At 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Central Florida Knights (524) plus the points versus the Cincinnati Bearcats (523). Central Florida (12-5) saw their three-game winning streak snapped last Wednesday with their 62-53 win at UConn as a 1-point underdog. The Knights made just 36.5% of their shots which was their worst offensive effort in their last eleven games. They scored only 21 first-half points against the Huskies — but they have then covered the point spread in 15 of their last 20 games after failing to score more than 25 points in the first-half of their last game. This Central Florida team has rebounded to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 7 straight games after a point spread setback. Head coach Johnny Dawkins’ team plays outstanding defense — they rank 4th in the nation Adjusted Defensive Efficiency (according to kenpom.com) and they have not allowed more than 65 points all season. They are led by their 7’6 junior Tacko Fall who leads the nation with a 76.8% shooting percentage while scoring 11.6 PPG along with 7.2 RPG and 2.0 Blocks-Per-Game. The team may also see the return of B.J. Taylor who was the team’s leading scorer at 17.4 PPG last year. Taylor has been nursing a broken foot and has yet to play this season — he will be a game-time decision for Dawkins. Returning home will help for this Knights team that is 8-1 on their home court this season with an average winning margin of +9.0 PPG. Offense has been an issue for this team — but they are scoring 71.2 PPG at home with a solid 47.9% shooting percentage. The UCF defense at home is outstanding as they hold their opponents to just 60.2 PPG along with an opponent’s field goal percentage of 37.9%. The Knights have covered the point spread in 4 straight games on their home court — and they have also covered the point spread in 6 straight home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. And in their last 8 home games after winning three of their last four games, UCF has covered the point spread all 8 times.

Cincinnati (15-2) has won eight games in a row with their 78-55 victory at South Florida on Saturday. But the Bearcats have then failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after a win by at least 20 points. Cincinnati committed only 8 turnovers in that game — and they have then failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 15 games on the road after not committing more than 8 turnovers in their last game. Once again, this Bearcats team is outstanding on the defensive end of the court as they rank 3rd in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. Offense is going to determine how deep a run Mick Cronin’s team can make in the Big Dance after they won 30 games last year but still lost in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament. Cincy has scored at least 76 points in two straight games — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 7 straight road games after scoring at least 75 points in two straight games. This season, the Bearcats rank 46th in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency which is a bit lower than their seasonal ranking of 34th in the nation last season. Cincinnati stays on the road where they are 1-5-1 ATS in their last road games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. 25* CBB American Athletic Conference Underdog of the Month with the Central Florida Knights (524) plus the points versus the Cincinnati Bearcats (523). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the West Virginia Mountaineers (748) minus the points versus the Kansas Jayhawks (747). West Virginia (15-2) looks to bounce-back from their 72-71 loss at Texas Tech on Saturday as a 4.5-point underdog. Now the Mountaineers return home where they are a perfect 9-0 with an average winning margin of +26.5 PPG. This West Virginia team is playing outstanding defense — they are holding their visitors to just 60.1 PPG on low 38.1% shooting. This defense has helped the Mountaineers to cover the point spread in 20 of their last 27 home games against teams with a winning record. West Virginia has also covered the point spread in 8 straight games at home with the Total set in the 155 to 159.5 point range. Bob Huggins teams are so tough because they do a great job of creating additional scoring opportunities even if their shots are not falling. Led by senior defensive whiz Jevon Carter, this team is 2nd in the nation by forcing turnovers in 27.1% of their opponent’s possessions. The Mountaineers also pull down 36.7% of their missed shots which is 9th best in the nation. This is an area of vulnerability for the Jayhawks as they allow their opponents to rebound 30.5% of their missed shots which is 238th in the nation. West Virginia has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 5 games against Big 12 opponents, the Mountaineers have covered the point spread in 4 of these contests. Furthermore, this team finally has their 6’8 forward Esa Ahmad back after he was suspended by the NCAA for the first-half of the season. He played 34 minutes in his first game back against Texas Tech and scored 18 points.

Kansas (14-3) has won three straight games after their 73-72 win over Kansas State on Saturday as a 12.5-point favorite. The Jayhawks have failed to cover the point spread in 3 straight games after a victory over a Big 12 opponent. This is a difficult matchup for a Kansas team that has been described by their own head coach Bill Self as “soft.” As it is, they have failed to cover the point spread in their last 5 trips to Morgantown to play this West Virginia team. Besides defensive rebounding, the Jayhawks are showing weaknesses in their interior defense. They are allowing their Big 12 opponents to make 50.5% of their shots inside the arc which is 8th in the conference. This Self is playing more small-ball than he typically has done in the past which certainly makes them vulnerable to big and physical teams. They lead the Big 12 by shooting 47.8% of their shots from behind the arc. But the Mountaineers hold their visitors to just a 33.7% shooting percentage from 3-point land when playing at home. Kansas has also only pulled down 6 and 8 offensive rebounds in their last two games — and they have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after not rebounding more than 9 offensive boards in two straight games. Lastly, the Jayhawks have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Together, these team trends produce our specific 56-12 ATS combined angle for this situation. 10* CBB Monday Late Show Bailout with the West Virginia Mountaineers (748) minus the points versus the Kansas Jayhawks (747). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:30 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the Northern Kentucky Norse (736) minus the points versus the Cleveland State Vikings (735). Northern Kentucky (11-6) saw their four-game winning streak snapped last week with their 84-81 loss to Wright State despite being a 10.5-point favorite. The Norse allowed the Raiders to make 55.8% of their shots which was their worst defensive effort in their last eight games. The Norse have bounced-back to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games after a loss at home. Northern Kentucky has also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a straight-up loss. That was the first loss of the season for the Norse on their home court where they are 7-1 with an average winning margin of a whopping +30.0 PPG. Northern Kentucky scores 88.4 PPG at home with a 51.2% shooting mark while limiting their visitors to just 58.4 PPG on low 38.5% shooting. The Norse are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games on their home court. Northern Kentucky has also covered the point spread in 11 of their last 12 home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. Additionally, the Norse have covered the point spread in 8 straight home games with the Total set in the 150 to 159.5 point range. I tend to avoid taking favorites that are laying close to 20 points — but baskets should be easy to come by for this Northern Kentucky team tonight. They rank 15th in the nation by making 57.2% of the shots inside the arc — and they are facing a Vikings team that ranks 314th by allowing their opponents to make 55% of their 2-point shots. The Norse have covered 4 straight home games when laying at least 12 points.

Cleveland State (4-14) has lost three games in a row with their 81-68 loss at Oakland on Friday as a 16-point underdog. The Vikings have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a point spread victory. Now this team stays on the road where they are 0-10 with an average losing margin of -15.1 PPG. Over their last five games, Cleveland State is allowing their opponents to make 52.2% of their shots. This team is a whopping 5-20-1 ATS in their last 26 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. The Vikings are also 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% at home. And in their last 20 games as a double-digit underdog, Cleveland has failed to cover the point spread 15 times. Together, these team trends produce our specific 111-27-3 ATS combined angle for this situation. 10* CBB Monday Daily Discounted Deal with the Northern Kentucky Norse (736) minus the points versus the Cleveland State Vikings (735). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (681) and the North Dakota State Bison (682). North Dakota State (9-8) has lost two of their last three games with their 67-61 upset loss to Denver as an 11-point favorite. The Bison have then played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 13 of their last 17 games Over the Total after a point spread setback. This North Dakota State team stays at home where they have played 10 of their last 13 games at home Over the Total — and they have played 8 straight home games Over the Total with the Total set in the 140-149.5 point range. The Bison have also played 6 of their last 7 games Over the Total against teams with a winning percentage no better than 40%.

Oral Roberts (7-12) saw their three-game winning streak snapped on Thursday with their 78-75 loss at South Dakota State as a 10.5-point underdog. The Golden Eagles have then played 5 of their last 6 games Over the Total after a straight-up loss. Oral Roberts has also played 11 of their last 14 games Over the Total after a point spread victory. Now this team stays on the road where they have played a decisive 58 of their last 92 games Over the Total — and this includes playing twenty-five of their last games over the number. And in their last 11 games against teams with a winning record, the Golden Eagles have played 8 of these games Over the Total. Together, these team trends produce our specific 123-50 combined angle for this situation. 10* CBB Saturday Afternoon O/U Tip Off with Over the Total in the game between the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (681) and the North Dakota State Bison (682). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Canisius Golden Griffins (844) minus the points versus the St. Peter’s Peacocks (843). Canisius (9-8) saw their five-game winning streak snapped on Sunday with their 65-62 loss at Siena as a 5-point favorite. The Golden Griffins have bounced-back to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up loss. Canisius has also covered the point spread in 4 straight games after a point spread loss. The Golden Griffins return home where they are 5-1 while shooting 49.7% from the field. Canisius is 7-0-1 ATS in their last 8 games at home — and this includes covering the point spread in four straight home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road.

St. Peter’s (8-7) has won two of their last three games after their 84-58 win over Quinnipiac last Sunday in what was probably their best played game of the season. The Peacocks shot 61.5% from the field while holding the Bobcats to make only 29.1% of their shots — and both those marks are season highs for the team. As it is, St. Peter’s has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a straight-up win. The Peacocks now go back on the road where they are just 3-7 this season. Offense is the problem for this team as they score just 63.8 PPG while making only 40.2% of their shots. St. Peter’s has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their court. Together, these team trends produce our specific 28-3-1 ATS combined angle for this situation. 10* CBB Friday Daily Discounted Deal with the Canisius Golden Griffins (844) minus the points versus the St. Peter’s Peacocks (843). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:30 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Butler Bulldogs (822) minus the points versus the Marquette Golden Eagles (821). Butler (12-6) has lost three straight games with their 85-74 loss at Creighton on Tuesday as a 6-point underdog. The Bulldogs allowed the Blue Jays to make 54.1% of their shots in what was their worst defensive effort of the season. This has been a very difficult stretch in Big East play for this Butler team that was riding high after they upset the number-one ranked Villanova team (at the time) by a 101-93. They have since lost to Xavier, Seton Hall and Creighton that all rank in the Top-35 in the kenpom.com rankings system. The Bulldogs are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 games after a point spread loss. And while Butler has not covered the point spread in these last three games, they have then covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after failing to cover the point spread in three of their last four games. Now this team returns home where they are 9-1 with an average winning margin of +19.7 PPG. The Bulldogs shoot 53.6% from the field at home which translates into 88.0 PPG — and they hold their opponents to just 42.4% shooting on their home court. Butler has covered the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games at home — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 home games against teams with a winning record on the road.

Marquette (12-5) has won three of their last four games with their 84-64 upset win over Seton Hall on Tuesday as a 1-point underdog. But the Golden Eagles have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after an upset victory as an underdog against a conference rival — and this includes failing to cover the point spread in three straight games after an upset win as a home underdog. Additionally, the Golden Eagles have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a double-digit victory. And while this Marquette team is 4-1-1 ATS in their last six games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games after covering the point spread in four or five of their last six games. The Golden Eagles made all 13 of their free throws in that contest against the Pirates — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 26 of their last 38 games after making at least 88% of their free throws in his last game. Now Marquette goes back on the road where they are allowing their home hosts to make 49.3% of their shots. Additionally, not only are the Golden Eagles 1-7-2 ATS in their 10 games against Butler but they have failed to cover the point spread in their last four trips to play on their home court. Together, these team trends produce our specific 90-33-3 ATS combined angle for this situation. 25* CBB Friday Fox Sports 1 Game of the Month with the Butler Bulldogs (822) minus the points versus the Marquette Golden Eagles (821). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 11:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the California Golden Bears (573) plus the points versus the Washington Huskies (574). California (7-9) has lost two straight games with their 107-84 loss to UCLA last Saturday as a 7.5-point favorite. The Bruins made 58.2% of their shots in that victory in what was the worst defensive effort for the Golden Bears all season. Expect a much better defensive effort from Cal in this one. The Golden Bears have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after allowing at least 90 points in their last game — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after allowing at least 100 points in their last game. Cal has also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a loss by at least 20 points. The Golden Bears had previously allowed 80 points in their loss to USC — and they have covered the point spread in 17 of their last 23 games after allowing at least 80 points in two straight games. And in their last 42 road games after losing two straight games, Cal has covered the point spread in 29 of these contests. The Golden Bears do hold their opponents to just a 44.1% shooting percentage when on the road. They have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games away from home — and they have covered the point spread in four straight road games against teams with a winning percentage on their home court.

Washington (12-4) has won five of their last six games with their 70-65 win at Washington State last Saturday as a 3-point favorite. The Huskies have then failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a straight-up win. Washington has also failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a point spread setback. Now the Huskies return home where they gave failed to cover the point spread in 7 straight games. Washington has also failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 9 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. Together, these team trends produce our specific 98-31 ATS combined angle for this situation. 10* CBB Thursday Late Show Bailout with the California Golden Bears (573) plus the points versus the Washington Huskies (574). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Washington State Cougars (546) minus the points versus the Stanford Cardinal (545). Stanford (8-8) pulled off two straight upset victories last week as they stunned UCLA by a 107-99 getting three points before upsetting USC by a 77-76 score as a 5-point underdog Sunday night on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer. But both of those games were at home — and now the Cardinal goes back on the road where they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 straight road games after covering the point spread in at least two of their last three games. Stanford has also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a point spread victory. The Cardinal are winless in their four road games this season with an average losing margin of -11.5 PPG. This is their first road game in six contests going all the way back to December 3rd — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight road games after playing at least three straight games at home. Additionally, Stanford is just 9-26-1 ATS in their last 36 games on the road. And in their last 30 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% at home, the Cardinal has failed to cover the point spread in 23 of these contests.

Washington State (8-7) has lost two straight games with their 70-65 loss to Washington on Saturday as a 3-point underdog. The game finished well below the 154.5 point total in that game — and they have then covered the point spread in 16 of their last 23 games after playing a game that finished Under the Total. The Cougars held the Huskies to just 4 offensive rebounds in that contest — and they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games after not allowing more than 5 offensive rebounds in their last game. This Washington State stays home for this game where they are 5-2 with an average winning margin of +8.7 PPG — and this makes them dangerous underdogs in this contest. Additionally, the Cougars have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games on their home court. And Washington State has covered the point spread in 7 straight home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. 20* CBB Stanford-Washington State ESPNU Special with the Washington State Cougars (546) minus the points versus the Stanford Cardinal (545). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Northern Colorado Bears (606) minus the points versus the Weber State Wildcats (605). Northern Colorado (11-6) has lost two straight games after their 89-80 loss at Montana as a 7.5-point underdog last Saturday. The Bears allowed the Grizzlies to make 50.9% of their shots which was their worst defensive mark in their last four contests. Northern Colorado has bounced-back to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up loss. The Bears have also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after scoring at least 80 points in their last game. Now after playing on the road for those last two setbacks, Northern Colorado returns home where they are 6-1 with an average winning margin of +17.2 PPG. The Bears are scoring 85.6 PPG on their home court while making 49.2% of their shots. Northern Colorado has covered the point spread in 4 straight games at home — and they have covered the point spread in 4 straight home games against teams with a losing record on the road. And in their last 11 games against teams with a winning record, the Bears are 8-2-1 ATS.

Weber State (9-6) has won two straight games — as well as five of their last six contests — with their 92-76 win over Southern Utah last Saturday as a 10-point favorite. The Wildcats made 56.4% of their shots which was their best offensive mark in their last five games. But Weber State has then failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after a straight-up win. Additionally, the Wildcats have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after scoring at least 90 points in their last game. And in their last 11 games after winning five or six of their last seven games, Weber State has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of these contests. Now the Wildcats go back on the road where they are just 1-5 with an average losing margin of -8.5 PPG. The problems are two-fold for Weber State when they are away from home. They allow their home hosts to make 49.3% of their shots. They also shoot just 47.5% from the field on the road which is far below their 51.3% mark overall for the season. The Wildcats gave failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games on the road. Lastly, Weber State has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Together, these team trends produce our specific 67-12-1 ATS combined angle for this situation. 10* CBB Blowout Bookie Buster with the Northern Colorado Bears (606) minus the points versus the Weber State Wildcats (605). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Denver Pioneers (587) and the North Dakota State Bison (588). North Dakota State (9-7) has won four of their last five games with their 84-79 upset win at South Dakota as an 8-point underdog. The Bison nailed 52.8% of their shots in that win — and that momentum may very well carry over into tonight’s game. North Dakota State has played 7 of their last 9 games Over the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 6 of their last 8 games Over the Total after a point spread victory. And with that game with the Coyotes ending far above the 142.5 point total in that game, the Bison have now played a decisive 17 of their last 21 games Over the Total against fellow Summit League members. North Dakota State stays at home for this contest where they are shooting a slick 52.6% from the field. The Bison have played 10 of their last 12 games Over the Total on their home court — and they have played eight of their last nine home games Over the Total against teams with a losing record on the road. Defense is an issue for this team as they are allowing Summit foes to make 47% of their shots. Additionally, North Dakota State has played 6 straight games Over the Total against teams with a winning percentage below 40%.

Denver (6-10) has lost two straight games — as well as five of their last six contests — with their 82-63 loss to IUPU-Fort Wayne last Saturday as a 3-point underdog. The Pioneers have then played 10 of their last 13 games Over the Total after a point spread loss. This is Denver’s second game in the last eight days — and they have played 10 of their last 12 games Over the Total when playing their second game in ten days. The Pioneers are allowing their Summit League foes to make 49.1% of their shots which helps explain why they have played 20 of their last 27 games Over the Total against conference opponents. Denver is making 48.8% of their shots over their last five games. And in their last 28 road games against teams with a winning home record, the Pioneers have played 21 of these games Over the Total. 25* CBB Summit League Total of the Month with Over the Total in the game between the Denver Pioneers (587) and the North Dakota State Bison (588). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the South Dakota Coyotes (585) minus the point(s) versus the IUPU-Fort Wayne Mastodons (586). South Dakota (14-5) saw their three-game winning streak snapped last Saturday with their 84-79 loss to North Dakota State as an 8-point favorite. The Coyotes allowed the Bison to shoot 52.8% from the field in that game which was their worst defensive effort in their last nine games. Look for a strong game tonight from this South Dakota team that has covered the point spread in 11 of their last 12 games after an upset loss at home as a home favorite. The Coyotes have also covered the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games after a straight-up loss. Now this team goes back on the road where they are 6-4 while outscoring their opponents by +7.1 PPG. South Dakota is 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games on the road — and they have covered the point spread in six of their last seven road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. The Coyotes have also covered the point spread in 7 straight road games with the Total set in the 155 to 159.5 point range. Furthermore, South Dakota is 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%.

IUPU-Fort Wayne (12-7) has won three of their last four games with their 82-63 win at Denver last Saturday as a 3-point favorite. The Mastodons have then failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 20 games after a straight-up win. Fort Wayne has also failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a point spread victory. And in their last 13 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%, the Mastodons have failed to cover the point spread 9 times. Together, these team trends produce our specific 78-18-2 ATS combined angle for this situation. 20* CBB Thursday Daily Discounted Deal with the South Dakota Coyotes (585) minus the point(s) versus the IUPU-Fort Wayne Mastodons (586). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the USC Trojans (782) minus the points versus the Colorado Buffaloes (781). USC (11-6) saw their two-game winning streak snapped on Sunday with their heartbreaking 77-76 upset loss at Stanford as a 5-point favorite. The Trojans appeared to have one the game with a last season shot — but the Cardinal responded by hitting a buzzer 3-pointer to steal that game. USC has bounced-back to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a point spread loss. Now the Trojans return home where they are 6-3 with an average winning margin of +10.6 PPG. USC has also covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%.

Colorado (10-6) has won two straight games with their 80-77 upset win over Arizona on Saturday as an 8.5-point favorite. The Buffaloes shot a season-high 54.7% from the field in that victory. But now this Colorado team goes back on the road where they shoot just 42.9% from the field. The Buffaloes are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a straight-up win — and they are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a point spread victory. Colorado is just 3-5 away from home in their eight road games this season where they are being outscored by -7.7 net PPG. The Buffaloes are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. And in their last 23 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% overall, Colorado is just 7-15-1 ATS. Together, these team trends produce our specific 53-19-4 ATS combined angle for this situation. 10* CBB Colorado-USC Fox Sports 1 Special with the USC Trojans (782) minus the points versus the Colorado Buffaloes (781). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Arkansas Razorbacks (776) minus the points versus the LSU Tigers (775). Arkansas (11-4) has lost two straight games after their 88-77 loss at Auburn last Saturday as a 4-point underdog. The Razorbacks have rebounded to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games after a point spread setback. Additionally, Arkansas has covered the point spread in 13 of their last 17 home games after a game on the road where both teams scored at least 75 points. The Razorbacks return home where they are a perfect 8-0 this season with an average winning margin of +22.6 PPG. The Arkansas offense cranks out 95.0 PPG on their home court while making 53.7% of their shots. They limit their opponents to just 41.7% shooting. The Razorbacks have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games at home. This team ranks 27th in the nation by making 39.7% from the field — and that number rises to a 41.2% mark when they are playing at home.

LSU (10-4) looks to build off their 69-68 upset win at Texas A&M on Saturday as a 6.5-point underdog. The Tigers have then failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games after a narrow win by 6 points or less. LSU has also failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after an upset victory. Furthermore, the Tigers are just 6-15-1 ATS in their last 22 games after a straight-up win. And in their last 21 games after a point spread victory, LSU is only 5-15-1 ATS. Now this LSU team stays on the road where they are being outscored by -7.2 PPG in their five games. The Tigers have also failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 14 games against SEC opponents. 25* CBB SEC Game of the Month on the Arkansas Razorbacks (776) minus the points versus the LSU Tigers (775). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Kansas State Wildcats (762) minus the points versus the Oklahoma State Cowboys (761). Kansas State (11-4) has lost two straight games after their 74-58 loss at Texas Tech on Saturday. The Wildcats have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games after losing two straight games — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after losing two straight games to fellow Big 12 opponents. And while Kansas State managed to score only 22 points in the first half of that game, they have then covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after not scoring more than 25 points in the first half of their last game. The Wildcats also allowed the Red Raiders to make 58.5% of their shots which was their worst defensive effort of the season. Kansas State has then covered the point spread in 9 of their last 10 home games after allowing their last opponent to make at least 55% of their shots. The Wildcats are 7-1 on their home court this season with an average winning margin of +19.9 PPG. They make a healthy 47.6% of their shots on their home court while liming their visitors to only 58.5 PPG on low 37.1% shooting. Furthermore, in their last 7 games against fellow Big 12 opponents, Kansas State has covered the point spread 5 times.

Oklahoma State (11-4) snapped their two-game losing streak on Saturday with their 96-87 win over Iowa State as an 8-point favorite. The Cowboys have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight games after a straight-games. Oklahoma State is also just 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 games after scoring at least 90 points in their last game. Now the Cowboys back on the road where they are just 2-2 with an average losing margin of -7.5 PPG. Oklahoma State makes only 37.8% of their shots away from home while allowing their home hosts to make 49.1% of their shots. The Cowboys have failed to cover the point spread in 21 of their last 30 road games as a small underdog of 3 points or less. Oklahoma State has also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 5 games against fellow Big 12 opponents, the Cowboys have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of these games. 10* CBB Oklahoma State-Kansas State ESPN News Special with the Kansas State Wildcats (762) minus the points versus the Oklahoma State Cowboys (761). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix (757) plus the points versus the Illinois-Chicago Flames (758). Green Bay (7-11) has lost three straight games with their 85-74 loss at Youngstown State last Saturday. The Phoenix have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after losing their last two contests. Green Bay has allowed at least 80 points in each of their last two games — but they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after allowing at least 80 points in their last two games. And while the Phoenix are just 0-2-1 ATS in their last three games, they have then covered the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games after failing to cover the point spread in two of their last game. Now this Green Bay team stays on the road where they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. The Phoenix have also covered the point spread in 15 of their last 22 games with the Total set in the 140-149.5 point range — and this includes covering the point spread in ten of their last fourteen games on the road with the Total set in that point range.

Illinois-Chicago (6-10) snapped their two-game losing streak last Thursday with their 70-65 upset win at IUPUI as a 3-point underdog. The Flames made 48.8% of their shots in that game which was their best shooting effort in their last five games. But Illinois-Chicago has then failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a point spread victory. And while Indiand-Purdue University was whistled for 28 personal fouls in that game, the Flames have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a game where their opponent committed at least 27 personal fouls in their last game. Now Illinois-Chicago returns home where they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games. The Flames have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. And in their last 7 home games with the Total set in the 145 to 149.5 point range, Illinois-Chicago has failed to cover the point spread 6 times. Together, these team trends produce our specific 97-34 ATS combined angle for this situation. 10* CBB Wednesday Daily Discounted Deal with the Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix (757) plus the points versus the Illinois-Chicago Flames (758). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Oakland Grizzlies (744) minus the points versus the Youngstown State Penguins (743). Oakland (9-8) suffered their third straight upset loss as a favorite on Sunday with their 86-81 loss at home to Wright State despite being a 7.5-point favorite. The Grizzlies have bounced-back to cover the point spread in 4 of the last 5 games after failing to cover the point spread in at least three straight games. And while Oakland has scored 80 points in at least three straight games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after scoring at least 80 points in at least two straight games. The Grizzlies have seen their last two opponents commit 22 and 23 personal fouls in their last two games — and they have covered the point spread in 18 of their last 23 games after seeing their last two opponents commit at least 22 personal fouls in two straight games. Oakland stays at home where they are 6-2 the season with an average winning margin of +10.2 PPG — and they are making 49% of their shots. They shot only 35.7% from the field agains the Raiders on Sunday which was their worst shooting effort in their last six contests. The Grizzlies have covered the point spread in 3 straight games after suffering two straight losses on their home court. The Jaguars may be just what the doctor ordered as Oakland is 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 meetings with this team.

Youngstown State (5-11) has won three straight games with their 85-74 over Green Bay on Saturday as a 1.5-point favorite. But the Jaguars have then failed to cover the point spread in 11 of the last 14 games after a straight-up win. Youngstown State has also failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 20 games after scoring at least 85 points in their last game. Now the Jaguars go back on the road where they are just 1-10 this season with an average losing margin of -19.1 PPG. The Jaguars make only 41.2% of their shots on the road — and they allow their home hosts to make 54.1% of their shots from the field. Youngstown State has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Lastly, the Jaguars have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams with a winning record. 20* CBB Blowout Bookie Buster with the Oakland Grizzlies (744) minus the points versus the Youngstown State Penguins (743). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Ball State Cardinals (521) plus the points versus the Ohio Bobcats (522). Ball State (10-5) saw their nine-game winning streak snapped last Friday in their 83-63 loss to Buffalo as a 3-point favorite. The Cardinals shot just 36.5% from the field which was their worst shooting effort of the season. Ball State has bounced-back to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a double-digit loss at home. The Cardinals have also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a point spread victory. Now Ball State goes on the road where they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games. And in their last 6 games against fellow Mid-American Conference opponents, the Cardinals are 4-1-1 ATS.

20* CBB Don't Need the Points Underdog Special on Ball State. Best of luck for us -- Frank.

TO BE CONTINUED -- please check back before this game begins for my full written Report before this game starts -- and I also reserve the right to raise the Star Value of this play (while you still get it at the discounted price by buying early). Given the high volume of plays I offer clients, I am providing an initial “abridged version” of the play to get them posted faster to accommodate my Daily, Weekly and Monthly subscribers so they can begin shopping lines. My research is detailed for our plays (which I do complete before endorsing a play) but it does take some time to write the more detailed Reports that clients have grown to count on. Thanks, Frank.

At 6:30 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Toledo Rockets (822) minus the points versus the Akron Zips (821). Toledo (8-6) saw their three-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday with their 104-94 loss at Buffalo. The Rockets allowed the Bulls to make 53.8% of their shots which was their worst defensive effort in their last eight games. Toledo did make 54.1% of their shots in that game which was the third straight time they hit at least 52.6% of their shots — and they have then covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after making at least 50% of their shots in at least two straight games. Now after playing their last three games on the road, the Rockets return home where they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 home games after playing at least three straight at home. Toledo is 5-2 at home w— and they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 14 home games laying 6.5 to 12 points. And in their last 11 games against Mid-American Conference opponents, the Rockets have covered the point spread 8 times.

Akron (7-6) has lost four of their last five games with their 87-75 loss at Western Michigan on Tuesday. The Zips have then failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 9 road games after a game where both teams scored at least 75 points. And while that game finished above the 144.5 point total, Akron has then failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games after a game that finished above the number. Now the Zips go back on the road where they a winless 0-6 while being outscored by -15.5 PPG. Akron shoots just 40.4% from the field on the road while allowing their opponents to make 50.1% of their shots which has led to 80.8 PPG. The Zips have failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games on the road — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight road games against teams with winning record on their home court. Lastly, Akron has failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 15 games against Mid-American Conference opponents. 10* CBB Akron-Toledo CBS Sports Network Special with the Toledo Rockets (822) minus the points versus the Akron Zips (821). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:30 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Nevada Wolf Pack (788) minus the points versus the Wyoming Cowboys (787). Wyoming (10-4) has won four of their last fie games with their 82-69 upset win over San Diego State last Thursday as a 3-point underdog. But the Cowboys have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight games after a straight-up win. Wyoming has also failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 19 road games after a win at home. Now this team goes back on the road where they are just 3-3 with an average losing margin of -3.3 PPG. The Cowboys are making just 38.7% of their shots on the road. 3-point defense is also a big concern for this team as they rank 253rd in the nation by allowing their opponents to make 36.8% of their 3-point shots. They will be facing one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the nation in this Wolf Pack team that is making 41.9% of their 3-pointers which is 7th best in the nation. Wyoming has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 meetings with Nevada. The Cowboys have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games on the road. And in their last 5 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%, Wyoming has failed to cover the point spread 4 times.

Nevada (13-3) has won five of their last six games after their 77-74 win over New Mexico on Saturday as a 14-point favorite. The Wolf Pack have then covered the point spread in 16 of their last 21 games after a straight-up win. Nevada is also 16-4-1 ATS in their last 21 games after a point spread setback. The Wolf Pack committed only five turnovers in that game after only committing seven turnovers in their previous two contests. Nevada has then covered the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games after not committing more than eight turnovers in thee straight games. The Wolf Pack remain at home in this game where they are a perfect 7-0 with an average winning margin of +15.3 PPG. Nevada shoots 51.1% from the field at home which translates into 85.3 PPG while holding their opponents to just 70.0 PPG on 41.6% shooting. The Wolf Pack are 30-10-1 ATS in their last 41 games on their home court — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 home games agains teams without a winning record on the road. Nevada has also covered the point spread in 8 of their last 13 home games as a double-digit favorite. And in their last 31 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%, the Wolf Pack are 22-7-2 ATS. 20* CBB Wednesday Late Show Bailout with the Nevada Wolf Pack (788) minus the points versus the Wyoming Cowboys (787). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Texas A&M Aggies (552) minus the points versus the Florida Gators (551). Texas A&M (11-2) saw their four-game winning streak snapped on Saturday as a 1-point underdog. The Aggies have bounced-back to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after a loss by at least 20 points. Texas A&M has also covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after a point spread loss. Now the Aggies return home where they are a perfect 7-0 with an average winning margin of +20.2 PPG. Texas A&M holds their guests to just a 36.1% shooting percentage. The Aggies have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. 

Florida (9-4) has won three straight games with their 81-74 win over Vanderbilt on Saturday. But now the Gators go back on the road where they are just 3-2 this season while playing marginal defense as they allow their home hosts to make 47.6% of their shots. Florida has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 road games as an underdog getting no more than 6 points — and this includes having failed to cover the point spread in four straight road games when getting no more than 3 points as the underdog. The Gators have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 4 games against SEC opponents, Florida has failed to cover the point spread all 4 times. 20* CBB Florida-Texas A&M ESPN Special with the Texas A&M Aggies (552) minus the points versus the Florida Gators (551). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Xavier Musketeers (514) minus the Butler Bulldogs (513). Butler (12-3) has won four straight games after their triumphant 101-93 upset win over Villanova on Saturday as a 6-point underdog. The Bulldogs enjoyed their best shooting game of the season by making 60% of their shots. But a letdown for this team is likely now going on the road. Butler has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after scoring at least 90 points. The Bulldogs now go on the road where they are just 3-3 while being beaten by -6.1 net PPG. Butler shoots just 39.9% from the field when playing on the road. They have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games. The Bulldogs have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court.

Xavier (14-1) has won nine straight games after their 77-72 win over DePaul on Saturday. The Musketeers shot just 42.4% from the field which was their lowest offensive mark in their last four contests. This team has then covered the point spread in 14 of their last 19 games after a straight-up victory. Xavier has also covered the point spread in 13 of their last 17 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. The Musketeers stay at home for this one where they are a perfect 10-0 with an average winning margin of +20.4 net PPG. Xavier shoots 50.4% from the field at home while limiting their opponents to just a 37.2% shooting percentage. The Musketeers have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games on their home court. Lastly, Xavier should be able to pull away in this game by making 3s. The Musketeers are shooting 37.2% from behind the arc — and the Bulldogs rank 250th in the nation by allowing their opponents to make 36.7% of their 3-pointers. 20* CBB Butler-Xavier Fox Sports 1 Special with the Xavier Musketeers (514) minus the Butler Bulldogs (513). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Hofstra Pride (525) and the Northeastern Huskies (526). Hofstra (7-6) has lost three straight games after their 90-87 loss at William & Mary on Saturday as a 2-point underdog. The Pride have then played 5 straight games Over the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 5 straight games Over the Total after a point spread loss. Now Hofstra stays on the road where they have played 5 straight games Over the Total — and they have played 5 straight road games Over the Total against teams with a winning record at home. The Pride allow their home hosts to make 50.6% of their shots. That is one of the reasons why they have played 12 of their last 15 road games Over the Total as an underdog getting 6 or less points.

Northeastern (8-5) looks to build off their 81-70 won at James Madison on Saturday. The Huskies forced only 8 turnovers in that game — and they have then played 6 of their last 8 games Over the Total after a game where they did not force more than 8 turnovers. Now Northeastern returns home where the Over is 3-1-1 in their last 5 games on their home court. The Huskies have also played a decisive 50 of their last 78 home games Over the Total when playing just their second game in a week. Additionally, Northeastern has played 6 of their last 8 games Over the Total against teams with a winning record. Lastly, in the last 13 meetings between these two teams at Northeastern, the game finished Over the Total 9 times. 25* CBB Colonial Athletic Association Total of the Month with Over the Total in the game between the Hofstra Pride (525) and the Northeastern Huskies (526). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Kentucky Wildcats (820) minus the points versus the Louisville Cardinals (819). Louisville (10-2) has won six straight games after their 74-56 win over Grand Canyon in a non-boarded game back on December 23rd. The Cardinals have then failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games after a straight-up win. The best wins this team has enjoyed this season was against middling Indiana and Memphis teams. Their two losses were at Purdue and Seton Hall — so the jury is still out as to whether or not this team can close to the same under interim head coach David Padgett versus the sacked Rick Pitino. Louisville has failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 11 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. They have been favored in their last six boarded games which were all against non-ranked opponents. The Cardinals have then failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 15 road games after being favored for at least three straight games. This team has played only two true road games — and they are shooting just 38.7% on the road overall so far this season. Furthermore, Louisville has failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court.

Kentucky (9-2) looks to bounce-back from their 83-75 loss to UCLA on Saturday as a 6.5-point favorite — so head coach John Calipari likely has had his team’s attention in practice this week. The Wildcats allowed the Bruins to make 12 shots from behind the arc — so attention to defense should be improved in this contest. Kentucky is 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games after a point spread loss. The Wildcats return home where they are a perfect 8-0 with season with an average winning margin of +13.5 PPG. Kentucky shoots 50.9% from the field at home which helps them score 82.4 PPG — and they limit their opponents to only a 40.4% shooting mark. The Wildcats have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games on their home court. They dominate the glass by pulling down 37.4% of their missed shots which is 15th best in the nation. This is an area of concern for the Cardinals as they are allowing their opponents to rebound 32.1% of their missed shots which is 274th in the nation. Lastly, Kentucky is 4-1-2 ATS in their last 7 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. 10* CBB Louisville-Kentucky CBS-TV Afternoon Special with the Kentucky Wildcats (820) minus the points versus the Louisville Cardinals (819). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:30 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Akron Zips (711) and the Davidson Wildcats (712) in the Diamond’s Head Classic. This game first consolation match on the last day of this holiday tournament in Hawai’i will be played at 7:30 AM local time to accommodate the early afternoon tipoff on the east coast for the ESPNU national audience. Expect both teams to be a bit sluggish for this one. Akron (6-4) has lost two straight games after their 64-62 loss to Princeton on Saturday as a 5.5-point underdog. The Zips have then played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a point spread win — and they have played 9 of their last 11 road games Under the Total after a point spread win. Additionally, Akron has played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total when playing their second game in three days — and they have played 6 straight games Under the Total when playing with one day or less between games. Furthermore, the Zips have played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total against teams outside the Mid-American Conference. And in their last 21 road games against non-conference foes, Akron has played 15 of these games Under the Total. And in their last 7 games played on a neutral court, the Zips have played 6 of these games Under the Total.

Davidson (4-6) has lost three straight games with their 79-71 upset loss at Hawai’i who is the host team for this event on Saturday. The Wildcats shot just 38.1% from the field in that loss. While I sometimes expect the Regression Gods to swoop in an correct outlier efforts like that, in this case, I suspect those Gods will be busy elsewhere and not appearing in Hawai’i before 9:30 AM local time. As it is, Davidson has played 9 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and the Under is 18-8-1 in their last 27 games after a point spread setback. Additionally, the Wildcats have played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total after an upset loss. Davidson has covered the point spread once in their last three games — and they have played 22 of their last 30 games Under the Total when they have failed to cover the point spread in two of their last three games. Their game with Hawai’i did finish Over the 141 point Total — but they have played 22 of their last 30 games Under the Total after a game that finished above the number. Lastly, the Wildcats have played 12 of their last 16 games Under the Total as a favorite on a neutral court by 6.5 to 12 points. 25* CBB Diamond’s Head Classic Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Akron Zips (711) and the Davidson Wildcats (712). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:30 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the North Carolina Tar Heels (552) minus the points versus the Ohio State Buckeyes (551). North Carolina (10-2) may have received the wake-up call they were needing as defending champions as they were upset at home on Wednesday by Wofford by a 79-75 score despite being a 25-point favorite. The Tar Heels settled for too many outside shots which they happened to be missing all night. North Carolina shot only 36.4% from the field which included just 14 of 30 from inside the arc (43.3%) and only 7 of their 25 shots from 3-point land (28%). The Tar Heels also only pulled down nine offensive rebounds for a 25% rate — and that suggests a lack of effort — which was far below their 36.6% offensive rebounding rate which is 17th best in the nation. North Carolina should work harder in this high-profile contest. This team has the potential to get back to the Final Four (and beyond) — and what they do better than last year’s team is make 3-pointers. So far this season, the Tar Heels are making 38.3% of their shots from downtown which is much better than their 35.5% mark from last year’s Championship team. Head coach Roy Williams used the loss to the Terriers to get his team’s attention — so expect them to work harder, crash the glass and focus on taking a better shots. As it is, North Carolina has covered the point spread in 12 of their last 14 games after suffering an upset loss as a favorite laying at least 12 points. The Tar Heels have also covered the point spread in 34 of their last 51 games after a loss on their home court. Additionally, North Carolina is 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games after a straight-up loss — and they are 7-0-1 ATS in their last 8 games after a point spread victory. Moving forward, the Tar Heels have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games when playing on a neutral court as a favorite laying 6.5 to 9 points.

Ohio State (10-3) has won five straight games with their 94-65 win over the Citadel on Tuesday. But this Buckeyes team may be due for a letdown now as they have failed to cover the point spread in 20 of their last 28 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 19 games after a victory by at least 20 points. Ohio State has also failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after scoring at least 90 points in their last contest. And in their last 8 games after winning at least four or five of their last six games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in all 8 games. The Buckeyes have not displayed this season that they can compete against elite competition like the Tar Heels. Their best win this season was at home against Michigan earlier this season — and that is a team that North Carolina throttled this season. Ohio State has lost to Clemson, Gonzaga and Butler this season. The Buckeyes have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams outside the Big Ten. And while this event will be played on a neutral court in New Orleans, Ohio State has failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 26 games played on a neutral court. 25* CBB CBS Sports Classic Game of the Year with the North Carolina Tar Heels (552) minus the points versus the Ohio State Buckeyes (551). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Oakland Grizzlies (836) minus the points versus the Eastern Michigan Eagles (835). Oakland (7-5) will be looking to avenge a 95-89 loss at Eastern Michigan back on December 6th. The Grizzlies have won two of their last three games since that loss with their lone setback being a gritty 13-point loss to a might Michigan State team on a neutral court. Oakland has covered the point spread in 14 of their last 18 games when looking to avenge a loss to their opponents. The Grizzlies come off a 97-86 loss to Towson State back on December 20th as a 4.5-point favorite — and they have then covered the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games after a point spread victory. Oakland is also 42-15-1 ATS in their last 58 games after a straight-up win. And in their last 15 games after scoring at least 90 points, the Grizzlies are 10-4-1 ATS. Oakland gets this rematch at home where they are a perfect 5-0 with season while outscoring their opponents by +14.2 PPG. This up-tempo Grizzlies team scores 89.6 PPG on 51.2% shooting. Oakland has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games at home.

Eastern Michigan (8-2) shot a sizzling 56.5% from the field to pull that upset as a +1.5-point underdog against the Grizzlies. They will be hard pressed to come close to replicating that number in Oakland where the Grizz hold their opponents to just 41.2% from the field. The Eagles are 2-2 on the road this season where they are shooting just 44.7% from the field. Perhaps the bigger concern for Eastern Michigan this time around is that they are allowing the home team to make 48.8% of their shots. The Eagles enter this game having won three straight games after their 85-80 win at Long Beach State last Saturday. Eastern Michigan has failed to cover the point spread in 26 of their last 36 games after winning at least three straight games. The Eagles have also failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games against teams with a winning record. And in their last 8 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court, Eastern Michigan has failed to cover the point spread 6 times. 25* CBB Revenge Game of the Month on the Oakland Grizzlies (836) minus the points versus the Eastern Michigan Eagles (835). Best of luck for us — Frank.

Take Under the Total in the game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Florida Gators. Cincinnati (7-1) looks to bounce-back from their 89-76 loss at Xavier as a 2.5-point underdog. The Bearcats have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss. Cincinnati has also played 4 straight games Under the Total when playing on a neutral court. Additionally, the Bearcats have seen the Under go 5-2-1 in their last 8 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Florida (5-3) has lost three straight games themselves with their 65-59 loss to Loyola-Illinois as a 17-point favorite. The Gators have then played 5 straight games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a point spread loss. Take the Under. Best of luck — Frank.

Frank Sawyer’s Hollywood Sports DELIVERED their 25* CBB Hall of Fame Classic Game of the Year on USC last night to further a 19 of 26 (73%) CBB Game of the Year/Month mark! Frank then TIPPED OFF his Saturday by CA$HING on Michigan minus the points versus UCLA to further a RED HOT 36 of 52 (69%) College Basketball run going back to Frank’s OUTSTANDING MARCH MADNESS last season — and that now includes a SCORCHING 18 of 24 (75%) CBB Side run! Now Frank UNLEASHES his 25* CBB Never Forget Tribute Classic Tournament Game of the Year for the Cincinnati-Florida ATS winner on ESPN2! WATCH & WIN — and DON’T MISS OUT!

At 6:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Florida Gators (808)plus the point(s) versus the Cincinnati Bearcats (807). Florida (5-3) has lost three straight games after suffering an upset loss to Loyola-Illinois as a big 17-point favorite by 65-59 score back on Wednesday. The Gators were riding high with a win over Gonzaga that they followed up with a gritty but narrow loss to Duke on a neutral court two weeks ago. But then Florida got blown out by 17 points on their home court to Florida State before their loss to the Ramblers. The problems for the Gators are pretty simple to dissect: they have not been able to hit the side of the barn in their last two games while not passing the ball enough to find good shots. Florida made only 2 of their 19 shots from behind the arc against Loyola-Illinois. Over their last three games, they are shooting just 36.6% from the field while making only 8 of their 44 shots from behind the arc for an 18.2% shooting mark. They also have a terrible 14 assists in those three games while committing 25 turnovers which played a role in them not covering the point spread in three straight games. Additionally, Loyola-Illinois made 52% of their shots which is the second best effort any team has shot against the Gators this season. Yes, I am expecting a big bounce back from this team that returned four key pieces from the group that made a run to the Elite Eight last year while adding two solid transfers from Power Five Conference schools. The Gators have bounced-back to cover the point spread in 32 of their last 46 games after failing to cover the point spread in three straight games — and they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 13 games after getting upset in two straight games as the favorite. And while they managed only 7 assists against the Ramblers, they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 13 games after failing to register at least 9 assists in their last game. Florida is leading all SEC teams with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.6. In fact, the Gators only turn the ball in 13.4% of their possessions (4th in the nation) which should frustrate this Bearcats team that forces turnovers in 23.2% of their opponent’s possessions which is 32nd in the nation. Florida should find their stroke again — they make 48.6% of their shots when away from home and they are nailing a healthy 39.7% of their shots from behind the arc overall. This game is being played on a neutral court in Newark, New Jersey — and the Gators have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games when playing on a neutral court as an underdog getting 3 points or less. Additionally, Florida has covered the point spread in a decisive 71 of their last 119 situations when the game is listed in the +/- 3-point range including twelve of the last nineteen.

Cincinnati (7-1) lost their first game of the season last Saturday in an 89-76 loss at Xavier. The Bearcats have failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 18 road games when playing just their second game in eight days. Cincinnati committed only 8 turnovers in that game to the Musketeers — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 14 road games after committing no more than 8 turnovers in their last game. Interestingly, the Bearcats missed 6 of their 16 shots from the charity stripe in that game — and that is one less free throw then what Florida has seen their last three opponents miss combined! Duke, Florida State and Loyola-Illinois made 46 of their 53 free throws for a scorching 86.8% rate. The Gators may not know what to do with themselves when watching the Bearcats shoot from the charity stripe where they make just 67.8% of their shots which is just 248th in the nation. These misses make a difference as Cincinnati has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 14 games when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Lastly, the Bearcats have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games in the month of December. 25* CBB Never Forget Tribute Classic Game of the Year with the Florida Gators (808)plus the point(s) versus the Cincinnati Bearcats (807). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Michigan Wolverines (734) minus the points versus the UCLA Bruins (733). UCLA (7-1) enters this game coming off a 106-73 win over Detroit as a 21.5-point favorite. But the Bruins have then failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after a point spread victory. Additionally, UCLA has failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after a win by at least 20 points. And in their last 5 games after scoring at least 100 points in their last game, the Bruins have failed to cover the point spread in all 5 games. This is a tough situation for this retooled UCLA team as they are playing their first true road game — and it is on the East Coast for an early Noon tip off where it will be feel like 9 AM for their players. As it is, the Bruins have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games away from home — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court.

Michigan (7-3) looks to bounce-back from a 71-62 loss at Ohio State back on December 4th as a 2-point underdog. The Wolverines have bounced-back to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a point spread victory. This is a close as a must-win situation for this Michigan team as there can be in the month of December as their NCAA Tournament resume needs a signature win against a likely tournament bubble team. The Big Ten looks down this year — and the Wolverines do not get to host Michigan State this season which robs them of an opportunity to secure a big win. Michigan is tough at home where they are 5-0 with an average winning margin of +20.0 PPG. The Wolverines hold their opponents to just a 39.2% shooting percentage on their home court while making 48.1% of their shots. Michigan makes 36.2% of their 3-pointers at home in the John Beilein offense — and this is an area of concern for the Bruins as they rank 216th in the nation by allowing their opponents to make 36.2% of their 3-pointers. The Wolverines have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games on their home court. 10* CBB Saturday Afternoon Tip Off with the Michigan Wolverines (734) minus the points versus the UCLA Bruins (733). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:00 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Oregon Ducks (520) minus the points versus the Colorado State Rams (519). Oregon (5-3) has lost three of their last four games after being upset on their home court last Friday by Boise State despite being a 7-point favorite. The Ducks only return one starter in guard Payton Pritchard from last year’s first five that made it to the Final Four last season. But in head coach Dana Altman we trust — especially when the game is in Eugene. Altman has a 5-star freshman recruit who can play multiple positions with the 6’7 Tony Brown and he also brought in two solid graduate transfer players in Elijah Brown from New Mexico and MiKyke McIntosh from Illinois State. Oregon is 4-1 on their home court where they are outscoring their opponents by +25.6 PPG due to a power offense that scores 89.9 PPG on 51.3% shooting. The Ducks also hold their visitors to just 35.2% shooting. Oregon has covered the point spread in 23 of their last 34 games on their home court. The Ducks have also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. Oregon has also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games against teams with a losing record. And in their last 31 games when favored by double-digits, the Ducks have covered the point spread in 21 of these games.

Colorado State (4-5) has lost two of their last three games — as well as five of their last seven contests — with their 92-66 blowout loss at Arkansas on Tuesday. The Rams have then failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after allowing at least 90 points in their last game. Now this Colorado State team stays on the road where they are 0-5 this season with an average losing margin of -18.6 PPG. The Rams are shooting only 38.9% from the field while allowing their home hosts to score 85.6 PPG while making 51.4% of their shots from the field. Colorado State has failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight road games — and they have failed to the cover the point spread in 5 straight road games against teams with a winning record at home. Lastly, the Rams have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. 10* CBB Blowout Bookie Buster with the Oregon Ducks (520) minus the points versus the Colorado State Rams (519). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Villanova Wildcats (730) minus the points versus the Gonzaga Bulldogs (729). Gonzaga (7-1) was expected to take a step or two back this season after losing four key players from the team that lost in the National Championship Game to North Carolina last April. The Bulldogs lost their two big men in Przemek Karnowski and Zach Collins along with their best player in point guard Nigel Williams-Goss and starter Jordan Matthews which is simply a ton of talent even for elite program like Duke or Kentucky. Two starters in Johnathan Williams and Josh Perkins along with two players in the regular rotation of minutes return from last year’s team — but expectations have risen pretty quickly for this team once again. Gonzaga has two nice wins against Texas and Creighton while their only loss was a brutal defeat in double-overtime to an excellent Florida team. But the early returns may have this team feeling pretty, pretty, pretty good about themselves relative to the experienced talent on their roster. My read is that this is an overrated team right now — which offers us nice value in this non-conference showdown. The Bulldogs enter this game coming off a 91-74 win over Creighton on December 1st as a 9-point favorite. Gonzaga has then failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games. The Bulldogs shot 54.4% from the field against the Blue Jays’ often wavering defense — and this was exactly the same mark they shot in their last game against Incarnate Word. But Gonzaga has then failed to cover the point spread in a decisive 84 of their last 142 games after shooting at least 50% in their last two games under head coach Mark Few. The concern for Few has to be 3-point defense as opponents are making 38.7% of their shots from behind the arc which is 285th worst in the nation. Creighton made 12 shots from downtown against the Bulldogs which makes this matchup with Villanova a bit scary. This Gonzaga team is doing a good job of crashing the offensive glass as they are rebounding 35.8% of their missed shots — but the Wildcats are 17th in the nation by limiting their opponents to rebounding only 22.3% of their missed shots.

Villanova (8-0) remains unscathed so far this season with their 94-53 blowout win over St. Joseph’s as a 14-point favorite. The Wildcats buried 19 shots from the 3-point line in that game — for the season, this team is making a remarkable 40.6% of their shots from behind the arc which is currently 34th in the nation. Overall, this Villanova team is 2nd in the nation with Adjusted Defensive Efficiency according the metrics of College Basketball guru Ken Pomeroy. They should build off the momentum of that blowout victory as they have covered the point spread in 4 straight games after a straight-up win — and they are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a point spread victory. The Wildcats probably retain some advantage of playing this game at Madison Square Garden which is practically their home away from given all the games they get to play there. Villanova is a dominant 44-20-1 ATS in their last 65 games played against non-conference opponents. This team is loaded with talent once again led by one of the best point guards in the nation in Jalen Bruson along with a future NBA player in 6’7 junior Mikal Bridges — Pomeroy ranks this team the best in the nation according to his metrics (for what that is worth). The difference in this contest will likely be the elite defense that the Wildcats play — they rank 6th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. The one thing they are not going to do is put Gonzaga on the line as they rank 3rd in the nation with an opponent’s free throw attempt to field goal attempt ratio of 18.3%. Lastly, the Wildcats have covered the point spread in 4 straight games against teams with a winning record. 25* CBB Jimmy V Classic Game of the Year with the Villanova Wildcats (730) minus the points versus the Gonzaga Bulldogs (729). Best of luck for us — Frank.

Hollywood Sports’ 25* CBB BIG TEN GAME OF THE MONTH
Frank Sawyer

At 7:00 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the Penn State Nittany Lions (526) minus the points versus the Wisconsin Badgers (525). Penn State (7-2) looks to stop a nine-game losing streak to the Badgers tonight — and eight players return from last year’s 15-18 team that got blown out in their last meetings with Wisconsin by an 82-55 score back on January 24th. Last year’s Nittany Lions were an underrated team that could have made a postseason tournament if they would have had better luck in eking out close games. Penn State lost four games by three points or less last year while dropping an additional two games in overtime. That was a young team last year that did not know how to win games — but now this team has four sophomores and two juniors as the core of their top seven rotation. The Nittany Lions come off an important 77-73 victory at Iowa on Saturday where they pulled out that game on the road despite not playing well. The Hawkeyes shot 50.9% from the field which was the second worst defensive performance of the season for Penn State. And the Nittany Lions shot just 43.7% from the field which was their fourth worst shooting effort this year. Now after playing their last two games on the road, Penn State returns home where they are a perfect 5-0 while outscoring their opponents by +20.0 PPG. The Nittany Lions are playing tough defense at home as they are holding their opponents to just 60.4 PPG along with an opponent’s field goal percentage of 38.8%. Penn State has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games on their home court. And in their last 12 games against teams with a losing record, the Nittany Lions are 10-1-1 ATS.

Wisconsin (3-5) is really struggling this season in what may be a dramatic step back for their program. The Badgers have lost two straight games after their 83-58 upset loss at home to Ohio State as a 7.5-point favorite on Saturday. Four of Wisconsin’s top five scorers from last season — accounting for 43.6 PPG — are gone from last year which has been difficult for them to replace. The Badgers are just 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Now Wisconsin goes on the road where they are 0-3 this season while scoring just 57.3 PPG on a low 39.9% shooting percentage. Lastly, the Badgers have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 trips to Penn State. 25* CBB Big Ten Game of the Month with the Penn State Nittany Lions (526) minus the points versus the Wisconsin Badgers (525). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:30 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Duke Blue Devils (765) minus the points versus the Indiana Hoosiers (766). Duke (8-0) is absolutely loaded with talent this season — this as an impressive a Blue Devils team as I have seen in many years. They should overwhelm this Hoosiers team that is in a major rebuilding mode after Tom Crean was let go and three of his players left the program to take their chances in the professional ranks. Duke did not play particularly well Sunday night but did what they needed to do to rally from an early 15-point lead and then another 14-point deficit with under 10 minutes to go to take an 87-84 victory. The Blue Devils only shot 43.9% from the field — but they did make 10 of their 23 shots from the 3-point line (43.5%). Frankly, this team is like the big and powerful North Carolina teams of the last few seasons — except this team will shoot and make more 3-pointers. 6’11 freshman Marvin Bagley deserves the hype he is receiving — he averaged 26.5 PPG while pulling down 13.5 Rebounds-Per-Game in four games last week. He is joined by 6’10 freshman Wendell Carter to give this team incredible size down low. The Blue Devils lead the nation by pulling down 43.2% of their missed shots. Mike Krzyzewski has embraced shot volume as his team’s defining characteristic — and that has helped them lead the nation in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency so far this season. Look for Duke to build off this momentum as they are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games after a straight-up win. The Blue Devils have also covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games against Big Ten opponents. Additionally, Duke is 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in the last 7 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%, the Blue Devils are 6-0-1 ATS.

Indiana (4-2) has won three straight games with their 87-67 win over Eastern Michigan back on Friday as a 10.5-point favorite. But the Hoosiers are then 17-36-1 ATS in their last 54 games after a point spread victory. Head coach Archie Miller took for this historic program after Tom Creen was dismissed after a disappointing 18-16 season that ended in a first-round loss in the NIT to Georgia Tech. Three players departed early from that team to test the waters in the NBA which leaves this group bereft of talent. There are basic questions regarding this team this season relating to their depth, play at the point guard position, go-to scorers and improving the terrible defensive play that plagued this team in the Creen era. Besides all that, how was the play, Mrs. Lincoln? Miller’s teams at Dayton were known for their physical-play where they focused on rebounding and tough defense. This year’s Hoosiers are pulling down only 30.2% of their missed shots (213th in the nation). So far, the play on defense has been even worse than last year as they rank 195th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency while also ranking 253rd in the nation with an opponent’s effective field goal percentage of 53.3%. Opponents are making an incredible 44.8% of their 3-pointers so far this season which is 342nd in the nation — and that is downright scary when facing Grayson Allen and this Duke group of athletes. Indiana is just 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. The Hoosiers have also failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games against ACC opponents. Lastly, Assembley Hall has not offered this team safe haven as they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games at home — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. 25* CBB ACC-Big Ten Challenge Game of the Year with the Duke Blue Devils (765) minus the points versus the Indiana Hoosiers (766). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 2:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (569) and the Eastern Washington Eagles (570). This game is the opening game of the loser’s bracket of the MGM Grand Main Event right here in Las Vegas — and take note of the 11 AM PT local time tip for these two teams. These early tips often see at least one of the teams still trying to overcome morning lethargy. Eastern Kentucky (2-2) enters this game coming off an 80-70 upset loss to Prairie View A&M on Monday as a 10-point underdog. The Colonels have then played 21 of their last 29 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss. Eastern Kentucky has also played 17 of their last 22 games Under the Total after allowing at least 80 points in their last game. The Colonels saw Prairie View A&M make 48% of their shots which was their worst defensive performance of this young season — so expect a better effort on that end of the court this afternoon. Eastern Kentucky did make 30 of their 36 free throw attempts in that last game for a crisp 83.3% clip at the charity stripe. But the Colonels have then played 35 of their last 55 road games Under the Total after making at least 78% of their free throws in their last game. Additionally Eastern Kentucky has played 23 of their last 33 games Under the Total as the underdog.

Eastern Washington (2-3) takes the court again after their 68-50 loss to Georgia State on Monday. That loss to the Panthers followed up a 15-point loss at UNLV — and the Eagles have then played 8 straight games Under the Total after losing two straight games by at least 15 points. Eastern Washington has also played 10 of their last 14 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss. Additionally, while the Eagles have been underdogs in all four of their boarded games this season, they have then played 28 of their last 41 games Under the Total after playing their last three games as an underdog. Together, these team trends produce our specific 148-62 combined angle for this situation. 10* CBB Wednesday Afternoon Discounted Deal with Under the Total in the game between the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (569) and the Eastern Washington Eagles (570). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:20 PM EST on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels (601) and the Gonzaga Bulldogs (602). North Carolina (32-7) returns to the NCAA Championship Game after they survived a 77-76 win over Oregon on Saturday night. The Tar Heels won this game with defense as they held the Ducks to just 37.9% shooting while making only 36.8% of their own shots. Surprisingly, North Carolina made 8 of 21 shots from behind the arc for a 38.1% clip which was much better than the 30% mark from downtown they had put up in their three previous NCAA Tourney games. It was missing 30 of their 47 shots inside the arc for a subpar 36.2% clip that hampered the Tar Heels’ offense. Expect more clanks off the rim from both teams given the pressure of the moment. As it is, the Under is 10-3-1 in North Carolina’s last 14 games after a straight-up win. The Tar Heels have also played 14 of their last 20 games Under the Total when playing just their second game in a week. Moving forward, they will be facing a Gonzaga team that is best in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency while allowing only 61.2 PPG. North Carolina has played 6 straight games Under the Total against teams who do not allow more than 64 PPG. The Bulldogs also commit only 17 personal fouls per game — and the Tar Heels have played 10 of their last 13 games Under the Total against teams that do not commit more than 17 personal fouls per game.

Gonzaga (37-1) held South Carolina to just a 37.9% shooting clip en route to their 77-73 victory in the Final Four on Saturday as a 7-point favorite. That was actually the best any team has shot against the Bulldogs since Northwestern made 40.9% of their shots against them in the second round of this tournament. Gonzaga has played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a point spread loss. And despite that game with the Gamecocks going Over the Total, the Bulldogs have still played 7 of their last 10 NCAA Tournament games Under the Total. Gonzaga has also played 20 of their last 29 games Under the Total against teams outside the West Coast Conference. And in their last 11 games as an underdog getting less than 7 points, the Bulldogs have played 10 of these games Under the Total. This Tar Heels team outscores their opponents by +14.1 PPG — and Gonzaga has played 14 of their last 18 games Under the Total against teams that outscore their opponents by at least +12.0 RPG. Lastly, the calling card of this North Carolina is that they are the best rebounding team in the nation who out-rebounds their opponents by +12.7 RPG. The Bulldogs have played 10 of their last 11 games Under the Total against teams that out-rebound their opponents by at least +7.0 RPG. 25* CBB North Carolina-Gonzaga O/U Special Feature with Under the Total in the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels (601) and the Gonzaga Bulldogs (602). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:20 PM EST on Monday, we will be playing the Gonzaga Bulldogs (602) plus the point(s) versus the North Carolina Tar Heels (601). North Carolina (32-7) looked very shaky down the stretch against Oregon on Saturday but managed to hang on for a 77-76 victory. That ended up being a very close game despite the Ducks making only 37.9% of their shots. The Tar Heels also made 8 of their 21 shots from the 3-point line for a 38.1% clip which was above their 36.2% season-average. But North Carolina made only 17 of their 47 shots inside the arc for a low 36.2% mark. Over their last three games, the Tar Heels are shooting just 40% from the field. These are all very concerning trends for a team that has shown a proclivity all season to blow leads when away from Chapel Hill this season. Furthermore, point guard Joel Berry II still looked to be hobbled with his two twisted ankles Saturday night despite having six days to recuperate. Over his last six games going back to the ACC Tournament, Berry II has made only 20 of his 68 shots. North Carolina is just 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a straight-up win. And in their last 4 games as a favorite laying less than 7 points, the Tar Heels are just 0-3-1 ATS.

Gonzaga (37-1) finally got a good performance from their floor general Nigel Williams-Goss in this tournament as he took over in the second-half to lead his team to a 77-73 victory over South Carolina on Saturday as a 7-point favorite. The Bulldogs are then 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 games after a point spread loss. This Gonzaga team is versatile with a strong backcourt along with the size on the frontline to challenge the Tar Heels’ dominance on the boards. Mark Few has four players who stand at least 6’9. They held a physical Gamecocks team that pulls down 33.9% of their missed shots to rebounding only 29.5% of their misses. North Carolina is the best offensive rebounding team in the country — but they do struggle if they do not completely have their way on the boards. The Tar Heels are also vulnerable against teams that can make their 3s since they rank 282nd in the nation by allowing their opponents to take 39.5% of their field goal attempts from behind the arc. Arkansas fueled their second-half comeback on the second round of this tournament by making 45% of their 3s. The Bulldogs make 38.1% of their 3-point shots. They are an impressive 16-5-2 ATS in their last 23 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 7 games as an underdog getting less than 7 points, Gonzaga has covered the point spread 5 times. While the Bulldogs have had some issues dealing with pressure in this tournament, expect them to revel at this opportunity to seize a national championship by defeating a Tar Heels’ that lacks superstars. 25* CBB Game of the Month with the Gonzaga Bulldogs (602) plus the point(s) versus the North Carolina Tar Heels (601). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:45 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing the North Carolina Tar Heels (814) minus the points versus the Oregon Ducks (813). Oregon (33-5) held Kansas to just 35% shooting which helped them secure a 74-60 victory last Saturday. Kansas may have been due for a big letdown in their shooting after scoring 288 points in their three previous NCAA Tournament games. The Ducks reached the Final Four despite the season-ending injury to their big man and room protector Chris Boucher. But this Oregon team has been fortunate to draw four teams in Iona, Rhode Island, Michigan and Kansas who were all perimeter dominated teams. Frankly, there could not have been a worse opponent for this Ducks’ team to face then this North Carolina team with their dominating front court. The Tar Heels make 51.5% of their shots inside the arc — and the Ducks have allowed their four NCAA Tourney opponents to make 53% of their 2-point shots. Oregon has been fortunate that their Tournament foes have made just 31% of their shots inside the arc. Tyler Dorsey may also be getting a visit from the Regression Gods considering he is making 65% of his 3-point shots and 68% of his 2-point shots in this tournament. The Ducks are just 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games against teams with a winning record. Oregon has also failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games on a neutral court with the Total set in the 1501-159.5 point range.

North Carolina (31-7) has made only 30% of their shots from behind the arc in their last three games after making 36.2% of their 3-pointers for the season. That number should improve. I have been concerned about the state of Joel Berry II’s ankles with both being twisted after last weekend’s game — but he seems to be in good shape and spirits for this contest. The Tar Heels dominated the paint in their win over Kentucky as they outscored the Wildcats by a 34-26 margin inside to lead them to their 75-73 victory. But it is offensive rebounding that will likely play the biggest role in this game. North Carolina leads the nation by pulling down 42.1% of their missed shots — and Oregon allowed their Pac-12 opponents to pull down 31.4% of their missed shots even with Boucher on the court for a majority of those minutes. The Tar Heels have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games against Pac-12 opponents which is telling in this contrast of styles between these two teams. North Carolina is also 21-7-3 ATS in their last 31 games when favored on a neutral court. And don’t discount the edge the Tar Heels have with their veteran coaching staff led by Roy Williams who has been in this situation many times. This is Dana Altman’s first Final Four. North Carolina is 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games in the NCAA Tournament. 25* CBB Saturday Night Special Feature with the North Carolina Tar Heels (814) minus the points versus the Oregon Ducks (813). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:45 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Oregon Ducks (813) and the North Carolina Tar Heels (814). Oregon (33-5) held Kansas to just 35% from the field en route to their 74-60 win last Saturday. The Ducks flexed their defensive muscles in that game by holding a potent Jayhawks offense that had averaged 96 PPG in their three previous Tournament games to scoring just those 60 points in 64 possessions. In the Ducks’ four tournament games, they have averaged 66 possessions so it is likely that head coach Dana Altman will look to slow this game down where both teams do not have more than 65 possessions apiece — and that makes the Under look rather appetizing with the Total set in the low 150s. Oregon has played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total with the Total set in the 150-159.5 point range. The Ducks have also played 12 of their last 14 games played on a neutral court with the Total set in the 150-159.5 point range. And while the Tar Heels average 66 shots per game, Oregon has played 12 of their last 15 games Under the Total against teams that average at least 62 shots per game — and that includes 7 straight Unders when those games are the road.

North Carolina (31-7) held Kentucky to just a 41.5% from the field in their 75-73 nail biter on Sunday. The Under is then 10-2-1 in their last 13 games after a straight-up win. The Tar Heels are struggling with their 3-point shooting as they have made only 30% of their shots from behind the arc in their last three games in this tournament after their opening victory over Texas Southern. North Carolina is surviving by crashing the boards. In these last three games, the Tar Heels have out-rebounded their opponents by +10, +12 and +13 boards. Not only has North Carolina then played 13 of their last 17 games Under the Total after out-rebounding their last two opponents by at least 10 boards but they have played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total after out-rebounding their last three opponents by at least ten boards. And while the Ducks only commit 16 personal fouls per game, the Tar Heels have played 12 of their last 14 games Under the Total against teams that commit 17 or fewer personal fouls per game. 25* CBB Final Four Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Oregon Ducks (813) and the North Carolina Tar Heels (814). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:05 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the South Carolina Gamecocks (811) and the Gonzaga Bulldogs (812). South Carolina (26-10) held Florida to just 41.7% shooting en route to their 77-70 victory last Sunday as 3-point underdogs in that game. The Gamecocks have then played a decisive 45 of their last 64 games Under the Total after a point spread victory — and that includes the Under cashing tickets in thirteen of their last eighteen games after a point spread win. Frank Martin’s team will look to make this game into a grind. While the Bulldogs hold their opponents to just a 36.5% shooting mark, South Carolina has played 20 of their last 28 games Under the Total against teams with a defensive field goal percentage of 42% or less. Furthermore, the Gamecocks have played 9 of their last 12 games Under the Total against teams outside the SEC. South Carolina has also played 10 of their last 12 games Under the Total when playing on a neutral court as an underdog. And in their last 34 games as an underdog getting less than 7 points, the Under is 25-8-1 for the Gamecocks.

Gonzaga (36-1) held Xavier to shooting just 35.5% from the field in their 83-59 victory over the Musketeers last Saturday. The Bulldogs have then played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a straight-up win. Gonzaga has the best Adjusted Defensive Efficiency in the nation — and they have held their four NCAA Tournament opponents to scoring at just a 0.687 Points-Per-Possession rate in the half-court. South Carolina does outscore their opponents by +8.3 PPG — but the Bulldogs have played 17 of their last 25 games Under the Total against teams who outscore their opponents by at least +8.0 PPG. Gonzaga has also played 4 straight games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 6 games as a favorite laying less than 7 points, the Bulldogs have played 5 of these games Under the Total. 20* CBB Saturday Daily Discounted Deal with Under the Total in the game between the South Carolina Gamecocks (811) and the Gonzaga Bulldogs (812). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:05 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing the Gonzaga Bulldogs (812) minus the points versus the South Carolina Gamecocks (811). South Carolina (26-10) has pulled off three straight upsets in this NCAA Tournament — but expect for their bubble to burst tonight as they look more like the team that lost six of their last nine games before this Tournament started. These Gamecocks have covered the point spread in all four of their NCAA Tournament games — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 15 road games after covering the point spread in four or five of the last six games. Somehow this team is scoring at a crisp 1.16 Points-Per-Possession rate which is well above their 1.00 PPP rate in SEC play. Frankly, even if this Gamecocks team was not a prime candidate to get a visit from the Regression Gods, this is just a terrible matchup for them. The Bulldogs out-rebound their opponents by +7.0 RPG — and South Carolina has failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 24 games after fifteen games into the season against team who out-rebound their opponents by at least +4.0 RPG. Gonzaga also holds their opponents to just 60.9 PPG — but the Gamecocks have failed to cover the point spread in 18 of their last 24 games after fifteen games into the season against teams who do not allow more than 64 PPG. And while the Bulldogs commit only 17 personal fouls per game, South Carolina has failed to cover the point spread in 14 of the last 17 games after fifteen games into the season against teams who do not commit more than 17 personal fouls per game. To make things worse, Gonzaga has worked on pressure defenses for a full two weeks given their Sweet Sixteen matchup with West Virginia and now a full week to digest that game tape while preparing for the Gamecocks’ pressure.

Gonzaga (36-1) played their best game of the Tournament with their 83-59 win over Xavier last Saturday. But considering that the Bulldogs are scoring at just a 1.03 PPP rate, they still have room for improvement to inch closer to their 1.19 adjusted PPP scoring rate for the season. South Carolina must force turnovers to create scoring opportunities in transition — they will struggle to score against this Gonzaga defense that has held their four Tournament opponents to scoring at just a 0.687 PPP rate in the half-court. Frankly, this South Carolina team is a Poor-Man’s version of the West Virginia team that the Bulldogs already defeated. The Gamecocks do not force as many turnovers as the Mountaineers while not being nearly as fierce as Bob Huggins’ team on the boards. Gonzaga is 16-4-2 ATS in their last 22 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 27 games as a favorite of less than 7 points, the Bulldogs are 19-6-2 ATS. 25* CBB Final Four A-List Special with the Gonzaga Bulldogs (812) minus the points versus the South Carolina Gamecocks (811). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders (526) plus the points versus the St. Peter’s Peacocks (525). Texas A&M Corpus Christi (24-11) reached the Finals of the College Insider Tournament with their 79-61 win at Maryland-Baltimore County  on Wednesday despite being a 2-point underdog in their gym. The Islanders have now covered the point spread in 4 straight boarded games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. This team has also covered the point spread in 4 straight boarded games against teams outside their Southland Conference. And while they opened as a small 1.5-point favorite, Texas A&M Corpus Christi now sees themselves as an underdog in the 4-point range. Yet this team has covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 boarded games when getting less than 7 points. The Islanders are not used to losing on their home court where they won sixteen of their seventeen games this season an average winning margin of +11.4 PPG.

St. Peter’s (22-13) crushed Furman on Wednesday with their 77-51 win over Furman as a 3.5-point favorite. We had the Peacocks in that game and felt great about that result with St. Peter’s racing out to a big lead and never looked back in that easy victory. But this is a tough situation for the Peacocks to avoid a letdown in this Championship Game while traveling to Corpus Christi. St. Peter’s is a “Slow Killer” that slows the pace down while creating more scoring opportunities by forcing turnovers. But the Islanders played in a conference that loves to pressure the basketball — and they were 2nd in fewest turnovers in the Southland Conference. The Peacocks live-and-die by their 3-point shooting as well as they led the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference by seeing 38.8% of their points coming from made 3-pointers. But Texas A&M CC holds their visitors to just 33.3% shooting from behind the arc. Furthermore, in head coach Willis Wilsons’ twelve-year coaching career with Rice and now the Islanders, his teams have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 15 boarded games at home after fifteen games into the season against teams that average at least 21 shots from behind the arc per game — and St. Peters’ averages 21 shots from 3-point land per game. Lastly, Wilson’s teams have also covered the point spread in 31 of their last 43 boarded home games after fifteen games into the season against teams with a winning record. 10* CBB play on Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders (526) plus the points versus the St. Peter’s Peacocks (525). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (523) plus the points versus the Wyoming Cowboys (524). Wyoming (22-15) bounced-back from their 91-81 loss in the opening game of this series on Monday by crushing the Chanticleers by an 81-57 score on Wednesday as a 7.5-point favorite. The Cowboys held Coastal Carolina to just a 31.3% shooting percentage which was their third best defensive effort all season. We are expecting a big emotional letdown in this rubber match for this Wyoming team who may not be able to prevent themselves from being overconfident in this contest after that 34-point victory. But this score will start at 0-0 — and it may take some time for the Cowboys to adjust to that new reality with this game still on their home court in Laramie. As it is, Wyoming is just 1-4-1 ATS in their last six games after a win by at least 20 points. The Cowboys have also been overachieving in the first two games in these Finals by nailing 12 of 31 of their 3-pointers on Wednesday after making 13 of their 34 shots from downtown on Monday. That 38.5% mark from behind the arc for their 65 shots in the first two games in this series is likely to get a visit from the Regression Gods. Not only does Wyoming make 35.3% of their 3-pointers for the season which suggests a step back in that department tonight but the Chanticleers led the Sun Belt Conference by holding their opponents to just a 31.9% shooting mark from behind the 3-point line.

Coastal Carolina (20-18) experienced not only their worst offensive performance on Wednesday in their last five games but that was also their fourth worst shooting effort for the season. They missed 21 of their 26 shots from behind the arc in that loss. But the Chanticleers have covered the point spread in 5 straight games after a point spread loss — and they are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games after a straight-up loss. Additionally, Coastal Carolina has covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games outside Sun Belt Conference play. In their win on Monday, the Chanticleers shot 47.2% from the field while pulling down 42.9% of their missed shots. If Coastal Carolina can approach those numbers tonight, then this should be a close game. 10* CBB Friday Daily Discounted Deal with the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (523) plus the points versus the Wyoming Cowboys (524). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing the TCU Horned Frogs (712) minus the points versus the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (711). TCU (23-15) reached the Finals of the NIT with their 68-53 win over Central Florida as a 2.5-point favorite on Tuesday. The Horned Frogs have then covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win. This TCU team is more battle-tested coming out of the Big 12 — and remember that they upset Kansas in the Big 12 Tournament. We have had the Horned Frogs a number of times this month — and what I like most about this team under first-year head coach Jamie Dixon is that they share the basketball. They led the Big 12 in assisted field goal percentage rate — and by assisting on 63.0% of their field goals this season, they ranked 10th in the nation. Dixon is certainly very familiar with playing in Madison Square Garden after his Tour of Duty with Pittsburgh which involved so many Big East Tournaments in MSG. TCU has covered the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games played on a neutral court. The Horned Frogs have also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games against teams outside the Big 12.

Georgia Tech (21-15) reached the NIT Finals with their 76-61 win over Cal-State Bakersfield as a 3.5-point favorite on Tuesday. The Yellow Jackets The Yellow Jackets are hot after winning four straight games in this tournament — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 36 of their last 52 games on the road after winning four of their last five games. Georgia Tech pulled off two upsets in this tournament against an Indiana team about to lose their coach then at Ole Miss to earn the right to travel to New York City for this event. But this is also a team that was last in the ACC in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency — and the 43.3% shooting mark they had against the Roadrunners does not inspire confidence now. They should be outmatched tonight. 10* CBB Thursday Daily Discounted Deal with the TCU Horned Frogs (712) minus the points versus the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (711). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (711) and the TCU Horned Frogs (712). Georgia Tech (21-15) held Cal-State Bakersfield to just 35.0% on Tuesday en route to their 76-61 victory as 3.5-point favorites to put them in the Finals of the NIT. The Under is then 5-2-1 in the Yellow Jackets’ last 8 games after a point spread victory. Josh Pastner’s team is playing outstanding defense in this tournament after finishing 2nd in the ACC in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. But this Georgia Tech team can struggle to find baskets after finishing last in the ACC in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. This team shot just 43.3% from the field against the Roadrunners. Moving forward, the Yellow Jackets have played 13 of their last 18 games Under the Total against teams outside the ACC. Georgia Tech has also played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total when playing on a neutral court. And in their last 26 games as an underdog getting less than 7 points, the Under is 19-6-1.

TCU (23-15) reached the Finals of the NIT with their 68-53 win over Central Florida as a 2.5-point favorite on Tuesday. The Horned Frogs also got it done led by their defense as they stifled the Knights after falling behind by a 29-19 score — and they held UCF to just a 33.3% shooting mark. But this TCU team shot only 43.3% from the field themselves. First-year head coach Jamie Dixon has had this team sharing the basketball all season as they led the Big 12 in assisted field goal percentage rate. The Horned Frogs had 20 assists against Central Florida after assisting on 23 baskets in the NIT Quarterfinals against Richmond. TCU has then played 28 of their last 40 games Under the Total after assisting on at least 19 baskets in two straight games. The Horned Frogs have also played 22 of their last 32 games Under the Total against teams outside the Big 12. And in their last 10 games played on a neutral court as a favorite, TCU has played 8 of these games Under the Total. 25* CBB NIT Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (711) and the TCU Horned Frogs (712). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM EST on Wednesday, we will be playing the St. Peter’s Peacocks (526) minus the points versus the Furman Paladins (525). St. Peter’s (21-13) reached the Semifinals of the College Insider Tournament with their 49-44 win at Texas State as a 1-point underdog. The Peacocks held the Bobcats to just 29.4% shooting — and their last five opponents have shot just 40.2% from the field. St. Peter’s has then covered the point spread in 20 of their last 27 games after a straight-up win — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a point spread victory. Tellingly, the Peacocks have covered the point spread in 9 straight games after not allowing more than 55 points in their last game. This team is a “Slow Killer” in that they play at a slow pace but generate extra possessions by forcing turnovers at a 20.9% range which is 41st best in the nation. The Paladins are vulnerable to turning the ball over as they rank 224th in the nation by turning the ball over in 19.1% of their possessions. Not after playing their last two games on the road in this tournament, the Peacocks return home for this contest. St. Peter’s has covered the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games when favored by less than 7 points.

Furman (23-11) reached the Semifinals with their 79-64 win at Campbell last Saturday. For the second straight game, the Paladins were called for just 12 personal fouls in that game — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 18 of their last 24 games on the road after not being whistled for more than 15 personal fouls in their last two contests. Now Furman stays on the road for the third straight time in this tournament. The Paladins were favored in those previous two games — and, in fact, this is the first time this team has been an underdog since February 22nd. Furman has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 road games as an underdog getting less than 7 points. The Paladins rely on 3-point shooting as they make 38.2% of their shots from behind the arc. But the Peacocks defend the perimeter quite well as they are 32nd in the nation by limiting their opponents to just a 32.0% shooting mark from the 3-point line. Lastly, while Furman also plays good defense by holding their opponents to just a 42.0% shooting mark, St. Peter’s has covered the point spread in 6 straight games against teams with a defensive field goal percentage of 42% or lower. 25* CBB College Insider Tournament Game of the Year with the St. Peter’s Peacocks (526) minus the points versus the Furman Paladins (525). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM EST on Wednesday, we will be playing the Wyoming Cowboys (522) minus the points versus the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (521). Coastal Carolina (20-17) won the opening game of this Best-of-Three series with their 91-81 upset win over the Cowboys on Monday as a 1-point underdog. But now after hosting all four games in their College Basketball Invitational experience, the Chanticleers go on the road to play in a true hostile environment for the first time since March 4th. Coastal Carolina has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 road games after playing at least three previous games at home. The Chanticleers have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games on the road overall. They will likely struggle to deal with the higher altitude in Laramie. This team also knows in the back of their mind that they can lose this game but still win the tournament in the rubber match. Furthermore, in their last 6 road games as an underdog getting 7-12.5 points, Coastal Carolina has failed to cover the point spread all 6 times.

Wyoming (21-15) has bounced-back to go 20-7-1 ATS in their last 28 games after a straight-up loss. The Cowboys have also covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after a point spread setback. This team loves to play at a fast pace to take advantage of teams not used to the thin Rocky Mountain air. Wyoming is 12th in the nation by averaging just 15.1 seconds per possession which is more than two seconds quicker than the 17.3 second national average. That helps explain why the Cowboys have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games on their home court. And while the Chanticleers are just 5-11 on the road this season, Wyoming has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 home games against teams with a losing record on the road. 20* CBB Wednesday Daily Discounted Deal with the Wyoming Cowboys (522) minus the points versus the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (521). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:30 PM EST on Tuesday, we will be playing the TCU Horned Frogs (779) minus the points versus the Central Florida Knights (780). TCU (22-15) limped into the Big 12 Tournament on a seven-game losing streak — but they have won five of their last six games in tourney action since with their 86-68 win over Richmond last Tuesday. The Horned Frogs have then covered the point spread in 12 of their last 17 games after a straight-up win. TCU upset Kansas in the Big 12 Tournament before falling short to Iowa State in those Semifinals. Now this team under first-year head coach Jamie Dixon goes to Madison Square Garden where he coached plenty of times in his previous stint in Pittsburgh with MSG also being the destination for the Big East Tournament. As it is, the Horned Frogs have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games played on a neutral court.

Central Florida (24-11) has won nine of their last ten games with their 68-58 win over Illinois last Tuesday. This team also has a veteran head coach in his first-season in a new environment with Johnny Dawkins coming over from Stanford. But Dawkins’ teams have failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 20 road games against teams with a winning percentage in the 51-60% range. These Knights do not look to have as strong a composition to survive a single-elimination tournament played on a neutral court. They are 339th in the nation by turning the ball over in 22.1% of their possessions. They also make only 43% of their shots away from home. This team is led by the 7’6 Tacko Fall who is a defensive menace down low. But these Horned Frogs are the type of team that can dodge the trouble he offers. TCU led the Big 12 in transition points on offense which should take Fall out of the play. They also are quite happy to make an extra pass as they led the Big 12 by assisting on 61.7% of their baskets — and that number rose to a 62.6% clip overall which is 10th best in the nation. TCU also has their own big guy in 6’11 Vladimir Brodziansky who is a load himself and will give Fall a challenge he is not used to having. 10* CBB Tuesday Late Show Bailout with the TCU Horned Frogs (779) minus the points versus the Central Florida Knights (780). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM EST on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Cal-State Bakersfield Roadrunners (777) and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (778). Georgia Tech (20-15) reached the NIT Semifinals with their 74-66 win at Mississippi last Tuesday. The Yellow Jackets have then seen the Under go 5-1-1 in their last 7 games after a point spread win. The team is getting it done on defense as they held the Rebels to just a 39.7% shooting percentage after finishing 2nd in the ACC in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. Now first-year head coach Josh Pastner takes his team to Madison Square Garden for the Semifinals of the NIT — and the Yellow Jackets have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total when playing on a neutral court. Georgia Tech has also played 20 of their last 27 games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 4 games as a favorite laying less than 7 points, the Yellow Jackets have played all 4 games Under the Total.

Cal-State Bakersfield (25-9) reached the Semifinals of this tournament with their 80-76 win at UT-Arlington last Wednesday by an 80-76 score. The Roadrunners held the Mavericks to just 35.5% shooting in that victory. This team has played 16 of their last 18 games Under the Total after playing their last three games against teams outside the Western Athletic Conference. Now this team goes to Madison Square Garden for these Semifinals — and they have played 10 of their last 14 games Under the Total when playing on a neutral court. Cal-State Bakersfield plays outstanding defense as they hold their opponents to just 37% shooting. Georgia Tech has played 10 of their last 12 games Under the Total against teams with a defensive field goal percentage at 39% or lower. And while the Roadrunners outscore their opponents by +8.3 PPG, the Yellow Jackets have played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total after fifteen games into the season against teams who outscore their opponents by +8.0 PPG. 10* CBB Tuesday Daily Discounted Deal with Under the Total in the game between the Cal-State Bakersfield Roadrunners (777) and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (778). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM EST on Tuesday, we will be playing the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (778) minus the points versus the Cal-State Bakersfield Roadrunners (777). Cal-State Bakersfield (25-9) has pulled off three straight upsets in this NIT to reach the Semifinals of this tournament in Madison Square Garden. Their last contest was an impressive 80-76 win at UT-Arlington last Wednesday where they were a 4-point underdog. But after playing on the road for the third straight game to pull off their third straight upset, we are expecting a significant emotional letdown as they travel across to the country to conclude this tournament in the Big Apple. This is quite an accomplishment for this Western Athletic Conference team. The Roadrunners have been on-fire with their 3-point shooting. After making 9 of their 21 shots from behind the arc in their win against Cal, they followed that up by making 11 of 19 shots from 3-point land against Colorado State and then made another 10 of 19 shots from behind the arc in their win against UT-Arlington. If the Roadrunners continue to make 50.8% of their shots from downtown, they will likely win this game. But expect the Regression Gods to make an appearance in Madison Square Garden tonight for this team that makes only 32.4% of their 3-point shots behind the arc. The Yellow Jackets allow their opponents to make just 33.3% of their 3-point shots. Their 3-point defense has been even better in the NIT.

Georgia Tech (20-15) reached the Semifinals with their 74-66 upset win at Ole Miss as a 5.5-point underdog last Tuesday. The Yellow Jackets held the Bulldogs to just a 21.4% shooting mark from behind the arc. Georgia Tech limited Indiana to just a 26.3% mark from their 19 shots from 3-point land in their opening win in the NIT. But perhaps their second round win over Belmont is most telling. The Bruins are 2nd in the nation in 3-point attempts to field goal attempt ratio but only made 11 of their 33 shots from downtown against Josh Pastner’s team. These Yellow Jackets are battled-tested from the ACC — and they have nice wins over North Carolina, Florida State, Notre Dame, VCU, Syracuse and Clemson. This experience as well as their expectation that this stage in MSG is not too big for them should make the difference in this game. The Yellow Jackets have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games played on a neutral court. Georgia Tech has also covered the point spread in 13 of their last 16 games versus teams with a winning record. And in their last 12 games as the favorite laying less than 7 points, the Yellow Jackets have covered the point spread 9 times. 25* CBB NIT Game of the Year with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (778) minus the points versus the Cal-State Bakersfield Roadrunners (777). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:30 PM EST on Monday, we will be playing the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (744) plus (or minus) the points versus the Wyoming Cowboys (743). Coastal Carolina (19-17) hosts the first-game of this three-game series before Wyoming hosts the last two potential games of this series on their home court in Laramie. The Chanticleers reached the Finals of this Tournament with their 89-78 victory over Illinois-Chicago last Wednesday. Coastal Carolina did allow the Flames to shoot 50% from the field in that victory which was their worst defensive effort in their last sixteen games. Expect a much better performance on the defensive end of the court tonight as the Chanticleers hold their visitors to just 39.0% shooting. Coastal Carolina is 14-6 on their home court where they outscore their opponents by +7.8 PPG. The Chanticleers are an impressive 10-1-2 ATS in their last 13 games on their home court. Coastal Carolina is also 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. And in their last 4 home games as an underdog, the Chanticleers are 3-0-1 ATS.

Wyoming (21-14) has won three straight games with their 74-68 win over Utah Valley State last Wednesday. The Cowboys have hosted all three of their games in this tournament — but not they will be playing their first true road game in a hostile environment for the first time since February 28th. They shot a sizzling 49.1% since that contest on the last day in February — but they make only 41.6% of their shots away from home where they are just 4-11 this season. As it is, Wyoming has played 17 of their last 23 road games after playing a game at home. The Cowboys have also failed to cover the point spread in 27 of their last 38 road games after playing at least two straight games on their home court. Wyoming is very dependent on their 3-point shooting since they do not force turnovers or crash the offensive glass. The Cowboys pull down only 22.5% of their missed shots (329th in the nation) and they average only 12 forced turnovers per game which accounts for just 16.4% of their opponent’s possessions (303rd in the nation). The Chanticleers held their conference opponents to just 31.9% shooting behind the arc which was tops in the Sun Belt. Coastal Carolina has also covered the point spread in 34 of their last 51 games against teams that do not average more than 14 forced turnovers per game. Wyoming started the season 10-2 but have lost thirteen of their last twenty-four games despite this recent success in this tournament. And this is a must-win situation for the Chanticleers in the Best-of-Three series with the remaining two games being on Wyoming’s home court. 25* CBI Game of the Year with the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (744) plus (or minus) the points versus the Wyoming Cowboys (743). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 5:05 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the North Carolina Tar Heels (724) minus the points versus the Kentucky Wildcats (723). North Carolina (30-7) got their offense on track on Friday with their 92-80 victory over Butler. Justin Jackson and Joel Berry III broke out of their scoring slump in this Tournament by combining to make 17 of their 30 shots from the field. Overall, the Tar Heels made 54.4% of their shots in this game. North Carolina has then covered the point spread in 8 straight games after allowing at least 80 points in their last game. This showdown will be a rematch of a game these two played in Las Vegas back on December 17th which Kentucky won by a 103-100 score in a shootout. The Tar Heels only pulled down 29.4% of their missed shots in that game. This team led the nation by rebounding 42.1% of their missed shots this season — and that mark has increased to a 43% mark in the NCAA Tournament. Except UNC to control the boards in this rematch — and it is this skill that has helped Roy Williams team go 14-5-1 ATS in their last 20 games played on a neutral court. The Tar Heels have also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games in the NCAA Tournament.

Kentucky (32-5) survived a fast-paced game where they outlasted UCLA by an 86-75 score as a 1.5-point underdog. The Wildcats have then failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a point spread victory. Kentucky has also failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games on the road after a point spread win. This may have been a Pyrrhic win for John Calipari’s team since they may be a bit tired when now facing this mighty Tar Heels team. The 52.7% shooting that they allowed the Bruins to accrue is also a warning sign for this contest. Interior defense is a vulnerability for this team — they were 9th in the SEC by allowing their opponents to make 49.2% of their shots inside the arc. Kentucky also is not an elite 3-point shooting team outside of Malik Monk. The Wildcats make just 35.2% from behind the arc which ranks 160th in the nation. Kentucky did make 10 of their 18 shots from the 3-point line in their December victory over the Tar Heels — so that is another area which will likely be different in this rematch. Calipari’s team finds many of their points on the free throw line — they average 26 shots from the charity stripe per game. But North Carolina has covered the point spread in 15 of their last 21 games on the road after fifteen games into the season against teams that average at least 25 free throw attempts per game. Lastly, the Wildcats are just 3-7-2 ATS in their last 12 games in the NCAA Tournament. 25* CBB Elite Eight Game of the Year with the North Carolina Tar Heels (724) minus the points versus the Kentucky Wildcats (723). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 2:20 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the South Carolina Gamecocks (721) and the Florida Gators (722). South Carolina (25-10) held the Baylor Bears to just 30.4% shooting in their 70-50 win on Friday as a 3-point underdog. The Gamecocks have then played a decisive 45 of their last 63 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. This will be the third meeting between these SEC rivals — and this rubber match shapes up to be a low-scoring grind. The Gators won the last meeting between these two teams by an 81-66 score in Gainesville back on February 21st. Florida scored at a blistering 1.16 Points-Per-Possession rate while making 9 of their 19 shots from behind the arc. Expect better perimeter defense from this Gamecocks team that is 9th in the nation by holding their opponents to just a 30.2% mark from behind the arc. Regression also appears likely for this South Carolina team on offense. The Gamecocks are making 54% of their shots inside the arc after only shooting 44% of their 2-point shots in SEC play. Moving forward, South Carolina has played 10 of their last 12 games Under the Total as an underdog on a neutral court. And in their last 33 games as an underdog of less than 7 points, the Under is 25-7-1.

Florida (27-8) survived an 84-83 win in overtime over Wisconsin on Friday. That game went well Over the 131 Total — but the Gators have still played 18 of their last 24 games Under the Total when playing on a neutral court as a favorite. Florida has also played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total as a favorite laying less than 7 points. And in their last 5 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%, the Gators have played 4 of these games Under the Total. 10* CBB Sunday Daily Discounted Deal with Under the Total in the game between the South Carolina Gamecocks (721) and the Florida Gators (722). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 2:20 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the South Carolina Gamecocks (721) plus the points versus the Florida Gators (722). South Carolina (25-10) pulled off their third straight upset in the NCAA Tournament with their 70-50 win over Baylor as a 3-point underdog. The Gamecocks are getting it done with defense as they held the Bears to just 30.4% shooting. This South Carolina team is also been much more efficient with their shooting inside the arc as they are making 54% of their 2-point shots which is 10% higher than their mark during conference play. With Sindarius Thornwell, the reigning SEC Player of the Year, the Gamecocks have a dynamic leader who can take over games. This is a physically and mentally tough team that takes on the personality of their coach Frank Martin. That makes this group very tough in situations like this. South Carolina is 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog of less than 7 points. And in their last 29 games played on a neutral court, the Gamecocks are 20-8-1 ATS.

Florida (27-8) may be a bit tired after needing overtime to outlast Wisconsin late Friday night in their 84-83 loss. And after allowing their first three opponents to score at a minuscule 0.79 Points-Per-Possession rate, the Badgers scored at a 1.12 PPG clip due to 50.9% shooting. The loss of the Gators’ big man John Egbunu is impacting this team — and while he had already suffered his season-ending knee injury in Florida’s 81-66 victory over the Gamecocks on February 21st, his absence will really hurt his team this afternoon. These two teams split their two meetings this season with both sides defending their home court. South Carolina has covered the point spread in 17 of their last 21 road games when avenging a double-digit loss on the road to their opponent. The Gators shoot 45.1% from the field this season — but the Gamecocks have covered the point spread in 18 of their last 26 games against teams who shoot at least 45% from the field. And while Florida outscores their opponents by +11.9 PPG, this South Carolina team has covered the point spread in 19 of their last 27 games against teams who outscore their opponents by at least +4.0 PPG. 10* CBB South Carolina-Florida Special with the South Carolina Gamecocks (721) plus the points versus the Florida Gators (722). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:45 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing the Kansas Jayhawks (512) minus the points versus the Oregon Ducks (511). Kansas (31-4) has been dominant in this NCAA Tournament — and their best performance may have been on Thursday night when they destroyed Purdue by a 98-66 score. The Jayhawks previously destroyed Michigan State by a 90-70 score after their opening 100-62 win over Cal-Davis. Kansas has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after scoring at least 90 points in their last game. The Jayhawks have also covered the point spread in 16 of their last 21 games after scoring at least 85 points in two straight contests. Moving forward, Kansas has covered the point spread in 5 straight games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 8 games in the NCAA Tournament as the favorite, the Jayhawks have covered the point spread 7 times.

Oregon (32-5) survived Michigan on Thursday with their 69-68 victory over the Wolverines. But these Ducks are just 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a straight-up win. While this team continues to survive without their 6’10 interior enforcer in Chris Boucher after he suffered a season-ending injury in the Pac-12 Tournament, his presence will be really missed tonight when his team faces the size of this Jayhawks team. Even with Boucher healthy, the Ducks were just 9th in the Pac-12 by allowing their conference opponents to pull down 31.4% of their missed shots. Kansas pulled down 34.9% of their missed shots in Big 12 play which gives them a significant advantage in this contest. This Oregon team is just 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 5 games played on a neutral court, the Ducks are just 1-3-1 ATS. 10* CBB Saturday Late Show Bailout with the Kansas Jayhawks (512) minus the points versus the Oregon Ducks (511). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:05 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing the Gonzaga Bulldogs (514) minus the points versus the Xavier Musketeers (513). Gonzaga (35-1) held West Virginia to just 26.7% on Thursday in their 61-58 victory. The Bulldogs are playing outstanding defense in this tournament as their three opponents are shooting just 33.3% from the field while scoring at just a 0.85 Points-Per-Possession rate. Most impressively, the Bulldogs are holding their opponents to just 37% shooting inside the arc. But while Gonzaga is making only 29% of their shots from behind the arc in this tournament, they look due for a big surge in their shooting from the 3-point line considering their 37.4% shooting mark for the season from downtown. The Bulldogs have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 18 games with the Total set in the 140-149.5 point range. Gonzaga is also 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite laying 7-12.5 points. And in their last 21 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%, the Bulldogs are 15-4-2 ATS.

Xavier (24-13) pulled off their third straight upset in this tournament with their 73-71 victory over Arizona as an 8-point underdog on Thursday. This Musketeers team looks due for a big letdown in trying to pull off their fourth straight win getting the points in this tournament. As it is, Xavier has failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 28 games after playing a game as an underdog. The Musketeers are also not an outstanding defensive team despite their results against the Wildcats along with Maryland and Florida State. They were just 7th in the Big East in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency and Gonzaga should have an easier time scoring against them than they did against West Virginia and Northwestern. The Bulldogs’ shooting should improve tonight while the Musketeers’ defense should return back closer to their Big East numbers. 25* CBB Saturday Night Special Feature with the Gonzaga Bulldogs (514) minus the points versus the Xavier Musketeers (513). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:05 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Xavier Musketeers (513) and the Gonzaga Bulldogs (514). Gonzaga (35-1) held West Virginia to just 26.7% on Thursday in their 61-58 victory. The Bulldogs have then played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after a straight-up win. Gonzaga is playing outstanding defense in this tournament as their three opponents are shooting just 33.3% from the field while scoring at just a 0.85 Points-Per-Possession rate. Most impressively, the Bulldogs are holding their opponents to just 37% shooting inside the arc. Gonzaga needs their defense to continue to be outstanding when considering that they are shooting just 29% from behind the arc in this tournament. Moving forward, the Bulldogs have played 19 of their last 27 games Under the Total against teams outside the West Coast Conference. And in their last 8 games played on a neutral court, Gonzaga has played 6 of these games Under the Total.

Xavier (24-13) pulled off their third straight upset in this tournament with their 73-71 win over Arizona on Thursday as an 8-point underdog. The Under is then 5-1-1 in the Musketeers’ last 7 gams after a straight-up win — and the Under is 5-1-1 in their last 7 games after a point spread victory. Xavier is also playing outstanding defense. Their three NCAA Tournament opponents are shooting just 24% from behind the 3-point line. Moving forward, the Musketeers have played 13 of their last 19 games Under the Total with the number set in the 140-149.5 point range. The Under is also 7-1-1 in their last 9 games as an underdog. Furthermore, the Under is 5-1-1 in their last 7 games played on a neutral court. And in their last 5 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%, the Under is 3-1-1. 25* College Basketball Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Xavier Musketeers (513) and the Gonzaga Bulldogs (514). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:55 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing the Wisconsin Badgers (871) plus the point(s) versus the Florida Gators (872). Florida (26-8) has won their opening two games of the NCAA Tournament after stifling the Cavaliers to just 29.6% shooting in their 65-39 win over Virginia as a 1.5-point favorite. Give credit to the Gators for allowing the fewest points ever in the NCAA Tournament to a major conference team. But that Cavaliers’ team had zero interior offense this season and had exposed frequently for an incredibly ineffective offense. This Florida team will be facing a much better offensive club in Wisconsin. As it is, the Gators have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a point spread win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after not allowing at least 50 points in their last game. The 0.79 Points-Per-Possession that Florida is allowing in this tournament is the best of all teams. But this looks to be the game where missing their enforcer inside in the injured 6’10 John Egbuno exposes the remaining weaknesses of this team. This is also head coach Mike White’s first NCAA Tournament — and his lack of experience puts his team at a disadvantage versus the Badgers. This Florida team does not crash the boards either when compared to past Gator teams. They were just 6th in the SEC by rebounding 30.3% of their missed shots.

Wisconsin (27-9) is the most experienced team left in this tournament with four seniors who will be playing in their fourth straight Sweet 16 contest. The Badgers have corrected a midseason swoon (where their opponents simply could not miss their 3-point shots) by winning five of their last six games with their 65-62 upset win over Villanova as a 5-point underdog. After scoring at a blistering 1.31 Points-Per-Possession rate against Virginia Tech in the opening round, Wisconsin made 53.1% of their shots against the defending champions while scoring at a 1.12 PPP clip against them. Bronson Koenig has nailed eleven shots from behind the arc which is the most of any player in this tournament. They also held the Wildcats to shooting just 31.2% of their shots from behind the arc. This Badgers team run unique schemes that are difficult to prepare against for teams unfamiliar with this team. Wisconsin has covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games outside the Big Ten. The Badgers have also covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 16 games in the NCAA Tournament as an underdog getting less than 7 points, Wisconsin is 12-3-1 ATS. 10* CBB Friday Late Show Bailout with the Wisconsin Badgers (871) plus the point(s) versus the Florida Gators (872). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:35 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the UCLA Bruins (875) and the Kentucky Wildcats (876). UCLA (31-4) held the Cincinnati Bearcats to just 44.8% shooting to advance to the Sweet 16 with their 79-67 victory as a 4-point favorite. The Bruins have then played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 4 straight games Under the Total after a point spread victory. The defensive struggles of this team is a tired meme that continues to offer us great value with the Under for Steve Alford’s team. This UCLA defense has improved since Alford installed a tricky 3-2 zone that presents opponents a challenging unique look. Save for their two games against Arizona and what the Bearcats shot against UCLA was their worst defensive performance in ten previous contests. The Bruins have seen the Under go 3-1-1 in their last 5 games against teams outside the Pac-12. And in their last 7 games played on a neutral court, UCLA has played 5 of these games Under the Total.

Kentucky (31-5) held Wichita State to just 38.7% shooting to advance to the Sweet 16 with their 65-62 victory on Sunday. The Wildcats have then played 12 of their last 14 games Under the Total following a straight-up win. And with that game falling well below the 148.5 point total, Kentucky has now played 4 straight games Under the Total in the NCAA Tournament. Additionally, the Wildcats have played 6 straight games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 4 games against teams outside the SEC, Kentucky has played all 4 of these games Under the Total. These two teams played a fast-paced scoring fest back on December 3rd which UCLA won by a 97-92 score. John Calipari had his team playing at a blistering pace early on the season — that game had 83 respective possessions. Over their last eight games, the Wildcats have played a game with more than 72 possessions just once in a 74-possession game against Northern Kentucky. Calipari no longer wants to run with teams — he is happy to slow things down and lean heavily on his team that plays outstanding defense. The Wildcats rank 8th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. 25* CBB Sweet 16 Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the the UCLA Bruins (875) and the Kentucky Wildcats (876). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:39 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing the Kentucky Wildcats (876) plus the points versus the UCLA Bruins (875). Kentucky (31-5) has won thirteen straight games with their 65-62 win over Wichita State last weekend. Interior defense has been a vulnerability of this team all season — so the fact that the Wildcats held the Shockers to just a 38.7% shooting mark including a low 42% mark inside the arc is very encouraging for John Calipari’s team. Calipari’s teams always improve to peak during March Madness — and he wants his teams to constantly get better on the defensive end of the court. This team also has the benefit of reviewing the game tape of their 97-92 loss to UCLA back on December 3rd in Rupp Arena. Calipari had his team playing at a much quicker pace back then — expect a game plan now that does not attempt to simply outscore the Bruins. This Kentucky team has three future NBA first round draft choices on the roster with Bam Adebayo, Malik Monk and De’Aron Fox. The Wildcats have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 NCAA Tourney games as an underdog. Kentucky is also 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog on a neutral court. And in their last 5 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%, the Wildcats are 3-0-1 ATS.

UCLA (31-4) enters this game coming off their 79-67 win over Cincinnati on Sunday as a 4-point favorite. The Bruins have then failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a point spread victory. Led by Lonzo Ball, this UCLA team is popular with the bettors right now which helps explain why they are small favorites. But the supporting cast for Ball is not just not as talented as the team they will be competing against tonight. The Bruins are offensive-oriented by ranking 2nd in the nation in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency — but it is not like Kentucky are weak on that end of the court. The Wildcats rank 12th in the nation in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency — and they thrive on getting easy baskets after leading the SEC by making 52.7% of their shots inside the arc. But defense remains the issue for this UCLA team despite their improvement this season. The Bruins rank 79th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency — and they allow their opponents to make 36.3% of their 3-pointers which is 256th in the nation. Kentucky ranks 7th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency while also ranking 12th in the nation by limiting their opponents to making just 30.5% of their 3-pointers. This UCLA team rarely misses many of their shots — but when they do, they lack a Plan B. The Bruins were 6th in the Pac-12 by rebounding only 29.9% of their missed shots and they are 315th in the nation by forcing turnovers in just 16.0% of their opponent’s possessions. UCLA has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games laying less than 7 points. And in their last 10 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%, the Bruins have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of these contests. 25* CBB Sweet 16 Underdog of the Year with the Kentucky Wildcats (876) plus the points versus the UCLA Bruins (875). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:25 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing the Baylor Bears (874) minus the points versus the South Carolina Gamecocks (874). Baylor (27-7) is not getting as much respect as they deserve after enjoying the benefit of facing two double-digit seeds in the opening two rounds of the NCAA Tournament in New Mexico State and USC. But remember that this team is undefeated against teams outside the Big 12 this season — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games against non-conference opponents. In their 82-78 win over USC on Sunday, Baylor did allow the Trojans to make 54.5% of their shots which was their worst defensive effort in their last five games. But this Bears team had the 13th best Adjusted Defensive Efficiency in the nation so expect a much better defensive effort in this contest. Baylor is finding success on offense in this tournament as they lead all teams with 90 points in the paint. This physical play is also helping them get to the charity stripe. They made 13 of their 15 free throws against USC — and they have then covered the point spread in 10 of their last 11 games after a game where they made at least 78% of their free throws.

South Carolina (24-10) comes off a huge 88-81 upset victory over Duke on Sunday as a 6.5-point underdog. Of course, the Gamecocks had the benefit of playing that game in nearby Greenville. Now they will be playing in a truly neutral environment in Madison Square Garden against the Bears. As it is, South Carolina has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a straight-up win. The Gamecocks are also 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games after a point spread win. South Carolina exploded for 65 points in the second half of this contest to outlast the Blue Devils. After not being able to hit the side of a barn in an ugly loss to Arkansas in the SEC Tournament two weeks ago, the Gamecocks have seen both their NCAA Tournament games go way Over the Total by at least 20 points from their two games which saw Totals in the 140s. But South Carolina has then failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 17 games after playing at least two straight games Over the Total. And while this is a tough team under Frank Martin, they ten do fare poorly against teams that can match their physicality. The Bears out-rebound their opponents by +8.0 RPG — and the Gamecocks have failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their lsat 23 games after fifteen games into the season against opponents that out-rebound their opponents by at least +4.0 RPG. 25* CBB Friday Night Special Feature with the Baylor Bears (874) minus the points versus the South Carolina Gamecocks (874). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:05 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing the North Carolina Tar Heels (878) minus the points versus the Butler Bulldogs (877). North Carolina (29-7) survived blowing a 17-point lead against Arkansas last Sunday in their 72-65 victory. The Tar Heels seemed to be cruising in that game before taking their foot off the pedal — and then later they found themselves trailing by 5 points with three minutes left to go. But give Roy Williams’ team credit for stepping up their game to avoid the upset against the Razorbacks. This North Carolina team has not played well in their four postseason games when including the ACC Tournament. The Tar Heels are making only 50% of their shots inside the arc while shooting just 32% of their 3-point shots in their high volume shooting offense. Justin Jackson is making only 39% of his 2-point shots in these four games while Joel Berry is 0-7 inside the arc in the NCAA Tournament while making just 20% of his 3-point shots. But elite teams that struggle to win their first two games often step up in the Sweet 16. Expect a much better shooting effort tonight after making only 38.1% of their shots against Arkansas which was their worst offensive effort in their last five games. The Tar Heels are 18-6-2 ATS in their last 26 games as a favorite laying 7-12.5 points — and they have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 16 games when laying 7-12.5 points in the NCAA Tournament.

Butler (25-8) has covered both their games in the NCAA Tournament after dispatching of the dangerous Cinderella in Middle Tennessee last Saturday by a 74-65 score as a 2.5-point favorite. But the Bulldogs have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a point spread victory. Butler has been a hot shooting team in this tournament after making 51.1% of their shots against the Blue Raiders. The Bulldogs have made 47% of their thirty-four shots from behind the arc in this Big Dance — but the Regression Gods are calling considering that this team made only 34.7% of their 3-pointers in Big East play. This Butler team did sweep Villanova in conference play while also defeating a very good Arizona team — but they simply did not face a team like North Carolina this season. The Big East conference did not have teams that rely so heavily on crashing the boards. With three starters that are 6’10, 6’9 and 6/8, this Tar Heels team leads the nation by pulling down 42.2% of the missed shots. The Bulldogs are undersized with their frontline featuring a 6’8 player along with two 6’7 teammates. Butler is also not a great defensive team as they ranked 6th in the Big East in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. The Bulldogs must slow the pace of this game down against this Tar Heels team that averages 66 shots per game. Expect North Carolina to pull away in this one. 10* CBB Friday Daily Discounted Deal with the North Carolina Tar Heels (878) minus the points versus the Butler Bulldogs (877). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:05 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing the Arizona Wildcats (818) minus the points versus the Xavier Musketeers (817). Xavier (23-13) reached the Sweet 16 with a dominant 91-66 win over Florida State as a 7.5-point underdog on Saturday. That was the Musketeers’ best offensive performance in their last twenty-one games. This has been an improbable run for Chris Mack’s team who lost his point guard to a season-ending injury early in the Big East campaign which helped lead to a difficult six-game losing streak that almost cost this team an At-Large bid to the NCAA Tournament. So this is a very nice accomplishment. But here comes the “but.” This team looks very ripe for a significant letdown now after the euphoria of shocking the Seminoles and making the Sweet 16. The Musketeers have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 13 games after playing a game as an underdog. This is a team that can struggle to score — they were just 7th in the Big East by making just 33.0% of their 3-point shots. Xavier does consistently thrive by crashing the glass on both ends of the court — but Mack’s teams struggle against elite teams that can match his team on the boards. The Wildcats out-rebound their opponents by +6.7 RPG — and the Musketeers have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games against opponents who out-rebound their foes by at least +6.0 RPG. Additionally, Xavier has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games against teams with a winning percentage over 80%.

Arizona (32-4) survived but did not play great in their 69-60 win over Saint Mary’s on Sunday. But they showed off their offensive balance by seeing four players score at least double-digits — and it is this diversity of scoring options that should challenge the Musketeers’ tough defense. The Wildcats have suffered two slow starts so far in this tournament after trailing by double-digits to the Gaels in the first half and not being able to increase a single digit lead in the first half against North Dakota. Don’t be surprised if this Arizona team races out to a big deal in this game which will help them change the tempo of this contest. If the Wildcats can increase the pace of the game by taking advantage of transition points, a blowout becomes very possible. But they should still be able to cover the point spread in this game due to their outstanding defense. Arizona held an efficient Saint Mary’s team to scoring just 0.97 Points-Per-Possession. They only allowed the Gaels to make one of their ten contested shots from behind the arc. The Wildcats are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 7 games in the NCAA Tournament under head coach Sean Miller against as a favorite laying 7-12.5 points, Arizona has covered the point spread 5 times. 25* College Basketball Game of the Year with the Arizona Wildcats (818) minus the points versus the Xavier Musketeers (817). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:35 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing the Kansas Jayhawks (812) minus the points versus the Purdue Boilermakers (811). Kansas (30-4) has won ten of their last eleven games with their 90-70 win over Michigan State last Sunday. The Jayhawks are scoring 95 PPG so far in this tournament while averaging 1.44 Points-Per-Possession with both marks being the best in the NCAA Tournament. This Kansas team has then covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games on the road after a game where at least 155 combined points were scored. This team has the best backcourt in the nation with Frank Mason III and Devonte Graham. The X-Factor for this team is freshman Josh Jackson who seems to blossoming in this tournament after scoring 23 points against the Spartans. He is averaging 20 PPG in this tournament while making 14 of 22 shots inside the arc and hitting 3 of 6 shots from 3-point land. The Jayhawks have covered the point spread in 4 straight games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 7 games in the NCAA Tournament as a favorite, this Kansas team has covered the point spread 6 times.

Purdue (27-7) has won four of their last five games after their 80-76 win over Iowa State on Saturday. But the Boilermakers looked shaky in this game after blowing a 19-point lead. The starting backcourt for this team was only 5 of 17 from the field in this game which suggests they can become too dependent on Caleb Swanigan. The question now is whether this team can match the sheer athleticism of this Kansas team. Can they guard this Jayhawks’ guards? During the regular season, the Boilermakers held their opponents to just 66.9 PPG in their victories — but they allowed 81.5 PPG in their regular season losses. That is not a good sign when facing this Kansas team that is 5th best in Adjusted Efficiency and 10th in effective field goal percentage. This team also does not create extra possessions for themselves if their shots are not falling. The Boilermakers do not force turnovers as they rank 287th in the NCAA by seeing their opponents turn the ball over in just 16.7% of their possessions. They rank a middling 145th in the nation by turning the ball over in 18.2% of their possessions. This Purdue team does not crash the glass either as they ranked 11th in the Big Ten by pulling down just 28.1% of their missed shots. And while this Boilermakers team does protect their defensive glass after leading the Big Ten in limiting their opponents to rebounding 25.1% of their missed shots, they will be challenged by this Jayhawks team that rebounded 34.9% of their missed shots in Big 12 play. Purdue has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games as an underdog getting less than 7 points. Lastly, this Kansas team retains the (outrageous) advantage of having this game being played 45 minutes away from campus in Kansas City. 10* CBB Thursday Late Show Bailout with the Kansas Jayhawks (812) minus the points versus the Purdue Boilermakers (811). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:35 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the West Virginia Mountaineers (815) and the Gonzaga Bulldogs (816). West Virginia (28-8) has won five of their last six games after their 83-71 win over Notre Dame last Saturday. While that game finished above the 149.5 point total, the Under remains 5-2-1 in the Mountaineers’ last 8 games in the NCAA Tournament. West Virginia has also played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record. And in their last 12 games against teams as an underdog, the Under is 8-3-1 for the Mountaineers.

Gonzaga (34-1) has won five straight games after their 79-73 over Northwesters on Saturday in a game where they held the Wildcats to just 40.9% shooting. The Bulldogs have an opponent’s field goal percentage of 36.3% in the NCAA Tournament which is the 3rd best of all teams and 2nd best of all the teams that remain in the Sweet 16. Gonzaga was a 10-point favorite in that game — and they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a point spread loss. And while that game went Over the 140.5 point total, the Bulldogs have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total in the NCAA Tournament. Gonzaga has also played 18 of their last 26 games Under the Total against non-conference opponents. And in their last 5 games as a favorite laying less than 7 points, the Bulldogs have played 4 of these games Under the Total. Lastly, while the Mountaineers outscore their opponents by +15.3 PPG, Gonzaga has played 13 of their last 17 games Under the Total against teams who outscore their opponents by at least +12.0 PPG. 10* CBB Thursday Daily Discounted Deal with Under the Total in the game between the West Virginia Mountaineers (815) and the Gonzaga Bulldogs (816). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:35 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing the West Virginia Mountaineers (815) plus the points versus the Gonzaga Bulldogs (816). West Virginia (28-8) has won five of their last six games after their 83-71 win over Notre Dame on Saturday. The Mountaineers made 50% of their shots in that game — and if this team is making their shots, they are extremely difficult to beat. What makes Bob Huggins’ team such a dangerous underdog is their ability to create additional scoring opportunities if their shots are not falling. West Virginia leads the nation by forcing turnovers in 27.7% of their opponent’s possessions. The Mountaineers also rank 6th in the nation by pulling down 37.7% of their missed shots. It are these characteristics that has helped Huggins’ teams at West Virginia cover the point spread in 26 of their last 37 games in postseason tournaments — and that includes covering the point spread in 20 of their last 28 games in the Big Dance. But the Mountaineers have been quite good on offense in their first two games in this tournament as they are hitting 52% of their 3-point shots which is the best mark for all teams that played at least twice in this tournament. Additionally, while this West Virginia team has only covered the point spread in two of their last eight games, they have then covered the point spread in 25 of their last 38 games after failing to cover the point spread in five or six of their last seven games.

Gonzaga (34-1) held off a furious second-half comeback to outlast Northwestern on Saturday by a 79-73 score. This continues to look like a team that is playing nervous as they try to overcome a history of disappointing finishes in the NCAA Tournament coming from the unheralded West Coast Conference. They will be facing a West Virginia team battle-tested and confident after the grueling schedule of the nation’s best conference this season in the Big 12. The Bulldogs shot only 44.1% from the field against the Wildcats which raises the question regarding what is this team’s Plan B if their shots are  not falling? Gonzaga only pulls down 30.3% of their missed shots which is 137th in the nation. The Bulldogs also force turnovers in only 17.7% of their opponent’s possessions which is just 220th in the nation. Gonzaga has failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 18 games in the NCAA Tournament seeded as a 4 or better in the Mark Few era. 10* CBB West Virginia-Gonzaga Special with the West Virginia Mountaineers (815) plus the points versus the Gonzaga Bulldogs (816). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:05 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing the Michigan Wolverines (813) minus the points versus the Oregon Ducks (814). Michigan (26-11) has been playing like a team of destiny with their six-game winning streak in the postseason that started after tempting fate with that airplane crash on the eve of the beginning of the Big Ten Tournament. But there is a lot more going on here than simply a team that is “living by the 3.” Unquestionably with a starting lineup that features five players that can all step to hit a shot from behind the arc, the John Beilein offense begins with a high proficiency to nail 3-pointers. But in their 73-69 victory over Louisville on Sunday, the Wolverines made only six 3-pointers yet still scores and an impressive 1.18 Points-Per-Possession rate against an elite Rick Pitino Cardinals’ defense. And their floor general and leader Derrick Walton was just 3 of 13 from the field in that game. Michigan has many different ways to score — and perhaps the most underrated element to this team is the emergence of two future NBA players in 6’11 sophomore Moe Wagner and 6’10 sophomore D.J. Wilson. Both players can nail 3-pointers — but the Wolverines have been catapulted by them combining to make 65% of their shots inside the arc. They helped the Wolverines score 40 paints in the paint against a tall Louisville team — and this is a scary prospect for Oregon now missing their best rim protector in Chris Boucher. The other aspect of this Beilein team that makes them so tough is a turnover differential that makes Jim Harbaugh proud. Michigan forces turnovers in 19.9% of their opponent’s possessions which ranks a respectable 86th in the nation. But the Wolverines also rank 4th in the nation by turning the ball over in just 14.3% of their possessions this season. In their six postseason games starting with the Big Ten Tournament, this Michigan team is outscoring their quality opponents by +0.13 PPP — despite making a strong but certainly not a spectacular 39% of their 3-point shots. When considering that this number drops to just a +0.04 PPG mark in effective possessions that remove possessions resulting in turnovers, the significant positive impact of this team crushing it in the turnover battle becomes quite evident. Nailing free throws is another staple for Beilein-coached teams. After making 18 of their 22 free throws against Oklahoma State, Michigan made 11 of their 14 free throws against Louisville. The Wolverines have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 11 games after shooting at least 78% from the free throw line in two straight games. Led by senior guards with tournament experience in Walton and Zac Irvin, this Michigan team has also covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games played on a neutral court. And in their last 5 NCAA Tournament games as the favorite laying less than 7 points, the Wolverines have covered the point spread 4 times.

Oregon (31-5) has won ten of their last eleven games with their 75-72 win over Rhode Island on Sunday as a 4.5-point favorite. But the Ducks have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up win. And while they have now played four straight games Over the Total, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 25 games after playing at least three straight Overs. Defeating the Rams and Iona previously without their big man Boucher is one thing. Doing it against this battle-tested and uber-confident Michigan team is quite another. The Wolverines have allowed their two NCAA Tourney opponents to shoot 57% inside the arc — and Boucher is precisely the missing piece they need to potentially take advantage of this vulnerability. The lack of front-depth is a liability for this team now. The Ducks are thriving in transition by averaging 25.5 PPG in this tournament in transition while making 75% of these shots. But two things work against Oregon now for these points. First, their two Tourney opponents have missed 66.7% of their 48 shots from behind the arc to create these opportunities. Second, Beilein teams sacrifice crashing the boards for four or five men on the perimeter to serve as 3-point threats and to get back on defense to stop transition offenses. This is just a bad match for the Ducks. Yes, Oregon makes 48.4% of their shots — but Beilein’s teams throughout his career have covered the point spread in 21 of their last 30 games after fifteen games into the season against teams that shoot at least 48% from the field. Lastly, the Ducks have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams with a winning percentage of at least 60%. 20* CBB Michigan-Oregon Special with the Michigan Wolverines (813) minus the points versus the Oregon Ducks (814). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM EST on Wednesday, we will be playing the Wyoming Cowboys (782) minus the points versus the Utah Valley Wolverines (781). Wyoming (20-14) won their second game in the CBI Tournament with their 72-61 win over the University of Missouri-Kansas City on Monday as a 10-point favorite. The Cowboys nailed 10 of their 12 free throws to help secure the win in that game — and they have then covered the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games after shooting at least 78% from the free throw line in their last game. Wyoming hosted the first game of this tournament as well on their home court that ended in a 91-81 win over Eastern Washington. The Cowboys have covered the point spread in 17 of their last 23 home games after playing at least two straight games at home. And while the Wolverines are just 9-11 on the road this season, Wyoming has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 home games against teams with a  losing record on the road.

Utah Valley (17-16) won their second game on the road in this tournament with their 85-79 win at Rice. The Wolverines shot 50.2% in that game — but they are still only making 41.1% of their shots over their last five games. This Utah Valley team will be challenged to score against this Cowboys team that holds their visitors to 39.0% shooting. Lastly, while the Wolverines average 77.2 PPG, Wyoming has covered the point spread in 42 of their last 66 contests against teams that score at least 77 PPG. 20* CBB Wednesday Daily Discounted Deal with the Wyoming Cowboys (782) minus the points versus the Utah Valley Wolverines (781). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM EST on Wednesday, we will be playing the Texas-Arlington Mavericks (770) minus the points versus the California State-Bakersfield Roadrunners (769). Cal-State Bakersfield (24-9) pulled their second straight upset in the NIT with their 81-63 win at Colorado State on Monday as a 4.5-point underdog. The Roadrunners shot 48.3% from the field against the Rams which was their best offensive effort — by far — in their last six games with their next best shooting effort being just a 41.8% shooting mark. This is a team that has shot just 37.0% from the field over their last five games. To make matters worse for this team, they do not make up for things on the free throw line as they rank 346th in the nation by making only 63.1% of their free throws. CS-Bakersfield does put their opponent’s on the line though given their rough 47.2% opponent’s Free Throw Attempt-to-Field Goal Attempt ratio which is 340th in the nation. The Roadrunners also turn the ball over too much as they rank 309th in the nation by turning the ball over in 20.6% of their possessions. The Mavericks do pressure the basketball as they ranked 2nd in the Sun Belt by forcing turnovers in 20.2% of their opponent’s possessions. These are all dangerous signs forced to play their third straight game on the road in this tournament.

UT-Arlington (27-8) has won three of their last four games with their 85-69 win over Akron on Monday as a 5-point favorite. This Mavericks team is one of the best mid-majors in the nation as they returned all five starters from last year plus got back their best player from that team in Kevin Hervey who suffered a season-ending ACL injury last year. This team will be motivated to make a run in Madison Square Garden to win this tournament. They host this game where they were a perfect 14-0 this season with an average winning margin of +18.2 PPG due to strong 50.4% shooting along with stout defense that held their opponents to just 39.1% shooting. The Mavericks are 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 games on their home court — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. Additionally, UT-Arlington has covered the point spread in 23 of their last 31 games against teams outside the Sun Belt. And in their last 11 games with the Total set in the 140-149.5 point range, the Mavericks have covered the point spread in 9 of these games. 25* CBB NIT Quarterfinals Game of the Year with the Texas-Arlington Mavericks (770) minus the points versus the California State-Bakersfield Roadrunners (769). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM EST on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini (767) and the Central Florida Knights (768). Illinois (20-14) advanced to the Quarterfinals of the NIT with their 71-56 win over Boise State on Monday as an 8-point favorite. The Fighting Illini have then played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total after a point spread win. This team has also played 8 straight games Under the Total after a double-digit win on their home court. Now the Illini go on the road where they have played 10 of their last 14 road games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. The Fighting Illini are the favorites in this game. Illinois has also played 5 of their last 6 road games Under the Total as the favorite — and they have played 4 of their last 5 road games Under the Total as the favorite when laying less than 7 points.

Central Florida (23-11) enters this game coming off their 63-62 upset win at Illinois State as a 5.5-point underdog on Monday. The Knights have then played 4 of their last 5 games after both s straight-up win as well as after a point spread victory. Central Florida now returns home to host this game — and they have played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total on their home court. The Knights have also played 8 of their last 9 games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 7 games as an underdog getting less than 7 points, UCF has played all 7 of these games Under the Total. 25* CBB NIT Quarterfinals Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini (767) and the Central Florida Knights (768). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM EST on Tuesday, we will be playing the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (667) plus the points versus the Mississippi Rebels (668). Georgia Tech (19-15) reached the Quarterfinals of NIT with their 71-57 win over Belmont on Sunday as a 4-point favorite. The Yellow Jackets have then covered the point spread in 10 of their last 13 games after a point spread win. Now Georgia Tech goes on the road for the first time in this tournament. But the Yellow Jackets have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games as an underdog — and they have covered the point spread in 4 straight games as an underdog getting less than 7 points. Additionally, this Georgia Tech is a decisive 37-17-2 ATS in their last 56 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%.

Mississippi (22-13) has won four of their last five games with their 85-80 upset victory at Syracuse as an 8-point underdog. The Rebels have then failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games after an upset victory on the road. Ole Miss has also failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 14 home games after a victory. Now the Rebels get to host their first game in this NIT after playing their last two games on the road. But Ole Miss has failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 18 home games against teams with a winning percentage in the 51-60% range after fifteen games into the season. 10* CBB Tuesday Daily Discounted Deal with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (667) plus the points versus the Mississippi Rebels (668). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM EST on Monday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the George Washington Colonials (629) and the Illinois-Chicago Flames (630). George Washington (20-14) won their opening game in the College Basketball Invitational with their 73-69 win over Toledo last Wednesday as a 6-point favorite. The Colonials have then played 9 of their last 13 games Over the Total after a straight-up win. George Washington has also played 5 of their last 7 games Over the Total after a point spread loss. Now the Colonials go on the road where they have played 6 of their last 8 Over the Total. GW has also played 4 straight games on the road Over the Total as a favorite laying less than 7 points.

Illinois-Chicago (16-18) has won two of their last three games with their opening round win over Stony Brook as a 2.5-point favorite on Thursday. The Flames have then played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total after a straight-up win. Illinois-Chicago has also played 6 straight games Over the Total after a point spread victory. Illinois-Chicago has also played 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with a losing record on the road. Together, these team trends produce our specific 38-10 combined angle for this situation. 25* CBB College Basketball Invitational Quarterfinals Total of the Year with Over the Total in the game between the Over the Total in the game between the George Washington Colonials (629) and the Illinois-Chicago Flames (630). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the UCLA Bruins (732) minus the points versus the Cincinnati Bearcats (731). Cincinnati (30-5) has won five of their last six games with their 75-61 in over Kansas State on Friday as a 3-point favorite. The Bearcats shot 62.8% from the field in that game which was their best offensive performance in their last 24 games — so we are expecting significant regression. Mike Cronin’s team is a bit shooting the basketball this season — but they still make only 40.2% of their shots away from home. It is telling that this team has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games againt teams with a winning record. Cincy has also ailed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games as an underdog getting less than 7 points. The Bearcats have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games in the NCAA Tournament. And in their last 6 games in the Big Dance getting less than 7 points as an underdog, Cincinnati has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of these games.

UCLA (30-4) enters this game after winning their track meet with Kent State on Friday by a 97-80 score. Steve Alford’s team is quickly criticized for their poor defensive play — but this is a team that has steadily improved on that end of the court all season. They held the Golden Flashes to just 43.7% shooting — all their scoring was from the torrid pace that the Bruins love to play being the best offensive juggernaut in the nation as all the advanced metrics document. UCLA has held their last five opponents to just a 42.5% shooting mark which includes their trek through the Semifinals of the Pac-12 Tournament. The Bruins have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games against teams outside the Pac-12. And in their last 19 games played on a neutral court as a favorite, UCLA has covered the point spread 13 times. 10* CBB Sunday Late Show Bailout with the UCLA Bruins (732) minus the points versus the Cincinnati Bearcats (731). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Cincinnati Bearcats (731) and the UCLA Bruins (732). UCLA (30-4) enters this game coming off a hot shooting night where they nailed 62.7% from the field in their 97-80 victory over Kent State. The Bruins have then played 4 straight games Under the Total after scoring at least 90 points in their last game. UCLA has also played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a straight-up win. Steve Alford’s team has the reputation for having a mediocre defense — but they have held their last five opponents to just a 42.5% shooting mark. The Bruins will be facing a Bearcats team that will be looking to slow the pace of this game way down — and they hold their opponents to just 60.8 PPG. UCLA has played 17 of their last 22 road games Under the Total against teams that do not allow more than 64 PPG. The Bruins have also played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total as a favorite. And while both teams have scored 75 points in the last two games for UCLA, that helps place the Under in a historical angle that has been 79% effective since 1997. In games played on a neutral court, when teams who score at least 76 PPG (UCLA: 90.6 PPG) who have played two straight games where both teams scored at least 75 points and now faces a team that does not allow more than 63 PPG, these games then finished Under the Total in 42 of the last 53 situations where these conditions applied.

Cincinnati (30-5) has won five of their last six games with their 75-61 win over Kansas State as a 3-point favorite. The Bearcats shot a sizzling 62.8% from the field which was their best offensive performance in their last 24 games. With that game finishing above the 130.5 point total, Cincy has played three straight games Over the Total. But this team has then played 10 of their last 12 games Under the Total after playing at least three straight Overs. Mike Cronin’s team ranks 11th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. They have played a decisive 44 of their last 62 games Under the Total against non-conference opponents. Cronin relies heavily on his defense when attempting to pull the upset. The Under is 6-2-1 in the Bearcats last 9 games as an underdog getting less than 7 points. And in their last 4 games as an underdog on a neutral court, the Under is 3-0-1. 25* CBB NCAA Tournament 2nd Round Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Cincinnati Bearcats (731) and the UCLA Bruins (732). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:45 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Baylor Bears (725) minus the points versus the USC Trojans (725). USC (26-9) has won five of their last six games with their 66-65 upset win over SMU on Friday as a 7-point underdog. The Trojans shot 48% from the field in that game that was their best shooting effort in their last four games. But this USC team was pretty unspectacular in Pac-12 play as they finished 6th in offensive efficiency and 7th in defensive efficiency. While they like to play at a fast pace, they will find a very will dance partner with this Bears team that thrives with up-tempo play. This Trojans team is vulnerable on the defensive glass as they ranked 10th in the Pac-12 in this department while ranking 250th in the nation overall by allowing their opponents to pull down 32.0% of their missed shots. This Baylor team are beasts on the board as they rank 3rd in the nation by pulling down 39.3% of their missed shots — and that mark rose to a 42.1% mark in Big 12 play. USC has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games as an underdog getting less than 7 points. The Trojans have also failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%.

Baylor (26-7) has won three of their last four games with their 91-73 win over New Mexico State on Friday. This team has size and length that makes them very tough to deal with. This is also a team that can deploy multiple looks on defense with a variety of zone defenses — and that makes them particularly challenging when facing a team with only a day to prepare. It is telling that the Bears have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games against teams outside the Big 12. Baylor has also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games as a favorite laying less than 7 points. And in their last 11 games on a neutral court as a favorite, the Bears have covered the point spread in 8 of these contests. 10* CBB Blowout Bookie Buster with the Baylor Bears (725) minus the points versus the USC Trojans (725). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:10 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Rhode Island Rams (729) plus the points versus the Oregon Ducks (730). Interestingly, this game features the top two teams in the nation in blocked shots. That suggests that this will be a defensive-oriented game — and that typically offers value to the underdog. Rhode Island (25-9) has won nine straight games after their 84-72 win over Creighton on Friday. This team has covered the point spread in four straight games with Dan Hurley’s team finally healthy and playing at full strength. They have the defensive makeup to make this a very tough game for the Ducks. The Rams are 9th in the nation in defensive effective field goal percentage — and they are second in the nation by holding their opponents to just a 29.1% shooting mark behind the arc. This Rhode Island team has the talent to disrupt the Oregon offensive flow and get them out of their rhythm. Expect Hurley to have his team slow the pace of the game down to a slog. The Rams have covered the point spread in 4 straight games played on a neutral court. And in their last 4 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%, Rhode Island has covered the point spread all 4 times.

Oregon (30-5) has won nine of their last ten games with their blowout 93-77 win over Iona on Friday. The blowout win over the Gaels was nice — but that was a beneficial matchup for this team learning to live life without their 6’10 big man Chris Boucher who suffered a season-ending injury in the Pac-12 Tournament. The Ducks will miss Boucher’s scoring punch inside — and with their offense now more perimeter-oriented, they are susceptible to cold shooting nights. They have failed to cove the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after scoring at least 90 points in their last game. But the loss of Boucher will be even more painful on the defensive glass. As it is, this was an area of weakness for the Ducks team that is 206th in the nation by allowing their opponents to pull down 29.8% of their missed shots. Oregon was 9th in the Pac-12 in defensive rebounding. Led by Hassan Martin, Rhode Island does crash the offensive glass as they ranked 2nd in the Atlantic-10 by rebounding 32.2% of their missed shots. The Ducks have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams with a winning record. Lastly, while Oregon has played three straight Overs — as well as eight of their last nine games Over the Total — they have then failed to cover the point spread in 18 of their last 24 games after playing at least three straight Overs. 25* CBB NCAA Tournament Second Round Underdog of the Year with the
Rhode Island Rams (729) plus the points versus the Oregon Ducks (730). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:10 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the North Carolina Tar Heels (718) minus the points versus the Arkansas Razorbacks (717). Arkansas (26-9) has won four of their last five games with their 77-71 upset victory over Seton Hall on Friday. Frankly, the Razorbacks were extremely fortunate beneficiaries of an intentional foul call that completely changed the tenor of the game. But this Arkansas has then failed to cover the point spread in 35 of their last 55 games after an upset victory. The Razorbacks now face an awesome task of taking on the Tar Heels who lead the nation by pulling down 42.2% of their missed shots. North Carolina will likely own the offensive glass against this Arkansas team that was 330th in the nation by allowing their opponents to pull down 34.0% of their missed shots. Compounding this situation is the fact that the Razorbacks ranked 11th in the SEC in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. Because Arkansas will play at the Tar Heels’ fast pace, this prospects of a blowout looks likely. The Razorbacks have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games as an underdog. Arkansas has also failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games against non-conference opponents. And in their last 5 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, the Razorbacks have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of these contests.

North Carolina (28-7) reached the Round of 32 with their 103-64 win over Texas-Southern on Friday. The Tar Heels have then covered the point spread in 14 of their last 19 games after scoring at least 90 points. While this Roy Williams team may be vulnerable, this Razorbacks team does not look they have the talent to exploit these weaknesses. Remember, Arkansas has lost twice to Florida by 9 and 13 points while losing to Kentucky by 17 and 26 points and getting buried by Oklahoma State by 28 points. That are ominous signs when now facing this Tar Heels team that is 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games against teams with a winning record. North Carolina has also covered the point spread in 13 of their last 16 games in the NCAA Tournament laying 7-12.5 points. 20* CBB Saturday Night Discounted Deal with the North Carolina Tar Heels (718) minus the points versus the Arkansas Razorbacks (717). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 5:15 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Kansas Jayhawks (728) minus the points versus the Michigan State Spartans (727). Michigan State (20-14) comes off a very surprising effort on Friday in a 78-58 victory over Miami (FL). Tom Izzo inserted four freshmen into the starting lineup with results that were quite out of the ordinary for this team. The Spartans shot 56.6% from the field which was their best offensive effort in their last eighteen games. Michigan State also pulled down 41.7% of their missed shots to look like Sparty of old under Izzo. But this team only rebounded just 27.5% of their missed shots in Big Ten play which third to the bottom. Turnovers are also an issue for this team as they were second to last in the Big Ten by coughing the ball up in 20.3% of their possessions. Michigan State has not been a dangerous underdog as of late. They have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games as the dog. The Spartans have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games getting 7-12.5 points. And in their last 13 games as an underdog on a neutral court, Michigan State has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of these games.

Kansas (29-4) comes off a dominating victory over UC-Davis on Thursday. Not only did the Jayhawks shoot 56.2% from the field against this strong Aggies defense but they held them to a very low 33.9% shooting percentage. Kansas has then covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after scoring at least 90 points in their last game. Moving forward, the Jayhawks have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 18 games played on a neutral court. And in their last 6 games in the NCAA Tournament as a favorite, Kansas has covered the point spread 5 times. Look for the Jayhawks to expose this underachieving Spartans’ team. 20* CBB Blowout Bookie Buster with the Kansas Jayhawks (728) minus the points versus the Michigan State Spartans (727). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 2:40 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Wichita State Shockers (723) plus the points versus the Kentucky Wildcats (724). Kentucky (30-5) has won twelve straight games after their 79-70 win over Northern Kentucky on Friday. This team has then failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games after winning twelve of their last fifteen games. This version of John Calipari’s young Wildcats have shown themselves to be inconsistent by digging themselves into some holes. They do more often than not find away out of trouble — but they also outclassed an SEC that was down this season after Florida suffered an injury to their big man John Egbunu. Half-court defense is a weakness of this team — they are 9th in the SEC with an opponent’s effective field goal percentage of 49.2%. Furthermore, the Wildcats have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games when playing outside the SEC. And in the last 4 games in the NCAA Tournament as a favorite laying less than 7 points, Kentucky is 0-3-1 ATS.

Wichita State (31-14) is ranked 7th best in the nation according to the numbers of college basketball metrics guru Ken Pomeroy. Gregg Marshall’s team certainly will be motivated to knock off the Wildcats and earn a signature win when considering that they lost to then under seeded Kentucky in the Round of 32 in the 2014 Big Dance when the Shockers were a number one seed. Marshall’s team loves the underdog role where they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games as an underdog. This team comes off a 64-58 win over Dayton where they held the Flyers to just 31% shooting. This Wichita State team plays outstanding defense — they held their opponents to just a 37.8% shooting percentage this season. In the last nine NCAA Tournaments, there have been twenty-three teams to sport an opponent’s field goal percentage of 38.0% or less. Eleven of these teams made the Sweet 16. The Shockers have not allowed their last four opponents to shoot better than 38.2% from the field — and they have then covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after not allowing an opponent to shoot at least 40% in four straight games. And while Kentucky scores 85.7 PPG, Wichita State has covered the point spread in 25 of their last 35 road games against teams who score at least 77 PPG. 10* CBB Sunday Afternoon Discounted Deal with the Wichita State Shockers (723) plus the points versus the Kentucky Wildcats (724). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:10 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Louisville Cardinals (722) minus the points versus the Michigan Wolverines (721). Michigan (25-11) is one of the hottest teams in the nation having won six straight  games as well as eleven of their last thirteen after their 92-91 win over Oklahoma State on Friday. Scoring 92 points on just 65 possessions may represent the best offensive performance of the NCAA Tournament so far. The Wolverines nailed 16 of their 26 shots from behind the arc while making 18 of 22 free throws. But they were facing a very weak Cowboys’ defense in that game — and now they one of best defenses in the country. Rick Pitino’s team is 7th in the nation in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency — and they hold their opponents to just a 31.7% shooting mark from behind the arc. It is the length of this Cardinals team that will be such a challenge for the Wolverines as six of the eight players Pitino uses in his rotation are at least 6’7. Defense remains an Achilles’ heel for this Michigan team as they still only one by a point after that outstanding offensive effort against an Oklahoma State team the made 54.7% of their shots. The Wolverines have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after allowing at least 90 points in their last game. The bubble may finally be bursting for this Michigan team who are just 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games in the Big Dance. And in their last 8 games against teams outside the Big Ten, the Wolverines have failed to cover the point spread 6 times.

Louisville (25-8) enters this game coming off their 78-63 win over Jacksonville State on Friday. The 50% shooting they allowed the Gamecocks was their worst defensive performance that they had in their last six games. There is little doubt that Pitino will have the attention of his team after comparing this Wolverines offense to that of the Golden State Warriors. The Cardinals have an underrated offense that can win shootouts as they proved in mid-February in a 94-90 win over Virginia Tech. They will control the boards in this contest. Louisville is 13th in the nation by pulling down 36.6% of their missed shots. Not only was Michigan last in the Big Ten in offensive rebounding (with their bigs all out on the perimeter) but they allowed their opponents to pull down 30% of their missed shots which was 212th in the nation. The Cardinals have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games when laying less than 7 points — and they had also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games in the NCAA Tournament when laying less than 7 points. Louisville has also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games outside the ACC — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games against Big Ten opponents. 10* CBB Sunday Afternoon Tip Off with the Louisville Cardinals (722) minus the points versus the Michigan Wolverines (721). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing the Iowa State Cyclones (527) plus the point(s) versus the Purdue Boilermakers (528). Purdue (26-7) has won three of their last four games after their 80-70 win over Vermont on Thursday. The Boilermakers shot 51.7% from the field which was their best offensive effort in their last thirteen contests. But this team may be due for a letdown when considering that they have failed to cover the point spread in 23 of their last 36 road games after winning at least 12 of their last 15 games. But this Purdue team has struggled against elite offensive reams. This team allows 67.2 PPG — but in their seven losses this season, their opponents scored 81.5 PPG. Michigan offers the Cyclones the blueprint to win this game with two victories against them in late February and then in the Big Ten Tournament. The Wolverines successfully deployed small-ball while bombarding the Boilermakers with 3-point shooting. This forced the Purdue bigs out to the perimeter where they are not averse — and that then opened up space for Michigan guards to drive the lane. The Wolverines also forced turnovers in 20.9% of the Boilermakers’ possessions in the Big Ten Tournament — and Iowa State is much better in this department. The Cyclones forced turnovers in 21.3% of their opponent’s possessions in a rugged Big 12 that also faces pressure teams in West Virginia and Kansas State. Iowa State also averages 11.9 steals per game. Purdue allowed their Big Ten opponents a steal in 9.4% of their possessions while turning the ball over in 18.0% of their possessions overall.

Iowa State (24-10) possesses a potent offense that scores 81.0 PPG — right around that number that seems to give the Boilermakers trouble. They can rain 3s — they are 10th in the nation by making 40.3% of their 3-pointers with that number rising to a 42.3% clip in Big 12 play. This team beat Kansas in Lawrence — so they will not be intimidated by the opponent nor the situation. They have won four straight after their 84-73 win over Nevada as a 6-point favorite. The Cyclones made 55.6% of their shots — and they have made at least 53.6% of their shots over their last four games. Moving forward, Iowa State has covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after a point spread win. The Cyclones have also covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Iowa State has also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games in the NCAA Tournament. Furthermore, the Cyclones have covered the point spread in straight games as an underdog getting less than 7 points — and they have covered 7 straight games as an underdog getting less than 7 points on a neutral court. 20* CBB Saturday Late Show Bailout with the Iowa State Cyclones (527) plus the point(s) versus the Purdue Boilermakers (528). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:10 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Xavier Musketeers (523) and the Florida State Seminoles (524). Florida State (26-8) has won three of their last four games with their 86-80 win over the Florida Gulf Coast as an 11.5-point favorite on Thursday. While the Seminoles had a willing dance partner for their preferred fast pace in that contest, that will certainly not be the case against this Musketeers team that will be looking to make this game into a slog. As it is, the Under is 3-0-1 in Florida State’s last 4 games after a straight-up win — and the Under is 10-4-1 in their last 15 games after a point spread loss. Additionally, the Under is 3-1-1 in the Seminoles’ last 5 games as a favorite — and they have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total in the NCAA Tournament laying less than 6 points. Furthermore, the Under is 4-1-1 in Florida State’s last 6 games played on a neutral court.

Xavier (22-13) has won four of their last five games with their 76-65 win over Maryland on Thursday as a 2-point underdog. The Musketeers have then played 5 straight games Under the Total after both a straight-up win as well as after a point spread victory. Additionally, Xavier has now played 4 straight games Under the Total in the NCAA Tournament with that game finishing below the 142.5 point total. Furthermore, the Musketeers have played 5 straight Unders when playing on a neutral court — and they have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total when playing as an underdog. Lastly, it is not surprising that when Xavier is playing as an underdog on a neutral court, the game has finished Under the Total 7 straight games. 10* CBB Saturday Night Discounted Deal with Under the Total in the game between the Xavier Musketeers (523) and the Florida State Seminoles (524). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:10 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing the Florida State Seminoles (524) minus the points versus the Xavier Musketeers (523). Xavier (22-13) has won four of their last five games after pulling the upset on Thursday by defeating Maryland by a 76-65 score. The Musketeers shot 50% from the field which was their best offensive effort in their last twelve games since facing a suspect defensive team in Creighton — so regression is likely on that end of the court. This team has been an enigma to the oddsmakers for months as they failed to cover the point spread in seven straight games amidst a six-game losing streak. The team was suffering from the season-ending injury to point guard Edmond Sumner followed up by Myles Davis leaving the team after returning for just three games after serving a first-semester suspension. But now this Xavier team has recovered to win four of five games while covering the point spread in five straight games. Look for the bubble to burst on what is now a flawed basketball team after the losses of those two players. This team relies on a freshman point guard in Quentin Goodin who was at best a part-time player earlier in the season before losing Sumner. Despite the upset win on Thursday, the Musketeers have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games as an underdog. Xavier has also failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 7 games outside the Atlantic-10, the Musketeers have failed to cover the point spread 5 times.

Florida State (26-8) has won three of their last four games with their 86-80 win over the Florida Gulf Coast. This Seminoles’ team is the tallest team in the field of 68 — and they will be facing a Musketeers team that does not have a starter taller than 6’6. Depth is also a big strength for Leonard Hamilton’s group as he has eleven players that average at least 10 minutes per game. All these players will challenge Chris Mack who does not have nearly the depth he had hoped for when beginning the season. Turnovers will be another issue as this Xavier team turned the ball over in 18.9% of their Big East possessions with Goodin and their starting shooting guard JP Marcura relegated to point guard duties. The Seminoles do a great job in pressuring the basketball as they were 2nd in the ACC by forcing 19.8% turnovers in their opponent’s possessions. Xavier must slow the pace of this game down to have a chance — but it will be Florida State’s ability to force turnovers that will facilitate them playing at the faster pace they wish to engage. Lastly, the Musketeers allowed their Big East foes to make 55.9% of their shots inside the arc which was 9th in the conference. That is a frightening number when now facing their Seminoles team that was 23rd in the nation by making 54.5% of their 2-point shots. 25* CBB NCAA Tournament 2nd Round Game of the Year with the Florida State Seminoles (524) minus the points versus the Xavier Musketeers (523). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 5:15 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing the Gonzaga Bulldogs (530) minus the points versus the Northwestern Wildcats (529). Northwestern (24-11) responded to their first ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament by pulling off a 68-66 upset win over Vanderbilt as a 2-point underdog on Thursday. The Wildcats held the Commodores to just 38.2% shooting in their best defensive effort in their last ten games. But this team looks primed for a big letdown now facing a number one seed in Gonzaga. Remember, it was just in their previous game that this Northwestern team was thoroughly outclassed by Wisconsin in a 28-point loss where they shot just 34.6% from the field. The Wildcats look to be a poor-man’s version of Saint Mary’s — and the Bulldogs buried the Gaels’ three times this season by double-digits. As it is, Northwestern has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a straight-up win. The Wildcats do not create second chance points by crashing the boards (28.9% offensive rebound rate, 9th in the Big Ten) and they make only 47.5% of their shots inside the arc (7th in the Big Ten) while finishing second to last in the conference with their meager 30.9% shooting mark from downtown. How will this team score enough points to keep up with the Zags?

Gonzaga (33-1) certainly looked vulnerable at times on Thursday which says something regarding just how good they are considering they blew out South Dakota State by a 66-46 score. The Bulldogs made just 8 of their 30 shots from behind the arc while shooting only 39.7% from the field. That was their worst offensive effort since way back in their second game of the season against San Diego State. I am easily willing to dismiss that performance as just part of the doldrums of playing a vastly inferior opponent in the opening round of this tournament. Expect a much better effort this afternoon. The Zags have a dynamic offense that was 3rd in the nation in effective field goal percentage rate with all five of their starters capable of exploit mismatches. With seven-footer Przemek Karnowski down low representing both a scoring and passing threat, this Gonzaga team has an offensive juggernaut that the Wildcats simply do not have an answer for. The Bulldogs did play outstanding on defense — and they are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games after not allowing more than 50 points in their last game. Moving forward, Gonzaga is a decisive 20-5-1 ATS in their last 26 games against teams with a winning record. The Bulldogs are also 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite laying 7-12.5 points. Furthermore, Gonzaga thrives in taking advantage of getting good looks at the basket while making life difficult for their opponents in this regard. The Zags lead the nation by holding their opponents to just a 39.8% shooting mark inside the arc while ranking 3rd by making 58.2% of their 2-point shots — and that mark rose to a 61.2% clip in West Coast Conference play. Lastly, this team has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games against teams outside the WCC. 20* CBB Blowout Bookie Buster with the Gonzaga Bulldogs (530) minus the points versus the Northwestern Wildcats (529). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 2:40 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing the Wisconsin Badgers (519) plus the points versus the Villanova Wildcats (520). This is a tough matchup for the defending champions. What are the weaknesses of this Villanova team (32-3)? Not many — but we could start with the fact that they are not the biggest team in the nation. 6’9 Darryl Reynolds is on the court over the half the time coming off the bench but Jay Wright does not have another rotational player taller than 6’7. Two of the Badgers’ stars are big men in 6’10 Ethan Happ (232 lbs) and the 6’8 Nigel Hayes (240 lbs) with two other rotational players who are 6’8 and 235 lbs and 252 lbs respectively. Furthermore, the Wildcats’ bench is thin with Jay Wright only using a seven player rotation. Greg Gard is comfortable using nine different players on the court. Unquestionably, this Villanova team is an outstanding offensive unit. They are second in the nation with a shooting percentage inside the arc of 59.6% that rose to an epic 60.7% mark in Big East play. But this Badgers’ team has an outstanding interior defense that is 9th in the nation by holding opponents to just a 42.8% shooting clip — and that number declined even further in Big Ten play to just 42.1%. Villanova will also hoist up plenty of 3s — but while they made 37.0% this season, that number dropped to 34.7% in Big East play.

To dethrone the champs, an opponent will need both physical and mental toughness. Wisconsin (26-9) has four seniors led by Hayes and guard Bronson Koenig who have played in a Final Four. The Badgers may have underachieved down the stretch of the season losing five of six games in Big Ten play — but they rebounded nicely by reaching the Finals of the Big Ten Tournament. All will be forgiven if they pull the upset this afternoon — so this team should be in a very good mental state. Wisconsin can slow the tempo down to frustrate offensive-minded teams. And their unique system is difficult to prepare for in just a day. It is telling that they are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 NCAA Tournament games as an underdog. They are also 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog overall. With their 84-74 win over Virginia Tech on Thursday, the Badgers have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games  against teams outside the Big Ten that do not play and study them every year. 10* CBB Saturday Afternoon Discounted Deal with the Wisconsin Badgers (519) plus the points versus the Villanova Wildcats (520). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:10 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (517) plus the points versus the West Virginia Mountaineers (518). West Virginia (27-8) faces perhaps the closest team to their Kryptonite as there is in the nation in this Fighting Irish team. Press Virginia leads the nation in forcing turnovers at a 27.9% rate this season — but this Notre Dame also leads the nation by only turning the ball over in 13.8% of their opponent’s possessions. The flip-side of the Mountaineers’ pressure is that they foul — a lot. West Virginia is 306th in the nation with an opponent’s Free Throw Attempt-to-Field Goal Attempt ratio of 42.1%. And while the Fighting Irish do not get to the line often (285th in the nation in FTA/FGA ratio) that is probably because opponents are petrified to give them freebies considering that they lead the nation with a 79.5% free throw percentage rate. The Mountaineers come off an 86-80 win over Bucknell on Thursday as a 13-point favorite. West Virginia is then 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after a straight-up win — and they are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games after a point spread victory. Bob Huggins’ teams have not done well in situations like this. Not only have they failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games as a favorite on a neutral court — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 NCAA Tournament games. And in their last 7 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%, the Mountaineers have failed to cover the point spread 6 times.

Notre Dame (26-9) will struggle on the glass against this West Virginia team that is 6th in the nation by pulling down 37.8% of their missed shots. Granted. But the Irish sacrifice protecting their defensive glass by getting out on the break from missed shots to set up open 3s — and they will be happy for these tradeoffs. Notre Dame nails 38.5% of their 3-point shots (35th in the nation) — and the Mountaineers were 9th in the Big 12 by allowing their opponents to shoot 38.7% of their 3-pointers. Free throws and 3-pointers should overwhelm West Virginia’s second chance opportunities. The Fighting Irish have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Notre Dame has also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games as an underdog — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games getting less than 7 points as an underdog. The Irish survived a huge scare against Princeton to tip off the Thursday card (we had the Tigers) by a 60-58 score as a 6-point favorite. Notre Dame is 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games after a straight-up win — and they are 11-5-2 ATS in their last 18 games after a point spread loss. Mike Brey has led his team to two straight Elite Eights. That experience should help this keep this very close this afternoon with a straight-up win very possibly. 10* CBB Saturday Afternoon Tip Off with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (517) plus the points versus the West Virginia Mountaineers (518). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:57 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Kent State Golden Flashes (845) and the UCLA Bruins (846). Kent State (22-13) has won four straight games to win the Mid-American Conference Championship with their 70-65 win over Akron on March 11th as a 3.5-point underdog. The Golden Flashes have then played 8 straight games Under the Total after both a straight-up win as well as after a point spread victory. Additionally, Kent State has played straight 6 games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. As an underdog, the Golden Flashes have played 8 straight games Under the Total. Kent State has also played 4 straight games Under the Total when playing on a neutral court. And in their last 7 games on a neutral court as an underdog, the Golden Flashes have played 5 of these games Under the Total.

UCLA (29-4) looks to bounce-back from losing to Arizona by an 84-75 score in the Pac-12 Semifinals on Saturday. The Bruins will look to tighten things up on defense in this contest after allowing the Wildcats to hit 50% of their shots which the highest they have allowed over their last four games. Not only has UCLA played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total as a favorite but they have also played 4 straight games Under the Total when laying at least 13 points. Additionally, the Bruins have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total when playing on a neutral court. Lastly, in their 7 games against teams outside the Pac-12, the Under is 5-2-1 for UCLA. 20* CBB Friday Late Show O/U Bailout with Under the Total in the game between the Kent State Golden Flashes (845) and the UCLA Bruins (846). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:50 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing the South Carolina Gamecocks (820) plus (or minus) the points versus the Marquette Golden Eagles (819). South Carolina (22-10) stumbles into the NCAA Tournament with two straight losses after an ugly 63-54 loss to Alabama in the SEC Tournament. The Gamecocks shot only 36.7% in that game — and that was actually their best offensive effort in their last three games after making just 35.9% and 34% in their previous two contests. But scoring will be easier tonight when facing this Golden Eagles’ defense that was 9th in the Big East in Defensive Efficiency. South Carolina will enjoy a big geographical advantage with this game being played only 100 miles away in Greenville. And in a battle of Offense v. Defense, we will happily side with Frank Martin’s team. The toughness of this team should make the difference as they cut off driving and passing lanes. Marquette may have led the nation with a 43% shooting percentage from the 3-point line but the Gamecocks were 5th in the nation by holding opponents to just a 29.6% shooting percentage from behind the arc. South Carolina has covered the point spread in 18 of their last 27 expected higher scoring games with the Total set in the 140-149.5 point range. Additionally, the Gamecocks are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games played on a neutral court — and they are 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 games against non-SEC teams.

Marquette (19-12) has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games played on a neutral court. They are also just 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games in the Big Dance with teams with similar offense-first profiles. This team crumbles when facing elite defenses that will not try to outscore them with their shooters (see Villanova). In sixteen of their nineteen wins, the Golden Eagles scored at least 80 points. But in the five games where they failed to score more than 70 points, this team lost all five games and only covered the point spread once (by a half point). The three times they shot below 30% from downtown, they lost all three games. Furthermore, while the Gamecocks have a defensive field goal percentage of 39.8%, Marquette has failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 21 games after fifteen games into the season against teams who do not allow their opponents to shoot better than 42% from the field. And while the Golden Eagles score 82.5 PPG, South Carolina has covered the point spread in 25 of their last 38 games against teams who score at least 77 PPG. Lastly, if this ends up being a close game as expected, it is telling to note that Marquette has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games when listed in the +/- 3-point range. 25* CBB NCAA Tournament First Round Game of the Year with the South Carolina Gamecocks (820) minus the points versus the Marquette Golden Eagles (819). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:30 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Rhode Island Rams (843) and the Creighton Bluejays (844). Rhode Island (24-9) has won eight straight games to win the Atlantic-10 Tournament with their 70-63 win over VCU on Sunday. The formula for success for this team now when facing the offensive juggernaut which is this Bluejays’ team is to slow the pace of the game, force bad shots on defense and crash the boards on offense — just like how they slowed down the Rams in their last contest. While that game finished just above the 132.5 point total, Rhode Island has still played 19 of their last 27 games Under the Total when played on a neutral court. These Rams have also played 20 of their last 29 games Under the Total with the number set in the 140-149.5 point range. Rhode Island has also played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total against teams outside the A-10. Head coach Dan Hurley will try to make this game a slog. Creighton scores 82.1 PPG while throwing 22 shots from behind the arc per game. The Rams have played 16 of their last 23 games Under the Total against teams that score at least 77 PPG — and they have played 15 of their last 21 games Under the Total against teams who average at least 21 shots from the 3-point line per game.

Creighton (25-9) saw their two-game winning streak snapped last Saturday with their 74-60 loss to Villanova in the Big East Tournament as a 10.5-point favorite. The Bluejays have then played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 4 straight games Under the Total after a point spread loss. Creighton has also played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 4 games played on a neutral court, the Bluejays have played all 4 of these games Under the Total. 25* CBB NCAA Tournament First Round Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Rhode Island Rams (843) and the Creighton Bluejays (844). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:10 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing the Southern Methodist Mustangs (836) minus the points versus the Southern California Trojans (835). USC (25-9) rallied from a 17-point deficit to stun Providence on Wednesday in a 75-71 victory. At first glance, this Trojans team looks dangerous now playing with “house money” as an underdog now. But this remains a team that was outclassed by most of the elite Pac-12 opponents — save for their crosstown rivals in UCLA. USC has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. The Trojans only outscored their conference opponents by +0.01 Points-Per-Possession despite a 10-8 record — numbers pumped up by pouncing on the bottom of the league in Washington, Washington State and Oregon State. Their lack of depth for this game will not allow them to challenge the short rotation that this SMY deploys. Furthermore, while USC has not committed more than 8 turnovers in three straight games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 40 of their last 63 contests.

SMU (30-4) won the American Athletic Conference Tournament with their 71-56 win over Cincinnati. By only turning the ball over in 15.0% of the AAC possessions and dominating the glass by pulling down 36.8% of their missed shots, the Mustangs should generate enough positive possessions for themselves — while not giving them to the Trojans — to let their superior talent rise to the top this afternoon. SMU has covered the point spread in 14 of their last 17 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. The Mustangs are also 24-5-1 ATS in their last 30 games as a favorite — and they are 18-7-2 ATS when laying 7-12.5 points. Lastly, there is little chance this team will be taking the Trojans for granted considering that they will be looking to avenge a 78-73 loss to USC back on November 25th. 10* CBB Blowout Bookie Buster with the Southern Methodist Mustangs (836) minus the points versus the Southern California Trojans (835). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:30 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing the Seton Hall Pirates (823) plus the points versus the Arkansas Razorbacks (824). Seton Hall (21-11) will be looking to redeem themselves from a flat effort in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament last year where they lost to Gonzaga by a 68-52 score. Most the players from that team will be on the court this afternoon. The Pirates look to bounce-back from a narrow 55-53 loss to Villanova last Friday in the Big East Tournament. Seton Hall has then covered the point spread in 5 straight games after a straight-up loss. The Pirates have also covered the point spread in 4 straight games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%.

Arkansas (25-9) saw their three-game winning streak snapped on Sunday with their 82-65 loss in the SEC Tournament Championship to Kentucky. This is not your typical “40 minutes of Hell” Mike Anderson team as they only forced turnovers in 17.6% of their opponent’s possessions which was 9th in the SEC. One of those old teams would be a bigger threat to this Seton Hall team that was 8th in the Big East with a 19.7% turnover rate. This Razorbacks team is very shaky on defense as they ranked 11th in the SEC in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. Arkansas has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games played on a neutral court — and that includes failing to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games as a favorite. The Razorbacks have also failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games in the Big Dance. 10* CBB Friday Afternoon Discounted Deal with the Seton Hall Pirates (823) plus the points versus the Arkansas Razorbacks (824). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:15 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing the Oklahoma State Cowboys (827) plus the points versus the Michigan Wolverines (828). Michigan (24-11) is one of the hottest teams in the nation having won ten of their last twelve games as well as capturing the Big Ten Tournament Championship over the weekend despite being an 8-seed in that tournament. The Wolverines held Wisconsin to just 39.3% shooting in their 71-56 win on Sunday to claim that title in what was their best defensive effort in their last nine games. While this Michigan team is playing better on that end of the court, they will be challenged like never before this season against the most efficient offense in the country with these Cowboys. After winning four games in four days after surviving that plane crash last week, this is a team that looks overdue for a big emotional — and physical — letdown. That is not a good sign for a favorite now that has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games against teams outside the Big Ten.

Oklahoma State (20-12) has lost three straight games after exiting in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament with their 92-83 loss to Iowa City as a 1.5-point favorite. The Cowboys have then covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a point spread loss — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after allowing at least 90 points in their last game. Oklahoma State had been on fire in conference play by winning ten of eleven games before dropping those last three games — but there is no shame in losing to Iowa State twice as well as Kansas in the nation’s best conference. Expect a fast start from this offensive juggernaut that will put the Wolverines on their heels. The Cowboys have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games as an underdog — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 12 games against non-conference opponents, Oklahoma State is 9-2-1 ATS. 25* CBB Friday Afternoon Special Feature with the Oklahoma State Cowboys (827) plus the points versus the Michigan Wolverines (828). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:20 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing the Saint Mary’s Gaels (744) minus the points versus the VCU Rams (743). Saint Mary’s (28-4) saw their six-game winning streak snapped in the Finals of the West Coast Conference Tournament with their 74-56 loss to Gonzaga as a 4.5-point underdog. The Gaels’ shot just 36.8% from the field — their worst offensive effort in their last eight games — while allowing wth Bulldogs to shoot 50% from the field in what was their worst defensive performance in their last seven games. Expect a much better effort tonight with this team benefiting from nine days off. As it is, Saint Mary’s has covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after a point spread loss. This is a mature team that returned the second most minutes from last season just behind Wisconsin. But this team has the memory of getting jobbed out of an At-Large bid for the Big Dance last year so they should be very chippy for this opportunity. The Gaels are 13-4-1 ATS in their last 18 games against teams outside the WCC. And in their last 54 games as a favorite laying less than 7 points, Saint Mary’s is 35-17-2 ATS. The Gaels have also covered the point spread in 4 straight games played on a neutral court as a favorite.

VCU (26-8) saw their three-game winning streak snapped on Sunday with their 70-63 loss to Rhode Island as a 1-point underdog on Sunday in the Atlantic-10 Championship. The Rams still create Havoc by attempting to force turnovers — but they also crash the glass by pulling down 32.8% of their missed shots which was the best mark in their conference. But they will have a hard time getting second chances against this Gaels team that leads the nation by holding their opponents to rebounding just 21.4% of their missed shots. VCU has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams outside the A-10. And in their last 4 games as an underdog getting less than 7 points, the rams have failed to cover the point spread all 4 times. Expect the Gaels’ defense to wear down the Rams to allow them to pull away. 20* CBB Blowout Bookie Buster with Saint Mary’s Gaels (744) minus the points versus the VCU Rams (743). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:27 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing the Vermont Catamounts (731) plus the points versus the Purdue Boilermakers (732). Vermont (29-5) played the role of Schoolyard Bully by going undefeated in American East play while rattling off twenty-one straight games. Yet they shot only 33.3% from the field against Albany to win the American East Tournament so this team will be focused on improving their effort after surviving their worst shooting performance of the season. This team has the profile that reminds me of the recent Harvard teams that dominated the Ivy but changed gears in the Big Dance to great success. The Catamounts made 39.7% of their 3-pointers in conference play but these shots accounted for only 25.4% of their points as opposed to the 30.4% national average. Why? Because this Vermont team eats teams up alive inside the arc where they make 55.6% of their shots which is 12th in the nation. And despite the Boilermakers’ size, they struggle with interior defense as the were just 6th in the Big Ten with these opponents making 47.4% of these shots. Look for the Catamounts to launch more 3s in this game while continuing to slow the pace — they averaged only 67.1 possessions per game. Vermont can also increase their pressure on defense — they forced turnovers in 19.4% of their opponent’s possessions which was 2nd in their conference while Purdue was vulnerable here by seeing turnovers in 18.0% of their possessions which was 7th in the Big Ten. Additionally, this Catamounts team plays good defense that led the American East in both Adjusted Defensive Efficiency and opponent’s effective field goal percentage. This helped Vermont cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games on a neutral court as an underdog.

Purdue (25-7) lost to Michigan for the second time this season in the Big Ten Quarterfinals by a 74-70 score in overtime. The Wolverines defeated the Boilermakers twice this season and gave the Catamounts the Smallball blueprint to defeat this team. The Purdue bigs are not comfortable moving outside to defend 3-point shooters — and that opens up space in the lane for penetrators that Vermont is loaded with. The Boilermakers committed 15 turnovers in that second loss to Michigan — and they made only 6 of their 13 free throws which may come in to lay late if we are in the need of a backdoor cover. This Purdue team can also get too reliant on their first shot considering that they were 11th in the Big Ten by pulling down 28.1% of their missed shots. As a near double-digit dog, Vermont should be able to do a number of things to keep this very interesting. 25* CBB NCAA Tournament First-Round Underdog of the Year with the Vermont Catamounts (731) plus the points versus the Purdue Boilermakers (732). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:50 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing the Maryland Terrapins (728) minus the points versus the Xavier Musketeers (727). Maryland (24-8) saw their two-game winning streak snapped in the Quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament with their 72-64 loss to Northwestern as a 2-point favorite. The Terrapins saw the Wildcats shoot an aberrational 55.3% from the field which was the best any team has shot against them all season. That game finished above the 134.5-point Total in that game — and Maryland has then covered the point spread in 9 of their last 10 road games after a game that finished Over the Total. With Melo Trimble, the Terrapins not only have the best player on the court but also someone will be playing in the NBA next season. He can take over this game. The Terrapins are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games played on a neutral court. Maryland is also 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games as a favorite on a neutral court. And the last 8 times they were listed in the +/- 3-point range, they covered the point spread 7 times.

Xavier (21-13) saw their three-game winning streak snapped in the Big East Semifinals with their 75-72 loss to Creighton as 4-point underdogs. The Musketeers have then failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a straight-up loss. While Trevon Blueitt as emerged a star for this team, this group remains a shell of themselves after losing point guard Edmond Sumner to a season-ending injury and then Myles Davis left the team soon afterwards in January. This team now relies on a freshman point guard in Quentin Goodin who has only seen an increase in minutes over the second half of the season. Xavier has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. The Musketeers have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games against teams outside the Big East. And in their last 11 games as an underdog getting less than 8 points, Xavier has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of these games. 20* CBB Thursday Night Discounted Deal with the Maryland Terrapins (728) minus the points versus the Xavier Musketeers (727). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:30 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing the Butler Bulldogs (736) minus the points versus the Winthrop Eagles (735). Butler (23-8) limps into the NCAA Tournament with two straight losses after their opening round 62-57 upset loss in the Big East Tournament to Xavier as a 6.5-point favorite. That setback should ensure that the Bulldogs are rested and motivated for some redemption in this very winnable game for them. Butler is 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games after a point spread loss. This is a very reliable team that is 11-3-1 ATS in their last 15 games against non-conference opponents as well as 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And this team is 20-5-2 ATS in their last 27 games in the NCAA Tournament which includes 4 straight point spread winners as the favorite in the Big Dance.

Winthrop (26-6) won the Big South by winning eight straight games culminating in a 76-59 win over Campbell. But this is a team that has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games outside the Big South — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games as an underdog on a neutral court. A big weakness for Butler is their lack of size — but this is something that the Eagles are ill-equipped to exploit. Winthrop wants to push the pace and shoot plenty of 3s. However, that sounds similar to the formula for success for Villanova — yet the Bulldogs defeated the defending champions twice this season. The signature win for the Eagles this season was at Illinois. This motivated Butler team is simply in a higher class of competition. 10* CBB Blowout Bookie Buster with the Butler Bulldogs (736) minus the points versus the Winthrop Eagles (735). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:40 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing the Virginia Cavaliers (722) minus the points versus the UNC-Wilmington Seahawks (721). Virginia (22-10) is considered vulnerable in this spot as the vaunted 5-seed facing a feisty underdog — but the truth is that is a fantastic matchup for them. The Cavaliers’ Pack-Line defense devastates opponents without elite players as it allows them to control the defensive boards while forcing opponents into bad shots. Virginia has covered the point spread in 4 straight games against teams outside the ACC. This Pack-Line defense makes even the best teams struggle — ask North Carolina and Louisville (twice). Granted, this Cavaliers team has struggled on offense as they can get too reliant on outside shooting. But remember that this Virginia team is 18th in the nation by converting 39.3% of their shots from 3-point land — so if they are hitting these shots, the Seahawks are likely in trouble. But with UNC-Wilmington not having a player taller than 6’7, Virginia will likely find more scoring opportunities inside the arc than they are used to — more on this in a moment. These Cavs will be very focused after suffering an upset 71-58 loss to Notre Dame in the ACC Tournament as a 3.5-point favorite in a game where they allow the Irish to shoot 52.2% from the field — their worst defensive effort in their last ten games. Virginia has covered the point spread in 16 of their last 23 games after a straight-up loss. Despite all the upset talk for this 5-12 seed matchup, the Cavs are pretty healthy favorites in this game which tells you something about how the oddsmakers see this game. Virginia has covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games laying 7-12.5 points.

UNC-Wilmington (29-5) is a dangerous underdog because they shoot 3s at a 41.8% clip while forcing turnovers at a 20.4% rate and pulling down 32.5% of their missed shots. Buts let talk about the defense from the Colonial Athletic Conference regular season and Tournament Champions. The Seahawks were last in the CAA with an opponent’s field goal percentage of 47.7%. Their defensive effective field goal percentage of 53.9% is 295th in the nation. Even worse, UNC-Wilmington’s opponents made 54.2% of their shots inside the arc which is 328th worst in the nation. Virginia is very tough to beat when they are scoring baskets. Now lets talk strength of schedule for the Seahawks who faced only one top-50 team in Middle Tennessee that resulted in a 5-point loss. UNC-Wilmington’s best victory is either against East Tennessee or their two wins over the College Charleston. This team also lost to Elon and William & Mary. They have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games outside the CAA — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games against teams with a winning record. Lastly, Seahawks backers like to mention how tough they played Duke in the NCAA Tournament last year where they went into the locker room at half-time with a lead. What is not mentioned is that the Blue Devils won that game by 8 points — and that would a point spread cover for the favorites this afternoon. 10* CBB Thursday Afternoon Discounted Deal with the Virginia Cavaliers (722) minus the points versus the UNC-Wilmington Seahawks (721). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:15 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing the Princeton Tigers (717) plus the points versus the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (718). Notre Dame (25-9) has reached the Elite Eight for the last two seasons under head coach Mike Brey — but that is a long way away still for this group that lost in the ACC Tournament to Duke by a 75-69 score. This success has not translated into winning tickets for bettors as they have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 14 NCAA Tournament games — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 Big Dance games as the favorite. Playing an early afternoon game on the neutral court in Buffalo may not mix well with their heavy reliance on 3-point shooting — 36.3% of their points came from behind the arc in conference play which topped the ACC. This team does not crash the boards on offense either — so if their shots are not falling, this could get interesting very fast.

Princeton (23-6) also relies on 3-point shooting with 41.9% of their points coming from behind the arc which is the 5th most in the nation. This is a much more endearing characteristic for a 6 to 7-point underdog as it is for a favorite since these shots help underdogs seize momentum while putting more pressure on teams like the Irish with big March aspirations. The Tigers’ top two scorers, Devin Cannady and Steven Cook, both hit 41% of their 3-pointers. Princeton will slow the pace of the game down while executing their vaunted “Princeton” offense that emphasizes passing and patience. This team averaged 68 possessions per game while holding their opponents to just 61.5 PPG — so these 7 or so points they are getting are valuable. Fourteen of their fifteen players from last season returned for this opportunity — expect a close game between two teams with similar makeups. 20* CBB Thursday Afternoon Tip Off with the Princeton Tigers (717) plus the points versus the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (718). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:10 PM EST on Wednesday, we will be playing the Providence Friars (622) plus the points versus the Southern California Trojans (621). Providence (20-12) had won six straight games entering the Big East Tournament but suffered a 70-56 loss in those Quarterfinals to Creighton as a 2.5-point underdog. The Friars should rebound with a strong effort as they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after both a straight-up loss as well as after a point spread setback. This team was 10-8 in the Big East this season despite losing their two stars from last year in Kris Dunn and Ben Bentil. This Providence team has covered the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. The Friars have also covered the point spread in 15 of their last 20 games played on a neutral court. And in their last 54 games as an underdog of less than 7 points, Providence has covered the point spread a decisive 37 times. The Friars have also covered the point spread in 13 of their last 16 games on a neutral court as an underdog.

USC (24-9) played very well in the Semifinals of the Pac-12 Tournament that resulted in a narrow 76-74 loss to arch-rival UCLA despite being a 10.5-point underdog. But while this team has the talent to hang with a team like the Bruins, focus has also been an issue for this team — and that does not bode well for them in this First Four contest. As it is, the Trojans have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up loss. USC has also failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. The Trojans have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games outside the Pac-12. And in their last 9 games played on a neutral court, USC has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of these contests. 20* CBB USC-Providence First-Four Special with the Providence Friars (622) plus the points versus the Southern California Trojans (621). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM EST on Wednesday, we will be playing the Belmont Bruins (625) plus the points versus the Georgia Bulldogs (626). Belmont (22-6) takes the floor for the first time since their disappointing 65-59 loss to Jacksonville State back on March 3rd as an 8-point favorite in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament. The Bruins shot only 36.7% from the field after missing 30 of their 38 shots from behind the arc. Live by the 3 — die by the 3. But Belmont is a team that mostly lived quite well shooting 3-pointers like there was no tomorrow. The Bruins were 2nd in the nation with 56.2% of their shots coming from the 3-point line — and they were 10th in the nation with 39.1% of their points coming from made 3-pointers. Belmont is more than just a 3-point shooting machine either as the 62.4% shooting mark inside the arc leads the nation. Considering that this team made 37.2% of their 3-pointers in conference play and they finished 10th in the nation with an effective field goal percentage of 56.1%, this team should shoot better from the field tonight. The Bruins are disappointed to not win the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament — but they also lack a signature win this year after losing to Vanderbilt, Florida, Rhode Island and Middle Tennessee. But Belmont has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a point spread loss. The Bruins have also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games on the road — and they covered the point spread in 5 straight road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court.

Georgia (19-14) has lost two of their last three games with their 71-60 loss to Kentucky that dashed their NCAA Tourney hopes. It has been a very disappointing season for Mark Fox’s team with overtime losses to Florida and Kentucky along with the screw-job they suffered against Texas A&M where the clock mysteriously stopped at 5.6 seconds remaining combining to make the difference between this team taking Vanderbilt’s spot in the Big Dance and them now relegated to the NIT. Even worse, this pairing is a rematch from their NIT contest last March 16th which the Bulldogs won by a 93-84 score as a 7-point favorite. With Fox now on the hottest, just how motivated will this Georgia team be for this contest? As it is, they haver failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 13 games on their home court. The Bulldogs have also failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 home games as a favorite or pick ‘em. Additionally, Georgia has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games as a favorite laying less than 7 points. And while these Bulldogs have scored only 57 and 60 points in their last two games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 7 straight home games after failing to score more than 65 points in two straight games. Seven of the top eight contributors from that Belmont team that lost in Athens last season are back for this rematch that means so much more to this mid-major than it does this Bulldogs team that we last saw trying to dethrone Kentucky. 25* CBB NIT First Round Game of the Year with the Belmont Bruins (625) plus the points versus the Georgia Bulldogs (626). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:40 PM EST on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the North Carolina-Central Eagles (621) and the UC-Davis Aggies (622). UNC-Central (25-8) won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on Saturday with their 67-59 win over Norfolk State as a 7-point favorite after holding the Spartans to just a 35.4% shooting percentage. The Eagles were 3rd in the MEAC in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. UNC-Central needed this defensive effort as they only shot 39.3% from the field themselves. The Eagles have seen the Under go 13-3-1 in their last 17 boarded games after a straight-up win — and the Under is 6-0-1 in their last 7 boarded games after a point spread victory. UNC-Central was rewarded with their automatic bid by a trip to Dayton to play in the First-Four — and the Under is 13-3-1 in their last 17 boarded games played on a neutral court. This Eagles team has also played 5 of their last 6 boarded games Under the Total as a favorite laying less than 7 points — and the Under is 7-1-1 in their last 9 boarded games on a neutral court as the favorite. Additionally, UNC-Central has played 4 straight boarded games Under the Total against a non-conference opponent.

UC-Davis (22-12) won three games in a row with capture the Big West Tournament Championship with their 50-47 victory over UC-Irvine as a 5.5-point underdog in that contest. The Aggies have then played 5 straight games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 4 straight games Under the Total after a point spread victory. UC-Davis flexed their muscles on the defensive end of the court to win that game as they held the Anteaters to just 38% shooting. This team was 2nd in the Big West in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. But the Aggies struggled mightily to find baskets as they managed just a 34.6% shooting mark themselves. Moving forward, UC-Davis has played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. The Aggies have also played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total when playing on a neutral court — and they have played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total as an underdog. 25* CBB First-Four NCAA Tourney Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the North Carolina-Central Eagles (621) and the UC-Davis Aggies (622). Best of luck for us — Frank.