At 7:00 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Yale Bulldogs (873) plus (or minus) the points versus the Pennsylvania Quakers (874). Yale (19-6) has lost two of their last three games after their 83-75 upset loss to Columbia last Saturday as a 12.5-point favorite. Penn (17-11) has won two of their last three games with their 65-51 win at Dartmouth as a 2-point favorite last Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BULLDOGS PLUS (OR MINUS) THE POINTS: Yale made only 37.9% of their shots against Columbia which was the worst shooting mark in their last nine games. The Bulldogs are still making 52.0% of their shots in their last five games — and they are one of the best shooting teams in the nation as they rank 14th in the country in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. Yale has scored at least 75 points in five straight games — and they have covered the point spread in 6 straight games after scoring at least 75 points in five straight contests. The Bulldogs have also covered the point spread in 4 straight games after a point spread loss — and they have covered the point spread in 19 of their last 28 games when playing just their second game in seven days. Now after playing their last four games at home, Yale goes back on the road where they are 9-4 this season while making 48% of their shots and holding their opponents to just a 41.3% field goal percentage. The Bulldogs have also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% at home. Furthermore, Yale has covered the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games when listed in the +/- 3-point range — and this includes them covering the point spread in six of their last eight games on the road when listed from +3 points to -3 points. Penn has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a point spread victory. And while the Quakers have played three straight games Under the Total, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after playing at least three straight Unders. Now Penn returns home where they are 8-4 this season — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games on their home court. They also have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 home games again teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. This team returned four starters from last year’s group that made the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Steve Donahue loves for his team to launch 3s: they lead the Ivy League by attempting 44.7% of their shots from downtown. But this year’s team is making only 32.7% of their 3-point shots which is 7th in the conference — and this Yale team does a great job of defending the perimeter as their opponents are making only 31.8% of their shots from behind the arc. The Quakers are making only 41.9% of their shots over their last five games — they must shoot better than that to keep up with this great shooting Bulldogs team.

FINAL TAKE: Penn will be looking to avenge a 78-65 loss at Yale back on February 9th — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 18 opportunities to avenge a loss on the road to their opponent. 25* CBB Ivy League Game of the Year with the Yale Bulldogs (873) plus (or minus) the points versus the Pennsylvania Quakers (874). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Pepperdine Waves (636) minus the point(s) versus the Pacific Tigers (635). THE SITUATION: Pepperdine has the opportunity to avenge a 73-72 upset loss at Pepperdine last Saturday as a 5.5-point favorite which was the last regular season game for both teams. These two teams immediately have a rematch in the opening round of the West Coast Conference tournament that takes place in the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

REASONS TO TAKE THE WAVES MINUS THE POINT(S): Pepperdine limps into the WCC tournament having lost four of their last five games — but they have then covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after losing four or five of their last six contests. The Waves have also covered the point spread in 10 of their last 15 games after losing two of their last three games. Furthermore, Pepperdine has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a straight-up loss but they have also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after a loss to a fellow conference rival. Additionally, the Waves have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a point spread loss. Pepperdine should be able to do two things in this rematch that will help them avenge that loss on Saturday. First, they force turnovers in 19.7% of their opponent’s possessions which is second best in conference play — and that number rises to a 20.9% clip overall this season which is the 55th best mark in the nation. The Tigers are vulnerable against pressure teams as they turn the ball over in 19.0% of their possessions which is 6th in the WCC — and they are a bit worse overall with a 19.3% turnover rate in all their games. Pepperdine also makes 38.5% of their 3-pointers which is tops in the West Coast Conference — yet they were off that mark last week as they made only 10 of their 29 (34.5%) of their 3-pointers in that game. They have a good chance to shoot better from behind the arc as the Tigers rank 8th in the conference by allowing their opponents to nail 37.7% of their shots from 3-point land. Pacific played one of their best games of the season on Saturday. They made 46% of their shots which was the best offensive mark in their last six games — and they held the Waves to a 42% shooting percentage which was the best defensive effort in their last seven contests. That victory snapped a six-game losing streak — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after losing four of their last five games. Pacific has also failed to cover the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games after an upset win as a road underdog — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 11 games after a narrow win by 6 points or less. The Waves are making only 37% of their shots over their last five games — and they are shooting only 41.9% of their shots on the road. Pacific is only 1-3-2 ATS in their last 6 games played on a neutral court — and they have failed to cover the point spread 19 of their last 27 games in the West Coast Conference tournament.

FINAL TAKE: Pepperdine is 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games played on a neutral court. Lastly, the Waves have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 6 games when playing with revenge from an upset loss. 20* CBB Thursday Daily Discounted Deal with the Pepperdine Waves (636) minus the point(s) versus the Pacific Tigers (635). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Lipscomb Bisons (307140) minus the points versus the New Jersey Institute of Technology Highlanders (307139). THE SITUATION: Lipscomb (24-6) reached the Semifinals of the Atlantic Sun tournament on Monday with their 86-71 win at home over Kennesaw State as a 26.5-point favorite. NJIT (21-11) pulled the upset in the Quarterfinals of the Atlantic Sun tournament on Monday when they defeated the Florida Gulf Coast on the road by an 83-78 score as a 3.5-point underdog. Higher seeds (determined by NET rankings) earn hosting rights in this event so this game will be played on Lipscomb’s home court in Nashville.

REASONS TO TAKE LIPSCOMB MINUS THE POINTS: I expect a big letdown for the Highlanders in this showdown with the best team in the conference. NJIT nailed 10 of their 17 shots (53.6%) of their shots from behind the arc to shock the Gulf Coast on Monday — but they are not likely to replicate those results tonight. The Highlanders are making only 34.0% of their 3-pointers in conference play this season which is only 6th best. And they are facing a stingy Bison perimeter defense that leads the Atlantic Sun by limiting their opponents to just a 30.7% shooting mark from behind the arc. NJIT will want to slow down the pace in this game and hope they make enough 3s to make Lipscomb start feeling nervous that their NCAA Tournament bubble will burst. But that leaves little margin for error for a team being asked to go on the road to pull a second straight upset. The Highlanders only rank 6th in the Atlantic Sun in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. They are last in the conference in offensive rebounding rates as they sacrifice second-chance opportunities to get back on defense where they play solid but spectacular half-court defense. They rank 6th in the conference with an opponent’s effective field goal percentage of 48.3%. They do commit to protecting their defensive glass as their conference opponents are only pulling down 24.0% of their missed shots which is second best in the conference — but this comes at the expense of transition scoring opportunities. NJIT’s best win on the road was at Duquesne that metrics guru Ken Pomeroy ranks as the 165th best team in the nation. For comparison's sake, Pomeroy ranks this Lipscomb team as the 50th best team in the country. The Highlanders lost twice to the Bison this season — but perhaps their best effort away from home all season was their 81-77 loss at Lipscomb back on February 25th. Lipscomb returns their top six players from last year’s team that won the Atlantic Sun tournament to then play North Carolina in the Big Dance. This year’s Bison are tops in the Atlantic Sun in both Adjusted Offensive and Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. They are 13-2 on their home court — and they do a number of things that should help them cover a double-digit point spread. They lead the Atlantic Sun by hitting 40.7% of their 3-point shots which helps to boost their league-leading 55.7% effective field goal percentage which is helped by Rob Marberry who is making 61.2% of his shots inside the arc. But the Bison also do many things to create additional scoring chances if their shots are not falling. They are third in the conference by rebounding 28.9% of their missed shots. They are second in the Atlantic Sun by forcing turnovers in 20.1% of their possessions — and they are facing a Highlanders team that turns it over 18.2% of their conference possessions. And Lipscomb places at a blistering pace that is 13th fastest in the nation. Finally, the intangible for this third encounter is the points that will likely be generated at the free throw line. The Bison lead the conference with a 38.4% Free Throw Attempt to Field Goal Attempt ratio — and the Highlanders are 8th in the league with an opponent’s FTA: FGA ratio of 31.6%. Yet, somehow, NJIT’s opponents have been hexed as they have made only 67.0% of their free throw attempts against them this season (32nd lowest in the nation) — and the New Jersey voodoo has been even better in conference play with Atlantic Sun opponents making only 63.8% of their free throw attempts! Lipscomb made only 11 of their 17 (64.7%) of their free throws against them in their last meeting which is far below their 75.2% mark for the season at the charity stripe which is the 32nd best mark in the nation. Remarkably, the Bison’s opponents make the most of their free throw opportunities as they are making 75.3% of their free throws which is the ninth highest mark in the nation. These are underlying numbers that are screaming for regression — and even if it accounts for only 3 or 4 points, that could make the difference to cover this double-digit number. Then again, those points may very well be gravy when considering that NJIT needed to nail 7 of their 17 (41.2%) 3-pointers while converting 16 of 20 free throw attempts on the road against Lipscomb (a +5 point advantage) to still lose by 4 points.

FINAL TAKE: The close game two weeks ago at home against the Highlanders should ensure that Lipscomb is very focused for this game. While I worry that the Bison will be facing the pressure of being on the NCAA bubble if they do not earn the automatic bid by winning this tournament, I think that plays a larger role in a potential championship game on Sunday against Liberty. Lipscomb does enough things to generate momentum and scoring opportunities to eventually blowout this overachieving NJIT team. 25* CBB Atlantic Sun Conference Game of the Year with the Lipscomb Bisons (307140) minus the points versus the New Jersey Institute of Technology Highlanders (307139). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 11:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Washington State Cougars (826) plus the points versus the Oregon Ducks (825). THE SITUATION: Washington State (11-18) has lost three straight games after their 76-69 loss at California as a pick ‘em on Saturday. Oregon (17-12) has won their last two straight games after their 73-47 win over Arizona as a 5-point favorite on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE COUGARS PLUS THE POINTS: Washington State started the season 7-3 but have since lost fourteen of their last nineteen games — yet this team has covered the point spread in 6 straight games after they have lost at least fifteen of their last twenty contests. The Cougars did nail 13 of their 31 (41.9%) shots from behind the arc against the Golden Bears — and they have covered the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games after playing a game where they made at least 13 shots from 3-point land. This team is better than their record. They have perhaps the best player in the Pac-12 in Robert Franks who is scoring 21.8 PPG while pulling down 7.3 Rebounds-Per-Game this season. Franks missed five games this season — and the Cougars lost all five of those contests. After playing their last two games on the road, Washington State returns home where they are 9-7 with an average winning margin of +4.7 PPG. The Cougars are scoring 82.4 PPG on their home court while making 47.8% of their shots from the field. Washington State has covered the point spread in 19 of their last 28 home games with the Total set in the 140 to 144.5 point range. Oregon enjoyed two straight blowout wins at home over the two conference schools from Arizona last week with their 26-point win over the Wildcats being preceded by a 79-51 stomping of Arizona State last Thursday (our College Basketball Game of the Month). I expect the Ducks to suffer a letdown now as they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after covering the point spread in two straight games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after winning their last two games by double-digits. Furthermore, Oregon has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after not allowing more than 55 points in their last game — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games after not allowing more than 60 points in two straight contests. The Ducks have also failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after winning at least two straight games. Now this team goes back on the road where they are just 4-8 this season with an average losing margin of -4.9 PPG. This Oregon team scores only 63.3 PPG on the road while making just 40.1% of their shots. The Ducks have 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 record at home.

FINAL TAKE: Washington State will be looking to avenge a 78-58 loss to Oregon back on January 27th. The Cougars have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games when playing with revenge from a 20-point loss to their opponent — and this includes them covering the point spread in these last three situations. 10* CBB Oregon-Washington State FS1 Special with the Washington State Cougars (826) plus the points versus the Oregon Ducks (825). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (833) and the Florida Atlantic Owls (834). THE SITUATION: Louisiana Tech (18-12) has lost two straight upset losses in a row after their 83-76 loss at Florida International as a 1-point favorite on Sunday. Florida Atlantic (17-12) has won three of their last four games after their 60-54 upset win at North Texas as a 7.5-point underdog last Thursday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Under is 21-10-2 in the Bulldogs’ last 33 games after a straight-up loss — and they have also played 14 of their last 18 games Under the Total off a road loss to a conference rival. Louisiana Tech has the third-best defense in terms of Adjusted Efficiency in Conference USA — but they also have just the 9th best offense in terms of that metric. They have held their last five opponents to just a 42.6% shooting percentage. Now they go on the road where they are scoring only 69.0 PPG while making just 41.6% of their shots from the field. The Under is a decisive 20-5-1 in their last 26 games on the road — and they have also played 11 of their last 13 games Under the Total on the road as an underdog or pick ‘em. Additionally, the Bulldogs have played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total with the number in the 130s. Florida Atlantic has seen the Under go 21-9-1 in their last 31 games after a straight-up win — and they have played 9 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. Furthermore, the Owls have played 11 of their last 14 games Under the Total after an upset victory. This will be FAU’s second game in their last eight days — and they have then played 9 straight games Under the Total when playing just for the second time in eight days. The Owls sport the top Adjusted Defensive Efficiency in Conference USA. They have held their last five opponents to just a 36.6% shooting percentage. But FAU struggles to score baskets as they rank 12th in the conference in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency — and they are making only 40.1% of their shots over their last five games. The Owls return home where they hold their opponents to only 63.7 PPG on low 40.4% shooting. Yet FAU only makes 42.3% of their shots at home. They have played 5 of their last 7 home games Under the Total — and the Under is also 16-5-1 in their last 22 home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. The Owls have also played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total with the number in the 130s.

FINAL TAKE: Louisiana Tech is looking to avenge a 69-61 loss hosting FAU back on January 31st when they were 4.5-point home favorites in that game. The Bulldogs have played 20 of their last 26 games Under the Total when playing with revenge — and this includes them playing nine of these last eleven situations Under the Total. 25* CBB Conference USA Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (833) and the Florida Atlantic Owls (834). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Youngstown State Penguins (843) plus the points versus the Oakland Grizzlies (844). Youngstown State (12-19) has lost three straight games after their 89-80 loss in overtime at home to Cleveland State last Saturday as a 5.5-point favorite. Oakland (16-16) has won four straight games after their 74-63 win over IUPUI on Saturday as a 3-point favorite. The Grizzlies are the third seed in the Horizon League tournament with the higher seed earning the right to host the Quarterfinal contests in this event — so this game is being played on the Oakland campus (where this handicapper happened to have been born).

REASONS TO TAKE THE PENGUINS PLUS THE POINTS: Youngstown State had won six straight games to put themselves in position to qualify as one of the top eight teams to make the conference tournament. They then lost on the road to the top two teams in the Horizon League at Northern Kentucky and Wright State before returning home to lose that game in overtime to the Vikings. Look for second-year head coach Jarrod Calhoun to have his team ready to be very competitive in this tournament game. The Penguins have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a point spread loss — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after allowing at least 80 points in a loss to a conference opponent. Calhoun was a longtime assistant to Bob Huggins who has deployed a similar style with this program. While the full-court press was generating its share of turnovers, it was leaving the Penguins very vulnerable in their half-court defense. Calhoun eventually scrapped the reliance on the press to help his half-court defense which helped trigger their winning streak. He has also overseen the continued development of his young team dominated by sophomores and a rising freshman star in Darius Quisenberry who is the team’s leading scorer. Like Huggins’ teams at West Virginia, this team still does many of things that the Mountaineers deploy which makes them dangerous in tournament situations. First, Youngstown State crashes the glass: they rank 30th in the nation by pulling down 34.0% of their missed shots — and this is a vulnerability for the Grizzlies who rank 336th in the nation by allowing their opponent to pull down 33.6% of their missed shots. The Penguins also launch tons of 3s as they rank 50th in the nation with 43.9% of their shots from the field being from behind the arc. Oakland can be burned by outside shooting as they allowed their opponents to make 35.2% of their 3-pointers which is 219th in the nation. Maximizing second-chance opportunities, as well as the extra point from 3-point attempts, has helped the Penguins be overachievers on the road. Youngstown State has covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games on the road — and they have also covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 road games against teams with a winning record at home. The Penguins usually match-up well against high-scoring teams. The Grizzlies average 77.6 PPG on 47.1% shooting from the field. Youngstown State has covered the point spread in 12 of their last 14 games against teams who make at least 45% of their shots — and they have covered the point spread in 7 straight games after fifteen games into the season against teams that score at 77 PPG. Head coach Greg Kampe has also done a nice job of coaching this Grizzlies team that lost 90% of their scoring from a very talented team that was upset in the Semifinals of the Horizon League tournament by a 44-43 score to Cleveland State. Frankly, Kampe’s offensive schemes too often devolve into 1-on-1 hero ball which can become a dangerous proposition during the pressure of tournament basketball. As it is, Oakland has failed to cover the point spread in 16  of their last 23 games against teams with a winning percentage no better than 40%. The Grizzlies have also failed to cover the point spread in 21 of their last 29 home games against teams with a losing record on the road — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 14 home games after fifteen games into the season against teams with a losing record. Youngstown State does allow their opponents to make 46.4% of their shots — but Oakland has failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 16 games after fifteen games into the season against teams with an opponent’s field goal percentage of at least 45%. The Penguins average 64 shot attempts per game helped by all those second-chance opportunities — and the Grizzlies have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 12 games against teams who average at least 62 shots per game.

FINAL TAKE: Oakland is an unreliable favorite as they have failed to cover the point spread in 17 of their last 25 home games when favored by 6.5 to 9 points. Youngstown State lost at home by just 2 points in the first meeting between these two teams in late December before pulling the upset on Oakland’s home court on January 31st by a 75-74 score. With Oakland facing the pressure to keep up their winning streak against what will be a confidence Penguins team that can stay competitive in this game even if they are not red-hot from the field, expect a third close game between these two teams. 25* CBB Horizon League Tournament Underdog of the Year with the Youngstown State Penguins (843) plus the points versus the Oakland Grizzlies (844). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:30 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Missouri Tigers (781) and the Georgia Bulldogs (782). THE SITUATION: Missouri (13-15) snapped their four-game losing streak on Saturday with their 78-63 win over South Carolina as a 2-point favorite. Georgia (11-18) snapped a nine-game losing streak on Saturday as well with their 61-55 win at Florida as an 11.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Tigers broke out of their slump by shooting 47.4% from the field which was the best shooting mark for them in their last twelve contests. But Missouri has played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a double-digit win over a conference rival — and they have played 7 straight games Under the Total after a win at home against an SEC foe. The Tigers have also played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. And while Mizzou has covered the point spread in three of their last four games, they have then played 13 of their last 17 games Under the Total after covering the point spread in three of their last four contests. This team has lacked offensive punch with their expected leading scorer Jontay Porter was declared out the season with an ACL injury. Head coach Cuonzo Martin has a young team with four of his guards in his rotation being freshman or sophomores. The Tigers are 13th in the SEC in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency — and they are making only 41.2% of their shots over their last five games. Now they go back on the road where they are scoring only 61.9 PPG on 41.5% shooting from the field. Missouri has played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total on the road — and they have played 5 of their last 6 road games Under the Total against teams with a losing record at home. Furthermore, the Tigers have played 13 of their last 18 road games Under the Total as an underdog — and they have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. Georgia has played 14 of their last 20 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 21 of their last 29 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. The Bulldogs have made at least 52.1% of their shots in three straight games after they made 56.1% of their shots against the Gators in what was the best shooting effort in their last ten contests. But Georgia has played 17 of their last 23 games Under the Total after making at least 50% of their shots in two straight games. Head coach Tom Crean has seen his team cover point spread expectations in five straight games — but they have then played 12 of their last 14 games Under the Total after covering five or six of their last seven contests. They return to Athens where they have played 8 of their last 3 home games Under the Total with the number set in the 130s. They do hold their visitors to just a 41.1% field goal percentage. They have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 55 points in their last game. Georgia has also played 22 of their last 28 games Under the Total against teams winning 40% to 49% of their games.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams have played 4 straight games Under the Total. Expect another lower-scoring game. 10* CBB Wednesday Daily Discounted Deal with Under the Total in the game between the Missouri Tigers (781) and the Georgia Bulldogs (782). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Kentucky Wildcats (639) and the Mississippi Rebels (640). THE SITUATION: Kentucky (24-5) had their four-game winning streak snapped on Saturday with a 71-52 loss at Tennessee as a 3-point underdog. Mississippi (19-10) has lost their last two games after their 74-73 loss at Arkansas as a 2-point underdog on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Kentucky has played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a point spread loss — and they have played 9 of their last 11 road games Under the Total after a point spread loss. Furthermore, the Wildcats have played 8 of their last 9 games Under the Total after winning at least fifteen of their last twenty games. Kentucky is without their floor general in senior Reid Travis who is dealing with a knee injury. The Wildcats made only 31.8% of their shots against the Volunteers without Travis running the offense. Head coach John Calipari will want his team to play better on defense tonight. While the 43.8% field goal percentage that the Volunteers achieved was not a bad effort, it was still the worst defensive performance for the Wildcats in their last twelve contests. Kentucky has held their last five opponents to just a 38.5% field goal percentage. The Wildcats stay on the road where they have played 4 straight games Under the Total — and they have also played 4 straight road games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Additionally, Kentucky has played 6 of their last 7 road games Under the Total as the favorite — and they have played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Ole Miss has played 9 of their last 12 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. The Rebels made 53.7% of their shots in that narrow loss to the Razorbacks which was the best shooting mark for them in their last nineteen games. Ole Miss is only making 43.9% of their shots over their last five contests. They have also played four straight games Under the Total — and they have played 14 of their last 18 games Under the Total after playing at least two straight games Under the Total. They return home where they have played 20 of their last 28 games Under the Total — and they have played 8 straight games Under the Total at home against teams with a winning record on the road. Furthermore, the Rebels have played 8 of their last home games Under the Total as a pick ‘em or underdog of no more than 6 points.

FINAL TAKE: With Kentucky without Travis, expect this to be a lower-scoring contest. 25* CBB Super Tuesday ESPN Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Kentucky Wildcats (639) and the Mississippi Rebels (640). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Minnesota Golden Gophers (630) plus the points versus the Purdue Boilermakers (629). THE SITUATION: Minnesota (18-11) looks to build off their 62-50 upset win at Northwestern as a 1.5-point underdog last Thursday. Purdue (22-7) has won five straight contests with their 86-51 win over Ohio State as a 12-point favorite on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE GOLDEN GOPHERS PLUS THE POINTS: The Boilermakers control their own destiny to win the Big Ten regular season championship if they win their final two games — but they may create some nerves tonight when playing in a challenging road environment. Purdue has failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games on the road a few after a win over a conference rival. The Boilermakers have also failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 14 road games after winning at least twelve of their last fifteen games. Purdue has not nearly been as reliable when playing on the road where they are just 7-7 this season. They are making only 41.5% of their shots away from home. The Boilermakers have won thirteen of their last fourteen games — but that was after losing to both Michigan and Michigan State on the road in early conference action. Their lone loss since their January 8th loss to the Spartans was at Maryland. Purdue has failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 23 road games with the Total set in the 140 to 144.5 point range — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Additionally, the Boilermakers have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 road games as a pick ‘em or favorite by no more than 6 points. Minnesota would love to win this game to add a high profile victory to the NCAA Tournament resume. They will enter this game with confidence — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after an upset double-digit win over as a road underdog. The Golden Gophers have also covered the point spread in 9 of their last 10 home games after a double-digit upset victory as an underdog. Minnesota had not covered the point spread in their previous two contests — but they have then covered the point spread in 9 of their last 14 games after failing to cover the point spread in two of their last three games. The Golden Gophers aha also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after not allowing more than 55 points in their last game. And while they have not scored more than 64 points in their last three games, they have then covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after failing to score at least 65 points in three straight games. After playing their last two games on the road, Minnesota returns home where they are 13-3 this season with an average winning margin of +8.7 PPG. Their best home win was against Iowa — and they have proven they can hang with almost anyone with their victory at Wisconsin.

FINAL TAKE: The Golden Gophers will be looking to avenge a 73-63 loss at Purdue back on February 3rd. Minnesota has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games when playing with revenge from a loss on the road to their opponent — and they have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 15 games after avenging a double-digit loss on the road to their opponent. With the Boilermakers facing pressure and the Golden Gophers absolutely needing this game, take the home dog in what should be a toss-up game. 10* CBB Tuesday Daily Discounted Deal with the Minnesota Golden Gophers (630) plus the points versus the Purdue Boilermakers (629). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Wisconsin-Green Bay (650) minus the points versus the Illinois-Chicago Flames (649). THE SITUATION: Wisconsin-Green Bay (16-15) has lost two of their last three games with their 86-82 loss at home to Northern Kentucky as a 2-point underdog on Saturday. Illinois-Chicago (16-15) enters this tournament game coming off an 80-71 win at Detroit. The Quarterfinals of the Horizon League takes place on the campus of the higher seed which the Phoenix secured by winning both prior meetings with the Flames this season.

REASONS TO TAKE GREEN BAY MINUS THE POINTS: The Phoenix’s fast-pace matches up well against Illinois-Chicago. Green Bay averages just 14.7 seconds-per-possession which is the 7th fastest pace in the nation. The Phoenix also deploy full-court presses that have produced turnovers in 19.7% of their conference opponent’s possessions which was third best in the Horizon League. The Flames turn the ball over in 19.4% of their possessions which was 9th in the conference. Green Bay also thrives by getting to the free throw line where they make 74.1% of their shots in conference play. They lead the Horizon with a Free Throw Attempt to Field Goal Attempt ratio of 35.9% — and Illinois-Chicago was last in the Horizon with an opponent’s FTA to FGA ratio of 41.4%. The Phoenix have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a point spread victory. They stay at home where they are 11-3 with an average winning margin of +12.1 PPG. They are likely to get some friendly calls from the officials against this Flames team with the deserved reputation of committing fouls. Green Bay has covered defeated both Wright State and Belmont on their home court. They have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games at home — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on their road. Illinois-Chicago has 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 9 games after a win over a conference rival. Now the Flames will be playing their third straight game on the road where they are just 4-11 this season with an average losing margin of -7.4 PPG. Because Illinois-Chicago does not crash the offensive glass — they are 10th in the Horizon by pulling down only 24.6% of their missed shots — they are reliant on hitting their 3s. But the Flames make only 34.9% of their shots from behind the arc on the road — and they will be playing a Phoenix team that holds their visitors to only 33.2% shooting from behind the arc. Illinois-Chicago has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court.

FINAL TAKE: Green Bay won the first two meetings between these two teams with the last victory being on February 22nd where they won by a 63-62 score at Illinois-Chicago as a 4.5-point underdog. The Flames have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 opportunities to avenge a loss at home to their opponent. 10* CBB Blowout Bookie Buster with the Wisconsin-Green Bay (650) minus the points versus the Illinois-Chicago Flames (649). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Pittsburgh Panthers (627) and the Miami (FL) Hurricanes (628). THE SITUATION: Pittsburgh (12-17) has lost twelve games in a row with their 73-49 loss at Virginia on Saturday as an 18-point underdog. Miami (FL) (12-16) has lost their last two games after their 87-57 loss at Duke as a 15-point underdog on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Panthers have played 36 of their last 51 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 9 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a loss by at least 20 points. Pittsburgh has also played 13 of the last 17 games Under the Total after failing to score at least 55 points in their last game — and they have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after failing to reach at least 50 points in their last contest. The Panthers are making only 34.2% of their shots over their last five games — and they are 13th in the ACC in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. More importantly, when playing on the road, head coach Jeff Capel needs to his team to play better on the defensive end of the court after allowing the Cavaliers to make 58.5% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort of the season. Pitt has played 6 straight games Under the Total after allowing their last opponent to make at least 55% of their shots. The Panthers score only 65.5 PPG away from home while making only 38.9% of their shots. Furthermore, the Panthers have played a decisive 38 of their last 55 games on the road Under the Total — and they have played 30 of their last 42 games Under the Total as an underdog. Miami has played 14 of their last 20 games Under the Total after a straight up loss — and they have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after a double-digit loss on the road. Furthermore, the Hurricanes have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after a point spread loss — and they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after suffering at least two straight losses to conference opponents. Miami also comes off a disappointing defensive effort as they allowed the Blue Devils to make 57.1% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last eight contests. The Hurricanes have played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total after allowing their last opponent to make at least 55% of their shots. This has been a disappointing season for head coach Jim Larranaga with injuries and the declaration of their best player, Dewan Hernandez, being declared ineligible after accepting payments from an agent. Hernandez never took the court this season and has already declared that he will make himself eligible for the NBA draft in June. Without him anchoring the offense, this team cannot score. Miami is 10th in the ACC in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency — and they are making only 38.0% of their shots over their last five games. The Hurricanes return home where they have played 14 of their last 20 games Under the Total — and they have played 4 of their last 5 home games Under the Total when favored by 3.5 to 6 points.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams have played 4 straight encounters Under the Total. With both these programs struggling to score baskets this season while coming off disappointing efforts on defense, expect another lower-scoring game. 25* CBB ACC Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Pittsburgh Panthers (627) and the Miami (FL) Hurricanes (628). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Florida State Seminoles (610) minus the points versus the Virginia Tech Hokies (609). THE SITUATION: Florida State (23-6) has won two straight games as well as ten of their last eleven contests with their 78-73 win over North Carolina State as a 7.5-point favorite on Saturday. Virginia Tech (22-6) has won their last two games as well as four of their last five contests with their 77-72 upset win at home against Duke as a 3-point underdog last Tuesday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE SEMINOLES MINUS THE POINTS: Florida State should continue to build off their momentum as they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up win — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a win at home over an ACC rival. The Seminoles have also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after winning two straight games against a conference rival. Florida State remains at home for the third straight game at home where they have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 19 home games after winning at least two straight games. Injuries played a role in a slow start for this team in ACC play — but this very big and athletic team is clicking on all cylinders now. They are 15-1 on their home court with an average winning margin of +12.2 PPG. The Seminoles lead the conference with an opponent’s field goal percentage of 42.3% inside the arc — and they have held their last five opponents to just a 37.6% field goal percentage overall. Florida State has covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 home games with the Total set in the 135 to 139.5 point range — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 11 home games as a pick ‘em or favorite laying no more than 6 points. Virginia Tech may be due for a letdown taking the court again after their triumph over the Blue Devils. The Hokies have failed to cover the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games after a win over a conference opponent. Additionally, Virginia Tech has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after winning at least fifteen of their last twenty games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 14 games after winning their last two games against ACC foes. The Hokies are a guard-oriented team that is missing a key piece in the injured Justin Robinson. This is not a good matchup for Virginia Tech facing a team with size that plays tough defense. The Hokies tend to live-or-die by the 3-point shot which is a characteristic that this Seminoles team can exploit. Virginia Tech is making only 43.7% of their shots over their last five games — and they make just 44.2% of their shots when playing on the road where they tend to play not nearly as well as they do at home. The Hokies have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 games on the road. They also failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%.

FINAL TAKE: Virginia Tech has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 trips to Tallahassee to face the Seminoles. While they were able to exploit the Blue Devils’ defense without Zion Williamson on their home court, they face a big challenge against a very talented Florida State team. 20* CBB Virginia Tech-Florida State ESPNU Special with the Florida State Seminoles (610) minus the points versus the Virginia Tech Hokies (609). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Butler Bulldogs (602) minus the points versus the Xavier Musketeers (601). THE SITUATION: Butler (15-14) has lost three straight games after their 75-54 loss at Villanova on Saturday as an 8-point underdog. Xavier (16-13) has pulled off five straight upset victories after they defeated St. John’s on the road by an 84-73 score as a 4-point underdog last Thursday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BULLDOGS MINUS THE POINTS: First-year head coach Travis Steele has done a very nice job with this team getting them to play better basketball in the month of February after this team had an 11-13 record at home. They have played themselves on to the proverbial NCAA Tournament bubble — but an uninspiring non-conference schedule still places this contest as a likely “must-win” situation. It is simply too difficult to keep pulling off upsets — especially when playing in hostile environments. As it is, the Musketeers have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after scoring at least 80 points in their last game. And while Xavier was only whistled for 10 personal fouls against the Red Storm after getting 13 fouls in their previous game against Villanova, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after not getting called for more than 15 personal fouls in two straight contests. This is the Musketeers second game since last Sunday, February 24th — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 15 games when playing just their second game in an eight-game stretch. Now Xavier plays on the road for the fourth time in their last five games -where they are just 5-8 with an average losing margin of -4.4 PPG. The Musketeers have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 road games with the Total set in the 130s. Butler has failed to cover the point spread in their last three losses — but they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after losing three of their last four contests. The Bulldogs have also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after failing to cover the point spread in three straight games. Additionally, Butler has covered the point spread in 4 of their last 6 games after a loss by at least 20 points — and they have covered the point spread in a decisive 44 of their last 69 games after failing to score at least 55 points in their last game. The Bulldogs only got to the free throw line 5 times against Villanova with the Wildcats only getting called for 8 personal fouls. Butler has covered the point spread in 17 of their last 26 games after not getting to the charity stripe more than 7 times in their last game — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after a game where their last opponent did not get called for more than 10 fouls. The Bulldogs probably have to win the Big East tournament to make the Big Dance — but they do return home where they are 11-4 this season with an average winning margin of +7.8 PPG while scoring 77.8 PPG on 47.2% shooting. Butler has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 home games when favored in the 3.5 to 6-point range. The Bulldogs usually respond well when playing at home after being on losing streaks. Butler has covered the point spread in 44 of their last 70 home games after failing to cover the point spread in their last two games — and they have covered the point spread in 20 of their last 28 home games after not covering the point spread in three straight games. The one thing the Bulldogs do well will give the Musketeers problems — they lead the Big East by holding their opponents to rebounding only 26.0% of their missed shots. Xavier relies on crashing the boards as they are second in the conference by rebounding 32.0% of their missed shots.

FINAL TAKE: The Musketeers won the first meeting between these two teams back on January 13th by a 70-69 score as a pick ‘em. Butler is just an average team — but they do play better at home. The play-against situation for this Xavier team is too good to pass up. 10* CBB Xavier-Butler FS1 Special with the Butler Bulldogs (602) minus the points versus the Xavier Musketeers (601). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:05 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the Weber State Wildcats (873) minus the points versus the Idaho State Bengals (874). THE SITUATION: Weber State (16-12) has lost their last two games after their 85-61 loss at Northern Colorado last Thursday as a 4.5-point underdog. Idaho State (9-17) has lost five straight games with their 71-62 loss at Northern Colorado as a 13-point underdog on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE WILDCATS MINUS THE POINTS: Weber State should respond with a strong effort tonight as they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a loss by at least 20 points — and they are 14-3-1 ATS in their last 18 games after a point spread loss. Furthermore, the Wildcats have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 13 games after allowing at least 80 points in their last game. And while this will be Weber State’s third straight game on the road, Weber State has covered the point spread in 11 of their last 13 road games after losing their last two games on the road. The Wildcats are a team that returned four starters from last year’s team that finished 13-5 in conference play. This year’s team is a disappointing 10-7 in conference play this year — but three of those losses were by 3 points or less with a fourth loss being in overtime. Weber State is shooting 49.7% from the field in Big Sky play while holding their opponents to just a 42.9% shooting mark in conference play. The Wildcats have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 road games against teams with a losing record on their home court. Idaho State is 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games after a straight-up loss — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after a point spread victory. The Bengals struggle on the defensive end of the court. Idaho State is last in the Big Sky by allowing their opponents to make 38.9% of their shots from behind the arc. The Bengals’ last five opponents have made 48.7% of their shots. Idaho State returns home where they are just 4-6 this season. The Bengals are just 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on their home court — and they are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 home games against teams with a losing record on the road. Additionally, Idaho State has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 home games as an underdog getting no more than 6 points.

FINAL TAKE: The Bengals rank 350th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. While it has been a disappointing regular season for the Wildcats, this Weber State team remains a veteran group that will be looking to make a run in the Big Sky conference tournament next week. 25* CBB Big Sky Conference Game of the Year with the Weber State Wildcats (873) minus the points versus the Idaho State Bengals (874). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (793) and the Montana Grizzlies (794). THE SITUATION: Southern Utah (14-12) has won two straight games as well as five of their last seven contests with their 85-76 win over Idaho on Wednesday. Montana (20-7) saw their ten-game winning streak snapped on Monday with their 74-72 upset loss to Northern Colorado as a 5.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Grizzlies have played 11 of their last 14 games Over the Total after an upset loss. Montana has also played 16 of their last 21 games Over the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 8 of their last 9 games Over the Total after a loss by 3 points or less. The Grizzlies have also played 20 of their last 27 games Over the Total after a point spread loss. Montana stays at home where they are 10-2 while scoring 79.3 PPG with a nice 49.2% field goal percentage. The Grizzlies lead the Big Sky Conference in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency and effective field goal percentage due to their hitting 40.1% of their shots from behind the arc which is also the top mark in the conference. Montana is making 51% of their shots over their last five games. But the Grizzlies are also allowing their last five opponents to make 47% of their shots. Montana has played 19 of their last 26 games Over the Total on their home court — and they have played 13 of their last 17 home games Over the Total against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. Southern Utah has played 18 of their last 26 games Over the Total after a point spread loss. They defeated the Vandals on Wednesday despite making only 41.7% of their shots from the field which was the worst shooting effort for them in their last five games. The Thunderbirds go back on the road where they have played 5 of their last 7 road games Over the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Southern Utah has also played 14 of their last 21 games Over the Total against teams with a winning percentage in the 60% to 80% range. And in their last 15 games with the Total set in the 140s, the game finished Over the Total 12 times.

FINAL TAKE: Southern Utah is looking to avenge an 89-76 loss at home to Montana as a 10.5-point underdog back on December 31st — and they have played 13 of their last 16 games Over the Total. 20* CBB Saturday Night Discounted Deal with Over the Total in the game between the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (793) and the Montana Grizzlies (794). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers (614) minus the points versus the Bradley Braves (613). THE SITUATION: Loyola-Chicago (18-12) has won two of their last three games with their 56-55 win at Northern Iowa on Wednesday as a 1.5-point favorite. Bradley (17-13) has won two straight games as well as six of their last seven contests with their 67-42 blowout win over Valparaiso on Wednesday as a 5.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE RAMBLERS MINUS THE POINTS: Loyola-Chicago has covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after a win by 6 points or less. The Ramblers have also covered the point spread in 14 of their last 19 games after not allowing more than 55 points in their last game. Furthermore, Loyola-Chicago has covered the point spread in 27 of their last 38 games after winning two of their last three games. And while the Ramblers have not covered the point spread in their last two games, they have then covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after failing to cover the point spread in their last two games. Now this team returns home where they are 12-4 this season with an average winning margin of +13.0 PPG. Loyola-Chicago makes 52.9% of their shots when playing at home — and they limit their visitors to just 58.7 PPG on low 42.3% shooting from the field. The Ramblers have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 home games with the Total set in the 120 to 129.5 point range. Loyola-Chicago has also covered the point spread in 10 of their last 15 home games when favored in the 6.5 to 9 point range. Bradley held Valparaiso to just a 26.8% shooting percentage in their win on Wednesday — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games after playing a game with an opponent’s field goal percentage no higher than 28%. The Braves have held their last four opponents to 38.6% or less shooting from the field — yet they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after not allowing their last four opponents to shoot better than 40% from the field. Bradley is also just 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games after not allowing more than 50 points in their last game. The Braves will be challenged by this Ramblers team that leads the Missouri Valley Conference in both Adjusted Offensive Efficiency and effective field goal percentage. Bradley goes back on the road where they are 7-7 this season while being outscored by their home hosts. They make only 43% of their shots away from home. They have failed to cover the point spread in 44 of their last 65 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games as an underdog getting 6.5 to 9 points.

FINAL TAKE: Loyola-Chicago will be motivated to avenge a 61-54 upset loss at Bradley as a 3-point favorite back on February 13th — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games when playing with revenge from a loss where they failed to score 60 points. 25* CBB Missouri Valley Conference Game of the Year with the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers (614) minus the points versus the Bradley Braves (613). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Siena Saints (863) and the Canisius Golden Griffins (864). Siena (15-14) has won two straight games with their 67-55 win over Marist last Sunday as a 4-point favorite. Canisius (13-16) has lost two straight contests after their 86-84 loss to Niagara as a 5.5-point favorite on Wednesday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Saints have seen the Under go 19-6-2 in their last 27 games after a straight-up win — and they have played 9 straight games Under the Total after a win over a Metro Athletic Association team. Siena has also played 13 of their last 14 games Under the Total after a point spread loss. Furthermore, the Saints has played 12 of their last 14 games Under the Total after a game where no more than 125 combined points were scored. Additionally, while Siena has covered the point spread in their last two games, they have then played 11 of their last 12 games Under the Total after covering the point spread in their previous two contests. Now after playing their last four games at home, the Saints goes back on the road for the first time since February 10th. The Under is 5-1-1 in Siena’s last 7 road games after playing at least their last three games at home. They are making just 42.7% of their shots when playing away from home — and they have played 5 straight games Under the Total on the road. The Saints have also played 4 straight games against teams with a losing record on their home court — and the Under is 12-3-1 in their last 16 games against teams with a losing record. Siena has the top Adjusted Defensive Efficiency in the MAAC — and they have held their last five opponents to just a 42.6% field goal percentage. The Saints have played 16 of their last 22 games Under the Total with the number set in the 130s. Canisius has played 8 of their last 12 home games Under the Total with the Total set in the 130 to 134.5 point range. The Golden Griffins have seen the Under go 15-7-1 in their last 23 games after a straight-up win — and the Under is 17-8-2 in their last 27 games after a point spread loss. Additionally, Canisius has played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after scoring at least 80 points in their last game. Now after losing three of their last four games, the Golden Griffins have played 12 of their last 14 games Under the Total after losing three of their last four games. Canisius made 52.5% of their shots against the Purple Eagles on Wednesday after making 51.7% of their shots at Iona in their previous game after shooting a miserable 29.8% from the field three games ago at Monmouth. The Golden Griffins have played 9 of their last 11 games Under the Total after shooting at least 50% from the field in two straight games.

FINAL TAKE: Siena is looking to avenge a 70-66 loss to Canisius back on January 5th — and they have played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total when playing with revenge. 25* CBB Friday ESPNU Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Siena Saints (863) and the Canisius Golden Griffins (864). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 11:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Oregon Ducks (660) minus the points versus the Arizona State Sun Devils (659). THE SITUATION: Oregon (15-12) has lost three straight games with their 90-83 loss at UCLA as a 1.5-point underdog last Saturday. Arizona State (19-8) has won three straight contests with their 69-59 win over California last Sunday as a 17-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE DUCKS MINUS THE POINTS: Oregon raced out to a 44-28 halftime lead before letting the Bruins rally to seize the win in the second-half. The Ducks have covered the point spread in a decisive 55 of their last 85 games after enjoying a lead of at least 15 points in their last game. Oregon has been hit hard by injuries this season with the biggest being the loss of big man and likely NBA first-round pick this summer in Bol Bol whose foot injury kept him out of conference play. The Ducks have only covered the point spread once in their last six games after failing to cover the point spread in their last three games. But they have then covered the point spread in 14 of their last 18 games after failing to cover the point spread in two straight games — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after failing to cover the point spread in four or five of their last six games. Oregon needs to play better on the defensive end of the court after seeing UCLA make 50.9% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last seven games. USC also made 50% of their shots in their previous game — and the Ducks have covered the point spread in 5 straight games after allowing their last two opponents to make at least 50% of their shots. Now after playing their last three games on the road, returning home to Eugene will be a big help where they are 11-4 this season with an average winning margin of +12.1 PPG. Oregon has covered the point spread in 7 of their last 9 home games after playing their last three games at home. They also have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 home games with the Total set in the 135 to 139.5 point range. They should play better defense tonight as they hold their visitors to just 63.3 PPG on low 40.8% shooting from the field. The Ducks also make a strong 48.1% of their shots on their home court. Oregon has covered the point spread in 8 of their last 9 home games after failing to cover the point spread in their last two games. And despite it being a down year for head coach Dana Altman, the Ducks have still covered the point spread in 12 of their last 15 home games after fifteen games into the season against teams with a winning record. With the injuries his team has endured, Altman has had his team pressure the basketball to create more scoring opportunities — they are second in the Pac-12 by forcing turnovers in 21.6% of their opponent’s possessions. This is an area of weakness for the Sun Devils as they turn the ball over in 19.3% of their conference possessions which ranks seventh in the Pac-12. Arizona State is a young team that has been wildly inconsistent this season. They have nice wins against Kansas, Mississippi State, and Washington — but they also have ugly losses to Utah, Washington State, and Princeton. That Cal team they played on Sunday may be the worst team playing in a major conference — yet they trailed by 6 points at halftime. The Sun Devils have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 25 games after a victory over a conference rival. And while Arizona State has won five of their last seven games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after winning five or six of their last seven games. Now after playing their last two games at home — as well as five of their last seven — they go back on the road where they are just 6-5 this season. This team can struggle to score baskets as they are making only 42.2% of their shots on the road. They are 5-12-2 ATS in their last 19 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. The Sun Devils have also failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games on the road when listed in the +/-  3-point range.

FINAL TAKE: Oregon will be motivated to avenge a 78-64 loss to Arizona State back on January 19th — and they have covered the point spread in 5 straight games when playing with revenge from a double-digit loss. The Sun Devils have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of the last 7 meetings between these two teams. 25* College Basketball Game of the Month with the Oregon Ducks (660) minus the points versus the Arizona State Sun Devils (659). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Wichita State Shockers (608) minus the points versus the Connecticut Huskies (607). THE SITUATION: Wichita State (13-13) has lost two of their last three games with their 88-85 upset loss at home to Memphis on Saturday as a 4-point favorite. UConn (13-14) has lost five straight games after their loss at home to Cincinnati by a 64-60 score as a 6-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE SHOCKERS MINUS THE POINTS: Head coach Gregg Marshall lost all five starters from last year’s team that made the NCAA Tournament with a 25-8 record. He did return senior Marcus McDuffie who immediately took the mantle of the leader of this team but there have been plenty of hiccups incorporating new players into the mix. But Marshall has seen his team steadily improve this year as they rattled off four straight wins in conference play before losing a tough game on the road at Cincinnati. The Shockers responded with an upset win on the road at Tulsa before returning home where they were upset by a Tigers team that suddenly finds themselves on the NCAA Tournament bubble for rookie head coach Penny Hardaway. Wichita State has still covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games in the month of February. They allowed Memphis to make 45.9% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last five games. Marshall has his team playing very strong defense as their last five opponents are making just 36.4% of their shots. They stay at home where they are 9-4 this season while holding their opponents to just a 42.8% field goal percentage. The Shockers have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 home games against teams with the Total set in the 135 to 139.5 point range. Wichita State is also 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. UConn started 9-4 under first-year head coach Danny Hurley — but they have since lost ten of their last fourteen games. The Huskies have then failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 16 road games after losing five or six of their last seven games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 27 road games after dropping their last two games. They are making only 37.9% of their shots over their last five games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games after failing to score more than 60 points in their last game. Now this team goes back on the road where they are 1-10 this season with an average losing margin of -9.8 PPG. They are making only 40.4% of their shots on the road. They also are allowing their home hosts to make 48.6% of their shots — and their last five opponents have made 49.4% of their shots against them. The Huskies have failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games as an underdog getting 3.5 to 6 points.

FINAL TAKE: Wichita State will be looking to avenge an 80-60 loss at UConn back on January 26th. The Shockers have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 14 games when avenging a loss by at least 20 points on the road to their opponent. 10* CBB UConn-Wichita State ESPN2 Special with the Wichita State Shockers (608) minus the points versus the Connecticut Huskies (607). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Villanova Wildcats (830) minus the points versus the Marquette Golden Eagles (829). THE SITUATION: Villanova (20-8) has lost three straight games after suffering an upset loss at Xavier on Sunday as a 5.5-point favorite. Marquette (23-4) has won four straight games with their 76-58 win at Providence on Saturday as a 3-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE WILDCATS MINUS THE POINTS: It is gut check time for the defending champions who have suffered three upset losses in a row at St. John’s and at Georgetown before their loss in Cincinnati to the Musketeers on Sunday. Head coach Jay Wright has seen his team rebound to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 22 games after a straight-up loss. This Villanova team is the embodiment of those teams that live-and-die by the 3-point shot. They are second in the nation with 53.8% of their shots from the field being from behind the arc — and that number rises to a 55.5% clip in Big East play. But the Wildcats made only 30% of their 3-pointers in their last three upset losses. Admittedly, Villanova is not an elite 3-point shooting team — but after playing their last three games on the road, returning home should help their shooters make more of these shots. The Wildcats need to play better on the defensive end of the court as well allowing the Musketeers to make 51.1% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last seven games. Villanova has covered the point spread in 22 of their last 30 games on their home court. The Wildcats have also covered the point spread in 12 of their last 16 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. And don’t lose sight of the fact that this basketball program has covered the point spread in 40 of their last 57 games against teams with a winning record. Marquette may be due for a letdown as they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 6 games after a double-digit win on the road — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 14 games are not allowing more than 60 points in their last game. And while the Golden Eagles have covered the point spread in three straight games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 23 games after covering the point spread in at least two straight contests. Marquette out-rebounded the Friars by a 41 to 26 margin in that game — and they have then failed to cover the point spread in 3 straight games after out-rebounding their last opponent by at least 15 boards. The Golden Eagles have always been an outstanding shooting team under head coach Steve Wojciechowski. But while his team has made at least 49.1% of their shots in four straight games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 15 games after making at least 47% of their shots in three straight games. The difference this season for this team is their dramatically improved play on defense. Marquette leads the Big East in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency due to their defense inside the arc as they also lead the conference in opponent’s field goal percentage for their 2-point shots. But they are mediocre in defending the arc as they rank 6th in the Big East in allowing their opponents to make 35.1% of their shots — and that is a dangerous number when traveling to Philadelphia to play Villanova.

FINAL TAKE: Marquette had lost nine of their last ten encounters with the Wildcats before they defeated them at home as 2-point favorites back on February 9th by a 66-65 score. But the Golden Eagles have still failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 14 encounters with Villanova — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 trips to The Pavilion. 10* CBB Marquette-Villanova FS1 Special with the Villanova Wildcats (830) minus the points versus the Marquette Golden Eagles (829). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Drake Bulldogs (812) minus the points versus the Indiana State Sycamores (811). THE SITUATION: Drake (21-8) snapped a four-game winning streak on Sunday when they lost to Illinois State on the road by a 67-60 score as a 2-point underdog. Indiana State (14-14) has lost two of their last three games with their 67-61 loss at Missouri State as a 6.5-point underdog on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BULLDOGS MINUS THE POINTS: Drake should respond with a strong effort tonight as they have covered the point spread in 4 straight games. The Bulldogs have also covered the point spread in 14 of their last 18 games after a point spread loss — and this includes them covering the point spread in four of these last five situations. Drake has also covered the point spread in 6 straight games after failing to score more than 60 points in their last game. Now they return home where they are 12-2 this season with an average winning margin of +10.7 PPG. The Bulldogs score a healthy 79.7 PPG on their home court while making 49.3% of their shots. Drake is 21-6-2 ATS in their last 29 home games — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 home games against teams with a losing record on the road. The Bulldogs have also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 home games when laying no more than 6 points. Indiana State has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a point spread win. The Sycamores only dished out 6 assists in that game — and they have then failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after failing to distribute at least 9 assists as a team in their last game. And while Indiana State has not allowed 25 and 21 points in the first-half of their last two games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after not allowing more than 30 points in the first-half in each of their last two games. This team is last in the Missouri Valley Conference in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency while also ranking last in the MVC with an effective field goal percentage of 47.7% which is dragged down by their 31.7% shooting mark from behind the arc in conference play which is also last in the conference. Now they stay on the road where they are 6-9 with an average losing margin of -6.8 PPG. The Sycamores have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 road games with the Total set in the 145 to 149.5 point range — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 trips to Des Moines to play Drake. Indiana State is shooting just 41.9% from the field over their last five games while allowing those five opponents to make 52.2% of their shots. The Sycamores have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games when playing a team with a winning percentage of 60% or better.

FINAL TAKE: Indiana State is looking to avenge a 68-62 loss at home to Drake back on February 2nd when they were favored by 1-point — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 15 games when looking to avenge an upset loss. 10* CBB Wednesday Daily Discounted Deal with the Drake Bulldogs (812) minus the points versus the Indiana State Sycamores (811). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Wisconsin Badgers (633) and the Indiana Hoosiers (634). THE SITUATION: Wisconsin (19-8) has won two straight games as well as eight of their last ten contests with their 69-64 win at Minnesota as a 5-point favorite on Saturday. Indiana (13-14) has lost five straight contests after their 76-70 loss at Iowa as a 7.5-point underdog last Thursday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Badgers have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after a straight-up win. Wisconsin shot 45.5% from the field in that game which was actually the best shooting effort in their last five games. Too often, this team becomes reliant on jump shooting as a second option to Ethan Happ working the post. Happ has nice moves down low — but he cannot shoot the basketball and has become such a liability at the free throw line that head coach Greg Gard has benched in critical situations. The Badgers do not pass the ball enough — they rank 11th in the Big Ten by assisting on just 46.4% of their field goals. They have not produced more than 12 assists in each of their last two games — and they have played 9 of their last 11 games Under the Total after failing to produce more than 12 team assists in two straight games. Over their last five games, Wisconsin is making only 40.7% of their shots from the field. But what this team is doing well is playing defense as they rank 6th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. Now they stay on the road where they are 9-5 while holding their opponents to just 60.8 PPG on low 38.78% shooting from the field. The Badgers have played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total on the road — and they have played 5 of their last 6 road games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Indiana has played 18 of their last 26 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and this includes playing six straight games at home Under the Total after a loss. And while their loss at Iowa finished Over the 145.5 point total, the Hoosiers have then played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total after playing a game that finished Over the Total. Indiana is making only 39% of their shots during their five-game losing streak with Romeo Langford being a big disappointment in his freshman season. But the Hoosiers play tough defense particularly at home where they are allowing only 61.3 PPG on low 39.6% shooting from the field. Indiana has played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total at home — and they have played 6 of their last 8 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road.

FINAL TAKE: Expect a low scoring game between these two teams who rely on their defense to keep them competitive. 10* CBB Wisconsin-Indiana ESPN O/U Special with Under the Total in the game between the Wisconsin Badgers (633) and the Indiana Hoosiers (634). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Kent State Golden Flashes (622) minus the points versus the Ohio Bobcats (621). THE SITUATION: Kent State (19-8) has lost two straight games after their 80-57 loss at Buffalo on Friday as a 15-point underdog. Ohio (12-14) saw their six-game losing streak snapped on Friday with their 92-87 upset win over Bowling Green where they were 4.5-point underdogs.

REASONS TO TAKE THE GOLDEN FLASHES MINUS THE POINTS: Kent State should respond with a strong effort as they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a loss to a conference rival. The Golden Flashes have also covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a loss where they allowed at least 80 points. And while Kent State has failed to cover the point spread in two straight games, they have then covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after failing to cover the point spread in two of their last three contests. This is a team that endured a disappointing 17-17 season last year but returned a star player in senior Jaylin Walker who leads a talented backcourt. Their 8-6 record in conference play leaves a little to be desired — but after playing their last two games on the road, they return home where they are 12-3 with an average winning margin of +8.0 PPG. The Golden Flashes need to share the ball more. After generating 16 team assists in their 71-58 win at home over Eastern Michigan, they have produced only 8 and 7 assists respectively in their last two games. But Kent State has then covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after generating no more than 9 assists in their last game — and they have covered the point spread in 16 of their last 25 games after failing to top 9 assists in two straight games. They should be able to generate extra scoring chances against this Bobcats team. The Golden Flashes pull down 32.1% of their missed shots (3rd in the MAC) — and Ohio ranks 8th in the conference by allowing their opponents to rebound 29.5% of their shots. Kent State also ranks 3rd in the Mid-American Conference by forcing turnovers in 20.1% of their possessions — and the Bobcats rank 8th in the conference by turning the ball over in 19.0% of their possessions. Ohio is moving in the wrong direction under fifth-year head coach, Saul Phillips, who fell to a 14-17 record last year after two straight 20-win seasons. This team is just 4-10 in conference play this season. They are last in the MAC in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency while ranking second-to-last in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. They are not likely to sustain their momentum from Friday as they have failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 26 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after a point spread victory. Additionally, while the Bobcats had failed to cover the point spread in their previous six games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games after only covering the point spread once in their last five games. Ohio has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Now this team goes back on the road where they are just 2-10 with an average losing margin of -16.0 PPG. They are scoring only 62.0 PPG on the road with just a 39.6% feel goal percentage — and they are allowing their home hosts to make 47.6% of their shots. The Bobcats have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 17 of their last 22 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. And with the Total set in the mid-140s for this game, Ohio has failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 12 road games with the Total in the 140s.

FINAL TAKE: Ohio will be looking to avenge a 65-52 upset loss as a 4-point favorite at home to the Golden Flashes back on January 15th, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 22 games when looking to avenge a double-digit loss at home. 25* CBB Mid-American Conference Game of the Year with the Kent State Golden Flashes (622) minus the points versus the Ohio Bobcats (621). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the Kansas Jayhawks (866) minus the points versus the Kansas State Wildcats (865). THE SITUATION: Kansas (20-7) saw their three-game winning streak snapped on Saturday with their ugly 91-62 loss at Texas Tech as a 4.5-point underdog. Kansas State (21-6) has six of their last seven games with their 85-46 win over Oklahoma State as a 10-point favorite on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE JAYHAWKS MINUS THE POINTS: Kansas simply ran into a buzzsaw in a Red Raiders team that could not miss on Saturday — Texas Tech shot 60.7% from the field which was the best any team has shot against them all season. This Jayhawks team is in very real danger of seeing their Big 12 championship streak end this season. They have suffered some challenging losses to their roster with Udoka Azubuike out the season with a hand injury and Lagerald Vick away from the team for personal issues. While roster depth is now a major issue for head coach Bill Self, this remains a talented team that is a perfect 14-0 on their home court with an average winning margin of +14.1 PPG. Kansas should bounce-back with one of their best efforts of the season. The Jayhawks are 37-18-3 ATS in their last 58 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after a loss to a Big 12 rival. Kansas has also covered the point spread in 20 of their last 28 games after a double-digit loss on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 8 straight games after a loss by at least 20 points. Getting off to a better start will be important for this team tonight. They went into halftime trailing by a 45-20 score — but they have then covered the point spread in a decisive 17 of their last 19 games after allowing at least 45 points in the first half of their last game. They are scoring 80.9 PPG on their home court while making 49.6% of their shots. They also limit their visitors to just a 38.9% field goal percentage. Kansas State comes off their best effort of the season in their 39-point win over the Cowboys. They made 61.5% of their shots which was the best shooting performance for them this season. They also held Oklahoma State to just a 31.4% field goal percentage which was the second lowest opponent’s field goal percentage for them this year. I am expecting the Regression Gods to have a busy night in Lawrence making some course corrections for both teams. As it is, the Wildcats have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a double-digit win at home. Furthermore, Kansas State has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after not allowing more than 50 points in their last game — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 11 games after scoring at least 85 points in their last game. Now this team goes on the road where they can struggle to make shots. The Wildcats make only 43.6% of their shots on the road. Kansas State has failed to cover the point spread in 24 of their last 39 road games as an underdog getting 3.5 to 6 points.

FINAL TAKE: The Jayhawks will be looking to avenge a 74-67 loss in Manhattan to the Wildcats back on February 5th. Kansas State had a healthy Cartier Diarra for that contest but he is now on the shelf with a hand injury of his own. That will make things even more difficult for them in this rematch — they are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games played in Allen Fieldhouse against their in-state rivals. 25* CBB Big Monday ESPN Game of the Year with the Kansas Jayhawks (866) minus the points versus the Kansas State Wildcats (865). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Stanford Cardinal (843) and the Arizona Wildcats (844). THE SITUATION: Stanford (14-12) saw their two-game winning streak snapped on Wednesday with their 80-62 loss at Arizona State as an 8.5-point underdog. Arizona (15-12) snapped their seven-game losing streak on Thursday with their 76-51 win at home over California as a 13.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Cardinal were without their best player in 6’9 big man K.Z. Okpala who seems to have rolled his ankle and did not even attempt to test it in pregame warmups. Okpala may be the most intriguing NBA talent out of the entire Pac-12 — he is averaging 17.4 PPG with 5.8 RPG this season. He is listed as questionable for tonight with no updates on the twitter machine as of this writing. I was looking at taking Stanford in this game but his questionable status precludes that as a reasonable option given how poorly the Cardinal played without him on Wednesday. But the things I look for with an Under play remain solid in this spot — and those metrics assume that Okpala would play. This Under is even better if Okpala is kept out again (and I would assume head coach Jerod Haase would be extra cautious with his star player since the Cardinal are way off the bubble). Even with Okpala, Stanford ranks just 8th in the Pac-12 in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. But Stanford shot just 37.5% from the field without Okpala against the Sun Devils. They allowed Arizona State to make 51.9% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort for them all season. Look for harder work on that end of the court tonight. The Cardinal has played 11 of their last 14 games Under the Total after a loss on the road by at least double-digits. Stanford has also played 13 of their last 17 games Under the Total after allowing at least 80 points in their last game. Now this team stays on the road where they are scoring only 67.2 PPG while making just 41.9% of their shots. The Cardinal has played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total on the road — and they have played 4 straight road games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Arizona made 49.1% of their shots against Cal which was the best offensive effort in their last ten games. But they have then played 5 straight games Under the Total after a win by at least 20 points. The Wildcats are 10th in the conference in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency — and they are shooting just 41.4% from the field in their last five games. Sean Miller’s team lacks the playmakers that he has enjoyed in the past. His team is making only 44.1% of their shots inside the arc which is last in the Pac-12. This Arizona team may be more perimeter oriented this season as a result — but one thing this Cardinal defense does is take away 3-point shooting. Stanford leads the Pac-12 with their opponents taking only 27.8% of their shots from behind the arc — and they also are tops in the conference with only 26.3% of their opponent’s points coming from 3-pointers. The Wildcats stay at home where they are 11-4 but making only 44.1% of their shots. They do hold their visitors to just a 40.7% field goal percentage — and they should feel encouraged to holding the Golden Bears to just a 30.4% shooting mark. Arizona has played 4 of their last 5 home games Under the Total — and they have played 10 of their last 14 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road.

FINAL TAKE: This season was already going to be a challenge for Miller after losing the five starters — and top five scorers — from last year’s team. To compound matters, one of his top two leading scorers in freshman Brandon Williams is out indefinitely with a knee injury. 10* CBB Sunday Late Show O/U Bailout with Under the Total in the game between the Stanford Cardinal (843) and the Arizona Wildcats (844). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:45 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Michigan State Spartans (833) and the Michigan Wolverines (834). THE SITUATION: Michigan State (22-5) has won four straight games with their 71-60 win over Rutgers on Wednesday as a 15.5-point favorite. Michigan (24-3) has won four of their last five games with their 69-60 win at Minnesota on Thursday as a 5.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Spartans have seen the Under go 22-6-1 in their last 29 games after a straight-up win — and they have played 10 of their last 12 games Under the Total after a double-digit win on their home court. Furthermore, Michigan State has played 9 straight games Under the Total after winning two straight games against fellow Big Ten opponents. This is a team hit hard by two big injuries. Joshua Langford is out the season with an ankle injury while Nick Ward is out indefinitely with a hand injury. That leaves much of the offensive burden on guard Cassius Winston — and he was absolutely owned last year by the Wolverines’ elite defender Xavier Simpson. In their two upset losses to Michigan last season, Winston made only 6 of his 17 shots from the floor while going 1 for 6 from behind the arc while averaging just 11.0 PPG with 3.5 assists. Scoring is going to be hard to come by for Sparty in this game as they are making only 44.8% of their shots over their last five games dealing with these injuries — they will have to rely on their strong defensive play to stay competitive in this game. Michigan State goes on the road where they do hold their home hosts to just a 38.8% field goal percentage. The Spartans have played 5 of their last 6 road games Under the Total — and they have played 5 straight road games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. The Under is also 13-3-1 in Michigan State’s last 17 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. The Under is also 18-7-1 in Michigan’s last 26 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. The Wolverines have played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have also played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. This is Michigan’s just second game since last Saturday — and they have played 9 of their last 10 games Under the Total when playing just their second game in eight days. The Wolverines return home where they are 16-0 this season while holding their visitors to just a 39.7% field goal percentage. Michigan has played 4 straight games Under the Total on their home court — and they have played 4 straight home games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. This Wolverines team can suffer through cold stretches on offense. While Simpson is one of the best defensive players in the nation, he is not a threat from his outside shooting which allows opposing defenses to play off him and help on other players. John Beilein offenses emphasize 3-point shooting but they are making only 33.2% of their 3-pointers in Big Ten play (7th in the conference).

FINAL TAKE: Both of these teams play outstanding defense: the Spartans rank 8th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency while the Wolverines rank 2nd in the nation in that metric. These teams do not like each other — and this is a very heated rivalry after Michigan upset them twice last season. This will slow and physical with the first team to reach 60 points the likely winner. 25* CBB Sunday CBS-TV Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Michigan State Spartans (833) and the Michigan Wolverines (834). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:30 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Villanova Wildcats (827) minus the points versus the Xavier Musketeers (828). THE SITUATION: Villanova (20-7) has lost two straight games as well as three of their last four contests with their 85-73 upset loss at Georgetown on Wednesday as a 6-point favorite. Xavier (14-13) has won three straight games after their 70-69 upset win at Seton Hall as a 5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE WILDCATS MINUS THE POINTS: Villanova has suffered two straight upset losses after their loss to the Hoyas was preceded by a 6-point upset loss at St. John’s as a 3.5-point favorite. Head coach Jay Wright should have his team ready to play this afternoon as they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up loss. Their game with Georgetown finished well above the 147.5 point total. The Wildcats have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games after a game that finished Over the Total — and they have covered the point spread in 5 straight games after playing a game where at least 155 combined points were scored. This remains a program that has covered the point spread in 40 of their last 56 games against teams with a winning record. Now Villanova stays on the road where they have covered the point spread in 35 of their last 51 games on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 12 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. This is a good matchup for the Wildcats who are second in the nation by launching 53.5% of their shots from behind the arc. Xavier struggles in defending the perimeter: they rank 261st in the nation by allowing their opponents to make 36.0% of their shots from downtown — and they also allow their opponents to take 41.3% of their shots from 3-point land which is 269th in the nation. Villanova is hitting a solid 36.1% from behind the arc in Big East play. The Musketeers have pulled off three straight upset victories as they stunned Creighton at home as a 1-point dog before pulling the upset at Providence as a 5.5-point dog and then winning that game on Wednesday against the Pirates. This has been a bumpy first season for Travis Steele who took over the program for Chris Mack who took the Louisville job. Xavier lost five of their top seven scorers from last year’s team that finished 29-6 but suffered a second-round exit in the NCAA Tournament with a loss to Florida State. Steele brought in three graduate transfers to fill the void but those moves have not really panned out. The Musketeers’ two highest usage players are Naji Marshall and Quentin Goodin are not threats from 3-point land and Marshall turns the ball over too much. Defense was always the staple for this program under Mack but they rank 8th in the Big East in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. They are due for a letdown as they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after playing their last two games as an underdog on the road. This is just their second game since last Saturday — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 13 games when playing their second game in eight days. Now they return home where they are just 5-11-3 ATS in their last 19 games. And in their last 5 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%, the Musketeers have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of these contests.

FINAL TAKE: Perhaps Steele is beginning to get through to this Musketeers team. That win at home against Creighton was probably their signature win of the season. While Villanova is down from their championship season of last year, they are still a class ahead of where this Xavier team has fallen. The Wildcats have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 12 meetings with the Musketeers — and this includes them covering the point spread in four of their last five trips to their gym in Cincinnati. 10* CBB Villanova-Xavier CBS-TV Special with the Villanova Wildcats (827) minus the points versus the Xavier Musketeers (828). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Saint Mary’s Gaels (743) and the San Diego Toreros (744). THE SITUATION: Saint Mary’s (18-10) has won five of their last six games after their 58-32 win at Pacific on Thursday as an 8.5-point favorite. San Diego (17-11) snapped their three-game losing streak on Thursday with their 63-52 win over Portland as a 16.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Gaels have seen the Under go a decisive 34-15-2 in their last 51 games after a straight-up win. Saint Mary’s has also played 8 of their last 9 games Under the Total after a win on the road against a West Coast Conference rival. The Gaels stay on the road where they are making only 42.6% of their shots. Saint Mary’s is also only making 42.0% of their shots over their last five games. The Under is 49-18-1 in the Gaels’ last 68 games on the road — and they have played fourteen of their last nineteen games Under the Total when playing away from home. The Under is also 39-11-1 in Saint Mary’s last 51 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Furthermore, the Gaels have played 12 of their last 16 road games Under the Total as the favorite. San Diego has seen the Under go 5-1-1 in their last 7 games after a point spread loss. And while the Toreros have played two straight Unders, they have then played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total after playing two straight games Under the Total. Over their last five games, San Diego is making only 42.6% of their shots. Now they return home where the Under is 3-1-1 in their last 5 games on their home court. The Toreros have also played 8 of their last 11 home games Under the Total against teams with a losing record on the road. Furthermore, San Diego has played 4 straight games Under the Total against teams with a winning record.

FINAL TAKE: This is a rematch of the Gaels’ 76-59 win over the Toreros back on January 9th. San Diego has played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total when playing with revenge from a loss. These two teams have paid 4 straight Unders — and they have also played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total when playing in San Diego. 10* CBB Over/Under Situational Special with Under the Total in the game between the Saint Mary’s Gaels (743) and the San Diego Toreros (744). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:30 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Mississippi Rebels (666) minus the points versus the Georgia Bulldogs (665). THE SITUATION: Mississippi (18-8) saw their four-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday with their 79-64 upset loss at South Carolina as a 3-point favorite. Georgia (10-16) has lost seven straight games with their 68-67 loss to Mississippi State as a 6.5-point underdog on Wednesday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE REBELS MINUS THE POINTS: Ole Miss has bounced-back to cover the point spread in 37 of their last 48 games after a double-digit loss — and they have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 17 games after an upset loss of at least 10 points. Furthermore, the Rebels have covered the point spread in 21 of their last 29 games after a loss by at least 15 points. Ole Miss made only 37.1% of their shots from the field which was the worst shooting effort in their last seven games. But now they return home where they are 10-3 this season with an average winning margin of +10.6 PPG. The Rebels make 48.4% of their shots on their home court which translates into 80.8 PPG. Ole Miss has covered the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games on their home court — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 home games against teams with a losing record on the road. The Rebels have also held their last five opponents to just a 41.7% shooting percentage. Georgia goes back on the road where they are just 2-9 this season with an average losing margin of -12.1 PPG. The Bulldogs shoot just 42.2% from the field when on the road — and they are making just 41.2% of their shots over their last five games. Georgia also has allowed their last five opponents to a 49.6% field goal percentage — and they rank last in the SEC in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. The Bulldogs have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Additionally, Georgia has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games with the Total set in the 140 to 149.5 point range.

FINAL TAKE: Georgia will be looking to avenge an 80-64 loss to Ole Miss back in Athens on February 9th — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games when playing with revenge which includes three straight point spread losses when attempting to avenge a loss on their home court. 10* CBB Blowout Bookie Buster with the Mississippi Rebels (666) minus the points versus the Georgia Bulldogs (665). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the UL-Monroe Warhawks (659) and the UT-Arlington Mavericks (660). THE SITUATION: UL-Monroe (14-11) has won three of their last four games with their 63-60 win at Texas State on Thursday as a 5-point favorite. UT-Arlington (12-15) has lost three straight games after suffering their second straight upset loss on Thursday when they lost at home to UL-Lafayette by a 76-64 score as a 3-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: We had the Mavericks on Thursday in a situation I really liked — so that result was a big disappointment. But in researching that game, it afforded me the opportunity to dig deep into what Chris Ogden is doing with this UT-Arlington program in his first year as their head coach. Ogden inherited only 15% of the minutes from UT-Arlington’s senior-laden team the year before. After working as an assistant for Chris Beard at Texas Tech and Rick Barnes both at Texas and Tennessee, it is clear that Ogden knows how to teach defense. The Mavericks lead the Sun Belt Conference in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency and in opponent’s effective field goal percentage. After allowing Arkansas State to shoot 51.9% from the field, I expected a much better defensive effort — and I was correct on that front as UT-Arlington held the Ragin’ Cajuns to just a 40.6% field goal percentage. The problem was that the Mavericks made only 42.9% of their shots against a Red Wolves team that does not play good defense. Unfortunately for Ogden, that field goal percentage was still their best shooting mark in their last three contests. This is simply not a good shooting team — they are last in the Sun Belt in both effective field goal percentage and Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. What UT-Arlington does best on offense is crash the boards as they rank 3rd in the conference by pulling down 32.1% of their missed shots. I thought this is where they would dominate Louisiana (and they did pull down 10 offensive boards representing a 30.3% rate). But getting second-chance scoring opportunities will be much harder this afternoon against this War Hawks team that leads the Sun Belt by holding their opponents to just a 25.0% offensive rebound rate. The Mavericks will have to lean on their defense — they have held their last five opponents to just a 39.2% shooting mark. UT-Arlington has played 11 of their last 15 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 9 of their last 12 games Under the Total after a point spread loss. Furthermore, the Mavericks have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a loss at home — and they have played 4 straight games Under the Total after suffering two straight point spread losses. Additionally, UT-Arlington has played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total after winning three of their last four games. And while their loss to the Ragin’ Cajuns finished below the 150.5 point total, the Mavericks have then played 13 of their last 18 games Under the Total after playing a game that finished Under the Total. UT-Arlington stays at home where they are 7-5 this season but where they are making only 40.7% of their shots. The Mavericks have played 9 of their last 10 games Under the Total at home — and they have played 9 of their last 10 home games Under the Total against teams with a losing record on the road. UL-Monroe has played 13 of their last 21 games Under the Total after a narrow win by 3 points or less against conference rivals. The Warhawks have also played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 60 points in their last game — and they have played 8 of their last 11 games Under the Total after a game where no more than 125 combined points were scored. UL-Monroe made 49.1% of their shots in that game — and they have made at least 47.5% of their shots in three straight games. But the Warhawks have then played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after shooting at least 47.5% of their shots in three straight contests. Head coach Keith Richard emphasizes 3-point shooting — his team is second in the Sun Belt by collecting 37.9% of their points from 3-pointers. But Ogden has been very good teaching his team to defend the arc and force opposing shooters to take low percentage jump shots inside the arc. Only 30.9% of their opponent’s points are coming from made 3-pointers which is the third-best mark in the conference — and UT-Arlington then leads the conference by holding their opponents to just a 46.2% field goal percentage inside the arc. UL-Monroe stays on the road where they are 3-10 while making only 42.7% of their shots. The Warhawks have played 39 of their last 55 road games Under the Total — and they have played 24 of their last 35 road games Under the Total as an underdog or pick ‘em. Furthermore, UL-Monroe has played 13 of their last 17 road games Under the Total in Sun Belt play. And in their last 38 road games with the Total set in the 130 to 139.5 point range, the game finished Under the Total 28 times — and this includes ten Unders in these last thirteen situations.

FINAL TAKE: Expect this to be a defensive battle between two teams that struggle to make shots. 25* CBB Sun Belt Conference Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the UL-Monroe Warhawks (659) and the UT-Arlington Mavericks (660). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Illinois-Chicago Flames (862) minus the points versus the Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix (861). THE SITUATION: Illinois-Chicago (14-13) saw their four-game winning streak snapped last Saturday with their 81-73 upset loss at Youngstown State as a 1-point favorite. Wisconsin-Green Bay (14-13) has won two straight games as well as four of their last five contests with their 82-73 win over Detroit as a 5.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE FLAMES MINUS THE POINTS: Illinois-Chicago has covered the point spread in 15 of their last 24 games after a loss to a Horizon League rival — and this includes them covering the point spread in four of their last six games after an upset loss to a conference rival. The Flames have also covered the point spread in 13 of their last 15 games when playing with five or six days of rest. Now after playing their last three games on the road, Illinois-Chicago returns home for the first time since February 3rd. The Flames are 11-3 on their home court with an average winning margin of +7.7 PPG — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 home games after playing their last three games on the road. They make a healthy 47.2% of their shots at home while holding their opponents to just a 40.9% field goal percentage. Illinois-Chicago has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games at home — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. Furthermore, the Flames have covered the point spread in 28 of their last 41 home games when favored in the 3.5 to 6 point range. Steve McClain is an underrated head coach who has assembled a nice trio of scorers on the perimeter with Marcus Ottey, Tarkus Ferguson, and Godwin Boahen. McClain has his team defend the 3-point line well to force opponents to take lower percentage jumpers inside the arc. Illinois-Chicago has the second best Adjusted Defensive Efficiency in the Horizon League while leading the conference in opponent’s effective field goal percentage due to their opponent’s 42.7% shooting percentage inside the arc which is also best in the league. Green Bay makes only 32.8% of their shots from 3-point land — so they are reliant on shooting inside the arc. The Flames lead the Horizon League in taking shots from behind the 3-point line — and they are making 36.6% of their 3-pointers led by their trio of good guards. The Phoenix has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a point spread victory. Green Bay has also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after winning two straight games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after winning their last two games at home. And while the Phoenix have covered the point spread in their last two games as the favorite, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after covering two straight games as the fave. Now this team goes back on the road where they are just 4-11 with an average losing margin of -8.9 PPG. Green Bay makes only 43.2% of their shots on the road — and their up-tempo pace results in home teams scoring 86.6 PPG on 47.7% shooting against them. The Phoenix have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games — 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.

FINAL TAKE: Illinois-Chicago will be looking to avenge a 90-85 loss to Green Bay back on January 9th. The Phoenix have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 trips to Chicago to play the Flames. 25* CBB Friday ESPNU Game of the Year with the Illinois-Chicago Flames (862) minus the points versus the Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix (861). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the South Dakota State Jackrabbits (660) minus the points versus the IUPU-Fort Wayne Mastodons (659). THE SITUATION: South Dakota State (21-7) has won ten of their last eleven games with their 78-77 win at North Dakota State on Saturday as a 5-point favorite. IUPU-Fort Wayne (17-11) saw their five-game winning streak snapped on Saturday with their 74-71 loss at Nebraska-Omaha as a 3.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE JACKRABBITS MINUS THE POINTS: South Dakota State has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a point spread loss — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after a game on the road where both teams scored at least 85 points. Now after playing their last two games on the road, they return home where they are 11-1 with an average winning margin of +18.5 PPG. They are scoring a robust 87.0 PPG on 52.5% shooting on their home court — and they are holding their visitors to just a 39.4% field goal percentage. The Jackrabbits have covered the point spread in 24 of their last 34 games at home — and they have covered the point spread in 18 of their last 25 home games against teams with a losing record on the road. South Dakota State has also covered the point spread in 28 of their last 42 home games when laying 6.5 to 12 points. Furthermore, the Jackrabbits have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. IUPU-Fort Wayne has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after a straight-up loss — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 12 games on the road after a straight-up loss. Furthermore, the Mastodons have failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 20 games after winning three of their four contests while also failing to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 14 road games after winning five or six of their last seven games. They now play their third straight game on the road where they are 6-8 while surrendering 84.5 PPG with those home hosts nailing 49.4% of their shots. IUPU-Fort Wayne has failed to cover the point spread in 30 of their last 43 road games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 9 trips to Brooking to face the Jackrabbits.

FINAL TAKE: South Dakota State did lose the first meeting between these two teams by a 104-88 score in Fort Wayne back on January 3rd. The Jackrabbits have then covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games when avenging a loss where they allowed at least 85 points. 10* CBB Thursday Daily Discounted Deal with the South Dakota State Jackrabbits (660) minus the points versus the IUPU-Fort Wayne Mastodons (659). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the UT-Arlington Mavericks (624) minus the points versus the UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (623). THE SITUATION: UT-Arlington (12-14) has lost two straight games after their 83-79 loss at Arkansas State last Saturday as a 1.5-point favorite. UL-Lafayette (14-10) has won their last two games with their 83-76 win over UL-Monroe as a pick ‘em on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE MAVERICKS MINUS THE POINTS: Expect UT-Arlington to play a good game tonight as they have covered the point spread in 19 of their last 25 games after a loss by 6 points or less — and they have covered the point spread in 20 of their last 28 games after a point spread loss. Furthermore, the Mavericks have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 12 games after a game on the road where both teams scored at least 75 points. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year in Arlington after this team returned only 15% of the minutes from a senior-laden team last year. Expectations are sky-high internally with this program which is why head coach Scott Cross was dismissed after last season’s 21-13 campaign that ended in disappointment by losing to Georgia State in the conference tournament. The school hired Chris Ogden who has an outstanding pedigree as a longtime assistant to Rick Barnes at Texas and Tennessee before working with Chris Beard the last two seasons at Texas Tech. This team entered the year a big mystery with most of the roster consisting of junior college transfers and freshmen. As usual, the team endured a brutal non-conference schedule with games against Gonzaga, Texas, Indiana, Arkansas, and Missouri. But Ogden was able to use that experience to mold his team as they won eight of nine games in Sun Belt play before losing third last two games on the road. Now they return home where they have won 8 of their last 9 games after losing two of their last three games. This team is playing outstanding defense — they lead the Sun Belt in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency while holding their last five opponents to just a 38.9% field goal percentage. Ogden should have had an attentive group in practice this week after they allowed the Red Wolves to make 51.9% of their shots which was their third worst defensive effort of the season and their worst over their last fifteen games. UT-Arlington is 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games on their home court — and they are 20-6-1 ATS in their last 27 home games against teams with a losing record on the road. The Mavericks have also covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 home games as a favorite of no more than 6 points. UT-Arlington is not a good shooting team — but they make up for that by crashing the glass. They are second in the conference by pulling down 32.2% of their missed shots — and this is a vulnerability of the Ragin’ Cajuns who are 10th in the Sun Belt by allowing their opponents to rebound 29.7% of their missed shots. UL-Lafayette is also the worst defensive team in the conference in terms of Adjusted Efficiency — and they have allowed their last five opponents to make 51.8% of their missed shots so this is a good matchup of the Mavericks. In their win over the Warhawks, they allowed them to make 47.5% of their shots which actually represented the BEST DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE IN THEIR LAST EIGHT GAMES! The Ragin’ Cajuns are 4-16-1 ATS in their last 21 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a point spread victory. Furthermore, UL-Lafayette has also failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after winning two of their last three games. Now after playing their last three games at home, the Ragin’ Cajuns go back on the road where they are 6-7 win the average losing margin of -5.0 PPG. They allow their home hosts to score 82.5 PPG while making 47.2% of their shots. But what I realized when we successfully backed this team a couple Fridays ago against Georgia State, they struggle on offense in the half court. This is an athletic team with three senior starters back from last year’s NIT team, but they are making only 41.8% of their shots on the road. In fact, the 50% shooting clip they produced last Saturday was the best offensive effort in their last fifteen games. UL-Lafayette has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games against teams with a winning record at home — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 road games with the Total set in the 150 to 159.5 point range.

FINAL TAKE: UT-Arlington’s strong defensive play and offensive rebounding should stymie the Ragin’ Cajuns who struggle on defense and in their half-court offense. UL-Lafayette has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games when listed in the +/- 3-point range. 25* CBB Sun Belt Conference Game of the Year is with the UT-Arlington Mavericks (624) minus the points versus the UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (623). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Air Force Falcons (831) and the Fresno State Bulldogs (832). THE SITUATION: Air Force (10-15) has lost two straight games as well as four of their last five contests with their 76-62 loss to Utah State as a 10-point underdog on Saturday. Fresno State (19-6) has won three in a row along with five of their last six games with their 81-73 win at New Mexico on Saturday where they were 2-point favorites.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Air Force has played a decisive 46 of their last 71 games Under the Total after a loss at home. And while the Falcons have allowed at least 76 points in four straight games, they have then played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after allowing at least 75 points in three straight contests. This team struggles to score baskets — they rank last in the Mountain West Conference in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency while also ranking last in Free Throw Rate, 3-point shooting and second-to-last in Offensive Rebounding. They face a Bulldogs team that holds their opponents to just a 41.5% field goal percentage — and they have played 12 of their last 15 games Under the Total after fifteen games into the season against teams with an opponent’s field goal percentage of 42.5% or less. But while Fresno State shoots 45.7% from the field, Air Force has played 13 of their last 17 games Under the Total after fifteen games into the season against teams who make at least 45% of their shots. Now the Falcons go on the road where they are scoring only 62.4 PPG on low 43.5% shooting. Air Force has played 9 of their last 13 road games Under the Total against teams who are winning at least 60% on their games at home — and they have played 7 of their last 9 road games Under the Total as an underdog getting at least +12.5 points. Fresno State has played 11 of their last 14 games Under the Total after a victory over a conference rival on the road — and they have played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. Now the Bulldogs return home where they are 11-3 while holding their opponents to a low 39.9% field goal percentage. Fresno State has played 6 of their last 8 games at home Under the Total — and they have played 4 straight home games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. The Bulldogs have also played 5 of their last games Under the Total against teams with a losing record.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams have played 10 of their last 12 meetings Under the Total — and they have also played 6 of their last 7 meetings at Fresno State Under the Total. Expect another lower scoring game between these two teams. 10* CBB Wednesday Late Show O/U Bailout with Under the Total in the game between the Air Force Falcons (831) and the Fresno State Bulldogs (832). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels (819) and the Duke Blue Devils (820). THE SITUATION: North Carolina (20-5) has won eight of their last nine games after their 95-57 win at Wake Forest as a 17-point favorite on Saturday. Duke (23-2) has won nine games in a row with their 94-78 win over North Carolina State as a 17-point favorite on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: It is certainly tempting to expect a high-scoring game between these two offensive juggernauts that play at the 3rd and 11th fastest paces in the nation. However, the Over tends to be overvalued in situations like this by the betting public. While my handicapping is very much informed by empirical situational angles, I rarely include them in my (already too long) Reports. I will share two historical angles that speak loudly to tonight’s situation with the Total set in the mid-160s. North Carolina and Duke are two elite teams that are outscoring their opponents by +12.2 PPG and +20.3 PPG — yet when teams that are outscoring their opponents by at least +8.0 PPG in the second half of the season with the Total set in the 160s, the game has then finished Under the Total in 72 of the last 106 (68%) situations where these conditions applied. This simple angle exposes two truths: (1) elite teams also tend to play very good defense and (2) the pressure inherent in heavyweight matchups tends to negatively impact shooting. Furthermore, great teams tend to rebound the ball well which leads to extending offensive possessions (with a new shot clock) and short-circuited the opponent’s offensive possessions (who often rely on second-chance points for their effectiveness). The Tar Heels and the Blue Devils out-rebound their opponents by +9.4 RPG and +7.2 RPG — and after 15 games into the season in contests between two teams that out-rebound their opponents by at least +6.0 RPG with the Total set in the 160s, the game finished Under the Total in 26 of these last 34 (77%) situations. Both these teams play outstanding defense: North Carolina is 20th in the nation Adjusted Defensive Efficiency while Duke ranks 5th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. The Tar Heels have played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% — and they have played 4 of their last 5 road games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% at home. The Blue Devils have played 5 of their last 6 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning record on the road. Both these teams have significant flaws on offense that their opponent will attempt to expose tonight. Bettors may still remember Duke’s torrid 3-point shooting in their high-profile showdown with Virginia two Saturdays ago where they nailed 13 of 21 (62%) of their shots from behind the arc. But the Regression Gods have since visited the Blue Devils as they have since made only 10 of their 44 (22.7%) of their 3-point attempts in their next two games. Duke is 305th in the nation with a 31.3% mark from behind the arc — and that number drops even further to a 30.5% clip in ACC play. My concerns for North Carolina on offense are qualitative when facing outstanding opponents. Roy Williams wants to play two traditional big men still — yet his best five on the court probably requires him to use a smaller (and more explosive) lineup with Luke Maye playing at the 5. I also don’t like the matchup Coby White faces tonight against the Blue Devils’ Tre Jones who is an absolute menace on defense. White has tended to disappear this season with games — and that stalls the Tar Heels offense: White scored 12 points in a loss to Michigan where his team put up 67 points; he scored 4 points in a loss to Louisville where UNC scored 62 points; he scored 8 points in a loss to Kentucky where UNC scored 72 points. The Tar Heels usually score 87.5 PPG but those three results represent three of their four lowest point outputs this season (with their most recent loss to Virginia who plays at a crawl being the fourth sample). Additionally, North Carolina may be due for a visit from the Regression Gods after they shot a season-high 62.3% in their win over the Demon Deacons. They made 16 of 25 (64%) of their 3-pointers in that win — but they have then played 6 straight Unders after making at least 50% of their 3-pointers in their last game. The Tar Heels 3-point shooting by a Duke team that is 14th in the nation with an opponent’s 3-point shooting percentage of 29.7% that lowers to a 27.3% mark when at home. Speaking of regression, the Blue Devils have played 13 of their last 14 games Under the Total after a win by at least 15 points — and they have played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total after scoring at least 90 points in their last game. Finally, North Carolina has played 17 of their last 23 games Under the Total with the number set in the 160s while Duke has played 7 of their last 8 home games Under the Total with the number in the 160 to 169.5 point range.

FINAL TAKE: Team trends can be very helpful in identifying how teams typically respond to situations like this — and this particularly true in college basketball when dealing with established coaches like Williams and Mike Krzyzewski who deploy consistent styles of play from year-to-year. The Under is 5-2-1 in the last 8 meetings between these two teams with the Under also 3-0-1 in the last 4 encounters at Cameron Indoor. 25* CBB Wednesday ESPN Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels (819) and the Duke Blue Devils (820). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (826) minus the point(s) versus the Wichita State Shockers (825). THE SITUATION: Tulsa (16-10) has won three straight games as well as four of their last five contests with their 77-73 win at East Carolina on Sunday as a 5.5-point favorite. Wichita State (12-12) saw their four-game winning streak snapped on Sunday with their 72-62 loss at Cincinnati as a 12.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE GOLDEN HURRICANES MINUS THE POINT(S): The Shockers had won four in a row — but three of those games were at home with that lone road games against a not strong East Carolina team. Wichita State has then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a double-digit loss — and they are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games after a straight-up defeat. The Shockers made just 26.8% of their shots against the tough Bearcats defense — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a game where they made just 33% of their shots from the field. This was always going to be a rebuilding season for head coach Gregg Marshall who lost all five starters from last year. Senior Markis McDuffie has stepped up to fill much of the void — but most of the other pieces (three freshmen and a juco-transfer) have yet to fit together this season. Wichita State is just 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Now the Shockers go on the road where they are just 3-9 this year with an average losing margin of -7.9 PPG. Wichita State makes only 37.3% of their shots away from home which translates into only 64.8 PPG. The Shockers have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight road games as an underdog of 6 points or less (to a pick ‘em). Winning expected close games has also been a problem for this team as they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Tulsa has covered the point spread in 10 of their last 11 games when listed in the +/- 3-point range with head coach Frank Haith benefitting from six returning rotation members from a team that finished 12-6 in American Athletic Conference play. They have also covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a point spread loss. They return home where they are 12-2 this season with an average winning margin of +7.6 PPG. The Golden Hurricanes are holding their visitors to just 67.3 PPG on low 39.5% shooting from the field. Tulsa also makes 47.9% of their shots at home — and they have made 50.7% of their shots over their last five games while limiting those five opponents to just a 36.7% field goal percentage. The Golden Hurricanes have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games at home — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. Tulsa has also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 home games when listed as a pick ‘em to a favorite of no more 3 points. The Golden Hurricanes’ 3-point shooting should make the difference in this game as they lead the AAC by making 37.9% of their shots from behind the arc with that mark rising to a 39.1% when they are playing at home. The Shockers are vulnerable to good 3-point shooting teams as they are allowing their opponents to nail 37.8% of their shots which is last in the conference.

FINAL TAKE: Tulsa will be looking to avenge a 79-68 loss to Wichita State back on February 2nd — and they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 12 home games when playing with revenge from a loss at home. 20* CBB Wednesday Daily Discounted Deal with the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (826) minus the point(s) versus the Wichita State Shockers (825). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the LSU Tigers (788) minus the points versus the Florida Gators (787). THE SITUATION: LSU (21-4) has won four straight games with their 83-79 win at Georgia on Saturday as a 7.5-point favorite. Florida (14-11) has won two straight games after their 71-53 upset win at Alabama as a 3.5-point underdog on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE TIGERS MINUS THE POINTS: The Gators probably played their most complete game of the season against the Crimson Tide — but I do not see them sustaining that effort tonight. Florida has failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after a point spread loss. The Gators have also failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after not allowing more than 55 points in their last game. Injuries to Keith Stone and Chase Johnson have robbed this team of the depth that head coach Mike White was hoping for this season. This is a gritty team that has solid computer rankings in the various models due to a number of close losses: five of their losses this season were by 5 points or less with four of those coming against teams that metrics guru Ken Pomeroy ranks in his top-43 teams in the nation. But this Florida team is also just 2-9 against Quadrant I teams according to the NET rankings. The Gators crumble against elite competition as they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games against teams with a winning percentage over 80%. This proclivity to play close games against close games might make them intriguing to some bettors - but the data reveals that they have failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 20 games in the underdog role. Their lack of size makes them vulnerable to bigger teams. They also struggle to score points while too often living or dying behind the 3-point line. Florida is 48th in the nation taking 44.8% of their shots from behind the arc with that number rising to a 45.2% mark in SEC play. But this team is making only 40.1% of their shots over their last five games. Now after playing their last two games at home, they go back on the road where they are 5-7 this season while scoring only 61.9 PPG and shooting just 39.4% from the field. Despite shooting a high volume of their shots from downtown, they are doing this more out of necessity rather than skill because they are making just 32.9% of these shots in conference play (ranking 9th in the SEC). LSU does a fine job defending the arc as their opponents are making only 33.1% of their 3-pointers (4th in the SEC) — and only 28.8% of their opponent’s points are from these shots. Florida averages 9 made 3-pointers per game — but the Tigers have covered the point spread in 6 straight home games after 15 games into the season against visitors who average at least 8 made 3-pointers per contest. The Gators have failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 17 games with the Total set in the 130s — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 trips to Baton Rouge to face the Tigers. LSU has covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after a straight-up win — and they have covered the point spread in 5 straight games after a point spread victory. The Tigers return home for a big three-game stretch where they are 12-1 with an average winning margin of +14.6 PPG. LSU is loaded with young talent led by sophomore Tremont Waters who made the All-SEC Freshman team last year along with two five-star recruits in freshmen Naz Reid and Emmit Williams. Reid at 6’10 leads a dominant frontline that is tops in the SEC by pulling down 38.4% of their missed shots which should feast on this small Florida team that ranks 11th in the conference by allowing their opponents to rebound 33.9% of their misses. The Tigers live inside the arc where they are second in the SEC by making 52.0% of their shots — and the Gators allow their opponents to make 52.0% of their 2-pointers which is 11th in the conference. At home, LSU makes 48.6% of their shots overall which translates into a healthy 85.8 PPG. The Tigers have won four games in a row — but all have been close results with the widest margin being by just 5 points. But keep in mind this team played three of those last four games on the road — and they have still covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games overall against teams with a winning record.

FINAL TAKE: That Florida has played some close losses while LSU has some recent narrow wins may make some bettors prefer to take the dog. That is Fool’s Gold logic. Styles make fights — and the Tigers match-up very well with this visiting Gators team. 25* CBB Wednesday ESPN2 Game of the Year with the LSU Tigers (788) minus the points versus the Florida Gators (787). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Clemson Tigers (630) minus the points versus the Florida State Seminoles (629). THE SITUATION: Clemson (15-10) has lost two straight games after their 56-55 loss at Louisville on Saturday as a 4.5-point underdog. Florida State (20-5) has won seven straight games after they easily dispatched of Georgia Tech on the road on Saturday by a 69-47 margin as a 7-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE TIGERS MINUS THE POINTS: Clemson has suffered two straight brutal losses on the road. The Tigers lost a heartbreaking 65-64 loss at Miami (FL) on a haphazard buzzer-beating step back jumper that rattled off the glass before circling the rim before deciding to drop into the cylinder to cost them that game. Head coach Brad Brownell’s team picked themselves off the mat on Saturday at Louisville before then losing that game via a last-second game-winning shot. I do expect the Tigers to maintain their resiliency — and they are absolutely desperate to earn a Quadrant I victory to improve their NCAA Tournament resume. As it is, Clemson has covered the point spread in 4 straight games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a narrow loss by 3 points or less on the road. The Tigers have also covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a point spread loss. Clemson made only 38.6% of their shots against the Cardinals which was the worst shooting effort in their last nine games. But now they return home where they make a healthy 47.4% of their shots which includes 35.3% of their shots from behind the arc. Scoring is the biggest weakness for this team — but they do shoot the ball better on their home court where they are 11-2 this season with an average winning margin of +11.5 PPG. The Tigers have covered the point spread in 4 straight games on their home court — and they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 12 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. This Clemson team plays elite level defense — they rank 13th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. They have held their last five opponents to just a 31.2% field goal percentage. They hold their visitors to just 60.2 PPG on low 39.0% shooting from the field. This outstanding play on defense has helped them cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Florida State held the Yellow Jackets to just 27.1% shooting from the field which was the lowest opponent’s field goal percentage for them all season. That game finished well below the 130.5 point total — but the Seminoles have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after a game that finished Under the Total. And while Florida State has covered the point spread in four straight games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after covering the point spread in four of their last five games. The Seminoles are loaded with talent and athleticism that head coach Leonard Hamilton deploys by having his team play at a fast pace. They thrive when crashing the offensive glass as they are 28th in the nation by pulling down 34.5% of their missed shots after out-rebounding their last two opponents by +12 and +16 boards. But Florida State has failed to cover the point spread in 18 of their last 25 games after out-rebounding their last two opponents by at least +10 rebounds. But Clemson will be a tough opponent as they rank 15th in the nation by limiting their opponents to rebounding only 23.8% of their missed shots. Florida State does struggle to score baskets if they cannot take advantage of second-chance opportunities. The Tigers tend to struggle against teams that can make their 3s — but this is not the Seminoles as they rank 212th in the nation with a 33.7% shooting percentage from behind the arc. Florida State foes back on the road where they are 7-4 this season — but they are making only 43.8% of their shots away from home. The Seminoles have failed to cover the point spread in 18 of their last 26 road games after playing their last two games on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight road games against teams with a winning percentage in the 51-60% range.

FINAL TAKE: This is a rematch of Florida State’s 77-68 win at home over the Tigers back on January 22nd as a 6-point favorite. Clemson has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 opportunities to avenge a loss. Despite that earlier result, the Tigers match up well to the Seminoles. Look for them to earn their first signature win of the season back on their home court tonight. 25* CBB Tuesday ESPNU Game of the Year with the Clemson Tigers (630) minus the points versus the Florida State Seminoles (629). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Ball State Cardinals (617) and the Miami (OH) Redhawks (618). THE SITUATION: Ball State (14-11) has won three straight games after their 57-56 win over Akron last Saturday as a 3-point favorite. Miami (OH) (13-12) has lost two of their last three games after their 84-79 loss at Western Michigan on Saturday as a 5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Cardinals held the Zips to just a 30.2% field goal percentage in their win on Saturday which was the best defensive effort in their last twelve games. Ball State plays tough half-court defense — their opponent’s effective field goal percentage of 43.5% is the 35th best mark in the nation. The Cardinals have then played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 60 points in their last game. Ball State has also played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total against fellow Mid-American Conference opponents. The Cardinals have held their last five opponents to a low 39% field goal percentage. But they are making only 41.2% of their shots during these last five contests after shooting just 34.4% on Saturday. Now Ball State goes back on the road where they have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total — and they have played 5 of their last 7 road games Under the Total against teams with a winning record at home. Miami (OH) has played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total after a point spread loss. The Redhawks have also played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total against Mid-American Conference foes. Miami made 37.3% of their shots on Saturday which was actually their best shooting mark in their last three games. The Redhawks are making only 39.9% of their shots over their last five games. Miami also allowed the Broncos to make 46.7% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last ten contests. Over their last five games, the Redhawks have held their last five opponents to only a 40.6% field goal percentage. Now Miami returns home where they are 9-3 this season while holding their guests to just 63.4 PPG on low 40.8% shooting from the field. The Redhawks have played 18 of their last 24 home games Under the Total with the number set in the 140 to 149.5 point range — and they have also played 6 straight home games Under the Total as an underdog or pick ‘em. Additionally, Miami has played 10 of their last 14 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record.

FINAL TAKE: Ball State will have revenge on their mind after losing to Miami (OH) back on January 22nd. The Cardinals have played 5 of their last 8 games Under the Total when playing with revenge. 10* CBB Tuesday Daily Discounted Deal with Under the Total in the game between the Ball State Cardinals (617) and the Miami (OH) Redhawks (618). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the Wisconsin Badgers (854) minus the points versus the Illinois Fighting Illini (853). THE SITUATION: Wisconsin (17-8) has lost two straight games with their 67-59 loss at home to Michigan State last Tuesday as a 2-point underdog. Illinois (10-15) has on four straight games after their 63-56 upset win at Ohio State as an 8-point underdog last Thursday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BADGERS MINUS THE POINTS: There is little shame for this Wisconsin team to have lost their last two games against two two-ten teams in Michigan and Michigan State — but now this team needs to get back to business. The Badgers have then bounced-back to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a loss at home where they failed to score at least 60 points. Wisconsin has also covered the point spread in 19 of their last 15 games after playing a game where they were a home underdog. The Badgers have still covered the point spread in six of their last eight contests — and they have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 21 games after covering the point spread in four or five of the last six games. Wisconsin stays at home where they are 9-3 this season with an average winning margin of +12.9 PPG. The Badgers score 75.0 PPG on their home court where they are making 48.7% of their shots. They are also holding their visitors to just 41.0% field goal percentage. Wisconsin has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. Illinois has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after a point spread victory. The Illini have also failed to cover the point spread in 7 straight games after a game where neither team scored 65 points. Illinois stays on the road where they are just 2-11 this season with an average losing margin of -7.6 PPG. The Fighting Illini makes only 40.7% of their shots on the road — and they allow their home hosts to make 49.4% of their shots. Illinois has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 11 road games as an underdog getting 6.5 to 12 points.

FINAL TAKE: Illinois will be looking to avenge a 72-60 loss at home to Wisconsin as a 4.5-point underdog back on January 23rd. But the Illini have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games when playing with revenge on their minds. Illinois has also failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 trips to Madison to face the Badgers. 10* CBB Monday Daily Discounted Deal with the Wisconsin Badgers (854) minus the points versus the Illinois Fighting Illini (853). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Kentucky Wildcats (732) minus the points versus the Tennessee Volunteers (731). THE SITUATION: Kentucky (20-4) saw their ten-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday with their 73-71 upset loss at home to LSU as a 9-point favorite. Tennessee (23-1) has won nineteen games in a row with their 85-73 win over South Carolina as a 15.5-point favorite on Wednesday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE WILDCATS MINUS THE POINTS: Tennessee is the number one team in the nation — but their strength of schedule deserves some scrutiny. The Volunteers have a signature win over Gonzaga during their winning streak but they have managed to avoid the best competition in SEC play up to this point. Their second best win during their current winning streak has been against Florida twice that metrics guru Ken Pomeroy ranks as the 38th best team in the nation. On the other hand, Kentucky has registered wins over Kansas, North Carolina, Auburn, and Mississippi State twice since Tennessee’s last loss that all rank in Pomeroy’s top twenty-four teams in the nation (for comparison's sake). The Volunteers have a few weaknesses that have me concerned when playing elite competition. The team is led by Grant Williams who may be the second best player in the country — but their guard play is not nearly at the same level. Tennessee’s defense is good but not outstanding — they rank 40th in the nation in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. The Volunteers allow their home hosts to make 38.0% from behind the arc. Tennessee is also vulnerable to teams that crash the offensive glass as they rank 259th in the nation by allowing their opponents to pull down 30.4% of their missed shots — and that number is even worse in SEC play with those conference opponents rebounding 31.6% of their misses. Kentucky ranks third in the nation by rebounding 38.3% of their missed shots. The Volunteers might be due for a letdown tonight as they have failed to cover the point spread in 30 of their last 46 road games after winning at least 15 of their last 20 games. Tennessee has also failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after winning at least three games in a row against SEC opponents — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 29 of their last 41 road games after winning at least three straight games against conference opponents. Furthermore, the Volunteers have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a game where at least 155 combined points were scored. Additionally, Tennessee was only whistled for 10 personal fouls in their last game against the Gamecocks — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 11 games after being called for no more than 10 fouls. Kentucky has the opportunity to redeem themselves from their upset loss on Tuesday. That game finished below the 149 point total — and they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 13 games after a game that finished Under the Total. The Wildcats have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after winning at least 12 of their last 15 games. John Calipari’s teams typically excel against good competition as they have covered the point spread in 19 of their last 26 games against teams with a winning record — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Kentucky stays at home where they are 14-1 with an average winning margin of +17.4 PPG. The Wildcats make 47.9% of their shots on their home court — and they limit their opponents to just 62.2 PPG along with an opponent’s field goal percentage of 39.8%. Kentucky has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 home games when favored by 3.5 to 6 points. As usual, for Calipari teams, his young group is steadily improving on the defensive end of the court. They have held their last five opponents to just a 38.7% field goal percentage.

FINAL TAKE: Kentucky has the talent edge in this contest against a veteran Tennessee team that won the SEC last season. The Wildcats’ loss on Tuesday should have secured Calipari a very attentive audience in practice for the rest of the week. This Kentucky team is a battle-tested group thus season — expect them to secure a statement victory. 25* CBB SEC Game of the Year with the Kentucky Wildcats (732) minus the points versus the Tennessee Volunteers (731). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Illinois State Redbirds (734) minus the points versus the Bradley Braves (733). THE SITUATION: Illinois State (14-12) has lost three straight games after their 77-64 loss at Northern Iowa as a 1-point underdog on Wednesday. Bradley (14-12) has won three straight games with their 61-54 win over Loyola-Illinois on Wednesday as a 3-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE REDBIRDS MINUS THE POINTS: Illinois State should respond with a good effort tonight as they are 20-8-2 ATS in their last 30 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 15 games after a loss to a Missouri Valley Conference opponent. The Redbirds have also covered the point spread in 5 straight games after a straight-up loss. And while Illinois State has not scored more than 65 points in four straight games, they have then covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after failing to score more than 65 points in at least two straight contests. The Redbirds have also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after losing three of their last four games. They return home where they are 10-3 this season while holding their visitors to just a 41.9% field goal percentage. Illinois State has covered the point spread in 10 of their last 16 home games when laying no more than 6 points. The Redbirds are also 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games against teams with a winning record. Bradley may be due for a letdown as they have failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 17 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after a point spread defeat. The Braves have also failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games after winning four or five of their last six games. Now after playing their last two games at home, Bradley goes back on the road where they are 6-6 this season while being outscored overall. The Braves have failed to cover the point spread in 43 of their last 63 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Bradley has also failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 road games with the Total set in the 130 to 134.5 point range. The Braves will likely struggle to score in this game tonight. They are last in the Missouri Valley Conference with just a 44.9% shooting percentage inside the arc. Bradley makes only 42.6% of their shots on the road — and they have just a 34.9% field goal percentage from the behind the arc away from home. Illinois State defends the arc on their home court as they hold their guests to just a 32.0% shooting percentage from 3-point land.

FINAL TAKE: The Redbirds will also have revenge on their minds after losing to the Braves back on January 23rd by an 85-68 score despite being a 1-point road favorite in that game. Illinois State has covered the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games when looking to avenge a loss. 20* CBB Saturday Night Discounted Deal with the Illinois State Redbirds (734) minus the points versus the Bradley Braves (733). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:15 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (775) and the Eastern Illinois Panthers (776). THE SITUATION: Southeast Missouri State (8-18) has lost four of their last five games with their 81-72 loss at UT-Martin on Thursday as a 5.5-point underdog. Eastern Illinois (14-12) snapped their three-game losing streak on Thursday with their 79-65 win at SIU-Edwardsville as a 1.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: SE Missouri State has failed to cover the point spread in five of their last seven games — and they have then played 10 of their last 11 games Over the Total after failing to cover the point spread in four or five of their last six games. The Redhawks have also now played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total against fellow Ohio Valley opponents. Defense has been a problem for this team after they allowed UT-Martin to make 61.2% of their shots on Thursday. SE Missouri State has allowed their last five opponents make 50.1% of their shots. Now they stay on the road where they are allowing 76.6 PPG on 46.1% shooting this season. The Redhawks have played 5 of their last 7 games Over the Total on the road — and they have played 4 straight road games Over the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. SE Missouri State has also played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total against teams with a winning record. Eastern Illinois has played a decisive 44 of their last 59 games Over the Total after a straight-up win — and they have also played 17 of their last 23 games Over the Total after a point spread victory. Additionally, the Panthers have played 6 straight games Over the Total after a double-digit victory. Now after playing their last three games on the road, Eastern Illinois returns home where they are scoring 76.6 PPG while allowing 76.1 PPG. The Panthers have played 38 of their last 53 games Over the Total on their home court — and they have played 5 of their last 6 home games Over the Total after playing their last three games on the road. Eastern Illinois has also played 10 of their last 12 games Over the Total against teams with a losing record.

FINAL TAKE: The Panthers are looking to avenge a 64-59 loss to SE Missouri State back on January 26th. Eastern Illinois has played 8 of their last 9 games Over the Total when playing with revenge. And in their last 4 opportunities to host the Redhawks, the game finished Over the Total all 4 times. 10* CBB Saturday Afternoon Discounted Deal with Over the Total in the game between the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (775) and the Eastern Illinois Panthers (776). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Michigan Wolverines (604) minus the points versus the Maryland Terrapins (603). THE SITUATION: Michigan (22-3) looks to bounce-back from a 75-69 loss at Penn State on Tuesday as a 7-point favorite. Maryland (19-6) comes off their second straight upset victory on Tuesday when they defeated Purdue by a 70-56 score as a 2.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE WOLVERINES MINUS THE POINTS: Michigan should respond with a strong effort after being embarrassed by the Nittany Lions who entered that game in the basement of the Big Ten. Head coach John Beilein was ejected just before halftime in that game for arguing a bad non-call on Xavier Simpson — and his absence on the sidelines certainly did not help things in the second half. The fact is that Penn State team that won the NIT last season was due for a big game after suffering a serious of disappointments in conference play. The Wolverines have rebounded to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games after a straight-up loss. Now Michigan returns home where they have won twenty-one straight games as well as thirty-three of their last thirty-four contests. They are a perfect 15-0 this season with an average winning margin of +15.6 PPG. The Wolverines have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games — and they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 11 home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. Michigan has also covered the point spread in 10 of their last 12 home games as a favorite laying in the 6.5 to 12 point range. One of the benefits the Wolverines enjoy at home is more favorable whistles. A common denominator in all three of Michigan’s losses on the road this year has been less than friendly officiating. This remains a team that is 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Maryland’s upset victory over the Boilermakers came on the heels of an upset victory over Nebraska by a 60-45 score as a 2.5-point underdog. But the Terrapins have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after securing two straight double-digit victories. Maryland has also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a win at home by double-digits — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after a double-digit win over a Big Ten rival. And in their last 4 games after an upset victory by at least 10 points, the Terrapins have failed to cover the point spread 3 times. Now Maryland goes back on the road where they are making only 43.8% of their shots. This is a tough matchup for the Terrapins because their top two offensive options, Anthony Cowan and Bruno Hernandez, will be matched up by two outstanding Michigan defenders in Xavier Simpson and Jon Teske. Maryland is also too loose with the basketball — they rank 13th in the Big Ten by turning the ball over in 20.2% of their possessions. The Wolverines force turnovers in 19.4% of their opponent’s possessions.

FINAL TAKE: Michigan should pull away in this game back on their home court. 10* CBB Maryland-Michigan Fox-TV Special with the Michigan Wolverines (604) minus the points versus the Maryland Terrapins (603). 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 Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (667) and the North Dakota State Bison (667). THE SITUATION: Oral Roberts (10-17) has won two straight games with their 86-72 upset win at South Dakota as a 7-point underdog on Sunday. North Dakota State (13-12) has won four straight games with their 81-71 win over Denver on Saturday as an 8.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Golden Eagles have played 38 of their last 53 games Over the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played a decisive 22 of their last 27 games Over the Total after a point spread victory. Furthermore, Oral Roberts has played 13 of their last 17 games Over the Total after a win by double-digits — and they have played 10 of their last 13 games Over the Total after winning two of their last three games. Additionally, the Golden Eagles have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games Over the Total after an upset victory — and they have played 31 of their last 40 games Over the Total after scoring at least 85 points in their last game which includes thirteen of those last fifteen situations going Over the Total. This Oral Roberts team may have found their shooting stroke as they made 56.1% of their shots against South Dakota after making 51.1% of their shots against Denver in their previous game. The Golden Eagles have also 14 of 15 and 17 of 20 from the free throw line in their last two contests — and they have played 6 straight games Over the Total after shooting at least 78% from the charity stripe in at least two straight games. Now Oral Roberts stay on the road where they have played 9 of their last 12 games Over the Total — and they have played 7 of their last 8 road games Over the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. The Golden Eagles have also played 16 of their last 22 road games Over the Total as an underdog getting 6.5 to 9 points. North Dakota State has played 24 of their last 32 games Over the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 6 straight games Over the Total after a double-digit victory. Furthermore, the Bison has played 37 of their last 54 games Over the Total after a point spread win — and this includes them playing eight of these last nine situations going Over the Total. And while North Dakota State has covered the point spread in three straight games, they have then played 12 of their last 14 games Over the Total after covering the point spread in three straight contests. The Bison stay at home where they are scoring 79.6 PPG while making 49.3% of their shots. North Dakota State has played 22 of their last 29 games Over the Total on their home court — and they have played 4 of their last 5 home games Over the Total against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. Additionally, the Bison have played 14 of their last 16 home games Over the Total with the Total set in the 140 to 149.5 point range.

FINAL TAKE: Oral Roberts is looking to avenge a 67-57 loss to North Dakota State loss to the Bison back on January 26th — and they have played 25 of their last 38 games when playing with revenge. In the last 7 meetings between these two teams in Fargo, the game finished Over the Total 5 times. 25* CBB Summit League Total of the Year with Over the Total in the game between the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (667) and the North Dakota State Bison (667). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers (829) and the Nebraska Cornhuskers (830). THE SITUATION: Minnesota (16-8) has lost three straight games with their 79-55 loss at Michigan State last Saturday as a 13.5-point underdog. Nebraska (13-11) has lost seven in a row with their 81-62 loss at Purdue as a 13-point underdog on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Golden Gophers should play better on defense after allowing the Spartans to make 51.7% of their shots from the field. That was the second-worst opponent’s field goal percentage that they have allowed in their last seven games. Minnesota has been consistently inconsistent this season — so a good effort looks likely for this veteran team that plays tough and physical when at their best. The Golden Gophers have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a point spread loss — and they have played 4 straight games Under the Total after a loss by at least 20 points. And while Minnesota has failed to cover the point spread in their last two games, they have then played 9 of their last 10 games on the road Under the Total after failing to cover the point spread in two of their last three games. The Golden Gophers stay on the road where they are 4-6 this season. They struggle to score points when away from home as they average just 63.4 PPG on the road while making just 38.9% of their shots. The Under is 9-1-1 in Minnesota’s last 11 games on the road — and the Under is 8-0-1 in their last 9 road games against teams with a winning record at home. Nebraska has played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a point spread setback. Furthermore, the Cornhuskers have played 33 of their last 51 games Under the Total after allowing at least 80 points in their last game. Nebraska should play much better on defense tonight after allowing the Boilermakers to make 50.9% of their shots. That was the worst defensive effort in their last 15 games. Tim Miles’ team usually plays strong on defense as they rank 35th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency while also ranking 14th in the nation with an opponent’s effective field goal percentage of 45.3%. Miles will want his team to work harder on the boards after being out-rebounded by a 39 to 24 margin. The Cornhuskers have played 7 straight home games Under the Total after being out-rebounded by at least 15 boards. The problem for this team during their losing streak has been their inability to hit a side of a barn on offense. They are making just 32% of their shots over their last five games which translated into just 56.4 PPG. While the Regression Gods may decide to let all their bank shots from behind the arc rattle into the basket — I do not think that happens tonight with Isaac Copeland, Jr. out with a knee injury. The forward is the team’s second-leading scorer with a 14.0 PPG average. Nebraska returns home where they are 9-4 this season but making only 42.7% of their shots. The Cornhuskers' recipe for success at home is on defense where they hold their opponents to only 56.8 PPG while holding their opponents to just a 35.7% field goal percentage. Nebraska has played 4 straight games Under the Total on their home court — and they have played 6 of their last 8 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. Additionally, the Cornhuskers have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60%.

FINAL TAKE: This will be a rematch of the meeting between these two teams back on December 5th where the Golden Gophers won in Minnesota by an 85-78 score. Nebraska has played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total when avenging a loss where they allowed at least 85 points. 25* CBB Big Ten Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers (829) and the Nebraska Cornhuskers (830). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:30 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Georgetown Hoyas (825) plus the points versus the Seton Hall Pirates (826). THE SITUATION: Georgetown (15-9) has lost two of their last three games with their 73-69 upset loss to Butler as a 2-point favorite last Saturday. Seton Hall (14-9) has won two of their last three games with their 63-58 win over Creighton as a 4.5-point favorite as a 4.5-point favorite on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE HOYAS PLUS THE POINTS: Georgetown should respond with a strong effort as they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a point spread loss. These Hoyas are interesting as head coach Patrick Ewing has the best big man in the Big East in Jessie Govan — and the team has two intriguing freshmen in James Akinjo and Max McClung. Injuries have slowed this team down but they are back to full strength now — and they are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Now this team goes back on the road where they are 5-4 this season with good wins in conference play over Butler, St. John’s and Providence. Georgetown has covered the point spread in 13 of their last 17 games on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 12 of their last 16 rod games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Furthermore, the Hoyas has covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games on the road with the Total set in the 155 to 159.5 point range — and they have also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 road games as an underdog. Seton Hall played their best defensive game of the season on Saturday by holding the Bluejays to a 30.3% field goal percentage. But the Pirates have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a point spread win. And while Seton Hall has covered the point spread in two straight games, they have failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 17 games after covering the point spread in two of their last three contests. The Pirates opened the season on an 11-3 run with impressive wins over Maryland and Kentucky on a neutral court — but they have lost six of their last nine games against mediocre Big East foes. Now this team stays at home where they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 home games with the Total set in the 155 the 159.5 point range. Seton Hall makes only 44.5% of their shots at home — and this is a group that can struggle to generate offense. They are 9th in the Big East in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency while ranking last with a 20.7% turnover percentage while making just 32.0% of their 3-point shots. The Pirates have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 home games when laying no more than 6 points — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%.

FINAL TAKE: Look for the Hoyas to keep this game close with the opportunity to pull the upset — but take the points for some insurance. 10* CBB Georgetown-Seton Hall FS1 Special with the Georgetown Hoyas (825) plus the points versus the Seton Hall Pirates (826). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Georgia State Panthers (810) minus the points versus the Troy Trojans (809). THE SITUATION: Georgia State (16-8) has lost two straight games with their 76-72 upset loss at UL-Lafayette last Friday as a 2-point favorite. Troy (11-12) snapped their four-game losing streak on Saturday with their 84-79 win over Arkansas State as a 2-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE PANTHERS MINUS THE POINTS: Georgia State remains a good team that returned four starters from last year’s team that made the NCAA Tournament. Look for them to take out their frustrations tonight after losing at UL-Monroe by an 82-76 score in their previous game at UL-Monroe before losing to the Ragin’ Cajuns on Friday. The Panthers have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 6 games after losing two straight games to Sun Belt opponents — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 11 games after allowing at least 75 points in two straight games. And while Georgia State has only covered the point spread once in their last eight games, they have then covered the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games after failing to cover the point spread in four or five of their last six games. Now after playing those last two games on the road, they return home to downtown Atlanta where they are 9-1 this season with an average winning margin of +9.6 PPG. They are scoring 82.3 PPG at home while making 49.1% of their shots on their home court — and they hold their visitors to just a 41.1% field goal percentage. The Panthers have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 home games with the Total set in the 150 to 154.5 point range. Troy has failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 14 games after a win over a conference rival. This team has also failed to cover the point spread in 20 of their last 28 games after a point spread win. The Trojans made 54.7% of their shots in that victory which was the second-best offensive effort in their last nine games. They also held the Red Wolves to just a 37.1% field goal mark which was the best defensive effort in their last 14 contests. Now this team goes back on the road where they are just 3-7 this season. They are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games on the road — and they are also 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 road games against teams with a winning record at home. Troy has also failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 road games with the Total set in the 150 to 159.5 point range.

FINAL TAKE: Georgia State also has the opportunity to redeem themselves from a 77-75 upset loss at Troy as a 1.5-point favorite back on January 19th. The Panthers have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games when avenging a same-season loss — and they have also covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games when playing with revenge from an upset loss. 10* CBB Blowout Bookie Buster with the Georgia State Panthers (810) minus the points versus the Troy Trojans (809). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the South Florida Bulls (793) plus the points versus the Central Florida Knights (794). South Florida (17-6) has won five straight games after their 72-68 win over East Carolina as a 12.5-point favorite on Sunday as a 12.5-point favorite. Central Florida (17-5) has won two of their last three games after their 71-65 upset win at SMU as a 2.5-point underdog on Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BULLS PLUS THE POINTS: South Florida is clicking on all cylinders right now — and they should continue to build off their momentum as they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games after winning five or six of their last seven games. The Bulls have also covered the point spread in 19 of their last 26 games after a straight-up win — and they have covered the point spread in 6 straight home games after a win over a conference rival. And while USF did not cover the point spread against the Pirates, they have then covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a point spread loss. This team is 4-4 on the road — but they are outscoring these eight opponents to +5.1 PPG where their 45.0% field goal percentage is higher than their overall 43.8% field goal mark. The Bulls have two characteristics that travel well. First, they pound the offensive glass as they rank 3rd in the American Athletic Conference by pulling down 35.5% of their missed shots — and the Knights are 8th in the conference by allowing their opponents to rebound 31.5% of their missed shots. Second, USF forces turnovers — they are tops in the AAC by forcing turnovers in 22.9% of their opponent’s possessions and they are facing a UCF team that is 7th in the conference by turning the ball over in 18.2% of their possessions. South Florida has covered the point spread in 11 of their last 12 games on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 12 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. The Bulls allowed East Carolina to make 45.5% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last seven games. USF is second in the AAC in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency — and this tough defense has helped them covered the spin spread in 14 of their last 16 games against teams with a winning record. Central Florida has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win — and they are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a point spread win. The Knights played one of their best games of the season in their upset win against the Mustangs. They made 52% of their shots from the field which was the best shooting effort in their last eight games — and they held SMU to a 39.7% which was the best defensive effort in their last four games. UCF also made 12 of their 13 (92.3%) free throw attempts which was a spectacular accomplishment for a team that ranks 336th in the nation by making only 63.2% of their shots from the charity stripe. But the Knights have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after making at least 78% of their free throws in their last game. UCF returns home where they are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with a losing record on the road.

FINAL TAKE: Central Florida’s best win is against an Alabama team that metrics guru Ken Pomeroy ranks just at 48th in the nation. They are 0-2 against Quadrant 1 teams for the NCAA’s NET rankings — and they are just 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Expect a close game from an underrated Bulls team that does a lot of things to keep them competitive in games. 25* CBB Wednesday ESPN2 Game of the Year with the South Florida Bulls (793) plus the points versus the Central Florida Knights (794). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 11:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Colorado State Rams (642) plus the points versus the San Diego State Aztecs (641). THE SITUATION: Colorado State (9-15) has lost two straight games after their 74-66 upset loss at Wyoming on Saturday as a 6-point favorite. San Diego State (14-9) has won four of their last five contests with their 68-63 upset win at home over Utah State as a 2.5-point underdog on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE RAMS PLUS THE POINTS: The Aztecs may be due for a letdown in this contest as they have 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 4 of their last 5 games after a narrow victory by 6 points or less. Furthermore, San Diego State has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after winning at least three of their last four games. Now the Aztecs go back on the road where they are just 3-7 this season while being outscored by -9.1 PPG. San Diego State has won only two of their seven true road games this season with one those wins against an awful 3-19 San Jose State team. The Aztecs only make 42.9% of their shots when away from home. Under head coach Steve Fisher, this team compensated for mediocre shooting by crashing the offensive boards. But in the second season under head coach Brian Dutcher who was the longtime assistant for Fisher, this team is not hitting the boards as effectively as this team is pulling down only 29.8% of their missed shots in conference play. San Diego State has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 12 road games against teams with a losing record. Furthermore, this Aztecs team has not responded well in situations like this as they have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 17 road games as the favorite or pick ‘em — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 road games when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Colorado State has bounced-back to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after an upset loss as a road favorite — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up loss. The Rams have also covered the point spread in 13 of their last 20 games after losing two in a row. This team is in the first-year under new head coach Neko Medved with perhaps his biggest challenge being to improve the play on the defensive end of the court which was at the bottom of the league last year. Colorado State has improved as of late as they have held their last five opponents to just a 43.7% field goal percentage. The Rams are led by a double-double machine in 6’11 forward Nico Carvacho. Colorado State returns home where they are 7-6 this season — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games. The Rams have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 home games as an underdog getting no more than 6 points.

FINAL TAKE: The Rams are just 4-7 in Mountain West Conference play — but they have covered the point spread in 8 of these 11 conference contests under Medved. Colorado State lost to the Aztecs in the last meeting between these two teams by a 97-78 score last season. They have the opportunity to pull the upset tonight against a team that has not been very good when playing on the road. 10* CBB Tuesday Late Show Bailout with the Colorado State Rams (642) plus the points versus the San Diego State Aztecs (641). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Louisville Cardinals (638) plus the points versus the Duke Blue Devils (637). THE SITUATION: Louisville (17-7) has lost two of their last three games with their 80-75 loss at Florida State on Saturday as a 3.5-point underdog. Duke (21-2) has won seven straight games after their 81-71 upset win on the road at Virginia on Saturday as a 2-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE CARDINALS MINUS THE POINTS: Duke played one of their best games of the season to defeat the Cavaliers in their gym on Saturday. The Blue Devils made 57.8% of their shots in that game in what was the best offensive performance in their last nine games. More surprisingly, Duke nailed 13 of their 21 shots (61.9%) of their shots from behind the arc while gaining praise from the College Basketball punditry about just how tough this team will be to beat if they shoot like that from behind the arc in the NCAA Tournament. This just in: there are about a dozen teams who will win the National Championship if they make 60% of their shots from 3-point land. This was a clear outlier effort for a team that ranks just 285th in the nation by making only 32.0% of their shots from downtown. Now they face a Cardinals team that holds their ACC opponents to just a 30.0% shooting mark from behind the arc. There are a couple of other areas that make this Duke team vulnerable despite the fawning that exists from the chattering class. The Blue Devils do not do a great job of protecting the defensive glass as they allow their opponents to pull down 32.8% of their missed shots in conference play which is 10th worst in the ACC. Louisville is solid in hitting the offensive glass as they pull down 30.2% of their missed shots against ACC opponents. Duke also makes only 68.1% of their free throws in conference play which ranks 13th in the league — and that is not a great characteristic to have when being asked to cover single digit spreads in hostile environments. As it is, the Blue Devils have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 14 games are a win on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after a double-digit upset win on the road as an underdog. Furthermore, Duke has failed to cover the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games after a win on over an ACC rival — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after making at least 55% of their shots in their last game. Additionally, the Blue Devils have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 13 games after winning at least seven in a row. Louisville should respond with a strong effort tonight as they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after a loss on the road to an ACC opponent — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after a loss by 6 points or less. The Cardinals have also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after a straight-up win — and they are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games after a point spread loss. Louisville returns home where they are 12-2 this season with an averaging winning margin of +12.7 PPG. Over their last five games, the Cardinals have held their opponent’s to just a 36.7% field goal percentage from the field. Louisville has also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games with the Total set in the 150 to 159.5 point range.

FINAL TAKE: Under first-year head coach Chris Mack, Louisville plays a Pack-Line defense that is similar to the Virginia defensive scheme that was torched by Duke on Saturday. If the Blue Devils shoot 13 of 21 from behind the arc again, they will cover the point spread. However, if they felt emboldened by their performance against the Wahoos and shoot close to their 32% mark, they will likely get upset tonight. Let’s bet on the Regression Gods to make an appearance in the KFC Yum! Center tonight. 10* CBB Tuesday Daily Discounted Deal with the Louisville Cardinals (638) plus the points versus the Duke Blue Devils (637). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:30 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the St. John’s Red Storm (628) minus the points versus the Butler Bulldogs (627). THE SITUATION: St. John’s (17-7) has lost two of their last three games with their 70-56 upset loss to Providence on Saturday as a 5-point favorite. Butler (14-10) has won their last two games with their 73-69 win at Georgetown as a 2-point underdog on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE RED STORM MINUS THE POINTS: St. John’s should respond with a strong effort tonight as they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after an upset loss as a home favorite — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a double-digit loss at home. Additionally, the Red Storm have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a point spread loss. St. John’s got killed on the boards in their loss to the Friars on Saturday as they were out-rebounded by a 43 to 23 margin. The Red Storm play small-ball and do not privilege rebounding — they are last in the Big East in both offensive and defensive rebounding percentage but that is, in large measure, a reflection of head coach Chris Mullin wanting his team to get back on defense to stop transition baskets while getting out in transition when their opponents miss their shots. But getting out-rebounded by 20 boards was a reflection of a lack of effort as it was the worst divide this team has seen all season. St. John’s has bounced-back to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after being out-rebounded by at least 20 boards. The Red Storm have also covered the point spread in 11 of their last 14 games after a loss at home. They stay at home as they attempt to redeem themselves from that loss where they are 10-3 with an average winning margin of +11.4 net PPG. Led by Shamorie Ponds, this St. John’s team is one of the most talented groups in the Big East. They score 81.3 PPG while making 48.1% of their shots on their home court so they should fare much better than they did on Saturday where they made only two shots from behind the arc while shooting just 37% from the field. The Red Storm have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 16 home games after playing their previous game at home. Butler has failed to cover the point spread in 18 of their last 27 games on the road after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a point spread victory. The Bulldogs win over the Hoyas came off a narrow 2-point win over Seton Hall — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after winning at least two straight games. Butler is nailing their 3-pointers as they have made 10 and 12 shots from behind the arc in each of their last two games. But the Bulldogs have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after making at least 10 shots from the 3-point line in two straight games. These Butler teams under head coach LaVell Jordan do not crash the offensive glass as they have in the past — they have managed only 7 and 4 offensive rebounds in their last two games. The Bulldogs have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after failing to rebound at least 9 boards in two straight games. Now this team goes back on the road where they are just 4-7 this season. Butler shoots only 42.3% from the field on the road while making only 33.8% of their 3-point shots. The Bulldogs are making only 42.6% of their shots over their last five games — and they are also allowing their last five opponents to make 48% of their shots. Defense is an issue for this team as they are last in the Big East by allowing their conference opponents to make 53.5% of their shots inside the arc.

FINAL TAKE: St. John’s will have the extra motivation of avenging an 80-71 loss at Butler earlier this season back on January 19th. The Red Storm have covered the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games when playing with revenge. 25* CBB Tuesday CBS Sports Network Game of the Year with the St. John’s Red Storm (628) minus the points versus the Butler Bulldogs (627). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Michigan State Spartans (621) and the Wisconsin Badgers (622). THE SITUATION: Michigan State (19-5) snapped their three-game losing streak on Saturday with their 79-55 win over Minnesota as a 13.5-point favorite. Wisconsin (17-7) had their six-game winning streak end on Saturday with their 61-52 loss at Michigan as a 6.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Michigan State has seen the Under go 19-6-1 in their last 26 games after a straight-up win — and they have played 6 straight games Under the Total after a point spread victory. Additionally, the Under is 6-2-1 in the Spartans’ last 9 games after a win by at least 20 points. Now Michigan State goes on the road where they hold their home hosts to just a 38.5% field goal percentage. The Spartans have played 4 of their last 5 road games Under the Total — and they have played 4 straight road games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Furthermore, Michigan State has played 6 straight games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. The season-ending ankle injury to guard Joshua Langford has hurt the offense more than it has hurt the Sparty defense because Langford’s primary replacement, Matt McQuaid might be a better defender. But while other players were stepping up to support their superstar Cassius Winston since that injury to Langford, these role players were ineffective during their three-game losing streak — and this is a team that can see their offense go cold in critical stretches of the game. Wisconsin allowed Michigan to make 44.6% of their shots on Saturday which was tied for the worst defensive effort in their last eleven games. The Badgers have played 5 straight games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 5 straight games Under the Total after a point spread victory. Furthermore, Wisconsin has played 11 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a loss to a Big Ten rival. The Badgers play great positional defense — and they tend to get rewarded for their flops when playing at home in Madison’s Kohl Center. Wisconsin has not allowed more than 64 points in eight straight games — and they have played 9 of their last 10 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 65 points in at least three straight games. The Badgers have held their last five opponents to only 54.0 PPG on low 36.4% shooting. But this team is scoring just 60.2 PPG in those last five games while shooting only 41.6% from the field in these games. Wisconsin returns home where they have seen the Under go 7-3-1 in their last 11 games. The Badgers have also played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60%.

FINAL TAKE: This is a battle of two of the best defensive teams in the nation. Michigan State ranks 9th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency while also ranking 4th in the nation in opponent’s effective field goal percentage. Wisconsin ranks 7th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency while also ranking 11th in opponent’s effective field goal percentage. Expect a lower-scoring game. 20* CBB Michigan State-Wisconsin ESPN2 O/U Special with Under the Total in the game between the Michigan State Spartans (621) and the Wisconsin Badgers (622). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Oregon Ducks (842) minus the points versus the Stanford Cardinal (841). THE SITUATION: Oregon (14-9) has won three of their last four games with their 73-62 win over California on Wednesday as a 16-point favorite. Stanford (12-10) has won three straight games with their 83-60 upset win at Oregon State as a 7.5-point underdog on Thursday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE DUCKS MINUS THE POINTS: Oregon should build off the momentum of their win on Wednesday as they have covered the point spread in 10 straight games at home after a win over a fellow Pac-12 rival — and they have covered the points spread in 14 of their last 17 games after double-digit victory over a conference opponent. And while the Ducks have not covered the point spread in two straight games, they have then covered the point spread in 13 of their last 16 games after failing to cover the point spread in two straight games. Oregon stays at home where they are 10-4 this season with an average winning margin of +10.5 PPG. The Ducks are making 48.4% of their shots on their home court — and they limit their opponents to just 64.6 PPG on low 41.8% shooting from the field. Oregon has covered the point spread in 11 of their last 14 home games after fifteen games into the season against teams with a winning record. Injuries have slowed this team down for much of the season — but the Ducks are basically at full strength at this point except for big man Bol Bol was suffered a season-ending foot injury. Head coach Dana Altman has adjusted midseason to have his team pressure the basketball more to help create better scoring opportunities — and this strategy should thrive against this Cardinal team. Oregon is second in the Pac-12 by forcing turnovers in 23.4% of their opponent’s possessions — and Stanford is last in the conference by turning the ball over in 21.2% of their possessions. The Cardinal has failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after a double-digit win over a conference rival — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after a double-digit upset win. Furthermore, Stanford has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight games after a point spread victory. The Cardinal stays on the road where they are 5-8 this season where they are making only 43.4% of their shots from the field. Oregon holds their opponents to just a 41.3% field goal percentage — and Stanford has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 road games against teams with an opponent’s field goal percentage of 42% or less.

FINAL TAKE: The Cardinal may be undermanned in this game with their guard Daejon Davis questionable with a head injury. Oregon will be motivated to avenge an ugly 96-61 upset loss at Stanford as a 1.5-point favorite in the last meeting between these two teams last February. The Cardinal has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 trips to Eugene to play the Ducks. 10* CBB Stanford-Oregon ESPN2 Special with the Oregon Ducks (842) minus the points versus the Stanford Cardinal (841). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 11:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the San Francisco Dons (774) minus the points versus the Santa Clara Broncos (773). THE SITUATION: San Francisco (17-6) has lost three straight games after their embarrassing 92-62 loss at Gonzaga on Thursday as a 19-point underdog. Santa Clara (13-11) has won two straight games after their 79-71 upset win at Pepperdine on Thursday where they were 7-point underdogs.

REASONS TO TAKE THE DONS MINUS THE POINTS: San Francisco played their last three games on the road against three of the best teams in the West Coast Conference in San Diego, Saint Mary’s before facing the number 3 ranked team in the nation in their gym. The Dons are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games after a loss by at least 20 points — and they have also covered the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games are a loss on the road to a conference rival. Now this team returns home where they are 12-1 this season with an average winning margin of +17.3 PPG — so they can cover this double-digit spread. San Fran scores 79.8 PPG at home while making 48% of their shots. They also build their opponents to just 40.1% shooting from the field. The Dons are 9-4-2 ATS in their last 15 games at home — and they are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 home games against teams with a losing record on the road. Furthermore, San Francisco has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 home games when favored by at least 12.5 points. Santa Clara has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games on the road as an underdog getting at least 12.5 points. They are due for a letdown here as they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after an upset win on the road as an underdog. The Broncos previously come off a win in overtime at home against a Portland team that remains winless in WCC play. Santa Clara has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after winning two straight games against conference rivals. Furthermore, the Broncos have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 25 games with the Total set in the 130 to 139.5 point range, Santa Clara has failed to cover the point spread 17 times.

FINAL TAKE: San Francisco is being asked to cover a bunch of points — but they are second in the WCC by making 37.7% of their shots so they can put up points in bunches. Look for them to take out their road frustrations against this inconsistent Santa Clara team. 10* CBB Saturday Late Show Bailout with the San Francisco Dons (774) minus the points versus the Santa Clara Broncos (773). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the USC Trojans (768) minus the points versus the Colorado Buffaloes (767). THE SITUATION: USC (13-10) has lost two of their last three games with their 77-70 loss to Utah as a 6-point favorite on Wednesday. Colorado (13-9) pulled off their second straight upset victory when they shocked UCLA at Pauley Pavilion on Wednesday as a 6-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE TROJANS MINUS THE POINTS: Look for the Buffaloes to suffer an emotional letdown tonight after making 53.8% of their shots in the best shooting effort in their last seven games. Colorado also made 13 of their 24 (54.2%) from behind the arc — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after making at least thirteen 3-pointers. The Buffaloes have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a straight-up win — and they are just 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games after a point spread victory. Furthermore, Colorado has failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 20 road games after a win on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 21 of their last 26 games after winning at least two games in a row. Their win over the Bruins was preceded by a 73-51 upset win at home over Oregon as a 1-point underdog. The Buffaloes have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 13 road games after covering the point spread in two of their last three games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 straight games after winning their last two contests by double-digits. Despite their recent success, this Colorado team lacks consistent shooters. They stay on the road where they are 5-6 while making only 43% of their shots and a mere 33.3% of their shots from behind the arc. The Buffaloes have been a notorious underachiever away from the high altitude in Boulder that gives them an advantage over their visitors: they are a decisive 18-45-1 ATS in their last 64 road games against teams with a winning record at home. Furthermore, Colorado has failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 20 games on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 16 road games with the Total set in the 140 to 149.5 point range. The Buffaloes have also failed to cover the point spread in 25 of their last 34 road game as an underdog getting 3.5 to 6 points — and this includes them failing to cover the point spread in six of these last seven situations. USC has covered the points spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a point spread loss — and they have covered the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games after an upset loss to a Pac-12 rival. The Trojans made just 38% of their shots on Wednesday which was the worst shooting effort for them in their last thirteen games. USC has a likely one-and-doner in freshman Kevin Porter, Jr. who has returned to action after serving a suspension for some off-the-court issues for much of the season. This team can still make a push to qualify for postseason tournaments — and, given the quality of competition in the Pac-12, head coach Andy Enfield has to feel that winning the Pac-12 Tournament remains a possibility for his team. The Trojans have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after losing two of their last three games. They stay at home where they are 11-3 this season with an average winning margin of +12.7 PPG. USC makes 47.6% of their shots on their home court — but they thrive with their defensive efforts on their home court where they limit their opponents to just a 38% field goal percentage. Over their last five games, USC has held its opponents to just a 37.7% field goal percentage. Overall, the Trojans have an opponents’ field goal percentage of 41.7% — and these are the type of teams that give the Buffaloes trouble. Colorado has failed to cover the point spread in 22 of their last 33 games against teams that do not allow their opponents to make more than 42.0% of their shots. USC has covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games at home — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with a losing record on the road. And in their last 13 home games as a favorite or pick ‘em, the Trojans have covered the point spread in 9 of these games.

FINAL TAKE: Porter has only played in 12 games this season but has played in the last five games for Enfield. Not only does he have the highest upside when it comes to putting the ball in the net for this team, but his presence helps deal with the depth issues the Trojans have encountered this season given the unholy trinity of injuries, suspensions, and transfers. Look for USC to soundly defeat a Colorado team due for a big letdown on the road. 25* CBB Saturday ESPN2 Game of the Year with the USC Trojans (768) minus the points versus the Colorado Buffaloes (767). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Duke Blue Devils (713) and the Virginia Cavaliers (714). Duke (20-2) has won six straight games after their 80-55 win over Boston College on Tuesday as a 24-point favorite. Virginia (20-1) has won four straight contests with their 56-46 win over Miami (FL) last Saturday as a 17.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Cavaliers’ junior point guard, Ty Jerome, is listed as questionable for this game with a sore back. It looks like he will try to play tonight after having had a full week off since not playing in that game against the Hurricanes — but his effectiveness remains a question. Duke will have their freshman point guard Tre Jones in this game after he missed the first encounter between these two teams last month. Jones is an elite defensive player — so a not at full strength Jerome will be a big problem for the Virginia offense with Jones harassing him. It will be even worse when Jones is defending the Cavaliers’ 5’9 freshman point guard Kihei Clark who committed six turnovers running the offense against Miami. As it is, Virginia has played 8 of their last 11 games Under the Total after a point spread loss. Furthermore, the Cavaliers have managed only 28 and 27 points in the first-half of their last two games — and they have then played 9 of their last 11 games Under the Total after failing to reach at least 30 points in the first-half in two straight contests. Virginia does play outstanding defense — they rank second in the nation in Adjusted Efficiency while leading the country by holding their opponents to just 52.9 PPG. On their home court, the Cavaliers limit their guests to only 49.0 PPG on ice-cold 33.3% shooting. Virginia has played 10 of their last 12 games Under the Total on their home court — and they have played 8 of their last 9 home games Under the Total with the number set in the 130 to 139.5 point range. Additionally, the Cavaliers have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Duke has seen the Under go 23-8-2 in their last 33 games after a straight-up win — and they have played 11 straight games Under the Total after a win by at least 20 points. The Blue Devils have also played 11 of their last 12 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. Furthermore, Duke has played 9 of their last 11 games Under the Total after scoring at least 80 points in their last game — and they have played 9 of their last 10 games Under the Total after holding their last opponent to no more than 55 points. This is Mike Krzyzewski’s best defensive team in years — they rank fourth in the nation in Adjusted Efficiency. The 35.7% shooting mark that the Eagles produced on Tuesday was actually the best percentage that a Duke opponent has produced in their last three contests. The Blue Devils have held their last five opponents to just 58.8 PPG. Duke goes back on the road where the Under is 3-0-1 in their last 4 road games — and the Under is also 3-0-1 in their last 4 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. The Under is also 18-8-1 in the Blue Devils’ last 27 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%.

FINAL TAKE: Duke won the first meeting between these two teams without their defensive dynamo in Jones by a 72-70 score back on January 19th. Virginia has played 11 of their last 13 games Under the Total when playing with revenge on their minds. 20* CBB Duke-Virginia ESPN O/U Special with Under the Total in the game between the Duke Blue Devils (713) and the Virginia Cavaliers (714). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 2:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Ohio Bobcats (631) and the Miami (OH) Redhawks (632). THE SITUATION: Ohio (11-10) has lost two straight games after their 65-53 loss to Akron last Saturday as a 2-point favorite. Miami (OH) (12-11) has lost two of their last three games with their 70-67 loss at Kent State as a 4-point underdog on Tuesday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Bobcats have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a loss by at least 10 points. And while Ohio has only covered the point spread twice in their last twelve games, they have then played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after failing to cover the point spread in six or seven of their last eight games. This team is last in the Mid-American Conference in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency — and now they go on the road where they are scoring only 59.8 PPG with a low 38.4% field goal percentage. The Bobcats have played 9 of their last 11 games Under the Total on the road — and they have played 9 of their last 11 games Under the Total on the road against teams with a winning record at home. Furthermore, Ohio has played 10 of their last 14 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record — and they have played 9 of their last 12 games Under the Total against fellow MAC opponents. Miami (OH) has seen the Under go 28-11-1 in their last 40 games against conference opponents. The Redhawks have played 4 straight games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and the Under is 21-8-1 in their last 30 games after a point spread victory. Additionally, Miami has played 7 straight games at home Under the Total after a loss. This is a team that sacrifices offensive rebounding to get back on defense — they are last in the MAC by pulling down only 24.6% of their missed shots. Over their last five games, the Redhawks are allowing only 60.4 PPG while holding their opponents to just a  39.6% field goal percentage. But during that span, Miami is scoring only 65.4 PPG themselves on 41.5% shooting (and few second-chance opportunities). Now after playing their last two games on the road, the Redhawks return home where they hold their opponents to just 63.8 PPG on 41.3% shooting from the field. Miami has played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total on their home court — and they have played 4 of their last 5 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams have seen the Under go 4-0-1 in their last 5 meetings at Miami. Expect another lower scoring game between these two teams. 25* CBB Mid-American Conference Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Ohio Bobcats (631) and the Miami (OH) Redhawks (632). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Michigan Wolverines (606) minus the points versus the Wisconsin Badgers (605). THE SITUATION: Michigan (21-2) has won four of their last five games after their 77-65 win at Rutgers on Tuesday as a 9.5-point favorite. Wisconsin (17-6) has won six straight games with their 56-51 win at Minnesota as a 2.5-point favorite on Wednesday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE WOLVERINES MINUS THE POINTS: Michigan has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a straight-up win. This is a rematch of the January 19th meeting between these two teams in Madison where the Badgers pulled a 64-54 upset win as a 3-point underdog. That game was much closer than the final score suggests with some controversial officiating playing a big role in the final score that handed the Wolverines the first loss of the season. Michigan’s star freshman, Iggy Brazdeikas, was held scoreless in that game with Wisconsin’s Ethan Happ drawing that assignment which freed up their defensive phenom, Nate Reuvers, to patrol the middle with his shot-blocking abilities. Michigan shot just 40.8% from the field in that game — but they should shoot much better at home in Crisler Arena in this rematch where they make 45.7% of their shots. The Wolverines are a perfect 14-0 in Ann Arbor where they are outscoring their opponents by +16.2 PPG. Michigan has the best Adjusted Defensive Efficiency in the nation — and they hold their visitors to just 56.1 PPG on low 39.9% shooting from the field. The Wolverines have held their last five opponents to just a 38.3% field goal percentage. Michigan has covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games at home — and they have covered the point spread in 9 straight home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. The Wolverines are also 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Wisconsin has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 11 games after a win on the road against a fellow Big Ten opponent — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games after playing a game on the road as a favorite. And while the Badgers have covered the point spread in six straight games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 games after covering the point spread in at least six straight contests. After making only 34.5% of their shots at Minnesota on Wednesday, Wisconsin is making only 43.5% of their shots over their last five games. The Badgers can struggle to score baskets on the road when Happ does not get help from a secondary scorer — they have failed to score more than 62 points in three of their last four road games in conference play. Wisconsin has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 road games with the Total set no higher than 129.5 point range. The Badgers have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 trips to Ann Arbor to face the Wolverines.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams are remarkably similar: they play elite level defense while playing cautiously on offense looking for good shots while being outstanding in not turning the ball while rarely getting to the free throw line and not crashing the offensive glass. Home court should make the difference in the rematch where the Wolverines’ players are comfortable in making their shots. Michigan has covered the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games when avenging a double-digit loss on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 8 straight games when playing with same-season revenge. 10* CBB Wisconsin-Michigan Fox-TV Special with the Michigan Wolverines (606) minus the points versus the Wisconsin Badgers (605). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (864) plus the point(s) versus the Georgia State Panthers (863). Louisiana-Lafayette (12-10) has lost three straight games after their 103-86 loss to Georgia Southern on Wednesday as a 1.5-point underdog. Georgia State (16-7) saw their two-game winning streak snapped on Wednesday with their 82-76 loss at UL-Monroe as a 2.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE RAGIN’ CAJUNS PLUS THE POINT(S): Louisiana should respond with a strong effort tonight as they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games at home after a loss to a fellow Sun Belt Conference rival. Additionally, the Ragin’ Cajuns have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after a loss by at least 10 points — and they have covered the point spread in 7 straight home games after a double-digit loss. This Louisiana team was 16-2 last season in conference play before losing in the first round of the Sun Belt Conference opponents. The team has three seniors back from that group in JaKeenan Gant, Malik Marquette and Marcus Stroman that lead the way this season. They have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games on their home court with the Total set in the 160 to 169.5 point range. Georgia State has failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 15 games after a loss to a Sun Belt rival — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after a loss on the road to a conference opponent. Furthermore, the Panthers have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a point spread setback. This team returns four starters from the group that made the NCAA Tournament last season. But this team lacks size — they rank last in the Sun Belt by allowing their opponents to pull down 33.4% of their missed shots. Now Georgia State stays on the road where they have lost six of their seven games this season while having a negative point differential in those contests. The Panthers have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 road games against teams with a winning record on their home court. Georgia State makes only 44.9% of their shots when playing on the road which is a few notches below their 46.8% season average. The Panthers have also failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games against Sun Belt Conference rivals.

FINAL TAKE: Louisiana will be playing with revenge on their mind from an 89-76 loss to Georgia State back on January 10th — and the Ragin’ Cajuns have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games when playing with revenge from a double-digit loss. 25* CBB Friday ESPN2 Game of the Year with the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (864) plus the point(s) versus the Georgia State Panthers (863). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the UAB Blazers (628) plus the point(s) versus the Old Dominion Monarchs (627). THE SITUATION: UAB (14-9) had won four games in a row before losing a home-and-home back-to-back set of games with Middle Tennessee with the second upset loss being on Saturday in a 79-78 loss at home as an 11-point favorite. Old Dominion (18-6) has won their last two games as well as seven of their last eight contests with their 80-76 win over Rice as a 12-point favorite on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BLAZERS PLUS THE POINT(S): UAB had a 42-32 lead at halftime over the Blue Raiders on Saturday — but Middle Tennessee nailed 10 of their 20 shots from behind the arc to help them rally to pull off a second straight upset. The Blazers have bounced-back to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after suffering two straight upset losses. They stay at home where they are 10-2 with an average winning margin of +11.9 PPG. UAB holds their visitors to just 64.1 PPG on low 38.8% shooting from the field. The Blazers also made 50.1% of their shots on their home court. They have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games at home — and they are 13-6-1 ATS in their last 20 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. Furthermore, UAB has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 home games with the Total set in the 130 to 139.5 point range. Old Dominion has failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a win over a conference rival. Additionally, the Monarchs have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after winning at least eight of their last ten games. Now Old Dominion goes back on the road where they have failed to cover the points spread in 5 straight games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Furthermore, the Monarchs have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games as the favorite or a pick ‘em.

FINAL TAKE: Old Dominion only shoots 33.3% from behind the arc when playing on the road so they are unlikely to replicate the 50% mark that Middle Tennessee produced against UAB on Saturday. The Blazers made 9 of their 16 (56.2%) of their 3-pointers in that loss — and they now host a Monarchs’ team that is last in Conference USA by allowing their conference opponents to make 37.4% of their 3-pointers as they focus on clogging the middle. Old Dominion has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 trips to UAB. 10* CBB Thursday Daily Discounted Deal with the UAB Blazers (628) plus the point(s) versus the Old Dominion Monarchs (627). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Memphis Tigers (614) plus the points versus the Cincinnati Bearcats (613). THE SITUATION: Memphis (13-9) has lost two straight games as well as three of their last four contests with their 84-78 loss at South Florida last Saturday as a 2-point underdog. Cincinnati (19-3) has won seven straight games after their 73-68 win over SMU last Saturday as an 11.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE TIGERS PLUS THE POINTS: Memphis probably played their worst game of the season on Saturday. They made only 36.2% of their shots which was the worst offensive effort in their last 15 games — and they allowed the Bulls to make 55% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last 18 games. The Tigers have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 14 games after allowing their last opponent to make at least 55% of their shots. Memphis has also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a narrow loss by 6 points or less. Furthermore, the Tigers have covered the point spread in 28 of their last 38 games after losing at least two straight games against conference rivals — and this includes them covering the point spread in six of these last situations. Memphis returns home where they are 11-1 this season with an average winning margin of +16.4 PPG. The Tigers play at a break-neck pace while crashing the glass on offense and playing a press on defense to force turnovers to create scoring opportunities under first-year head coach Penny Hardaway. Memphis is 7th in the nation by scoring 82.8 PPG — and they see that number rise to an 89.7 PPG mark at home where they make 48.7% of their shots. They also hold their visitors to just a 41.4% field goal percentage when playing at home. The Tigers have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games on their home court — and they have covered the point spread in 5 straight home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. Memphis has also covered the point spread in 8 of their last 12 home games when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Cincinnati has enjoyed a soft non-conference schedule that metrics guru Ken Pomeroy ranks as the 235th easiest in the nation. They just entered the AP Top-25 rankings and have a showdown against Houston pending on Sunday — so this is a classic trap situation for this Bearcats team that may get caught looking ahead. Cincinnati has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games against teams with a winning record. Now this team goes not the road where they are making only 43.4% of their shots. The Bearcats have failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 19 games with the Total set in the 150 to 159.5 point range — and they have failed to cover the point spread in five of their last seven games on the road with the Total set in that range. Cincinnati once again plays tough defense on head coach Mick Cronin — but they struggle in defending the 3-point line where they are last in the American Athletic Conference where opponents are making 40.4% of their shots from downtown. Memphis makes 35.2% of their 3-pointers when playing at home.

FINAL TAKE: Hardaway can easily motivate his team to play well as the Tigers lost to the Bearcats in the AAC Tournament last March by a 70-60 score. Look for this Memphis team to expose this Bearcats team that is not nearly as good as last year’s team that suffered that epic second-half collapse to Nevada in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament. 10* CBB Cincinnati-Memphis ESPN2 Special with the Memphis Tigers (614) plus the points versus the Cincinnati Bearcats (613). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Delaware Blue Hens (604) plus the points versus the College of Charleston Cougars (603). THE SITUATION: Delaware (14-10) has lost two straight games as well as three of their last four contests after their 84-63 loss at William & Mary on Saturday as a 5.5-point underdog. College of Charleston (18-6) has won four straight contests after their 54-53 win over Towson on Saturday as a 11.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BLUE HENS PLUS THE POINTS: Delaware played one of their worst games of the season on Saturday. They made only 33.9% of their shots which was the worst offensive effort in their last ten games — and they allowed the Pride to make 50.9% of their shots which as the worst defensive performance in their last five games. The Blue Hens should respond with a strong effort tonight as they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 9 home games after a loss by at least 15 points — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a loss by at least 20 points. Delaware is also a decisive 39-19-3 ATS in their last 61 games after a point spread loss. The Blue Hens have failed to cover the point spread in four straight contests — but they have then covered the point spread in 26 of their last 36 games after failing to cover the point spread in three straight games while also covering the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games after failing to cover the point spread in four straight contests. Now after playing their last two games on the road, they return home where they are 8-4 this season where they are making 49.1% of their shots while holding their visitors to just a 42.6% field goal percentage. Delaware has covered the point spread in 9 of their last 10 home games after losing their last two games against Colonial Athletic Association rivals — and they have also covered the point spread in 16 of their last 22 home games after allowing at least 80 points in their last game. Furthermore, the Blue Hens have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 home games against teams with a winning record on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 20 home games as an underdog or pick ‘em. Charleston has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after a game where both teams failed to score more than 65 points — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after failing to reach at least the 60 point threshold in their last game. The Cougars have also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after winning at least three straight games. Now after playing four straight games at home where they were favored in each game, Charleston goes back on the road where they are just 7-5 this season. The Cougars have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after playing at least two straight games as a home favorite. Charleston’s worse loss of the season was at a James Madison team that metrics guru Ken Pomeroy ranks as just the 279th best team in the nation. The Cougars have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight road games against teams with a winning record at home. Charleston had covered the point spread in three straight games before their narrow win over Towson on Saturday — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after failing to cover the point spread just once in their last four games. And while the Cougars have not allowed more than 59 points in four straight games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after not allowing more than 60 points in four straight contests.

FINAL TAKE: Delaware will also have revenge on their mind after their 71-58 loss at Charleston back on January 12th. The Blue Hens have covered the point spread in 10 of the last 16 opportunities to avenge a same-season loss. 25* CBB Colonial Athletic Association Underdog of the Year with the Delaware Blue Hens (604) plus the points versus the College of Charleston Cougars (603). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:30 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the California Golden Bears (831) and the Oregon Ducks (832). THE SITUATION: California (5-16) has lost ten straight games after their 84-81 loss at home to Stanford last Sunday as a 4-point underdog. Oregon (13-9) saw their two-game winning streak snapped last Saturday with their 73-51 upset loss at Colorado as a 1-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Golden Bears have played 10 of their last 11 road games Under the Total after a loss to a fellow Pac-12 rival. Cal has also played 10 straight road games Under the Total after losing at least two games in a row. Cal lost seven contributors from last year’s 8-24 team — and they have continued to struggle this season as they are last in the Pac-12 in both Adjusted Offensive Efficiency and with their effective field goal percentage of 45.5%. They have allowed their last three opponents to shoot at least 50% from the field — but they have then played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total after allowing their last three opponents to make at least 47% of their shots. Now after playing their last three games at home, the Golden Bears go back on the road where they are 0-9 this season while making just 42.9% of their shots which is resulting in only 67.6 PPG. Cal has played 12 of their last 16 road games Under the Total — and they have played 13 of their last 16 road games Under the Total after playing at least three straight games at home. Furthermore, the Golden Bears have played 12 of their last 15 road games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court — and they have played 7 of their last 8 road games Under the Total as an underdog getting 12.5 to 18 points. Oregon has played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after a point spread setback. The Ducks have also played 8 of their last 9 games Under the Total after a loss on the road. Now after playing their last two games on the road, Oregon returns home where they are 9-4 this season while holding their opponents to just 64.8 PPG on a low 42.0% field goal percentage. The Ducks have played 7 straight home games Under the Total after playing their last two games on the road. Oregon has also played 24 of their last 33 home games Under the Total after a loss on the road to a Pac-12 rival. The Ducks have been hit hard with injuries this season with the biggest being to Bol Bol who is out the year with a left foot injury. While Dana Altman’s team is back to full strength — save for Bol — the offensive chemistry of this team has been disrupted. Oregon ranks 10th in the Pac-12 in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. But the Ducks have been solid on defense as they rank 5th in the conference in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. They have played 8 of their last 10 home games Under the Total as the favorite laying 12.5 to 18 points.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams play at the two slowest paces in the Pac-12 — Cal’s 18.2 seconds per possession in conference action is only quicker than Oregon’s 19.0 seconds per possession. The Ducks do force pressure to create scoring opportunities — they are second in the Pac-12 by forcing turnovers in 24.4% of their conference opponents possessions. But protecting the basketball may be what this Bears team does best as they are second in the conference by only turning the ball over in 15.9% of their possessions in conference play. Expect a slog. 25* CBB Wednesday FS1 Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the California Golden Bears (831) and the Oregon Ducks (832). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the LSU Tigers (823) and the Mississippi State Bulldogs (824). THE SITUATION: LSU (17-4) looks to bounce-back from their 90-89 upset loss to Arkansas as a 10-point favorite on Saturday. Mississippi State (16-5) has won two of their last three games with their 81-75 upset victory at Ole Miss on Saturday as a 2-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Tigers have played 23 of the last 34 games Over the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 17 of their last 23 road games Over the Total after a game where at least 165 combined points were scored. And while LSU has failed to cover the point spread in three of their last four games, they have then played 17 of their last 19 games Over the Total after failing to cover the point spread in three of their last four games. Now this team goes back on the road where they are 6-3 this season while averaging 78.8 PPG but allowing 74.9 PPG. The Tigers have played 13 of their last 16 games Over the Total on the road — and they have played 9 of their last 10 road games Over the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Furthermore, LSU has played 6 of their last 8 games Over the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Mississippi State has played 20 of their last 27 home games Over the Total after an upset win over an SEC rival. The Bulldogs have also played 43 of their last 67 games Over the Total on their home court after winning two of their last three games. The Bulldogs return home where they are 11-1 this season while scoring 83.9 PPG on 50.4% shooting from the field. Mississippi State has played 4 straight home games Over the Total. The Bulldogs have also played 9 of their last 10 games Over the Total against teams with a winning record.

FINAL TAKE: LSU and Mississippi State are two of the best offensive teams in the nation: they rank 17th and 20th nationally in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. These two teams have played 11 of their last 13 meetings Over the Total — and this includes them playing six of their last seven games Over the Total when playing at Mississippi State. 10* CBB LSU-Mississippi State ESPN2 O/U Special with Over the Total in the game between the LSU Tigers (823) and the Mississippi State Bulldogs (824). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Air Force Falcons (820) minus the points versus the Wyoming Cowboys (819). THE SITUATION: Air Force (9-13) has lost their last two games after their 85-53 upset loss at home to Colorado State as a 2.5-point favorite on Saturday. Wyoming (5-16) has lost two straight games as well as seven of their last eight contests with their 75-62 loss to Fresno State last Wednesday as a 13.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE FALCONS MINUS THE POINTS: Air Force should respond with a strong effort after that embarrassing performance which might have been their worst game of the season on both ends of the court. The Falcons made just 32.7% of their shots against the Rams which was the lowest field goal percentage for them all season. Colorado State also made 61.1% of their shots in that game which was the highest field goal percentage any team has generated against Air Force all season. The Rams have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 11 games after a loss by at least 20 points — and they are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a double-digit loss at home. The Falcons remain 7-4 on their home court where they make a healthy 47.7% of their shots while holding their visitors to just a 44.8% field goal percentage. Air Force should certainly play better on the defensive end of the court tonight as they have covered the point spread in 10 straight games after allowing their last opponent to score at least 85 points — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after allowing their last opponent to make at least 55% of their shots. Furthermore, while the Falcons have lost and failed to cover the point spread in two straight games, they have then covered the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games after failing to cover the point spread in their last two games — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 9 home games after losing their previous two contests. Additionally, Air Force has covered the point spread in 14 of their last 20 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 percentage below 40% on the road. Wyoming is just 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a straight-up loss. And while the Cowboys previous loss was by a 77-52 score at Boise State (that Air Force has defeated at home this season), they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after losing at least two straight games by double-digits. This Cowboys team has been ravaged with injuries and attrition this season — six players have been lost for the season either by injuries, suspension, or leaving the team including their second-leading shot taker in Hunter Maldonado and a starter in Jake Hendricks. Depth is a significant concern now for head coach Allen Edwards who is not comfortable using more than two players off his bench. Now this team goes back on the road where they are just 1-9 this season with an average losing margin of -16.8 PPG. Wyoming scores only 61.9 PPG on the road on low 39.3% shooting. The Cowboys are just 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 games on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 road games against teams with a winning record at home. This is a program that has not fared well against fellow teams that are struggling — they are a miserable 11-37-3 ATS in their last 51 games against teams with a losing record.

FINAL TAKE: It takes some elbow grease to really begin to appreciate how bad things are in Wyoming for a team that metrics guru Ken Pomeroy ranks as the 322nd team in the nation. Air Force will not be playing in the postseason this year — but I have seen them play (at Michigan in the fall) and this remains a competent basketball team that plays hard and is well-coached. They should take advantage of this opportunity to earn a nice win at home. 10* CBB Wednesday Daily Discounted Deal with the Air Force Falcons (820) minus the points versus the Wyoming Cowboys (819). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Kansas State Wildcats (636) minus the points versus the Kansas Jayhawks (635). THE SITUATION: Kansas State (16-5) has won six of their last seven games with their 75-57 win over Oklahoma State on Saturday as a 3-point favorite. Kansas (17-5) had lost three of their last four games before bouncing back with a 79-63 win over Texas Tech as a 4.5-point favorite on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE WILDCATS MINUS THE POINTS: Kansas State raced out to a 43-27 halftime lead over the Cowboys on Saturday. The Wildcats have then covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after not allowing more than 30 points in the first-half of their last game. Now Kansas State returns home after playing their last two games on the road where they are 10-1 this season. The Wildcats play outstanding defense — they rank 5th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. Kansas State holds their visitors to just 56.1 PPG on low 38.5% shooting. The Wildcats have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 home games against without a winning record on the road — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 32 o their last 48 home games after a victory of at least 15 points. Furthermore, Kansas State has covered the point spread in 5 straight games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. The Wildcats can struggle against teams that are proficient at making their 3s: they are last in the Big 12 by allowing their opponents to nail 37.1% of their shots from downtown. But this is not really the makeup of this Kansas team who have displayed a reticence to let it rip from outside the arc. The Jayhawks are 10th in the Big 12 by taking only 35.2% of their shots from behind the arc. Kansas did shoot 13 of 26 (50%) from the 3-point line on Saturday in their win against Texas Tech. They scored 46 points in the first-half of that game as they put together probably the best 20 minutes of play all season. This offensive effort coincided with forward Marcus Garrett suffering an ankle injury in practice the day before which will likely keep out him out again for this game. Garrett is a liability on offense with opponents comfortable to not even put a man on him when he is standing outside the arc. But I don’t think Kansas’ problems were suddenly solved on Saturday with Garrett being absent and the team playing at a faster pace with point guard Dedric Lawson popping back to the 3-point line off pick-and-rolls rather than racing for the basket. Instead, I suspect that Kansas’ better shooting was a product of them playing back at home This team is just 5-5 when playing away from home with a net point differential. They are making only 44.6% of their shots away from home. The Jayhawks have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games on the road — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 road games against teams with a winning record on their home court. Furthermore, Kansas has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a point spread victory. Another issue for this team is their lack of size after 7’0 Udoka Azubuike suffered his season-ending hand injury. Usually, Bill Self teams give themselves some room for error by crashing the boards — but this team is just 7th in the Big 12 by pulling down only 26.9% of their missed shots. The Jayhawks have not managed more than 9 offensive rebounds in three straight games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 18 games after failing to rebound more than 9 boards in at least two straight games. Furthermore, Kansas has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% overall.

FINAL TAKE: Kansas State will have revenge on their minds after losing to their in-state rivals in the last meeting between these two teams in the Big 12 Tournament by an 83-67 score back on March 9th last year. With a healthy Dean Wade again leading the way on the offensive end of the floor, this Wildcats team is one of the best teams in the country. 10* CBB Tuesday Late Show Bailout with the Kansas State Wildcats (636) minus the points versus the Kansas Jayhawks (635). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Drake Bulldogs (615) and the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers (616). THE SITUATION: Drake (17-6) has won five of their last six games with their 68-62 upset victory at Indiana State on Saturday as a 1-point underdog. Loyola-Chicago (14-9) saw their two-game winning streak snapped on Saturday with their 65-57 loss to Illinois State as a 1-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Drake has played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 9 of their last 11 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. The Bulldogs stay on the road where they are holding their hosts to just a 41.7% field goal percentage. Drake has the best Adjusted Defensive Efficiency in the Missouri Valley Conference — and they have played 6 of their last 7 conference games Under the Total. But the Bulldogs make only 44.7% of their shots away from home as compared to their 47.5% field goal mark for the season. Drake has played 4 straight games Under the Total on the road — and they have played 6 of their last 7 road games Under the Total against teams with a winning record on their home court. This team has seen their scoring output derailed with the season-ending ACL injury to Nick Norton. The senior guard was the second-leading scorer on the team with a 14.0 PPG scoring average — and by taking 22.2% of the team’s shots for the season, he was taking the second most percentage of shots on the team. Moving forward, the Bulldogs have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Loyola-Chicago has played 9 of their last 12 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 6 of their last 8 games after a point spread setback. The Ramblers have played two straight games where neither team scored more than 65 points. Not only has Loyola-Chicago played 12 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a game where both teams did not score more than 65 points but they have also played 6 straight games Under the Total after playing two straight games where neither team scored at least 65 points. The Ramblers return home where they are 10-3 this season while holding their visitors to just 57.9 PPG on low 40.7% shooting from the field. Loyola-Chicago has played 9 of their last 13 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning record on the road. Furthermore, the Ramblers have played 12 of their last 17 games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60%.

FINAL TAKE: Drake will be looking to avenge an 85-74 loss to Loyola-Chicago back on January 5th. The Bulldogs have played 22 of their last 32 games Under the Total when on the road playing with revenge from a same-season loss. The Under is also 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings between these two teams on the Ramblers’ home court. 25* CBB Tuesday CBS Sports Network Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Drake Bulldogs (615) and the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers (616). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the Louisville Cardinals (851) plus the points versus the Virginia Tech (852). THE SITUATION: Louisville (16-6) saw their six-game winning streak snapped on Saturday looks with a 79-69 loss at North Carolina on Saturday as a 2-point underdog. Virginia Tech (18-3) has won three straight games after their  47-24 win at North Carolina State on Saturday where they were 3-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE CARDINALS PLUS THE POINTS: Louisville should bounce-back with a strong effort as they have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 17 games after a double-digit loss at home. The Cardinals have also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a straight-up loss — and they are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games after a point spread loss. Louisville stays on the road where they are 4-4 but with an impressive +8.0 net point differential. The Cardinals have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games — and they have also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 road games against teams with a winning record at home. This team is playing very good on the defensive end of the court — they have held their last five opponents to just 37.6% shooting. Virginia Tech has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games after allowing less than 50 points in their last game. The Hokies deserve some credit for their defensive play on Saturday — but it also true that the Wolfpack was awful as they made just 16.7% of their shots. Virginia Tech has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after winning at least two straight games against fellow ACC rivals. The Hokies are vulnerable to teams that can make their 3s — they rank 12th in the ACC by allowing their opponents to make 35.1% of their shots from behind the arc. The Cardinals are making a healthy 36.3% of their shots from behind the arc. Lastly, Virginia Tech has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 home games as a favorite laying no more than 6 points.

FINAL TAKE: Expect this to be a very close game that the Cardinals have an opportunity to win outright — but take the points for some insurance. 10* CBB Louisville-Virginia Tech ESPN Special with the Louisville Cardinals (851) plus the points versus the Virginia Tech (852). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the UAB Blazers (742) minus the points versus the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (741). THE SITUATION: UAB (14-8) has the opportunity for immediate revenge as they host Middle Tennessee (6-16) after getting upset in their gym by a 71-65 score despite being a 6-point favorite on Wednesday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BLAZERS MINUS THE POINTS: UAB should play better tonight as they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up loss — and they have also covered the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games after an upset loss as a favorite. The Blazers made only 41.1% of their shots in that game — but now they return home where they are making 50.1% of their shots this season. UAB is 10-1 on their home court this season while outscoring their guests by +13.1 PPG. The Blazers lead Conference USA in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency — and they are holding their visitors to just 62.7 PPG with a low 37.8% field goal percentage. UAB has covered the point spread in 4 straight games on their home court — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 home games with the Total set in the 130 to 139.5 point range. Furthermore, the Blazers have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 home games when laying 6.5 to 12 points. And while UAB has played two straight games Over the Total, they have then covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after playing a game that finished Over the Total — and they have also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after playing two straight Overs. Middle Tennessee is due for a letdown as they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a point spread victory. Now the Blue Raiders go back on the road where they are 0-12 this season with an average losing margin of -18.1 PPG. Middle Tennessee only scores 59.2 PPG away from home on 38.2% shooting which is not surprising when considering that they rank 12th in Conference USA in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. The Blue Raiders are not much better on defense either where they rank 11th in the conference in Adjusted Efficiency. Middle Tennessee has failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games on the road — 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%. And in their last 17 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%, the Blue Raiders have failed to cover the point spread in 15 of these contests.

FINAL TAKE: Middle Tennessee travels to Birmingham for this rematch where they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 trips to face the Blazers. We are on a great College Basketball run right now with the conference sample sizes now large enough to make some strong comparative assessments — and this play really popped when I got to it on the large CBB card where I look closely at every game on the docket to find hidden gems (and I hope I did not just jinx it for us — great situations still do not always win). 25* CBB Conference USA Game of the Year with the UAB Blazers (742) minus the points versus the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (741). Bets of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Kansas Jayhawks (678) minus the points versus the Texas Tech Red Raiders (677). THE SITUATION: Kansas (16-5) has lost two straight games as well as three of their last four contests with their 73-63 loss at Texas as a 1-point underdog on Tuesday. Texas Tech (17-4) has won their last two games after their easy 84-65 win over TCU as a 5-point favorite back on Monday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE JAYHAWKS MINUS THE POINTS: Kansas should respond with a strong effort this afternoon. The Jayhawks have bounced-back to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games after a loss to a Big 12 rival. Kansas has also covered the point spread in 19 of their last 27 games after a double-digit loss on the road. Kansas is struggling as of late after the season-ending injury to Udoka Azubuike which has left them lacking size. The Jayhawks have also struggled to score baskets at times — and they lack reliable perimeter shooters. But the scoring troubles can be attributed to playing tough defenses in hostile environments. All five of their losses have been on the road this season. Kansas returns home where they are a perfect 11-0 with an average winning margin of +13.2 PPG. The Jayhawks make their shots in the familiar surroundings of Allen Fieldhouse as they enjoy a 49.7% field goal percentage there this season. Kansas has not covered the point spread in their last five games — but that sets them up nicely for this situation as they have covered the points spread in 15 of their last 21 games after failing to cover the point spread in two straight games while also covering the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games after failing to cover the point spread in five straight games. This remains a team that ranks 29th in the nation in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency and 13th in the country in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency — so let’s not overreact to some recent difficulties. This is a good matchup for Bill Self’s team as they Red Raiders often deploy four guard lineups with their star player Jarrett Culver playing the four forward positions — so the Jayhawks’ lack of size is not something that will likely be a vulnerability in this matchup. Texas Tech is also a team that can experience scoring droughts as they lack a reliable second scoring option after Culver. Kansas has a great defender in Marcus Garrett who can slow Culver down. After losing three straight games, the Red Raiders have won their last two contests — but they are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games after a straight-up win. Texas Tech has also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a point spread win. And while the Red Raiders have only covered the point spread twice in their last six games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games after failing to cover the point spread in four or five of their last six games. Now Texas Tech goes back on the road where they are 5-3 while making only 42.6% of their shots with Culver’s teammates struggling to make baskets. The Red Raiders have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games both on the road overall and in their last six games against teams who are winning at least 60% of their games on their home court. Texas Tech is an elite defensive team that ranks third in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency — but they do allow their home hosts to make 44% of their shots which is much higher than their 36.1% opponent’s field goal percentage overall. Furthermore, teams can score inside against the Red Raiders as they rank 5th in the Big 12 with an opponent’s field goal percentage of 48.0% inside the arc. This is where Kansas should thrive as they lead the Big 12 with a 52.2% field goal percentage inside the arc.

FINAL TAKE: The Jayhawks will be looking to avenge an 85-73 loss at home to Texas Tech last season. Yet the Red Raiders have still failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 16 trips to Lawrence to face the Jayhawks. 20* CBB Texas Tech-Kansas CBS-TV Special with the Kansas Jayhawks (678) minus the points versus the Texas Tech Red Raiders (677). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (603) plus the points versus the Florida State Seminoles (604). THE SITUATION: Georgia Tech (11-10) has lost two straight games as well as four of their last five contests with their 77-54 loss to North Carolina as a 10.5-point underdog on Tuesday. Florida State (15-5) has won two straight games with their 78-66 win at Miami (FL) as a 4-point favorite last Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE YELLOW JACKETS PLUS THE POINTS: Georgia Tech should rebound with a strong effort as they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after a loss by at least 20 points — and they have covered the point spread in 4 straight games after a double-digit loss at home. Additionally, the Yellow Jackets have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a point spread setback. This team made only 35% of their shots against the Tar Heels which was the worst field goal percentage in their last ten games. Head coach Josh Pastner does have this team playing outstanding defense. Georgia Tech is 12th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency while also ranking 9th in the country with an opponent’s effective field goal percentage of 44.1%. Defense travels — and the Yellow Jackets have pulled upsets at Syracuse and at Arkansas who are two teams that metrics guru Ken Pomeroy ranks as the 39th and 57th best teams in the nation. Georgia Tech has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Furthermore, the Yellow Jackets have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 21 games against teams with a winning record. There are two weaknesses of this Seminoles team that Georgia Tech is particularly adept to exploit. First, Florida State commits too many fouls — they rank 305th in the nation with an opponent’s Free Throw Attempt to Field Goal Attempt ratio of 39.7%. The Yellow Jackets do a good job of getting to the free throw line — they are 58th in the nation with an FTA/FGA ratio of 38.5% which ratchets up in ACC play to a 39.4% mark. The Seminoles are also loose with the basketball as they rank 244th in the nation by turning the ball over in 19.8% of their possessions. Georgia Tech is 91st in the nation by forcing turnovers in 20.5% of their possessions. Florida State enjoyed their best shooting day of the season last Sunday as they made 56% of their shots against the Hurricanes. But the Seminoles are just 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a straight-up win. Furthermore, Florida State has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games against teams with a winning record. The Seminoles return home where they are just 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 home games against teams with a losing record on the road.

FINAL TAKE: Georgia Tech’s ability to force turnovers and get to the free throw line to generate points — along with their tough half-court defense — should help them keep this game close against this Florida State team that has trouble covering bigger point spreads like this. 10* CBB Saturday Afternoon Tip-Off with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (603) plus the points versus the Florida State Seminoles (604). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Maryland Terrapins (869) and the Wisconsin Badgers (870). THE SITUATION: Maryland (17-5) snapped a two-game losing streak on Tuesday with a 70-52 win over Northwestern as a 7.5-point favorite. Wisconsin (15-6) has won four straight games after their 62-51 upset win at Nebraska as a 3.5-point underdog on Tuesday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Terrapins played a great game on defense against the Wildcats as they held them to just a 31% field goal percentage. Maryland has played 14 of their last 21 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 60 points in their last game. And while that game finished below the 132.5 point total, the Terrapins have played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total after playing a game that finished below the number. Maryland’s defense has traveled this season — they are holding their home hosts to just 62.2 PPG on low 39.6% shooting. The Terrapins have held their last five opponents to just a 39.4% field goal percentage as head coach Mark Turgeon continues to see improvement from his team on that end of the court. But while Maryland is loaded with talent, their offense can stall out. Turgeon decided early on to move his best player, Anthony Cowan, off the ball to put him in better positions to score while lowering his work rate as he did with Melo Trimble’s final year with the program. But while it was Cowan who glided into the point guard position then, freshman Eric Ayala is struggling with this transition this season. The Terrapins starting point guard has a higher turnover rate than assist rate and he is one of the reasons that this team ranks 13th in the Big Ten by turning the ball over in 21.0% of their possessions. Maryland scored 78.7 PPG when playing at home — but that number drops to just 68.6 PPG when they are playing on the road. Over their last five games, the Terrapins are making just 42.8% of their shots. The Terrapins have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total against Big Ten opponents — and they have played 3 of their last 4 road games Under the Total as an underdog. Wisconsin has played 26 of their last 31 games Under the Total after an upset victory over a Big Ten rival. The Badgers play outstanding defense — they rank 5th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency while also ranking 12th in the country with an opponent’s effective field goal percentage of 44.8%. Wisconsin has held their last five opponents to just 33.6% shooting from the field — and Big Ten opponents are making only 37.8% of their shots against them. Furthermore, the Badgers are holding their visitors to just 61.7 PPG on low 40.4% shooting — and they have played 4 of their last 5 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. One of the reasons why the Badgers are so tough to score on is that their games are almost entirely consisting of slogs in the half-court. Wisconsin is 9th in the nation by turning the ball over in just 14.9% of their possessions. But the Badgers’ half-court offense has slowed down as opponents have made the decision to key on D’Mitrik Trice. While the 6’0 guard is averaging 13.9 PPG, he is scoring 12.2 PPG over his last five games which includes only 8 points against the Cornhuskers and only 6 points against Michigan. Senior Ethan Happ gets most of the headlines for this team — but he is not a good natural shooter given his 47% free throw percentage along with zero made 3-pointers this season. Wisconsin is making just 43.8% of their shots over their last five games. Head coach Greg Gard does have an assortment of players who can make 3-pointers — they rank 3rd in the Big Ten by making 39.8% of their shots from behind the arc. But the Terrapins defend the perimeter well — they rank 4th in the Big Ten with an opponent’s 3-point mark of just 31.1% and home teams are making only 29.1% of their 3-pointers against them when they are playing on the road. The Under is a decisive 38-18-4 in Wisconsin’s last 60 games against Big Ten opponents — and the Badgers have played 5 straight games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60%.

FINAL TAKE: The Under is 6-0-1 in the last 7 meetings between these two teams. With two head coaches that preach defense facing offenses that have significant holes, expect a lower scoring game once again between these two teams. 25* CBB Friday FS1 Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Maryland Terrapins (869) and the Wisconsin Badgers (870). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the IUPUI Jaguars (864) plus the points versus the Northern Kentucky Norse (863). THE SITUATION: IUPUI (13-9) has won three of their last four games with their 80-65 win over Detroit last Saturday as an 8-point favorite. Northern Kentucky (18-4) has won six games in a row with their 73-60 win over Wisconsin-Milwaukee last Saturday as a 16.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE JAGUARS PLUS THE POINTS: Northern Kentucky has established themselves as the class of the Horizon League in his fourth year with the program. But this is basketball team that has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games after winning at least three straight games in conference play. The Norse held Milwaukee to just a 36.9% field goal percentage which was the best defensive effort in their last seven games. But Northern Kentucky has then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after allowing no more than 60 points in their last game. Furthermore, the Norse has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a double-digit win on their home court. Now after playing their last two games at home, Northern Kentucky goes back on the road where they experienced all four of their losses including a 2-point conference loss at Oakland that metrics guru Ken Pomeroy ranks as the 209th best team in the nation (as compared to the #179 ranking for IUPUI, for comparisons sake). The Norse have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 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. IUPUI defeated the Titans last week despite seeing them shoot 51.1% from the field which was the worst defensive effort in their last eight games. The Jaguars stay at home where they are 8-2 this season with an average winning margin of +11.7 PPG. IUPUI should play better on defense tonight as they hold their visitors to just a 43.2% field goal percentage. But what makes the Jaguars tough to beat when playing at home is their ability to score points — they are averaging 84.3 PPG while making 49.6% of their shots on their home court. IUPUI leads the Horizon League by pulling down 36.7% of their missed shots. Former 4-star recruits coming out of high school are rare commodities in the Horizon League but head coach Jason Gardner has one in Vanderbilt transfer Camron Justice who left that program to liberate himself from a crowded backcourt situation. The Jaguars rise to the occasion against good teams as they are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games against teams with a winning record. IUPUI has also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 home games against teams with a winning record on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 home games as an underdog getting no more than 6 points.

FINAL TAKE: The Jaguars will also have revenge on their minds after losing to the Norse on the road back on December 28th by a 92-77 score. IUPUI has covered the point spread in 4 of their last 6 games when avenging a loss on the road to their opponent — and they have covered the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games when playing with revenge from a double-digit loss on the road to their opponents. 25* CBB Horizon League Underdog of the Year with the IUPUI Jaguars (864) plus the points versus the Northern Kentucky Norse (863). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 11:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the UC-Irvine Anteaters (647) and the UC-Santa Barbara Gauchos (648). THE SITUATION: UC-Irvine (17-5) has won three straight games as well as six of their last seven contests with their 82-64 win over UC-Riverside last Saturday as a 13-point favorite. UC-Santa Barbara (15-4) has won seven of their last eight games with their 82-71 win at Long Beach State as a 2-point favorite on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: UC-Irvine has played 27 of their last 38 games Under the Total after a straight-up win. The Anteaters made 52.5% of their shots on Saturday which was the best offensive effort in their last six games. But now UC-Irvine goes back on the road where they are making just 41.6% of their shots. The Anteaters’ defense should travel — they lead in the Big West Conference in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency while also leading the conference with an opponent’s effective goal percentage of 46.1%. UC-Irvine holds their home hosts to just a 38.3% field goal percentage. The Anteaters have played 15 of their last 19 road games Under the Total — and they have played 9 of their last 11 road games Under the Total as the favorite. Additionally, UC-Irvine has played 12 of their last 14 games on the road Under the Total against fellow Big West opponents. UC-Santa Barbara has played 22 of their last 30 games Under the Total after a point spread win — and this includes them playing eight of their last nine home games Under the Total after a point spread victory. Now the Gauchos return home where they are a perfect 9-0 while holding their visitors to just 56.3 PPG on low 36.4% shooting. The Under is a decisive 34-15-2 in UC-Santa Barbara’s last 51 games on their home court — and they have also seen the Under go 6-1-1 in their last 8 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. The Gauchos can struggle to score points — they are 8th in the Big West in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. Over their last five games, UC-Santa Barbara is making only 42.8% of their shots.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams typically play lower scoring games. The Under is 19-7-2 in the last 28 meetings between these two teams — and this includes them playing four straight Unders when facing off in Santa Barbara. Expect another lower-scoring game between these two teams. 25* College Basketball Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the UC-Irvine Anteaters (647) and the UC-Santa Barbara Gauchos (648). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Detroit Mercy Titans (606) minus the points versus the Cleveland State Vikings (605). THE SITUATION: Detroit Mercy (8-13) has lost three straight games after their 80-65 loss at IUPUI last Saturday as an 8-point underdog. Cleveland State (6-16) snapped their eight-game losing streak on Saturday with their 72-62 win over Youngstown State as a 1.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE TITANS MINUS THE POINTS: Detroit should bounce-back to play a good game tonight as they have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 21 games after double-digit loss on the road — and they have also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after allowing at least 80 points in their last game. And while Detroit has failed to cover the point spread in three straight games, they have then covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 contests after failing to cover the point spread in three straight contests. Now after playing their last two games on the road, the Titans return home where they are 5-4 this season with an average winning margin of +6.4 PPG. Detroit has covered the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games at home — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. Furthermore, the Titans have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games against teams with a losing record. Detroit has a good head coach running things in Mike Davis — and they are the second best team in the Horizon League in terms of Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. The Titans are making 48.1% of their shots over their last five games. They are also second in the Horizon League with a 38.9% shooting mark from behind the arc — and the Vikings are 7th in the conference by allowing their opponents to make 36.5% of their 3-pointers. Detroit should also find success forcing turnovers — they lead the Horizon League by forcing turnovers in 21.2% of their opponent’s possessions. Cleveland State is 8th in the conference by forcing turnovers in 19.5% of their possessions. The Vikings are due for a letdown as they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win. And while Cleveland State has only covered the point spread once in their last five games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after failing to cover the point spread in at least three of their last four games. This Vikings team is not good — they are last in the Horizon League in both Adjusted Offensive Efficiency and Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. Now after playing their last three games at home, Cleveland State goes back on the road where they are 0-9 with an average losing margin of -13.5 PPG. The Vikings make only 40.6% of their shots on the road — and they allow their opponents to score 84.3 PPG on 47.6% shooting away from home. Cleveland State has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 road games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 road games after playing their last three games at home. Additionally, the Vikings have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 road games with the Total set in the 150 to 154.5 point range — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games on the road as an underdog getting 6.5 to 9 points. Furthermore, Detroit is 5-12-1 ATS in their last 18 games when playing at Detroit.

FINAL TAKE: This should be a hidden gem on tonight’s big college basketball card as this Vikings team has been not good at all when playing on the road. Detroit is not great either — but they have bee respectable when playing in front of their home crowd. By making their 3s and forcing turnovers, Davis’ team does a few things that should help them win this game comfortably. 25* CBB Horizon League Game of the Month with the Detroit Mercy Titans (606) minus the points versus the Cleveland State Vikings (605). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Washington State Cougars (836) plus the points versus the UCLA Bruins (835). THE SITUATION: Washington State (8-12) has lost three straight games as well as nine of their last ten games with their 78-58 loss at Oregon on Sunday as a 13-point underdog. UCLA (11-9) has won three games in a row with their 90-69 blowout win over Arizona on Saturday as a 2.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE COUGARS PLUS THE POINTS: After playing their last two games on the road as well as seven of their last nine games away from home, Washington State returns home to play for just the third time since December 19th. This is the anti-Duke college basketball schedule who played in their first true road game on January 8th. Washington State defeated Cal by an 82-59 score in one of these lonely two home games before getting upset as a small 2-point favorite to Stanford. The Cougars are 8-3 on their home court this season with an average winning margin of +10.6 net PPG. They play much better defense at home where they hold their visitors to just a 43.4% field goal percentage. But where Washington State thrives back on the familiar home court is in shooting the basketball where they make 49.1% of their shots including 37.9% of their shots from behind the arc. The Cougars should have a field day from outside against this Bruins team that has allows their home hosts to drill 40.9% of their 3-point shots. Washington State has covered the point spread in a decisive 34 of their last 54 home games after losing at least four of their last five games. The Cougars have also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 11 games at home — and they have covered the point spread in 16 of their last 22 home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. And in their last 33 home games, as an underdog getting 3.5 to 6 points, Washington State has covered the point spread 21 times. Washington State should certainly get more whistles tonight after getting to the line only four times when playing in Eugene against the Ducks and Nike University. The Cougars have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 8 games after a game where they did not attempt at least 7 free throws. Washington State has also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 expected high-scoring games with the Total set at least 160. This team has a good player who bypassed the NBA last year in forward in Robert Franks who is scoring 21.2 PPG while averaging 7.6 Rebounds-Per-Game — and he missed five games this season including four of the nine losses this team has experienced during this recent stretch of games. UCLA has plenty of talent with rotational players returning from last year’s NCAA Tournament team along with five top-100 freshman recruits. However, this team has been an inconsistent mess that has already cost head coach Steve Alford his job. Admittedly, the Bruins played one of their best games of the season in their blowout win over the Wildcats on Saturday. UCLA made 57.9% of their shots in that game in what was the best shooting performance of the season — and they held Arizona to just a 33.3% field goal percentage which was the best defensive effort in their last thirteen contests. But a letdown is highly likely for this wildly inconsistent team that has lost eight of their nine games by double-digits. The Bruins have failed to get the point spread in 11 of their last 13 games after a win by at least 20 points. Perhaps it is the lack of a senior on the roster that contributes to the immaturity of this squad. They also cannot make their free throws which is a very dangerous characteristic for a small road favorite. UCLA is 345th in the nation by making just 60.8% of their shots at the charity stripe — and that number drops to an incredible 58.9% mark in conference play. The worst-case scenario playing out early tonight could be still salvaged by the Cougars putting the Bruins on the line so they can trade missed free throws for made 3-pointers. Then again, this UCLA team is just 1-5 on the road with an average losing margin of +14.7 PPG. The Bruins make only 41.8% of their shots on the road — and they allow their home hosts to make 47.6% of their shots which translates into 86.2 PPG. UCLA has failed to cover the point spread in 23 of their last 32 games on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games when favored by no more than 6 points.

FINAL TAKE: I have considered this Washington State team a little underrated this season in the weak Pac-12 given that their record includes not having their best player for five games. It took some elbow grease researching this game to discover just how skewed the Cougars schedule has been — but this offers us a very nice opportunity now against a reliably unreliable UCLA team. 25* CBB Pac-12 Game of the Month with the Washington State Cougars (836) plus the points versus the UCLA Bruins (835). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (810) plus the points versus the Memphis Tigers (809). THE SITUATION: Tulsa (12-9) has lost three straight games as well as five of their last six contests with their 77-65 loss to Houston as a 7.5-point underdog on Sunday. Memphis (13-7) has won four of their last five games with their 77-57 win over Central Florida as a 1-point favorite on Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE GOLDEN HURRICANES PLUS THE POINTS: Tulsa should rebound with a strong effort as they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a point spread loss. Head coach Frank Haith has a solid team this season that returned six of the top ten players from last year’s squad that finished 19-12. The Golden Hurricanes will be happy to stay at home after playing four of their last six games on the road. Tulsa has covered the point spread in 14 of their last 18 home games after a straight-up loss. The Golden Hurricanes have endured a difficult schedule at home as of late. Metrics guru Ken Pomeroy ranks that Cougars team they played on Sunday as the 20th best team in the nation. The other loss at home over their last six games was in overtime against a Cincinnati team that Pomeroy ranks as the 24th best team in the country. Tulsa has registered a win at home against UConn that Pomeroy ranks at #76 and they also have a win on a neutral court against Dayton that Pomeroy ranks at #68 — so hosting this Memphis team that Pomeroy places at #71 is a very winnable game for them. The Golden Hurricanes are 10-2 at home this season with an average winning margin of +5.9 PPG. They make a healthy 46.6% of their shots on their home court — but their more impressive play is on defense where they limit their guests to just a 39.9% field goal percentage. Tulsa has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road — and they have also covered the point spread in 8 of their last 9 home games when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Furthermore, the Golden Hurricanes have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 20 games with the Total set in the 150 to 159.5 point range. Tulsa thrives at getting to the free throw line — they rank 4th in the nation with a Free-Throw-Attempt to Field-Goal-Attempt ratio of 46.3%. Memphis plays at the 10th fastest pace in the nation — but this blazing tempo has the side effect of producing plenty of fouls. The Tigers are 281st in the nation with an opponent’s FTA:FGA ratio of 37.7%. Memphis is due for a big emotional letdown after their big win over the Knights on Sunday. The Tigers have failed to cover the point spread in 9 straight games after a win by at least 10 points over an American Athletic Conference rival — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after a victory by at least 20 points over a conference opponent. This young Memphis team has been tough at home in that rejuvenated environment under first-year head coach and local icon Penny Hardaway. The Tigers are 11-1 on their home court this season. But Memphis is just 2-6 when playing away from home this year where they are being outscored by -6.6 PPG. The Tigers are allowing 80.2 PPG when on the road with those opponents making 46.0% of their shots. Memphis also sees their 46.2% field goal percentage on the season drop to just a 42.4% mark when playing away from home. The Tigers’ two wins away from home do not inspire confidence in this situation. Memphis defeated Tulane in a true road game while also beating Canisius on a neutral court — yet Pomeroy ranks those teams as his 301st and 241st teams in the nation (to offer some context for those accomplishments). The Tigers are just 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games on the road.

FINAL TAKE: Those six returning players on the Golden Hurricanes will also have revenge on their mind as it was Memphis who handed them their twelfth loss to end their season last year by a 67-64 last March in the American Athletic Conference tournament. These are two teams fighting for a second-tier postseason tournament this year — Tulsa’s home court edge along with their likely spending a lot of time on the free throw line tonight should make the differences. 25* College Basketball Underdog of the Month with the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (810) plus the points versus the Memphis Tigers (809). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Georgia Bulldogs (603) and the Arkansas Razorbacks (604). THE SITUATION: Georgia (10-9) snapped their four-game losing streak on Saturday with their 98-88 upset win over Texas as a 4.5-point underdog. Arkansas (11-8) has lost five of their last six games with their 67-64 loss at Texas Tech as a 10-point underdog on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Bulldogs made a season-high 66.7% of their shots in their rout of the Longhorns. The Regression Gods are highly likely to make a visit to Fayetteville for this Georgia team that makes only 45.2% of their shots on the road. And in their six conference games this season, they are hitting just 41.4% of their shots. The Bulldogs have played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total after scoring at least 90 points in their last game. Georgia has also played 17 of their last 24 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 13 of their last 19 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. The Bulldogs have also played 9 of their last 10 games Under the Total after allowing at least 80 points in their last contest. Furthermore, while Georgia has played their last two games Over the Total, they have then played 11 of their last 13 games Under the Total after playing two straight Overs. The Bulldogs go back on the road where they are scoring just 69.1 PPG. They have played 15 of their last 21 road games Under the Total — and they have played 14 of their last 19 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Arkansas has played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total. And while the Razorbacks have failed to cover the point spread in four of their last six games, they have then played 13 of their last 17 games Under the Total after failing to cover the point spread in four or five of their last six games. Arkansas returns home where they are 8-4 while holding their opponents to just 70.7 PPG on low 40.7% shooting from the field. The Razorbacks have played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total on their home court — and they have played 6 of their last 7 home games Under the Total against teams with a losing record on the road.

FINAL TAKE: The Total is in the 150s for this contest given Arkansas’ fast “40 Minutes of Hell” pace. But the Razorbacks have still played six of their last eight games Under the Total — and they are hosting a Bulldogs team that is likely to see their hot shooting disappear in a hostile environment. 25* CBB SEC Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Georgia Bulldogs (603) and the Arkansas Razorbacks (604). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the Texas Tech Red Raiders (856) minus the points versus the TCU Horned Frogs (855). THE SITUATION: Texas Tech (16-4) snapped their three-game losing streak on Saturday with their 67-64 win over Arkansas as a 10-point favorite. TCU (15-4) has won two straight games with their 55-50 win over Florida as a 3.5-point favorite on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE RED RAIDERS MINUS THE POINTS: Texas Tech has the best Adjusted Defensive Efficiency mark in the nation. They have not allowed more than 64 points in thirteen straight games — and they have then covered the point spread in 15 of their last 23 games after not allowing more than 65 points in at least two straight games. This is the Red Raiders’ third game since last Tuesday — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games when playing their third game in a week’s span. And while Texas Tech has only covered the point spread once in their last ten games, they have then covered the point spread in 17 of their last 22 home games after failing to cover the point spread in six or seven of their last eight games. The Red Raiders stay at home where they are 11-1 this season with an average winning margin of +21.3 PPG. The conventional wisdom regarding this Texas Tech team is that they lack a reliable second scoring option after their superstar sophomore Jarrett Culver. But his supporting cast plays better on their home court — the team had a 51.2% field goal percentage in their win over the Razorbacks on Saturday. The Red Raiders make 49.6% of their shots at home which has translated into 73.3 PPG. They also limit their guests to just 52.0 PPG along with a filthy low 32.7% field goal percent. Texas Tech should also be able to create scoring opportunities in transition against this Horned Frogs team that is 9th in the Big 12 by turning the ball over in 20.8% of their possessions. The Red Raiders are 6th in the nation by forcing turnovers in 24.0% of their opponent’s possessions. TCU has failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 21 games after not allowing more than 50 points in their last game. The Horned Frogs win over the Gators on Saturday was preceded by a 65-61 win at home against Texas last Wednesday — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 15 games after winning two straight games by 6 points or less. TCU has played three straight games Under the Total — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after playing at least two straight Unders. Now the Horned Frogs go back on the road where they are making only 44.9% of their shots — and they are shooting just 40.1% from the field over their last five games. TCU has failed to cover the point spread in 18 of their last 30 road games with the Total set in the 130 to 134.5 point range — and this includes them failing to cover the point spread in those last three situations. This is a bad matchup for this Horned Frogs team coming off their best two wins of the season against Florida and Texas. The Red Raiders hold their opponents to just 56.3 PPG on 35.7% shooting. TCU has failed to cover the point spread in 27 of their last 40 games after fifteen games into the season against teams with an opponent’s field goal percentage of 39% of lower — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 25 games against teams that do not allow more than 57 PPG. And while the Horned Frogs make 47.2% of their shots overall with an opponent’s field goal percentage of 40.5%, the Red Raiders have covered the point spread in 16 of their last 25 games against teams who make at least 45% of their shots and who hold their opponents to no better than 42% from the field.

FINAL TAKE: Jamie Dixon has done a great job with the TCU basketball program — but scoring will be very hard to come by in Lubbock against this defensive dynamo that Chris Beard has constructed at Texas Tech. 25* CBB Big Monday ESPN Game of the Month with the Texas Tech Red Raiders (856) minus the points versus the TCU Horned Frogs (855). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Memphis Tigers (834) minus the point(s) versus the Central Florida Knights (833). THE SITUATION: Memphis (12-7) saw their three-game winning streak snapped on Thursday with their 85-76 loss at Temple as a 5-point underdog. Central Florida (15-3) has won their last two games after their 75-50 win at Tulane as a 12-point favorite on Wednesday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE TIGERS MINUS THE POINT(S): Memphis should rebound with a strong effort as they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after a point spread loss. The Tigers made only 39.7% of their shots in that game which was the worst offensive performance in their last twelve games. Memphis should shoot much better back at home where they are making 49.1% of their shots which has translated into 90.8 PPG in head coach Penny Hardaway’s fast pace offense. The Tigers are averaging 75.3 possessions per game which is the 6th fastest tempo in the nation (and far above the 68.6 national average for possessions). Memphis returned four starters from last year’s 21-13 team with Hardaway bringing in a nice five-person freshman class led by a rising star in Tyler Harris. This fast pace has contributed to the team leading the American Athletic Conference with a 56.8% shooting percentage inside the arc. The Tigers are 10-1 at home with an average winning margin of +16.0 PPG. Memphis also plays tough defense at home as they have held their visitors to just a 41.7% field goal percentage. The Tigers have also held their last five opponents to a low 41.1% shooting mark. Memphis has covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games on their home court — and they have covered the point spread in 4 straight home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. Furthermore, the Tigers have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 home games with the Total set in the 145 to 149.5 point range — and they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 10 home games as a favorite laying no more than 6 points. Central Florida has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after a double-digit win over a conference rival. Furthermore, the Knights have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 11 games after not allowing more than 50 points in their last game — and they are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games after a point spread loss. Additionally, UCF has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 14 games after winning at least twelve of their last fifteen games. The Knights go back on the road where they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 13 games with the Total set in the 145 to 149.5 point range. Central Florida has also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 road games as an underdog of no more than 3 points.

FINAL TAKE: This is Memphis’ first opportunity to avenge a 68-84 loss at home to the Knights when they last played back on February 11th. Look for the new-look Tigers under Hardaway to earn the win. 25* CBB American Athletic Conference Game of the Month with the Memphis Tigers (834) minus the point(s) versus the Central Florida Knights (833). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Virginia Tech Hokies (738) minus the points versus the Syracuse Orange (737). THE SITUATION: Virginia Tech (15-3) looks to bounce-back from a 103-82 loss at North Carolina on Monday as a 4-point underdog. Syracuse (14-5) has won three straight games after their 73-53 win over Miami (FL) last Thursday as an 8.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE HOKIES MINUS THE POINTS: Virginia Tech has failed to cover the point spread in five straight games — but they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after failing to cover the point spread in at least fie straight games. Additionally, the Hokies have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 19 home games after a game where at least 155 combined points were scored — and they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 15 games after a game where at least 165 combined points were scored. Virginia Tech is third in the nation by making 42.1% of their 3-point shots. The Hokies have made 13 and 11 shots from behind the arc in their last two games. Virginia Tech has then covered the point spread in 18 of their last 25 home games after making at least 10 shots from downtown in their last game — and they have covered the point spread in 18 of the last 25 games after making at least 10 shots from 3-point land in two straight games. The Hokies return home where they are a perfect 10-0 this sans with an average winning margin of +28.7 PPG. Virginia Tech makes 53% of their shots on their home court — and they are stingy on defense by limiting their opponents to just 55.1 PPG on low 36.8% shooting. Syracuse has failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 14 games after a win by at least 20 points. The Orange’s win over the Hurricanes was preceded by a 74-63 win at home over Pittsburgh. But Syracuse has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after winning their last two games at home by double-digits. Now the Orange go back on the road where they are just 3-2 this season while making only 41.6% of their shots. Syracuse has failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 23 games on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 20 road games when playing their second game in seven days. Lastly, the Orange made 14 of their 30 (46.7%) of their shots from 3-point land in their win over Miami — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 12 road games after making at least 13 shots from behind the arc in their last game.

FINAL TAKE: Syracuse will struggle to score playing at Virginia Tech’s gym. Expect the outstanding guards of the Hokies to find success against the Orange’s 2-3 matchup zone. 10* CBB Syracuse-Virginia Tech ESPN Special with the Virginia Tech Hokies (738) minus the points versus the Syracuse Orange (737). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Toledo Rockets (720) minus the points versus the Central Michigan Chippewas (719). THE SITUATION: Toledo (15-4) saw their three-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday with their 87-85 upset loss at Kent State as a 3-point favorite. Central Michigan (14-5) has lost three of their last four games after their 70-67 loss at Akron as a 6.5-point underdog on Tuesday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE ROCKETS MINUS THE POINTS: Toledo’s loss to the Golden Flashes finished well above the 150.5 point total — and they have covered the point spread in 7 straight games after a game that finished Over the Total. The Rockets have scored at least 75 points in their last two games — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games after scoring at least 75 points in two straight contests. Toledo has also covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after scoring at least 85 points in their last game. This is a team that ranks 17th in the nation by making 39.1% of their 3-point shots. Furthermore, the Rockets have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after winning two of their last three games. Now Toledo returns home where they are 9-1 this season with an average winning margin of +20.9 PPG. The Rockets are holding their visitors to just 60.8 PPG on their home court along with a low 38.3% field goal percentage. Toledo has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 home games — and they have covered the point spread in 6 straight home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. Furthermore, the Rockets have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 14 home games as a favorite laying 6.5 to 12 points. Central Michigan held the Zips to just a 36.9% field goal percentage in their loss on Tuesday which was the best defensive performance in their last twelve games. But the Chippewas have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 11 games after a loss by 6 points or less. Central Michigan has also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a point spread victory. And while that game finished below the 146.5 point total, the Chippewas have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after playing a game that finished Under the Total. Central Michigan stays on the road where they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games with the Total set in the 155 to 159.5 point range.

FINAL TAKE: Toledo’s offensive prowess should overwhelm this Chippewas team that shoots only 43.6% from the field when playing on the road. 10* CBB Saturday Night Discounted Deal with the Toledo Rockets (720) minus the points versus the Central Michigan Chippewas (719). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Texas Tech Red Raiders (700) minus the points versus the Arkansas Razorbacks (699). THE SITUATION: Texas Tech (15-4) has lost three straight games after their 58-45 loss at Kansas State as a 2.5-point underdog on Tuesday. Arkansas (11-7) snapped a four-game losing streak on Wednesday with a 72-60 win over Missouri as a 6.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE RED RAIDERS MINUS THE POINTS: After a 15-1 start, Texas Tech has lost three straight games. I am chalking this up to just a tough stretch in the challenging Big 12 with their last two games being played in hostile territory. The Red Raiders lost by a 72-62 score at Baylor in their game prior to their contest with the Wildcats with their losing streak beginning with a 4-point loss at home to Iowa State. Metrics guru Ken Pomeroy ranks all three of those opponents in his top-43 teams in the nation. Texas Tech has bounced-back to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 14 games after suffering two straight losses by double-digits on the road. And while the Red Raiders have only covered the point spread once in their last nine games, they have covered the point spread in 17 of their last 21 games on their home court after failing to cover the point spread in six or seven of their last eight games. The conventional wisdom regarding this Texas Tech team is that they lack a credible second scoring threat after their superstar Jared Culver. Returning home to Lubbock will help these secondary scorers — the Red Raiders are making 49.5% of their shots on their home court which has translated into 73.9 PPG. Texas Tech is 10-1 at home this season with an average winning margin of +23.0 PPG — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 home games with the Total set in the 135 to 139.5 point range. The Red Raiders also need to share the ball more — they only had 7 assists in their loss to the Wildcats. But Kansas State has covered the point spread in 29 of their last 43 home games after failing to generate at least 9 assists in their last contest. But what makes this Texas Tech team tick is their outstanding play on the defensive end of the court. The Red Raiders lead the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency — and they hold their visitors to only 50.9 PPG along with a very low 31.8% field goal percentage. Texas Tech is 7th in the nation in forcing turnovers in 23.9% of their opponent’s possessions — and the Razorbacks are 12th in the SEC by turning the ball over in 20.2% of their possessions. Arkansas has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win. The Razorbacks have covered the point spread twice in their last eleven games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 straight road games after failing to cover the point spread in eight of their last ten games. Arkansas has also failed to cover the point spread in 17 of their last 22 games on the road after losing four of their last five games. The Razorbacks are led by 6’10 sophomore Daniel Gafford who has a future in the NBA but has sometimes looked lethargic and disinterested with this team that has ten new players from last year’s NCAA Tournament team. Arkansas struggles to shoot the basketball on the road where they are making 43.6% of their shots. This team will likely struggle with the slow pace that the Red Raiders will attempt to dictate. The Razorbacks have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 road games as an underdog getting 6.5 to 12 points. Furthermore, Arkansas has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight games against teams outside the SEC.

FINAL TAKE: The Razorbacks score many of their points in transition with their head coach Mike Anderson’s “40 minutes of Hell” approach. But Arkansas will turn the ball over as much as they will force turnovers in this game — and it will be the half-court defense of the Red Raiders that will eventually overwhelm this young Arkansas team playing in a very difficult place to play. 25* CBB Big 12-SEC Challenge Game of the Year with the Texas Tech Red Raiders (700) minus the points versus the Arkansas Razorbacks (699). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 2:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Delaware Blue Hens (634) minus the points versus the Drexel Dragons (633). THE SITUATION: Delaware (13-8) has lost two of their last three games with their 64-63 upset loss to Towson State last Saturday as a 5.5-point favorite. Drexel (10-11) has won their last two games with their 73-68 win over James Madison as a 3.5-point favorite last Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BLUE HENS MINUS THE POINTS: Delaware should play well this afternoon as they have bounced-back to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a point spread setback. Additionally, the Blue Hens have covered the point spread in 4 straight games when playing with five or six days of rest. Delaware stays at home where they are 7-4 this season with an average winning margin of +5.6 PPG. They make a healthy 48.5% of their shots at home while limiting their visitors to just a 42.4% field goal percentage. The Blue Hens have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 8 home games as a favorite laying no more than 6 points. Delaware has also covered the point spread in 16 of their last 22 games against teams with a losing record. Drexel has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a point spread victory. Furthermore, the Dragons have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after a win on the road against a Colonial Athletic Association opponent. And while Drexel has covered the point spread in three of their last four games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games after covering the point spread in three of their last four games. Now the Dragons go back on the road where they are 3-7 with an average losing margin of -9.8 PPG. They are surrendering 86.3 PPG on the road while allowing their home hosts to make 52.2% of their shots. They have failed to cover the point spread in 23 of their last 33 road games when playing with five or six days of rest — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 road games as an underdog in the 3.5 to 6 point range. This team is also making just 42.6% of their shots over their last five games so they will likely have trouble keeping up with the Blue Hens on their home court. Additionally, Drexel has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%.

FINAL TAKE: Drexel has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 meetings with Delaware. Look for the Blue Hens to overwhelm the Dragons in this one. 20* CBB Blowout Bookie Buster with the Delaware Blue Hens (634) minus the points versus the Drexel Dragons (633). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Mississippi Rebels (606) plus the points versus the Iowa State Cyclones (605). THE SITUATION: Ole Miss (14-4) has lost two of their last three games with their 74-53 loss at Alabama on Tuesday as a 1-point underdog. Iowa State (14-5) saw their two-game winning streak snapped on Monday with an 80-76 loss at Kansas as a 5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE REBELS PLUS THE POINTS: Mississippi should bounce-back with a strong effort this afternoon as they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games after a loss by at least 20 points. Ole Miss shot just 40% from the field which was the worst shooting effort in their last thirteen contests. The Rebels should play much better on the offensive end of the court this afternoon as they rank 28th in the nation in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. Head coach Kermit Davis has worked wonders with this team in his first year in Oxford. They return home where they are 8-1 this season with an average winning margin of +16.0 PPG. Ole Miss scores a healthy 83.7 PPG on their home court on 51.2% shooting — and they are holding their guests to just a 40.8% field goal percentage. The Rebels have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games at home. Mississippi has also covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% — and they have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 16 games against teams outside the SEC. Ole Miss’ should exploit this Cyclones team that lacks size. The Rebels are 46th in the nation by pulling down 33.2% of their missed shots — and Iowa State is last in the Big 12 by allowing their opponents to rebound 32.4% of their missed shots. The Cyclones have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a loss where they covered the point spread as an underdog. Iowa State is just 5-4 on the road where they are making just 44.9% of their shots. The Cyclones have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 16 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Iowa State has also failed to cover the point spread in 18 of their last 23 road games when laying no more than 3 points.

FINAL TAKE: Ole Miss opened as a small favorite last night but the action has all been on the Cyclones who are favorites of many of the college basketball punditry. Observers don’t respect this Rebels team that was 12-20 last season — but home court offers this team a big advantage against an Iowa State team that plays much better when they are at home. With Ole Miss as a small home underdog now, they offer us very nice value in a contrarian play. 10* CBB Iowa State-Ole Miss ESPN Special with the Mississippi Rebels (606) plus the points versus the Iowa State Cyclones (605). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:30 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Indiana Hoosiers (852) plus the points versus the Michigan Wolverines (851). THE SITUATION: Indiana (12-7) has lost five straight games after their 73-67 loss at Northwestern on Tuesday as a 2-point underdog. Michigan (18-1) bounced-back from their first loss of the season at Wisconsin by defeating Minnesota back in Ann Arbor by a 59-57 score as a 12.5-point favorite on Tuesday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE HOOSIERS PLUS THE POINTS: Indiana was out-rebounded by a 44 to 29 margin against the Wildcats — but they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after being out-rebounded by at least 15 boards in their last game. The Hoosiers have been the victim of a brutal stretch of games in the highly-competitive Big Ten conference — each of their last five opponents (Michigan, Maryland, Nebraska, Purdue, Northwestern) ranks in metrics guru Ken Pomeroy’s top-56 ranked teams. Indiana has registered impressive wins against Louisville, Marquette, and Butler who Pomeroy ranks 16th, 33rd, and 44th in the nation. This is a talented team that returned six of the top ten players from last year’s team with second-year head coach Archie Miller bringing in a strong freshman class led by Romeo Langford. Indiana has only covered the point spread once in their last six games — but they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after failing to cover the point spread in four or five of their last six games. Now after on the road for four of their last five games against these strong Big Ten teams that are all likely to make the NCAA Tournament, the Hoosiers return home to Bloomington where they are 10-1 with an average winning margin of +18.6 PPG. Indiana is 4th in the nation by making 57.5% of their shots inside the arc — and they are making 54.2% of their shots on their home court. The Hoosiers also tighten things up on defense at home where they are holding their guests to just 60.9 PPG along with a low 39.1% field goal percentage. Indiana has covered the point spread in 15 of their last 22 games on their home court — and they have covered the point spread in 19 of their last 26 home games after 15 games into the season against teams with a winning percentage over 80%. Michigan has failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after a narrow win by no more than 3 points against a Big Ten rival — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a point spread win. And while the Wolverines have covered the point spread in four of their last six games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after covering the point spread in four or five of their last six contests. Michigan is struggling to score points as of late — they are experiencing difficulties choosing good shots to take while lacking a true go-to scorer. The Wolverines have a nice collection of offensive talent but they are all more comfortable being the second guy. Last year’s group had two experienced veterans who wanted the basketball when it was time to make a basket in Moritz Wagner and the underrated Muhammad-Ali Abdur Rahman. The Wolverines are only making 44.4% of their shots over their last five games. Michigan held the Gophers to just a 40.4% field goal percentage in their win on Tuesday which was the best defensive effort in their last six contests. The Wolverines have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 road games as a favorite laying no more than 6 points.

FINAL TAKE: Indiana will be looking to avenge a 74-63 loss in Ann Arbor as a 9-point underdog back on January 6th. Don’t be surprised if the Hoosiers pull the upset — but take the points for some nice insurance in what should be a close game. 25* CBB Friday FS1 Game of the Month with the Indiana Hoosiers (852) plus the points versus the Michigan Wolverines (851). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 11:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the BYU Cougars (664) plus the point(s) versus the Saint Mary’s Gaels (663). THE SITUATION: BYU (12-9) saw their three-game winning streak on Saturday with their 82-63 loss at San Francisco as a 7-point underdog. Saint Mary’s (13-7) has won four straight games with their 76-59 win over San Diego as a 9.5-point favorite on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE COUGARS PLUS THE POINTS: The Gaels have covered the point spread in four straight games as well as five of their last six contests — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after covering the point spread in five or six of their last seven games. And while Saint Mary’s has played their last two games Under the Total, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 24 games after playing their last two games Under the Total. This team’s best win this season came in non-conference play when they defeated a New Mexico State team back in November that metrics guru Ken Pomeroy currently ranks as the 60th best team in the nation. The Gaels were 27-4 last year but their lack of a convincing non-conference schedule kept them out of the NCAA Tournament. Five of their top seven players from that team graduated including Jock Landale who had been the leader of this team for years. Now Saint Mary’s goes back on the road where they are 3-5 this season while making just 43.9% of their shots which is far below their 48.9% clip for the season. Playing away from home at McKeon Pavilion detracts from this team’s outside shooting — and this team has not been doing a great job of sharing the basketball. Last year with Landale keying the offense, the Gaels assisted on 54.9% of their field goals which was 104th best in the nation. This season. Saint Mary’s have seen their assist rate on made field goals drop to 42.3% which is 342nd in the nation. The Gaels have dished out only 10 team assists in two straight games — and they have failed to cover the points spread in 8 of their last 13 games are failing to produce at least 12 team assists in two straight contests. Saint Mary’s have also failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 9 road games after winning four or five of their last six contests. BYU should bounce-back after their disappointing loss on Saturday as they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after a double-digit loss on the road. The Cougars have also covered the point spread in 12 of their last 15 games after a loss to a fellow West Coast Conference opponent — and they have covered the point spread in 6 straight games after a loss on the road to a conference foe. BYU has failed to cover the point spread in seven of their last nine games — but they have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 19 games after failing to cover the point spread in four or five of their last six games while also covering the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games at home after a point spread loss. The Cougars made only 44.2% of their shots in that game which was the worst shooting effort in their last four games but things were much worse on the defensive end of the court as the Dons’ 63.6% field goal percentage was by far the worst defensive effort of the year. Now this team returns home where they are 9-1 with an average winning margin of +16.2 PPG. BYU should shoot much better tonight back at home where they are scoring 83.9 PPG while making 48.1% of their shots. The Cougars are 10th in the nation by making 56.9% of their shots inside the arc. BYU should also play much better defense as they hold their visitors to just a 39.4% field goal percentage. The Cougars have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games on their home court.

FINAL TAKE: BYU has registered a nice non-conference win over a Utah State team that Pomeroy ranks as the 40th best team in the nation. The Cougars only lost one important contributor from last year’s team that finished 24-11 after losing in the NIT in what was considered a rebuilding year. BYU will have revenge on their mind after losing to the Gaels by an 88-66 score back on January 5th. The Cougars have their best opportunity in years to hop Saint Mary’s in the WCC standings so winning this rematch is very important to David Rose’s basketball team. 25* CBB Thursday ESPN2 Game of the Month with the BYU Cougars (664) plus the point(s) versus the Saint Mary’s Gaels (663). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Oregon Ducks (654) minus the points versus the Washington Huskies (653). THE SITUATION: Oregon (11-7) saw their two-game winning streak snapped on Saturday with their 78-64 loss at Arizona State as a 4.5-point underdog. Washington (14-4) has won seven straight games after their 71-52 victory over California on Saturday as a 16-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE DUCKS MINUS THE POINTS: Oregon should bounce-back with a strong effort tonight as they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a double-digit loss — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after a loss on the road. The Ducks shot just 33% from the field against the Sun Devils which was their worst shooting effort of the season. They return home where they are 8-3 this season with an average winning margin of +12.0 PPG. Oregon makes 47.5% of their shots at home which translates into 77.7 PPG — and they hold their opponents to only a 40.2% field goal mark. The Ducks have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 19 games at home — and they have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 21 home games against Pac-12 opponents. Oregon has also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 home games with the Total set in the 130 to 139.5 point range. The Ducks missed the NCAA Tournament last year in what was a rebuilding season after their Final Four appearance in 2017. Head coach Dana Altman brought in a loaded freshman class of five players ranked in the top-100 but injuries have been a challenge for this team. 7’2 Bol Bol suffered a season-ending leg injury in mid-December with sophomore forward Kenny Wooten also out the season with a broken jaw. While losing the 5-star freshman in Bol was a tough pillow to swallow, Altman has seen the return to the court of his other 5-star freshman in Louis King who missed the start of the season with a torn meniscus. Altman has this team amping up the pressure in conference play as they lead the Pac-12 by forcing turnovers in 23.6% of their opponent’s possessions. The Ducks have struggled against teams with strong front courts given the injuries to Bol and Wooten but the Huskies are a perimeter-oriented team that uses three guards in their starting lineup. Washington has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games after allowing no more than 60 points in their last game. The Huskies held the Golden Bears to just a 30.5% field goal percentage on Saturday which was the best defensive effort in their last six games — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight games after holding their last opponent to no better than a 33% field goal percentage. Washington’s victory over Cal was preceded by a 16-point win at home over Stanford — but they have then failed to cover the points spread in 12 of their last 15 road games after winning their last two games by at least 15 points. The Huskies returned all five starters along with every significant contributor to last year’s 21-13 team that went to the NIT. But this year’s team has lost to their top four opponents according to metrics guru Ken Pomeroy’s rankings in Auburn, Minnesota, Gonzaga and Virginia Tech. Washington’s best win on their resume was over a Colorado team ranked 83rd in the nation by Pomeroy — so this appears to be a group overvalued from high expectations from last season. The Huskies are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 5 meetings with Oregon, Washington has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of these games. The Huskies’ head coach Mike Hopkins was an assistant at Syracuse who has his team playing a similar 2-3 matchup zone. Those Boeheim teams are vulnerable to teams that can crash the offensive glass given the holes it leaves near the rim — Washington is allowing their opponents to pull down 33.3% of their missed shots which was 331st in the nation. The Ducks should seize a big advantage here as they are pulling down 31.2% of their missed shots in Pac-12 play.

FINAL TAKE: Coincidentally, Oregon’s best win this season was against the Orange who they defeated by a decisive 80-65 score on a neutral court earlier this season. Pomeroy ranks Syracuse as the 39th best team in the nation. Look for the Ducks to earn an important win on their home court. 20* CBB Washington-Syracuse ESPN2 Special with the Oregon Ducks (654) minus the points versus the Washington Huskies (653). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Samford Bulldogs (673) and the Wofford Terriers (674). THE SITUATION: Samford (12-8) has lost four of their last five games with their 93-87 loss to Mercer as a 4-point favorite on Saturday. Wofford (15-4) has won six games in a row with their 59-54 win over Furman as an 8-point favorite on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Terriers have played 6 of their last 8 games Over the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 8 of their last 9 games Over the Total after a victory. Wofford is one of the best mid-majors in the country after returning all five starters and some depth from last year’s team that finished 21-13 with a win over North Carolina. This year’s team lost to North Carolina on opening night of the season by 9 points but they later earned a win over South Carolina. This team uses four guards in their starting lineup that deploys an offense that is highly proficient in making 3s. The Terriers are 28th in the nation by making 38.2% of their 3-point shots — and that number rises to a 39.9% mark when they are playing at home. Wofford averages 88.3 PPG on their home court while making 51.4% of their shots. The Terriers have paled 37 of their last 51 home games Over the Total against teams with a losing record on the road. Wofford has also played 18 of their last 23 home games Over the Total as a favorite — and they have also played 9 of their last 10 home games Over the Total when laying double-digits. The Terriers made only 38.9% of their shots on Saturday which was the worst offensive effort in their last ten games. Yet over their last five games, the Terriers have made 52.6% of their shots even after that subpar effort. Overall, Wofford ranks 23rd in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. They should have a field day against this Bulldogs team that has allowed their last five opponents to make 47.5% of their shots. Samford is 8th in the Southern Conference by allowing their conference opponents to make 37.9% of their 3-point shots. The Bulldogs have played a decisive 50 of their last 69 games Over the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 16 of their last 20 games Over the Total after a point spread setback. Additionally, Samford has played 14 of their last 16 games Over the Total after a loss to a conference rival. The Bulldogs tend to play more Overs because they play at a quick pace. They average 16.3 seconds per possession which is the 67th fastest pace in the nation — and that tempo has risen in conference play to 15.9 seconds per possession. Samford has allowed their last five opponents to score at least 76 points — and they have played 8 of their last 9 games Over the Total after allowing at least 75 points in four straight contests. The Bulldogs go back on the road where they have played 5 stage games Over the Total — and they have played 7 of their last 10 road games Over the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Samford has also played 6 straight games Over the Total against teams with a winning record — and they have played 13 of their last 18 games Over the Total with the number set in the 140 to 149.5 point range.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams have played 5 of their last 6 meetings in Wofford’s gym Over the Total. Expect another high scoring game between these two teams with the Terriers scoring plenty of points in response to Samford’s preferred quick pace. 25* CBB Southern Conference Total of the Month with Over the Total in the game between the Samford Bulldogs (673) and the Wofford Terriers (674). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Arkansas Razorbacks (822) minus the points versus the Missouri Tigers (821). THE SITUATION: Arkansas (10-7) has lost four straight games with their 84-67 loss at Ole Miss on Saturday as a 6.5-point underdog. Missouri (10-6) snapped their three-game losing streak with a 66-43 loss at Texas A&M as a 5-point underdog on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE RAZORBACKS MINUS THE POINTS: Arkansas has suffered through a tough stretch with their last four games being losses against Florida, LSU (in overtime), Tennessee, Mississippi all ranking in metrics guru Ken Pomeroy’s top-40 teams in the nation. The Razorbacks have bounced-back to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after a loss by at least 8 points against a conference rival. Arkansas has allowed at least 84 points in three straight games - -but they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after allowing at least 80 points in two straight contests. The Razorbacks have also covered the point spread in 11 of their last 17 games after losing four straight contests. Head coach Mike Anderson has taken this team to the Big Dance in three of the last four seasons but this season was always going to be a struggle with only three players returning from last year’s team. Anderson has ten new players on his roster with the most exciting being the 6’5 freshman Isaiah Joe. Anderson did an All-SEC player return in 6’11 sophomore Daniel Gafford who can single-handedly keep the Razorbacks competitive in every game they play. Arkansas is 7-4 at home this season but they are outscoring these opponents by +8.5 PPG. The Razorbacks have cord the point spread in 19 of their last 27 games with the Total set in the 140 to 144.5 point range — and this includes them covering the spread in eight of their last twelve games at home with the Total set in that range. As usual, Anderson has his team implementing his “40 minutes of hell” pressure defense — and this group ranks 67th in the nation by forcing turnovers in 21.1% of their opponent’s possessions. This is an area of vulnerability for the Tigers who have three freshman and a sophomore in their five-man rotation at guard. Missouri ranks 290th in the nation by turning the ball over in 20.9% of their possessions — and that number has risen to a 21.9% clip in conference play. The Tigers are due for a letdown as they are just 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 games after a win by at least 20 points. Injuries have held back this Mizzou program in the first two years of the Cuonzo Martin. Last year, Michael Porter played only one game before not taking the court again with his ankle injury. The plan this year was to run the offense around his brother Jontay Porter but an early ACL/MCL tear in a scrimmage ended his season prematurely as well. The Tigers have a second promising big man in Jeremiah Tilmon but he has not been as comfortable or proficient in passing out of double-teams as the focus of the offensive attack. This has made Mizzou mostly a perimeter team as they are nailing 39.2% of their 3-point shots. But that number drops to a 37.3% mark when playing away from home — and they face a Razorbacks team that ranks 56th in the nation by holding their opponents to just a 31.3% mark from behind the arc which drops even lower to a 29.2% mark when they are playing at home in Fayetteville. Missouri makes only 42.8% of their shots on the road with their offense lacking a go-to scorer. The Tigers have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 road games with the Total set in the 140 to 149.5 point range. Missouri has also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games against teams with a winning record at home. And while the Tigers have played two straight Unders, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 15 games after playing two straight games Under the Total.

FINAL TAKE: This is a bad matchup for Missouri who has struggled with turnovers in their losses this season — in their six losses they have suffered turnover numbers of 35.7%, 21.9%, 23.4%, 27.1%, 28.6%, and 17.2% in terms of possession percentages. With Arkansas due to play better back at home — where they have defeated Indiana this season, expect the Razorbacks to earn a decisive win. 25* CBB SEC Game of the Month with the Arkansas Razorbacks (822) minus the points versus the Missouri Tigers (821). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Ohio State Buckeyes (784) plus (or minus) the point(s) versus the Purdue Boilermakers (783). THE SITUATION: Ohio State (12-5) has lost four games in a row with their 75-61 upset loss at home to Maryland as a 3-point favorite last Friday. Purdue (12-6) has won three straight games as well as six of their last seven contests with their 70-55 win over Indiana as an 8.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BUCKEYES PLUS (OR MINUS) THE POINT(S): The Boilermakers have failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 23 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 road games after a win against a Big Ten rival. Purdue has covered the point spread in four of their last five games — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after covering the point spread in four of their last five contests. Now the Boilermakers go back on the road where they are just 3-6 this season. Purdue can struggle to score on the road where sharpshooter Carsen Edwards too often is the only reliable scorer — they make only 42.7% of their shots away from home. Head coach Matt Painter’s team lives and dies from the 3-point line — they lead the Big Ten with 42.6% of their shots coming from behind the arc. The Boilermakers are 50th in the nation by making 37.1% of their 3-pointers but that marks drops to just a 35.7% mark on the road. Purdue’s defense also suffers when away from home as they allow their home hosts to make 47.7% of their shots. As it is, the Boilermakers are 11th in the Big Ten with an opponent’s effective field goal percentage of 51.9%. Purdue has failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 22 road games with the Total set in the 140 to 144.5 point range. The Boilermakers are also just 7-16-1 ATS in their last 24 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Ohio State has been stuck in a Murderer’s Row of Big Ten opponents with three of their last four losses being against Michigan State, at Iowa, and Maryland that all rank in metrics guru Ken Pomeroy’s top-24 teams in the nation. The Buckeyes did suffer a bad 3-point loss at Rutgers after that loss to the Spartans — so they really need a victory tonight. Ohio State has bounced-back to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 27 games after an upset loss to a Big Ten rival including covering the spread in four of these last five situations. The Buckeyes have also covered the point spread in 6 straight games after a loss by double-digits at home. That loss to the Terrapins was preceded by a 10-point loss in Iowa City to the Hawkeyes — and they have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games after suffering two straight losses by 10 or more points. Ohio State allowed Maryland to make 58.1% of their shots in their last loss — but they have covered the point spread in 16 of their last 25 games after allowing their last opponent to make 55% of their shots. The Buckeyes should play much better defense tonight as they rank 25th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. Ohio State stays at home where they are 8-3 with an average winning margin of +13.2 PPG. They make 47.9% of their shots at home while limiting their guests to just a 41.5% field goal percentage. The Buckeyes’ Chris Holtmann was the Big Ten Coach of the Year last season and has good young talent on his roster who should continue to improve. Ohio State has two good non-conference wins on their resume after defeating Cincinnati and Creighton before Big Ten play started.

FINAL TAKE: Ohio State has covered the point spread in 7 of the last 10 meetings between these two teams. Look for the Buckeyes to earn a critical win at home tonight. 10* CBB Purdue-Ohio State Special with the Ohio State Buckeyes (784) plus (or minus) the point(s) versus the Purdue Boilermakers (783). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Florida State Seminoles (618) minus the points versus the Clemson Tigers (617). THE SITUATION: Florida State (13-5) has lost three straight games after their 87-82 upset loss at Boston College as a 7-point favorite on Sunday. Clemson (11-6) snapped their three-game losing streak last Wednesday with a 72-60 win over Georgia Tech as an 8-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE SEMINOLES MINUS THE POINTS: Florida State is desperate for a victory — and they have covered the point spread in 28 of their last 40 games after dropping three straight games. After losing by 2 points at home to Duke, the Seminoles were then upset on the road at Pittsburgh before then suffering that upset loss to the Eagles over the weekend. Florida State has covered the point spread in 18 of their last 25 games after losing their last two games on the road. This remains a loaded team that returned seven of their top scorers and their top five rebounders from a team that reached the Elite Eight. This team is not gelling yet with their senior forward Phil Coker only playing seven games this season with an ankle that has him questionable tonight. This is a team that has pulled off wins over Purdue, LSU, and Florida that all rank in metrics guru Ken Pomeroy’s top-24 teams. But getting back at home will help where they are 9-1 with an average winning margin of +13.8 PPG. They are scoring 82.4 PPG while making 47.1% of their shots at home — and they are limiting their visitors to just a 42.1% field goal percentage. Florida State has covered the point spread in 8 of their last 9 home games after a game where at least 165 combined points were scored. They should have a field day with their pressure on the basketball hosting the Tigers. The Seminoles rank 31st in the nation by forcing turnovers in 22.5% of their opponent’s possessions — and Clemson turns the ball over in 20.3% of their possessions which is 264th in the nation. The Tigers have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a double-digit win over an ACC opponent. Clemson lost two of their top three scorers from the group that reached the Sweet 16 last season. But this team has seen significant regression in their play on the defensive end of the court. Their best resume victory this season is over Lipscomb who Pomeroy ranks as the 49th best team in the nation. This team is making just 40.4% of their shots over their last five games — and they go on the road where they are 3-4 this season while scoring only 69.7 PPG. The Tigers have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 14 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 road games when getting 3.5 to 6 points.

FINAL TAKE: Florida State will likely be remembering their 76-63 loss at Clemson last February 28th which was the last meeting between these two teams. Look for the Seminoles to earn a decisive victory now back at home and playing a team that does not have Zion Williamson. 10* CBB Clemson-Florida State ESPNU Special with the Florida State Seminoles (618) minus the points versus the Clemson Tigers (617). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Akron Zips (614) minus the points versus the Central Michigan Chippewas (613). THE SITUATION: Akron (10-8) has lost three of their last four games with their 68-61 loss at Miami (Ohio) as a 2.5-point favorite on Saturday. Central Michigan (14-4) has lost two of their last three games with their 83-72 loss to Ball State on Saturday as a 2.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE ZIPS MINUS THE POINTS: Akron has failed to cover the point spread in five straight games after their upset loss to the Redhawks — but they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after failing to cover the point spread in at least three straight games. The Zips are not getting much help from the officials as they have only gotten to the charity stripe 12 and 8 times respectively in their last two games. But Akron has covered the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games on their home court after not getting more than 12 attempts at the free throw line in two straight games. The Zips have played three straight games Under the Total — and they have covered the point spread in 20 of their last 27 games at home after playing at least two straight games Under the Total. Akron returns home where they are 8-1 this season with an average winning margin of +18.1 net PPG. The Zips play outstanding defense — they rank 57th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. They limit their visitors to just 55.1 PPG on their home court while holding them to only a 35.6% field goal percentage. Akron has covered the point spread in 26 of their last 39 home games with the Total set in the 140 to 149.5 point range — and this tightens to them covering the point spread in 11 of their last 15 home games with the Total set in the 145 to 149.5 point range. Central Michigan has played two straight games Under the Total — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after playing two straight Unders. The Chippewas go back on the road where they are making only 44.3% of their shots as compared to their 47.3% overall field goal percentage. The Zips have an opponent’s field goal percentage of 40.9% — and Central Michigan has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games after fifteen games into the season against teams who do not allow their opponents to make more than 42% of their shots. The Chippewas have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 13 meetings with the Zips — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games played at Akron.

FINAL TAKE: Central Michigan did cover the point spread in the last meeting between these teams when they pulled off an 88-86 upset victory over the Zips back on January 8th. The Chippewas have won four more games than the Akron — but the Zips only lost to a loaded Nevada team in their building by 6 points while also losing to Clemson on a neutral court by just 3 points. Look for Akron to avenge that loss with a decisive victory in this rematch. 25* CBB Mid-American Conference Game of the Month is on the Akron Zips (614) minus the points versus the Central Michigan Chippewas (613). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the Kansas Jayhawks (866) minus the points versus the Iowa State Cyclones (865). THE SITUATION: Kansas (15-3) looks to bounce-back from their 65-64 loss at West Virginia on Saturday as a 5-point favorite. Iowa State (14-4) has won two straight games as well as seven of their last nine contests with their 72-59 win over Oklahoma State as a 12-point favorite on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE JAYHAWKS MINUS THE POINTS: The Cyclones have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 games after a double-digit win over a Big 12 rival. And while they have not allowed more than 65 points in three straight games — they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after not allowing more than 65 points in their last two games while also failing to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after not allowing more than 65 points in three straight contests. Now this team goes on the road where they have experienced three of their four losses. The Cyclones are shooting 47.5% from the field this season — but they see that number drop to just a 45.0% mark when playing on the road. Iowa State has failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 19 games away from home — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 15 road games against teams with a winning parentage over 60% on their home court. Kansas has bounced-back to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 5 straight games after a loss by 6 points or less. The Jayhawks have also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after a loss to a Big 12 rival. And while Kansas has not covered the point spread in their lat two games, the Jayhawks have the covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after failing to cover the point spread in two straight games. Kansas allowed the Mountaineers to make 46.3% of their shots which ties for the highest opponent’s field goal percentage they have surrendered all season. But now the Jayhawks return home where they hold their visitors to just a 38.95 field goal percentage. Kansas is 10-0 at home this season with an average winning margin of +14.1 PPG. They are scoring 81.2 PPG at home while making 49.5% of their shots.

FINAL TAKE: The Jayhawks will also be motivated by revenge as they lost to the Cyclones in Ames by a 77-60 score as a small 2.5-point underdog. Look for Kansas to avenge that setback as they play this game doubly motivated with revenge and redemption from their last game. 10* CBB Monday Daily Discounted Deal with the Kansas Jayhawks (866) minus the points versus the Iowa State Cyclones (865). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (862) minus the points versus the Marshall Thundering Herd (861). THE SITUATION: Western Kentucky (9-9) snapped a three-game losing streak on Saturday with their 72-66 win over Florida Atlantic as a 10.5-point favorite. Marshall (12-6) has won five in a row with their 105-97 win over Florida International as a 9-point favorite on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE HILLTOPPERS MINUS THE POINTS: Western Kentucky has covered the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games after a win on their home court. In head coach Rick Stansbury I trust who was one of only two head coaches to take his team from outside analytics guru Ken Pomeroy’s top-100 at the start of the season to inside his final top-50 at the close of the season. Western Kentucky was 14-4 in Conference USA play last year before making a run to the Semifinals of the NIT. Stansbury lost three of his top four scorers from that team — and graduate transfer DeSean Murray left this team in early December — but he has done a fine job of incorporating a new batch of players as he continues to add depth to his roster in his third year with the program. Stansbury recruited a five-star freshman in Charles Bassey who has made an immediate impact while sophomores Tavern Hollingsworth and Josh Anderson stepping up into leadership roles and sophomore Marek Nelson’s improvement taking time away from Murray whose decision to leave the program may have related to his concerns overseeing his potential professional prospects decline. These Hilltoppers have pulled off impressive wins at home over Wisconsin and St. Mary’s along with a win on the road versus Arkansas and a neutral court win over West Virginia. They stay at home for the third straight game tonight where they are 5-2 while making 49.6% of their shots. Western Kentucky has covered the point spread in 10 of their last 15 games after playing their last two games at home. The Hilltoppers have also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games with the Total set in the 160 to 169.5 point range. This team is clamping things down on the defensive end of the court as they have held their last five opponents to just a 40.8% field goal percentage. But Western Kentucky made only 42.9% of their shots on Saturday against the Owls which was the worst offensive effort in their last eight contests. They should shoot much better tonight against this Thundering Herd team that ranks second-to-last in Conference US play in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency while ranking last in conference play by allowing their opponents to make 55.2% of their shots inside the arc and by seeing them drain 40.6% of their 3-pointers. Marshall has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 19 games after winning at least five games in a row. Furthermore, the Thundering Herd has failed to cover the point spread in 7 straight games after scoring at least 80 points in their last contest. Head coach Dan D’Antoni returned six of the top seven scorers from last year’s group that made the NCAA Tournament — but depth is an issue for this team that plays at the 11th fastest tempo in the nation. But Marshall has failed to cover the point spread in 7 straight games where the Total is set in 160s. They are getting outscored by -10.2 net PPG due to their struggles on defense as they allow their home hosts to score 88.0 PPG on 49.5% shooting. The Thundering Herd are aggressive in attempting to force turnovers — but if that fails, they are likely to then be scored on in transition or in the half-court. Marshall has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court.

FINAL TAKE: Western Kentucky will be looking to avenge a 70-69 loss at  Marshall back on January 12th where they were 2.5-point underdogs. The Hilltoppers have covered the point spread in 3 straight games when attempting to avenge a narrow loss by 3 points or less. 25* CBB Monday CBS Sports Network Game of the Month with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (862) minus the points versus the Marshall Thundering Herd (861). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the North Carolina Tar Heels (856) minus the points versus the Virginia Tech Hokies (855). THE SITUATION: North Carolina (14-4) has won two straight games as well as six of their last seven contests after their 85-76 win at Miami (FL) on Saturday as a 7-point favorite. Virginia Tech (15-2) rebounded from a 22-point loss at Virginia last Tuesday with an 87-71 win over Wake Forest as an 18.5-point favorite on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE TAR HEELS MINUS THE POINTS: The Hokies made 56.9% of their shots on Saturday which as the best shooting effort in their last four games. They also held an overmatched Demon Deacons team to just a 37.5% field goal percentage which was the best defensive performance in their last five contests. This is a perimeter-oriented team that lives and dies from the 3-point line — they are 3rd in the nation by making 41.8% of their 3-pointers which represents 43.7% of their shots from the field. But their best win this season was against a Purdue team that is also a perimeter team. Their second-best win this season is against a Washington team that is a bubble team to make the Big Dance — so there are real issues that this team has built a resume on weaker opponents. Virginia Tech has failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight road games after winning eight of their last ten games. The Hokies have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games against teams with a winning record — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games against ACC opponents. Virginia Tech has only pulled down 4 and 6 offensive rebounds in their last two games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after failing to pull down at least 9 offensive rebounds in two straight games. This dependence on shooting makes them vulnerable when playing in hostile environments. The Hokies have a 50.1% field goal percentage on this season but that never drops to a 45.1% mark when on the road — and their red hot 3-point shooting drops to a 36.7% mark when away from home. North Carolina has covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win — and they have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 18 games at home after scoring at least 85 points in their last contest. They shot 55% from the field on Saturday against the Hurricanes aided by an unselfish 26 assists — and they have covered the point spread in 6 straight games after making at least 55% of their shots in their last game. North Carolina’s size will give them a significant advantage on the offensive glass in this game — the Tar Heels are 21st in the nation by pulling down 35.7% of their missed shots with that mark rising to a 36.3% clip in conference play. The Hokies are very vulnerable here as they rank 6th in the ACC by allowing their opponents to rebound 29.5% of their misses. North Carolina returns home where they are 8-1 with an average winning margin of +17.9 PPG. They make 47.1% of their shots at home which translates into an 88.3 PPG scoring average. The Tar Heels also hold their visitors to just a 39.5% field goal percent and a low 31.5% shooting mark from the arc on their home court. North Carolina has covered the point spread in 22 of their last 32 games at home — and they are 9-3-2 ATS in their last 14 home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road.

FINAL TAKE: This is the Tar Heels first opportunity to avenge an 80-69 upset loss in Blacksburg as a 3.5-point favorite last season back on January 22nd. Virginia Tech can shoot lights-out when playing at home — but expect a different story with this game being played in Chapel Hill. 10* CBB Virginia Tech-North Carolina ESPN Special with the North Carolina Tar Heels (856) minus the points versus the Virginia Tech Hokies (855). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Texas-San Antonio Road Runners (621) and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (622). UTSA (10-7) has won seven straight games with their 76-74 win over North Texas as a 2-point underdog on Saturday. Middle Tennessee (3-14) has lost three straight games after their 73-56 loss at Louisiana Tech on Saturday as a 13-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: UTSA has played 14 of their last 19 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 11 of their last 14 games Under the Total after a win against a conference rival. The Road Runners have also played 10 of their last 13 games Under the Total after winning six or seven of their last eight games. UTSA has held their last five opponents to just a 40.1% field goal percentage. The Road Runners lead Conference USA in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency in four games so far this season — and they rank 105th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency overall. But UTSA also ranks a low 328th in the nation with an effective field goal percentage of 45.3%. The Road Runners make just 38.3% of their shots on the road. UTSA has played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total on the road — and the Under is 5-2-1 in their last 8 road games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on their home court. The Road Runners have also played 7 of their last 9 road games Under the Total with the number set in the 140 to 149.5 point range. Middle Tennessee has played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after a loss on the road — and they have played 8 of their last 11 games Under the Total after a point spread loss. The Blue Raiders made only four of their ten free throws in that game — and they have played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total after shooting no better than 53% from the charity stripe in their last game. Middle Tennessee struggles to make baskets — they are 339th in the nation with an effective field goal percentage of 44.0% and the Blue Raiders are 329th in the country in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. But this team does hold their visitors to just a 39.3% opponent’s field goal percentage. They have played 7 of their last 9 home games Under the Total with the number set in the 140 to 149.5 point range. Middle Tennessee has also played 16 of their last 22 games Under the Total with the number set in the 140 to 149.5 point range. And in their last 24 games as an underdog, the Blue Raiders have played 15 of these games Under the Total.

FINAL TAKE: Both these teams struggle to score baskets — but they are solid on the defensive end of the court (particularly with Middle Tennessee playing at home). These two teams have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total — expect another lower-scoring game between these two teams. 25* CBB Conference USA Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Texas-San Antonio Road Runners (621) and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (622). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Delaware Blue Hens (610) minus the points versus the James Madison Dukes (609). James Madison (12-7) had won four in a row before their 71-58 loss at the College of Charleston as a 10.5-point underdog on Saturday. James Madison (9-9) has won two straight games after their 74-65 win over Towson on Saturday as a 4-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BLUE HENS MINUS THE POINTS: Delaware shot just 35.9% from the field which was the worst shooting effort for them in their last five games. They also allowed the Cougars to make 51% of their shots which was the worst defensive performance in their last five contests. The Blue Hens should bounce-back with a strong effort as they are 38-16-3 ATS in their last 57 games after a point spread loss — and this includes them covering the point spread in four of their last five games after a point spread loss. Furthermore, Delaware has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a loss on the road where they have failed to score at least 60 points. The Blue Hens have still covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after winning two of their last three games. They return home where they are 6-3 with an average winning margin of +6.1 PPG. Delaware makes a healthy 48.9% of their shots on their home court while limiting their guests to just a 41.7% field goal percentage. The Blue Hens have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games on their home court — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. Delaware has also covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against conference opponents. When this team is on, they are making their 3s as they rank 43rd in the nation with a 37.7% shooting percentage from behind the arc. James Madison has failed 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 6 games after a point spread loss. The Dukes go back on the road where they are just 3-7 with an average losing margin of -8.0 PPG. James Madison scores only 63.5 PPG when playing on the road where they are making just 39.9% of their shots — and they are also allowing their home hosts to make 46.2% of their shots. The Dukes have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games on the road — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home court. Lastly, James Madison has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games as an underdog.

FINAL TAKE: Delaware has been a surprise team in the Colonial Athletic Association — look for them to bounce-back with a decisive victory back on their home court against a James Madison team that is not very good when playing away from home. 25* CBB Colonial Athletic Association Game of the Month with the Delaware Blue Hens (610) minus the points versus the James Madison Dukes (609). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Oklahoma Sooners (796) minus the points versus the Kansas State Wildcats (795). THE SITUATION: Oklahoma (13-3) has won two of their last three games with their 76-74 win over TCU as a 3.5-point favorite on Saturday. Kansas State (12-4) has won two straight games after their 58-57 upset win at Iowa State on Saturday as an 8.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE SOONERS MINUS THE POINTS: Oklahoma should build off their momentum as they are 10-1-1 ATS in their last 12 games after a straight-up win. The Sooners were expected to be near the bottom of the Big 12 standings this year after losing superstar scorer Trae Young from last year’s NCAA Tournament team that finished the season 18-14. But good coaching should never be discounted in college basketball and Oklahoma has one of the best in the business in Lon Kruger who has NBA coaching experience on his impressive resume. This team looks to be better than last year’s group with the lesser pressure to keep feeding Young the rock. The Sooners have played a difficult schedule with no Quadrant Four pushovers — and their three losses were to Texas Tech, Kansas and Wisconsin all on the road to teams that metrics guru Ken Pomeroy who ranks all three teams in his top-sixteen teams in the country. This is Oklahoma’s second game in eight days — and they have covered the point spread in 7 straight games when playing just their second game in eight days. They stay at home where they are a perfect 7-0 with an average winning margin of +13.5 PPG. The Sooners get their scoring by taking advantage from their outstanding play on defense. They limit their visitors to just a 34.1% field goal percentage which has translated into 63.9 PPG. They are also making a healthy 45.8% of their shots on their home court where they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games. Oklahoma has covered the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games as the favorite — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games with the Total set in the 130 to 139.5 point range. The Sooners are also 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games against teams with a winning record. Kansas State has registered their two biggest wins of the season with their upset win in Ames, Iowa against the Cyclones preceded by an upset win over West Virginia. Pomeroy ranks Iowa State as the 17th best team in the nation but that win over the Mountaineers as their second best victory on their profile is not nearly as impressive as they rank 76th in Pomeroy’s ranking system. The Wildcats may be due for a letdown as they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 games after a win on the road against a conference foe — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 19 games after not allowing more than 60 points in their last game. Head coach Bruce Weber’s team is 6th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency — but they are facing a Sooners team that ranks 7th in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. The problem for this Wildcats team is they struggle to score points — they rank 211th in the nation in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. Injuries have held back their senior 6’10 forward Dean Wade who finally took the court on Saturday against the Cyclones — but he struggled in that game by scoring only 2 points in 22 minutes of play. It may take a few games for Wade to get back into game shape. Kansas State has made only 38.1% of their shots in their last five games — and they are making just 42.1% of their shots on the road. The Wildcats made only 35.7% of their shots in their upset win — and yet that was the second-best shooting mark for them in their last four games. Kansas State has won six of their last eight games — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 19 games after winning five or six of their last seven contests.

FINAL TAKE: The Wildcats are grinding out their wins — but their missed shots create scoring opportunities for teams like the Sooners. Oklahoma shoots better than them with the familiarity of their home court. 20* CBB Kansas State-Oklahoma ESPN2 Special with the Oklahoma Sooners (796) minus the points versus the Kansas State Wildcats (795). Best of luck for us — Frank.