16 rebounds per contest.

Maryland begins a stretch where it plays three consecutive top-20 ranked teams with this game vs No. 12 Purdue. The 24th-ranked Terrapins then hit the road to play at No. 6 Michigan and No. 21 Iowa,. Junior PG Anthony Cowan Jr. had 18 points and six assists in the first meeting. He leads the Maryland in scoring (16.2) and assists (4.5). He gets help in the backcourt from Ayala (8.9), Wiggins (8.3) and Morsell (8.0). 6-10 sophomore Bruno Fernando is second on the team in scoring (14.8) plus adds a team-high 10.7 RPG (ranks second in the Big Ten). 6-10 freshman forward Jalen Smith (11.8 & 7.0) is coming in off his third double-double (18 points & 11 rebounds) in the win at Nebraska.

Purdue was an underachieving 9-6 in early January but an 84-80 OT win at Wisconsin on Jan 11, jump started an eight game win skein (7-1 ATS). The Boilermakers a good team but far from great. Maryland is an outstanding defensive team (64.9 PPG ranks 37th in the nation) and is 12-2 SU at home. The 6-10 Fernando has recorded a double-double in 15 games this season, including the last six in a row, leading the way for a team which leads the Big Ten and was tied for second in the nation entering the week in rebounding margin (plus-10.4). This is the first of a tough three-game stretch for the Terps (see above) and the ONLY one of the three that the Terps get at home. Expect the home team to prevail.

Good luck...Larry

My 3rd play of Monday's STP is an 8* on the Den Nuggets at 9:05 ET. 

The Denver Nuggets 'limp' home after losing the final three games of their four-game road trip. 37-18 Denver will be looking to avoid matching a season-high four-game losing streak Monday night, when the Nuggets welcome the 25-29 Miami Heat to Pepsi Center. The Nuggets allowed an average of 132 points in two straight losses, before giving Philadelphia all it could handle in a 117-110 loss on Friday. Denver now begins a stretch in which the Nuggets play six of seven at home, where they are an NBA-best 23-4.

Miami visits the Mile High City after rallying from nine down in the fourth quarter to take a three-point lead with less than a minute to go, surrender the final five of the game in a 120-118 loss at Golden St (the Warriors own a 40-15 record, best in the West).

Josh Richardson (Miami's leading scorer at 17.8 PPG) poured in 37 points but the Heat lost for the fifth time in six games, dropping into a tie with Detroit for eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Richardson is averaging 25.3 points over the last three contests and backcourt mate Dion Waiters (9.2) stepped up to score a season-high 24 on Sunday. Center Hassan Whiteside recorded his fifth straight double-double Sunday and is averaging 17.8 points along with 14.2 rebounds during that stretch (he's averaging 13.1 & 12.6 on the season). Veteran Dwyane Wade (13.9-3.9-4.4) scored 10 points and has averaged 17.0 PPG over his last four contests. Small forward Justise Winslow had 22 points on 8-of-16 shooting against Golden State but has mostly been playing in the backcourt with PG Dragic (15.3 & 4.9 APG) sidelined. Winslow is averaging 12.3-5.4-4.2 on the season.

Denver head coach Michael Malone told reporters his players could hold their heads high after Friday’s effort but guard Will Barton (12.3-4.4-3.4) said it is time to get back to business as the Nuggets’ lead over Oklahoma City for second in the West has shrunk to one game. Center Nikola Jokic continues to put up big numbers, recording triple-doubles in five of the last eight games. He leads Denver in scoring (20.4), rebounding (10.5) and assists (7.7). PG Jamal Murray (18.6-4.3-5.0) has averaged 21 points and 8.5 assists in two contests since returning from a six-game absence because of an ankle injury, while fellow guard Malik Beasley (11.6) is averaging 20.7 points over his past six outings. However, SG Gary Harris (14.8) is expected to miss his sixth straight game, while PF Paul Millsap (12.0 & 6.5) could sit out a fourth straight with an ankle injury.

Injuries are nothing new to Denver this season, yet as noted earlier, the Nuggets own the NBA's best home record (23-4 SU), averaging 116.5 PPG and winning by an average of 12 points per game. Miami has been a solid road underdog the last two seasons but the Heat are coming off a heart-breaking loss last night in Oakland and will be playing their third game in four days on the road. That's is NOT a recipe for success. Lay the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 2nd play of Monday's STP is an 8* on the Hou Rockets at 8:05 ET. 

James Harden continued his phenomenal scoring run with 42 points in Saturday's 117-112 loss to Oklahoma City, leaving him two 30-point games away from tying Wilt Chamberlain for the second-longest such streak in NBA history. However, the Rockets collapsed against the Thunder in the second half, allowing OKC to overcome a 26-point deficit. "We have to be consistent for four quarters," Harden told reporters Saturday after his team fell to 19-9 at home and 32-23 on the season. The Dallas Mavericks traded four starters in eight days. Second-leading scorer Harrison Barnes (17.7 & 4.2) was shipped to the Sacramento Kings for fellow forwards Justin Jackson and Zach Randolph. Priort to that, the Mavs traded PG Dennis Smith Jr. (12.9 & 4.3 APG), SG Wesley Matthews (13.1) and center DeAndre Jordan (11.0 & 13.7) to the New York Knicks. That leaves star rookie Luka Doncic as the lone remaining starter.

Doncic (20.8-7.0-5.5) played the entire fourth quarter Sunday and scored 13 points while helping Dallas keep Portland from putting up a single point for nearly seven minutes during one stretch. The Mavs' furious rally gave them a 102-101 home win over the Blazers. Docic had 28 points and the recently acquired Tim Hardaway added 24, as the Mavericks held the Trail Blazers to just nine fourth-quarter points. Dallas has won six of nine and sits 26-29 on teh season.

The Huston Rockets have just not been to replicate the defensive prowess that secured their run to the best record in the league last season and to Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. Whether due to injuries or roster construction, the results haven't been the same. Houston is allowing 111.0 PPG (14th) on 47.5% shooting (26th). After finishing seventh in defensive rating last season at 105.5 points allowed per 100 possessions, the Rockets are 25th this season (112.0). Since Jan 1, Houston is a modest 11-8 and its leaky defense (113.8 rating) is directly attributed to its inability to build a winning streak and propel up the standings. Houston limited Oklahoma City to 75 combined points in the first, second, and fourth periods but the Thunder posted a whopping 42 points in the third, to erase what was once a 26-point deficit. The Thunder they won the fourth quarter by five points to claim the victory. 

However, let's not dismiss Houston too quickly. Harden (36.6-6.7-7.8) is having an amazing season, Chris Paul (15.6 & 7.9 APG) is rounding into form after another injury setback plus Kenneth Faried is quietly working on an impressive streak of his own with four straight double-doubles. He shot 8-of-11 from the floor in the loss to the Thunder and is hitting 63 percent of his shots in 10 games since joining Houston last month, averaging a double-double (16.2 & 10.4). Dallas is a surprising 2-0 vs Houston this season and off the team's Saturday collapse to OKC, I expect Houston to be "on its game" in this one. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 1st play of Monday's STP is a 9* on the Det Pistons at 7:05 ET.

Are the Detroit Pistons starting to pick up some momentum as they try to rejoin the race for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Friday's120-103 win over the New York Knicks on Friday moved the Pistons to 25-29, pushing their winning streak to three in a row. Detroit welcomes the Wizards to town Monday, just a half-game behind the Miami Heat for the No. 8 spot in the East . The 24-32 Washington Wizards sit two games behind the Pistons and enter this contest off back-to-back wins, after Saturday's 134-125 win over the Bulls.

Washington brought in forwards Bobby Portis (14.1 & 7.3 in 22 games with the Bulls) and Jabari Parker (14.3 & 6.2) from Chicago prior to the deadline. Parker fell out of the Chicago rotation before being dealt but is being given a prominent spot with Washington. He had 20 points, five rebounds and six assists in 35 minutes against his former team. Meanwhile, power forward Bobby Portis is averaging 20 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists in two wins since the trade. Bradley Beal has stepped up big time since Wall was lost for the season and checks in averaging 25.0-5.1-5.2. Trevor Ariza has also been a great addition, averaging 14.9-5.4-4.2 in 26 games with the Wizards.

Detroit bolstered its rotation by signing veteran shooting guard Wayne Ellington as a free agent, after he cleared waivers on Saturday. He expects to take the minutes that opened when starting shooting guard Reggie Bullock was shipped to the Los Angeles Lakers in front of the trade deadline. Detroit has leaned on All-Star forward Blake Griffin (26.1-8.1-5.3) heavily for most of the season. Center Andre Drummond collected 29 points on 12-of-15 shooting along with 20 rebounds in Friday's win and has been an excellent 'second banana' all season, averaging 17.1 & 14.9.

The home team has won and covered both meetings this season between Washington and Detroit and I see no change here. Washington is just 7-21 SU away from home this season, going 8-20 ATS. Detroit comes into this contest winning three in a row by an average of by an average of 18.7 points. Detroit didn’t make a huge splash at the deadline, but acquiring C/F Thon Maker from Milwaukee helps shore up the frontcourt bench. The Pistons have played better defense recently, holding their last 11 opponents to an average of 100.9 PPG, compared to 107.8 on the season. Another bonus for Detroit in this one is the fact that the Pistons have been able to keep Griifin under 30 minutes in two of the last three contests. Home team wins and COVERS!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Conference Crusher (Pac-12) is on Oregon at 8:00 ET.

Stanford is 12-10 (5-5 in Pac-12) and Oregon is 14-9 (also 5-5 in Pac-12). However, both schools are still alive for a top-four seed and a first-round bye in next month’s Pac-12 Tournament. Washington is running away with things at 10-1 but the winner of tonight's game will tie USC at 6-5, leaving them just one game behind 7-4 schools Ore St, Utah and Arz St, who are all tied for 2nd-place in the conference. The Cardinal look to build on one of their most complete efforts of the season, after shooting 54 percent from the floor and out-rebounding the Beavers 41-26 in Thursday’s 83-60 win at Oregon State. The Ducks bounced back from an ugly 73-51 loss at Colorado, by defeating last-place California 73-62 on Wednesday.

The Cardinal have won four of their last five and with just one senior on the roster, Stanford has relied heavily on young players. 6-9 sophomore forward Oscar da Silva (10.0 & 5.7) recorded a career-high 23 points, nine rebounds and a career-high seven assists against OSU.  Fellow 6-9 sophomore forward KZ Okpala ranks third in the league in scoring (17.7) while shooting 41 percent from three-point range (he adds 6.0 RPG). However, he was held to 10 points on 2-of-9 shooting against Oregon State. Stanford played much of the game without starting PG Daejon Davis (12.6-3.1-4.2), as he suffered an apparent head injury early in the second half and is listed as day-to-day. 7-0 center Josh Sharma (8.7 & 5.6) leads the Pac-12 in field-goal percentage at 67.5 percent and had 20 points along with eight rebounds in Thursday’s victory.

Oregon obviously misses the 7-2 Bol Bol (21.0 & 9.6) but 6-9 freshman Louis King is thriving, averaging 11.6 & 5.1. Junior guard Payton Pritchard (11.8-4.0-3.1) snapped out of a shooting slump by recording his second career double-double with 20 points and a career-high 10 rebounds against Cal. However, Pritchard has handed over point guard duties to freshman Will Richardson (6.8), who had a season-high nine assists in Wednesday’s victory. The Ducks own an athletic frontcourt, as 6-9 senior forward Paul White (10. 7 & 3.7) and the 6-9 Wooten (6.7 & 4.5) join King (note: White has scored in double figures in NINE of the last 11 games).

Don't think much of Stanford, while Oregon is still a capable home team, going 10-4 SU and winning by an average of 11 PPG. This pointspread is more than manageable.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on the Atl Hawks at 7:35 ET.

The Orlando Magic opened their three-game road trip in impressive fashion on Saturday, continuing a sudden surge back into the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Magic took advantage of the absence of Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) to coast past the Bucks 103-83 on Saturday, improving to 4-1 on the heels of a 3-11 swoon. Orlando sits at 24-32, " 2 1/2-games out of teh East's final playoff spot. Atlanta's league-worst defense (more later) was on full display in Saturday's loss, as Charlotte shot 54.5 percent and recorded 30 assists on 48 baskets in a 129-120 loss. The Hawks are 18-37 and are hardly thinking postseason as the All Star break looms.

Rookie Isaiah Briscoe hit all three of his shot attempts in Thursday's win over Minnesota and was 4-for-5 from the floor while handing out seven assists in the rout of the Bucks. "By far, his best game. Both ways, and he hit his jumper," head coach Steve Clifford said of the 22-year-old guard. Orlando's 7-0 All-Star center, Nikola Vucevic, added 15 points and 17 rebounds. Vucevic (20.5 & 12.0) and 6-9 PF Gordon (15.9 & 7.4) are Orlando's top-two producers, although Clifford has a solid three-guard rotation. That group includes Fournier (14.8), Ross (14.7) and PG Augustin (11.5 & 4.7 APG).

The Hawks have opened a seven-game homestand by dropping the first two contests. They allowed 46 first-quarter points to Charlotte and fell short with a late rally in Saturday's nine-point loss. The 6-10 John Collins led the way offensively with 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting. That's not exactly new, as the second-year 6-10 forward averages team highs of 19.4 PPG and 9.9 RPG. Rookie PG Trae young checks in at 16.9 PPG and 7.5 APG plus FIVE more players average in double digits (two more check in at 8.3 & 9.4). Scoring is NOT Atlanta's problem. It's a defense that allows 118.4 PPG (30 of 30 teams)  on 47.7% shooting (28th).

However, with Orlando coming off a win at Milwaukee, a team with the NBA's best record, the Magic are in a perfect spot for a letdown. Note that Orlando looks to win its third straight overall contest, for the FIRST time since mid-November. NOT!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Revenge Rout is on Notre Dame at 6:00 ET.

Two struggling ACC teams square off Sunday when 11-12 Georgia Tech (3-7 ACC) travels to South Bend to take on 12-11 Notre Dam (2-8 ACC).Wins have been difficult to come by for both schools, as the Yellow Jackets have lost FOUR straight games since knocking off Notre Dame 63-61 in Atlanta back on Jan 22, while the Fighting Irish have dropped SIX of their past seven games while

The win over ND was the last time the Yellow Jackets were truly at full strength, as sophomore guard Jose Alvarado continues to battle nagging injuries while going 1-for-20 from the floor in the past two games, losses to Florida State and Clemson. “PG Alvarado (12.0-3.9-3.4) is Georgia Tech’s leading scorer and only the 6-9 Banks joins him in double digits at 10.5 PPG (plus a team-high 7.3 RPG). Ga Tech is one of the nation's lowest-scoring teams, averaging 65.8 PPG, ranking 326th!

Things aren’t much better for the Fighting Irish on the offensive end. They shot a season-worst 32 percent from the floor while going 4-for-28 from three-point range in a 62-47 loss Wednesday at Miami. Notre Dame's offensive woes have been a season-long challenge, as the Irish rank 14th in the ACC and 327th nationally in field-goal percentage (40.5 percent). Standing out from the rest, 6-9 junior forward John Mooney leads the conference in rebounds and is the only ACC player to average a double-double (14.3 & 10.7), quite a jump from his 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game averages from a season ago. The Irish do feature two solid PGs, in junior Temple Gibbs (13.1 & 3.6 APG) and freshman Prentiss Hubb (7.5 & 3.6 APG).

This game figures to be the best chance for either school to get a win in the near future. The Yellow Jackets play three of their next six games after Sunday against ranked teams: at No. 11 Virginia Tech on Tuesday, vs No. 22 Florida State on Feb 16 and at No. 3 Virginia on Feb 27. Notre Dame’s schedule is even tougher, with four of its next five opponents ranked in the top-25: at Virginia on Feb 16, vs Virginia Tech on Feb. 23, at Florida State on Feb 25 and at No. 16 Louisville on Mar 3. Ga Tech has averaged a woeful 59.7 PPG in its seven true road games this season, while Notre Dame is averaging 73.1 PPG in its 15 home contests. Throw in the "revenge angle" (ND lost by two at Ga Tech) and the Irish get the win with "room to spare."

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Memphis at 2:00 ET.

UConn began the season 6-1, including a win against Syracuse. It seemed as if players and fans alike were attracted to first year head coach Dan Hurley's intense attitude and aggressive play on the court. However, to put it mildly, Connecticut has had its share of ups-and-downs and comes into Sunday's game at Memphis 13-10 overall, including 4-6 in AAC play. What's more, senior guard Jalen Adams (17.0-3.8-3.) is out for the next four to six weeks, which basically means the season. Memphis also features a first-year head coach but Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway is facing NONE of the issues Hurley is dealing with. The well-liked mentor has his Tigers at 13-10 as well, including 5-5 in league play.

Adams was coming off an altercation with Hurley in UConn's previous game and then played just six minutes in the team's 81-63 loss at Temple on Wednesday, before suffering a sprained MCL in his left knee. 6-9 sophomore forward Josh Carlton (8.6 & 5.9) didn't post a double-double in his first 54 games at UConn but he had 18 points and 13 rebounds against Temple for his second straight, following a 20 & 16 performance against East Carolina. Junior guard Christian Vital (14.0 & 6.0) had 18 points and 13 rebounds against the Owls, while Eric Cobb (4.0 & 4.2) added 13 points and five rebounds. He's getting extra time because Alterique Gilbert (13.0 & 3.8 APG) has missed three straight games with a shoulder injury.

Memphis knows all about star guards, as the Tigers feature PG Jeremiah Martin. He made a career-high eight, three-pointers while scored a game-high 26 points against No. 25 Cincinnati on Thursday. However, it wasn't enough, as the Bearcats rallied from an 11-point deficit early in the second half for a 69-64 victory. "We didn't rebound the ball (well) in the second half and they got a couple of easy baskets," said Martin, who was coming off a career-high 41-point effort at South Florida. Martin is averaging 16.7-4.0-4.3 on the season.The 6-8 Davenport chips in 14.3 & 7.4 plus freshman guard Harris adds 12.1 PPG. Hardaway likes to use his bench and Memphis has six more player averaging between 5.5 and 8.8 PPG.

UConn is an un-perfect 0-5 SU in true road games and that streak doesn't figure to end here (especially without Adams) against a Memphis team which is 11-2 SU at home, averaging a whopping 87.7 PPG. Memphis is 8-3 as a home favorite, including a PERFECT 6-0 when laying less than double digits!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Arizona St at 10;00 ET.

Washington returned all five starters from LY's 21-win team (NIT, not NCAA bid) but did anyone expect 12 straight wins and a 10-0 conference start, the school's best since 1952-53? Washington won at Arizona for the first time in seven years 67-60 on Thursday, despite senior forward Noah Dickerson (12.6 & 6.7) struggling with an ankle issue plus senior guard Matisse Thybulle (10.0) and senior forward Dominic Green (6.8) struggling with the flu (entire coaching staff was ill). The 19-4 Huskies (10-0 Pac 12) head to Tempe tonight to face the 15-7 Arizona State Sun Devils (6-4 in Pac-12). Arizona State is coming off its worst loss of the season, a stunning 91-70 home loss against Washington State on Thursday (ASU was favored by 15 points!)

Sophomore guard Jaylen Nowell averages team highs of 16.4 points and 3.4 assists, while adding 5.4 RPG. Dickerson battled through an ankle injury to score 10 points in 26 minutes against Arizona, while Thybulle had five steals on Thursday. Washington is off to its best conference start since going 14-0 in 1952-53, boasts the stingiest defense in the Pac-12 at 64 points per game (60.4 during its winning streak) and hasn't allowed more than 70 in a conference game

Head coach Bobby Hurley told the media after the Wash St loss, "There really wasn't anything overly positive that you can say. It was a pretty damaging loss for us." Senior forward Zylan Cheatham (11.6-1.1-3.5) entered the week one of 18 players nationally averaging a double-double, but only one other is also averaging at least three assists (Wisconsin's Ethan Happ). Freshman guard Luguentz Dort is the leading scorer at 16.2 PPG, with three more ASU players scoring in double digits. PG Martin checks in at 13.1 (5.1 APG), 12.4), guard Edwards at 10.3 and the 6-7 Lawrence at 10.2 & 4.0).

Bobby Hurley's Sun Devils generated national headlines by handing then-top-ranked Kansas its first loss, 80-76, back on Dec. 22. However, ASU is just 6-5 its last 10. That said, off the team's embarrassing home loss to Wash St, Washington and its unbeaten Pac-12 record should bring out the VERY best in the Sun Devils. They are 10-3 SU at home, while averaging 82.5 PPG.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on USC at 10:00 ET.

The Colorado Buffs opened the season 9-3 in non-conference games but when Pac-12 play began, Colorado started 2-6. However, the Buffs have rebounded from their poor Pac-12 start to post impressive double-digit wins over Oregon and UCLA in their last two outings. In the 22-point win over the Ducks on Feb 2, Colorado dominated defensively, holding Oregon to a season-low 51 points and a nine-year low 31 percent shooting from the floor. At UCLA this past Wednesday, Colorado shot 53.8 percent from the floor, including 13-of-24 from three-point range plus recorded a season-high 22 assists on 28 made baskets in an 84-73 win. The 13-9 Buffaloes (4-6 Pac-12) will try to maintain that momentum Saturday night when they visit USC. The Trojans are 13-10 overall (6-4 in Pac-12 play), after a 77-70 home loss to Utah on Wednesday night. In contrast to Colorado, USC has dropped two of its last three games following a 5-2 Pac-12 start.

The Buffs received a huge boost Wednesday from junior-college transfer Shane Gatling who connected on 8-of-10 shots, including 7-of-9 three-pointers, in scoring a season-high 28 points. Sophomore swingman Tyler Bey also stayed hot with 16 points and 10 rebounds, giving him his third double-double in the last five games. Gatling (10.5) and Bey (12.4 & 9.0) are two of the four Buffaloes averaging double figures, with sophomore PG McKinley Wright leading the way (12.7 PPG) plus a team-high 5.0 APG. 6-10 forward Lucas Siewert (11.3 & 5.1 points) rounds out the main contributors.

The Trojans fell behind Utah by 23 points midway through the second half and finished with a 38.0 field-goal percentage, including 9-of-26 from three-point range. “That was our worst effort in a long time,” USC head coach Andy Enfield said afterward. “I’m disappointed in our team, (but) I’ll take the blame for that.” USC has a set of "twin towers" in the 6-10 Boatwright (17.3 & 6.7) and the 6-11 Nick Rakocevic (16.0 & 9.9). Guard Jonah Mathews scored 18 points to pace the Trojans vs Utah and he tops a four-man guard rotation by averaging 12.9 PPG on the season. Porter (9.2) is back in the lineup after missing more than a month and joins Aaron (8.8 & 4.6) and PG Thornton (8.4 & 5.0 APG).

I still don't trust Colorado away from Boulder and its win over erratic UCLA is not a mind-changer, as it was just the Buffs' second in their last nine Pac-12 road games. Sure, USC is a bit of an underachiever but note that the Trojans had won SEVEN straight at Galen Center before stumbling vs the Utes. USC is the play.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on the Hou Rockets at 8:35 ET.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (35-19) visit the Houston Rockets (32-22) on Saturday night, with the ABC cameras on hand. James Harden extended his streak of 30-point games to 28 with 36 points in a 127-101 victory at Sacramento on Wednesday, pulling within three games of tying Chamberlain for the second-longest streak in NBA history at 31 (note: Wilt's record 65-game streak is likely NOT in danger!). Coming to town with OKC is Russell Westbrook and he brings along a streak of eight consecutive triple-doubles, after going for 15-13-15 in Thursday's 117-95 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. That moved him past Michael Jordan and within one of tying the mark of nine straight set by Chamberlain in 1968 (that Wilt guy keeps popping up). The Thunder currently occupy the No. 3 seed in the West, three games ahead of the 5th-seed Rockets (Portland sandwiched in between, one up on Houston and two back of OKC).

Westbrook (21.2-11.1-11.2) is averaging a triple-double for the third straight season and leads the NBA in assists, nearly two more than the next-closest player (Toronto's Kyle Lowry is at 9.3). However, Paul George is OKC's top scorer, averaging 28.0 PPG. Backup PG Schroder averages 15.7 & 4.2 APG, starting center Adams 15.2 & 9.7) and PF Grant 13.2 & 5.0. No other OKC player averages as much as 7.0 PPG.

The Rockets were active at the trade deadline, acquiring guard Iman Shumpert from the Sacramento Kings while jettisoning James Ennis III (to the Philadelphia 76ers), Marquese Chriss and Brandon Knight (both to the Cleveland Cavaliers) to free roster spots in order to aggressively pursue additions via what should be a robust buyout market. Those moves completed the exodus of the five players the Rockets adding during the past offseason, with Carmelo Anthony and Michael Carter-Williams traded earlier this season. The constant has been Harden, averaging 36.5-6.8-7.9. PG Chris Paul (15.5 & 7.9 APG) is back but center Clint Capela (17.6 & 12.6) is still out. However, he is expected to return after the All-Star break.

Can't imagine Harden NOT be primed for this showdown with Westbrook and he's carried Houston since Paul first went out (now back) plus kept it going through Capela's absence, as well. A HUGE bonus has been getting Kenneth Faried (from Boston), as the 6-8 vet has averaged 16.1 & 10.2 in nine games. Houston is 15-3 SU at home since Dec 1 and that has me "all over" the Rockets in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* play is on Virginia at 6:00 ET.

Saturday's marquee matchup is No. 2 Duke at No. 3 Virginia. Thees teams met in Durham back on Jan 189, as the Blue Devils (-3.5) edged the Cavs, 72-70. The rematch is set for Charlottesville, with Duke coming 20-2 (8-1 ACC) and Virginia at 20-1 (8-1 ACC). Duke's win over UVa jump started a six-game winning streak for the Blue Devils, with their most recent win coming in an 80-55 blowout of Boston College on Tuesday. The Cavaliers have returned to their winning ways since the loss at Duke, picking up a fourth straight victory following their 56-46 home triumph over Miami last Saturday.

 Duke was without PG Tre Jones in the first meeting. However, the team's best defender, has since returned to the court. Duke prevailed in that first game despite his absence, as the freshman combination of RJ Barrett and Zion Williamson proved to be too much for Virginia to overcome. Barrett scored 30 points and Williamson added 27. Barrett leads with 23.0 PPG (7.2 RPG) and Williamson checks in at 22.0 PPG plus a team-high 9.4 RPG. Cam Reddish (13.5) is the team's third double digit scorer and he scored 24 points, his most since the second game of the season, on 8-of-16 shooting to lead the Blue Devils over Boston College. Jones averages 8.4 PPG and a team-high 5.5 APG.

The Cavaliers played without PG and third-leading scorer Ty Jerome (13.0-4.4-4.9) against the Hurricanes and didn't look very sharp (14 TOs and 42.3% from teh floor. Leading scorer De’Andre Hunter (14.7 & 5.1) led the way offensively against Miami with 14 on 6-of-13 shooting, while the 6-9 Mamadi Diakite (7.0 & 3.9 added 11 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Guard Kyle Guy (14.5 & 4.5) is UVa's second-best scorer. As usual, Virginia’s defense made up for its offensive miscues as the Cavaliers held the Hurricanes to 34 percent from the floor. UVa allows 52.9 PPG (1st) on 37.0% shooting (3rd), including 24.7% on threes (1st).

Jerome's back is improving but his status against Duke is unknown. The Cavs were out-sized and out-quicked by the Blue Devils in the first meeting, yet lost by just two at Cameron. UVa was able to out-think Duke to stay in that game, as Duke was often flustered by the Virginia's defensive intensity. stop-end presence. Bennett's D completely shut off the perimeter in first meeting, holding Duke to only 2 of 14 from beyond arc. Here at home, where UVa is 11-0 and allowing just 49.0 PPG, the Blue Devils will be in big trouble. Cavs get their revenge.

Good luck...Larry

My 3rd 8* play is on Florida St at 4:00 ET.

No. 16 Louisville (17-6 / 8-2 in ACC) will be in Tallahassee on Saturday afternoon to take on No. 22 Florida State (17-5 / 5-4 in ACC). The Cardinals are sitting comfortably at No. 4 in the ACC standings, a half-game back of Virginia, Duke and North Carolina. They come into Saturday's meeting with Florida State winners of seven of their last eight games, the only blemish being 79-69 home loss to then-No. 9 North Carolina Saturday. However, Louisville bounced right back with a 72-64 victory Monday at then-No. 11 Virginia Tech.

Then-No. 1 Duke rolled into town to take on then-No. 13 Florida State back on Jan 12 and eked out a 8-78 victory. Florida State spiraled a bit after that Duke loss, dropping its next two games at unranked Pitt and Boston College. However, the Seminoles have since righted the ship and enter this game having won four straight contests.

Reserve guard Ryan McMahon (just 8.0 PPG on the season) scored 17 points on 4-of-5 shooting (all from three-point range) in 16 minutes off the bench against the Hokies, tying for the team high in scoring with junior forward Dwayne Sutton (10.9 & 7.0). Leading scorer and rebounder, the 6-7 Jordan Nwora (17.8 & 7.7). PG Cunningham (10.2 & 4.6 APG) is the only other Cardinal to average in double digits but Louisville come in averaging a healthy 78.8 PPG (57th).

"Our inconsistency has kind of been our biggest obstacle," Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton said. "But I do feel that we made a step in the right direction (against Syracuse), on the road against a good basketball team in a place that is very challenging to win. I thought our guys grew up a little bit." Senior guard Terance Mann () paced the Seminoles against the Orange with 22 points on 8-of-9 shooting while also contributing nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Leading scorer Mfiondu Kabengele, who averages 13.2 points in just 19.7 minutes, added 18 points and eight rebounds on 7-of-10 shooting off the bench. The Seminoles shot 54.5 percent from the floor while dominating inside, outscoring the Orange 38-18 in the paint. EIGHT Florida State players are averaging between 6.2 PPG and Kabengele,'s team-high total of 13.2 (note: Kabengele doesn't even start for the Seminoles).

FSU was ranked 17th in the AP's preseason poll (ranked 15th by the Blue Ribbon Yearbook) and climbed as high as No. 9 in the AP poll in early January. The last time FSU hosted a top-25 opponent in its house, it ended in heartbreak (see above vs duke). This time around, it will be a much better (happier) ending.

Good luck...Larry

My 2nd 8* play is on Marquette at 2:30 ET.

Questions surrounded Villanova after the Wildcats lost back-to-back games to Penn and Kansas, as the defending champs (actually, two titles in a three-year span) sat just 8-4 in mid-December. However, 11 consecutive wins later (including a 10-0 start in the Big East), have erased all doubts that the 19-4 Wildcats are again VERY relevant (''Nova is currently ranked 14th). Marquette is also 19-4 (8-2 in the Big East) but come sin off its first home loss of the season, falling 70-69  to St. John's on Tuesday

The Wildcats were led against Creighton by 6-8 freshman Saddiq Bey in their win over Creighton, as he scored a career-high 17 points for his fourth double-digit scoring effort in the last five outings. That said, bey averages just 8.2 PPG on the season (5.0 RPG). 'Nova is led by senior guard Phil Booth (18.3.7-4.) and 6-8 senior forward  Eric Paschall (17.3 & 6.2). Sophomore guard Collin Gillespie (12.1) is the team's third double digit scorer.

The Golden Eagles are led PG Markus Howard (24.6-4.1-4.2), who is a potential All-American. The 6-8 Sam Hauser (15.7 & 7.0 is joined by his 6-9 younger brother Joey (10.4 & 5.7). Marquette connects on 46.9 % if its FGs, including 39.5 percent from three-point range (16th). Each of its top-three scorers (see above) drain at least 40 percent of their 3-pointers.

Villanova can't possibly "win-out" (right?) and this is one tough venue. Maybe Marquette got caught "looking ahead" to 'Nova against St John's but I believe that will make them even more focused here. The Golden Eagles are 14-1 SU at home, outscoring opponents 79.2-to-62.5 PPG. Home team wins.

Good luck...Larry

My 1st 8* play is on LSU at 2:00 ET.

No. 21 LSU (18-4 / 8-1 in SEC) remained in a tie for second in the conference with No. 5 Kentucky (one game behind the No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers), after Wednesday's 92-88 OT victory at Mississippi State. Freshman forward Naz Reid scored 25 of his career high-tying 29 in the second half and OT, while sophomore guard Tremont Waters added 25 points. It's Tigers vs Tigers on Saturday, as 16-6 Auburn (5-4 in SEC) visits Baton Rogue this afternoon. Auburn defeated Florida 76-62 on Tuesday for its third straight victory, as these Tigers have clamped down defensively, allowing just 61.0 PPG in that span (Auburn is one of four teams tied for fifth at 5-4 in the SEC).

Auburn's 6-11 junior center Austin Wiley (10.3 & 5.9) returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing five games with a leg injury. However, he played only five minutes as head coach Bruce Pearl told reporters he wants to keep "progressing him." Senior guard Bryce Brown (17.0) is the team's leading scorer and is averaging 19.3 points in conference games. Junior PG Jared Harper (15.4) leads the SEC in assists (6.5), while 6-8 sophomore forward Chuma Okeke has stepped up in Austin Wiley's absence, to average 10.5 & 6.4 on the season.

PG Waters leads LSU in scoring (15.6) and assist (5.9 assists), while Reid adds 13.9 PPG plus a team-best 6.0 RPG. Junior guard Skylar Mays (13.1) and freshman guard Ja'vonte Smart (10.5) are the other double-figure scorers plus 6-6 freshman forward Emmitt Williams (8.0 & 5.9) provides support at both ends of the floor.

Auburn has won three consecutive SEC games, 92-58 over Missouri, 84-63 over Alabama and 76-62 over Florida on Tuesday but all have come at home.The team now heads out on the road where the Tigers are 1-4 SU, while allowing 79.6 PPG. Beating the Tigers of LSU on their homecourt will be no easy task. LSU opened the season with 11 straight home wins, before losing to Arkansas last Saturday, 90-89 as a 10-point favorite. LSU enters 11-1 SU at home, outscoring opponents 86.1-to-70.7. Home team rules in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Eye-Opener is on Michigan at 12:00 ET.

From 1999 through 2017, there was not single NCAA tournament that didn't include Wisconsin. However, in the 2017-18 season, the Badgers finished 15-18 when they lost in the Big Ten quarterfinals, missing the "Big Dance" for the first time in 20 years.Things were slightly better to open this season but the Badgers sat a modest 11-6 when unbeaten and No. 2-ranked Michigan cane to town on Jan 19. Wisconsin's defense and 6-10 fifth-year senior Ethan Happ were the difference that day. The Badgers forced 16 turnovers and held the Wolverines to 40.7% shooting, while Happ racked up 26 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Today, it's a rematch in Ann Arbor.

Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard has reintroduced the old-style, slow-paced Bo Ryan “swing” offense that is effectively dictating tempo in the school's current six-game winning streak (5-0-1 ATS)(5-0-1 vs. line) win streak. The 'sticky' Wisconsin D hasn’t allowed more than 61 points in that span (53.8 PPG allowed during the six games), after a 56-51 road victory against Minnesota on Wednesday. Happ continued his outstanding season, scoring a team-high 15 points plus grabbed 13 rebounds for his 15th double-double (the most in the Big Ten). D'Mitrik Trice (13.4), who leads the Big Ten in three-point percentage (45.2), drilled three triples, including a clutch three-pointer with under two minutes remaining to clinch the win. Backcourt mate Brad Davison (11.2) added 10 points, despite going 2-of-12 from the floor. The 6-11 Nate Reuvers (8.3 & 3.2) flirted with a triple-double, as he added nine points, eight rebounds and seven blocked shots against the Golden Gophers.Wisconsin is allowing 61.0 PPG, to rank 18th in the nation.

Michigan has won of four of five games since the loss at Madison, including a 77-65 victory against Rutgers on Tuesday. The victory gives the Wolverines sole possession of first-place in the Big Ten at 10-2 (Purdue is 9-2, while Wisconsin & Mich St are 9-3). The 6-7 Ignas Brazdeikis was one of three freshmen named to the Wooden Award Late Season Top-20 Watch List. He knocked down a career-high five, three-pointers en route to 23 points in the win against Rutgers. He leads Michigan with 15.5 PPG (adds 5.5 RPG). The 7-1 Teske (8.8 & 6.3) starts up front with him, while a trio of guards man the perimeter. That group includes Poole (12.9), Matthews (12.5 & 5.3) and PG Simpson (9.2-5.3-6.0). Jordan Poole added 15 points while Zavier Simpson produced 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists on Tuesday. Teske leads the Big Ten in blocks per game (2.2) and Michigan allows 57.3 PPG, the second-best mark in college hoops.

The Wolverines have won 20 straight at Crisler Arena, going 14-0 this season while outscoring opponents 72.3-to-56.1 PPG. Michigan will be primed for payback here and I have to go with that. Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Sac Kings at 10:05 ET.

The Sacramento Kings won just 27 games ALL of last season and last produced a winning record back in the 2005-06 season. However, the 28-26 Kings proved that they have EVERY intention of ending their 12-year playoff drought with the acquisition of Harrison Barnes. The Kings acquired the 6-8 forward from the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night in exchange for forwards Justin Jackson and Zach Randolph (no big loss, there). Sacramento welcomes the Miami Heat to town tonight, having gone 3-1 on what will be a six-game homestand (note: Kings were routed 127-101 by the Houston Rockets on Wednesday). The 25-27 Heat also made some moves. acquiring forward Ryan Anderson from the Phoenix Suns for guards Tyler Johnson and Wayne Ellington. The Heat opened their six-game road trip with an impressive 118-108 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.

Center Hassan Whiteside led Miami with 28 points and 11 rebounds, as he's headed to yet another double-double season (13.0 & 12.4). By moving Johnson (10.8) and Ellington (8.4) the Heat have unclogged their guard rotation, which still includes starters Josh Richardson (17.3) and Justise Winslow (backups 12.3 & 5.7) plus reserves Dwyane Wade (14.0), Rodney McGruder (8.7) and even Dion Waiters (7.9 PPG but just 14 games played). Goran Dragic (15.3 & 4.9 APG), an All-Star point guard in 2017, is on injured reserve (return up in the air).

Buddy Hield, the key player in the Boogie Cousins trade, leads Sacramento in averaging 20.4 PPG, while shooting a white-hot 45.5% on threes. Second-year PG Fox (17.3 & 7.2 APG) is looking like a future All-Star as well. Also, Bogdanovich (14.8) and center Cauley-Stein (12.9 & 8.6) have become regular contributors.Not to be forgotten is rookie forward Marvin Bagley III (13.1 & 7.0), who has recorded four straight double-doubles, as the No. 2 overall selection from Duke, is averaging 16.3 points and 11.8 rebounds over the past four games, while scoring in double digits in seven straight outings (also 12 of his last 13 since returning from an injury). The addition of Barnes (17.7 & 4.2 TY with Dallas) will be huge, as he had also averaged 18.9 & 6.1 and 19.2 & 5.0 his first two full seasons with the Mavs.

I am aware that the Heat are dangerous as road underdogs (52-25-2 ATS in that role the L3 seasons) but the Kings are 19-9 ATS at home this season. What's more, the Kings are on an 8-1 ATS run at home (7-1 SU in the last eight) and have covered 10 of their last 12 when installed as a favorite at Golden 1 Center going back to last season. The Kings have won the last three meetings with the Heat, including a 123-113 win in Miami back on Oct 29.make that FOUR in a row and a covers as well.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Dal Mavericks at 8:35 ET.

The Dallas Mavericks traded four starters in the past eight days! The latest move saw the Mavericks trade second-leading scorer Harrison Barnes (17.7 & 4.2) to the Sacramento Kings for fellow forwards Justin Jackson and Zach Randolph. Earler, the Mavs traded PG Dennis Smith Jr. (12.9 & 4.3 APG), SG Wesley Matthews (13.1) and center DeAndre Jordan (11.0 & 13.7) to the New York Knicks. That leaves star rookie Luka Doncic as the lone remaining starter. "With this trade now, a lot of things are in play," Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters. "Everything is going to bump a little here and a little there. I have to let the dust settle and figure out who the hell is going to start." The 40-13 Bucks own the NBA's best record and come to Dallas having won five straight games to become the first NBA team to reach 40 wins this season. Milwaukee picked up some bench help at the deadline by acquiring forward Nikola Mirotic from the New Orleans Pelicans for forwards Stanley Johnson and Jason Smith and four second-round draft picks.

Milwaukee is coming off a 148-129 home win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, a contest in which it scored 50 first-quarter points and led 85-65 at halftime en route to its highest-scoring effort of the season. Milwaukee acquired Johnson earlier in the week from the Detroit Pistons and flipped him to New Orleans to land Mirotic, who is averaging 16.7 points and 8.3 rebounds in 32 games this season. Mirotic missed his final seven games with the Pelicans due to a calf injury and a return date isn't yet set. However, the Bucks are interested in making a long playoff run and Mirotic will help Milwaukee's starting-five is terrific, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo (27.0-12.4-5.9). He's joined by SF Middleton (17.3-5.7-4.2), guards Bledsoe (15.9-4.5-5.6) and Brogdon (15.7-4.7-3.3) plus center Lopez (12.2 & 4.1). However, no other palyer averages as much a 7.0 PPG.

Injured forward Kristaps Porzingis was the prize of the Mavs' trade with teh Knicks but he isn't slated to play this season as he continues his recovery from an ACL tear. The three guards Dallas got were Tim Hardaway Jr, (19.1 PPG this year is a career-best), Trey Burke (11.8) and Courtney Lee (played just 12 games with NY but has averaged 9.9 in his career). Expect Hardaway to get plenty of time alongside Doncic, who leads the team in scoring (20.6), rebounding (7.1) and assists (5.5). Getting more time with Barnes and Jordan gone will be the 6-11 Powell (8.5 & 4.2) and the 6-8 Finney-Smith (7.8 & 4.7).

Through all the trade rumors and actual trades, Rick Carlisle continues to do a great job keeping his team competitive. The Mavs won only 24 games last season but enters this game 25-28. The Mavs enter on a EIGHT-game winning ATS stretch. How does won ignore the fact that Dallas is an amazing 9-1 as a home dog this, while the Bucks are around 50-50 as a road favorite. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Phi 76ers at 7:05 ET.

The Denver Nuggets surprisingly own the West's second-best record of 37-17, despite dropped their last two games. The Nuggets have fought through numerous key injuries and as they head to Philly tonight, shooting guard Gary Harris (14.8) could miss his fifth straight contest with a groin injury, while power forward Paul Millsap (12.0 & 6.5) is in jeopardy of sitting out his third in a row with an ankle issue. The 76ers welcome the Nuggets to Philly on the heels of making a trade which the team believes has greatly 

bolstered its title aspirations. The 76ers acquired forward Tobias Harris from the Los Angeles Clippers, a player averaging impressive totals of 20.9 PPG and 7.9 RPG.

Denver lost 135-130 to the host Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, despite center Nikola Jokic recording 25 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists for his 10th triple-double of the season. Jokic leads the team in scoring (20.2), rebounding (10.5) and assists (7.7).  The good news was that PG Jamal Murray (ankle) returned from a six-game absence to produce 19 points and 11 assists in 32 minutes during the loss to the Nets (he's averaging 18.5-4.3-5.0 on the season). Barton (12.0 & 6.5) is back playing regularly and not counting Harris and Millsap (see above), Denver has FIVE more players chipping in between 7.5 and 11.6 PPG.

Rookie guard Landry Shamet (8.3) was the best player Philadelphia gave up in the six-player trade, that also saw the 76ers send two first-round picks and two second-round selections to the Clippers. "We are in the unique position to contend now and we think this trade positions us well for the postseason," 76ers GM Elton Brand said in a statement. "Tobias is one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA and possesses an innate ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor."Harris joins Embiid (27.4 & 13.5), Butler (18.9-4.8-3.8), Redick (18.3) and Simmons (17.4-9.4-8.0). There is NO reason for Philly NOT to be excited about the team's chances in the East!

The Nuggets are just 10-17 ATS on the road this season, while Philly is 21-6 SU at home, where the team averages 118.7 PPG. Expect Philly to avenge a 126-110 loss at Denver on Jan 26, one in which Embiid sat out. Embiid will be ready this time around and it’s likely Harris makes his debut, as well. Lay it.

Good luck...Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Long Beach St at 10:00 ET.

Hawaii is 13-8 overall (4-3 in Big West) and will travel for just the school's fourth true road game when visiting Long Beach St on Thursday night. The 49ers are just 8-15 on the season, including 2-5 in Big West play. Hawaii easily handled LBSU 74-57 at home on Jan 31 but then lost this past Saturday at home to UC-Santa Barbara, 75-54. Long Beach St enters on a five-game slide but played very well on Saturday, falling just 82-80 at home to UC-Irvine (Anteaters are 20-5, including a Big West-best 8-1).

Hawaii has solid a starting-five led by guards Stansberry (12.4), Stepteau (9.1) and Buggs (8.8-4.2-5.3) plus up front, it's the 6-8 Raimo (11.5 & 6.6) and the 6-9 Purchase (11.4 & 6.1). PG Booker leads Hawaii in scoring (17.9) and assist (4.7) and fellow guard Alberts (10.5) give them a solid backcourt. The 6-7 Yussef (12.0 & 6.8) is now back in the lineup and joins the 6-7 Byers (8.5 & 6.2) in the frontcourt.

Long Beach has not had a good season but I liked the etam's last home effort. No reason the 49ers can't take down the so-so Rainbow Warriors in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Oddsmaker's Error is on Arizona at 9:00 ET.

Washington was not expected to be quite this good but in a 'down' year for the Pac-12,  Mike Hopkins' Huskies sit 18-4 after an 11-game winning streak, which includes a PERFECT 11-0 start in league play. Meanwhile, Sean Miller's Wildcats are very disappointing 14-8 overall, including just 5-4 in conference play. Washington comes off Saturday's 69-55 victory over UCLA, leaving t Huskies 9-0 in conference play for the first time since winning their first nine Pacific Coast Conference games back in 1952-53. As for Arizona, the Wildcats fell at Arizona State 95-88 in overtime on Jan 31 for their third straight loss.

Sophomore guard Jaylen Nowell averages a team-high 16.6 PPG (adds 5.4 RPG) and team-best 3.4 APG. Senior guard Matisse Thybulle (9.7 points & a conference-best 3.2 steals) is one of 15 finalists for the Naismith Trophy Defensive Player of the Year award plus Crisp (12.0) makes for an excellent perimeter trio for Washington. Senior forward Noah Dickerson chips in 12.7 PPG and a team-high 6.8 rebounds. However, he hurt his ankle in the UCLA game (had three points, six rebounds and two blocks in 14 minutes Saturday before sustaining his injury. ankle) and is expected to miss this one.

Arizona knows all about missing a key player, as freshman PG Brandon Williams (12.0 PPG & team-high 3.6 APG) is out indefinitely with a knee injury. Good news came in the fact that 6-10 junior center Chase Jeter returned to the lineup Jan. 31 after missing two games with a back injury. The Duke transfer recorded seven points and eight rebounds in 31 minutes and is averaging 12.7 PPG and a club-high 7.3 rebounds. Sophomore guard Brandon Randolph averages a team-best 15.0 PPG, 11.3 more than he did as a freshman. Also regularly in the starting lineup are guard Coleman (9.1) and the 6-9 Luther (7.1 & 4.7).

Here's the bottom line. Yes, Washington returned all five starters from LY's 21-win team (NIT, not NCAA bid) but 11 straight wins? How about that 9-0 conference start, the school's best since 1952-53? Washington earned a 78-75 victory Feb. 3, 2018 over Arizona last season but that win snapped an EIGHT-game losing streak in the series, falling by an average of 13.9 PPG. Yes, Arizona has been a disappointment but the Wildcats are 10-2 at home and checks in a national-best 92-5 at the McKale Center since 2013! I checked and during that run, Arizona has NEVER been a home dog (I took plus-1.5). Arizona HAS to be teh play!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Rivalry Rout is on Memphis at 7:00 ET.

Cincinnati has won SEVEN in a row and at 19-3 (8-1 in AAC, tied for 1st with Houston), finds itself in the AP top-25 for the first time this season (Bearcats were ranked 25th in Monday's new poll). Cincy embarks on a two-game road trip that starts tonight in Memphis against the 13-9 Tigers (5-4 in AAC play) and ends at 21-1 Houston on Sunday (Cougars are currently 12th in the latest AP poll). Cincinnati held off a second-half rally from SMU for a 73-68 triumph on Saturday, extending its winning streak to seven games. Meanwhile, Memphis comes in off two straight road losses.

The Bearcats lost THREE key players from last year's team. Shooting guard Evans (13.0) and the 6-8 Clark (12.9 & 8.7) were NBA draft picks plus the 6-9 Washington (11.3 & 5.3) is also gone. Cincy depends WAY too much on Jarron Cumberlandand (18.7-4.0-3.5).  He's second in the AAC in scoring and has scored 23 points or more in three straight games. A trio of guards join him on the perimeter in Williams (11.0), Jenifer (8.8) and Broome (8.2). The 6-8 Scott (9.3 & 6.3) and the 6-11 Brooks (8.5 & 5.7) are Cincy's top-two frontcourt contributors. Mick Cronin-coached teams always play defense and the Bearcats come in allowing 61.5 PPG (11th).

Memphis wasted a record 41-point second-half performance from senior guard Jeremiah Martin in Saturday's 84-78 loss at South Florida on Saturday. The Tigers scored just 13 in the first 20 minutes and just couldn't recover. However, head coach Penny Hardaway told reporters after the game, “I’m proud of my guys for fighting back in the second half. The first half was a nightmare. The second half was our type of basketball.” Martin leads the team in scoring (16.4) and assists (4.3), while 6-8 senior forward Kyvon Davenport adds 14.4 points and a team-high 7.4 rebounds per game. Freshman guard Tyler Harris (12.6) is the top three-point threat (56 makes) plus senior guard Kareem Brewton Jr. adds 8.9 PPG.

Memphis is nowhere near the defensive team Cincy is (Tigers allow 77.3 PPG, which ranks 301st) but here at FedEx Forum, Memphis is 11-1 SU, averaging 89.7 PPG (average margin of victory is 16-plus PPG!). This isn't exactly Cincy/Xavier in terms of a heated (hated?) rivalry but Memphis is looking to become relative again (the Pastner experience was a washout) and the Tigers would 'LOVE' to take down the Bearcats ahead of Saturday's showdown with Houston. Home dog barks LOUDLY in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on UCF at 7:00 ET.

Central Florida looked terrible in a 20-point loss at Memphis on Jan 27 but bounced back with a 73-67 home win last Thursday against UConn. The 16-4 Knights (6-2 in AAC play) haven't played since last Thursday and have to be excited about welcoming No. 12 Houston (21-1 / 8-1 in AAC play) to Orlando this Thursday. The Cougars also have had a week off since a 73-66 win over Temple, avenging their only loss of the season.

Junior guard Armoni Brooks entered the last outing as the Cougars' leading scorer but he had an off night against Temple due to foul trouble and was held to a season-low three points. He's now second on the team in scoring (14.3)m but leads in rebounding (at 6.1) to senior guard Corey Davis Jr. (15.0), who had 24 points in the win over the Owls. Senior PG Galen Robinson Jr. sits second in the conference with 5.3 assists per game, while adding 8.1 PPG. Two more guards, Jarreau (8.0 & 3.7) and Hinton (7.7 & 4.5), round out Houston's top scorers. However, Kelvin Sampson has a trio of forwards who combine for about 20 PPG and 13 RPG.

Senior guard B.J. Taylor, the conference preseason player of the year, is bidding to lead the club in scoring for the third straight season with an average of 16.9 points and the coaches' son, Aubrey Dawkins averages 15.1 PPG and  5.4 RPG. PG Allen (7.2 & 4.2 APG) makes for a nice guard trio plus 7-6 senior center Tacko Fall (9.8 points, team-high 7.1 rebounds) leads the conference with 2.8 blocks per game. He paces the AAC in field-goal shooting at 75.7 percent to help the Knights shoot a conference-best 46.8 percent. The 6-11 Smith (8.2 & 5.2) is a quality side-kick.

Houston is a terrific defensive team, allowing 60.5 PPG (6th) on 36.3% shooting (2nd). UCF ranks second in the conference to Houston in field goal percentage defense (39.3) and third behind Houston and Cincinnati in scoring defense (63.9) but it's a much-improved and efficient offense that is the difference in the team this season (see above). Central Florida was the preseason favorite in the American Athletic Conference and has a GREAT chance here to make this a nip-and-tuck race to the finish by winning here. Houston and Cincy are both 8-1 but a UCF win over Houston and with some help, a Memphis home win tonight over Cincy, the Knights would be 7-2  to Houston and Cincy's 8-2 mark. UCF can't control the Cincy/Memphis outcome but the Knights can and WILL win here.

Good luck...Larry

James Harden takes the court tonight in Sacramento, looking to record his 28th straight game of 30 or more points. The 31-22 Houston Rockets visit the 28-25 Sacramento Kings on Wednesday and have won 15 of their last 17 meetings against the Kings. However, this is not "your father's" Kings. The upstart Kings extended their home-court winning streak to SEVEN in a row on Monday, with a 127-112 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. A  28-25 mark may see ho-hum to some but Sacramento won just 27 games ALL of last season and last produced a winning record back in the 2005-06 season. on Monday (current 12-year playoff drought), a triumph that left Sacramento on 

Harden poured in 44 points in Monday's 118-110 road win over the Phoenix Kings, registering his 20th, 40-point outing of the season. Harden has now scored 40 or more points in 15 of the last 21 games. "They held him to 44. That's pretty good," Housto head n coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters afterward. "He's seen everything, he's going to score." Power forward Kenneth Faried filled in at center with Capela out and had 17 points and matched his season best of 14 rebounds to post his fifth double-double in the past six games. However, he's played in just 20 games this season, averaging 9.7 & 6.3. The injury-ravaged Rockets have just four games remaining until the All-Star break offers some much-needed rest (more later). 

Sacramento is now 3-0 on a six-game homestand, after Monday's 127-112 victory over the Spurs. Rookie forward Marvin Bagley III (13.2 & 6.9) has recorded three straight double-doubles and had a season-high 24 points, to go along with 12 rebounds during the victory over the Kings. The No. 2 overall selection from Duke, is averaging 18.3 points and 12.3 rebounds over the past three games and scored in double digits in six straight outings. Buddy Hield, the key player in the Boogie Cousins trade, leads Sacramento in averaging 20.4 PPG, while shooting a white-hot 45.9% on threes. Second-year PG Fox (17.5 & 7.2 APG) is looking like a future All-Star as well. Also, Bogdanovich (14.9) and center Cauley-Stein (13.1 & 8.6) have become regular contributors.

Here's the rub. The Rockets won in Phoenix on Monday without center Clint Capela (right thumb) and guard Eric Gordon (right leg), utilizing their 16th different starting lineup in the process. They have thrived on occasion despite the injuries, but far more often they have persevered, with forward P.J. Tucker the only member of the roster to have participated in all 53 contests. PG Chris Paul has missed 23 games this season, while Gordon has missed 12 and Capela 11. James Ennis III made his 25th start in the Rockets' 118-110 victory, but he's been absent 14 games. Have to LOVE the way Sacramento is playing and the team's stretch of home wins is the longest since the Kings won 14 straight during the 2005-06 campaign (last playoff appearance!). Sacramento is 17-10 SU and 19-8 ATS at the Golden 1 Center and comes in having won and covered SEVEN straight at home. No reason NOT to take them here as a home dog, considering the fact that Houston is 5-11 ATS as a road favorite this season.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Alabama at 9:00 ET.

13-8 Alabama has struggled to find consistency in SEC play, alternating wins and losses in its past seven conference games. The Crimson Tide sit 4-4 in league play, after getting routed last Saturday night at in-state rival Auburn, 84-63. Runs of 21-2 and 17-0 in the first half put Alabama in a 20-point hole at halftime in an eventual 21-point loss.

Alabama returns home tonight to welcome 10-1 Georgia to Tuscaloosa. Unlike Alabama, Georgia has been consistent in SEC play. However, not in a good way. The Bulldogs have lost SEVEN of their first eight conference games under first-year coach Tom Crean, after Saturday’s 86-80 home loss to South Carolina.

While Georgia's offense showed signs of promise in Saturday's loss with 80 points, the Bulldogs were torched defensively by 57 percent shooting from the floor and 69 percent shooting from three-point range by the Gamecocks. “Today, we did not guard the basketball, and we did not guard the shooter,” Crean told the media afterward. “After a while, the basket looked like Lake Michigan because it was so open. 6-9 senior forward Derek Ogbeide is averaging 14.6 points in his past three SEC games and has raised his average for the season to 10.0 PPG (also 6.0 rebounds), giving Georgia three frontcourt players averaging in double figures. 6-10 sophomore forward Rayshaun Hammonds (12.9 & 6.7) and fellow sophomore, the 6-11 Nicolas Claxton (12.7 & 9.3) are the other two. Guard Crump (10.5) joins those three frontcourt players in double digits.

"They had more energy, they out-hustled us,” Alabama head coach Avery Johnson told reporters after the loss at Auburn. “We didn’t have our best game. We got off to a decent start, but they got us with their transition offense (and) obviously their 3-point shooting.” Sophomore guard John Perry scored a team-best 18 points Saturday, and in his past four SEC games is averaging 19 points per game (up to12.0  PPG on the season). Freshman guard Kira Lewis Jr. leads the Crimson Tide in scoring at 13.6 PPG. Up front, 6-9 senior forward Donta Hall is third in the SEC in rebounding at 8.9 per contest and eighth in blocked shots at two per game while averaging 11.5 PPG.

Heavily-recruited freshman PG  Kira Lewis (13.6 ppg) continues to display remarkable poise and self-confidence and gets better with each game. Also, senior forward Donta Hall is flirting with a double-double every game. I already noted Georgia's SEC woes (1-7 conference start) and includes going 0-4 SU & 1-3 ATS on the road, allowing 92 points or more in THREE of the four! Alabama may also just remember LY's 65-46 blowout in Athens, its worst offensive showing of the 2017-18 campaign. Alabama takes this one with "room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Revenge Rout is on UCLA at 9:00 ET.

UCLA dismissed head coach Steve Alford on December 31, 2018, two days after the Bruins' ugly 73-58 loss to Liberty. It marked the first time the program ever had made a coaching change in the middle of the season. Murry Bartow (son of former UCLA coach Gene Bartow) was named interim coach for the Bruins and in his first game (at home vs Stanford), UCLA ended a four-game slide with a 92-70 win over te Cardinal. Two more wins followed but the 'honeymoon' period is over for UCLA's interim coach, as following that 3-0 start in the conference, UCLA has dropped four of its last six Pac-12 games and finds itself in the middle of the pack at the midpoint of the conference season (12-10 / 5-4). The 12-9 Colorado Buffs visit Pauley Pavilion tonight, Meanwhile, Colorado comes in having dropped four of its last six and at 3-6 in the conference, is sitting above only Washington State (1-8) and California (0-9) in the standings.

Surprisingly, the Buffaloes are coming off a win a lopsided 73-51 victory over visiting Oregon last Saturday. The Buffs dominated Oregon on the glass (45-32) and at the free-throw line, draining 24-of-28 attempts while the Ducks were 11-of-18. Sophomore swingman Tyler Bey led the way with a career-high 27 points on 9-of-9 shooting while pulling down 10 rebounds. Bey averages 12.2 PPG (2nd-best on te team) plus 8.9 RPG (team-leader). PG Wright leads the team in scoring (12.8) and assists (4.8) plus also averages a healthy 4.8 RPG. Fellow guards Gatling and Schwartz combine to chip in 17.6 PPG plus the 6-10 Siewert (11.6 & 5.1) is Colorado's best big man.

Three of UCLA’s four Pac-12 losses have come on the road with the latest being a 69-55 decision Saturday at first-place Washington. The Bruins’ 55 points were a season low while connecting on only 4-of-15 3-point attempts and also committing 23 turnovers. Guard Kris Wilkes scored 20 of the Bruins’ 55 points and leads the team at 17.7 PPG. PG  Jaylen Hands (11.7 & 6.5 APG), fellow gurad Prince Ali (10.7)  and freshman center Moses Brown (11.2 & 8.8) round out UCLA's double digit scorers. Wilkes has scored in double figures in 24 straight contests (dating back to last season) and is averaging 23.3 points over his last three contests while shooting 56.3 percent during that span. 

Even after the 55-point effort versus Washington, the Bruins are averaging a conference-best 79.4 points in Pac-12 play, while the Buffaloes are 10th at just 69.4.

The Bruins should still be highly motivated, as a possible top-4 seeding in the Pac-12 tournament would give them a bye into the quarterfinal round. UCLA should surely remember losing 68-59 at home to Colorado (as an 11 1/2-point favorite) and 80-76 in Boulder, last season. Note that prior to that, UCLA had won SEVEN of the eight matchups since Colorado joined the Pac-12 in 2011. Revenge works here, as UCLA has won 40 of 46 games in Pauley Pavilion since the start of the 2016-17 season and Colorado is 1-6  ATS away from Boulder since Dec 1, with the only "W" coming in 68-59 win at Pac-12 doormat Cal (0-9 in league play). Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Temple at 6:30 ET.

UConn travels to Philly with a 13-9 overall record, including 4-5 in AAC play. Connecticut has taken advantage of a soft schedule in recent weeks, having defeated Tulane (0-9), Wichita State (3-6) and East Carolina (2-7), three of the bottom four teams in the AAC (Huskies lost at 16-4 / 6-2 UCF last Thursday). However, the Huskies will face a stiffer test Wednesday at Temple. The Owls are 16-6 overall (6-3 in AAC play) and 8-2 SU on their home floor.

UConn is led by the backcourt duo of senior Jalen Adams (17.7 & 4.0) and junior Christian Vital (13.8 & 5.3). The Huskies rolled over East Carolina 76-52 on Sunday but Adams was benched for most of the second half after he walked away from head coach Dan Hurley, and then the two engaged in a more animated exchange. "His game was over at that point, regardless of where the score went," Hurley told reporters. "We could have lost by 18, he was done." Adams was held scoreless on 0-of-6 shooting but the 6-11 Josh Carlton (just 8.1 & 5.5 on the season) picked up the slack with 20 points and 16 rebounds (both career highs).

Temple owns a three-headed scoring attack on the perimeter in PG Shizz Alston Jr. (18.4 & 4.9 APG) plus fellow guards Quinton Rose (17.1) and Nate Pierre-Louis (13.8 & 6.0). The Owls have a chance here to make a statement as to whether they will be a player in the AAC down the stretch, or just one of the also-rans.

I'm sure UConn is aching for a rematch after suffering its worst AAC loss of 2017-18 in last season's 85-57 thumping in Philly. However, UConn is 0-4 SU in true road games this season. The Owls are 8-2 SU at home this season, so this pointspread seems more that manageable, especially not knowing UConn's Adams state of mind (see above).

Good luck...Larry

My 10* CBB Game of the Week is on Syracuse at 8:00 ET.

The Florida State Seminoles opened the season with a 12-1 record and were ranked 9th in the AP poll when they lost 65-52 at UVa  on Jan 5. That began a 1-4 stretch but the Seminoles have rebounded from a three-game losing streak to win three in a row and at 16-5 (4-4 ACC) are No. 22 in the current AP poll. Syracuse lost at home to 'neighbor' Buffalo 71-59 back on Dec 18 but the Orange have since gone 9-2 SU & ATS to check in at 16-6, including 7-2 in ACC play.

The Seminoles didn't do much offensively against Georgia Tech in a 69-59 win at Ga Tech in their last game. "We've got to find a way to smooth it out where we're consistent with how we go out and perform every night out," Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton told reporters. "That's kind of been a moving target for us. I'm just glad that we're back to 4-4 (in the ACC). We have to keep hopefully moving in the right direction." Only two Florida State players scored in double figures, the 6-10 Mfiondu Kabengele (13.0 & 5.0) and guard Terance Mann (11.4 & 6.6), who scored 12 points apiece. FSU finished at 34.8 percent from the floor (including 4-of-16 on threes) but held the Yellow Jackets to 28.3 percent shooting, including 3-of-21 from beyond the arc.

Syracuse's leading scorer, Tyus Battle (17.5), scored 31 points against Boston College last week but in his other three games since Jan 24, he has averaged just 8.7 points on 8-of-31 shooting. On the other hand, PG Frank Howard (8.4 & 3.3 APG) is coming on of late and scored 10 of his 15 points in the second half of Saturday's win against Pittsburgh. Up front, head coach Jim Boeheim's team features forwards Elijah Hughes (14.1 & 4.4) and the Oshae Brissett (13.5 & 7.6). as always, Boeheim's zone D is giving opponents fits this season, as Syracuse allows just 63.6 PPG (20th in the nation).

FSU's Kabengele averages only 19.3 minutes (fifth-most on the team) but leads the Seminoles in scoring (13.0).I'm not sure he and the 7-4 Koumadji (6.4 & 5.4) will match up all that well against Syracuse's frontcourt duo of Hughes and Brisset. The home team is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings between these two schools and note that Syracuse is allowing just 58.3 PPG in its 14 home games this season. The Orange were able to win at Duke earlier and should have little trouble shutting down FSU's mediocre offense here in the Carrier Dome.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NBA Game of the Week is on the Cha Hornets at 7:05 ET.

The LA Clippers are 29-25, a record which gives them the West's No. 8 seed. LA is just 2 1/2 games out of the No. 5 seed but also just three games ahead of the No. 11 seed. The Clippers continue their six-game road trip with a visit to Charlotte on Tuesday. The Hornets are 26-26, leaving them with the East's No. 7 seed, three games up on the 9th-seeded Pistons. Charlotte has knocked off Memphis and Chicago in the first two of a three-game homestand.

The Clippers got off to a fine start on their six-game road trip with a win at Detroit on Saturday but could not handle Toronto on Sunday on the second of a back-to-back, dropping a 121-103 decision. Visits to Indiana, Boston and Minnesota  will round out the trip, as LA clings to the No. 8 spot in the West. PF Harris continues to lead the team in scoring (20.7) and rebounding (7.9), while Lou Williams (19.2 & 5.7 APG) continues to play as well as any sixth-man in the league. SF Gallinari (19.0 & 6.0) and backup PF Harrell (15.6 & 6.7) are both major contributors, as well.

All-Star PG Kemba Walker (24.6-4.2-5.6) continues to carry the team and scored 15 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter on Saturday against Chicago, while adding 10 assists. NINE more players get regularly minutes for Charlotte, averaging between 6.6 and 14.8 PPG. 6-5 SG Lamb is the team's second-best scorer and also leads the team in rebounding (5.6). Finding secondary scoring is the always a big challenge for Charlotte but second-year guard Malik Monk (10.4) is stepping up as of late. He scored 18 points against the Bulls, his fourth straight game scoring in double figures.

The Hornets are catching the Clippers at the right time, as LA limps into Charlotte 5-9 SU & ATS over the team's last 14 games. Meanwhile, Charlotte is 19-8 SU at home (compared to 7-18 on the road), having won FIVE straight at Spectrum Center (4-1 ATS), as well as NINE of 10 since mid-December. No real pointspread to cover here, so go with the Hornets.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Northwestern at 7:00 ET.

Penn State picked up some nice victories early in the season (the best being a 63-62 win over now 18-3 Virginia Tech) but the Nittany Lions are 0-10 in Big 12 play, after opening 2019 with EIGHT consecutive losses (2-6 ATS). Penn State (7-14, 0-10 Big Ten) visits Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston to take on Northwestern (12-9, 3-7 Big Ten) on Monday. The Wildcats look to halt a two-game losing skid when they host Penn State. Northwestern dropped a 62-46 decision at Wisconsin on Jan 26, before suffering a 70-52 setback at then-No. 21 Maryland on Jan 29 (Northwestern is 0-4 against ranked teams this season).

Penn State is still winless in Big Ten play after coming up short in its upset bid of No. 17 Purdue on Thursday. The Nittany Lions rallied from a 17-point deficit to force overtime against the red-hot Boilermakers, but ended up on the wrong side of a 99-90 final. Penn St looks for its first win of 2019, as the Nittany Lions last win came back on Dec 29 against UMBC. "I know our record isn't what we expect or where we want it to be but the kids are competing and playing hard," Penn State head coach Patrick Chambers told reporters. "The ultimate goal down the stretch here in February is that they continue to progress."The 6-8 Lamar Stevens leads in scoring (18.9) and rebounding (7.7) and had a team-high 24 points and pulled down six rebounds in the loss to Purdue. Guard Rasir Bolton (10.1 & 4.7) had 18 points and is joined in the backcourt by PG Josh Reaves (10.1 & 3.6 APG) and Myles Dread (9.0). The 6-9 Watkins (8.5 & 8.6) joins Stevens up front.

The 6-7 Vic Law leads Northwestern in scoring (15.3) and adds 6.6 RPG. He was limited to five points in the loss to Maryland. Anthony Gaines (6.5 & 4.4) scored 11 of his career-high 18 points in the second half and pulled down seven rebounds, but it wasn't enough as the Wildcats shot 31 percent from the floor in the loss to Maryland. 6-8 center Dererk Pardon (13.9 & 7.8) added 14 points and seven rebounds against the Terrapins to finish in double figures for the 19th time in 21 games. Ryan Taylor (11.7) joins Gaines in the backcourt, while the 6-7 Turner (8.1) joins the frontcourt plus leads the team in assists (3.3).

I guess Penn St will eventually win a game but I don't expect it to be here against a Northwestern team that still has postseason hopes (albeit one of the three-lettered ones!). Penn State has lost EIGHT consecutive true road games, including all SIX this season while averaging only 62.7 PPG. Meanwhile, Northwestern is 9-3 SU at home, while holding opponents to 60.8 PPG at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The price is 'cheap' in this one.

Good luck...Larry

The 17-35 Atlanta Hawks sit 7 1/2 games out of the East's final playoff spot as they head into the finale of a seven-game road trip Monday night at the 22-30 Washington Wizards. The Hawks are 3-3 on the trip so far, after Saturday’s 118-112 victory at Phoenix. The Wizards continue to adjust to life without PG John Wall (20.7 & 8.7 APG), as they come off losing 131-115 at home to Milwaukee on Saturday, their fourth defeat in the past six games. However, Washington sits a more modest 2 1/2 games out of the East's No. 8 seed.

Atlanta’s draft-night trade sent Luka Doncic to Dallas for Trae Young. Doncic is likely headed for ROY honors but Young's 'star' is 'shining brightly' these days as well. He has scored 20 or more points with eight-plus assists in each of his last four games, scoring 27 points with eight assists and seven rebounds in Saturday's win over the Suns. He's second on the team in scoring (16.9) and leads Atlanta by handing out 7.4 APG. Atlanta's top scorer and rebounder is second-year player John Collins. The 6-10 big man out of Wake Forest averages 19.7 & 9.9. Collins matched his career high with 35 points Saturday and added 16 rebounds (one off his career best). The Hawks have plenty of depth, as seven players average in double digits but the team struggles because it allows 118.0 PPG (30th of 30 teams). 

Guard Bradley Beal (24.7-5.0-5.1) scored 24 points in the loss to Milwaukee but he continues to raise his game in Wall’s absence, averaging 27.3 points and shooting 37.5 percent from three-point range in the 17 games since Wall was shut down with a season-ending ankle injury. PG Tomas Satoransky made 41 starts when Wall was injured last season and is averaging 10.4 points and 5.8 assists in 30 starts this season. Trevor Ariza was acquired from Phoenix and the SF has played very well in 22 games, averaging 14.8-5.8-4.1. Otto Porter Jr. (12.6 & 5.6) returned to the starting lineup after coming off the bench for most of January, and despite a sprained toe finished with 18 points and seven rebounds Saturday. 

The Hawks have been on an extended road trip because of the Super Bowl being played in Atlanta and will return home after Monday's game. I have to like the Wizards in this one, as the Hawks are just 9-22 SU on the road, allowing a whopping 118.2 PPG. Meanwhile, the Wizards are 7-3 SU and 8-2 ATS at home their last 10. Lay it.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on Creighton at 1:00 ET.

Xavier hasn't spent much time worrying about qualifying for the NCAA Tournament in recent years, having gone 'dancing' in 16 of the last 18 seasons but this season is shaping up much differently. The Musketeers have missed the NCAA Tournament just ONCE in the last 13 seasons and haven't finished with a losing conference record since 1982. However, both of those scenarios are in danger of becoming reality in the 2018-19 season. Xavier was the Big East's regular-season champion last season (15-3) but enter Sunday in a tie for last-place in the conference at 3-6 with Providence. The Musketeers lost for a fourth straight time Thursday at Georgetown (80-73), falling to 11-11. As for Creighton (12-9 / 3-5 Big East), the Bluejays rank second in the Big East in scoring with 82.7 PPG and are one of seven teams in the nation shooting at least 50 percent from the floor (50.1% ranks 5th) but the offense "crapped out" in an 83-67 loss at home to St. John's on Wednesday (Creighton finished with a season-worst 41.7 percent mark from the floor).

"I was really disappointed," head coach Travis Steele told reporters after Xavier allowed 52 second-half points in the loss at Georgetown. "I told our guys going into the game we couldn't have the mentality to try to outscore the Hoyas. We had to have that defensive nastiness and toughness, which I didn't think we had at all in the second half." Xavier has great balance on offense, with five players scoring in double figures. Guard Scruggs (13.4 & 4.9) leads the way, followed by the 6-7 Marshall (13.3 & 7.0), PG Goodin (12.1 & 4.8 APG), the 6-9 Jones (11.0 & 7.4) and the 6-11 Hankins (10.2 & 4.9). So why is Xavier 11-11?

The Bluejays had won two straight before their uncharacteristic offensive struggles vs St John's, which included a 9-of-34 showing from beyond the arc. Alexander leads the team in scoring (17.4) while four other players average between 10.0 and 11.4 PPG. The Bluejays own a deep perimeter, as Ballock (10.9 & 3.6 APG), Zegarowski (10.8) and Mintz (10.0) join Alexander at the guard position. The 6-9 Krampelj (11.4 & 6.3) and SF Jefferson (9.4 & 5,4) have been the best frontcourt contributors but Jefferson remains out with an ankle injury.

No reason to think that Creighton won't bounce back from its horrible shooting effort on Wednesday, as the Bluejays not only rank 5th nationally by making 50.1% of all FGs, they also rank 4th in the nation from three-point range at 41.6%. Xavier is 1-5 SU in true road games this year, where the team is averaging just 62.8 PPG. I expect a big bounce-back effort from Creighton and Xavier will NOT be able to keep up.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Sac Kings at 10:05 ET.

The Philadelphia 76ers are 34-18 (currently own the East's third-best record, four game back of the Bucks) and will try to avoid a letdown after what has to be the team's best win of the season. The 76ers put up a 42-point third quarter en route to a 113-104 win at Golden State on Thursday, snapping the defending champs' 11-game winning streak. Philly now wraps up a four-game road trip at the Sacramento Kings, who are 26-25. That may not seem like much but Sacramento won just 27 games ALL of last season and last produced a winning record back in the 2005-06 season.

"It's a fantastic win. This group -- myself included -- we have not beaten Golden State," head coach Brett Brown told reporters. "To do it on the road, to do it in front of their fans against a team that is this good and had won that many in a row, it is a good night." Joel Embiid had 26 points and 20 rebounds in the victory as Philadelphia improved to 14-5 against the Western Conference, the top mark in the East. Embiid (27.2 & 13.4) gets better each game and is supported by Butler (18.6-3.2-5.0 in his 30 games with Philly), Redick (18.3) and Simmons (16.8-9.5-8.1). Philly averages 115.6 PPG (4th-best) but allows 111.9 PPG (21st), including 114.8 PPG on the road where the 76ers are a modest 13-13.

The Kings returned from a 2-4 road trip and routed the Atlanta Hawks 135-113 on Wednesday night. Harry Giles (just 6.0 PPG on the season) recorded a season-high 20 points for Sacramento in what was the opener of a six-game homestand. Rookie Marvin Bagley III backed Giles' big effort with 17 points and 12 rebounds of his own against Atlanta as the young Duke products provided a potential glimpse of the future for Sacramento. He's back healthy and is averaging 12.9 & 6.6 RPG. Buddy Hield, the key player in the Boogie Cousins trade, leads Sacramento in averaging 20.2 PPG, while shooting a white-hot 45.8% on threes. Second-year PG Fox (17.4 & 7.2 APG) is looking like a futre All-Star as well. Also, Bogdanovich (15.3) and center Cauley-Stein (13.1 & 8.7) have become regular contributors.

Head coach Dave Joerger has an "under the radar" good team in Sacramento. Aren't the Sixers in an obvious "let-down" situation here? It shouldn't go unnoticed that Philly is just 12-20 ATS coming off a SU win this season and beating Golden St in Oakland is no ordinary win! Meanwhile, Sacramento is 15-10 SU and 17-8 ATS at the Golden 1 Center and comes in having won and covered five straight at home. The Kings have also won FOUR of their last five over Philly, including a 2-0 SU & ATS sweep last season. Home dog barks LOUDLY in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 8* Bailout Blowout is on UC-Irvine at 10:00 ET.

The UC Irvine Anteaters and Long Beach State 49ers meet Saturday in college basketball action at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach. UC-Irvine is the class of the Big West, checking in at 18-5, including 6-1 in league play. Meanwhile, Long Beach St is just 8-14, including 2-4 in conference games. The Anteaters have won seven of their last eight games but the loss came at home to LBSU, 80-70 on Jan 16.  Meanwhile, the 49ers could really use a victory here, as they enter on a four-game losing streak

UC-Irvine owns a solid backcourt duo in Hazzard (11.5) and Leonard (10.4) but this team is mostly about defense, as the Anteaters allow just 65.0 PPG (74th), while holding opponents to only 38.5% from the floor (8th-best in the nation). UC-Irvine is an excellent 9-2 SU in true road games and will seek revenge here (more on that later).

Long Beach St has a long trip back from a Thursday night game in Hawaii, with the trip being made even longer due toan 74-57 loss. PG Booker (17.4 & 4.7 PG) and fellow guard Alberts (10.3) give LBSU a solid backcourt but the 6-7 Yussef (12.2 & 6.9) had not played since Dec 29. He returned at Hawaii  but scored just THREE points. The 6-7 Byers (8.2 & 6.2) is the only other notable frontcourt contributor. While UC-Irvine clamps down on the defensive end, LBSU allows 77.4 PPG (30th)!

Yes, UC-Irvine is the road team but while UCI makes the short trip up I-405 to "the Beach" and the Pyramid, LBSU had to fly back from Hawaii on Friday. "Payback" plays a big part here, as UC-Irvine's excelellent D (see above), allowed LBSU to score 80 points in that home loss at the Bren Center back on Jan 16. The Anteaters are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 road games and the road team is 9-4-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings between the two Big West rivals. Long Beach comes in on an 0-4 SU & ATS run. UC-Irvine knows how to win on the road and does just that here, with "room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Rivalry Rout is on Auburn at 8:00 ET.

Alabama/Auburn in college hoops is not quite like the "Iron Bowl" on the football field but is still carries plenty of 'weight!' 13-7 Alabama (4-3 SEC) knocked off three ranked teams last in January and now  looks to start February in style with a road victory against in-state rival Auburn on Saturday night. The Crimson Tide beat now-No. 7 Kentucky on Jan 5 and then-No. 20 Ole Miss on Jan 22, before taking a double-digit lead and holding on for an 83-79 victory over 22-ranked Mississippi State on Tuesday. As for 14-6 Auburn (3-4 SEC), the Tigers won NINE of their first 10 games but have gone 5-5, since. Auburn was ranked 14th at 13-3, when it lost to Kentucky, the first of a three-game skid. The Tigers snapped that three-game losing streak by pulling away in the second half for a 92-58 victory over visiting Missouri on Wednesday,

Alabama head coach Avery Johnson told reporters his team still has “malfunctions,” but continues to battle and possesses strong balance: “We had quite a few guys offensively contribute (Tuesday). When you have eight guys in the rotation with six, seven or more points, it’s kind of hard to scout where our offense is coming from.” PG Lewis leads in scoring at 13.9 PPG but his team-high 2.8 APG is VERY low for a PG. Fellow guard Petty averages 11.8 & 4.2, while four more guards chip in between 6.6 & 8.6 PPG. The 6-9 Hall (11.7 & 8.9) is 'Bama's lone big man of note.

“Three (losses) in a row, that wasn’t us,” Tigers junior forward Danjel Purifoy told reporters after scoring a season-high eight points against Missouri. “We just came out tonight just trying to be ourselves and play like we normally play.” Senior guard Bryce Brown (16.8) is the team's leading scorer and tops the team in three-point makes (71). Junior PG Jared Harper (15.4) leads the SEC in assists (6.5), while 6-8 sophomore forward Chuma Okeke has stepped up in Austin Wiley's absence, to average 10.6 & 6.3 on the season. He's averaging 12.8 points over the last five contests, with the 6-11 Wiley (10.8 & 6.1) missing the last four with a leg injury.

This is an important crossroads SEC contest, as Alabama has not won back-to-back games in almost a month and need to add a win here to bolster its NCAA Tournament resume. Same for Auburn, which sits under .500 in the SEC. It's been reported that the 6-11 Wiley is slated to return from injury for this rivalry game and that would be GREAT news. Even if he's not back, I'm "all over' the revenge-minded Tigers, who were knocked out of the 1st round of the SEC tourney last year in a 81-63 loss to Alabama. Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Revenge Rout is on St Mary's at 4:00 ET.

It's hardly news that 20-2 Gonzaga (No. 4 in the latest AP poll) is dominating the WCC once again with a 7-0 record. However, what is a surprise, is that the St Mary's Gaels are just 13-8 overall, including only 4-3 in league play (that leaves then tied for 4th in the WCC). The Gaels will welcome San Francisco to Moraga, Ca this afternoon  The surprising Dons have won 20 and 22 games the last two seasons (lost in the CIT championship game last year) but not many predicted them to be 17-4 (5-2 in WCC play) at this point in this year's season.

The Dons look to get back in the win column after a 67-64 loss at San Diego on Tuesday, which ended a three game winning streak. San Francisco appeared to be in control with an 11-point lead at the break but San Diego went on a 46-31 second half run behind a 47.8%-34.5% shooting edge and seven more makes at the FT line.San Francisco starts guards Mineland (14.9 & 5.1), Ferrari (13.7-5.5 APG) and Ratinho (9.7), with the 7-0 Lull (8.0 & 5.5) and the 6-8 Renfro (7.2 & 5.30, up front. However, the 6-9 McCarthy comes off the bench to average 10.5 PPG and a team-high 6.8 RPG.

The Saint Mary’s Gaels limp in having dropped back to back contests, after an 84-77 OT loss at Pepperdine as an eight point favorite (lost at BYU 71-66 before that). The 6-8 Malik Fitts (15.7 & 7.8) kept the Gaels in the game pouring in 27 points and hauling in nine rebounds, while leading scorer Jordan Ford (21.7) had 17 points. Joining Ford in the backcourt are PG Kuhse (4.6 & 3.2 APG) and Krebs (9.0 & 4.2). 6-10 center Howard averages 9.4 & 6.0.

Randy Bennett's first six seasons at St Mary's resulted in just one postseason appearance (a first round NCAA loss in 2005). However, he's led the Gaels to 11 straight postseason berths entering this season. That streak could end in 2019, as St Mary's checks in just 13-8. However, don't be too quick to eliminate the Gaels. San Francisco might be the second best team in the WCC but it will be tough to sweep the Gaels (won 76-72 at home back on Jan 3). There is plenty of pride on this St Mary's program and note that the Gaels are not just 10-2 SU at home this season but also a MONEY-MAKING 10-2 ATS (have outscored opponents 87.1-to-65.9 PPG). Revenge works, here!

Good luck...Larry

My ACC Ranked vs Ranked Showdown is an 8* on North Carolina at 2;00 ET.

Louisville is on its best stretch ever in the ACC (six straight wins), although it is admittedly a sample size that includes only five seasons.However, the 15th-ranked Cardinals (16-5) are 7-1 in ACC play, tied atop the league with UVa and Duke. Coming to town on Saturday for this critical ACC showdown is No. 9 North Carolina (14-6 / 6-1 in the ACC), which was stunned by Louisville 83-62 back on Jan 12 in Chapel Hill (Tar Heels were favored by points). That romp was the first of what has become three ACC road victories by margins of more than 20 points for the Cardinals, while the Tar Heels have won four games in a row since the loss to Louisville. Fair to say this game sets up, well!

Carolina comes in off crushing Georgia Tech 77-54 on Tuesday. Senior guard Cameron Johnson (leading scorer at 15.8 PPG) scored a game-high 22 on 8-of-10 shooting Tuesday, including 4-of-6 from three-point range. Freshman guard Coby White (15.2 & a team-high 4.2 APG) added 19 while hitting five from downtown, as the Tar Heels have shot 48.1 percent overall and 47.1 percent beyond the arc in their last two. Up front, 6-8 senior Maye averages 13.9 & 9.7 plus 6-6 freshman Little averages 10.5 & 4.5. North Carolina 'lights up' scoreboards, averaging 87.3 PPG (3rd-best).

Louisville dominated all aspects of its win three weeks ago in handing Tar Heels their worst home loss under coach Roy Williams. Cardinals center Steven Enoch had a season-high 17 off the bench in that win, while forwards Dwayne Sutton and Jordan Nwora also chipped in with 17. That victory ignited a six-game winning streak for Louisville, with its most recent victory coming in an 82-54 blowout at Wake Forest on Wednesday. The 6-7 Nwora leads the team in scoring (18.7) and rebounding (7.8), while SF Sutton (10.2 & 6.9) and PG Cunningham (10.1 & 4.4 APG) are the only other players in double digits. However, Louisville does average 79.6 PPG, ranking 48th in the nation

I have to go with the revenge motive here, as the Tar Heels are not only third in the nation in scoring (87.6 points) but second in the country in assists per game (19.8). The Tar Heels are 4-0 in ACC road games for the first time in 11 seasons and they are 6-1 overall in true road this season (winning by 15 points per), falling only at then-No. 7 Michigan. In the past five games, Louisville has encountered only one ranked team (won at home against NC State) but this contest with the Tar Heels marks the first of four straight games for Louisville against ranked teams (watch out!). First things first. NC gets its revenge right here.

Good luck...Larry

The first 9* Eye-Opener for Saturday is on Oklahoma at 12 noon ET.

Oklahoma is 15-6 overall but just 3-5 in Big-12 play, after an embarrassing 77-47 home loss on Big Monday by Baylor, when the Sooners shot a season-worst 27% from the floor. OU travels to Morgantown on Saturday for a 12 noon contest against West Va, which is just 9-12, including a woeful 1-7 in Big-12 play.

“Not much from our direction, not much positive,” Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger told reporters after his team’s third loss in five games. “(The Bears) had their way on both ends of the floor. We didn’t do what we have to do to fight that off. We were way too tentative to match their physicality.” Not one Sooners player managed to hit half their field goal attempts in Monday’s setback and outside of Kristian Doolittle’s team-high 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting, the rest of the team's starters combined to go 5-for-29 from the floor and 2-for-15 from three-point range.6-4 senior gaurd Christian James leads in scoring (16.3) and rebounding (7.3), while the 6-9 Manek (11.1 & 6.7) is the only other Sooner in double digits. However, six Oklahoma players chip in between 4.1 and 8.9 PPG.

“This team gets loose balls less than any team I’ve ever had,” head coach Huggins told reporters after the frustrating loss that saw a pair of technical fouls lead to the coach’s ejection late in the second half. “They offensive-rebound it less than any team I’ve ever had. When you couple that with not being very good shooters, that’s a formula for being (9-12).” It’s hard to argue with Huggins' assessment, as the Mountaineers are last in the Big 12 in field-goal percentage (42.1), field-goal percentage defense (44) and steals (5.8). What's more, the Mountaineers could be without two key performers, 6-8 forward Sagaba Konote and junior guard James Bolden. Konote leads the team in scoring (13.6) and rebounding (8.0) but is out indefinitely with a knee injury, while Bolden (12.2) missed the Iowa State loss due to an ankle injury.

Expect Lon Kruger’s Oklahoma team to quickly regain its mojo against West Va's sieve-like defense, which has yielded a whopping 83 points or more in FIVE of its last 6six game. As  Bob Huggins has bemoaned,  “We generally take pride in being able to guard, but this group’s made me a liar.”  Also not that the Mountaineers enter February ranked 328th out of 351 Division I teams with 15.8 turnovers per game.

Good luck...Larry

The third 9* Eye-Opener for Saturday is on USF at 12 noon ET.

South Florida looks to continue its climb into the top half of the American Athletic Conference with a third straight victory when Memphis pays a visit on Saturday afternoon. The Bulls are 14-6 (4-4 in AAC play) and have already won their most contests (14) since 2011-12. USF is off seasons of 10, 7, 8, 9 and 12 wins. The Bulls have answered a three-game losing streak by beating Wichita State on Jan 22, before rolling to a 77-57 win at East Carolina last Saturday. Memphis (13-8 / 5-3 in AAC) had a big win over UCF at home last Sunday (77-57) but turned the ball over 17 times and allowed 54.5 percent shooting from the floor in a 97-79 loss at Tulsa on Wednesday (Memphis had won four of its previous five games).

“First half we were going through the motions,” Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway told the Commercial Appeal after the Tulsa loss. “Second half we were like, ‘We’re about to lose, let’s play hard.’ Which is weird, but that’s how it’s happened with us on the road all year.” Senior guard Jeremiah Martin leads the team in scoring (15.1) and assists (4.3), but is just 2-of-20 from three-point range over the last four contests. 6-8 senior forward Kyvon Davenport adds 14.5 points and a team-high 7.7 rebounds per game while senior guard Kareem Brewton Jr. (9.1) is averaging 12 points in league contests. Freshman guard Tyler Harris (13.0) is the top three-point threat (55 makes).

"I’m really proud of our guys,” USF coach Brian Gregory told reporters after the team's 20-point road win at ECU. “We said this was a response week. We win the game against Wichita State (54-41) and now you go on the road. Our guys wanted nothing to do with anything other than getting it done.” Junior transfer Laquincy Rideau continues to shine at the point, averaging 13.9 points along with league highs of 5.8 assists and 3.3 steals per game after recording a double-double () in the win at East Carolina. Sophomore guard David Collins leads in scoring (14.3), while 6-8 sophomore forward Alexis Yetna had 28 points and 13 rebounds at East Carolina for his 10th double-double of the season. He's averaging 13.2 PPG and leads the AAC in rebounds (10.1).

These schools split a pair of games last season but the Bulls have won 11 of their 13 contests in Tampa this season, while the Tigers have struggled to a 2-7 record away from home, including going 1-4 in true road games while allowing 86.8 PPG. I'm on USF.

Good luck...Larry

The second 9* Eye-Opener for Saturday is on NC State at 12 noon ET.

No. 23 North Carolina State (16-5 / 4-4 in ACC) just missed out on an upset of No. 3 Virginia on Tuesday night, wiping out a 14-point second-half deficit and then missing on a chance to force a second overtime. Markell Johnson drew a three-shot foul in the final second, but missed the first foul shot and made the final two. The Cavaliers won 66-65. The Wolfpack now welcome the ACC's other team from the Commonwealth on Saturday to PNC Arena in Raleigh, the 12th-ranked Va Tech Hokies (17-3 / 6-2 in ACC). While NC State was in a life-and-death struggle with UVa in its last contest, Va tech had no such concerns in its last outing, Wednesday night in Miami. Tech closed within a game of the conference lead (Va, Duke and Louisville are all 7-1) by taking down Miami 82-70 in Coral Gables.

Sophomore Nickeil Alexander-Walker (17.9- 4.2-3.8) tied a season high with 25 points in Wednesday's win. He is one of a trio of Va Tech guards averaging in double digits. He's joined by PG Robinson (14.4 & 5.4 APG) and Hill (13.6). The 6-10 Blackshear (12.7 & 6.4) rounds out the team's double digit scorers. Robinson is the reigning ACC Player of the Week but he left Wednesday’s win at Miami with a left ankle injury and his availability for Saturday is in doubt. With 6-5 small forward P.J. Horne also out indefinitely with an injury, the Hokies could have only seven scholarship players available - and one of them has seen only two minutes of action in ACC play.

Kevin Keatts' Wolfpack like to put as many as four guards on the floor at a time and push the tempo. Swingman Torin Dorn is the team’s top scorer (14.2) and rebounder (6.7) despite being just 6-6, while C.J. Bryce (12.2 points) and PG Markell Johnson (11.9 & 3.9 APG) both shoot better than 43 percent from three-point range. Devon Daniels (10.2 & 4.9) and Braxton Beverly (9.6) also contribute to a talent-rich backcourt. 6-10 sophomore Funderbunk (8.4 & 4.10 is NC State's best inside player.

At this point of the season, the Hokies are playing for a double-bye in the ACC tournament and a potential top-four seed in the Big Dance. However, I don't believe this visit to  Raleigh will go well, especially if Robinson is out or limited. Either way, I'm taking the Wolfpack at home, where they are 12-2 SU and outscoring opponents on average, 87.1-to-65.9 PPG. Let me note that NC State’s bench averages 32.7 points and has outscored opponents’ reserves by 322 points through 21 games. One last thing... The Wolfpack have won three straight home meetings with the Hokies.

Good luck...Larry

My NBA 10* Game of the Week is on the Den Nuggets at 10:05 ET.

Houston's James Harden continued his scoring spree with 37 points on Tuesday, his 24th straight game of 30 or more points. "It's a terrible loss for us. Terrible," Harden told reporters afterward. "A letdown. We had no energy from the beginning of the game." The 29-21 Rockets (currently the West's No. 6 seed) will head to Denver for tonight's game with the Nuggets. Denver beat the 105-99 Pelicans in New Orleans, a day after the Pelicans won in Houston. It was Denver's FOURTH straight victory and 14th in the past 18 contests, giving the Nuggets a 35-15 record (a half-game behind the Warriors' for the West's best record).

The good news for Houston is that not only have the Rockets already posted two double-digit victories over Denver earlier this season but Houston opens a four-game road trip looking to defeat Denver for the 10th consecutive time.Harden (36.3-6.7-8.10 is having another MVP-like season and PG Chris Paul (15.3 & 8.0 APG) has returned from a 17-game absence. However, center Clint Capela, averaging career highs in scoring (17.6) and rebounding (12.6), remains sidelined until late-Feb with a thumb injury.

Denver center Nikola Jokic had 20 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for his eighth triple-double of the season in the Nuggets' win at New Orleans. He leads the team in scoring (20.1), rebounding (10.4) and in assists (7.7), on the season. PG Jamal Murray (18.5) will likely miss his fourth straight game (ankle) and that will give backup Monte Morris (10.2 & 3.7 APG) a chance to follow up on Wednesday's strong effort of 20 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Most importantly, Morris didn't commit a single turnover in 40 minutes in his second career start and has just four miscues in 118 minutes over the past four games. Denver has fought through key injuries all season but SG Harris (14.8 & 5.6), swingman Barton (12.9 & 4.5) and PF Paul Millsap (12.3 & 6.7) are all back playing regularly.

Yes, Houston has won NINE straight over Denver and who can deny what Harden as done lately. Harden just concluded one of the top months in NBA history by averaging 43.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 2.1 steals in 14 games. He has scored at least 35 points in each of his past 11 games, including efforts of 61, 58 and 57 and has made at least five 3-pointers on 11 occasions. Harden scored 610 points in the month to become the first player since Michael Jordan - 729 in March of 1987 - to reach 600 in a month. However, Houston will be without Clint Capela this time around (27.5 PPG vs the Nuggets this season) and PG Chris Paul's return has resulted in an 0-2 ATS start. Houston is just 8-15 ATS on the road this season, while the Nuggets are 22-4 SU & 18-8 ATS at Pepsi Center this season, outscoring opponents 115.3-to-103.8 PPG. Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Ivy League Game of the Year is on Dartmouth at 7:00 ET.

Brown was the Ivy League's highest scoring team last season (77.0 PPG) but the Bears finished 11-16 (4-10 in the Ivy). All five starters returned this season and Brown checks in at 12-6 overall but 0-2 in Ivy play. The Bears head to Hanover, NH Friday night for a game with Dartmouth's Big Green. Dartmouth was just 7-20 last season, including finishing last in Ivy League play at 3-11. The Big Green check in at 10-8 so far this season, after opening with a split against Harvard in the school's first two Ivy League games (Dartmouth won and covered at home and covered in the loss at Harvard).

Sophomore guard Cambridge leads the team in scoring (17.9) and 6-5 SF Choh leads in rebounding (8.8) and assists (3.3), while joining Cambridge in double digits (12.7). Guards Okolue (9.6 & 3.7) and Anderson (9.2) fill out the starting backcourt, while the 6-6 Howard (8.5 & 4.5) starts up front with Choh. As for Dartmouth, the 6-7 Knight leads in scoring (15.4) and rebounding (7.6), while a trio of guards join him in double digit scoring. That group includes PG Barry (13.7-3.6-3.7) plus fellow guards Sistare (10.8 & 4.5) and Foye (10.5). The 6-8 Jackson adds 8.9 & 5.3.

Brown may be a slightly better team but how does one ignore the fact that going back to the end of last season, Brown will take an 0-7 SU & ATS Ivy League run into this contest at Leede Arena, where the Big Green have fashioned a 7-1 SU home mark this season. Also note that Dartmouth is 18-6-3 ATS in its last 27 games following a loss (Big Green lost but covered at Harvard on Jan 26).

Good luck...Larry

My 8* Conference Crusher (Big West) is on Hawaii at 11:55 ET.

The Long Beach State 49ers will travel to the Stan Sheriff Center to take on the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors this Thursday night in Big West play. The 49ers are coming off an 82-71 home loss this past Saturday to UC-Santa Barbara. It marked the school's third consecutive loss and dropped them to 8-13 (2-3 in the Big West). Meanwhile, The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors snapped a two-game losing streak and improved to 12-7 (3-2 Big West) on the season, after defeating UC-Davis 80-60, this past Saturday at home..

PG Booker (17.6 & 4.8 PG) and fellow guard Alberts (10.5) give LBSU a solid backcourt but with the 6-7 Yussef (12.9 & 7.2) not playing since Dec 29, the 49ers have only the 6-7 Byers (8. 1 & 5.9) as a notable frontcourt contributor. In contrast, Hawaii has solid a starting-five led by guards Stansberry (12.6), Stepteau (9.0) and Buggs (8.9-4.5-5.3) plus up front, the 6-9 Purchase (12.0 & 6.3) and the 6-8 Raimo (11.6 & 6.6).

Long Beach St is 1-9 SU on the road, allowing 82.4 PPG. Meanwhile, Hawaii is 9-3 SU and 7-2 ATS at home. Hawaii had a good shot at knocking off Big West contender UC Irvine in a 75-74 OT home loss on Wednesday, so I'm willing to lay some points with them here. Long Beach is averaging about 16 turnovers per game and as noted, over 80 PPG on the road. Lay it.

Good luck...Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on BYU at 11:00 ET.

Fourth-ranked Gonzaga looks to record its 11th consecutive victory when it visits BYU in West Coast Conference play on Thursday. The Bulldogs have won by an average of 36.2 points during their 10-game winning streak, so is this game already "been played?" Gonzaga visits Provo 19-2 (6-0 in WCC play) and a "W" would give them a 22nd straight 20-win season, as well as extend its NCAA record of consecutive conference road victories to 28. The Bulldogs are coming off a 98-39 steamrolling of Santa Clara and the 59-point margin of victory ranks third in school history (team set a program record by committing just two turnovers against Santa Clara while forcing 18 miscues and turning them into 26 points). As for BYU, the Cougars are a modest 13-9, including 5-2 in WCC play, but BYU is coming off 71-66 win over Saint Mary's in its last outing.

Gonzaga owns a terrific starting-five. Senior PG Josh Perkins (11.0 & 6.6) has been a solid ball-handler all season and has committed just 40 turnovers in 21 games. He's joined by sophomore guard Zach Norvell Jr. (15.7-4.8-3.4) in the backcourt, while the 6-8 Hachimura averages a team-best 19.9 PPG (6.2 RPG). 6-8 power forward Brandon Clarke (16.3) adds a team-leading 7.7 RPG, with the 6-8 Kispert (9.1) rounding out the starting rotation. Gonzaga averages 91.4 PPG (1st) and shoots 52.4% from the floor (also No. 1 in the nation).

BYU's 6-8 Yoeli Childs had 23 points and 11 rebounds for his 32nd career double-double in the win over St Mary's and leads the team in scoring (22.3) and rebounding (9.6) on the season. PG Haws (17.6 & 5.2 APG) and fellow guard Haerdnett (10.9) are the only other Cougars in double digits but BYU does average 82.0 PPG (33rd). The Cougars have won four of their past five games and also committed only two turnovers in their last outing while pressuring Saint Mary's into 15 and converting the mistakes into 17 points.

Only Kansas (29) and Duke (22) have longer streaks of 20-win seasons than Gonzaga, which has also posted 30-victory campaigns in three of the past four seasons. That said, Gonzaga can win here, yet not come close to covering. BYU has been tough at home with a 10-1 record and the fans were boisterous and loud during last Thursday's 71-66 win over Saint Mary's. We should see a repeat performance, here.I'm taking the 'two TDs!'

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on UCF at 9:00 ET.

Central Florida was the preseason favorite in the American Athletic Conference. However, the Knights are in bounce-back mode, after their worst loss of the season when they host UConn on Thursday. UCF had won nine of its last 10 contests before the team was routed 77-57 at Memphis on Sunday falling to 15-4 (5-2 in AAC play). As for UConn, the Huskies have won two straight after Saturday's 80-60 victory over Wichita State with the backcourt duo of junior Christian Vital (season-high 21 points) and senior Jalen Adams (19 points, 12 rebounds) leading the way. UConn visits Orlando with a 12-8 overall record, including 3-4 in AAC play.

Adams leads UConn in scoring at 18.2 PPG and has averaged 22.8 in his last five games. Vital has averaged 16 points in conference games, raising his season average to 13.6, to go along with 5.6 rebounds. Sophomore PG Alterique Gilbert (13.0 & 3.8 APG) gives UConn three guards in double digits but he re-injured his left shoulder Saturday and is listed as doubtful. The 6-10 Carlton (7.8 & 4.8) and the 6-8 Polley (7.4 & 2.3) start up front.

UCF was awful at Memphis, getting out-rebounded 46-28, while going 6-for-26 from three-point range. Senior guard B.J. Taylor, the conference preseason player of the year, is bidding to lead the club in scoring for the third straight season with an average of 16.7 points and teh coaches' son, Aubrey Dawkins averages 15.4 PPG and  5.4 RPG. However, Taylor had just 10 poinst at Memphis, while Dawkins was held to two points, after averaging 18.8 in his previous five games. Expect bounce-back efforts from both. PG Allen (7.6 & 4.3 APG) makes for a nice guard trio plus 7-6 senior center Tacko Fall (9.8 points, team-high 7.1 rebounds) leads the conference and was seventh nationally with 2.84 blocks per game. He paces the American in field-goal shooting at 74.8 percent to help the Knights shoot a conference-best 46.7 percent. The 6-11 Smith (8.0 & 5.3) is a quality side-kick.

Throw out Sunday's loss, as UCF,is off to its best 19-game start since the 2003-04 team began 16-3. The Knights have won NINE straight at home, while UConn is 0-3 SU in true road games this season. That's not exactly news, as the Huskies were 2-9 on the road last season and 6-17 over the previous two campaigns, in true road games. Lay the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on Georgetown at 8:00 ET.

Xavier is just 11-10 overall, including 3-5 in the Big East. The Musketeers already have two more conference losses as they did in 2017-18, when the team went 15-3 in league play to win the Big East regular-season title. Xavier hasn't spent much time worrying about qualifying for the NCAA Tournament in recent years, having gone 'dancing' in 16 of the last 18 seasons but this season is shaping up much differently. In contrast, Georgetown is 13-7 overall (3-4 in the Big East), which is a nice improvement over last year's 15-15 team, which finished 5-13 in Big East Play. However, the Hoyas are in search of their first winning streak this season in Big East play.

The Musketeers won the first meeting with the Hoyas 81-75 on Jan. 9, behind a double-double (23-10) from the 6-11 Zach Hankins (10.3 & 4.8). That win was followed up with another home win against Butler but Xavier has dropped three straight since, the latest an 87-82 defeat to No. 10 Marquette on Saturday. The Musketeers are greatly underachieving this season. Xavier has great balance on offense, with five players scoring in double figures. Joining Hankins are guard Scruggs (13.3 & 4.8), the 6-7 Marshall (13.2 & 7.1), PG Goodin (12.0 & 4.9 APG) and the 6-9 Jones (11.3 & 7.6). So why is Xavier 11-10?

The Hoyas rode freshmen Mac McClung, James Akinjo and Josh LeBlanc to a critical 89-78 win at St. John's on Sunday. McClung scored 25 points (his most in a Big East contest this season), as Hoyas accounted for the games' final 10 points! Meaningful contributions have been few and far between for Jamorko Pickett, who after a solid freshman season has been relegated to a lesser role behind this season's newcomers. The 6-8 guard supplied nine points and seven rebounds to the win over St. John's but is averaging only 5.8 & 4.5 this season. McClung (13.9) and PG Akinjo (13.4 & 5.4 APG) form a dynamic freshman backcourt duo, while the 6-7 LeBlanc (9.4 & 7.6) has supported 6-10 senior center Govan (19.8 & 8.2), up front.

Xavier has dominated the series with the Hoyas with 14 wins in 18 meetings, including six straight and 10 of 12 as Big East foes.However, this is not "your father's" In fact, a loss would add more impending peril to Xavier's streak of 36 straight seasons with a .500 or better record in conference play (Xavier currently sits at 3-5 in the Big East), a mark that is five seasons longer than any other Division I program. The Musketeers are 1-4 SU in true road games, averaging only 60.8 PPG. Patrick Ewing's team puts another 'nail' in Xavier's 'coffin.'

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Det Pistons at 7:05 ET.

Rookie sensation Luka Doncic led the Mavericks past the Pistons 106-101 last Friday in Dallas. The two teams meet again tonight in frosty Detroit, as Doncic will look to repeat his 32-8-8 performance. The 19-year-old rookie is the first teenager in NBA history with multiple triple-doubles in a season after posting two in the past five games. The 23-27 Mavs lost fouhe second game of a four-game homestand, having dropped four of their last five contests to fall to 21-28.

Second-year PG Dennis Smith Jr. (12.7) returned to the Mavericks after an unhappy sabbatical on Jan 22 and his return coincides with the Mavs' 3-1 run. Smith missed six straight games due to friction over his role but shared the ball-handling duties with star rookie Luka Doncic. Smith scored 13 points, recorded a career-high 15 assists and matched his career best of 10 rebounds against the Knicks for his second career triple-double. He's scored in double digits in each game, averaging 15.5-6.0-7.5. "Smith had a big impact game," Head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters, later adding this remark about Smith posting a triple-double one game after Doncic: "It means that they can play together if you ask me." Doncic is averaging 20.4-6.9-5.4 on the season.

With Detroit's season being mired in mediocrity, there is plenty of speculation that the 29-year-old Blake Griffin could be on the move prior to the Feb. 7 deadline. Griffin scored 18 points in Tuesday's 115-105 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, after scoring 30 or more points in eight of his previous 11 appearances. He checks in at 26.3-8.1-5.3 on the season and has NOT asked for a trade. Center Drummond (16.5 & 14.8) is having a solid season but Detroit's backcourt has been shaky at best. PG Jackson (14.3 & 4.2 APG) has been inconsistent and currently Bullock (12.0) and Smith (8.7) are dealing with ankle and groin issues, respectively.

There is little doubt that Dallas is a team on the rise, as the team's 23 wins (through 50 games) is just one shy of the team's entire win-total from last season (24). However, Dallas checks in just 5-20 SU on the road this season and off a game last night (a road win to boot), I will not take them in this spot against the avenging Piston with "no margin for error" (will likely need to win to cover!).

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Por Blazers at 10:354 ET.

The Utah Jazz visit Moda Center in Portland on Wednesday having won NINE of 10 and 11 of their last 13. Utah is making its way up the Western Conference standings at 29-22 (currently own the No. 7 seed) but one of the teams still in front of them in the West are the Portland Trail Blazers, who are 31-20 (currently own the No. 4 seed, the last with homecourt advantage in the first round). The Trail Blazers enter on a nice roll as well, having gone 5-1 SU & ATS since back-to-back loses at Denver (Jan 13) and Sacramento (Jan 14).

PG Ricky Rubio is back in the lineup (missed six games from Jan 9-18 with a hamstring issue) and the Jazz are thriving behind the play of their starting backcourt. Donovan Mitchell is averaging 22.5-3.8-4.0 and Rubio 12.8 & 6.0 APG. The duo combined for 47 points and 13 assists in a 125-111 win at Minnesota on Sunday. "We were playing the right way," Jazz coach Quin Snyder told reporters. "Our shots were better because of our guards. When we attack the rim, everything else opens up and we get easier shots and shoot better." Mitchell has scored at least 24 points in each of the last 12 games (he is averaging 28.1 points on 45.1 percent shooting in January). All five Utah starters average in double figures, as joining Mitchell and Rubio are center Gobert (15.0 & 12.9), swingman Ingles (11.6-3.8-4.9), PF Favors (11.0 & 7.2). Coming off the bench are SF Crowder (12.1 & 4.7) and SG Korver (10.1 PPG on 41.2% from three in his 29 games with the Jazz). Utah is one of the NBA's best defensive teams, allowing 105.1 PPG (3rd-best).

Portland has its own dynamic backcourt duo with Damian Lillard (26.2-4.5-6.2) and CJ McCollum (20.8), who recorded his first career triple-double (28-10-10) in a 120-111 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday (Lillard sat that one out but will play here). Note that Seth Curry (6.3) started in place of Lillard on Saturday and scored a season-high 22 points. Center Nurkic (15.2 & 10.4) is vastly underrated, as is PF Aminu, who adds 9.6 & 8.2.

Portland's home record is now 21-7 on the season and the Blazers take the Moda Center court tonight on a seven-game home winning streak (6-1 ATS). Portland owns all the tools to cool off the red-hot Jazz, who are after all, a modest 14-12 SU on the road (Utah will need to win to cover here). Portland wins "with room to spare."

Good luck... Larry

My 10* 35-Club Play is on Creighton at 8:30 ET.

Expectations were high coming into the current CBB season for St. John's. The Red Storm opened with12 consecutive victories and by winning 14 of their first 15. However, as St John's  gets set to open a challenging three-game road trip (No. 2 Duke and No. 10 Marquette follow), the Red Storm have lost FOUR of their last five (now 15-5 / 3-5 in Big East). The school's lone win in its last five was an 81-66 victory at home over Creighton, which is the team St John's opens its three-game road trip against on Wednesday. Creighton improved to 7-4 at home after easing to a 75-61 win over Butler this past Friday. The Bluejays welcome the Red Storm to CenturyLink Center 12-8 overall, including 3-4 in the Big East.

Junior PG Shamorie Ponds has scored at least 20 points in six straight games, including a team-high 21 against Georgetown in Saturday's 89-78 loss to the Hoyas. He leads the team in scoring (20.6) and assists (5.6). Backcourt partner Mustapha Heron is averaging 18.7 points over the last three games to boost his season average to 15.4 PPG (also 5.0 RPG). Three more players average in double digits, the 6-6 Figueroa (14.6 & 6.8), the 6-7 Clark (12.4 & 5.8) and guard Simon (10.8 & 5.2).

Sophomore guard Ty-Shon Alexander has been instrumental in Creighton's B2B two victories last week, making six 3-pointers and scoring 26 points in the 91-87 win at Georgetown, before adding 19 points against Butler to earn Big East player of the week honors. Alexander leads the team in scoring (17.6), after averaging only 5.7 as a freshman. The Bluejays own a deep perimeter, as Ballock (11.0 & 3.6 APG), Zegarowski (10.6) and Mintz (10.4) join Alexander at the guard position. The 6-9 Krampelj (11.3 & 6.4) and SF Jefferson (9.4 & 5,4) have been the best frontcourt contributors but Jefferson will be out with an ankle injury.

St John's Jan 16 win over Creighton halted a string of six straight losses in the series but also note that the Bluejays have won all SEVEN matchups in Omaha against the Red Storm. Creighton averages 83.4 PPG (20th) on 50.5% shooting (4th), including 42.5% on threes (2nd). That's TOO much 'firepower' for the slumping Red Storm. Lay the modest impost.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Seton Hall at 7:00 ET.

Seton Hall made more than  a little 'noise' back in December with upset wins over Kentucky (now-No. 7) and Maryland (now-No. 21). However, as the 12-8 Pirates (3-5 in the Big East) welcome Big East rival Providence to the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J, the team is looking to snap a season-high four-game losing skid. The 13-7 Friars (3-4 in the Big East) have won three of their last four, after defeating both Xavier and DePaul.

Alpha Diallo made all 14 of his free-throw attempts and finished with a team-high 20 points and nine rebounds in Sunday's 70-67 triumph over the Blue Demons. Diallo has been the "Alpha male" for the Friars, as the workhorse junior guard is averaging team highs in points (17.0), rebounds (8.4), assists (3.3), steals (1.8) and minutes (36.3). Freshman guard A.J. Reeves scored 11 points in as many minutes on Sunday in his return from a nine-game absence due to a foot injury. He's second on the team in averaging 13.9 PPG. Four more guards chip in between 4.1 and 9.3 PPG. 6-10 center Watson (11.2 & 5.4) is the only real 'size' the Friars own.

The Hall's best player, guard Myles Powell (21.2) failed to find any rhythm to his offense and finished with just three points In the team's recent loss to Villanova. Sophomore wing Myles Cale (9.6) scored a team-high 14 points in Sunday's 80-52 shellacking by the Wildcats but PG McKnight (10.0 & 3.8 APG) finished with just five points versus Villanova. Seton Hall does have some size up front with the 6-10 Mamukelashvili (9.2 & 7.4) and the 6-8 Nzei (9.2 & 5.0).

I believe Seton Hall can win the "inside game" with Mamukelashvili and Nzei plus the Hall's perimeter game is a s good as the Friars'. Seton Hall is clearly not as good as the school's upsets over Kentucky and Maryland might suggest but I expect the Pirates to be handle Providence in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 8* Conference Crusher (SEC) is on Florida at 6:30 ET.

Both Ole Miss (14-5 / 4-2 in SEC) and Florida (11-8 / 3-3 SEC) are back in SEC action tonight, as the Gators welcome the Rebels to Gainesville. Both schools suffered disappointing losses this past Saturday in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge .Ole Miss lost badly at home to Iowa St (87-73), while the Gators lost 55-50 at TCU. Ole Miss was picked to finish last in the SEC preseason media poll but the Rebels, under first-year head coach Kermit Davis, opened the season 13-2, including 3-0 in SEC play (more importantly to sports bettors, Ole Miss started a remarkable 14-1 ATS). However, Ole Miss limps into Florida 1-3 SU & ATS in its last four. Mike White's Gators have been inconsistent all season and hope to avoid the school's first 3-4 start in SEC action since 1998 with a win in tonight's contest.

Ole Miss' backcourt duo of junior Breein Tyree (17.3) and senior PG Terence Davis (15.8 & 3.5 APG) continues to be the biggest offensive threat for the Rebels. Tyree has had nine 20-point games this season, including a 22-point effort in the loss to Iowa State, with Davis chipping in with 16 points along with a team-high six rebounds. Fellow guards Shuler (9.5) and Hinson (9.1) also start, along with the 7-0 Olejniczak (6.6 & 3.6). The 6-8 Stevens (8.3 & 4.5) and 5-7 freshman KJ Buffen (5.9 & 4.6) come off the bench.

TCU held the Gators to three points in the first 11:35 of the game to build an 18-3 lead but Florida fought back from a 16-point deficit late in the 1st half to tie the game at 36-all with 12:23 left in regulation. The Gators missed 14 of their first 15 shots but they showed fight in rallying to tie the game in the second half before falling short in the end. Senior guard KeVaughn Allen (leading scorer at 12.7 PPG) was the only Gator in double figures with 13, as freshman guard Noah Locke (11.2 PPG) was just 2-of-9 for seven points, one game after setting a career high with 27 points. PG Nembhard (7.0 & 5.9 APG) does give White a solid guard trio. The 6-9 Hayes (6.8 & 6/2)  has been surrounded by a pair of 6-5 forwards in Johnson (6.3 & 5.1) and Stone (6.1 & 3.9). However, Stone is now out for the season with a knee injury.

Here's the rub. Ole Miss has "come back to earth" and has averaged just 63.0 PPG in its last two games. The Rebels face an excellent Florida defense (Gators allow just 61.5 PPG, 10th-best in the nation) and is a team in an almost a "must-win" situation. Up next for Florida will be No. 7 Kentucky, Auburn and No. 1 Tennessee in its next three contests. Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Alabama at 8:30 ET.

The Mississippi State Bulldogs (15-4 / 3-3 SEC) travel to Tuscaloosa to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide (12-7 / 3-3 SEC) tonight, as two of the three SEC teams at 3-3 meet. Miss St is ranked 22nd in the current AP poll and is coming off a 92-84 Home win over then-No. 15 Auburn. As for Alabama, the Tide stepped out of league play this past Saturday, losing 73-68 at Baylor in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge.

Mississippi State entered last Saturday's home contest against Auburn off its worst offensive performance of the season in a 76-55 loss at Kentucky on Jan 22.. The Bulldogs had season-lows of 19 FGs made and a 31.1 shooting percentage (they made just 3-of-20 three-pointers). However, they bounced back from that result in fine fashion with a victory over Auburn on Saturday, by shooting 50.9 percent in their best offensive effort in SEC action. "We were playing as a team," senior guard Quinndary Weatherspoon told reporters after tying his season high with 27 points. "I'm excited about that and I'm excited about the win." .Weatherspoon (17.3 & 5.6) leads the team in scoring and is joined in the backcourt by PG Peters (13.0 & 5.9 APG) and by his younger brother Nick (10.3). Starting up front are the 6-10 Holman I(11.4 & 7.6) and the 6-11 Ado (5.3 & 4.9). Coming off the bench are guard Carter (9.7) and the 6-10 Perry (7.3 & 5.9). Perry is a freshman and he posted his second career double-double in Saturday's win with 10 points and 11 rebounds in just 19 minutes.

Senior guard Riley Norris hit all six of his shot attempts - four from beyond the arc - en route to a season-high 16 points and the Crimson Tide also shot 50.9 percent from the floor, but they had one basket in a span of over five minutes during a difficult stretch run (Alabama finished the game 5 of 17 on threes!). The Crimson Tide entered last weekend ranked second in the SEC in rebounding margin (plus-6.7), but the Bears beat them on the boards 35-31, including a 16-9 advantage on the offensive glass. Alabama has a seven-man rotation (all with 17-plus minutes per game), with six guards averaging between 6.4 and 13.9 PPG. Freshman guard Kira Lewis Jr. leads the team in scoring (13.9) and assists (2.8). the team's lone big man of note is 6-9 senior forward Donta Hall (11.3 PPG), who ranks third in the SEC in both rebounding (8.9) and field-goal percentage (61.2).

Miss State head coach Ben Howland called Saturday's victory "a really big-time win for us when you look at our drive to try to get to the NCAA Tournament this year." He's hoping the Bulldogs can continue to share the ball like they did against Auburn. Meanwhile, in talking about the loss at Baylor, Alabama head coach Avery Johnson said, "We didn't have our best game. We didn't play enough of a 40-minute game to win on the road. I thought it was the opposite of how we played our last game at home." The last home game he's referring to was last Tuesday, when Alabama routed then-No. 20 Ole Miss, 74-53.

Yes, Mississippi State triumphed 67-63 in the second matchup last season with Alabama but prior to that, Alabama had won 10 of 11 previous meetings between the two schools. The Tide are 7-2 SU at home this season and the Bulldogs are averaging just 68.2 PPG in true road games this season. That WON'T get it done, here!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Rivalry Rout is on Kansas at 7:00 ET

Kansas opened the current CBB season No. 1 in the AP's preseason poll but it's hardly been smooth sailing for head coach Bill Self's Jayhawks. 7-0 center Udoka Azubuike

(13.4 & 6.8) played in just nine games and will be out the remainder of the season with a broken hand. Kansas is currently 16-4 and at 5-2 in Big-12 play, finding themselves in a three-way tie atop the conference, along with Kansas St and Baylor. The Jayhawks travel to the Frank Erwin Special Event Center in Austin on Tuesday to take on the 11-9 Texas Longhorns (3-4 in Big-12 play). Kansas enters this contest having scored just five field goals over the final 10 minutes (while shooting a season-low 36.5 percent from the floor for the game) of a 71-63 loss at Kentucky in the Big 12/SEC Challenge. As for the Longhorns,they also played a game as part of the SEC/Big-12 Challenge this past Saturday. Texas lost 98-88 at Georgia, the team's second straight defeat and its FIFTH in its last six games.

Self wasn't happy about his Jayhawks' second-half struggles at Kentucky, but didn't seemed too concerned after the fact. "There were too many errors and too many naked possessions offensively where we didn't get anything out of it and our shot selection was poor," Self said afterward. "If we'd won this game, I'd be happy going home, but trust me, it doesn't mean that much, it's not going to affect us in any way, shape or form preparing for our next game." Kansas lost, despite yet another double-double (20 points and 15 rebounds) from the Dedric Lawson, who leads the team in scoring (19.5) and rebounding (11.1), proding 14 double-doubles this season. Surrounding Lawson are starters Vick (14.8 & 4.0), PG Dotson (10.8 & 3.4 APG), Grimes (8.4) and Garrett (7.5 & 3.5).

The Longhorns allowed Georgia to shoot 66.7 percent from the floor, including 12-of-17 beyond the arc, in Saturday's loss. Texas wasted a career-high 19 points from freshman guard Courtney Ramey (just 6.4 PPG), who converted a career-high 7-of-15 from the floor, including a career-best 5-of-8 clip from three-point range. Texas mainstays are guards Roach (14.3 & 4.7) and Coleman (10.2) in the backcourt, plus the 6-11 Hayes (10.4 & 5.0) and the 6-9 Osetkowski (10.1 & 8.2) in the frontcourt. Hayes is a freshman who leads the Big 12 in field-goal percentage at 74.3 percent and blocked shots at 2.7 per contest.

Kansas hasn't been winning "by margins" this season (just 8-12 ATS) but that won't be an issue here, with this pointspread. Even with all of this year's issues, Kansas remains in prime contention for a 15th consecutive Big 12 regular-season championship! The Jayhawks lead the all-time series with the Longhorns 32-8 and note that the road team ihas covered NINE is a row in this series. Want more? How about this? Kansas is off a Saturday loss at Kentucky, so the following applies.Since 2013-14 season, the Jayhawks are 38-3 SU following a loss, with their ,889 win percentage ranking as the best in college basketball. That's good enough for me.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* signature LEGEND Play is on Texas Tech at 9:00 ET.

Chris Beard's Texas Tech Red Raiders won 27 games last season and made the first Elight 8 appearnance in school history (lost to eventual national champ, Villanova). Tech lost four significant contributors from that 27-win team, including leading scorer Evans (17.6) and the 6-4 Zhaire Smith (11.3 & 5.0), a 1st round pick of the 76ers. The Red Raiders opened the season unranked but opened 10-0 before losing 69-58 at Duke. At 15-1, Tech was ranked 8th when it lost at home to Kan St 58-57 on Jan 16. Two more losses followed, before the Red Raiders edged Arkansas 67-64 at home this past Saturday (Tech is currently 16-4, including 4-3 in the Big 12 and is ranked 14th, pending Monday's new poll).

TCU opened the season 20th in the AP's preseason poll, coming off a 21-win season. The Horned Frogs opened 12-1 but the their 55-50 win Saturday over Florida makes them 3-3 in their last six. TCU was ranked 25th when it lost 77-68 at Kansas on Jan 9 but at 15-4 (3-3 in the Big-12), is currently unranked. Both schools return to league play tonight (after winning games in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge on Saturday), as the Horned Frogs visit Lubbock.

The Horned Frogs were exceptional on defense during Saturday's 55-50 win over Florida, as TCU allowed its fewest points and recorded its lowest defensive field-goal percentage (30.6) in Jamie Dixon's 2 1/2 seasons as coach. However, despite holding the Gators to three points in the first 11:35 of the game to build an 18-3 lead, TCU allowed Florida to fight back from a 16-point deficit late in the 1st half to tie the game at 36-all with 12:23 left in regulation. 6-7 sophomore forward Kouat Noi scored 22 points and junior guard Desmond Bane added 17 against Florida. Bane leads the team in scoring (15.0 & 5.7) and Noi is second (14.7 & 4.4). PG Robinson (12.9-3.8-7.7) runs the show but TCU misses guard Fisher (12.9), who is out for the season and will transfer. The 6-8 Miller (10.5 & 6.5) is the team's rebounding leader.

After losing its third straight game and scoring the fewest points since the 2014-15 season in a 58-45 loss at Kansas St on Jan 22, Texas Tech coach Chris Beard was hoping he could find more options to help the "do-everything" Jarrett Culver (18.5-6.9-3.9). Sophomore Davide Moretti answered the call Saturday, when he scored a career-high 21 points in a win over Arkansas. Moretti averaged 12.3 minutes in 37 games last season (3.5 PPG) but is averaging 10.4 points this season in 29.8 minutes (he comes in averaging 13.3 points in his last eight games). Fellow guard Matt Mooney added 12 points in the victory and is third in scoring at 10. PPG. The 6-10 Owens adds 8.0 & 5.1, while 6-8 center Odiase averages 3.8 & 4.7.

Both teams play excellent defense, with TCU allowing just 66.0 PPG (42nd), However, Tech is "something special" on the defensive end, allowing 56.4 PPG (2nd) on 35.7% shooting (1st), including 26.1% on threes (3rd)! Bottom line here is that Texas Tech has been exceptional at home, posting an 11-1 record and limiting its opponents to 52.0 PPG points per game and 32.8 percent shooting (Tech is a scoring 73.3 PPG at home). Meanwhile, TCU has played only four true road games this season (1-3), averaging only 66.0 PPG. Those numbers just don't add up for the Horned Frogs.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Min T-wolves at 7:05 ET.

The Utah Jazz finished a successful homestand with a 106-102 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. Utah heads out on the road after having played EIGHT of its last nine in Salt Lake City, with the Jazz going 7-1 in those eight home contests. Utah opens a game quick two-stop road trip on Sunday, by completing a home-and-home set with the Timberwolves in Minneapolis. The T-wolves played without injured PGs Jeff Teague (11.5 & 8.1 APG) and Derrick Rose (18.6 & 4.7 APG) Friday in Utah but Minnesota rallied from a 21-point deficit at the start of the fourth quarter and drew within a point in the final minute. The Timberwolves actually had a chance to take the lead but Jerryd Bayless and Luol Deng each missed a go-ahead three-pointer in the waning seconds.

Utah's Donovan Mitchell (22.2-3.8-3.9) had 24 points in Friday's win plus added a career-high 11 assists. The second-year player has scored at least 24 points in 11 consecutive contests. All five Utah starters average in double figures, as joining Mitchell are PG Rubio (12.7 & 6.01 AGP), swingman Ingles (11.5-3.9-4.9), PF Favors (11.0 & 71.) and center Gobert (15.0 & 13.1) Coming off the bench are SF Crowder (12.0 & 4.7) and SG Korver (10.0 PPG on 40.6% from three in his 28 games with the Jazz). Utah is one of the NBA's best defensive teams, allowing 105.0 PPG (3rd-best).

Minnesota saw three guards - Derrick Rose, Jeff Teague and Tyus Jones - each miss Friday's loss due to foot or ankle injuries. Injuries to those players have revealed that this is a team that won't go down without a fight. Minnesota leaned heavily on center Karl-Anthony Towns (as usual), who scored 33 points on 12-of-19 shooting. He averages 22.8 & 12.3 on the season. The T-wolves outscored the Jazz 33-16 in the fourth quarter on Friday, giving the team some momentum heading into the rematch.

Towns comes in with a string of four straight double-doubles, in which he's averaged 28.8 points and 13 rebounds. Utah center Rudy Gobert was questionable on Friday with a sore hamstring but gutted it out to finish with 18 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks. He may need to be 100 percent here in Minnesota. Utah went just 5 of 27 from the floor in the fourth quarter on Friday and I'm "all over" Minnesota here in this quick turn-around. The Jazz have been home for EIGHT of their last nine games, a period from Jan 9-25. Utah will get no 'love' here at Target Center, where the T-wolves are 16-8 SU this year (the pointspread is MORE than manageable).

Good luck.,..Larry

My 10* AAC Game of the Year is on Memphis at 4:00 ET.

Memphis' three-game winning streak came to a halt on Thursday, as the Tigers came up short at Temple 85-76. Penny Hardaway's team must now bounce back on Sunday, when the 12-7 Tigers (4-2 in AAC play) take on American Athletic Conference preseason favorite, UCF. The Knights are 15-3 overall, including 5-1 in league play. It's crowded at the top in the AAC, with four, one-loss teams. Temple is 5-1 like UCF, while Houston and Cincy are 6-1 (all four one-loss teams are in action on Sunday, with Cincy playing at Temple and Houston visiting Tulsa).

UCF has become known for its defensive prowess under head coach Johnny Dawkins and the Knights showed why in shutting down Tulane 75-50 on Wednesday. The Knights sit second in the conference in scoring at 63.0 PPG (20th nationally) and opponents' FG percentage at 38.7 (10th nationally). The offense is averaging a modest 74.5 PPG (152nd) but guards  BJ Taylor (17.1) and Aubrey Dawkins (16.2), the coaches' son, are quite a duo. UCF leads the AAC in field goal percentage (47.2), while ranking third from long distance (35.2). Naturally, we can't forget the 7-6 Tacko Fall (9.9 & 7.2), who has 52 blocked shots, as well.

Let's not count the Tigers out of the AAC 'hunt' just yet. However, the Tigers can't survive if they shoot as poorly as they did in the loss to Temple, when they wound up hitting just 1-of-23 three-pointers, barely extending their three-point streak to 605 straight games. "We won every category except for three-point shooting," Hardaway told reporters. "And it's hard to win like that." However, it's worth noting that Memphis still fought back from a 20-point first-half deficit to make it a two-point game late. Jeremiah Martin continued to play well since returning to point guard, as he led the way with 28 points to regain the team scoring lead (15.4 & 4.1 APG) from 6-8 forward Kyvon Davenport (14.8 & a team-high 7.5 RPG). ). Guard Harris averages 12.7 PPG, while six others play regularly, averaging between 5.7 and 9.7 PPG.

Memphis boasts the conference's top scoring offense at 83.6 PPG (that's 20th nationally) and enters this almost "must-win" game with a 10-1 record at FedEx Forum, where the Tigers are averaging a whopping 90.8 PPG. UCF will be trying to win consecutive road games for the FIRST time this season and while the Knights did win at Memphis last year, it's important to note that the Knights had lost 14 in a row before last year's victory. It's "Back to the Future," as Memphis wins at home over UCF.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Eye-Opener is on Temple at 12:00 ET.

Cincinnati may be 17-3 (6-1 in AAC play) but the Bearcats remain unranked this season. Cincy travels to Philadelphia on Sunday for an AAC showdown with Temple. The Owls check in at 15-4 and are 5-1 in AAC play. Cincinnati and Temple have emerged as two of the top contenders in the American Athletic Conference, along with No. 17 Houston (6-1) and UCF (5-1). All four of those one-loss schools are in action Sunday, as Houston is at Tulsa and UCF is at Memphis (Tigers are lurking at 4-2).

Cincinnati has won five games in a row, including an 88-64 rout of Tulsa, its last time out. The Bearcats rely heavily on Jarron Cumberland, who leads the team in scoring at 18.1 PPG.  A trio of guards join him on the perimeter in Williams (11.1), Jenifer (9.1) and Broome (8.2). The 6-8 Scott (9.5 & 6.5) and the 6-11 Brooks (8.8 & 5.8) are Cincy's top-two frontcourt contributors. Mick Cronin-coached teams always play defense and the Bearcats come in allowing 60.9 PPG (7th). 

Temple has won its last five league games, suffering only a surprising home loss to Ivy League foe (and Big-Five rival) Pennsylvania during that stretch. The Owls come in off an  85-76 win over Memphis, behind Quinton Rose's 26 points. Rose is averaging 17.1 PPG but before going 5-of-9 from three-point range against the Tigers, he was just 15-of-77 from beyond the arc, entering that game. PG Shizz Alston Jr. was only 2-of-13 from the floor against Memphis and is 7-of-31 over the last two games but is Temple's top scorer (18.5) and assist leader (5.2). A third guard, Nate Pierre-Louis (14.2 & 5.8), continued his solid play of late with 15 points, giving him eight straight games in which he has scored between 13 and 22 points. The frontcourt is adequate but hardly anything special, with the 6-10 Aflakpui (6.7 & 7.5), the 6-7 Perry (5.1 & 3.4) and the 6-7 Moorman (5.1 & 3.6).

The Bearcats lost THREE key players from last year's team, NBA draft picks Evans (13.0), a shooting guard, and the 6-8 Clark (12.9 & 8.7). Also gone is the 6-9 Washington (11.3 & 5.3). Cincy depends WAY too much on Cumberland (he has attempted 97 more shots than anyone else on the team) and Temple's guard trio is more than a match for the Bearcats' perimeter group. Neither team has much of a frontcourt but I'll note that Temple's 6-10 center Ernest Aflakpui is averaging 13.3 points and 11.7 rebounds in the last three games. Cincinnati won both meetings with Temple last season, including a buzzer-beating win in Philadelphia, 55-53. 66.2 PPG in five road contests this season, while the Owls come in having won EIGHT of the their last nine, while going 8-1 SU at home on the season (lone loss to Penn, see above). Temple stays a lone-loss AAC team after this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 8* Bailout Blowout is on Santa Clara at 9:00 ET.

Loyola-Marymount is 14-6 and will be on the road tonight at Santa Clara, which is 11-10. However, the Lions are just 2-4 in WCC play, while the Broncos check in a 3-4.

Marymount's head coach Mike Dunlap entered his fifth year at the school this season with a 48-75 (.390) record but he was optimistic about the year, after his team played an exhibition schedule this summer in Australia. All five starters are back and this year's team is led by senior guard James Batemon (17.2-3.2-4.0) and 7-3 junior center Mattias Markusson (11.0 & 7.3). Most notably, the team's defense has been outstanding, allowing a modest 62.8 PPG (17th).

As for Herb Sendek's Santa Clara Broncos, guard Eaddy (15.8) leads the team in scoring, teamed with PG Trey Wertz (13.1 & 4.8 APG). The frontcourt is led by the 6-8 Vrankic (13.1 & 6.1), 6-5 SF Justice (10.4) and the 6-7 Martin (5.8 & a team-high 8.1 RPG).

Santa Clara has had problems stepping up against the upper-tier of the WCC (Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s) but the Broncos have covered spreads vs everyone else since early December and were 8-2 ATS before getting clobbered 98-39 against Gonzaga (again, a team way above Santa Clara's class!). LMUs' 12-2 non-conference record is now in teh rear-view mirror. Expect the Broncos to win handily here at home.

Good luck...Larry

The Golden State Warriors have won THREE of the last four NBA titles and now are the hottest team in the NBA at the moment. The Warriors have won NINE in a row and at 34-14, own the West's best record and trail only the 35-12 Milwaukee Bucks for the league's best record, overall. Golden State won 126-118 at Washington on Thursday, despite Curry and Thompson combining to go 3-of-12 from beyond the arc. The Warriors continue a five-game road trip in Boston on Saturday night (ABC cameras will be there). The 30-18 Celtics are hardly 'chopped liver, ' as Boston has won five straight, after pushing its home winning streak to 10 in a row with a 123-103 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.

Golden State hardly needs an introduction, as with Boogie Cousins now in the starting lineup at center (he started the last three games and averaged 13.0 & 7.0 in about 20 minutes), the Warriors start FIVE All-Stars! I'll by-pass the individual numbers and point out that Golden St leads the NBA in scoring (118.9 PPG), FG percentage (49.1) and FT percentage (82.0), while 'wallowing' with the league's second-best three-point percentage (38.9).

Boston All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving (23.5-4.8-6.9) sat out Wednesday with an illness (flu) and Terry Rozier got the nod to start in his spot. Rozier responded by going 8-of-8 from the floor in the first half and scoring 22 of his 26 points before the break to set the tone as the Celtics coasted to a 20-point win. Can't imagine Irving will miss this one. Tatum (16.3 & 6.2), Morris (14.8 & 6.0), Brown (12.3 & 4.3) and Hayward (11.0-4.6-3.5) give Boston a plethora of quality frontcourt players plus there is always the versatile Horford (12.2-6.4-3.6).

When these teams met last season in Boston (November), the Celics won 92-88, holding the Warriors to their fifth-lowest point total of the season. Boston enters this contest, second in the league in both opponents' FG (44.1) and three-point (33.4) percentage. Beware, the Warriors are just 9-11 as a road favorite this season. The TD Garden rocks tonight. Take Boston.

Good luck...Larry