My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Georgia at 6:00 ET.

The 7-5 UMass Minutemen visit the Stegeman Coliseum on Sunday to face the 7-4 Georgia Bulldogs.UMass comes in 2-2 its last four, with both wins coming by one point and the losses coming by just two and four points. Georgia wraps up its non-conference schedule Sunday and enters this game 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS (lone loss by two points to Arizona St).

Junior guard Luwane Pipkins (19.8-5.4-6.2) hit the go-ahead layup to cap a rally from 14 points down in the second half against Fairleigh Dickerson in the team's last game, an 85-84 win. 6-11 Rashaan Holloway, the team's junior center, leads the A-10 in field-goal percentage (72.6 percent), while averaging 9.8 & 6.1. 6-6 SF Laurent checks in averaging 12.1 & 5.4. UMass has two guards in double digits, Cobb and Pierre (both at 10.7), but Cobb is currently suspended.

Holloway will have his hands full with Georgia' 6-11 sophomore, Nicolas Claxton (12.6 & 10.1). He impact a game in so many ways. Claxton leads the SEC in rebounding and blocked shots (3.1 per) plus also leads the Bulldogs in assists (2.6) and steals (1.4), making him one of only THREE players in the country to pace their team in those four categories.As a freshman, he averaged just 3.9 & 3.9. Another sophomore, the 6-8 Rayshaun Hammonds, has also improved leaps and bounds from last year, when he averaged 6.7 & 4.9. He leads Georgia in scoring (14.7) and adds 6.8 RPG. Guard Crump comes off the bench to lead all backcourt players with 11.0 PPG.

Georgia head coach Tom Crean hopes (expects?) to continue to build momentum with the team's SEC opener at Tennessee (currently No. 3 in the nation) up next on Jan 5. UMass is just 5-11 ATS in the team's last 16 games against the SEC and as noted above, Georgia is 5-0 ATS in its last five overall (4-0 ATS in its last four at home). Georgia is a strong team at home, as its five wins have all come by double digits, with the team's lone loss coming in a two-point defeat to No. 17 Arizona State (Sun Devils beat Kansas!). Bulldogs roll.

Good luck...Larry

My CBB 10* Game of the Week is on Boise St at 7:30 ET.

The 8-4 Oregon Ducks and the 5-7 Boise State Broncos meet Saturday at the Taco Bell Arena. These schools met Dec 15 in Eugene, as the Ducks played their first game without 7-2 freshman Bol Bol. Oregon won 66-54, even without Bol. The rematch takes place, tonight.

Oregon's Dana Altman "knows how to coach basketball," but it's pretty tough to lose one's top scorer (21.0), rebounder (9.6), best shooter (56.1%) and best three-point shooter (52.0), all in one! Bol has been wearing a protective boot after injuring his left foot and is out indefinitely. Without Bol, junior guard Pritchard (13.103.9-4.5) is Oregon's lone double digit scorer. The Ducks rely on a defense which is holding opponents to 63.6 PPG (35th).

Boise head coach Leon Rice has led the Broncos to 21 wins or more is SIX of his seven seasons but getting to 21 wins seems like a huge stretch this season. He 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 has balance (seven players average between 6.8 and 15.2 PPG) but is that good enough?

In this revenge spot against Oregon, I think it is, at least for tonight! The 6-7 Williams (15.2 & 6.9) is a "big guard" and a tough matchup for most teams. He was an awful 0-6 from the floor vs the Ducks but has since scored 38 points in the two games, since. Oregon's 0-2 in its only true road games this season (has averaged a woeful 54.0 PPG in those contests). Meanwhile, the Broncos are 18-2 SU since 2017-18 at hostile Taco Bell Arena. The small home dog 'BARKS' in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Rivalry Rout is on Louisville at 2:00 ET.

The Kentucky Wildcats opened their season at No. 2 in the AP poll but lost their season-opener 118-84 to Duke. However, the Wildcats are now 9-2 and up to No. 16 in the latest poll, fresh off their best performance of the year, an 80-72 upset of then-No. 9 North Carolina last Saturday. Kentucky will face its toughest road test to date, when the Wildcats travel to face arch-rival Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center this afternoon. Louisville is 9-3 on the season, under new head coach Chris Mack (formerly the coach at Xavier).

The Wildcats have been best-known for their "one & done" players in the Calipari era. Yes, 6-6 freshman guard Keldon Johnson (16.5 & 5.4) is the team's leading scorer but this year's team would be in "big trouble" without senior 6-8 forward Reid Travis (15.1 & 6.5) and veteran sophomore 6-8 forward  PJ Washington (13.3 & 8.5) . Travis is a graduate transfer from Stanford and Washington leads the team in rebounding. Chris Mack's first Louisville team is averaging 80.2 PPG (63rd) but has just one player scoring in double figures. That's 6-8 sophomore Jordan Nwora (17.8). He also leads in rebound at 8.5 per game. However, SEVEN other players chip in between 6.1 and 9.7 PPG, giving this team excellent depth and balance

I'm well aware that the Wildcats have won five of the last six meetings (won 90-61 last year in Lexington) and are 9-2 against Louisville during coach John Calipari's nine-plus seasons at the school. However, Louisville is a PERFECT 8-0 at home this season, outscoring opponents on average, 83.9 to 65.0 PPG. The Cardinals have won 37 of their last 39 non-conference home games and the bet here is that Mack gets his first "signature win" at Louisville, right here!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Florida at 4:00 ET.

9-3 Butler will visit Gainesville Saturday to take on 7-4 Florida. The two schools met Nov 23 in the Battle 4 Atlantis, with Butler coming away with a 61-54 win. This contest marks the first-ever encounter between the two schools outside of tournament play.

Senior guard Kamar Baldwin leads Butler in scoring (16.2) and rebounding (5.3). He's joined in double digits by guard Jorgensen (15.2 & 4.2) and forward Sean McDermott (11.6). 6-7 SF Jordan Tucker, a transfer from Duke who became eligible Dec. 15 and is adding 9.0 & 4.3. Size comes in the form of the 6-11  Brunk (8.4 & 4.6) and the 6-10 Fowler (5.3 & 4.2).

Senior guard KeVaughn Allen (10.3) is Florida's lone double digit scorer but SEVEN players average between 6.2 and 9.5 PPG. Florida head coach Mike White is sure glad to see 6-6 senior  6-6 Jalen Hudson has finally regained his shooting touch after a protracted slump. He led teh team in scoring last year (15.5) but had not scored in double figures since Nov 14 against La Salle, before scoring 14 points in the 77-56 win over Florida Gulf Coast last Saturday.

Revenge is a key aspect of this play but more importantly, Florida leads the SEC in scoring defense (61.4 PPG) and it has shown excellent balance on offense. The Gators open SEC play against South Carolina on Jan 5 and should really want to keep their positive mojo going. Florida has won four of its last five contests, with the only loss coming against then-No. 10 Michigan State (now No. 8), 63-59 back on Dec 8 at home. Gators "get the cash!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Hawaii at 5:00 ET.

The first round of the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu opens Saturday with four games. It's a modest field and with Hawaii being the host team (all games will be played on its homecourt, the Stan Sheriff Center), the Rainbow Warriors have (and should have), high expectations. Hawaii is a modest 6-4 and draws 5-4 UNLV in the first round.

UNLV arrives off a dramatic 92-90 overtime upset of BYU in the Neon Hoops Showcase Tourney in Las Vegas (T-Mobile Arena, not the home Thomas & Mack Center). The Rebels led 47-30 at the half but BYU battled back in the second half to send it into OT. However, UNLV's Amauri Hardy (11.6 PPG) drained the three-pointer as time expired for the win. UNLV has just three double-digit scorers but the team's best isnide player, the 6-7 Shakur Juiston (10.8 PPG and a team-leading 8.8 RPG) is sidelined indefinitely with a knee injury.

The Rainbow Warriors own a nice starting-five, beginning with guards Stansberry (11.8), Stepteau (11.1) and PG Buggs (8.7 & 5.4 APG). The 6-9 Purchase (11.4 & 6.4) and the 6-8 Raimo (10.1 & 6.20 start up front. Hawaii is a disciplined team, averaging only 12 turnovers per game (in comparison, UNLV ranks 332nd in TOs per game). The team also defends the three-point line well (opponents are shooting 30.2%, ranking 54th in the nation).

This will be just UNLV's second true road game, having lost previously 77-74 at Illinois, which is just 4-7. Not sure why Hawaii is NOT laying a few buckets here but I won't argue with the line.

Good luck...Larry

The third pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on UNC 10* (5:15 EST).

Chicago's United Center is the site of the CBS Sports Classic. The second game features a "Battle of the Blue-Bloods,” No. 19 Kentucky up against No. 9 North Carolina.  The schools are two of college basketball's most prestigious programs, with the two combining to play in five national championship games over the last 10 seasons, with the Tar Heels winning two titles and the Wildcats claiming one during that span. They represent two of the top three winningest men's basketball programs all-time, with Kentucky topping the list with 2,271 victories.

Kentucky opened the season on a big stage, getting routed 118-84 by Duke in the Champions Classic at Indianapolis back on Nov 6. Kentucky also lost Dec 8 in MSG, 84-83 to Seton Hall. Freshman guard Keldon Johnson is averaging a team-best 16.1 points and Tyler Herro, another highly regarded freshman guard, is averaging 12.1 points. Stanford graduate transfer, the 6-8 Reid Travis 14.6 & 6.4,) has been trying to instill some needed toughness at both ends of the court. Kentucky checks in averaging 84.6 PPG (22nd in the nation).

North Carolina's senior power forward Luke Maye is averaging 14.3 points and 10.1 rebounds. Senior guard Cameron Johnson is averaging a team-leading 16.6 PPG while freshman guard Coby White is contributing 15.2 per game, while PG Williams averaged 7.7 & 4.8 APG. North Carolina averages 94.3 PPG, which ranks third in the nation.

Hard NOT see this as a high-scoring game and the Tar Heels know about those kind of contests, having recently knocked off Gonzaga, 103-90.Meanwhile, Kentucky has failed its two toughest test away from Rupp, in neutral-site games against Duke and Seton Hall (see above). North Carolina leads the all-time series by 24-15 but Kentucky has won five of eight meetings since Calipari became coach.That said, Coach Cal does NOT have the better team here.

Good luck...Larry

The second pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on St. Joes 9* (5:00 EST).

It's an all-Jesuit battle on Saturday in Philadelphia's Palestra, as 7-5 Loyola-Chicago takes on 5-5 St Joe's. It goes without saying that this is not the same Ramblers' team which made an improbable run to last year's Final 4, as Loyola, which finished last season 32-6, already owns five losses. As for St Joe's, the school is off back-to-back poor seasons (won 16 games last year and just 11, the year before) but head coach Phil Martelli (in his 24th year at the school), is optimistic about this year's group.

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 FIVE losses after just 12 games. Guards Custer (13.9) and Townes (13.1 & 5.5) are back, plus so is the 6-9 Krutwig (13.8 & 7.1). They lead the way but Loyola's most impressive win this year is probably against UIC (not saying much).

St Joe's features two high-quality players, the 6-7 Brown (22.0 & 4.6) and guard Kimble (18.4 & 3.6). Brown has been nursing a sore ankle but he's listed as probable. Let me add that PG Bynum (13.4-3.6-3.9) and the 6-9 Funk (11.5 &6.0) are solid contributors.

Loyola has had a 'target on its back' all season and expect St Joe's to earn a fairly easy win in the "friendly confines' of The Palestra.

Good luck...Larry

The first pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on DePaul 9* (3:30 EST).

A pair of 8-2 teams will square off Saturday afternoon at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, when the Boston College Eagles visit the DePaul Blue Demons. The two schools have not met since Boston College knocked off No. 1 seed DePaul 82-75 en route to an Elite Eight appearance in the 1982 NCAA Tournament.

BC is led by the high-scoring backcourt of Ky Bowman (19.6 & 7.6) and ACC Rookie of the Week Wynston Tabbs (15.8 & 4.6). Guard Chatman (13.9) and teh 6-11 Popovic (13.1 & 7.8) are also quality contributors.Bowman's already a star but in speaking about Tabbs, Boston College's fifth-year coach Jim Christian told the media. "The game is so different and moves so fast, most freshmen don't figure it out until January or so, but Wynston has figured it out quicker than most. He's picked up some of the nuances."

The Blue Demons counter BC's backcourt with a pair of senior guards, Max Strus and Eli Cain. The 6-6  Strus averages 20.1 & 8.0, while Cain is enjoying his finest season, averaging 14.2 points and 4.9 assists. Junior guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (9.6) missed the first of what is expected to be several games after he injured his left hand in a win Dec. 14 against Illinois-Chicago but the Blue Demons got by without the Illinois transfer against Incarnate Word. That said, his absence could make things tougher against the Eagles. "However, DePaul owns a trio of 6-9 players who are all solid complements to the team's dynamic backcourt. Olujobi (10.9 & 4.9), Reed (8.1 & 6.6) and Butz (7.5 & 5.6) can all play!

This will clearly be DePaul's biggest test of the season but the Blue Demons are 8-0 at home so far, averaging 83.2 PPG. Meanwhile, this marks BC's FIRST true road game. Home cookin' works.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Eye-Opener is on Villanova at 12:30 ET.

Villanova won 13 of its final 14 games last season, on it's way to a second national title in three years (won six straight in the "Big Dance," with its average margin of victory coming by 17.7 PPG!). Not sure at all that the Wildcats will storm through the Big East like last year when the calendar turns to 2019, as the Wildcats need to defeat UConn at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, just to avoid ending the year on a three-game losing streak. UConn comes into this game 9-3, quite an improvement from the last two season, when the Huskies finished 14-18 and 16-17. 

Let's give kudos to new head coach Danny Hurley but we shouldn't be surprised. After all, Hurley turned around programs first at Wagner and then, Rhode Island. UConn is coming off a season-high 32-point win over Drexel. Leading scorer Jalen Adams (17.6) is scoring slightly less than a season ago (18.1) but his efficiency is way up this year. Adams is shooting 54.6 percent overall after shooting around 43 percent in each of his first three seasons. UConn is a guard-oriented team, with Adams joined by a trio of perimeter players in Gilbert (12.1 & 4.2 APG), Vital (11.9 & 5.3) and Smith (10.8).

Guard Phil Booth (16.9) leads three double-digit scorers on the season for 'Nova. He's joined by the 6-8 Paschall (14.8 & 5.6) and fellow guard Gillespie (11.9). The 6-9 Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree adds 6.3 & 7.8. Booth scored a career-high 29 points against Kansas but thee Wildcats missed 20 of their 28 three-pointers and barely cracked 40 percent shooting overall vs the Jayhawks.Note that Gillespie has scored 36 points in the last two games and has only had two games all season in which he has committed more than two turnovers.

Villanova has fallen to local rival Pennsylvania (ending a 25-game winning streak vs Big-Five rivals) and at top-ranked Kansas in a pair of three-point decisions the last two times out. A meeting with former Big East rival UConn should be "just what the doctor ordered" for the Wildcats to get a win. Why not? Villanova is 16-1 in its last 17 games at Madison Square Garden. Lay it!

Good luck…Larry

My 10* CBB Game of the Month is on Marquette at 8:30 ET.

Buffalo was one of the 'belles' of LY's NCAA Tourney, as the 13th-seeded Bulls upset 4th-seeded Arizona by 21 points in the first round. The team's 27 wins set a single-season record. Buffalo stayed unbeaten on Tuesday, winning at Syracuse, 71-59 (note: It was the Bulls' first win over the Orange since the 1962-63 season!  Buffalo (11-0 SU and 7-2-1 ATS) is one of just NINE Division 1 schools still undefeated, as the Bulls travel to Milwaukee Friday night to take on the 9-2 Marquette Golden Eagles. Marquette is as hot as any team in the country over the last month, reeling of six consecutive victories since a 77-68 loss Nov 21 against now-No.1 Kansas at Barclays Center (NIT Season Tip-Off).

Buffalo is led by guard Massinburg (17.1 & 7.1), 6-8 forward Perkins (13.1 & 8.2) and swingman Harris (12.6 & 4.9). Massinburg came up big against Syracuse as the Bulls earned their first win over the Orange since 1963. He had 25 points, eight rebounds and five assists, including 12 points as the Bulls turned a 45-40 deficit into a 67-57 lead in the second half. It reminded some of what Massinburg did against a then-No. 13 West Virginia squad Nov 19, when he had 43 points and 14 rebounds in a 99-94 overtime victory, Massinburg just could be the best player in the MAC. Speaking of  Mid-American Conference, Buffalo is the first MAC team to begin 11-0 since Toledo started 12-0 in 2013-14. 

Guard Markus Howard (23,2-4.2-4.5) is Marquette's best player. supported by brothers Sam and Joet Hauser. The 6-8 Sam is a junior averages 14.7 & 6.8, while his younger brother Joey (a 6-9 freshman), averages 10.2 & 5.7. Howard has averaged 26.2 points during the  school's win streak, which began following that loss to Kansas. The Golden Eagles have taken down then-No. 12 Kansas St (Dec 1) and then-No.12 Wisconsin (Dec 8) in their six-game streak.

Some have 'wondered aloud' whether this contest may just be the best chance for Buffalo to suffer a loss until it reaches the Big Dance in March. However, I say that question is moot. Marquette tops in the Big East in FG defense (39.5 percent) and has held eight visitors to Fiserv Forum to 36 percent shooting from the floor, including just 26.3 percent from three-point range. Marquette rules.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Fordham at 7:00 ET.

The 7-5 James Madison Dukes will be looking for their eighth win of the season when they travel to Rose Hill Gymnasium to take on the Fordham Rams. James Madison comes in off a listless 66-53 loss at George Mason, the school's third straight road defeat. Fordham is 8-3 after just 11 games, quite a turnaround from last year, when the Rams finished 9-22!

The Dukes' inconsistencies continue to haunt them. They are 3-3 in their last six games, averaging 77.3 points in their last three wins but putting up only 54.7 PPG in their three losses. Stucky Mosley (17.1 PPG) lead the way for three double-digit scorers. The Rams are led by a pair of freshman guards, Nick Honor (top scorer at 17.6 PPG) and Jalen Cobb (11.1 PPG), who have joined FIVE returning starters.

Fordham has taken advantage of a 'soft' early season schedule and has played EIGHT of its first 11 games at home. The Rams are 7-1 SU in those contests, holding opponents to just 63.3 PPG. As noted above, JMU has been wildly inconsistent but the Dukes have been sadly consistent in losing their last three road game, while averaging only 54.7 PPG. Lay the points with the revved-up Rams!

Good luck…Larry

My 10* CBB Game of the Week in on Loyola Marymount 10:00 ET.

The 4-6 Boise State Broncos will visit the Albert Gersten Pavilion Wednesday night to take on the 10-1 Loyola Marymount Lions. Boise head coach Leon Rice has led the Broncos to 21 wins or more is SIX of his seven seasons but getting to 21 wins seems like a huge stretch this season. He 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 has balance (seven players average between 6.7 and 14.3 PPG) but I'm not sure that's good enough.

Loyola-Marymount's 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 (19.5) and 7-3 junior center Mattias Markusson (10.7 & 8.7). Most notably, the team's defense has been outstanding, allowing a modest 58.3 PPG (9th). Opponents have shot just 38.5% overall (31st), including only 24.7% on threes (3rd0.

Boise is 0-3 in true road games this season although the Broncos did win one of three neutral-site games in the Cayman Islands Classic from Nov 19-21. Pretty sure that doesn't bode well against the Lions, whose only loss this season came at UCLA. The Lions have won at UNLV and beat Georgetown in the Jamaica Classic back on Nov 16. The Lions are 5-0 at home and this will be the team's first home game in almost a month (last played at home on Nov 29). Lay the modest points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on Syracuse at 8:00 ET.

The Buffalo/Syracuse rivalry (schools are separated by a 152-mile drive across I-90) began way back to the 1917-18 season. Buffalo scored its first win over Syracuse in the final game of the 1918-19 season but Syracuse leads 27-5 all-time in a series. Syracuse and Buffalo played every year from 1965-66 until 1977-78 but the two schools have played just twice since then, on Dec. 18, 1997 and again on Dec. 30, 2001. Buffalo's last win over Syracuse came in overtime, way back during the 1962-63 season! 

However, as the teams get set to meet tonight at the Carrier Dome, 10-0 Buffalo, not 7-3 Syracuse, comes in ranked. No. 14 Buffalo remained one of NINE undefeated Division I teams with a 73-65 victory over Southern Illinois on Saturday. Meanwhile, then-No. 25 Syracuse fell out of the AP top-25 after a 68-62 home loss to Old Dominion, when the Orange lost a 13-point lead and were outscored by 16 in the second half.

The Bulls have defeated then-No. 13 West Virginia as part of their undefeated start (last won 10 straight back in 1964-65), but the team will be tested with this game at Syracuse and Friday's game at current No. 20 Marquette. Buffalo is led by guard Massinburg (17.1 & 7.1), 6-8 forward Perkins (13.1 & 8.2) and swingman Harris (12.6 & 4.9). The famous Jim Boeheim zone is again doing its job, holding opponents to 62.8 PPG (29th). IGuard Battle (18.5), along with forwards Brissett (14.9 & 8.2)  and Hughes (14.3 & 4.4), give Syracuse enough 'punch' to get the job done against Buffalo..

Buffalo was one of the 'belles' of LY's NCAA Tourney, as the 13th-seeded Bulls upset 4th-seeded Arizona by 21 points in the first round. The team's 27 wins set a single-season record. As noted Buffalo is unbeaten (10- 0 SU and 6-2-1 ATS) but is coming off its second-lowest scoring output of the season, as the Bulls scored 73 in Saturday's non-covering win over Southern Illinois. So just which team is David and which Goliath in this matchup? 

The Bulls have lost the last 18 games in the series, including an 81-74 defeat last season in which Syracuse closed on a 14-6 run. The Bulls have not beaten the Orange since 1963. Syracuse was 17-4 SU at home last year and is 6-1 SU at home, this year. With this modest impost, LAY IT!

Good luck…Larry

My 10* CBB Game of the Week is on St Louis at 3:00 ET.

St Louis is 7-2 and will visit Houston (9-0 and ranked 24th in the AP poll) on Sunday. This marks the 38th meeting between the two former MVC and C-USA rivals, with St Louis holding a 24-13 lead in the series. However, in the most recent meeting last year,  Houston won 77-58 at St Louis. In that game, the Billikens had two starters foul out and coughed up 16 TOs in the 19-point loss.

Houston has yet to lose and considering that the Cougars enter on a 22-game home win streak (the nation's second-longest!), a 10-0 start would not come as a surprise (note:  This is the third time the Cougars have started 9-0. Houston was also 9-0 in 1969-70 and won all 28 regular-season games in 1967-68 on the way to a Final Four appearance and 31-2 record).  However, I think the Billikens will keep this one a lot closer than what this spread would suggest. 

In its first game since entering the national polls last Monday, Houston rallied from a 15-point second-half deficit to beat LSU 82-76 on Wednesday. That comes on the heels of another emotionally-draining 63-53 win at Okla State on Dec 8. St Louis has lost twice this season, by two points to Pittsburgh (in Brooklyn) on Nov 21 and by five points at Southern Illinois on Dec 5.

Houston has struggled lately from behind the three-point line, hitting 25.5 percent during its past four home games. That doesn't bode well against a St Louis defense holding opponents to 26.9% on threes (12th-best) and 61.7 PPG, overall (20th). I feel that the Billikens' aggressive defensive play keeps this game competitive until the final moments. It’s also worthy of note to that the road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five in this series.

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Revenge Rout is on Miss St at 8:30 ET.

Cincinnati looks primed for a letdown here in my opinion after nine straight wins.

Mississippi State comes into this one ranked No. 18 and on a five-game win streak of its own.

In closing, Cincinnati has yet to crack the top-25 this season despite a 9-1 record. Meanwhile, Mississippi St is 8-1 coming off an impressive 82-71 win last week over Clemson on a neutral court in Newark, N.J. and is ranked 18th. Note that this will be Bearcats' most challenging away game of the year (by far) and that the Bulldogs' confidence is running high after not only the Clemson win (19 made three-pointers were a school record) but also a 65-58 road win at Dayton (Nov. 30).

Cincinnati won 65-50 over Miss St last year at home, a game in which MSU head coach Ben Howland claimed his team did too much standing around and not enough ball movement vs the Cincy zone. Expect that to change here and remember, the Bearcats are missing players that produced 49 of their 65 points in Jacob Evans III, Kyle Washington and Gary Clark. Two are NBA players and the other is playing professionally overseas. REVENGE works in a big way here!

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Tourney Takedown is on Washington at 7:00 ET.

Virginia Tech is 8-1 and it most recently enters off an 81-44 victory over lowly South Carolina State. 

Washington on the other hand almost beat then No. 1 Gonzaga to take down Seattle 70-62 this past weekend. 

Washington and Va Tech squared off last year at Madison Square Garden and the result was a 103-79 Hokies' romp! No wonder, as Va Tech connected on 60 percent from the floor, including making 15 of 22 three-pointers. Yes, Va Tech remains an excellent three-point shooting team (44.9% ranks 2nd in the nation) but I expect Washington's zone defense (similar to Syracuse's zone, as Mike Hopkins is a Boeheim disciple) will do a much better job this time around. A Dec 5 loss at the buzzer (81-79) to then-No. 1 Gonzaga proves that Washington can play against the nation’s elite. Take the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Eye-Opener is on Villanova at 12:00 ET. Revenge will be in the air at Allen Fieldhouse today, as Villanova made a Final Four-record 18 three-pointers last spring in a 95-79 win over Kansas, two days before clinching its second national championship in three seasons. However, the revenge angle doesn't always work. Kansas opened the season at No. 1 and is back atop the poll after Gonzaga lost last week. However, while the Jayhawks are 8-0, three of the their last four wins have come by six points or fewer, two in OT plus a 63-60 triumph over New Mexico State last Saturday as a 14.5-point favorite.  An ankle injury to junior center Udoka Azubuike has created a delicate balance in Kansas' rotation.

Villanova was been ranked as high as No. 8 but was bounced out of the polls after back-to-back losses Nov 14 & 17. The now 17th-ranked Wildcats ripped off SIX consecutive wins after that but then a 78-75 loss to Penn on Tuesday ended that winning streak, as well as a 25-game streak against Philadelphia Big-Five rivals.I believe the challenge of facing the nation's No. 1 team is just what the doctor ordered for Villanova. Remember, Kansas has trailed in ALL of its games with the largest deficits averaging out at 8.1 points. Take the points!

My 10* Game Of The Week is on Texas (6:00 EST).

Analysis posted at least six hours before game time.

Texas comes in as the “hungrier” team here after three straight losses. After a 5-0 start, the Longhorns come in desperate and focused. Purdue comes in off an upset win over Maryland on Thursday, breaking a two-game slide. 

The Boilermakers are averaging only 64 PPG over their last three games. Carsen Edwards had 20 points in the most recent victory. 

Texas has quality wins this year (92-89 victory over UNC on Nov. 22nd), but it’s since fallen on hard times. The talent is there though to turn things around, as Jericho Sims is a force to be reckoned with on most nights, scoring 14 in the most recent setback to VCU.

Purdue though has struggled in this spot for bettors, going just 1-4 ATS in its last five after scoring 65 points or less in two straight games.

Conversely, the Longhorns have responded well in this spot by going 6-1 ATS in their last seven off an upset loss as a home favorite.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Texas.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Wipeout Winner is on Arizona (1:00 EST).

Arizona enters off an 80-69 win over Utah Valley, while Alabama enters off a deflating 83-80 loss to Georgia State.

If recent history is any precedence then the visitors have to be liking their chances today, as they’d post the 88-82 home win in this matchup last year.

The Wildcats have won three straight. Overall they’re averaging 78.8 PPG and conceding just 67.6. Brandon Randolph is averaging 17.1 PPG. 

Alabama is averaging 75.8 PPG and it’s allowing 71.9. Dazon Ingram was a bright spot in the most recent upset loss with 17 points on five of six shooting. 

I’ll point out though that the Crimson Tide are just 1-6 ATS in their last seven at home and only 1-5 ATS in their last six following an ATS loss, while Arizona is interestingly 7-3 ATS in its last ten non-conference road games after a three games or more SU unbeaten streak.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Arizona.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Rivalry Rout is on UCLA (10:30 EST).

The Irish’s four game win streak was snapped in an 85-80 loss to Oklahoma last time out and I think ND will suffer a predictable letdown here as well in this difficult road venue. 

UCLA on the other hand avoided any “traps” heading into this one with back-to-back convincing victories over Hawaii and Loyola Marymount. 

The Irish were completely dominated by the Sooners on both ends of the court in their latest setback. They’d go on to shoot just 28.0 percent from range. TJ Gibbs was a bright spot in defeat with 18 points, three assists and three boards.

UCLA was led by 17 points from both Kris Wilkes and Jaylen Hands in the Bruins most recent win. 

UCLA has done well in this spot for bettors as well, going 5-1 ATS in their last six non-conference home games following a two games or more unbeaten streak, while Notre Dame has struggled, going just 2-5 ATS in its last seven non-conference contests.

For all the reasons listed above, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Eye-Opener is on Michigan State (12:00 EST).

MSU posted a 90-68 home win over Iowa in its latest action, while Florida beat WVU 66-56.

Michigan State is averaging 87.2 PPG and it’s conceding 68.7. After a loss to Louisville the Spartans have won two straight. In the latest victory Nick Ward had 26 points and went 10 from 10 from the floor.

Florida is averaging only 71 PPG and it’s allowing 61.6. KeVaughn Allen had 19 points in the win over the Mountaineers.

Note though that the Gators are only 1-4 ATS in their last five following an ATS victory, while Michigan State is 4-0 ATS In its last four vs. teams with a win percentage above .600 and 4-1 ATS in its last five following a SU victory.

I have a hard time seeing the Gators’ offense matching pace down the stretch. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Rivalry Rout is on BYU (9:00 EST).

BYU comes in as the “hungrier” team after a three-game losing streak. Utah State on the other hand is primed for a predictable letdown here in my opinion after back-to-back victories.

The Aggies currently rank among the nation’s best in scoring and rebounding, but strength of schedule has to be taken into account in my opinion. In their 89-65 blowout win over UC Irvine last Saturday, Quinn Taylor had 21 points, six boards and one assist. 

The Cougars have lost three straight after winning five straight. Most recently BYU lost 113-103 to Weber State. Yoeli Childs had 31 points, seven boards and three assists. 

I’ll point out as well that Utah State is just 3-7 ATS in its last ten as a road underdog of six points or less or pick, while BYU is a perfect 5-0 ATS in its last five after failing to cover the spread in four of its last five games.

For all the reasons listed above, play on BYU.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Showdown is on Minnesota (9:00 EST).

Minnesota comes in as the “hungrier” team after losing two of its last three. The competition has been stiff though, most recently to Ohio State and Boston College.

The Cornhuskers come in complacent here in my opinion after three straight wins over Illinois, Clemson and Western Illinois.

Nebraska comes in off a satisfying 75-60 win over Illinois. Guard James Palmer Jr. had 23 points.

Minnesota had a difficult time moving the ball vs. the No. 17 ranked scoring defense in Ohio State. But the Golden Gophers come in hungry and focused and I think they make the most of the home court advantage. 

I’ll point out as well that Nebraska is just 8-9 ATS in its last 17 after covering two of its last thee vs. the spread. while Minnesota is already a perfect 3-0 ATS at home this season.

For all the reasons listed above, grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Underdog Shocker is on Illinois (7:00 EST).

Ohio State enters off a satisfying 79-59 home win over Minnesota and I think it’ll get caught looking past its lowly opponent today. Illinois is hungry here, off a 75-60 loss to Nebraska in its Big Ten opener. The Illini play with revenge here as well (not surprisingly), after Ohio State posted the 75-67 home win last season.

The Buckeyes are 7-1 and averaging 78.4 PPG, while conceding 60.1. Kaleb Wesson was a standout in the latest victory with 15 points.

The Illini are averaging 77.4 PPG and they’re allow 77.1. Illinoishas faced a stiff opening schedule though and I think a little home cooking is just what the doctor ordered. Trent Frazier leads the nightly charge and he’ll be eager to return to form after posting a combined 15 points over the last two games.

I’ll printout though that Ohio State has struggled in this spot for bettors, going just 9-10 ATS in its last 19 off a home win of ten points or more. Illinois on the other hand is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 after a loss by ten points or more.

I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 8* Wipeout Winner is on Florida (9:30 EST).

WVU comes in contented after four straight wins. 

The Gators lost 61-54 to Butler, but then bounced back to beat North Florida 98-66. This is Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden and i think the defensive minded Gators have the upper hand.

Overall Florida averages 71.7 PPG and it concedes 62.4. 

West Virginia has indeed won four in a row, but against pretty middling competition (St. Joes, Valparasio, Rider and Youngstown State.) Overall the Mountainteers are averaging 86.4 PPG and conceding 75.9. 

I’ll point out though that WVU just 6-14-1 ATS in its last 21 following an ATS win, while Florida is 7-2 ATS in its last nine neutral site games after scoring 80 points or more in its previous outing.

For all the reasons listed above, play on the Gators.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Alabama (8:00 EST).

Analysis posted at least six hours before game time.

Alabama comes in off an upset loss to UCF and I believe it’ll take its frustrations out on Georgia State.

The Panthers enter off a blowout loss to Liberty. But a little “home cooking” is just what the doctor ordered for the Tide to get back on track, as their only two losses have come on the road this year.

D’Marcus Simonds had 22 points, five assists and three boards in Georgia State’s loss to the Flames. Leading scorer Damon Wilson though was held to just four points.

The Tide have had a week off since their upset loss to the Golden Knights. It was a bad shooting night for the Tide, going 37.9 percent from the floor and 20.8 percent from range. Kira Lewis Jr. was a stand out in the defeat with 14 points, two boards and two assists.

I’ll point out though that Alabama is 4-0 ATS in its last four following a SU loss, while Georgia State is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven following a SU loss of more than 20 points and just 1-4 ATS in its last five road games vs. teams with winning home records.

The Panthers lack the size and depth to compete with this rested and focused Alabama side. But outside of Simonds, the visitors lack scoring punch and I have a hard time seeing the under-manned visitors keeping pace down the stretch.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Late Breaking Play is on Wake Forest (7:30 EST).

Wake Forest enters off a 71-64 home win over Western Carolina and I think the Demon Deacons carry that momentum over here.

Richmond comes in off a 90-82 road loss to Georgetown and I think it’s primed for another letdown here as well. 

Wake Forest averages 76 PPG and it concedes 74.3. Brandon Childress leads the nightly charge with 17.5 points and 4.7 assists per night, while Jaylen Hoard adds 16.8 points and 8.7 boards.

Richmond averages 72 PPG and it allows 75. Grant Golden leads the way with 20.3 points and 6.9 boards per game.

I’ll point out though that Richmond has struggled mightily in this spot for bettors, going just 1-3-1 ATS in its last five home games and only 1-5 ATS in its last six home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of greater than .600, while Wake Forest is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after holding its previous opponent to 65 points or less.

The Spiders are dealing with significant injuries and I believe this continues to hurt them here as well. Play on Wake Forest.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Unranked Shocker is on USC (4:30 EST).

While an outright upset is obviously not out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing the points in a contest which I envision being decided by whichever of these hungry teams has its hands on the ball last.

Nevada comes in unbeaten after getting the better of Loyola-Chicago 79-65, while USC enters off a 75-65 home win over LBSU on Wednesday. 

Nevada is averaging 90.1 PPG and it’s conceding 69. Caleb Martin leads the nightly charge with 21 points and 4.7 boards per game, while Jordan Carolina adds 17.7 points and 9.9 boards.

The Trojans won’t be going down without a fight today. They come in on top form having won three straight. USC averages 83.3 PPG and it concedes 71.6. Bennie Boatwright leads the team with 16.8 points and 6.4 boards per game.

I’ll point out as well that Nevada is just 4-5 ATS in its last nine after covering five of six of its last seven ATS, while USC is 3-1 ATS in its last four at home and 18-8 ATS in its last 26 after having won three of its last four games SU.

For all the reasons listed above, grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second pick in my Superstar Triple Play is on San Diego (8*) 7:30 EST.

San Diego enters off a 76-58 home win over Jackson State, while Ole Miss was smashed 71-57 to Cincinnati in the title game of the Emerald Coast Classic. 

The Toreros come in under the radar here in my opinion after three straight wins. San Diego averages 77.2 PPG and it concedes only 59.7. Isaiah Piniero leads the way with 22 points and 8.7 boards per game. 

Ole iss is averaging 75.2 PPG and it’s conceding 68.6. Breein Tyree leads the nightly charge with 16.6 PPG. 

I’ll point out though that the Rebels are a terrible 2-8 ATS in their last ten following an ATS loss, while the Toreros are 7-1 ATS in their last eight road games following three or more consecutive home games and 4-1 ATS in their last five non-conference contests.

I think San Diego has a legitimate shot at taking this one outright, but in the end I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Ohio State (10*) 7:15 EST.

Syracuse enters off a 77-56 win at home over Colgate, while Ohio State demolished Cleveland State 89-62 at home in its latest action. 

The Orange have plenty of talent, but I have a hard time seeing the visitors matching pace down the stretch.

Syracuse averages 73.6 PPG and it concedes 64.6. Tyus Battle leads the nightly charge with 17.6 PPG.

Ohio Sate averages 81.3 PPG and it concedes only 58.3. That’s tied for 15th in the country. Kaleb Wesson leads the way with 14.7 points and 5.8 boards per game.

I’ll point out that Syracuse has struggled mightily in this spot as well for bettors for quite some time, going 0-9 ATS in its last nine following a SU win of more than 20 points.

The Buckeyes depth on both ends of the floor is the difference maker here.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The pick in my Superstar Triple Play is on Bradley (8*) 7:00 EST.

Bradley beat IUPUI last year and I think it’ll get the job done this season as well.

The Braves are 6-1, including wins over SMU and Penn State in Mexico to win the Cancun Classic. After that they won two straight, including an 86-70 victory over Chicago State on Saturday. Darrell Brown had 16 points in the one, while Elijah Childs added 12 points and 11 boards.

Bradley has been sharp defensively as well, holding opponents to just 62.7 PPG on 38.5 percent shooting. 

IUPUI is 4-2 and its off to its best start in nine years. The Jaguars have won two straight, most recently an 80-69 victory over Grambling on Saturday. Ahmed Ismail had 16 points and ten boards.

I’ll point out though that IUPUI is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven following a two games or more unbeaten streak, while Bradley is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 as s road fav between 0.5 and 6.5 points.

This is a bad matchup for IUPUI. Look for Bradley to pull away down the stretch.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Underdog Shocker is on NC State (9:00 EST).

NC State enters off a 78-74 home win over Mercer, while the Badgers enter off a poor 53-46 loss to Virginia. These teams haven’t played each other since 2010 and in my opinion, I believe their a little more evenly matched than what the oddsmakers would like us to think.

NC State can score, and it’s the reason why I like the Wolfpack here. NC State averages 90.8 PPG, and it allows only 57.8. Torin Dorn had 19 points and nine boards in the latest win.

Off their first loss of the year, I think the Badgers are susceptible for another letdown here as well, Wisconsin averages 74 PPG and it concedes 57.8.

Additionally note that NC State is 12-6 ATS in its last 18 non-conference games.

NC State has nothing to lose here except its perfect record (6-0.) The Wolfpack may not win this one outright, but they have the defense and offense to keep it competitive. I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Missouri (9:00 EST).

Temple comes in off a 76-59 win over Cal and I think it stumbles in this difficult non-conference road venue. 

The Tigers on the other hand come in as the “hungrier” team after they fell 82-67 to K-State.

Temple averages 74.5 PPG and it concedes 65.7. Quinton Rose had 32 points in the win over the Golden Bears.

Missouri is averaging 63.6 PPG, but it’s allowing just 65.6. The Tigers numbers are skewed though in my opinion to open the season, due to the level of the competition. 

I’ll point out as well that Temple is a poor 6-9 ATS in its last 15 after allowing 60 points or less, while Missouri is 9-5 ATS in its last 14 after allowing 80 points or more.

I think the hungrier team prevails and I believe the Owls finally have a letdown here. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Late Breaking Play is on Seton Hall (10:30 EST).

Miami is 5-0 to open the year, while Seton Hall is 3-2. Both teams have won two games in the Wooden Legacy tournament to advance to the championship match-up tonight and I’m expecting an all out war until the final buzzer from these two hungry sides.

Miami held on for a tight 78-76 win over Fresno State to advance, while Seton Hall got the better of Hawaii 64-54. 

The Hurricanes come into this one averaging 84 PPG and conceding 63. Chris Lykes leads the nightly charge with 19.6 points and 3.6 assists per game.

The Pirates average 71.2 PPG and they allowing 64.8. Myles Powell less the way with 25.8 PPG and I think he’ll prove a tough matchup for Miami.

Miami has a great and experienced starting five, but the Hurricanes are very thin after that. The team has been playing at such a high level for a long time now and it comes in off a last second victory. In my opinion, there’s no question this sets up as a classic “letdown” spot for these tired Hurricanes.

Seton Hall has more depth and I think it has a legitimate shot at taking this one outright. That said, grab the points!

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Tourney Takedown is on LSU (4:00 EST).

These teams are playing for third place in the AdvoCare Invitationals. Oklahoma State enters off a humbling 77-58 loss to Villanova and I believe the Cowboys will stumble again here as well.

LSU enters off a tight 79-76 loss in OT to No. 14 Florida State on Friday and I believe the Tigers come in hungry and focused off that near epic upset. 

The Cowboys enter averaging 71.4 points and conceding 65. Cameron McGriff leads the nightly charge with 15 points and eight boards per game.

LSU is averaging 82.2 PPG and it’s allowing 71.8. Naz Reid is averaging 13.2 points and 4.2 boars per game. 

I’ll point out though that LSU is 5-1 ATSin its last six following a SU loss, while Oklahoma State is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight after failing to score 60 points in its previous outing.

Lay the points and expect a rout. 

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Showdown is on Tennessee (9:30 EST).

No. 5 Tennessee is led by Grant Williams, who is averaging 22.5 PPG. He most recently had 24 points against Louisville in Wednesday’s semi final victory of the NIT Season Tip-Off. 

Five players went on to score double figures for the Vols in the 92-81 win. Overall Tennessee is averaging 82.8 PPG and conceding just 60.

Kansas is allowing teams to hit 40.5 percent from behind the arc. The Jayhawks are terrible at defending the three-ball, but they make up for it on the offensive end by hitting 47.2 percent from range. The Jayhawks most recently rallied for a bit win over Marquette, getting 26 points from Dedric Lawson in the eventual 77-68 victory.

I’ll point out though that Kansas is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven following a SU win, while Tennessee is a strong 11-2 ATS in its last 13 after scoring 90 points or more in its previous contest.

While the outright win is clearly not out of the question, I’ll recommend to grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

This is a 10* Tourney Takedown on Utah (11:30 EST).

Hawaii enters off an 85-68 victory over Northern Arizona at home, while Utah comes in off a 98-63 win over Mississippi Valley State on Thursday. 

If recent history is any precedence though, then the Utes have to be loving their chances tonight to extend their win stark, as they’d cruise to an easy 80-60 home victory in this matchup last year in early December.

Hawaii is averaging 72.7 PPG and it’s averaging 66.7. Zigmars Raimo leads the nightly charge with 16 points and 6.3 boards. The Warriors are horrible at the free-throw line, averaging only 59.5 percent. 

Utah is averaging 80.7 PPG and it’s allowing 67.3. Sedrick Barefield leads the way with 12 points per game. The Utes aren’t great at the line, but much better at 68 percent.

Additionally note that Utah is 9-4-1 ATS in its last 14 following a SU win, while Hawaii is a poor 6-13 ATS in its last 19 vs. teams with a winning SU record.

Utah has six different players that score in double figures and I think that the Warriors will struggle to keep pace down the stretch.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

This is a 9* Situational Stunner is on Memphis (4:00 EST).

This is the first round of the AdvoCare Invitational. 

Oklahoma State enters off a 70-58 win over Charleston, while Memphis enters off a big 109-102 double OT win at home over Yale. 

So far the Cowboys are averaging 72 PPG, while conceding 61.3. Cameron McGriff leads the nightly charge with 17.7 points and 7.7 boards per game. Oklahoma State’s numbers are skewed a little because of early vanilla competition though in my opinion and note that it’s been terrible at the free-throw line this year, hitting only 63.2 percent. 

Memphis bounced back from a loss to LSU with a big victory over the experienced Bulldogs. Overall the Tigers are averaging 87 PPG and conceding 82.3. Jeremiah Martin leads the way with 17.7 points per game in the early going.

I’ll point out as well that Memphis 5-0 ATS in its last five vs. teams with a winning percentage above .600, while Oklahoma State is just 1-4 ATS in its last five after two or more SU victories.

The Cowboys have struggled with consistency this year (blew a 24 points second half lead to lose to Charlotte and struggled to put away lowly UTSA.) 

Memphis on the other hand has gone toe to toe with both LSU and Yale and I look for its depth and grit to prove to be the difference here.

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on San Francisco (10:00 EST).

Harvard has to make the long trek across country for this late night West coast trip and I think the Crimson will stumble.

Harvard most recently fell 76-74 in Rhode Island on Friday, while San Francisco remained unbeaten after an 84-52 win over LIU Brooklyn. 

The Crimson average 74.3 PPG and they allow 73.5. Chris Lewis leads the nightly charge with 15.8 points and 2.3 blocks per night.

The Dons average 85.3 PPG and they concede just 49.5. Granted those numbers are somewhat skewed due to the level of some of the competition, but overall San Francisco has been excellent thus far. Charles Minlend leads the way with 15 PPG.

Note as well that San Francisco is 4-1 ATS in its last five at home and 7-2 ATS in its last nine following a SU win of more than 20 points.

The Dons experience proves to be the difference maker in the end in this one. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on Loyola Chicago (7:30 EST).

The Ramblers are 4-1 and the BC Eagles are 3-1. 

This is the championship game for the Fort Myers Tip-Off from the Suncoast Credit Union Arena on Wednesday night. The Loyola Chicago Ramblers most recently posted an 82-66 win over Richmond to advance.

Lucas Williamson led the charge in that one with 23 points, while Marques Townes added 15 points. Overall the Ramblers are averaging 74.2 PPG.

BC enters the championship game off an 88-76 win over Wyoming, led by 38 points from Ky Bowman. Overall BC is averaging 76 PPG in the early going.

I’ll point out though that Loyola-Chicago is 7-1 ATS in its last eight neutral site affairs, while BC is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven non-conference contests and only 1-4 ATS in its last five vs. teams with winning records.

BC may have the best player on the floor in Bowman, but he can’t do it by himself. The depth the Ramblers bring to the table is the difference. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Tourney Takedown is on Utah Valley (5:00 EST).

The 2-3 Utah Valley Wolverines get ready to battle the 2-3 LBSU 49ers at 5:00 EST in the MGM Resorts CBB tourney. 

The Wolverines got back into the winners circle with a 72-65 win over Hartford on Monday. Conner Toolson led the way in that one with 12 points, four boards and three assists, while TJ Washington added 11 points, four assists and three steals.

LBSU enters off a tough 86-85 upset win over Ioan on Monday. It wasn’t pretty, as the 49ers would commit 24 turnovers. Temidayo Yussuf had 18 points, three boards and three steals. 

Utah Valley sports plenty of veteran experience and note that it’s done well in this spot for bettors, going 6-2 ATS in its last eight none conference games and 3-1 ATS in its last four as a favorite, while LBSU has struggled in this spot, going only 15-21 ATS in its last 36 as an underdog and only 12-17 ATS in is last 29 non-conference games.

Lay the points, play on Utah Valley.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on UNLV (10:00 EST).

These teams are matched evenly on the offensive side of the court, but the Runnin Rebels have a distinct advantage defensively and I believe that’ll be the difference in the end in this particular matchup. 

Pacific most recently won 83-76 vs. Idaho State, while UNLV posted a 74-61 home win over Oakland. Last year the Rebels won 81-76 in this game.

The Tigers are averaging 77.2 PPG and they’re conceding 72.5. Anthony Townes had 14 points and seven boards in the win over Idaho State.

The Rebels are averaging 65.3 PPG, but they’re conceding only 57.7. Shakur Juiston had 18 points and ten boards in the win over Oakland.

Note that the Rebels are 4-2 ATS in their last six following a two games or more unbeaten streak, while Pacific is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven vs. the MWC. 

I think the Tigers’ struggle against UNLV’s suffocating defensive play. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on San Diego (10:00 EST).

The Buffs enter off a tougher than expected 79-75 win over Nebraska-Omaha, while San Diego comes in off a 95-47 destruction of San Diego Christian.

If recent history is any precedence though, then the Toreros have to be loving their chances today as they’d win this match-up last year on the road 69-59. 

So far the Buffs are averaging 89.5 PPG and they’re conceding 73. Namon Wright had 11 pints and four boards in the most recent victory.

San Diego is averaging 79.2 PPG, but the Toreros are allowing only 59. Isaiah Pineiro already has 53 points combined over the first two games.

I’ll point out as well that San Diego is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 non-conference games and 5-0 ATS in its last five following a SU win of more than 20 points, while Colorado is a poor 10-26-1 ATS in its last 37 following a SU win.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Temple (9:30 EST).

This is the second game of the Legends Classic from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and in my opinion this spread could easily be a lot larger.

This s Fran Dunphy’s last year as head coach of the Temple Owls and he has 561 career wins under his belt. The team is gunning for 580 to send him off and so far Temple is out to a 4-0 start, most recently downing Maryland 81-67 on Friday. Shizz Alston Jr. leads the nightly charge with 21.5 points and he’s made 14 from range over his last three games alone. Overall the Owls are averaging 80 PPG and conceding 69.5. 

VCU is averaging only 70 PPG, but it makes up for it on the other end by conceding only 58.3. Those numbers are skewed of ours because of some of the recent competition, most recently a 72-61 home win over Bowling Green. 

I’ll point out though that VCU is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven neutral site affairs, while Temple is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 in the same position. 

The Owls have faced the tougher schedule to this point and they have the better numbers across the board. Lay the points and expect a rout.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Daytime Dominator is on Old Dominion (3:00 EST).

This is part of the 2018 Paradise Jam tournament in the Virgin Islands.

Both teams come in at 2-2.

ODU enters off a 65-47 win over Kennesaw State, led by 14 points from Ahmad Caver. BJ Stith would go on to add 13 points and ten boards. Overall the Monarchs have been getting strong defensive play and are averaging 63 PPG. 

Northern Iowa comes in off a 90-85 win over Eastern Kentucky. AJ Green led the way with 23 points, while Spencer Haldeman added 16. In the early going the Panthers are averaging 80.8 PPG. 

But now UNI faces its stiffest defensive competition to date. Note as well that the Panthers are 0-6 ATS in their last six non-conference games, while ODU is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after holding its previous opponent to 50 points or less.

I’m banking on ODU’s experience and superior defensive play to prove to be the difference here. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Takedown is on UCF (6:30 EST).

I play against the UCF Knights on the College Gridiron last night and lost badly with Cincinnati. But I think the Knights are the correct call on the hardwood vs. the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky in the championship game of the Myrtle Beach Invitational. 

UCF beat St. Joe’s 77-57 on Friday, while the Hilltoppers bested WVU 63-57 Friday

The Knights shot 55 percent from the floor in their win Friday, led by 22 points from Terrell Allen. Overall UCF is averaging 77 PPG and allowing just 64.8.

WVU is riding a three-game win streak as well, but after Friday’s upset win over the Mountaineers, I’m expecting a predictable letdown here. 

WKU is averaging 71.8 PPG and it’s conceding 68.

I’ll point out though that the Mountaineers are just 1-4 ATS in their last three after a three games or more non-conference unbeaten streak, while UCF is 6-1 ATS in its last seven non-conference games and 4-1 ATS in its last five neutral site affairs.

I think UCF wears down WVU and pulls away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on St. Louis (8:00 EST).

While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset here, I’ll recommend grabbing the points in a contest which I envision coming down to whichever team has its hands on the ball last.

Saint Louis is 3-0, most recently taking care of North Alabama 69-58. Javon Bess had 16 points and ten boards, leading four players in double figures in scoring. Note that the Billikens have five players with at least six assists and it also has a 1.64 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Seton Hall lost four starters from last year and it showed in a humbling 80-57 loss to Nebraska on Wednesday. Myles Powell was a bright spot with 24 points. 

I’ll point out as well that Seton Hall is just 1-4 ATS in its last five following an ATS loss, while St. Louis is 14-5 ATS in its last 19 as a road underdog and 7-3 ATS in its last ten following an ATS loss.

This one has outright upset written all over it my opinion, but as stated off the top, I’m going to grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Champ Game Crusher is on Iowa (6:30 EST).

Both teams are 3-0 to open the year. This is the championship game of the 2K classic from New York.

UConn got here by upsetting Syracuse 83-76 last night. Jalen Adams and Alterique Gilbert each had 16 points. Overall the Huskies are averaging 85.7 PPG.

I played on the Hawkeyes in their 77-69 upset victory over Oregon. Jordan Bohannon was a standout with 16 points, while Luke Garza added 12. Overall Iowa is averaging 85 PPG.

I’ll point out though that the UConn is just 1-4 ATS in its last five neutral site affairs and 3-9 ATS in its last 12 non-conference games, while Iowa is 6-0 ATS in its last six neutral site games and 5-2-1 ATS in its last eight non-conference contests.

I think the Hawkeyes find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Play on Iowa.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Takedown is on Iowa (9:30 EST).

The No. 13 Oregon Ducks take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in the semi finals of the 2K Classic at MSG tonight. 

Oregon enters off an 81-47 victory over Eastern Washington, while Iowa comes in off a 93-82 win at home over Green Bay. 

The Ducks are aerating 82.5 PPG and allowing 52. Bol Bol leads the nightly charge with 17.5 points, 12.5 boards and 3.5 blocks per game. 

Iowa would love to pull of the upset obviously to reach the championship game. The Hawkeyes come in averaging 85 PPG and conceding 72.5. Tyler Cook averages 14.5 points and seven boards per game. 

I’ll point out as well that Oregon is just 7-10 ATS in its last 17 neutral site affairs, while Iowa is a solid 6-4 in all neutral court contests.

This one has the feel that whichever team has its hands on the ball last will find a way to get the job done in the end. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Daytime Dominator is on CS Fullerton (2:00 EST).

UCF enters off an 89-79 home loss to FAU, while CS Fullerton posted a 106-53 win over non-division 1 West Coast Baptist. 

UCF is now 1-1, averaging 81.5 PPG and conceding 75. BJ Taylor had 29 points in a losing cause to FAU. 

CS Fullerton is 1-1, getting 35 points from Kyle Allman Jr. in the opening win. Over two games the Titans have averaged 100 points per game and conceded 77.5. 

I’ll point out that UCF is just 2-4 ATS in its last six neutral court contests, while CS Fullerton is 19-12 ATS in its last 31 as an underdog and 7-4 ATS in its last 11 after allowing 60 points or less.

Grab the points and expect a “nail biter.” 

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Seton Hall (7:30 EST).

I’m not calling for an outright upset, but I think the Pirates have what it takes to keep this one competitive until the final moments.

Seton Hall lost most of its starting line-up from last year, but it returns one and the Pirates opened with a convincing 89-49 win over Wagner to open the year. Myles Powell had 30 points, going 5 of 7 from range, while Michael Nzei had 11 points and seven boards. 

The Pirates were on a five game win streak against the Big Ten before falling 71-65 to Rutgers last December.

Nebraska missed out on the Tournament last year, but it’s opened the season with back to back blowout wins. Can anyone say letdown spot?!

The Huskers have held both opponents to under 40 points, but I think the step up in competition today will catch Nebraska off guard. 

I’ll point out as well that Seton Hall is 7-2 ATS in its last nine non-conference road games as an underdog in the +7.5 to +10.5 points range.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Seton Hall.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider on the College Of Charleston (7:00 EST).

I think Rhode Island comes up short in this tough non-conference mach up.

The Rams lost several key figures over the offseason that contributed to their back-to-back NCAA Tournament teams (which includes head coach Dan Hurley, who went to UConn.) 

The Charleston Cougars though went to the tournament for the first time since 1999 last year and they return several key members, including Grant Riler, who averaged 18.6 PPG and Jarell Brantley, who added 17.3. 

Charleston most recently beat Western Carolina 73-70 with Riler leading the way with 28 points.

The Cougars are averaging 104.9 PPG per 100 possessions and they’re allowing 99.9 points per 100 possessions. 

Rhode Island did open the year with a win over lowly Bryant on Tuesday, taking down the Bears 97-63. Fatts Russell had 21 points. So far the Rams have averaged 103.4 points per 100 possessions, while giving up 97.4 points per 100 possessions.

I’ll point out though that Charleston is 6-2-1 ATS in its last nine against teams with winning SU records, while Rhode Island is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven in the same position.

The Cougars depth and experience wins the game. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Western Michigan (7:00 EST).

WMU comes in off a 90-64 road loss to Ole Miss, while the Golden Grizzlies fell flat in an 87-86 setback at home Toledo. 

Note that this is a revenge game for the Broncos after Oakland posted a 78-73 road win over WMU last year. 

Over two games this year the Broncos have so far averaged 76.5 PPG, while holding their opposition to 73.4. Josh Davis has so far posted 26 points over the two contests.

Oakland is averaging 78.2 PPG and it’s allowing 76.2. Jaevin Cumberland scored 14 points in the loss to the Rockets.

I’ll point out though that that Golden Grizzlies are just 1-12 ATS in their last 13 at home and 0-5 ATS following an ATS victory, while WMU is 5-0 ATS in its last five following a SU loss of more than 20 points.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Western Michigan.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE MONTH is on Minnesota (9:00 EST).

Utah opened with a 75-61 win over Maine on Thursday, but it’s clearly going to have its hands full here against a Golden Gophers team which comes in off a convincing victory itself on Opening night.

In my opinion, this one has “blowout” written all over it.

The Utes were led by Sedrick Barefield, who had 18 points. Donnie Tillman added 15. Utah held Maine to 40 percent shooting and held a 42-26 rebounding advantage.

Note though that the Utes are just 4-13 in non-conference road games since 2011/12. 

The Golden Gophers smashed Omaha 104-76, as Amir Coffey shined with 18 points, four assists and two steals. Dupre McBreyer was another standout with 17 points. 

Note that the Gophers are 46-4 at home in non-conference games once 2013, winning 20 of the last 21. 

I’ll point out as well that Utah is just 10-11 ATS in its last 21 as an underdog, while Minnesota is 23-17 ATS In its last 40 as a favorite.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

This is a 10* play on Vanderbilt (9:00 EST).

Both teams come into this one at 1-0, as USC routed Robert Morris and Vandy smashed Winthrop.

Vanderbilt is led by Darius Garland, who had 24 points, four assists and two steals in the season opening victory. Simi Shittu was a stand out as well with 18 points, ten boards, two blocks and two steals. 

USC is led by Kevin Porter Jr, who had 15 points and five boards in the win over Robert Morris. But note that the Trojans were sloppy, committing 15 turnovers, a result of point guard Jordan McLaughlin being absent. Last year he was the Pac 12 assists leader. 

These are two evenly matched teams, but Vanderbilt plays with revenge after a 93-89 OT loss last year in Nashville. USC’s top player Bennie Boatwright did not play in the opener and if he does get the call tonight, his overall health is still a concern. 

I like Garland to lead his team to a victory, but that said, I’m going to grab the points in the end.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on UNLV (10:00 EST).

UNLV improved to 20-13 last season and I think it’ll “bring the heat” on Opening night. 

Loyola Marymount was 11-20 last year and the Lions haven’t had a winning season since 2012.

The Rebels have three capable seniors in Noah Robtham, Kris Clyburn and Shakur Julston. Last year Julston averaged 14.6 points and ten boards per game. 

The Lions are already 1-0, coming into this one contented off a 75-43 win over lowly Westcliff. Previous to last year’s disastrous overall start, Loyola Marymount actually went 15-15. But last season was a major step back, especially against the conference, finishing 5-13 in league play. 

The Rebels have the more experienced senior group of players and on opening night, I think that’s going to be more than enough to take care of the “thin” Lions. Loyola Marymount shot only 35.7 percent from behind the arc in their opening victory, which isn’t going to get the job done tonight. 

I’m banking on a blowout. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Yale (9*) (11:00 EST).

This is the 2018/19 Pac-12 China Game in Shanghai. This is the season opener for both teams.

Yale comes in with plenty of veteran leadership this year and I ultimately believe that that factor will prove to be the difference maker on Opening night “across the pond.” Miye Oni averaged 15.1 points and six boards last year, while Alex Copeland averaged 11.2 PPG. Overall 95 percent of their offensive production from last year returns for the Bulldogs. 

Yale has a 42-14 Ivy League record over the last four years and it’s won two league titles in that time.

Cal posted only eight wins last year and it’s once again in re-building mode this season for the most part as well. 

The Bears were one of the worst shooting teams in the country and also one of the worst at turning it over. Paris Austin, a Boise State transfer, is expected to bring some stability to the back-court. 

Note though that Cal is just 4-11-1 ATS in its last 16 neutral site affairs, while Yale is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 neutral site games.

This one has blowout written all over it, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Iowa State (8*) (7:00 EST).

Missouri lost Michael Porter Jr. to the NBA, but the Tigers return several key players, including Jeremiah Tillmon and Kevin Puryear. Missouri got 19 points and ten boards from Mark Smith in the opener vs. Central Arkansas. Overall it was a poor shooting game though, as the team would combine to go just 3 of 18 from beyond the arc.

Iowa State was just 4-14 in Big 12 play last season, but anything short of a tournament spot this year would be considered a disappointment. Iowa State opened with a 79-53 win over Alabama State, as four players would go on to score in double figures, led by Michael Jacobson with 17. So far Iowa State is averaging 111 points per 100 possessions so far this season, while allowing 93 per 100 possessions.

The Tigers lost Jontay Porter to injury and I think he’ll be missed here against a Cyclones team looking to send a message. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on NC Wilmington (8*) (7:00 EST).

The Cardinal were 19-16 last year and they opened this season with a 96-74 home win over Seattle on Tuesday. 

NC Wilmington was just 11-21 last season and it enters hungry after a 97-93 OT road loss to Campbell in its opener.

Last year Stanford averaged 75.9 PPG and it conceded 74.9. KZ Okpala had 29 points in the season opening victory.

Last year UNC Wilmington averaged 79.4 PPG and it conceded 83.4. Ty Taylor II had 29 points in the season opening loss including six three-pointers.

I’ll point out though that Stanford is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine non-conference road games after scoring 95 points or more in a victory in its previous outing.

I think the “hungrier” team is NC Wilmington. The Seahawks return plenty of talent and in a contest which i see coming down to whichever of these teams has its hands on the ball last, I’m going to grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Rivalry Rout is on Texas at 7;00 ET.

Arkansas and Texas will renew their old Southwest Conference rivalry Friday in the Armed Forces Classic at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas returns FOUR of five starters from last year and has a game under its belt, a 71-59 victory against Eastern Illinois. As for Arkansas (playing its season-opener), the Razorbacks lost 79.6 percent of their scoring and 64.7 percent of their rebounding from last year. 

The Razorbacks lost eight players, including five of their top six scorers, from last season's 23-win NCAA Tournament team. All-SEC first team selection Daniel Gafford ( sophomore forward) averaged 11.8 & 6.2 last season is one of just three scholarship players returning. Meanwhile, PG Jalen Harris, who redshirted last season after transferring from New Mexico, is the only Arkansas guard with any Division I experience. The good news for the Razorbacks is that there are some impressive recruits coming in, including 4-star players Isaiah Joe, Ethan Henderson and Keyshawn Embery. We'll see.

The Longhorns finished just 19-15 last season, after blowing a 14-point second-half lead against Nevada in the team's first NCAA contest. Texas does return four of five starters but the loss was a big one, as the 7-0 Bamba (12.9-10.5-3.7 BPG) was the sixth pick of the NBA Draft. However, Texas not only returns four starters but the Longhorns have six freshman. Its crop of freshman was ranked EIGHTH nationally by 247Sports.

Both schools own quality head coaches. Arkansas' Mike Anderson has led UAB, Missouri and now Arkansas, to NCAA berths plus is one of just four current Division I coaches with 15-plus years of experience and no losing seasons. Roy Williams, Tom Izzo and Mark Few are the others. That's pretty sweet company! Texas' Shaka Smart was an impressive 163-56 (.744) at VCU, leading the Rams to the CBI championship in 2010 (his first year as a head coach) and then to the NCAA Final 4 in 2011, as an 11-seed. He's taken the Longhorns to the "Big Dance" in two of his three years at Austin but his overall record was just 50-50 entering the current season.

Nobody is saying Smart needs to win in 2018-19 to keep his job but I bet plenty of Texas people are "thinking it!' Texas has much more experience plus the Longhorns have a game under their belt. The El Paso site is pretty much a home game and as noted above, the Razorbacks have a ton of rebuilding to do. Maybe James Street (or for that matter, Randy Peschel) will be in the stands? If you don't know those names, you are too damn young! Lay the points with Texas.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Champs Classic play is on Duke (9:30 EST).

Duke posted a 29-8 record last year and a 13-5 record in ACC action, while the Wildcats went 26-11 with a 10-8 record in SEC action. 

Both teams feature plenty of new faces, but I think the depth and skill that Duke brings to the table will be just too much for the Wildcats to hang with on Opening Night.

Duke lost its top five scorers from last year, but it recruited Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett, who are considered two of the best talents in the country. It also features 6 foot 8 forward Cam Reddish and leading scorer Marquez Bolden also returns. Last year the Blue Devils averaged 84.4 PPG and allowed 69.6.

Kentucky comes into the new season ranked No. 2. The Wildcats lost many big names to the NBA over the offseason, but they still feature plenty of talent as well in Quade Gren and PJ Washington. Last year the Wildcats averaged 76.8 PPG and allowed 70.2. That was ranked 116th overall. 

I’ll point out as well that the Blue Devils are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 non-conference games and 11-5 ATS in their last 16 neutral site affairs.

Kentucky returns just 31.5 percent of its scoring from last year and on Opening Night, I think the Blue Devils will take advantage.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* CBB TIP OFF OPENER is on Florida (9:00 EST).

Florida has won 27 straight season openers but it’ll have its hands full here. In a contest which I envision being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I’m going to grab the points.

Note that this is a big time revenge game as well for the Gators after the Seminoles embarrassed them 83-66 in Gainesville last year. 

Three starters return for the Gators though, a team which averaged 75.8 PPG. KeVaughn Allen averaged 11.0 points last year. 

FSU is predicted to finish seventh in the difficult 15-team ACC this year. The Seminoles also return three starters. One of those starters though, Phil Cofer, won’t be playing tonight because of a foot injury. Cofer averaged 12.8 points and 5.1 boards last year. 

This one is very evenly matched, but I think the absence of Cofer is a significant one for the Seminoles. The Gators play with revenge and I think they’ll keep this one competitive until the final moments. 

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on Michigan (9:20 EST).

I had a play on Villanova in the Final Four in its 95-79 win over Kansas, but I think the Wildcats are going to stumble here against the depth and defensive pressure that the Wolverines bring to the table.

The Wolverines were down by ten with 14:10 left to go in the second half before rallying for their victory over Loyola-Chicago. 

Michigan went down early, but its confidence never waivered and its relentless defensive pressure proved to be just too much for the Ramblers to handle in the end, holding Loyola-Chicago to just one made 3-pointer. 

Mortiz Wagner finished with 24 points and 15 boards for the Wolverines in the victory as Michigan would go on to score 47 points in the second half while shooting 57 percent.

Villanova was red hot in the first half of its Final Four win over the Jayhawks, connecting on 17 of 33 shots, including going 13 of 26 from range. The Wildcats enter the National Championship Game as the No. 1 offense with an average of 87 PPG. 

Michigan though presents difficult matchup problems on the wings and its defense is playing at an elite level right now. Outright win? It’s not out of the question obviously.

But in a game which I think is more even than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe, one which could very well be decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I’m going to grab the points. 

Play on Michigan.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* 34-CLUB PLAY is on Villanova (8:45 EST).

I had a play on Kansas last weekend, but I’m going against the Jayhawks in the Final Four. The Jayhawks advanced with an 85-81 OT win over Duke, while Villanova advanced with a 71-59 victory over Texas Tech. 

Kansas averages 81.4 PPG and it concedes 71. Malik Newman had 32 points in the Elite Eight victory. Overall the Jayhawks won the rebounding battle as well 47-32, helping to overcome 18 turnovers.

And sloppy play like that won’t get the job done against the Wildcats, who enter as the nation’s No. 1 offense with 87 PPG. The defense has been decent as well, conceding 70.5. Jalen Bruson led the way in the most recent victory with 15 points. 

(Additional supporting ATS stats to be added shortly)

These teams are very evenly matched, with plenty of veteran experience. But the Wildcats’ depth (six players averring double figures) will prove to ultimately be too much for Kansas to overcome in my opinion. The Jayhawks battled tooth and nail against the Blue Devils, but I have a hard time seeing Kansas matching pace down the stretch. 

Villanova’s top ranked offense wins out in the end. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Loyola Chicago (6:05 EST).

No. 11 Loyola-Chicago is looking for another upset here taking on No. 3 Michigan in the Final Four on Saturday from San Antonio. 

So far the Ramblers have advanced with wins over Miami, Tennessee, Nevada and Kansas State. The Wolverines have made it to this point with victories over Montana, Houston, Texas A&M and Florida State. 

Loyola Chicago averages 72 PPG and it concedes 62.4. The Ramblers shot 57% in their 78-62 destruction of K-State, led by 23 points from Ben Richardson. Loyola Chicago would also hold the Wildcats to just 34 percent shooting. 

Michigan averages 74.1 PPG and it concedes 63.1. The Wolverines shot just 38.8 percent in their win over FSU, but they’d go on to hold the Seminoles to an even worse 32 percent. Charles Matthews was an offensive bright spot with 17 points and eight boards. 

(Additional supporting ATS trends to be added shortly)

The Ramblers have shot at least 50 percent from the floor in their last three games, all coming against very strong defensive teams. Loyola Chicago’s defense has also looked very stout as well.

The Wolverines struggled offensively last time out and it’s not going to get any easier here. The Ramblers appear to be a team of destiny right now and while I’ll stop short in calling for the outright upset, everything points to this one being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last. 

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on UIC (7:00 EST).

The winner of this game will advance to the CIT Championship Game. Illinois Chicago comes in red hot, putting up at least 81 points in each of its first two tournament wins. 

Liberty averages only 71.4 PPG, but it put up 84 in its latest victory. 

The Flames most recently beat Austin Peay 83-81, putting up 52 points in the second half, while shooting 43.5 percent from range. Marcus Ottey led the way in the victory with 17 points, but in all four of five starters would post double figures in scoring.

Liberty comes in off the 84-71 home win over Central Michigan, also using a big second half to pull away for good, outscoring the Chips by 13 points after the break. Liberty would go on to shoot 56.1 percent from the floor, including 44 percent from range. Four players would reach double figures in scoring, led by Ryan Kemrite with 21. 

Note though that Liberty is 0-2 ATS in its last two after scoring 80 points or more in its previous contest, while Illinois Chicago is 5-1 ATS this season when playing with five or six days of rest.

The Flames come in playing at an extremely high level offensively right now and I believe that chemistry will keep this one competitive until the final moments.

Everything point to a “nail biter,” so grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Mississippi State (9:30 EST).

It’s No. 4 Mississippi State against No. 4 Penn State in the semifinal of the NIT from Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the team from the SEC.

The Bulldogs average 74 PPG, while shooting 47 percent from the floor collectively. Quinndary Weatherspoon leads the nightly charge with 15 PPG. Note that Mississippi State is stout defensively, conceding just 64 PPG. 

The Nittany Lions average 75 PPG on 46 percent shooting, led by 20 points and five assists a night from guard Tony Carr. Penn State’s offense might be slightly better, but its defense has been its weak point this season.

Additionally I’ll point out that Mississippi State is 27-20 ATS in its last 47 when playing the role of underdog, while Penn State is just 3-6 ATS this season after scoring 80 points or more in its previous contest.

I think the Bulldogs’ fough defense slows down the Nittany Lions here and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for this one to be a “nail biter.”

Play on Mississippi State.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Utah (7:00 EST).

It’s the 27-10 WKU Hilltoppers against the 21-11 Utah Utes in the semi finals of the NIT at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night and for a for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the team from the Pac 12.

WKU enters off a 92-84 win over Oklahoma State, led by 30 points and eight boards from Taveion Hollingsworth. Dwight Coleby was another bright spot with 16 points, 13 boards and three blocks. 

The Hilltoppers come into this one averaging 78.8 PPG. Utah comes into this one averaging only 73.8 PPG, but it makes up for it on the defensive end. Utah looked particularly stingy last time out in its 67-58 victory over St. Mary’s. 

Sedrick Barefield was a bright spot offensively with 19 points and four assists in that one, while Ryler Rawson would add 17 points. 

Saint Mary’s is one of the toughest offenses in the nation, so the Hilltoppers are going to have their hands full here. 

Defense doesn’t always win championships and the Utes may not ultimately go on to win the entire NIT, but I do think their smothering play will ultimately prove to be too much for WKU to overcome this time.

Play on Utah.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on North Texas (10:00 EST).

This is Game 1 of the best of three championship series for the CBI Tournament crown, with North Texas facing off against San Francisco. 

The Mean Green advanced by taking down Jacksonville State 90-68 at home on Wednesday, while the Dons held on for a 65-62 win over Campbell in their semi-final matchup. 

North Texas averages 74.5 PPG and it concedes 71.4. Roosevelt Smart had 20 points in the most recent victory as the Mean Green would go on to hit a smoking 61.5 percent from the floor in the win, including going a lights out 14 of 20 from range (also won the rebound battle decisively, 38-23.)

San Francisco comes into this one averaging 68.9 PPG, while conceding 68.4. The Dons have won three straight close ones to advance, with the victories coming by a total of 12 combined points. Frankie Ferrari was a bright spot in the most recent with 18 points and six assists. 

I’ll point out though that home court has been anything but an advantage for the Dons this year, as they come in at just 6-11 ATS at home this season (and only 7-13 ATS when playing the role of favorite).

And that’s bade news facing a Mean Green team which has excelled away from friendly confines this season, as UNT is 12-4 ATS on the road thus far (also note that it’s 14-6 ATS as an underdog this year as well.)

I think UNT is playing the best overall ball in this tournament right now and while the Dons do have a great defense, I can’t see San Francisco keeping pace offensively.

Grab the points, play on the Mean Green.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Kansas (5:05 EST).

Duke enters the Elite Eight off a much tougher than expected 69-65 win over Syracuse, while Kansas advanced with a tougher than expected 80-76 victory over Clemson. 

Duke averages 84.4 PPG and it concedes 69.2. The Blue Devils allowed the Orange to hit 49 percent of their shots, but they’d give up just four three-pointers. Duke also forced 15 turnovers, while committing only seven of its own. 

The Blue Devils though shot just 39.3 percent from the floor in the victory, including only 19.4 percent from range. Marvin Bagley III led the way with 22 points, while Grayson Allen added 15.

Kansas averages 81.4 PPG and it concedes 71. The Jayhawks needed to hit free throws down the stretch to hold off Clemson in the Round of 16. Overall though Kansas looked pretty good, hitting 46.7 percent from the floor, including 45.5 percent from range. 

The Jayhawks have struggled defensively in the tournament, but they looked better against the Tigers by holding them to 43.1 percent shooting, including only 30 percent from range. 

(Additional supporting ATS stats to be added shortly)

Both teams struggled more than they should have in the Sweet 16, but each managed to dig down and gut out the victory. Kansas though has gotten progressively better as the tournament has worn on, while it appears Duke is heading in the opposite direction. 

I’m banking on these trends continuing as I believe the Jayhawks will be just too much for the Blue Devils to handle down the stretch. 

That said, grab the points!

Good luck…Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Michigan (8:40 EST).

It’s the 23-11 Florida State Seminoles against 31-7 Michigan in the Elite Eight on Saturday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Wolverines.

FSU upset Gonzaga 75-60 on Thursday, holding the Bulldogs to just 33.9 percent shooting. Terance Mann led the way with 18 points, five boards, two assist and one block in the victory. 

The Seminoles enter the Elite Eight averaging 81.1 PPG, while conceding 73.7. 

The Wolverines average 73.8 PPG and they concede just 63.1. Michigan’s offense though was firing on all cylinders in its 99-72 destruction of Texas A&M on Thursday (I had the Wolverines in that one), another school which predicates itself on its tough defensive play. 

Michigan shot an unreal 61.9 percent from the floor in the victory, including a blistering 58.3 percent from range and I’m fully expecting the team to carry that confidence and momentum over here. Mhaummad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman led the way in the win with 24 points, five boards, seven assists and a steal.

(Additional supporting ATS trends added shortly.)

FSU has looked good on both ends of the court, but it runs into a “buzz saw” in Michigan right now. The Wolverines have one of the best defenses in the nation, and now their offense is firing on all cylinders as well.

All signs point to a blowout, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* ELITE 8 GAME OF THE YEAR is on Kansas State (6:05 EST).

It’s the 31-5 Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs. the 25-11 K-State Wildcats on Saturday night in the Elite Eight and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors Kansas State.

The Ramblers are on one of those “Cinderalla” runs right now after getting the better of Nevada 69-68 in the regional semifinal on Thursday. Marques Townes led the way in that one with 18 points, including the last second three-pointer to seal the deal. 

Loyola Illinois averages just 71.8 PPG, making up for it on the defensive end by conceding only 62.4. 

Kansas State averages 71.6 PPG and it concedes just 63.4. The Wildcats looked particularly impressive in their 61-58 win over Kentucky, led by 22 points and nine boards from Xavier Sneed, while Barry Brown added 13 points. 

Loyola Illinois has been the biggest surprise of The Tournament so far, but I think it’s set up for a big letdown here. Beating Nevada is no small feat, but K-State is playing at an entirely different level right now in my opinion, as its dominating win over Kentucky has me convinced.

(Additional supporting ATS stats to be posted shortly.) 

I think Kansas State is the better overall team and I look for it to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Texas Tech (9:55 EST).

It’s No. 2 Purdue against No. 3 Texas Tech in the final game of the Sweet 16 on Friday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the defensive minded Aggies. 

Purdue advanced to this point off wins against CS Fullerton and Butler, while Texas Tech beat Stephen F. Austin and Florida. 

The Red Raiders’ dynamic defense was on full display in their 69-66 win over the Gators on Saturday. Texas Tech would go on to shoot 44 percent from the floor, while holding Florida to just 39 percent. 

Keenan Evans led the way in the victory with 22 points, while Zhaire Smith added 18 points and nine boards. 

For the season Texas Tech averages 74.9 points and it concedes 64.6. 

The Boilermakers average 80.8 PPG and they concede 65.4. Purdue would hold on for a 76-73 win over Butler, but I think it’s going to come up short here against the Red Raiders’ relentless defense. 

Purdue lost the services of 7-foot center Isaac Haas in Round 2 to injury and its depth carried it in the win over the Bulldogs, but I have a hard time seeing the the Boilermakers maintaining that same drive against a Texas Tech team that’s simply firing on all cylinders right now.

Vincent Edwards was a bright sot in the win over Butler with 20 points, while Carsen Edwards, the team’s leading scorer, was held to just 13. 

I’ll point out as well that Texas Tech has done well in this spot for bettors of late by going 7-3 ATS in its last ten following a SU victory, while Purdue has struggled in this position by going just 1-7-1 ATS in its last eight against a team with a wining percent above .600. 

The table is set for another outright upset, but in the end I’ll recommend that you grab as many points as you can. Play on the Red Raiders.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE MONTH is on Villanova (7:35 EST).

The 26-10 WVU Mountaineers get ready to battle the 32-4 Villanova Wildcats on Friday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the favorite. 

WVU got to this point after taking down Marshall 94-71, led by 28 points from Jevon Carter. Lamont West was a standout as well with 18 points and ten boards. 

The Mountaineers enter the Sweet 16 averaging 80.2 PPG. 

The Wildcats average 86.9 PPG (No. 1 in the country.) Villanova smashed Alabama 81-58 in its last outing, led by 23 points from Mikal Bridges and 18 points from Donte DiVencenzo. 

(I plan to update my analysis closer to game time with a few more stats, but the bulk of analysis is here)

The Mountaineers did a great job in slowing down Murray State and Marshall, two schools which are also “offense oriented,” but clearly Villanova is on an entirely different level. WVU’s calling card is its tough defensive play, but I think it will struggle to contain the Wildcats’ dynamic offense, which gets the job done both on the inside and out.

I’m expecting a solid cover from Villanova here. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Kansas (7:05 EST).

It’s the ACC vs. the Big 12 in the Sweet 16 and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Jayhawks.

Clemson got to this point off an 84-53 win over Auburn in the second round, while Kansas advanced with a tight 83-79 win over Seton Hall.

The Tigers average only 73.8 PPG, but they make up for it on the other end of the floor by conceding just 65.5 PPG. Clemson smashed Auburn on both ends of the floor and it was led by Gabe DeVoe with 22 points.

Kansas averages 81.4 PPG and it concedes 70.9. The Jayhawks shot 50.0 percent from the floor in their latest victory, including 42.9 percent from range. Malik Newman had 28 points in the victory, while Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk had 16. 

Clemson put on a show last time out, but it faces a much stiffer test this time around. I think the Tigers are poised for a letdown here.

The Jayhawks hold the significant advantage on both ends of the floor and I look for their superior offense to be the difference at the end of the night.

Lay the points with confidence, play on Kansas.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Gonzaga (10:05 EST).

It’s No. 9 FSU taking on No. 4 Gonzaga in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Bulldogs. 

Florida State upset No. 1 Xavier 75-70 on Sunday and suffice it to say, I think it’s set up for a letdown here.

Gonzaga would go on to take down Ohio State 90-84 in its second round matchup on Saturday. 

Florida State averages 81.1 and it concedes 73.7. Braian Angola had 15 points in the upset victory over Xavier as the Seminoles would go on to hit 8 of 23 from range and shoot 43.6 percent overall.

The Bulldogs average 84.2 PPG and they concede just 67.5. Zach Norvell Jr. had 28 points in the victory over Ohio State.

Gonzaga led at the half in that one by 11 points, but it actually trailed 67-62 with 6:02 left to play in the game, before then going on a 16-2 run. 

I’ll point out that Florida State is just 1-5 ATS in its last six following a SU victory, while Gonzaga is 4-1 ATS in its last five against teams with winning SU records.

The Bulldogs let their foot off the gas against the Ducks, but Gonzaga won’t make the same mistake twice. While these teams are pretty evenly matched on the offensive end, it’s the Bulldogs’ defensive prowess which tips the scales in their favor in this matchup.

Lay the points, play on Gonzaga.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Michigan (7:35 EST).

It’s the SEC vs. the Big Ten in this Sweet 16 matchup and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Wolverines.

Texas A&M advanced with a stunning 86-65 win over No. 2 UNC on Sunday and suffice it to say, I’m expecting a predictable letdown here after one of the program’s biggest ever victories. 

Michigan got to this point by ousting No. 6 Houston 64-63 on Saturday night by the help of a last second buzzer beater. 

Texas A&M averages 75.3 PPG and it concedes 69.6. The Aggies shot 51.7 percent from the floor in the win over the Tar Heels and they won the rebound battle 50-36. TJ Starks would lead the charge with 21 points.

Michigan averages 73.8 PPG and it concedes 63.1. Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman would post 12 points in the Wolverines one-point second round victory. 

I’ll point out though that the Aggies are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine after scoring 80 points or more in their previous game in which they were the underdog, while the Wolverines are 6-2 ATS in their last eight after scoring 65 points or less in their previous outing.

Michigan found a way to get the job done last time out despite not being close to its best. I don’t expect that to happen twice and while A&M found a way to slow down the high-flying Tar Heels, the Wolverines would love nothing more than to slow this one down and exert their will slowly.

All signs point to a rout, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Western Kentucky (8:00 EST).

WKU is off an upset 79-75 road win over USC and I believe the Hilltoppers come in “under the radar” here as well. OKS enters off a 71-65 home win over Stanford. 

Western Kentucky averages 78.4 PPG and it concedes 70.0. The Hilltoppers shot 53.6 percent from the floor in their win over the Trojans, while also hitting 16 of 17 free throw attempts. Justin Johnson led the way with 23 points, while Dwight Coleby added 13. Note that WKU is 8-5 on the road this season, averring 79.5 points and conceding 76.5 in those contests.

OKS averages 76.4 PPG and it concedes 72.7 (is better at home with 79.2 and 69.6 respectively.) The Cowboys looked decent defensively against the Cardinal, but overall that’s been their weak point this year. Oklahoma Stats is known for its offense, but note though that it shot just 35.7 percent from the floor in the win over Stanford. Jeffrey Carroll led the way in the victory with 26 points. 

I’ll point out as well that WKU is 7-1 ATS in all tournament games this year, while OKS is just 2-4 ATS in the same position.

OKS is 15-5 at home this season, but the Hilltoppers won’t be going down without a fight. These teams are very evenly matched and I believe this one is going to be decided by whichever one has its hands on the ball last. 

And because of that, I’m grabbing the points. 

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Penn State (7:00 EST).

Penn State got 24 points from Tony Carr to beat Notre Dame on the road on Saturday and I think that the Nittany Lions are going to carry that momentum over here. 

Penn State was led by 18 points and nine boards from Josh Reaves, while Shep Garner added 15 points in the win over the Irish. The Nittany Lions got the job done on the defensive end of the floor though, holding ND to just 38.3 percent shooting and only 4 of 22 from range. 

For the season Penn State averages 74.2 PPG and it concedes just 66.5. 

Marquette averages 81.4 PPG, but it needs to push the pace as it concedes an average of 78.3. The Golden Eagles shot 12 of 26 from range in the win over the Ducks and they hit 57.6 percent of their shots from the floor overall. Andrew Rowsey led the way with 29 points and nine assists.

I’ll point out though that Penn State is 7-1 ATS in its last eight on the road, while Marquette is a poor 2-6 ATS in its last eight following an ATS victory and just 6-15 ATS in its last 21 after scoring more than 90 points in its previous game.

The Nittany Lions’ defense is firing on all cylinders and they’re playing better offensively as well. The Golden Eagles can’t stop anybody and I have a hard time seeing them keeping pace down the stretch.

Grab the points, play on Penn State.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* PEFECT STORM pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Saint Mary’s (11:00 ET).

Washington enters the second round of the NIT off a 77-74 win over Boise State, while Saint Mary’s crushed Southeastern Louisiana 89-45 at home. 

Washington averages 74.4 PPG and it concedes 72.6. The Huskies shot 47.4 percent against Boise State and they were led by 25 points from Jaylen Nowell. 

The Huskies have been better at home that on the road, as they’ve averages just 69.4 points and concede 73.2 away from friendly confines this season.

Saint Mary’s averages 77.3 PPG and it concedes just 63.9. Note that it’s been even better at home though by averaging 78.3 points and conceding just 59.8. The Gaels shot a blistering 59.3 percent in their opening round win and I simply can’t see the Huskies keeping pace down the stretch. 

I’ll point out as well that Washington is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine non-conference games, while St. Mary’s is 4-1 ATS in its last five in the same position. 

The Huskies had a decent season, but the Gaels present a very difficult matchup here. I think Saint Mary’s continues to play with a chip on its shoulder as it looks to run up this score once again.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on LSU (9:00 EST).

It’s No. 2 seed Utah hosting No. 3 seed LSU in the second round of the NIT on Monday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the dog.

LSU was dropped early in the SEC Tournament, but it answered with an 84-76 victory over Louisiana Lafayette to open the NIT at home. 

The Tigers looked sharp offensively by hitting 52.7 percent of their shots and I believe they carry that momentum over here. Duop Reath was a standout in the victory with 26 points and 11 boards.

Utah beat UC Davis 69-59 in the opening round, needing to outscore UCD 22-11 in the final quarter to secure the 10-point win. Justin Bibbins hit all eight free throws and finished with 21 points and six boards. 

I’ll point out though that LSU is 5-1 ATS in its last six non-conference games, while Utah is just 1-4 ATS in its last five non-conference games and only 2-5-2 ATS in its last nine following a SU loss.

LSU is a big team and it won’t be intimidated here. While the outright upset isn’t out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing the points.

Play on LSU.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Stanford (7:00 EST).

It’s the No. 3 Stanford Cardinal against the No. 2 Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second round of the NIT on Monday and for a number of different reasons, I believe this one favors the dog.

Stanford got by BYU 86-83 in its first round win, while OKS got the better of FGCU 80-68. 

The Cardinal average 76.2 PPG and they concede 75. Stanford shot 44 percent from the floor against BYU, but also held it to just 44 percent shooting. They also won the rebound battle 47-37. Reid Travis led the way with 25 points and 14 rebounds. 

Stanford comes in having won three of its last four.

OKS averages 76.5 PPG and it concedes 72.9. The Cowboys have won four of their last five, but they looked pretty sloppy in the win over FGCU, converting only 35 percent of their shots. Jeffrey Carroll would go just 3 of 11 from the field, but he’d finish with a team-high 18 points. 

I’ll point out though that Stanford has done well in this spot for bettors this season by going 9-3 ATS in its last 12 following a SU victory and 4-1 ATS in its last five against schools with winning records, while OKS has struggled in this position by going just 4-10 ATS in its last 14 following a SU win.

I think Stanford and the points is the way to go here. The Cardinal are averaging over 80 points over their last eight games, which doesn’t bode well for this mediocre Cowboys’ defense (note that OKS’s three point defense ranks 296th in the country!)

Everything points to a “nail biter,” so grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* SITUATIONAL BLOWOUT is on Cincinnati (6:10 EST).

Cincinnati got by Georgia State 68-53 in its opening round and I think the defensive minded Bearcats will wear down Nevada here as well. 

The Wolfpack come in off an exhausting 87-83 OT win over Texas on Friday and I think they suffer a letdown here.

Nevada had to rally from a four-point deficit as well in the extra period, which doesn’t bode well facing this swarming Bearcats’ defense. 

Jarron Cumberland had 27 points and 11 boards in Cincinnati’s win over Georgia State. The Bearcats were relentless on the boards, winning the battle 46-26. 

I’ll point out as well that Nevada is just 1-3 ATS this year as the underdog, while Cincinnati is a solid 17-13 ATS as the favorite.

I think the Bearcats’ are the much more confident team and as I mentioned above, I believe their elite level defensive play will ultimately prove to be too much for the Wolfpack to handle down the stretch.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on North Carolina (5:15 EST).

Texas A&M advanced to this point with a 73-69 victory over Providence, while UNC advanced with an 84-66 win over Lipscomb. While the Aggies’ have looked sharp defensively, they face their stiffest test to date in facing the Tar Heels’ high octane offense.

Texas A&M averages 74.9 PPG and it concedes 69.8. The Aggies held the Friars to 43.5 percent shooting and they were led by Admon Gilder with 18 points.

UNC averages 82 PPG and it concedes 72.9. The Tar Heels shot 51.7 percent in their opening round victory, while holding the Bison to just 35.9 percent. Kenny Williams led the charge with 18 points, while Theo Pinson added 15 points and ten boards.

I’ll point out that Texas A&M is just 1-4 ATS in its last five after scoring 72 points or more in its previous contest, while UNC is 18-11 ATS in its last 29 tournament games.

Beating the Friars is one thing, but the Tar Heels present an entirely different and much more difficult problem. UNC is playing at an elite level across the board right now and I can’t see Texas A&M keeping pace down the stretch.

Lay the points with confidence, play on North Carolina.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmakers Error is on Marquette (4:30 EST).

No. 2 Marquette gets ready to battle No. 3 Oregon on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Golden Eagles.

Oregon advanced by knocking off Rider 99-86 in the opening round. The Ducks would go on to hit 58.9 percent from the floor and got 23 points from Victor Bailey Jr. While Oregon managed to cover the 11-point spread in that one, sloppy defensive play like that simply won’t get it done against Marquette today.

Marquette opened its Tournament journey with a solid 67-60 win over a solid Harvard Crimson team. The Golden Eagles hit 43.8 percent from the floor, but they’d go 7 of 16 from range. Keep your eyes on Markus Howard today, as he led the way in the first round victory with 22 points, while also going on to make all nine of his free throw attempts.

I’ll point out that Oregon is just 5-7 ATS this year after scoring 80 points or more in its previous outing, while Marquette is 6-1 ATS in its last seven after failing to cover the spread in three or more consecutive games.

I don’t think Oregon is going to be able to slow down Howard. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Michigan State (2:40 EST).

It’s No. 3 Michigan State vs. No. 11 Syracuse in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Spartans.

Syracuse upset TCU 57-52 on Friday, while MSU held on for the 82-78 win over Bucknell. 

The Orange come into this one averaging just 67 PPG, but they make up for it on the defensive end by conceding only 63.9. Tyus Battle was just 3 of 12 for seven points in the win over TCU. Oshae Brissett led the way with 23 points, after posing 23 in the First Four win over Arizona State on Wednesday.

Syracuse comes in tired, while Michigan State likely comes in a bit concerned here after its closer than expected battle against Bucknell. 

MSU averages 81 PPG and it concedes 65.2. Note that Michigan State posted a 53 percent shooting percentage in the win over Bucknell, while holding it to just 41.8 percent. Miles Bridges would go on to posting 29 points and he’s now scored at least 17 in three straight games. 

I’ll point out as well that Syracuse is just 5-6 ATS as the underdog this year, while Michigan State is a perfect 3-0 ATS this season as a neutral court favorite of 6.5 to nine points. 

I think the Spartans’ offense finally solves the Orange’s tough defensive zone. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on Purdue (12:10 EST).

No. 2 seed Purdue gets ready to battle No. 10 Seed Butler in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Boilermakers. 

Butler comes in off a 79-62 win over Arkansas, while Purdue smashed CS Fullerton 74-48. Note that when these teams played in December, it was the Boilermakers that scored the relatively simple 82-67 road win and suffice it to say, I believe everything points to a repeat performance here. 

The Bulldogs average 79.1 PPG and they concede 72.5. Butler held Arkansas to 35 percent shooting and leading scorer Kelan Martin was a standout with 27 points. 

The Boilermakers average 80.9 PPG and they concede just 65.1. In the win over CS Fullerton, Purdue would hold it to only 36 percent shooting. Isaac Haas was injured and he’ll miss the rest of the tournament, but I look for Carsen Edwards to step up here and take command (Edwards leads the nightly charge with 18.4 PPG.) 

I’ll point out as well that Butler is just 4-9 ATS this year against good offensive teams which average 77plus points per contest, while Purdue is 7-2 ATS this season in the same position.

The loss of Haas is significant in the long run I believe, but in the short-term I fully expect the high-powered Boilermakers to rally and find a way to get the job done at the end of the afternoon.

Lay the points, play on Purdue.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NCAA 2ND RND GAME OF THE YEAR is on Gonzaga (7:45 EST).

No. 5 Ohio State gets ready to battle No. 4 Gonzaga with a ticket to the Sweet 16 on the line and for a number of different reasons, I think this on favors the Bulldogs.

The Buckeyes managed an 81-73 win over South Dakota State in its first round matchup on Thursday, while Gonzaga also had a much closer than expected battle against UNC Greensboro, eventually pulling way for the 68-64 win. These teams played in the PK-80 Invitational on November 23rd 2017 and Gonzaga would smash Ohio State 86-59. 

Ohio State averages 75.8 PPG and it concedes 66.7. Keita Bates-Diop had 24 points and 12 boards in the victory over South Dakota State. 

Gonzaga averages 84.5 PPG and it concedes just 67.1. Jonathan Wiliams led the charge with 19 points and 13 boards in the win over UNC Greensboro. Note that Williams leads the team with an averages of 13.5 points and 8.3 boards per game. 

I’ll point out as well that Ohio State is just 3-9 ATS in its last 12 neutral site games, while Gonzaga is 4-1 ATS in its last five as a neutral court favorite of three points or less or pick. 

The Bulldogs still have several key players from last year’s team which contributed to the title run. The Buckeyes seem thin when Bates-Diop is not on the floor or if he’s in foul trouble. This one has all the makings of a lop-sided blowout. 

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* TOP TV PLAY FOR THE WEEKEND is on Kentucky (5:15 EST).

The No. 13 Buffalo Bulls get ready to battle the No. 5 Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the favorite.

The Bulls shocked No. 4 seed Arizona 89-68 on Thursday, while Kentucky would hold on for a 78-73 victory over Davidson on the same night. 

Buffalo comes into this one averaging 84.8 PPG and conceding 75.9. Wes Clark led the Bulls with 25 points and seven assists in the win over Arizona. CJ Massinburg leads the nightly charge though with an average of 16.9 points and 7.4 boards. 

Kentucky enters this one averaging 76.7 PPG and it concedes 70.2. Kevin Knox had 25 points in the victory over Davidson and leads the team overall with 15.6 points and 5.4 boards per game. 

Buffalo can’t be taken lightly here, but I don’t think it has an answer for Knox. Also note that the Bulls are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine off an upset win as a five points or larger underdog, while Kentucky is a superb 11-6 ATS in its last 17 when playing on one or less days rest.

I think the Bulls have a letdown here after their big upset victory and I look for tournament experienced Kentucky to step up and take advantage.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Duke (2:40 EST).

It’s No. 7 Rhode Island against No. 2 Duke in the second round of The Big Dance and for a number of different reasons, I believe this one favors the Blue Devils. 

Rhode Island comes in off an 83-78 upset win over No. 10 Oklahoma and suffice it to say, I think the Rams are set up for a letdown here. Rhode Island only shot 39 percent, while holding the Sooners to 42 percent. EC Matthews would lead the way with 13 points. 

Note that the Rams average 76.4 PPG and they concede 68.2. 

The Blue Devils average 85.1 PPG and they concede just 69.6. Duke smashed Iona 89-67 in the first round led by 22 points and seven boards from Marvin Bagley III. 

I’ll point out as well that Rhode Island is just 1-4 ATS in its last five against teams with a winning percentage above .600 and only 1-4 ATS following a SU victory, while Duke is a solid 4-1 ATS in its last five neutral site affairs. 

Duke is playing at an elite level defensively right now, holding teams to just 32 percent from range. The Rams are coming off a horrible shooting game last time out and I can’t see this team keeping pace with the high-flying Blue Devils down the stretch. 

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Missouri (9:50 EST).

Florida State lost to Louisville in the ACC Tournament 82-74, while Missouri fell to Georgia 62-60 in the SEC tourney.

The Seminoles play at a quick rate, ranked 26th-fastest in the nation, while averaging 82 PPG. However, FSU is pretty ordinary on the defensive end by allowing 74.5 per contest. FSU was just 9-10 in the ACC and it lost three of its final four. In the loss to Louisville the ‘Noles would allow the Cardinals to hit 50.8 percent from the floor and 10 of 16 from range. 

Missouri averages just 73.5 PPG, but it makes up for it on the defensive end by conceding only 68.3. Jontay Porter would lead the Tigers with 20 points and eight boards in the loss to Georgia in the conference tournament game. 

I’ll point out though that Missouri is 9-5 ATS this year against good offensive teams which average 77-plus points per contest, while FSU is already 0-4 ATS this season after failing to cover the spread in three or more consecutive contests.

I think the Tigers’ tough defensive play ultimately proves to be too much for the Seminoles to overcome. Play on Missouri.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on New Mexico State (9:55 EST).

The 28-5 New Mexico State Aggies get ready to battle the 23-9 Clemson Tigers on Friday night and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I like the underdog to at the very least, take this one right down to the wire.

Clemson was 11-7 in ACC action, while the Aggies were No. 1 in the WAC in the regular season and then also secured the conference tournament and the automatic bid to The Big Dance.

The Aggies have in fact won the West Coast Conference for five straight years and they enter The Tournament having won six straight. Two players to keep your eyes on today are senior forward Jemerrio Jones, who averages 12.3 points and 18.3 boards per game and guard Zach Lofton, who averages 24.3 points (note that New Mexico State leads the WAC and is ranked fifth in the country in opposing field-goal percentage (39.2 percent) and rebounding margin (9.1.) 

The Tigers are back in the big dance for the first time in seven years and advanced to the SEC tourney semi’s before falling to eventual champion Virginia. Clemson is also a top tier defensive school, ranked 34th in the nation opposing field goal percentage (41.) Marcquise Reed leads the nightly charge with 15.9 points. 

I’ll point out though that New Mexico State is a solid 4-1 ATS in its last five against teams with winning records, while Clemson is just 1-3 ATS this season after scoring 60 points or less in its previous outing. 

The Aggies are filled with experienced seniors and they have the defense to match pace with their ACC opponent tonight. As mentioned off the top, everything points to a closer than expected battle.

Grab the points, play on New Mexico State.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmakers Error is on Kansas State (6:50 EST).

Kansas State comes in off an 83-67 loss to Kansas in the Big 12 Semifinals, while Creighton lost to Providence 72-68 in the Big East Quarterfinals. 

K-State was 22-11 overall this year, but it struggled against Kansas in the conference tournament, letting the Wildcats hit 48.3 percent, while hitting a still decent 46.7 percent itself. Kanas State though would get outscored from range 33-6. Makol Mawien was a bright spot in the setback with 29 points. 

Note that the Wildcats enter this one averaging 72.4 PPG this season, while conceding 67.9. 

The Bluejays average 84.3 PPG and they concede 74.2. Creighton finished 22-11 on the year, but it struggled in its loss to Providence, hitting only 42.4 percent from the floor, including only 26.1 percent from range (also made 13 turnovers.) Leading the way in a losing cause was Marcus Foster with 19, while Davion Mintz added 14. 

I’ll point out though that Kansas State has in fact done pretty well in this spot for bettors by going 4-1 ATS in its last five against good offensive teams which average 77-plus points per contest, while Creighton is just 5-8 ATS in its last 13 neutral site affairs and just 1-3 ATS in its last four when playing on seven or more days rest. 

The Blue Jays’ offense struggled in its last game, which I believe spells doom against this aggressive Wildcats defense. 

I’m banking on that being the difference maker tonight. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Butler (3:10 EST).

Butler was 9-9 in Big East action this year and it lost to Villanova in the semi-finals of the big East Tournament, while Arkansas was 10-8 in SEC play and it would bow out to Tennessee in the semi’s of its conference tourney. 

The Bulldogs average 79 PPG and they concede 72.8. Kelan Martin was a bright spot in the loss to Villanova as he’d go on to post 30 points over two tournament contests. Butler has struggled down the stretch, with only three wins out of its last nine games. 

Arkansas averages 81.1 PPG and it concedes 75.5. Darryl Macon had 19 points in the loss to the Vols in the conference tournament. 

The Razorback have won four of their last six and they were 5-2 against ranked foes this year, including victories over Auburn and Tennessee. 

Regardless of how these teams finished this year though, I think that Butler has the advantage here. Experience and depth can’t be discounted in this situation. 

Arkansas has a tendency to give up points in bunches and combined with their superior defense, I like the Bulldogs to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* PEFECT STORM is on Texas A&M (12:15 EST).

It’s the Big East against the SEC in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I believe this one favors the Aggies. 

Providence enters off a 76-66 setback to Villanova in the Big East Conference Tournament Finals, while Texas A&M fell 71-70 to Alabama in the second-round of the SEC tournament. 

Providence averages 73.7 PPG and it concedes 72.7. The Friars were on the bubble heading into the Big East tournament, but after a run which saw them fall 76-66 in the final to Villanova, they’d go on to finally punch their ticket to The Big Dance. Alpha Diallo was a bright spot in the losing cause with 22 points and ten boards.

Texas A&M averages 75 PPG and it concedes 69.8. The Aggies lost their conference tournament game on a last second three-point shot. It was their third straight game which was decided by two points or less. Note though that Texas A&M has averaged 78.4 PPG and conceded just 69 in all neutral court affairs this year. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Providence is a poor 3-13 ATS in its last 16 non-conference games, while Texas A&M is 5-2 ATS in its last seven after five or six days of rest.

The Friars are 203rd in the nation in shooting, which doesn’t bode well facing this tough Aggies defense in my opinion (note that they’re 16th in the country in defensive FG percentage).

Lay the points, play on Texas A&M.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Arizona (9:40 EST).

Buffalo finished 26-8, while Arizona was 27-7. 

The Bulls snagged the 13th seed in the South Region after winning the MAC Tournament Final over Toledo 76-66 last weekend. Buffalo went on to shoot 45.9 percent from the floor, while holding Toledo to just 36.8 percent. Wes Clark was a standout in the victory with 26 points, five boards, three assists and four steals. Buffalo averages 84.8 PPG and it concedes 75.9. 

Arizona averages 80.9 PPG and it concedes 71.2. Deandre Ayton had 32 points, 18 boards, two assists and a block in the Wildcats’ 75-61 Pac-12 Tournament Finals win over USC on Saturday. 

Buffalo had a great defensive performance against the Rockets, but Arizona is a clearly a completely different “animal.” Led by Ayton, the Wildcats are firing on all cylinders and I look for their depth and overall talent to be too much for Buffalo to overcome in the end.

Lay the points with confidence, play on Arizona.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Houston (7:20 EST).

It’s No. 11 San Diego State against No. 6 Houston in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Cougars.

I had a play on Houston in its loss to Cincinnati in the AAC Conference Tournament final, as it would go on to easily cover the spread in the one point loss. 

Brian Dutcher has guided SDSU back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three years. SDSU enters on a nine-game win streak, including a win over New Mexico in the Conference Tournament to earn the automatic bid. 

Five starters average double digits for SDSU, led by Malik Pope with 12.9 per night. The Aztecs are also stout defensively in conceding just 67.9 PPG. 

The Cougars finished 26-7 and they’ll be looking to make some noise in the Tournament, their first time back in eight years. Rob Gray had 17 points in the 56-55 loss to the Bearcats. Gray leads the nightly charge with 18.5 points and 4.5 assists per night. 

Houston leads its conference in three-point shooting at 38.7 percent and it’s second in the AAC in scoring at 77.4 per night. 

I think it’s worthy to note as well that the Aztecs are just 1-4-1 ATS in their last six NCAA Tournament games when playing the role of underdog, while the Cougars are a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last five neutral site affairs. 

SDSU has a tough defense, but I think it’ll struggle to keep pace with the high-flying Cougars. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Seton Hall (4:30 EST).

The No. 9 NC State Wolfpack get ready to battle the No. 8 Seton Hall Pirates in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Pirates. 

Coach Kevin Keatts of NC State is back in the Tournament for a third straight year, after taking North Carolina-Wilmington to the Tourney the previous two seasons. 

Keatts guided the Wolfpack to wins over Duke, UNC and Wake Forest in his first year at NC State.

Allerik Freeman leads the nightly charge for NC State with 15.4 points, while swingman Torin Dorn averages 13.8 PPG. 

The Pirates are back in The Dance for a third straight year and would lose to Butler in the conference tournament quarterfinals. Seton Hall is led by Khadeen Carrington with 17.8 PPG to lead the team.  

It’s interesting to note that these teams both played Louisville this year and each would go on to defeat the Cardinals (NC State won 76-69 and Seton Hall held on for the 79-77 victory.) 

NC State has some nice wins this year, but Seton Hall’s experience and depth will prove to be too much for the contented Wolfpack to handle down the stretch in my opinion. Experience and depth.

Play on Seton Hall.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Stanford (10:00 EST).

BYU was 24-10 this year and 11-7 in the WCC. The Cougars beat St. Mary’s in the conference tournament before getting smoked 74-54 to Gonzaga in the championship game. 

Stanford got out to a slow start and finished 18-15 overall, but it was a decent 11-7 in league action, finishing in third (which wasn’t good enough for an NCAA bid in the Pac 12 this year.)

In the loss to Gonzaga, BYU was led by Yoeli Childs, who had 20 points, after scoring 33 against St. Mary’s in the semis. 

The Cardinal fell 88-77 to UCLA in the quarterfinals of the Pac 12 Conference Tournament. As mentioned off the top though Stanford got out to the slow start to the season, but it was better than expected through conference play. 

I’ll point out as well that BYU is just 8-17-2 ATS in its last 27 against teams with winning straight up records, while Stanford is 8-1 ATS in its last nine in front of the home town crowd and a superb 10-2 ATS in its last 12 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. 

I like the Cardinal to maintain their end of season momentum and to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 9* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Washington (10:00 EST).

Boise State lost to Utah State 78-75 in the MWC Tourney, while Washington fell 69-66 in OT to Oregon State in its conference tournament. 

Boise State comes into this one averaging 78.3 PPG, while conceding 68.8. The Broncos strength all season has been their tough defensive play, but they’ve now given up 78 and 87 points in their last two games respectively. Lexus Williams had 24 points in Boise State’s latest setback.

Washington averages 74.3 PPG and it concedes 72.6. The Huskies struggled in the loss to the Beavers hitting only 38.3 percent. Matisse Thybulle was a bright spot in the setback with 16 points. 

Boise State had a decent season, but I have a hard time seeing it hanging with battle tested Pac 12 Huskies, who were 10-8 in league play and 15-4 at home. 

The Broncos defense has been exposed and I like Washington to step up and take advantage.

Good luck…Larry