The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Penn State (6:00 EST).

The 22-5 Purdue Boilermakers are at Penn State to take on the 14-13 Nittany Lions and while I’ll stop short in calling for an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for the home side to keep this one competitive until the final moments.

I think Purdue comes in a bit complacent here after winning its fifth straight, hammering Michigan State 80-63 at home on Saturday. 

Conversely, the Nittany Lions will be looking to get back into the winners circle after they had their two-game win streak snapped in an 82-66 road loss to Nebraska on Tuesday. 

To say this is a “revenge” game for Penn State would be a bit of an understatement I think as well as the Boilermakers have taken eight of the last ten meetings, including four straight (that includes a 77-52 home win in the first matchup this year back on January 21st).

Purdue averages 81.3 PPG and concedes 66. Caleby Swanigan leads the nightly charge with 18.9 points and 13 boards per contest. 

The Nittany Lions average 72.2 PPG and concede 71.8. Tony Carr leads the way with 12.6 points and 4.7 boards per game (he had 15 points and seven boards in the loss to Nebraska). 

I’ll point out though that Purdue is just 2-4 ATS this year on the road, while Penn State is 7-4 ATS home and 5-3 ATS in its last eight when trying to revenge a blowout loss to opponent of 20 points or more (it’s also 4-2 ATS this year in revenging a road loss against an opponent). 

I think Penn State is the “hungrier” team today and look for it to give the Boilermakers everything they can handle. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SIDE OF THE WEEK is on Texas (9:00 EST).

The 10-17 Texas Longhorns are in West Virginia to take on the 21-6 Mountaineers and while I won’t be sold bold as to predict an outright upset, for a number of different reasons I believe the visitors can keep this one closer than what Las Vegas is leading us to believe.

I simply feel that the Longhorns will be the much “hungrier” team tonight as they come in having lost three straight, most recently a tough 64-61 home setback to K-State on Saturday.

Conversely, No. 9 WVU comes in complacent in my opinion, it’s won three of its last four, including a very satisfying 83-74 double OT victory over Texas Tech on Saturday. 

These teams played on January 14th and it was WVU that scored the narrow 74-72 road win. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a similar competitive affair this evening. 

The Longhorns average only 68.6 PPG, but concede just 69. Kendal Yancy was a bright spot in the loss to Kansas State with 13 points.

WVU averages 85.6 PPG and concedes 66.8. Jevon Carter leads a balanced attack with an average of 12.2 PPG. 

Clearly the Mountaineers are the better team, but they struggled against the Longhorns already this year and I’m expecting another difficult war this evening. 

Texas won’t simply be rolling over and note, the Longhorns are in fact 6-3 ATS on the road this year, 9-6 ATS as an underdog and 3-1 ATS after three or more consecutive SU losses, while WVU is just 5-6 ATS at home and only 3-5 ATS off a win against a conference rival. 

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on UNLV (4:00 EST).

The 10-16 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels are in San Diego to take on the 15-10 Aztecs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors ths visitors.

The Runnin’ Rebels are desperate to stop a six-game slide and they came very close in their last game, eventually falling 76-74 to San Jose State on Saturday. 

Clearly SDSU is the better all around team and it’ll feel comfortable on its own floor tonight. The Aztecs though are going to come in complacent in my opinion after going 4-1 in their last five, most recently a victory over Utah State on Wednesday. 

This is a “revenge” game for the Runnin’ Rebels after falling 64-51 in the first regular season meeting at home last month. 

San Diego State has endured and up and down season compared to other years and was in last place in the Mountain West Conference as recently as of January 11th, before winning two in a row and four of its last five.

So am I suggesting to you to “sprinkle a little on the money line?” Of course not. I simply feel this one sets up well for a UNLV team which is going to be pushing the pace from start to finsh and facing a now contented Aztec side which I think won’t be able to help itself in looking past their lowly opponent today, to their much more important game against Fresno State in the middle of the week (the team that currently sits just one position ahead of them in the standings). 

While I’m not calling for the outright upset, I do definitely think this one will be a lot closer than what Las Vegas is leading us to believe. Play on UNLV.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Temple (4:00 EST).

The 13-12 Conncecticut Huskies are at Temple to take on the 14-13 Owls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

I think the Huskies get caught a little flat-footed and content this afternoon after three straight victories. UConn most recently picked up a hard-fought 65-62 road win over Memphis.

Meanwhile the Owls will be hungry to get back into the winners circle after their 78-64 road loss to East Carolina on Wednesday.

Note that this also sets up as a “revenge” game for Temple, as it fell 73-59 at Connecticut earlier in the year. 

I think the Owls are going to be the much “hungrier” team overall today. Temple comes in off the loss and is out to avenge the earlier setback. 

The Huskies are ripe for the picking in my estimation. There’s no question that they’ve looked a lot better of late, but I think they’re now out of gas after three straight wins, including having to come back from a 14 point half-time deficit against the Tigers in their last one. 

Note that UConn averages only 67.8 PPG, while conceding just 65.5.

The Owls average 70.7 PPG and concede 71.3. 

The numbers favor the Huskies, but the overall situation definitely favors the home side in my opinion. 

The trends also favor the Owls, as note that UConn is just 4-7 ATS as underdog this year, while Temple is 2-1 ATS in its last three at home and 2-1 ATS in its last three as the favorite.

I’m laying the points and expecting the home side to risk life and limb for the victory today. Play on Temple.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Virginia (8:15 EST).

The 18-7 Virginia Cavaliers are in North Carolina to take on the 22-5 Tar Heels and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I believe for a number of different reasons that the visitors can at the very least, take this one down to the wire.

UNC enters off a 24 point win on the road over NC State, bouncing back from an eight-point loss to Duke on Feb. 9th. 

I simply feel that the Cavs will be the “hungrier” side tonight, as they come into this one having lost two straight, including an 80-78 OT road loss at Virginia Tech on Sunday, before a 65-55 setback at home to Duke on Wednesday. 

These teams split their series last year, with UNC winning in the NCAA Tournament and Virginia winning at home.

The Cavs had their shot against the Blue Devils, going into the break with a 25-21 lead, but clearly blew it in the second half. Point guard London Perrantes was a bright spot with 14 points. 

Virginia averages just 68.8 PPG, but makes up for it on the defensive end, conceding just 55.5 PPG, ranked No. 1 overall in the nation.

The Cavs have an opportunity to finally get untracked offensively, as UNC has allowed an average of 78 PPG over its last five. The Tar Heels have averaged 80 PPG over that span, but now face their stiffest test of the season. Joel Berry II led the way for UNC in the latest victory with 18 points and six assists. 

I’ll point out though that North Caroilna is just 4-5 ATS this year off a win against a conference rival, while Virginia is a perfect 3-0 ATS as an underdog and 3-1 ATS after scoring 60 points or less.

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 24-3 Arizona Wildcats are in Washington to take on the 9-17 Huskies and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do definitely think that that home side will keep this one a lot more competitive than what Las Vegas is leading us to believe.

If ever Arizona was ever going to come into a contest a tiny bit “complacent,” then this would be it. The No. 5 Wildcats have won three straight and are No. 1 in the Pac 12 with a 13-1 record. 

Washington on the other hand is just 2-12 in league play. The Huskies have lost eight straight, but are still fighting, most recently falling 83-81 at home against Arizona State on Thursday.

Not surprisingly, this does indeed also set up as a “revenge” spot for the home side, as the Huskies would fall 77-55 at Arizona on January 29th. 

The Wildcats were killed by 27 on the road in Oregon on Feb. 4th, but have since bounced back to win three straight. On the year Arizona averages 74.9 PPG and concedes 63.3. Parker Jackson-Cartwright had 20 points in the latest win over Washington State.

Washington has a great offense, but the defense has been the major issue, conceding an average of 81.1 PPG. But the Huskies are still clearly competing, keep your eyes on Markelle Fultz, who had 19 points and four assists in their most recent setback to ASU. 

I’ll point out that Arizona is just 2-3 ATS this year when playing with one or less days rest and interestingly, only 1-2 ATS against poor defensive teams which allow 77-plus points per contest, while Washington is 2-1 ATS against good defensive teams which allow 64 points or less per contest.

With a game at home against third ranked USC early next week, I think the visitors get caught looking ahead. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 8-20 James Madison Dukes are at Towson to take on the 18-10 Tigers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Towson sits in third in the CAA after beating Elon at home on Thursday. Towson is now 10-5 in confernece action and this is its final home game of the season. 

James Madison is just 6-9 in league play, putting it in seventh. 

I think JMU is poised for a letdown here though after its big 95-92 win over William and Mary on Thursday. 

Note that this is a “revenge” game for the home side as well after it fell 64-44 in the first meeting from Harrisonburg.

I’m not reading too much into the Dukes latest victory, as they came into that one having lost seven of their previous eight. All five JMU starters scored in double figures in the iwn over the Tribe. 

Note that James Madison averages 66.1 PPG and concedes 69.7.

Towson averages 74.1 PPG and concedes 69. Mike Morsell had 32 points in the win over Elon. 

I’ll point out that JMU is 4-8 ATS on the road this year, 7-10 ATS as an underdog, 1-7 ATS when playing with one or less days rest and just 1-4 ATS after allowing 80 points or more, while Towson is 6-3 ATS off a win against a conference rival and 4-1 ATS in revenging a road loss against an opponent. 

I like Towson to avenge the earlier loss and to comfortably pull away down the stretch for the win and cover. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on NC State (12:00 EST).

The 20-7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish are at NC State to take on the 14-13 Wolfpack and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can, because for a number of different reasons I do indeed believe this one favors the home side.

Notre Dame looks poised for a letdown after winning three in a row, most recently an 84-76 victory at Boston College.

Conversely, NC State comes in with nothing to lose, except another game of course as the Wolfpack have now dropped six straight. 

The Fighting Irish could be running out of gas, they actually were down by ten points at half time to the Eagles, but somehow managed to battle back for the win. Bonzie Colson had 20 points in the victory.

Note that the Irish average 75.5 PPG and allow 73.4 PPG in league play thus far. 

NC State averages 75 PPG, while conceding 87.4 in conference action. However, take note that at home the Wolfpack have averaged 85.4 PPG and allowed 76.7. Keep your eyes on Dennis Smith Jr, who averages 19 PPG.

I’ll point out that Notre Dame is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after a three game or more unbeaten streak, while NC State is 2-1 ATS in its last three after failing to cover the spread in three or more consecutive contests.

I think the Irish come in a bit complacent in the early afternoon matchup and the hungry home side at the very least, takes this one down to the wire. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Miami Florida (12:00 EST).

The 14-11 Clemson Tigers are in Miami to take on the 17-8 Hurricanes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Tigers come to town off a 95-83 home win over Wake Forest. Clemson though is just 4-9 in conference action.

The Hurricanes are off a 70-61 home win over Georgia Tech to move to 7-6 in ACC play.

I’m not reading too much into Clemson’s latest victory, despite the win the Tigers have still conceded an average of 84.5 PPG over their last four. 

Note that in true road games this year Clemson has averaged just 68.4 PPG and allowed 75.4. 

The Hurricanes have won five of their last seven and are now 12-2 at home so far this season.

Miami has been particularly tough on everyone in front of the home town crowd, averaging 74.7 PPG and conceding just 62.3. Davon Reed had 21 points and seven boards in the victory over Georgia Tech.

I’ll point out that Clemson is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine against teams with a winning percentage above .600, while Miami is 3-1-1 ATS the last five in this series when at home.

I simply can’t see the inconsistent Tiger offense mustering any sort of attack against the Hurricanes smothering defense. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Northern Iowa (12:00 EST).

The 14-12 Northern Iowa Panthers are in Wichita State to take on the 24-4 Shockers and while I won’t be so bold as to call for an outright upset, I do definitely think the visitors can keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch. 

This sets up as a revenge game for the Panthers after they fell 80-66 at home to Wichita State back on January 8th. 

Note though, the Panthers have recent history on their side still as they took two of three last year, including a 53-50 victory at Witchita State which snapped the Shockers 43-game home-court win streak.

UNI comes in with plenty of momentum as it’s won four in a row and nine of its last ten. The Panthers sit a 9-6 in MVC play. Keep your eyes on Bennett Koch, who is averaging a team-best 15.2 points and 5.9 boards over his last ten games.

The Shockers are 14-1 in conference action, but note that they’re just 1-4 ATS in their last five after a six game or more SU unbeaten streak.

And note that UNI has in fact excelled in this spot, going 3-1 ATS in its last four in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent in which it was held to 66 points or less.

Grab as many points as you can, play on Northern Iowa.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* PERFECT STORM is on Cornell (7:00 EST).

The 6-17 Cornell Big Red are at Dartmouth to take on the 5-16 Big Green and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

Cornell enters off an 82-63 road loss to Pennsylvania, while Dartmouth comes in off a rare 77-74 road win over Brown last weekend. 

The Big Red scored the 75-62 home win over the Big Green earlier in the year and suffice it to say, I’m expecting a repeat performance tonight. In that contest, Cornell’s Matt Morgan scored 22 points.

So far Cornell averages 71.7 PPG, while conceding 77.1.

Dartmouth is even worse, averaing just 65.8 PPG, while conceding 73. 

I’ll point out that Cornell is already 3-2 ATS this year off a loss against a conference rival and a near-perfect 3-1 ATS after allowing 80 points or more, while Dartmouth is just 2-3 ATS at home and only 2-3 ATS in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent. 

I think Cornell can duplicate its winning effort over Dartmouth from earlier in the year. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Utah (9:00 EST).

The 17-8 Utah Utes are in Oregon to take on the 22-4, No. 7 Ducks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

The Utes come in with momentum, having won two straight after losing three of four, most recently scoring the 85-61 home effort over Washington on Saturday. 

Oregon bounced back from a rare loss to UCLA in an 81-70 road victory over USC on Saturday. 

To say this is a “revenge” game for Utah though would be a bit of an understatement I think, as Oregon has taken nine of the last ten in the series, including a closely contested 73-67 road win on January 26th. 

So far Utah is 8-5 in conference play. Devon Daniels and Parker Van Dyke each had 16 points in the latest win over Washington. Note that the Utes average 80.5 PPG and concede just 67.9.

Oregon averages 79 PPG and concedes 64.4. After the win over the Trojans, the Ducks stand at 11-1 in Pac-12 action. Dillon Brooks had 21 points in the win over USC.

I’ll point out though that Utah is 6-2 ATS on the road this year, 5-2 ATS off a win against a conference rival and 8-5 ATS after scoring 80 points or more, while Oregon is just 1-2 ATS in its last three playing against a team in a revenge scenario after holding that opponent to 67 points or less in the first contest.

I won’t be so bold to predict an outright upset, but I do think that the visitors can keep this one a lot more competitive than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on San Francisco (9:00 EST).

The 18-9 San Francisco Dons are in Gonzaga to take on the 26-0 Bulldogs and while I won’t be going out on a limb tonight and predicting an outright upset, I do think that the visitors can keep this one a lot more competitive than what Las Vegas is leading us to believe.

Gonzaga smashed Saint Mary’s last weekend, while San Francisco had its four game win streak snapped in a loss to BYU last Saturday. 

Despite the loss to the Cougars, the Dons are off to their best 27-game start since 1999. San Francisco has gotten better as the season has worn on and it’s been especially stout on the defensive end, holding its last nine opponents to fewer than 70 points. 

San Francisco also ranks No. 1 in the WCC (27th nationally) in three-pointers made per game (9.3). Keep your eyes on Charles Minlend, who averages 10.2 PPG (I’ll point out that the Dons are already 4-1 ATS this year off a loss against a conference rival and 6-4 ATS when playing the role of underdog).

So far the Bulldogs have yet to be challenged this season. They steam rolled their way through the non-conference portion of their schedule and are 14-0 so far in league play. Nigel Williams-Goss leads the nightly charge with 15.7 PPG. 

Gonzaga averages 85.1 PPG and concedes 61.7. 

San Francisco’s offensive and defensive numbers aren’t that far off from the Bulldogs though. Clearly Gonzaga is the better team, but I think the stage is set for a small mental letdown tonight, leaving the back door open just enough for the talented visitors to sneak in through down the stretch. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Wisconsin (7:00 EST).

This is an important game. Wisconsin is desperate to hold its lead atop the conference, while Michigan is still fighting to cement its spot in the Big Dance. 

The Badgers are 21-4 and will have something to prove to everyone today after a listless 66-59 setback at home to Northwestern. Wisconsin entered that contest on an eight-game win streak, but was flat from the opening tip. 

Note that over the last four seasons, the Badgers are 54-19 (.740) in road/neutral games, owning the fourth-best winning percentage in the country. Also over that span, UW is 33-9 (.786) in February/March regular season contests. Keep your eyes on Ethan Happ, who leads the team in points (15.7), rebounds (8.8), assists (2.8), blocks (1.5) and steals (2.5) per game. 

Also note that the Badgers are fourth in the nation in scoring defense, conceding just 60.4 PPG.

Michigan has now won four of its last six. After beating rival Michigan State and then Indiana 75-63 on Sunday though, I think the Wolverines have a letdown here. Derrick Walton Jr. had 25 points in the victory over the Hoosiers.

I’ll point out that Michigan is just 5-7 ATS against conference opponents this season, just 5-8 ATS at home and only 7-12 ATS against teams with winning records, while Wisconsin is 8-5 ATS in its last 13 after scoring 60 points or less.

If history is any precedence, then the Badgers are loving their chances today as they’ve won five in a row in Ann Arbor. Wisconsin won 68-65 in Madison in the first matchup this season and I think a similar final outcome is in the cards tonight. Play on the Badgers.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 14-11 William & Mary Tribe are at James Madison to take on the 7-20 Dukes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Tribe come in off a satisfying 89-79 home win over Charleston, while the Dukes come off a heart-breaking 58-57 home loss to Delaware.

These teams played last month and William & Mary edged JMU 73-72. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting another battle down to the wire tonight.

Omar Prewitt was a stand out for the Tribe in their latest victory, finishing with 30 points. So far William & Mary averages 81.1 PPG and concedes 76.2. 

The Dukes average just 65 PPG, but concede just 68.9. Jackson Kent had 17 points in the loss to the Blue Hens.

I’ll point out that the Tribe are just 4-8 ATS on the road this year and only 1-3 ATS in their last four after scoring 80 points or more, while JMU is already 3-1 ATS this season as a home dog in the 3.5 to six points range.

James Madison was oh so close to a victory last time out and will be risking life and limb to try and score the upset today. While I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright win, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can, play on James Madison.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 23-4 Wichita State Shockers are at Southern Illinois to take on the 14-13 Salukis and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Not surprisingly this sets up as a revenge game for the Salukis who were crushed 87-45 at Wichita State earlier in the year. 

The Shockers are an awesome team. The Salukis are an extremely average team. 

Wichita State averages 81.6 PPG and concedes 62.6.

Southern Illinois averages 70.2 PPG and concedes 70.4. The Salukis are led by Mike Rodriguez with 12.9 PPG. 

I’ll point out though that Wichita State is already 0-2 ATS this year as a road fav of 12 points or more, while Southern Illinois is 12-8 ATS in its last 20 in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent and 3-1 ATS in its last four at home this season (also 4-1 ATS this year against good offensive teams which average 77-plus points per contest).

I’m not predicting an outright upset or anything ere, but do think that the stage is set for the Shockers to have a minor mental letdown tonight. I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 13-10 La Salle Explorers are at St. Bonaventure to take on the 15-9 Bonnies and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

La Salle enters off a listless 64-52 home loss to Richmond, while the Bonnies come in off a 76-70 setback at George Washington.

The Explorers looked feeble on the offensive end against the Spiders, shooting just 40.4 percent from the floor, including only 20 percent from range. So far La Salle averages 76.3 PPG and gives up 80.2 in true road games this year.

St. Bonaventure has lost two of its last three, but it has to be feeling pretty confident that it can bounce back tonight as it’s averaged 81.6 PPG and conceded 77.2 at home for the year. Jaylen Adams leads the nightly charge with an average of 21.3 PPG.

I’ll point out that La Salle ist just 3-5 ATS on the road this year, just 2-4 ATS as an underdog and only 5-7 ATS against teams with winning records, while St. Bonaventure is 2-1 ATS off a loss against a conference rival.

The Bonnies have allowed just 59.8 PPG in their last four home games in regulation, which doesn’t bode well for an Explorers team suddenly struggling with offensive consistency. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Davidson (7:00 EST).

Not much to play for for either team tonight, as neither will likely be playing in any postseason tournaments.

I simply feel that home court advantage can’t be overlooked in this particular matchup and am expecting the Wildcats to make the most of it.

George Washington ended a three-game losing streak on Saturday in a 76-70 home win over St. Bonaventure. Tyler Cavanaugh was a standout with a career-high 33 points to go along with ten boards. 

Davidson will be the much “hungrier” side tonight as it looks to break a three-game slide, most recently falling 74-60 at VCU. The Wildcats are led by Jack Gibbs, who ranks among the conference scoring leaders with an average of 21.2 PPG. 

I’ll point out that the Colonials are just 3-7 ATS in their last ten following a SU victory and just 1-5 ATS in their last six road games, while Davidson is 2-1 ATS in its last three after scoring 60 points or less.

This is also a revenge game for Davidson after falling 73-69 to the Colonials on Janaury 5th. I’m laying the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on St. Joseph’s (6:00 EST).

The 10-14 St. Joseph’s Hawks are at VCU to take on the 20-5 Rams and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

St. Joseph’s beat VCU in the A-10 Championship game last season, but they would split a pair of games overall. This will be the only meeting this season, as the Hawks are clearly not the same team that they were a year ago.

But because of that, I think the stage is set for the high-powered Rams to come into this one a bit complacent in facing their lowly visitor tonight.

St. Joseph’s will be the “hungrier” team in my opinion as it looks to break a four-game losing streak, most recently an 87-76 setback at home to Massachusetts on Saturday. Charlie Brown was a bright spot with 15 points and eight boards. 

The Hawks average 70.6 PPG and concede 72.9. 

The Rams average 75 PPG and concede 65.6. Most recently VCU pulled away for a 74-60 home win over Davidson on Saturday. 

I’ll point out though that St. Joseph’s is already 5-3 ATS this year off a loss against a conference rival and 3-1 ATS in its last four on the road, while VCU is only 9-10 ATS as a favorite this year (including 0-2 ATS as a home fav of 12.5 points or more) and 0-2 ATS against teams with losing records.

Is a date against third place Richmond on Friday a reason to “look ahead?” Probably not. But regardless, after six straight victories, I think the Rams do indeed come out a bit flat tonight. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 20-15 West Virginia Mountaineers are in Kansas to take on the 22-3 Jayhawks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

WVU is poised for a letdown after winning five of its last six. Kansas has won four of its last five, but does play with revenge here after falling 85-69 at West Virgina earlier in the year.

These teams are pretty evenly matched on both sides of the ball, but the situation and the trends all point to the home side as the correct call tonight.

As I’ll point out that Mountaineers are in fact already 0-1 ATS this year when playing on one days rest, while Kansas is 2-0 ATS in its last two as a home fav in the 3.5 to six points range.

Kansas has scored at least 80 points in two of its last three games and I look for it to put the foot on the gas from start to finish tonight as well. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 12-12 South Alabama Jaguars are in Louisiana to take on the 14-11 Ragin Cajuns and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

I think the Jags are poised for a letdown here after winning three of their last four, most recently a 66-63 win over Louisiana-Monroe last time out. Ken Williams led the way in that one with 21 points. Note that South Alabama averages 71.9 PPG.

The Ragin Cajuns on the other hand will be risking life and limb today as they look to stop their recently slide, dropping four straight and five of their last six, most recently a 100-88 seback to Troy last time out. Frank Bartley IV had 17 points in the setback. 

Note that Louisiana-Lafayette averages 81.8 PPG thus far.

I’ll point out that South Alabama is just 7-8 ATS this year against teams with winning records and only 1-2 ATS when playing the role of underdog, while Louisiana Lafayette is 3-1 ATS in its last four after three or more consecutive losses.

I like the “hungrier” team to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 22-3 Baylor Bears are at Texas Tech to take on the 16-9 Red Raiders and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Baylor looks poised for a bit of a mental letdown here in my opinion after two straight wins, most recently a 70-52 victory over TCU on Saturday. 

Conversely, the Red Raiders will be risking life and limb today as they look to stop a recent slide which has seen them drop five of their last seven, most recently a tight 80-79 home loss to Kansas on Saturday.

Note that this is also a “revenge” game for the Red Raiders as they fell 65-61 at Baylor back on January 25th. 

The Bears average 73.8 PPG and allow just 61.4. Jonathan Motley leads the nightly charge with 16.9 points and 9.7 boards per game.

The Red Raiders average 75.1 PPG and allow only 65.8. Keenan Evans posts a team high 14.9 points, plus three assists per contest. 

I’ll point out that the Bears are just 4-7 ATS this year following a conference game and only 2-6 ATS off a win against a conference rival, while Texas Tech is already 2-0 ATS this year when playing with one or less days rest, 3-2 ATS in revenging a road loss against an opponent and 3-1 ATS after allowing 80 points or more.

Texas Tech is even tougher at home and I think an upset is in the cards. That said, grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* TV BLOWOUT is on Indiana (1:00 EST).

The 15-9 Michigan Wolverines are in Indiana to take on the 15-10 Hoosiers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

I think the Hoosiers are the much “hungrier” team today as they’ve lost four of their last five. Conversely, I think the Wolverines are primed for an immediate return to mediocrity after they avenged an earlier loss to rival Michigan State in their last game.

Derrick Walton Jr. remains a consistent bright spot for Michigan, he averages 14.3 points, 4.7 boards and 3.8 assists per game. The Hoosiers will clearly be looking to slow him down this afternoon.

Indiana lost 69-64 at home to No. 18 ranked Purdue on Thursday. The Hoosiers have defeated No. 3 Kansas and No. 7 UNC during their non-conference schedule, but was then hit hard by the injury bug. 

The good news though was that leading scorer James Blackmon Jr. returned to action last week after missing three games. He posted just 11 points, but his presence is greatly need with a couple others still out.

I’ll point out that Michigan is just 1-5 ATS in its last six on the road and only 4-12 ATS in its last 16 against teams with winning records, while Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last five at home, 4-0 ATS in its last four home games against teams with losing road records and 10-3 ATS in its last 13 following an ATS loss.

The Wolverines have been widly inconsistent this year and they’ve consistently been at their worst away from friendly confines, going 0-6 SU in true road games thus far. 

I look for Michigan’s inconsistencies to continue here and expect the desperate home side to finally get off the schneid behind a big performance from Blackmon Jr. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Saint Mary’s.

The 25-0 Gonzaga Bulldogs are at Saint Mary’s to take on the 22-2 Gaels and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Gonzaga is 17-4 ATS so far, while Saint Mary’s is 11-9 ATS overall.

It’s a revenge game for the No. 2 team in the conference, as the Gaels fell 79-56 in Spokane in the first meeting this season. The Zags are 13-0 in conference action, while Saint Mary’s sits at 12-1. 

Gonzaga is an awesome team and hasn’t been challenged in league play so far, but I think that changes tonight. 

ESPN will be at the game tonight and the Gaels will be gunning for the outright upset and a share of the conference lead. 

These are a couple of the best teams in the country and they’re also a couple of the best when looking at “Against The Spread” statistics. One very important one sees Saint Mary’s alreaday 1-0 ATS this season in revenging a road loss against an opponent.

Gonzaga has covered five straight at Moraga, but that trend ends tonight. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on South Carolina (8:00 EST).

The 19-5 South Carolina Gamecocks are at Mississippi State to take on the 14-9 Bulldogs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

I simply feel that the Gamecocks are going to come out fired up here after their 90-86 four-OT home loss to Alabama on Tuesday. Sindarius Thornwell was a bright spot with 44 points and 21 boards. Thornwell became the first Gamecock to record two games with a least 30 points in a season since 2009. 

Here’s the perfect opponent to get back on track against as the Bulldogs have lost five of seven, most recently a 98-92 setback in Auburn on Tuesday. Quindndary Weatherspoon led the way with 25 points. 

I’ll point out that South Carolina has dominated in this spot for bettors, going 5-0 ATS in its last five following a SU loss, 6-1-1 ATS in its last eight following an ATS loss and 6-2-2 ATS in its last ten on the road overall, while Mississippi State is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after giving up 98 points or more.

The Gamecocks are now tied in the SEC for top spot, but have a big opportunity today in facing the inconsistent Bulldogs. I think South Carolina finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Fresno State (4:00 EST).

The 14-10 Fresno State Bulldogs are at Colorado State to take on the 16-9 Rams and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

If recent history is any precedence, then the visitors have to be loving their chances today, because when these teams met back on Janaury 18th, the Bulldogs thrashed the Rams 78-57. 

Deshon Taylor led the way in that one for Fresno State with 19 points.

The Bulldogs will be coming in hungry today as well as they’ve lost three of their last four. Taylor had 32 points and nine boards in his teams 102-10 four-overtime loss to Wyoming on Wednesay. 

Conversely, I think the Rams come in a tiny bit complacent after winning five of their last six.

Colorado State is led by Gian Clavell, who averages 18.6 PPG and 6.4 boards. The Rams come in off a 67-52 win over the Utah State Aggies on Tuesday. 

I often look at “revenge” as a motivating factor, but in this case I don’t think it’s going to matter. Fresno State is desperate for a win as it sits at .500 in league play.

The Bulldogs dominated the first matchup and I think they’ll at the very least, take this one down to the wire as well. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Appalachian State (3:30 EST).

The 16-7 Georgia State Panthers are at Appalachian State to take on the 6-16 Mountaineers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

I simply feel that Georgia State comes in complacent here after eight straight wins, most recently a 69-55 win over ULM Monroe on Monday. Jimmy Hollowell led the way with 19 points and six boards.

I won’t try to convince you that the Mountaineers are a decent team which has just had some back luck this season, as that’s not the truth. Applachian State State scores and allows 75 PPG, so there is no margin for error most nights. 

App State has lost seven straight and I think will come out hungry here. Most recently the Mountaineers fell 69-62 at Arkansas Little Rock on Monday. Ronshad Shabazz and Tyrell Johnson each scored 15 points in the setback.

I’ll point out though that Georgia State is already 0-1 ATS this year as a road fav of 3.5 to six points and just 15-25 ATS in its last 40 on the road, while Appalachian State is already 1-0 ATS this year as a home dog of 3.5 to six points and 5-3 ATS after three or more consecutive SU losses.

While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I’ll recommend grabbing as many points as you can in the end as I look for the home side to catch Georgia State a little flat-footed tonight. Play on Appalachian State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on La Salle (2:00 EST).

The 14-9 Richmond Spiders are at La Salle to take on the 13-9 Explorers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Both teams come into this one hot, as Richmond has won three of its last four, while La Salle has won two of its last three.

The Explorers would beat Fordham 67-52 last time out. Note that the Rams were held to just 33.9 percent from the floor overall. 

Keep your eyes on La Salle’s BJ Johnson, who finished with 26 points, eight boards, three assists and three steals in the decisive victory. 

The Spiders come in off an 84-75 win over George Washington, Khwan Fore had a career-high 24 points in the victory. 

I’ll point out though that Richmond is just 1-2 ATS in its last three against good offensive teams which score 77-plus points per contest, while La Salle is 3-1 ATS in its last four as a favorite and 3-1 its last four in front of the home town crowd.

The Explorers are the top three-point shooting team in the Atlantic 10 and they also lead the confernece in almost every single offensive category. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* (((CA$H BOMB!))) is on Pennsylvania (7:00 EST).

The 10-9 Columbia Lions are in Pennsylvania to take on the 7-12 Quakers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Lions are 4-2 in league play, while Penn is 0-6.

Columbia comes in off an 83-78 victory over Brown and was led by Luke Petrasek’s 18 points, seven boards, four assists, three steals and block. So far the Lions average 74.4 PPG.

The Quakers come in off a poor 64-49 loss to Princeton. Darnell Foreman was a bright spot with 11 points. So far Pennsylvania averages 66.3 PPG. 

I won’t try to convince you that the Quakers are a decent team which has just caught some bad breaks this year, as that’s not the case. Pennsylvania is not a very good team.

Columbia hasn’t been a “World beater’ this year either though and with a game at conference leading Princeton tomorrow night, I think this does indeed set up as a classic “trap” situation for the visitors. 

And I’ll point out that the Lions are just 1-2 ATS off a win against a conference rival this season and only 1-2 ATS after scoring 80 points or more, while the Quakers are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 after three or more consecutive Straight-Up losses.

Pennsylvania a favorite here for a reason and I think it should in fact be a larger one. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on BYU (11:00 EST).

The 17-8 BYU Cougars are at Pepperdine to take on the 7-17 Waves and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

BYU comes in off a 73-62 win over Portland on Saturday, while Pepperdine enters off an 82-72 win over Pacific. 

These teams played on January 19th and the Cougars pounded the Waves 99-70, led by 22 points and ten boards from Erik Mika. Suffice it to say, I think we’ll see a repeat performance here. 

BYU shot just 38.9 percent from the floor in its win over Portland, so will clearly be looking to get off to a better start tonight. Mika contributed 23 points, three blocks and 12 boards. 

Despite the “off” shooting night, BYU still averages 81.9 PPG, while conceding 72.7. 

Lamond Murray Jr. averages 20.7 PPG for the Waves and he had 26 in his team’s rare win over lowly Pacific on Saturday. 

Pepperdine averages just 69.2 PPG and allows 79.8.

I’ll point out that BYU is 4-1 ATS in its last five against poor defensive teams which allow 77-plus points per contest, while Pepperdine is already 0-2 ATS this year off a win against a conference rival and 0-2 ATS after scoring 80 points or more.

I have a hard time seeing Pepperdine keeping up with BYU today, I’m laying the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on St. Peter’s (8:00 EST).

Both teams are hungry for a win in this one. So far St. Peter’s is 12-12 overall and 8-6 in the MAAC, while Quinnipiac is 10-14 overall and 7-7 in league play.

These teams played earlier in the year and the Peacocks got the better of the Bobcats 58-54. Since losing to St. Peter’s, the Bobcats have gone 4-4. 

It’s an interesting contrast in styles today, as St. Peter’s averages just 65.6 PPG, but concedes only 63.9, while Quinnipiac averages 76.7 points and concedes 80.7.

The Peacocks are 5-4 since beating the Bobcats. They’ve lost their last three games, but the biggest margin of defeat was just three points.

And note that St. Peter’s is 6-0 ATS in its last six following an ATS loss, while Quinnipiac is already 0-2 ATS this year as a home dog of three points or less or pick. 

I like St. Peter’s to get back into the winners circle with another big defensive effort.

Good luck…Larry

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

FIU is just 8-13 this year and that includes a 1-9 mark in C-USA action. 

Rice comes in at the other end of the spectrum with a 15-8 overall record. The Owls though will be looking to improve upon their 5-5 record in league play. 

Rice enters in off a relatively simple 95-80 win over North Texas. Marcus Evans and Marcus Jackson combined to put up 35 points. 

FIU enters off a 95-80 loss to Charlotte on Saturday. Donte McGill was a bright spot with 27 points. The Golden Panthers looked brutal defensively, allowing the 49ers to make 60 percent of their shots from the floor. 

I’ll point out that Rice is 4-1 ATS in its last five against teams with a losing SU record, while FIU is just 1-5 ATS in its last six as a home underdog.

The Owls are looking a lot better of late, winning three of their last four, including two straight on the road. Rice beat FIU by 16 last year and I think it’ll fly away with tonight’s game as well. Play on the Owls.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 8-15 St. Louis Billikens are at St. Bonaventure to take on the 14-8 Bonnies and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

St. Louis has won three of its last four, but is still just 3-7 in conference action. 

The Bonnies are looking to bounce back after dropping two of their last three. Despite the recent slip, St. Bonaventure is still 6-4 in league play. 

And if recent history is any precedence, then the home side has to be liking its chances today as when these teams met in mid January at St. Louis, the Bonnies would go on to win 71-52. 

The Billikens average just 54.9 PPG, while conceding 68.4 PPG in true road games this year. 

The Bonnies came up short against the VCU Rams last time out, one of the best teams in the conference. Note that St. Bonaventure averages 82.6 PPG and allows 79.2 at home so far this year. Keep your eyes on Matt Mobley, who scored 34 points in the setback to VCU. 

I’ll point out that St. Louis is already just 2-3 ATS this year in revenging a home loss against an opponent and 0-2 ATS after allowing 60 points or less, while St. Bonaventure is 4-2 ATS this year after allowing 80 points or more and 2-0 ATS off a loss against a conference rival.

I think the Bonnies come in focused after scuffling of late. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 14-10 NC State Wolfpack are in Florida to take on the 20-4 Seminoles on Wednesday night and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do definitely think that the hungry visitors can keep this one a lot more competitive than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

I think the Seminoles come in a bit complacent here after they smacked Clemson 109-61 in their latest action.

NC State comes in focused after losing 84-79 to Miami in its last outing.

Note that this is a “double revenge” scenario for the visitors as well after FSU took both games last year.

There were a couple of silver linings in the Wolfpack’s latest loss though, as despite allowing Miami to shoot 50 percent from the floor, they’d go on to hit an outstanding 56 percent themselves. It’s a positive that the team will look to build off of here. Dennis Smith Jr. had 31 points. 

Note that NC State averages 81.2 PPG, but concedes 78.9.

FSU averages 84.4 PPG and concedes 70.6. But after posting the whopping lop-sided victory over the Tigers this past weekend, I’m expecting a predictable letdown here. If the Wolfpack have any hopes at actually pulling off an outright upset, they’ll have to blanket Dwayne Bacon, who leads the team with 17.6 PPG.

I’ll point out though that NC State is 3-1 ATS in its last four after three or more consecutive losses, while Florida State is just 1-2 ATS this season against good offensive teams which average 77-plus points per contest.

With an important game at Notre Dame on Saturday, it’s not too hard to imagine the Seminoles in some small way getting caught “looking past” their lesser opponent this evening.

I like the Wolfpack to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch. Play on NC State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on DePaul (6:30 EST).

The 8-15 DePaul Blue Demons are at Xavier to take on the 17-6 Musketeers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

DePaul comes in off a 92-79 loss to Marquette, while Xavier would hold on for a big 82-80 road win over Creighton last weekend. 

Note that this is a revenge game for the visitors as the Musketeers took both meetings last year.

Tre-Darius McCallum was a bright spot for the Blue Demons in the loss to the Golden Eagles, finishing with a season-high 21 points. 

DePaul has lost six in a row and 11 of 12 and sits in last place in the Big East at 1-9. Clearly the Blue Demons are a bad team, so I won’t try to convince you otherwise.

I simply feel this is a great “situation” for the visitors and think they can keep this one a lot more competitive than what Vegas is trying to lead us to believe.

Note that the Blue Demons average 70.4 PPG, but allow an average of 73.6

Xavier is primed for a letdown here though in my opinion after its epic come-from-behind victory over then No. 23 ranked Creighton on Saturday. Trevon Bluelett led the way in the upset with 16 points. The Musketeers are 7-3 in conference play so far. 

Note that Xavier averages 76.9 points and concedes 70.4.

I’ll point out though that DePaul is a perfect 3-0 ATS this year after allowing 80 points or more, while Xavier is just 2-3 ATS in the same position. 

With a game against conference leading Villanova on Friday and after the epic upset in its last outing, I think that Xavier gets caught looking past its lowly opponent this evening. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

These two teams are on the bubble as far as making the NCAA Tournament is concerned, so each will be pressing for a victory today. But Michigan plays with revenge after falling at Michigan State just last week.

The Spartans come in on a two-game win streak, most recently beating Nebraska 72-61 on Thursday. Miles Bridges had 16 points. 

Michigan comes in as the “hungrier” team though as it’s lost two straight, most recently a 70-66 setback to Ohio State on Saturday (I had the Buckeyes in that one). Derrick Walton had 25 points and ten boards in the setback. Walton averages 19.7 points, 6.8 boards and 3.2 assists per game. 

I’ll point out that Michigan State is just 3-5 ATS as an underdog this year, while Michigan is 4-2 ATS in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent. 

It’s essentially do-or-die for the Wolverines, who will be looking to defend home court and avenge the 70-62 loss to the Spartans on January 29th. I’m laying the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 18-5 Florida Gators are in Georgia to take on the 13-10 Bulldogs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

I believe the Gators come in a bit complacent here, they’ve won four straight, most recently a hugely satisfying 88-66 spanking of Kentucky (the largest margin of victory in school history over the Wildcats). 

Conversely, the Bulldogs come in hyper-focused after two straight losses and four of their last five. 

Florida has in fact won 11 of its last 13. 

Georgia has some tough losses this year, falling by six at home to league-leading South Carolina and losting to Florida in Gainesville in OT. The Bulldogs had a 13 point second half lead and fell 63-63 in that one. That loss was followed by a 20-point home defeat to Alabama, followed by an OT loss to Kentucky and most recently, another loss to the Gamecocks, this time by just two points on the road. 

Keep your eyes on Yante Maten, who is averaging 19.7 PPG for Georgia, good for second in the conference. 

I’ll point out that Florida is just 10-15 ATS in its last 15 off a win against a conference rival, while Georgia is 7-1 ATS as an underdog this season and 3-0 ATS in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent. 

Enough is enough for the Bulldogs, they’ve gotten “oh so close” too many times this year. And while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, in the end I’ll recommend that you grab as many points as you can. 

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Penn State (6:00 EST).

The 20-3 Maryland Terrapins are at Penn State to take on the 12-12 Nittany Lions and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Momentum is difficult to attain and once lost, is even harder to get back. The Terps lost their second conference game on Saturday and now sitsbehind Wisconsin for the top spot in the conference. It was a brutal loss too, falling 73-72 after blowing a 12-point second-half lead. Mayrland allowed Purdue to hit 9 of 22 from range and the Boilermakers also went 16 of 19 from the charity stripe to score the big upset. Melo Trimble leads the Terrapins with 17.2 PPG.

Note that the Terps average 75.6 PPG and allow 66.3

Penn State is just 4-7 in Big Ten play and comes in off a 70-68 home loss to Rutgers on Saturday.

The Nittany Lions average 72.1 PPG and allow 71.8. Clearly Penn State will be out to atone after losing to the Scarlet Knights (note that Rutgers was 0-23 on the road in conference play since joining the Big Ten in 2014). Shep Garner was a bright spot in the setback with 24 points. 

I’ll point out though that Maryland is just 5-6 ATS this year when playing the role of favorite (also just 5-8 ATS in its last 13 games played in the month of February), while Penn State is 6-4 ATS at home this season and 8-6 ATS as the underdog.

I think the Terps come in unfocused, still dwelling on their latest setback. The Nittany Lions clearly have nothing to lose and will look to take advantage. While I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by the outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

Play on Penn State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SIDE OF THE WEEK is on Arkansas State (8:00 EST).

The 11-12 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers are at Arkansas State to take on the 17-6 Red Wolves and after losing to the Chanticleers earlier in the season, I think this one favors the home side.

The Red Wolves are 7-2 ATS at home, while Coastal Carolina is just 2-5-1 ATS on the road thus far.

The Chanticleers most recently got the better of Arkansas Little Rock, 82-75. Jaylen Shaw had 21 points. 

The Red Wolves had to hold on for a tight 79-78 win over Appalachian State on Saturday. Arkansas State is now 8-2 in league play. Devin Carter had 25 points in the latest win. 

I’ll point out that Coastal Carolina is just 6-7 ATS as an underdog this year and only 4-5 ATS on the road, while Arkansas State is 6-1-1 ATS in its last eight following an ATS loss. 

Revenge is a powerful motivating factor and one which I think the oddsmakers have a hard time properly quantifying into a line at times. I expect a motivated Red Wolves team to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover tonight. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on Villanova (8:00 EST).

The 11-13 St. John’s Red Storm are at No. 4 Villanova to take on the 21-2 Wildcats and for a number of different reasons, I think the home side puts the foot on the gas from the opening tip until the final horn sounds.

When these teams met on January 14th, Villanova beat St. John’s 70-57. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a much bigger beatdown in front of the home town crowd.

The Wildcats enter off a 66-57 road win over Providence, while the Red Storm handled Marquette 86-72 at home on February 1st.

I feel the Red Storm are primed for a letdown here after their upset win over Marquette. Bashir Ahmed had 23 points and six boards. 

So far St. John’s allows 75.2 PPG and and averages 77.1.

Villanova won its second straight, but it wasn’t a pretty effort, as it would go on to turn the ball over 15 times. The defense though continues to shine as it would hold the Friars to just 39.6 percent shooting. Keep your eyes on Josh Hart, who had 17 points in the victory over Providence. 

So far the Wildcats allow just 62.2 PPG and average 77.

The over-achieving Red Storm come in a bit complacent and a sloppy Wildcats side finally cleans up its act and pulls away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Arkansas Little Rock (7:00 EST).

Sometimes common sense is the best way to approach a situation and that’s the case here. I think the Arkansas Little Rock Trojans are the “hungrier” team today.

The Trojans are looking to bounce back after three straight losses, most recently falling at ULM on Monday night. Arkansas Little Rock actually led by two a halftime, but scored just 22 points in the second half.

Marius Hill had ten points, posting his ninth double-figure scoring game of the season. 

Coastal Carolina is just 10-12 overall, but 5-4 in Sun Belt action. I think the Chanticleers make an immediate return to mediocrity after they broke a three-game slide with a win over UT Arlington at home last time out. 

This is also a revenge game for Arkansas Little Rock, as Coastal Carolina managed a 66-63 win in the season’s first meeting. The Trojans trailed by 16 with 12 minutes remaining, but managed to make it a three-point game, only to then come up short on the tying shot with time running out. 

I think the stage is now set for the home side to avenge the earlier loss though. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Ohio State (6:00 EST).

The 13-10 Ohio State Buckeyes are in Michigan to take on the 14-8 Wolverines and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

The Buckeyes are the “hungrier” team in my estimation, as they enter off a second straight loss, this time a 77-71 setback to No. 17 Maryland at home on Tuesday.

Michigan enters off a 70-62 loss at Michigan State on Sunday and it could still very likely be thinking about the setback to its in-state rival as we head into tonight’s contest. 

The Buckeyes are now just 3-7 in league play. Jae’Sean Tate was a bright spot in the loss to Maryland with 20 points. Note that Ohio State averages 73.3 PPG and concedes just 68.7. 

The Wolverines average 74.4 PPG and concede 65.8. Michigan looked horrible against the Spartans, shooting only 33.9 percent from the floor and going just 7 of 26 from range. Derrick Walton Jr. had 24 points, nine boards and five assists in the setback.

I’ll point out that Ohio State is 14-8 ATS in its last 22 off a loss against a conference rival, while Michigan is just 1-3 ATS in its last four when playing with five or six days of rest. 

These teams’ offensive and defensive numbers are almost identical. Ohio State won’t be rolling over today, so I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SUPER SHOCKER is on Missouri (6:00 EST).

The 17-5 Arkansas Razorbacks are at Missouri to take on the 5-16 Tigers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

This looks like a classic letdown spot for the surging Razorbacks, they’ve won five of their last six and are now 6-4 in league play. Most recently Arkansas smashed Alabama 87-68 at home.

Missouri enters off an embarrassing 93-54 loss on the road in Florida. 

Clearly the Razorbacks are the better team, but if ever they were to “look past” an opponent, it’s the lowly Tigers. 

This does indeed set up as a “trap” for the visitors in my opinion. 

I’ll point out that Arkansas is just 1-2 ATS in its last three following a three game or longer unbeaten streak, while Missouri is 2-1 ATS in its last three after scoring 55 points or less.

The Tigers’ offense has been horrible so far, but their defense has been decent. While I won’t call for the outright upset, I do definitely think that the hungry home side can catch their superior opponent a bit disinterested and look for it to keep this one competitive until the final moments. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Oregon State (6:00 EST).

The 10-13 Arizona State Sun Devils are at Oregon State to take on the 4-19 Beavers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Beavers are winless in league play at 0-10, but the Sun Devils aren’t too far behind at 3-7. 

Arizona State enters off a loss against Oregon, a heart-breaking 71-70 setback. Shannon Evans was a bright spot with 28 points. 

Stephen Thompson had 16 points, four boards, one assist and five steals for the Beavers in their 71-54 loss to Arizona. 

I’ll point out though that Arizona State is just 7-18-1 ATS in its last 26 following an ATS victory, while Oregon State is 7-1 ATS in its last eight following a double-digit home loss.

Oregon State looked decent against the No. 5 team in the nation and I think it can give the inconsistent Sun Devils everything they can handle today. Arizona State has in fact lost six of its last seven overall and five straight on the road.

Look for the desperate home side to at the very least, take this one down to the wire and comfortably sneak in through the back door. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on BYU (11:00 EST).

The 22-0 Gonzaga Bulldogs are at BYU to take on the 16-7 Cougars and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do definitely think that the determined home side can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

Note that this sets up as a revenge game for BYU, as when these teams last faced each other, the Zags scored the 88-84 win in the West Coast Conference Tournament semifinals last year in Vegas.

Gonzaga continues to roll along, winning by an average margin of 23.8 PPG. 

BYU has lost three games in league play, all of which came on the road. The Cougars though are undefeated at home in conference action this year. Looking back sees BYU 12-1 at home and riding an overall nine-game win streak in Provo. 

So far Gonzaga has not been challenged this year, but I think that changes tonight. The Cougars are undefeated at home and I don’t think they’re getting nearly enough respect from the oddsmaker’s tonight. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Pacific (11:00 EST).

The 19-2 Saint Mary’s Gaels are at Pacific to take on the 8-15 Tigers and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do think that the hungry home side can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

Note that this is an immediate revenge game, as the Gaels won 62-50 over the Tigers just two weeks ago.

Since its blowout loss to Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s has won four straight by 12 points or more. Jock Landale averages 16.8 points, 9.5 boards and shoots over 60 percent to lead the team.

But I think the Gaels come in a bit complacent here and get caught “looking past” the lowly Tigers, who have lost five in a row. 

And I’ll point out that Saint Mary’s has struggled in this spot for bettors already this year, going just 4-5 ATS after a conference game and only 4-5 ATS after allowing 60 points or less. 

And note that Pacific is 10-7 ATS in its last 17 after allowing 80 points or more and 2-0 ATS this season against good defensive teams which allow 64 points or less per contest. 

Pacific lost to Saint Mary’s by 12 on the road, but now has the home court advantage. This spread is a little large, grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Arizona State (11:00 EST).

The 10-12 Arizona State Sun Devils are are in Oregon to take on the 19-3 Ducks and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do think that the visitors have enough factors working in their favor to be able to keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. 

I simply feel this sets up as a natural “letdown” spot for the home side after it had its 17 game win streak snapped in a 74-65 setback on the road to Colorado.

Arizona State will be the “hungrier” team today as it comes in having lost five of its last six.

The loss to Colorado has to be considered “shocking” for the Ducks though and suffice it to say, I’m expecting that “shock and awe” to get carried over against the lowly Sun Devils, who will look to take advantage of this distracted home side.

One player to keep your eyes on for the Sun Devils is Tra Holder, who had 27 points in his team’s most recenty loss to Washington State. 

And I’ll point out that Arizona State is 5-0-1 ATS in its last six following an ATS loss, while Oregon is already 0-2 ATS this year as a home fav in the 15.5 to 19 points range.

The Ducks just lost to a team with a worst conference record than ASU, so asking them to cover such a big spread after such a deflating setback is asking just too much in my professional opinion. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry 

My 10* BIG EAST GAME OF THE WEEK is on Villanova (7:00 EST).

The 20-2 Villanova Wildcats are at Providence to take on the 14-9 Friars and for a number of different reasons, i think this one favors the visitors. 

Villanova enters off a close 61-59 home win over Virginia, while Providence got the better of Marquette 79-78. 

These teams played just last month and Villnova won 78-68. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting an even bigger beatdown this time around.

The Wildcats were down ten points with eight minutes remaining, but nailed some clutch shots from range to take down the Cavaliers. Keep your eyes on Josh Hart, who is avearing 18.7 PPG and 6.5 boards. Last week against Providence he had 25 points. 

Villanova averages 77.5 PPG and concedes just 62.5.

Providence averages 70.3 PPG and concedes 66.2. Kyron Cartwright had 18 points in the win over Marquette. 

I’ll point out though that Villanova is 44-25 ATS in its last 69 against teams with winning records, while Providence is just 1-2 ATS after scoring 78 points or more.

I think Providence has a predictable letdown here after its big road win. Villanova plays stifiling defense and is the much deeper team. The Friars have been playing better lately, but all signs point to the experienced Wildcats coming up with another big win in this series. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 12-10 Georgetown Hoyas are at DePaul to take on the 8-13 Blue Demons and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

I think the Hoyas are primed for a letdown here. Georgetown has won four of its last six and is coming off back-to-back victories over ranked opponents. 

Now the Hoyas face a trap game here in facing last placd DePaul, which is just 1-7 in league action. 

Note that the Blue Demons play with triple revenge after dropping all three to Georgetown last season.

There’s no denying that the Hoyas have been playing well of late, as the trio of JJ Peak, Rodney Pryor and Jessie Govan is a formidable one.

I simply feel this sets up as a natural letdown spot for the visitors. After playing such high-level competition, facing the conference “door mat” can lead to complacency.

DePaul will need a big game from Billy Garrett if it has any shot at the outright upset today, he’s second on the team in scoring and is the 11th best free-throw shooter in the country at 91.3 percent. 

I’ll point out that Georgetown is just 2-3 ATS on the road this year, just 3-6 ATS when playing the role of favorite and only 1-3 ATS after scoring 80 points or more, while DePaul is already 2-0 ATS this year after allowing 80 points or more and 3-1 ATS in its last four as a home dog in the 6.5 to nine points range.

I think the Blue Demons are the much “hungrier” team today. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 19-2 Maryland Terrapins are at Ohio State to take on the 13-9 Buckeyes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Maryland is rolling obviously, so far sitting tied with Wisconsin at the top of the Big Ten at 7-1. The Terps most recently upset Minnesota 85-78 on the road on Saturday. 

OSU enters off an 85-72 loss at Iowa to fall to 2-5 on the road. Note that this is a double revenge game for the Buckeyes, as they’d lose both games to Maryland last year.

This is Maryland’s best start since 1989. Justin Jackson had a career-high 28 points and had ten boards in the win over Minnesota last time out. The Terps though were outrebouned by eight.

Jae’Sean Tate had 17 points and seven boards for OSU in the loss to Iowa. The Buckeyes average 73.4 PPG and concede 68.3.

Both teams have done well in this spot for bettors, but I simply feel that this one means a lot more to Buckeyes. OSU is almost assuredly heading to the NIT, but I think the Terps are finally poised for a letdown tonight. OSU is already 2-0 ATS this year after allowing 80 points or more. Expect that trend to continue, play on Ohio State.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 12-9 Pitt Panthers are at No. 9 UNC to take on the 19-4 Tar Heels and while I’ll stop short in calling for the epic outright upset, I do definitely think this is a few too many points to be giving up.

Pittsburgh comes in with nothing to lose, other than trying to snap a six-game losing streak, most recently a 67-60 home setback to Clemson on Saturday. 

The Panthers will take their best shot at a Tar Heels team which just had its seven-game win streak snapped in a humbling 77-62 road loss to Miami on Saturday. 

Pittsburgh actually held a five point lead at half time against the Tigers, but would be unable to maintain in the second. The Panthers average 76.8 PPG and allow 77.3. Jamel Artis and Cameron Johnson each had 16 points in the loss to Clemson.

The Tar Heels shot 35 percent against the Hurricanes, including just 7 of 24 from frange. They also committed 25 fouls, which led to 30 Miami free throws. 

UNC averages 88.3 PPG and concedes 71.1. Justin Jackson leads the team with 18.7 PPG. 

I’ll point out though that Pittsburgh is 7-3 ATS in its last ten against good offensive teams which score 77-plus points per contest, while UNC is just 2-3 ATS in its last five as a home fav in the 18.5 to 24 points range.

I expect the Panthers to hang around late against a Tar Heels team still dwelling on its last performance. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 13-8 Oklahoma State Cowboys are at rival Oklahoma to take on the 8-12 Sooners and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Cowboys are poised for a letdown here in my opinion after three straight victories by double digit margins. And note that despite the recent turnaround in play, OKS is still just 2-6 in Big 12 action.

Conversely, Oklahoma has lost three straight and will be desperate for a win here. Most recently the Sooners come off a humbling 84-52 home loss to Florida. 

Oklahoma is just 5-5 SU at home, but OKS is only 3-4 on the road.  

From strictly a trend based stand point, this one sets up very well for the home side, as note that the Cowboys are already 0-2 ATS this year as a road fav of three points or less and just 8-9 ATS in their last 17 after scoring 80 points or more, while the Sooners are already 2-0 ATS this year after scoring 60 points or less and 4-1 ATS after three or more consecutive SU losses.

Home court advantage can’t be overlooked in this rivalry and coupled with the high desperation level in which I predict the home side to play with today, the correct call in this one is indeed on Oklahoma.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 16-5 UT-Arlington Mavericks are at Coastal Carolina to take on the 9-12 Chanticleers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Mavericks are poised for a letdown here in my opinion after their big 83-67 road win over Appalachian State, while the Chanticleers come in hungry, looking to take out their frustrations after a 52-50 home loss to Texas State.

Texas-Arlington is poised for a letdown here after four straight wins, playing nearly flawless basketball and averaging 87.8 PPG and conceding 69 PPG during the win skein. 

The Mavericks are 6-2 in Sun Belt action, but note that they’ve averaged just 72.2 PPG and conceded 71.4 PPG in true road games overall this year.

Despite its 9-12 overall record, Coastal Carolina is still 4-4 in league action. The Chanticleers looked great defensively last week, holding the Bobcats to just 33.9 percent. Unfortunately though, they were also held ot just 33.9 percent shooting themselves. Elijah Wilson was a bright spot with 16 points. Note that five players have averaged at least 8.7 PPG. 

So far Coastal Carolina has averaged 68.2 PPG and conceded 70.4 in league play. 

I’ll point out though that Texas Arlington is already just 1-2 ATS this year as a road fav in the 3.5 to six points range, while Coastal Carolina is a perfect 2-0 ATS this after allowing 60 points or less.

The Chanticleers are the “hungrier” team, they’ve lost three straight and still have a shot to make some noise in the conference. I think this one comes down to the wire, so grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 12-7 Texas State Bobcats are at Appalachian State to take on the 6-13 Mountaineers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Texas State comes to town off a 52-50 road win at Coastal Carolina, while the Mountaineers enter off an 83-67 home setback to UT-Arlington.

The Bobcats squeaked by the Chanticleers, but have now won three of their last four and are 5-3 overall in league play. In the win over Coastal Carolina, they’d hold the Chanticleers to just 38 percent shooting. They also forced 18 turnovers. 

Texas State averages 66.5 PPG and concedes 65.0 PPG in conference play thus far. 

Appalachian State has averaged 70.6 PPG and allowed 78.4 so far in league action. It’s just 1-7 in Sun Belt play to this point and it’s lost four in a row overall. 

I’ll point out that Texas State is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 against the conference, while App State is just 2-5-1 ATS in its last eight against the Sun Belt and only 3-9-2 ATS in its last 14 against teams with a winning SU record.

Also note that the dog is 5-1 ATS the last six in this series.

The Bobcats have a huge advantage on the defensive end of the floor and I think that fact will prove to be the difference. Play on Texas State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* TV GAME OF THE MONTH is on Michigan State.

The 14-7 Michigan Wolverine are at Michigan State to take on the 12-9 Spartans and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

I simply feel that MSU is going to be the “hungrier” team today as it looks to stop the bleeding of a three-game losing skid. Most recently the Spartans fell 84-70 to Purdue.

The Wolverines though look poised for a letdown after their 90-60 win over Indiana, their second in a row. Derrick Walton Jr. had 21 points. 

So far Michigan averages 75 PPG and concedes 65.6. 

Michigan State averages 72.2 PPG and concedes 68.5. The Spartans are on a three-game losing streak, but still sit 4-4 in league plays, so have the potential to still make some noise down the stretch. Keep your eyes on Mile Bridges, who had 33 points in the setback to the Boilermakers. 

I’ll point out that Michigan is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after conceding 60 points or less, while Michigan State is 2-1 ATS in its last three following a three game or longer losing streak. 

I like the desperate home side to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night, play on Michigan State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Oakland (1:00 EST).

The 8-14 Wisconsin Milwaukee Panthers are in Rochester, Michigan to take on the 15-7 Oakland Golden Grizzlies and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Milwaukee is poised for a letdown here in my opinion after three straight wins. Conversely, the Golden Grizzlies will be risking life and limb today as they look to avoid a three-game slide. 

The Panthers have averaged 70.7 PPG in conference play, but conceded 71.7. Note that only two players score in double figures, Cody Wichmann and Brock Stull. 

Oakland has averaged 73.8 PPG in conference action, while allowing 73. Three players score at least 12 points in Jalen Hayes, Dorse-Walker and Martez Walker. 

I’ll point out that Wisconsin Milwaukee is just 3-6 ATS in its last nine versus good offensive teams which average over 77-plus points per game, while Oakland is a perfect 4-0 ATS in its last four as a home fav in the 9.5 to 14 points range.

As stated off the the top, the Panthers are set up for a classic letdown here, while the desperate home side puts the foot on the gas from start to finish. I think this line should be a lot higher, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* 33-Club Play is on Iowa (8:00 EST).

The 13-8 Ohio State Buckeyes are at Iowa to take on the 11-10 Hawkeyes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Ohio State averages 73.5 PPG and allows 67.5. The Buckeyes are led by Jae’Sean Tate with 13.9 points and 1.7 assists per game. 

Ohio State may have the better overall record, but the team has consistently struggled on the road this year and comes in having lost four of its last five away from friendly confines.

Iowa averages 80.4 points and concedes 78.2. Peter Jok leads the nightly charge with 21 points and 2.3 assists. The Hawkeyes have also struggled on the road, but are a “different” team at home, going 7-1 thus far.

I’ll point out that Ohio State has struggled in this spot for bettors, going 2-4 ATS on the road and only 6-7 ATS this year against teams with winning records, while Iowa has excelled by going 3-1 ATS in its last four at home and 4-2 ATS in its last six after three or more consecutive SU losses.

All signs point to a comfortable cover, play on Iowa.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PAC-12 GAME OF THE MONTH is on Oregon State (7:00 EST).

The 4-17 Oregon State Beavers are in Utah to takeon the 14-6 Utes and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do think that the lowly visitors can keep this one a little more competitive than what the bookmakers are leading us to believe. 

Oregon State has dropped eight straight after a hard-fought 85-78 setback at Colorado on Thursday. The Utes come in having had their two game win streak stopped with a 73-67 home loss to No. 10 Oregon on Thursday. 

Not surprisingly, this does indeed set up as a revenge game for Oregon State, as Utah has taken four of the last five in the series, including a tight 71-69 home win in the most recent (Feb 4th, 2016).

The Beavers shot 54.9 percent from the floor and were 12 of 22 from beyond the arc in the loss to the Buffs. Drew Eubanks was a bright spot with 27 points and 13 boards.

Utah got 18 points and nine boards from Kyle Kuzma in the loss to Oregon. Clearly the Utes are the better team all around, but I think this sets up as a “trap” for the home side. With a game at Cal next week, I think Utah gets caught looking ahead to that one, as the Utes are currently tied with the Golden Bears (also 14-6) in the standings.

The Beavers looked a lot more competitive last time out and note that Oregon State is 6-3 ATS in its last nine when playing with one or less days rest, while Utah is already 2-3 ATS this season as a home fav of 12.5 points or more. 

This is a few too many points to be giving up in this situation, play on Oregon State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Vanderbilt (4:00 EST).

The 13-6 Iowa State Cyclones are at Vanderbilt to take on the 9-11 Commodores and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Cyclones enter off a deflating 70-65 home loss to Kansas State, while the Commodores come off a tough 71-70 home loss to Arkansas. 

Iowa State averages 78.4 PPG in true road games this year, while conceding 80.0 PPG. 

Vanderbilt averages 78.2 PPG and has allowed just 69.5 at home so far this year. 

I’ll point out though that Iowa State is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after scoring 65 points or less, while Vanderbilt is 2-1 ATS in its last three after allowing 70 points or more.

The Commodores are a “different” team at home and after losing on a last second bucket last time out, I think they use that as fuel for the fire today. Play on Vanderbilt.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Minnesota (2:00 EST).

The 18-2 Maryland Terrapins are in Minnesota to take on the 15-6 Golden Gophers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Maryland is poised for a letdown here after five straight wins and going 6-1 in conference action. Conversely, it’s going to be all hands on deck for Minnesota today as it’s now lost four straight after winning three straight. 

The last time these team’s played, the Gophers shocked Maryland 68-63 from Minneapolis last year and suffice it to say, I’m expecting a repeat this afternoon.

Maryland is led by Melo Trimble, who had 17 points, six boards and four assists in his team’s most recent win over Rutgers. The Terps though would commit 18 turnovers and shot 44.2 percent from the floor. 

Note that Maryland averages 75.2 PPG and concedes 65.2.

Nate Mason leads the nightly charge for Minnesota with 14.0 points and 5.5 assists per contest. Minnesota averages 74.3 PPG and concedes 66.9. 

I’ll point out though that Maryland is just 1-3 ATS in its last four off an upset win as an underdog, while Minnesota is 3-1 ATS in its last four after a three game or longer unbeaten streak. 

I think the desperation level in which the home side plays with today turns out to be the difference. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on Notre Dame (12:00 EST).

The 17-4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish are at Georgia Tech to take on the 11-8 Yellow Jackets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

The Irish are going to be hungry today after a listless 71-54 home loss to Virginia. Conversely, I think this sets up as a letdown spot for Georgia Tech after its big 78-56 home win over FSU on Wednesday.

Despite the setback to Virginia, the Irish are still sitting well in the ACC standings, just a half game back of UNC for first place with a 6-2 record.

Note that the Irish average 79.9 PPG and concede just 67.6. Bonzie Colson leads the nightly charge with 15.6 PPG.

The Yellow Jackets average just 67.4 PPG and concede only 66.8. Josh Okogie had 35 points and 14 boards in the upet win over the Seminoles.

A great situational play in my opinion. I have a hard time seeing the Yellow Jackets’ offense keeping matching what they did last time out, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* IVY LEAGUE GAME OF THE MONTH is on Yale (8:00 EST).

The 10-9 Brown Bears are at Yale to take on the 10-6 Bulldogs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

This is the second game of a home and home set between the schools, Yale barely scraping by Brown 75-74 last Friday in the first meeting. Suffice it to say, after that wake up call, I’m fully expecting the home side to take nothing for granted tonight and to keep the foot on the gas from the opening tip until the final horn.

Brown averages 77.2 PPG, but allows 76.9. Steven Spieth had a career-high 33 points last time out. 

Yale averages 74.6 PPG and concedes just 67.8. Sam Downey came up big in the win over Brown, finishing with a season-high 26 points and 13 boards. 

I’ll point out that Brown is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after giving up 75 points or more, while Yale is 35-16 ATS in its last 51 following an ATS loss. 

The Bulldogs are 6-0 on their home floor. Yale has also been downright dominant on the defensive end of late, giving up an average of just 59.5 points over its past four games. The Bears got close last time out, but I’m expecting a rout this time around. Note that Brown is one of the worst rebounding teams in the nation and Yale outrebounded it 47-31 last week. 

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on San Francisco (11:00 EST). 

San Francisco is 14-7 overall and 4-4 in league play, while Saint Mary’s is 17-2 overall and 7-1 in the WCC.

Note that this is a “revenge” game for the visitors, which lost 63-52 at home back on January 7th. 

In that game, the Dons actually held a two-point lead at half time. 

San Fran opened conference play by going 1-4, but has since won three straight WCC games. Most recently the Dons beat San Diego by 17.

Saint Mary’s was able to shut down the Dons in the first game, holding them to 37 percent from the floor, but clearly San Francisco has turned the corner and looks like an entirely different team now than at the start of the month. I think its momentum gets carried over here.

Not as well that San Francisco is 5-3 ATS as an underdog this year and 3-1 ATS in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent, while Saint Mary’s is just 2-4 ATS this season off a win against a division rival and only 1-5 ATS as a home fav of 12.5 points or more.

While I’ll stop short in calling for the outright upset, I do definitely feel this is a few too many points to be giving up to the ever improving Dons.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 15-4 Virginia Tech Hokies are in North Carolina to take on the 18-3 Tar Heels and while I’ll stop short in calling for an outright SU upset, I do definitely think that the visitors can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to beileve.

The Hokies come in off a big 82-81 win over Clemson, while the Tar Heels enter off a 90-82 road victory over Boston College.

Note that this not surprisingly does indeed set up as a “revenge” game for VT, which lost 75-70 at UNC in the lone meeting last year. 

VT shot 54.7 percent from the floor in the win over Clemson and was led by Seth Allen who would go on to finish with 17 points. The Hokies have won two straight in the tough ACC and are now averaging 81.5 PPG, while conceding 72.2. 

UNC shot 47 percent from the floor in the win over BC, but also allowed the Eagles to shoot 47 percent and hit 12 of 27 from range. Justin Jackson was a bright spot with 22 points. So far the Tar Heels average 89.4 PPG and concede 70.8. 

I’ll point out though that VT is 7-2 ATS in its last nine road games, while UNC is interestingly just 1-5 ATS in its last six at home in this series.

The Tar Heels just gave up 82 points to a much weaker Boston College team, so I think that the Hokies high-octane offense will give the home side some issues as well. Note that UNC has not been as sharp defensively since conference play started, allowing an average of 76.7 points. 

I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 14-5 Xavier Musketeers are in Cincinnati to take on the 17-2 Bearcats and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Xavier enters off an 86-75 home win over Georgetown, while Cincinnati smashed Tulane 78-61 last time out. 

Note that this does set up as a “revenge” game as well for the home side after the Musketeers beat the Bearcats 65-55 at home in the lone meeting last year.

The Musketeers looked pretty shaky in losing three straight before the win over the Hoyas. Xavier averages 76.6 PPG and concedes 68.7 and is led by Trevon Bluiett, who averages 17.2 PPG. 

The Bearcats average 77.3 PPG and concede just 61.4 (tenth in the nation). Keep your eyes on Jacob Evans, who leads the team with 14.2 PPG. 

I’ll point out that Xavier is just 1-4 ATS in its last five road games, while Cincinnati is 6-1 ATS the last seven in this series.

The Bearcats are a perfect 11-0 at home this year, while the Musketeers have just a single road win. And note that Xavier has struggled defensively of late, allowing 78 PPG over its last six.  

Cincinnati though has dialed up the pressure as the season has worn on, allowing just 58 PPG over its last seven since conference play began.

I’m laying the points on the red hot home side.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 14-5 Florida Gators are at LSU to take on the 9-9 Tigers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

The Gators are out for revenge today as the Tigers have taken three of the last four in the series, including last year’s 96-91 victory in front of the home town crowd.

So far Florida is 5-2 in SEC play. The Gators remained ranked No. 25 in the country, despite coming into this one off two straight losses. It’s going to be all hands on deck for Florida today as it looks to “right the ship.” 

The Tigers league losses have all come by double digits, except a four-point setback at Auburn. Note that LSU has lost three conference home games by an average of 13 points. Defense has been a mjaor issue, in the latest loss to the Razorbacks the Tigers would allow the Hogs to shoot 53.2 percent and make eight of 16 from range. 

I’ll point out that Florida is 9-4 ATS this year when playing the role of favorite and 5-1 ATS in its last six versus poor defensive teams which allow 77-plus points per contest, while LSU is just 2-3 ATS after scoring 80 points or more and only 3-6 ATS in front of the home town crowd.

I think the Gators finally play a full two halves and bury the floundering Tigers once it’s all said and done. Play on Florida.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Georgetown (7:00 EST0.

The 18-2 Creighton Bluejays are at Georgetown to take on the 10-10 Hoyas and for a number of different reasons, i think this one favors the home side.

This is a great situational play to take advantage of, as I think Creighton is poised for a bit of a mental lapse here after suffering a 102-94 loss to Marquette at home on Saturday, falling to 5-2 in Big East play. It was the first game that the team played without point guard Maurice Watson Jr, who was averaging 12.9 points and 8.4 assists (led the country).

The Hoyas though come in “hungry,” they’re off an 86-75 loss at Xavier on Sunday and now just 1-6 in league play.

Creighton averages 87.1 PPG and allows 72.2. Georgetown averages 76.2 PPG and concedes 72.1. 

Ultimately I think the loss of Watson is significant for the Blue Jays, who missed his defensive play more than anything. 

I’ll also point out that Creighton is just 1-3 ATS in its last four off an upset loss as a favorite at home, while Georgetown is 10-6 ATS in its last 16 after failing to cover the spread in three or more consecutive games.

For all the reasons listed above, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Hoyas won this one outright, but in the end I’ll recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Central Florida (6:00 EST).

The 17-4 SMU Mustangs are at Central Florida to take on the 14-5 Knights and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

SMU most recently rolled over Houston 85-64, while UCF enters off a 70-65 setback to Memphis on the weekend. 

Note that this is a revenge game for the Knights, who fell 88-73 in the lone meeting last year.

The Mustangs are led by Semi Ojeleye with 17.8 PPG. SMU averages 73.2 PPG and concedes just 59.4.

Note that the Knights are not too far behind in either category though, averaging 69.4 PPG and coneding just 59.2, good for third in the entire country.

I’ll point out that SMU is already 0-1 ATS this year as a road fav in the 3.5 to six points range, while UCF is 5-3 ATS against teams with winning records and 4-2 ATS when playing the role of underdog.

SMU’s offense relies on the three-ball, but the Knights are holding opponents to just 29 percent from beyond the arc. UCF also holds a major rebounding advantage today, ranked second overall in the nation, led by 10.5 RPG from Tacko Fall.

While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset obviously, I’ll recommend grabbing as many points as you can in the end.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 8-11 Miami Ohio Redhawks are at Buffalo to take on the 9-10 Bulls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Miami Ohio is coming off a 101-92 road loss to Central Michigan, while Buffalo beat Western Michigan 66-54 on the weekend. 

The Bulls looked stout defensively in their win over WMU, holding it to just 32 percent from the floor. Note though that Buffalo shot just 34 percent itself. Nick Perkins had 21 points and ten boards.

Note that Buffalo averages 74.8 PPG and concedes 73.6.

The Redhawks will be the “hungrier” team in my opinion, in its latest setback to CMU they’d actually hold a ten point halftime lead. Michael Weathers was a bright spot with 24 points. He now leads the team in scoring with 18.2 per night. 

So far Miami Ohio averages 74 points and concedes 75.5. 

I’ll point out though that Buffalo is already 0-3 ATS this year after allowing 60 points or less, while the Redhawks are 6-2 ATS at home this season and 3-0 ATS against teams with losing records. 

I think this one comes down to the wire. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 16-3 Akron Zips are at Western Michigan to take on the 6-12 Broncos and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Akron has won nine straight, most recently a 70-63 win at home over Eastern Michigan.

WMU enters off the 66-54 road loss to Buffalo, its fourth setback in its last six.

The Zips are 6-0 in league play, winning both conference road games thus far. Akron has turned it up a notch since conference action began, averaging 78.5 PPG and allowing 71.5. Overall Akron averages 78.7 PPG and concedes 68.5. Isaiah Johnson leads the nightly charge with 15.8 PPG.

WMU has averaged 72.2 PPG and conceded 78.2 in league play this year. Overall the Broncos average 74.2 PPG while allowing 78.2.

I’ll point out that the road team is 4-0 ATS the last four in this series, while the favorite is 15-6 ATS in its last 21 this series.

I think the surging Zips can smell the blood in the water and look for the deeper team to pull away down the stretch. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Pittsburgh (7:00 EST).

The 16-5 Louisville Cardinals are in Pittsburgh to take on the 12-7 Panthers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Pittsburgh will be the “hungrier” team today as it looks to snap a four-game slide. The Panther lost to Syracuse, Louisville, Miami and NC State, making this an immediate “revenge” scenario for the home side as well.

I think this sets up as a letdown spot for Louisville as well, which had its four game win streak snapped at Florida State this past weekend.

Tony Hicks was a abright spot in the setback, finishing with a season-high 16 points. 

Pittsburgh looks to snap out of its funk and get back on track after four straight league losses. Note though that the Panthers have performed well in this spot for bettors already this year, going 5-3 ATS as an underdog and 2-1 ATS against good defensive teams which allow 64 points or less per contest. 

To say this is a “revenge” game for Pitt would be an understatement obviously, as Louisville has won nine straight in this series, including three in a row at Pittsburgh. 

I like the focused home side to at the very least, take this one down to the wire. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* MAAC SIDE OF THE MONTH is on Rider (7:00 EST).

The 12-9 Rider Broncos are at Saint Peter’s to take on the 10-9 Peacocks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

The Peacocks enter off a home loss to Niagara, a setback which snapped a four-game win streak. Momentum is difficult to attain and once lost, is even more difficult to get back. 

So far St. Peter’s averages 64.8 PPG, while allowing 63.4. 

The Broncs enter off a win against Marist which snapped a three-game slide. 

Rider averages 73.6 PPG and allows 73.2. Keep your eyes on Kahlil Thomas, who leads the way with 13.8 points and 9.5 boards per game. 

I’ll point out that Rider is already 3-1 ATS this year off a win against a conference rival, while St. Peter’s is just 9-11 ATS in its last 20 off a loss against a conference rival and just 3-4 ATS at home this season.

I think Riders offense will finally test the Peacocks today and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on Rider.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Saint Louis (2:00 EST).

The 5-13 St. Louis Billikens are at Dayton to take on the 14-4 Flyers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

Saint Louis will be out to atone for a listless 75-52 loss to St. Bonaventure in its latest action.

Dayton enters off a 75-59 beatdown of Ricmond. 

St. Louis is a bad team, it averages 60.6 PPG and concedes 71.7. One bright spot though has been Davell Roby, who has scored 13 or more points in six out of his last eight games. 

Dayton is a good team, it averages 75.4 PPG and concedes 64.5. Charles Cooke averages 17.9 PPG.

But note, this is definitely a spot in which the Billikens have excelled in for bettors, going 4-1 ATS in their last five after scoring 55 points or less, while Dayton is just 1-3 ATS in its last four against a team with a road winning percentage below .400.

I think the high-flying Flyers come in a bit complacent today and the hungry Billikens keep this one a little more competitive than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Play on Saint Louis.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on LSU (8:30 EST).

The 9-8 LSU Tigers are at Arkansas to take on the 14-4 Razorbacks and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do definitely feel that the visitors can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to beileve. 

LSU enters off a tight 78-74 setback to Auburn on Wednesday. The Tigers actually held a lead through most of the first half, but they were unable to hold on in the end. 

LSU is going to be the much “hungrier” team today as it’s lost four straight and has just one league victory thus far.

Keep your eyes on Tigers’ forward Aaron Epps, who had 15 points and 13 boards in the setback to Auburn. Leading scorer Antonio Blakeney added 13 points and seven boards.

Arkansas narrowly edged Texas A&M 62-60 last time out. Daryl Macon saved the day with 16 points and four rebounds. 

I’ll point out that LSU is 13-7 ATS in its last 20 off a loss against a conference rival and is 2-0 ATS in its last two after playing to three consecutive SU losses, while Arkansas is just 5-6 ATS in its last 11 after allowing 60 points or less and only 5-6 ATS in front of the home town crowd this season.

I think the hungry Tigers do more than enough to come away with the comfortable cover once it’s all said and done. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Appalachian State (5:00 EST).

The 6-10 Appalachian State Mountaineers are at Georgia Southern to take on the 12-6 Eagles and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

The Mountaineers will be the “hungrier” team today as they’ve opened Sun Belt action with just a 1-4 record following an 85-73 setback at Coastal Carolina. Ronshad Shabazz was a bright spot with 17 points in the loss. 

Conversely, I think this sets up as a letdown spot for the Eagles, who come in having won six straight and who are 5-0 in conference action. Most recently they’re coming off a close 62-60 win over Louisiana-Monroe, needing a late furious rally to secure the victory. Tookie Brown had 19 points and eight boards for Georgia Southern. 

I’ll point out though that App State is 4-2 ATS in its last six after allowing 80 points or more, while Georgia Southern is just 1-2 ATS at home this season and only 1-3 ATS off a win against a conference rival. 

For all of the reasons listed above, I think Appalachian State keeps this one a lot more competitive than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Daytime Dominator is on Rutgers (12:00 EST).

The 9-9 Nebraska Cornhuskers are at Rutgers to take on the 11-8 Scarlet Knights on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Plain and simple, Rutgers is going to be the “hungrier” team today as it risks life and limb in trying to snap its three game losing streak. 

And here’s the perfect opponent to get untracked against as Nebraska comes to town deflated after its 67-66 home loss to Ohio State. 

This is also a revenge game for the home side after the Huskers took all three meetings last season.

Nebraska actually comes in having lost three straight. In the setback to the Buckeyes it shot only 41 percent on the night, including just 5 of 21 from behind the arc. Tai Webster was a bright spot with 18 points and eight boards. 

Note that the Cornhuskers average just 71.9 PPG and concede 71.2.

Rutgers was outplayed badly in its last outing against Indiana, falling 76-57 on the road. Corey Sanders though was decent, going 7 of 14 for 17 points. 

Note that the Scarlet Knights score just 68.3 PPG, but concede just 65.3. 

I’ll point out that Nebraska is 3-10 SU in its last 13 on the road, while Rutgers is 3-1-1 ATS in its last five home games against a team with a road winning percentage below .400.

The Scarlet Knights are 8-2 their last ten at home and feature the superior defense in this matchup. I think the home side is definitely the correct call in this one. 

Good luck…Larry

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

A couple of cellar dwellers face off on Friday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The visiting Cleveland State Vikings are 6-13 this year and 2-4 in the Horizon League thus far, while the Panthers are 5-14 on the season and 1-5 in conference play. 

I simply feel this sets up as a letdown spot for Cleveland State, which snapped a four-game losing streak with a 76-65 win over Oakland as a 14-point underdog on Monday. Rob Edwards poured in a career-high 32 points. 

The Vikings would go on to hit 37 percent from behind the arc, which is completely out of character as the team ranks dead-last in three point field goal percentage in the conference.

Milwaukee enters as the “hungrier” team in my estimation, most recently falling 71-57 to the UIC Flames in Chicago on Tuesday. Bryce Nze was a bright spot with 22 points on 83 percent shooting. 

I’ll also point though that Cleveland State is just 2-8 ATS on the road this year, while Milwaukee is already 5-3 ATS this season after scoring 60 points or less.

This is a revenge game for the Panthers as well, as they’d fall 62-53 on New Year’s day to the Vikings. 

I’m backing the home side in this one.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Youngstown State (8:00 EST).

While I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do think that the “hungry” Penguins can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

Youngstown State has lost five of six including a 16 point setback at Detroit last time out. 

Green Bay though seems poised for a bit of a mental letdown in my estimation as it gets set to face the lowly Penguins, the Phoenix are 5-1 in conference play, tied with Valpo for top spot in the Horizon League.

Green Bay comes in off a humbling 80-56 loss to Valparaiso last time out though, losing the rebound battle 51-39. 

I’ll point out that Youngstown State has done well in this spot for bettors all year, going 2-1 ATS as a road dog in the 9.5 to 12 points range and 2-0 ATS in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent, while Green Bay has struggled in this position by going 0-2 ATS this season after scoring 60 points or less and 0-1 ATS as a home fav of 9.5 to 12 points.

Everything points to the visitors comfortably sneaking in through the back door down the stretch. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 14-5 Oakland Golden Grizzlies are at Northern Kentucky to take on the 12-7 Norse and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

The Golden Grizzlies are just one spot back of first-place Valaparaiso in the Horizon League, but come into this one having dropped two straight. 

The Norse have also dropped two in a row and sit two games behind the conference leader. 

If recent history is any precedence though, then the visitors have to be loving their chances to get back on track today as when these teams met at Oakland earlier in the season, the Golden Grizzlies pulled away for the convincing 76-65 victory.

Oakland averages 80 PPG and hits 32.1 percent from behind the arc. Note that the Grizzlies are already 4-1 in true road games this year.

The Norse are lea by Drew McDonald, who has eight double-doubles this season. So far Northern Kentucky is just 3-3 in league action though. 

I’ll point out that Oakland is 19-6-1 ATS in its last 26 road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while Northern Kentucky is is just 1-7 ATS in its last eight as a home underdog.

If the Golden Grizzlies had come into this game on a big win streak, then I’d likely be playing the Norse tonight instead. But I think the revenge factor gets thrown out the window today because Oakland does in fact come in focused and motivated after the two-game slide. The Grizzlies domianted the first game of the year and I think nothing will change tonight. Play on Oakland.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 16-2 Arizona Wildcats are at USC to take on the 16-3 Trojans and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

I think Arizona is complacent after winning ten straight, most recently crushing rival Arizona State 91-75. USC enters off a quality 71-68 road win over Coloardo. 

These teams split last years series, each winning on its home floor.

The Wildcats average 75.2 PPG and concede 61.6. Lauri Markkanen leads the way with 16.7 PPG.

USC averages 78.6 PPG and concedes 70.7. Chimezie Metu leads the nightly charge with an average of 14.1 PPG. 

I’ll point out that Arizona is just 3-4 ATS in its last seven when playing with five or six days rest and only 2-3 ATS after scoring 80 points or more, while USC is 6-4 ATS at home this season and 4-2 ATS in its last six when playing the role of underdog.

I think USC is the “hungrier” team today as all three of its losses have come against the PAC 12. 

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 the home side to catch the Wildcats a little flat footed. Play on the Trojans.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 11-6 Clemson Tigers are at Louisville to take on the 15-3 Cardinals and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

The Tigers are used to seeing ranked teams as this marks the fourth such opponent in their last five games. Note that Clemson beat a top-20 Louisville team in Greenville last season. 

According to the KenPom national rating, Clemson has so far faced the nation’s sixth-toughest schedule. 

One player to keep your eyes on for Clemson is Jaron Blossomgame, who enters the contest with four straight 20-point games. 

Louisville looks primed for a letdown here after its big 78-69 win over Duke on Saturday. Center Anas Mahmoud set career-highs with 17 points and 11 rebounds for his first career double-double. 

Note that the Tigers are 3-1 ATS in their last four after failing to cover the spread in three or more consecutive games, while Louisville is just 2-3 ATS against the conference thus far.

Clemson matches up well against Louisville. The Cardinals are the better team, but success does breed complacency. While I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright SU upset, I do definitely feel that the visitors can keep this one more competitive than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Play on Clemson.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 16-2 Maryland Terrapins are in Iowa to take on the 11-8 Hawkeyes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Maryland is now ranked No. 25 and comes in on the back of a three-game win streak. Most recently the Terps came back to beat Illinois 62-56 on the road. 

Smells like a letdown spot to me.

Iowa enters as the “hungrier” side in my opinion, it’s just 3-3 in Big Ten play after falling at Northwestern, 89-54. 

Note that the Hawkeyes play with revenge after dropping the lone contest between the teams last year, 74-68 at home.

Maryland averages 75.2 PPG and concedes 65.1. Melo Trimble leads the nightly charge with 17.2 PPG.

Iowa averages 81.5 PPG and concedes 78. Peter Jok paces the team with 21.9 PPG.

I’ll point out that Maryland is just 2-3 ATS this year after allowing 60 points or less, while Iowa is already 5-3 ATS at home thus far.

After upsetting Purdue at home, Iowa just suffered perhaps its worst conference loss of all time. It’s going to be all hands on deck for the home side today, play on the Hawkeyes.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Colorado (11:00 EST).

Washington has struggled this season, going just 8-9 overall, including only 1-4 in conference play. Colorado is only slightly better at 10-9 overall, but the Buffs are 0-5 in conference action. 

In a contest between two teams desperate for a victory, I’m going to grab the points.

Colorado almost scored a huge upset over No. 25 USC last time out, eventually succumbing 71-68. George King led the way with 16 points, nine boards, two assists and a steal. 

The Huskies come in of a 76-69 loss to Stanford. Markelle Fultz was a bright spot with 34 points, seven boards, three assists, two steals and two blocks. 

These teams are very evenly matched, but note that Colorado is 4-1 ATS in its last five after five straight SU losses, while Washington is just 4-6 ATS at home this year and only 1-2 ATS off a loss against a conference rival.

Grab as many points as you can, play on Colorado.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 13-3 Virginia Cavaliers are in Boston College to take on the 9-9 Eagles and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

The Cavs have won two straight, after two straight setbacks. Most recently Virginia beat Clemson 77-73 on Saturday to improve to 3-2 in the ACC.

The Eagles are coming off a listless 76-53 setback at Syracuse on Saturday and I think they’ll once again have their hands full today with the Nation’s No. 16 team. 

Virginia got 25 points from guard London Perrantes in the victory over the Tigers, he leads the team with an average of 12.1 PPG and 4.1 assists. The Cavs get the job done with suffocating defensive play, leading the nation in conceding just 53.4 points per contest.

Boston College would turn the all over 20 times and shot just 39.6 percent from the floor in the loss to the Orange. Jerome Robinson remains a bright spot this season in averaging 20.2 points, 4.6 boards and 3.2 assists per game. 

I’ll point out that Virginia is 8-5 ATS as a favorite this year and 4-1 ATS on the road, while BC is just 9-11 ATS in its last 20 after scoring 60 points or less.

I think the loss to Syracuse is a clear sign of things to come for the Eagles. Look for the visitors to control the pace from the opening tip and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. 

Good luck…Larry

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

The 16-2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish are at 16-2 Florida State on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

After winning 12 straight, FSU got spanked 96-83 at North Carolina on Saturday. Notre Dame has won seven straight, including a gritty 76-71 road win over Virginia Tech on Saturday to improve to 5-0 in the ACC. 

Steve Vasturia had 20 points on 8 of 14 shooting in the victory over the Hokies for the Fighting Irish. Bonzie Colson though leads the team with an average of 15.8 points, 10.9 boards and 1.4 blocks. 

Florida State shot just 12 of 26 from the foul line against the Tar Heels. Dwayne Bacon leads the charge with 17.8 PPG.

I’ll point out that Notre Dame is already 4-0 ATS off a win against a conference rival this year, while FSU is just 5-6 ATS in its last 11 versus good offensive teams which score 77-plus points per contest.

I think the Irish present similar matchup issues for the Seminoles today as what UNC did last time out. While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on Notre Dame.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* BIG-TEN SIDE OF THE WEEK is on Michigan (9:00 EST).

The 12-6 Michigan Wolverines are in Wisconsin tonight to take on the 14-3 Badgers and while I’ll stop short in predicting an outright upset, I do definitely expect the “hungrier” visiting side to keep this one a lot more competitive than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

Michigan enters off a 91-85 home win over Nebraska on Saturday, while Wisconsin made quick work of Ohio State in its latest 89-66 win last week. 

Note that this is a revenge game for the Wolverines after the Badgers took the lone meeting 68-57 last year. 

Michigan averages 75.3 PPG and concedes 66.2. The Wolverines are paced by Zak Irvin, who averages 14.4 PPG and who had 21 points, including going 7 of 7 from the charity stripe in the victory over the Huskers.

The Badgers average 76.8 PPG and concede 60.2. Bronson Koenig had 21 points in the team’s win over the Buckeyes.

I’ll point out though that Michigan is 8-6 ATS in its last 14 after allowing 80 points or more, while Wisconsin is just 1-3 ATS in its last four off a win against a conference rival.

These team’s offensive and defensive averages are very similar. Michigan has struggled on the road this year, but I think it can catch the Badgers a bit complacent this evening. I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

This is a 10* PERFECT STORM on DePaul (4:30 EST).

The 8-10 DePaul Blue Demons are at Saint John’s to take on the 8-11 Red Storm and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

Both teams have been struggling this year, with DePaul just 1-4 in league action, while St. John’s is just 2-4. 

Overall the Red Storm have lost four in a row, while the Blue Demons have dropped five of their last six. 

Note though that this is a definite revenge game for the Blue Demons, who dropped the first game between the teams on January 1st, 79-73. 

Keep your eyes on DePaul’s Billy Garrett Jr. who is averaging 14.9 PPG and Eli Cain, who leads the way with 16.4 per contest. 

The Red Storm opened league play with wins over Butler and DePaul, but have since dropped four in a row. Shamorie Ponds has been a bright spot in averaging 15.7 PPG this season. 

Ill point out that DePaul is already 2-0 ATS this year after allowing 80 points or more and 3-1 ATS after scoring 60 points or less, while St. John’s is just 4-5 ATS when playing the role of favorite and only 1-2 ATS when playing with one or less days rest.

The first game was decided by a six point margin and I think all signs point to an even closer affair this time around. Play on DePaul.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE MONTH is on Xavier (2:00 EST).

The 17-1 Creighton Bluejays are at Xavier to take on the 13-4 Musketeers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Xavier will be the “hungrier” team today after back-to-back road losses against top ranked opponents in Villanova and Butler. Xavier allows 68.2 PPG and averages 76.6 of its own. Keep your eyes on Trevon Blulett, who leads the team with 16.8 points and 5.2 boards per game. 

While the Musketeers are just 3-2 in Big East action, they come into this one a perfect 9-0 at home this year. 

Creighton has won four straight and averages 86.8 PPG, while allowing 71.5. Marcus Foster leads the way with an average of 18.2 PPG. So far the Blue Jays are a perfect 4-0 in Big East play and 4-1 overall on the road. 

Can anyone say “classic letdown spot?!”

The home team has covered the spread in eight of the last 11 in this series and I think that strong trend continues here. Off two straight losses, I simply can’t see Xavier having another letdown tonight. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Ohio State (1:30 EST).

The 12-6 Michigan State Spartans are at Ohio State to take on the 10-7 Buckeyes and for a number of different reasons, i think this one favors the home side. 

Michigan State is 4-1 in Big Ten conference action after a satisfying 65-47 wint at home over Minnesota, while the Buckeyes come into this one desperate after opening league play at 0-4, most recently an 89-66 setback at Wisconsin on Thursday. 

To say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement, as MSU took all three games against OSU last year.

The Spartans’ defense looked pretty good against the Gophers, but the offense left something to be desired, going just 42.6 percent from the floor and 5 of 14 from beyond the arc. MSU averages 72.3 PPG and concedes 66.7 thus far.

JaQuan Lyle was a bright spot for Ohio State in the loss to the Badgers, finishing with 13 points on 5 of 9 shooting. So far OSU averages 73.8 PPG and allows 66.9.

I’ll point out that MSU is already just 1-3 ATS this year after allowing 60 points or less, while Ohio State is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after allowing 80 points or more and 3-1 ATS in its last four after three or more consecutive SU losses. 

I think the desperation level in which the home side plays with today turns out to be the difference. Play on the Buckeyes.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Ole Miss (6:30 EST).

The 10-6 Ole Miss Runnin’ Rebels are in South Carolina to take on the 13-3 Game Cocks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

Mississippi is desperate for a win today after staring out 1-3 in the SEC. Conversely, it’s not too hard to imagine South Carolina coming out a bit flat-footed and content tonight after opening with a 3-0 conference record. 

Most recently Ole Miss fell 69-47 at home to Georgia, while South Carolina comes in off a satisfying 70-60 road win over Tennessee. 

The Runnin’ Rebels are now leaning on Terence Davis to shoulder the load after losing guard DeAndre Burnett to injury last time out.

Sindarius Thornwell had 22 points, five boards, four steals and four assists in the Gamecocks’ win over the Vols on Wednesday. It wasn’t all sunshine and roses though, as note that South Carolina would go on to commit 21 turnovers in the victory.

I’ll point out that Ole Miss is 8-5 ATS in its last 13 against good offensive teams which average 77-plus points per contest, while Memphis is just 5-6 ATS in its last 11 as a home fav of 11 points or more.

I think the desperation level in which Ole Miss plays with today will in the end keep this one a lot more competitive than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Illinois (6:00 EST).

The 15-2 Maryland Terrapins are in Illinois to take on the 12-5 Fighting Illini and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

It’s revenge time for the Illinis after falling 84-59 to Maryland on December 27th at College Park. Illinois shot just 35.6 percent from the floor.

Since then though the Fighting Illini have gone 2-1, beating Ohio State and Michigan, but losing to Indiana. Maryland enters this one off a close 75-72 win over Indiana on Tuesday and suffice it to say, I think it’s poised for a letdown tonight.

Melo Trimble leads the Terps with an average of 17.5 PPG. Maryland averages 76 PPG and allows 65.6.

I think the Illini carry over the momentum from their last game, destroying Michigan by shooting 64.2 percent from the floor, including 9 of 14 from range. Malcolm Hill has been the most consistent player in averaging 18.6 points and 6.1 boards per game.

Illinois averages 78.6 PPG and concedes 72.5.

I’ll point out that Maryland is just 1-2 ATS in its last three off a win against a conference rival, while Illinois is 16-6 ATS in its last 22 after scoring 80 points or moe.

Illinois is a different team at home, something it proved to Michigan last time out. I think the home side comes in focused and avenges the earlier loss to the Terps. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on South Florida (6:00 EST).

The 6-9 USF Bulls are at Memphis to take on the 12-5 Tigers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

South Florida is the “hungrier” team here in my estimation as it comes in having gone 0-4 to open AAC play. Last time out USF lost to Tulane at home 82-67. 

Memphis enters off an 81-71 loss at Tulsa on Wednesday to snap a three-game win streak. Momentum is a difficult thing to gain and once lost, it’s even harder to get back. Suffice it to say, i think this does indeed set up as a natural letdown spot for the Tigers.

These teams split a pair of games last year, each winning on its home floor. 

The Bulls are led by Geno Thorpe, who had 16 points in the setback to the Green Wave. So far USF averages 67.1 PPG.

The Tigers average 79.8 PPG and concede 70.6. Memphis is paced by Dedric Lawson, who had 26 points and six boards in the loss to Tulsa.

I’ll point out though that USF is 4-1 ATS in its last five as a road dog in the 15.5 to 18 points range, while Memphis is just 5-6 ATS in its last 11 as a home fav in the 15.5 to 18 points range. 

Am I going to suggest “sprinkling a little on the money line?” Of course not.

I simply feel that the Bulls determination in this spot will keep it a lot more competitive than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Play on South Florida.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Ivy League SIDE OF THE MONTH is on Yale (8:00 EST).

The 8-5 Yale Bulldogs are in Pennsylvania to take on the 6-6 Quakers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

This is a big game for Yale, as it’s its first Ivy League contest of the year and the first of three straight road contests to commence league play. Pennsylvania enters off a 61-52 setback at Princenton in its conference opener. 

Yale though has won six of seven, most recently annihilating D-III Mitchell College 102-46. And if recent history is any precedence, then the visitors have to be loving their chances today as they’ve taken eight straight in this series. So far the Bulldogs average 76.4 PPG and concede just 68. Six players average over nine points, led by Alex Copeland with 13.3. The team also averages 17.8 assists per game, which ranks it 15th in the nation.

The Quackers had won three straight before losing to a shorthanded Princeton team. AJ Brodeur is a bright spot on the team in averaging 14.8 points and 6.6 boards per contest. Penn averages just 66.9 PPG, but makes up for it on the defensive end in allowing only 65.6.

I’ll point out though that the Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last five after allowing 50 points or less in their previous outing and 9-3-1 ATS against the conference, while Pennsylvania is just 1-4 ATS in its last five home games and only 1-4 ATS against the conference.

Yale has won eight straight in this series by an average of 15.1 PPG and all signs point to similar final outcome here as I simply can’t see the offensively challenged Quakers keeping pacing down the stretch. Play on the Bulldogs.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Wiconsin Green Bay (8:00 EST).

The 11-6 Wright State Raiders are at Wisconsin Green Bay to take on the 10-6 Phoenix and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Phoenix are 4-0 in league play, while the Raiders are 2-2.

Wright State enters off an 80-75 loss to Youngstown State. In three of four league games, the Raiders have conceded at least 72 points (and at least 80 in two of those). 

On the year the Raiders have four players that have averaged at least 7.6 PPG. Note that Wright State averages 74.5 PPG, while it concedes 69.8.

The Phoenix like to push the pace from start to finish and so far not many have been able to keep up to them. Note that Wisconsin Green Bay has posted 81.5 PPG, while allowing 74.3. Seven players average at least 7.6 PPG, led by Charles Cooper at 13.9 PPG. 

I’ll point out that Wright State is just 1-3 ATS against the conference this season and only 1-3 ATS after allowing 80 points or more, while Wisconsin Green Bay is 3-1 ATS this year when playing with one days rest and 2-1 ATS off a win against a conference rival.

Wright State’s defense isn’t very good and I have a hard time seeing the visitors slowing down the surging Phoenix. Lay the points as I expect the home side to comfortably pull away down the stretch.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Tulane (7:00 EST).

The 3-12 Tulane Green Wave are in South Florida to take on the 6-8 Bulls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Both teams are struggling. Tulane enters off an 80-59 setback to Memphis, while USF comes in off an 84-65 road loss to SMU.

Whenever these teams meet, it’s been a battle as last year saw them split the two-game series.

The Green Wave are led by Cameron Reynolds, who averages 15.5 points and 6.2 boards per game. 

South Florida lost leading scorer Jahmal McMurray to a transfer after three games played and head coach Orlando Antigua was fired last week. 

I’ll point out that Tulane is 3-2 ATS in its last five after allowing 80 points or more, while South Florida is just 4-5 ATS in its last nine after allowing 80 points or more.

I think Tulane is going to have its chances today as these teams do in fact match up pretty evenly on the offensive end. USF is dealing with adversity off the court and I think is ripe for the picking. That said, grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Tennessee (6:30 EST).

The 12-3 South Carolina Gamecocks are in Tennessee to take on the 8-7 Volunteers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Vols are anxious to break a two-game slide and take advantage of what could potentially be a contented Game Cocks team which comes in having won two straight. 

South Carolina is led by guard Sindarius Thornwell, who averages 18.4 points, 7.2 boards, 3.6 assists and 2.4 steals per game. 

Tennessee will have its hands full today against the Gamecock’s smothering defense, but note that South Carolina has struggled in this spot mightily for bettors, going just 1-3-1 ATS in its last five following a victory and just 2-5 ATS in its last seven following an ATS win.

Conversely, this is a position in wihch the Volunteers have excelled, going 5-3 ATS this year after teams with winning records and 5-2 ATS when playing the role of underdog. 

I think Tennessee’s up-tempo offense will do just enough to secure the victory today. Play on the Vols.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on George Washington (6:00 EST).

The 9-7 George Washington Colonials are at VCU to take on the 13-3 Rams and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

I think the Rams come in a bit complacent after winning seven straight. Conversely, the Colonials will be the more desperate side after dropping three of their last four.

Most recently George Washington would cut a 23-point second-half deficit to just four, ultimately falling to Richmond 77-70 on Sunday though. Tyler Cavanaugh was a standout with a game-high 22 points. 

VCU is coming off an 81-64 win over Massachusetts, winning the rebounding battle 45 to 32: “We’ve got to keep playing the way we’re playing,” new head coach Will Wade explained. “It’s nothing sexy. It’s nothing out of the ordinary. But it’s tried and true, good basketball. We’re a mid-tempo team. We push it in transition. If we don’t have anything, we pull it out and get that thing in the paint, either off the bounce or off a post feed. We guard and we crash the glass. We’re nothing special. We’ve got to understand why we’re having success.”

I’ll point out though that George Washington is 3-1 ATS on the road this year, while VCU is just 2-3 ATS at home and just 5-6 ATS when playing the role of favorite.

While I’ll stop short in calling for an outright upset, I do think that the Rams’ recent success will lead to a bit of complacency and that the hungry Colonials will keep this one competitive until the final moments. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on SDSU (11:00 EST).

The 8-6 San Jose State Spartans are at San Diego State to take on the 8-7 Aztecs on Tuesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

SDSU is struggling through its worst start to a season in a very long time and will be desperate to score a conference victory, so far 0-3 in Mountain West action. 

Conversely, this sets up as a bit of a letdown spot for the Spartans in my estimation after they notched their first conference win in a 69-62 effort over Fresno State on Saturday. 

SJSU only had 25 rebounds total in its last game and still somehow managed to beat the Bulldogs. 

SDSU’s 0-3 conference record draws some concern, but note that it did come against three of the best in New Mexico, Nevada and Boise State. 

I’ll point out though that San Jose State is 0-4 ATS in its last four following a SU victory and just 3-7 ATS in its last ten against the conference, while SDSU is 13-4-2 ATS in its last 19 following an ATS loss. 

I’m banking on the “hungrier” team finding a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Georgetown (6:30 EST).

The 8-9 St. John’s Red Storm are in Georgetown to take on the 8-8 Hoyas and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the desperate home side.

The Hoyas are off to an 0-4 start in the Big East and will be particularly anxious to get back on the court and take out their frustrations on someone after falling 85-76 to Butler in OT at home on Saturday. 

The Red Storm are ripe for the picking, they’ve lost two straight, most recently falling 97-82 to Xavier on Saturday. Marcus LoVett was a bright spot with 32 points on 10 of 14 shooting. St. John’s though was sloppy, turning the ball over 16 times and shooting just 40.6 percent from the floor. The Red Storm average 78.4 PPG and concede 73.9. 

Georgetown is led by Rodney Pryor with an average of 18.6 PPG. He was 0 for 8 from the field in the loss to Butler though. So far the Hoyas average 77.4 PPG and allow 72.4.

I’ll point out though that the Red Storm are already just 1-2 ATS this year after allowing 80 points or more and only 2-3 ATS after scoring 80 points or more, while Georgetown is 4-2 ATS in its last six after three or more consecutive SU losses.

The Hoyas domianted St. John’s in two games last year and after the recent shoddy play, I expect them to duplicate those performances with another rout in this one. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 10-5 California Golden Bears are at USC to take on the 15-1 Trojans and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Cal has lost three of four, most recently coming off an 81-71 setback at UCLA on Thursday. 7-2, 260 lb. center Kameron Rooks is questionable for this one. 

After losing their first game of the year at Oregon on December 30th, the Trojans would easily bounce back in a 72-56 destruction of Stanford at home on Thursday. 

Cal struggled from the field in the loss to UCLA, shooting just 39.1 percent, while also going only 10 of 18 from the foul line and turning it over 13 times. The Golden Bears average 70.9 PPG and concede 61.7. 

The Trojans average 80.3 PPG and concede just 69.7 USC would go on to hold the Cardinal to just 36.5 percent fro the field and 4 of 15 from the 3-point line.

I’ll point out that Cal is just 3-8 ATS in its last 11 following a SU loss, while USC is 4-1 ATS in its last five following an ATS victory. 

USC is 25-2 in its last 27 at home and I think it’s high-powered offense will prove to be just too much for Cal tonight. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry