20* Big Ten GAME OF THE WEEK on Nebraska +13.5

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are one of the most improved teams in the country this season. This should come as no surprise considering they returned all five starters from last year.

The Huskers are playing their best basketball of the season right now. They have won three of their last four games with victories over Ohio State, Minnesota and Indiana. In fact, their last three losses have all come by 6 points or less.

One of those defeats was a 70-71 home loss to Michigan. That places the Huskers in revenge mode tonight. Michigan is way overvalued due to its 8-1 start in Big Ten play. It simply cannot live up to the expectations it has created for itself in the eyes of the betting public, which has forced oddsmakers to inflate its lines.

Nebraska is 7-0 ATS off two straight games giving up 9 or less offensive rebounds this season. The Huskers are 6-0 ATS in their last six games overall. Nebraska is 5-0 ATS in its last five games vs. a team with a winning percentage over .600. These three trends combine for a an 18-0 system backing the Huskers. It's also worth nothing that the Huskers have had three extra days of rest heading into this one. Roll with Nebraska Wednesday.

15* CBB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Wisconsin -3.5

Despite losing five of their last six games overall, the Wisconsin Badgers are still 17-5 on the season and one of the best teams in the country. I look for them to come out motivated and to take care of business against hapless Illinois (13-9) tonight.

Wisconsin has suffered four of its losses by single-digits, so it simply hasn't been getting it done in close games. The good news is that I do not expect this game to be close at all as the Badgers come out playing inspired basketball from start to finish.

Illinois has nothing to be excited about right now. It has lost seven straight games coming in with all seven of those losses coming by 6 points or more. That includes a 70-95 loss at Wisconsin to start the streak on January 8. This has been a one-sided series to say the least.

Wisconsin is a perfect 6-0 SU & 6-0 ATS in its last six meetings with Illinois as four of those victories have come by double-digits. The Badgers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven visits to Illinois. The Fighting Illini are 12-30-1 ATS in their last 43 vs. Big Ten opponents. Take Wisconsin Tuesday.

15* Big 12 PLAY OF THE DAY on TCU +9

The Texas Longhorns are one of the most improved teams in the country. However, I believe they are overvalued right now as a 9-point favorite at TCU in this Big 12 showdown Tuesday night. They need to be on upset alert.

Texas is 17-4 this season after having won six straight Big 12 games. Off its biggest win of the season with an 81-69 home victory over Kansas, Texas finds itself in a massive letdown spot tonight. It's only human nature to come out flat after beating a team like Kansas.

Meanwhile, TCU is chomping at the bit to get its first taste of victory in the Big 12. It has come close in losses to West Virginia (69-74), Oklahoma (69-77) and Texas Tech (54-60) to show that it can be competitive. Remember, this team upset Kansas at home last year, and the Horned Frogs are fully capable of doing the same against the Longhorns tonight.

Texas is 2-12 ATS in its last 14 games after covering the spread in two or more consecutive games coming in. The Longhorns are 15-27 ATS as a favorite over the last three seasons. Bet TCU Tuesday.

15* Ohio State/Iowa ESPN No-Brainer on Ohio State +6

After having lost five of their last six games overall, the Ohio State Buckeyes showed a ton of grit and determination in beating the Wisconsin Badgers on the road by a final of 59-58 Saturday. That win gives this team a ton of confidence and momentum going forward.

Ohio State is still 17-5 on the season, and I have no doubt it remains one of the best teams in the country. It will now be out for revenge from a 74-84 home loss to Iowa in their first meeting of the season back on January 12.

I have had a lot of success taking these road teams who lost at home to their opponent in the first meeting of the season. There's no question that the Buckeyes will be the more motivated team given the circumstances, and they are catching a decent amount of points to boot.

Ohio State is 19-4 ATS revenging a straight up loss vs. opponent as a home favorite since 1997. The Buckeyes are 31-10 ATS in their last 41 games when revenging a home loss vs. opponent. As you can see, this team has been excellent in this situation over time as well. Roll with Ohio State Tuesday.

15* CBB Monday PLAY OF THE DAY on Xavier +10

The Xavier Musketeers will be highly motivated for a victory tonight. They are coming off back-to-back losses to Providence and Seton Hall to fall to 15-6 on the season. They are undervalued as a 10-point underdog to Villanova Monday as a result.

I've seen enough from this Xavier team to realize that it has the potential to go into Villanova and pull off the upset tonight, and at the very least to keep it close. In fact, five of its six losses this season have come by 9 points or less. It has beaten the likes of Cincinnati and Tennessee while playing some of the other top teams in the country very tough.

Villanova comes in overvalued due to having won three straight road games, but those three came against conference bottom feeders Temple, Georgetown and Marquette. The Wildcats needed overtime to beat Marquette, and only won by 5 at Georgetown. Remember, in their last home game, they lost to Creighton 68-96. That's the same Creighton team that only beat Xavier 95-89 at home.

Plays against any team (VILLANOVA) - off 3 or more consecutive road wins, top level team, winning 80% or more of their games on the season are 26-7 (78.8%) ATS over the last five seasons. Xavier is 7-0 ATS versus excellent teams with a shooting percentage of 45% or better and a shooting percentage defense of 42% or better this season. The Musketeers are 9-1 ATS versus good teams that outscore their opponents by 8-plus points per game this season. Bet Xavier Monday.

20* American Athletic GAME OF THE WEEK on South Florida +14.5

The Cincinnati Bearcats are in a massive letdown spot today. They are coming off their biggest win of the season, beating Louisville on the road by a final of 69-66 as a 9-point underdog Thursday. Now, they have a game against UConn on deck, so this is a sandwich game for them.

It's only human nature for the Bearcats to show up lacking focus today off such a big win and with a great opponent on deck. I also believe this team is overvalued due to their current 13-game winning streak. Four of their last five wins have come by 11 points or less.

One of those was a 61-54 win at South Florida on January 18. So, the Bulls will be out for revenge in this game. That's another reason that the Bearcats will find it hard being motivated enough to win this game by 15-plus having already beaten the Bulls. I fully expect this one to go down to the wire.

Plays on underdogs of 10 or more points (S FLORIDA) - revenging a same season loss vs opponent against opponent off an upset win as a road underdog are 41-15 (73.2%) ATS over the last five seasons.

Cincinnati is 19-37 ATS in its last 56 games as a home favorite of 12.5 to 18 points. The Bearcats are 0-6 ATS after playing a game as a road underdog over the last two seasons. Cincinnati is 7-30 ATS in its last 37 Sunday games. South Florida is 10-2 ATS in the last 12 meetings in this series, including 7-1 ATS in its last eight meetings in Cincinnati. Take South Florida Sunday.

15* Michigan State/Georgetown Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Georgetown +7.5

The Michigan State Spartans are overvalued after their big overtime win at Iowa on Tuesday. They were able to win that game with a depleted roster, which was a huge win for the program. It's only human nature for them to come back and suffer a letdown as they step out of conference to face Georgetown Saturday.

Michigan State is still expected to be without its two best post players in Adreian Payne (16.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg) and Branden Dawson (10.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg). Some teams can play without their best players for a couple games, but over time it catches up to them.

I look for the Hoyas to be very competitive today against the short-handed Spartans and to likely pull off the upset. This Georgetown team is highly motivated for a win after losing five straight coming in, including a 5-point loss to Villanova last time out. The Hoyas will have a big home-court advantage as this game will be played in Madison Square Garden.

Tom Izzo is 4-19 ATS in road games after playing a game as a road underdog as the coach of Michigan State. This trend just goes to show how the Spartans have had letdowns following a big road game under Izzo. Georgetown is 6-0 ATS in February games over the past two seasons. The Hoyas are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games following a S.U. loss. Roll with Georgetown Saturday.

15* Big 12 PLAY OF THE DAY on TCU +10.5

The TCU Horned Frogs and Texas Tech Red Raiders are battling for the basement of the Big 12 this season. The Frogs have yet to win a Big 12 game, while the Raiders only have two victories within the conference.

One of those wins for Texas Tech came against TCU in a 60-49 road victory on January 18. That places the Horned Frogs in revenge mode, and also extra motivated for their first win of the season. This will be their best chance to get one, and I look for them to put up a great fight today.

All three meetings between these teams have been decided by 11 points or less over the last two seasons. The Horned Frogs have lost all three of those games, so that adds even more fuel to the fire for them. There's no question this team is improved from a year ago.

Plays on road underdogs of 10 or more points (TCU) - after failing to cover 5 or 6 of their last 7 against the spread against opponent after having covered 4 of their last 5 against the spread are 77-34 (69.4%) ATS over the last five seasons. Texas Tech is 6-21 ATS off an ATS win over the last three seasons. Take TCU Saturday.

20* CBB BLOWOUT GAME OF THE MONTH on West Virginia -3

The West Virginia Mountaineers are showing tremendous value as only a 3-point home favorite over Kansas State this afternoon. I'll take advantage and back them in a game I look for them to run away with.

Kansas State is a tremendous home team with one of the best home-court advantages in the country. However, the Wildcats have really struggled on the road throughout the years, and that has not changed this year. They are 1-3 in true road games this season.

West Virginia has won two of its last three games and is a respectable 4-4 in Big 12 play this season. What's most amazing about that is the fact that it has won three Big 12 road games already. This team will be out for revenge from an ugly loss at Kansas State on January 18, so the motivation will be on the Mountaineers' side.

Plays on all teams where the line is +3 to -3 (W VIRGINIA) - revenging a loss where team scored less than 60 points, off a close road win by 3 points or less are 37-8 (82.2%) ATS over the last five seasons. Plays on home teams where the line is +3 to -3 (W VIRGINIA) - revenging a loss where team scored less than 60 points, off a close road win by 3 points or less are 22-3 (88%) ATS over the last five seasons. Bet West Virginia Saturday.

20* Purdue/Michigan ESPN No-Brainer on Purdue +12

The Michigan Wolverines are way overvalued right now. They have opened a perfect 7-0 in Big Ten play due to winning all of their close games. Five of those seven wins came by 8 points or less. Off a massive win at Michigan State last time out, this team is in a huge letdown spot tonight.

Purdue is one of the most improved teams in the country. It has opened 13-7 this season, which includes impressive road wins over West Virginia and Illinois. Both of its Big Ten road losses this year came by exactly 3 points to Minnesota and Northwestern, so this team has proven it can play well away from home.

Plays on road underdogs of 10 or more points (PURDUE) - after failing to cover 5 or 6 of their last 7 against the spread against opponent after having covered 4 of their last 5 against the spread are 76-34 (69.1%) ATS over the last five seasons.

Matt Painter is 14-5 ATS as an underdog of 10 or more points as the coach of Purdue. Painter is 25-9 ATS off a loss by 10 points or more to a conference rival as the coach of Purdue. Take Purdue Thursday.

15* UCLA/Oregon ESPN 2 ANNIHILATOR on Oregon -2

The Oregon Ducks are way undervalued right now due to having lost five of their last six games overall. After losing five straight with four of those losses coming by single-digits, they bounced back in a big way with a 71-44 win at Washington State last time out.

I look for the Ducks to build off of that win, and to continue playing motivated basketball after such a poor stretch. I have no doubt that this is still one of the best teams in the country, and they'll prove that against UCLA tonight.

UCLA has only played three true road games, going 1-2 with losses to Missouri and Utah. It's only win came against a depleted Colorado team that was missing its best player. The Bruins have proven nothing on the road this year, therefore they are getting too much respect as only a 2-point dog in this one.

Oregon is 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in its last four meetings with UCLA. The Ducks are 24-7-2 ATS in their last 33 games following an ATS win. Oregon is 27-12 ATS in its last 39 home games following a blowout win by 20 points or more. UCLA is 4-14 ATS in its last 18 road games vs. a good team with a winning percentage from 60% to 80%. Bet Oregon Thursday.

15* CBB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Nebraska -1

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are one of the most improved teams in the land this season. That should come as no surprise considering they returned all five starters from last season. This team is way undervalued having covered five straight and six of seven in Big Ten play this season.

I have really been impressed with how well Nebraska has played at home this year. In fact, it is 9-1 straight up and 7-2 ATS in all home games with its only loss coming to Michigan (70-71) by a single point. The Wolverines are currently in first place in the Big Ten with a 7-0 mark. The Huskers have beaten the likes of Ohio State and Minnesota at home.

Indiana is reloading this season with only one starter back from last year. It is off to a mediocre 13-7 start, losing most of its big games. The Hoosiers are just 1-3 in true road games this season with their lone win coming at Penn State (79-76) by a mere 3 points.

Nebraska is 37-15 ATS in its last 52 home games with a line of +3 to -3. Indiana is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 road games after a game where it was called for 10 or less fouls. The Huskers are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 home games overall. Take Nebraska Thursday.

15* SEC PLAY OF THE DAY on Mississippi State +13.5

The Florida Gators are simply getting too much respect from the books tonight. Certainly, the Gators deserve some respect due to their 11-game winning streak, but asking them to win by 14-plus points on the road at Mississippi State to beat us is asking too much.

Only three of Florida's 11 wins during this run have been in true road games, and all three went down to the wire. It beat Arkansas (84-82), Auburn (68-61) and Alabama (68-62), which are all three teams that have similar talent to the Bulldogs.

Mississippi State (13-6) is certainly an improved team this year with all five starters back. I really like what I've seen from this team at home. The Bulldogs are 11-1 at home this season, which includes wins over Ole Miss (76-72), Texas A&M (81-72) and Auburn (82-74) in SEC play.

Plays against favorites of 10 or more points (FLORIDA) - off a blowout win by 20 points or more over a conference rival against opponent off a loss by 10 points or more to a conference rival are 70-36 (66%) ATS over the last five seasons.

The Gators are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a SU win of more than 20 points. The Bulldogs are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a S.U. loss. The Bulldogs are 5-1 ATS in their last six home meetings with Florida. Roll with Mississippi State Thursday.

25* Big 12 GAME OF THE YEAR on Iowa State +9

The Iowa State Cyclones will be out for revenge from their 70-77 home loss to the Kansas Jayhawks on January 13. They also lost in overtime twice to the Jayhawks last season, so you can bet that payback is on the mind of every single player for Iowa State.

Amazingly, the Cyclones only lost by 7 to the Jayhawks despite playing the worst that they possibly could. They shot just 31.4% from the field compared to 49.2% for the Jayhawks. They went cold from 3-point range, connecting on just 4-of-25 (16.0%) attempts. They were also outrebounded 36-53.

I look for the Cyclones to be much sharper from the field, especially from beyond the arc, which is their specialty. I also look for them to be much more aggressive on the glass in this one. Plus, DeAndre Kane was about 60 percent healthy as he was playing on a hobbled ankle.

The Wooden Award candidate is back and healthy and will be a big reason as to why ISU gives Kansas a run for its money. Just last year, the Cyclones took the Jayhawks to overtime in Lawrence as an 11.5-point underdog only after a banked 3-pointer by Kansas at the buzzer.

Iowa State is a perfect 9-0 ATS after a win by 6 points or less over the last three seasons. It is coming back to win 80.8 to 63.3 in this spot, or by an average of 17.5 points per game. This game will go right down to the wire with the Cyclones having a great chance to pull off the upset. Bet Iowa State Wednesday.

20* ACC GAME OF THE WEEK on Wake Forest +9

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are one of the most improved teams in the country in 2013-14. Head coach Jeff Bzdelik returned four starters from last year, and the result has been a 14-6 start and a legitimate shot to get into the NCAA Tournament with a strong finish.

While the Demon Deacons have not played well on the road this year, they simply have been flawless at home. In fact, Wake Forest is a perfect 12-0 at home this season, outscoring opponents by an average of 13.0 points per game. That includes wins over the likes of Richmond, St. Bonaventure, UNC, NC State and Notre Dame.

For starters, Syracuse is way overvalued right now due to its 19-0 start. It has been a covering machine to boot, going 11-4 ATS in all lined games. The betting public has caught on to the Orange, which has forced oddsmakers to set an inflated line tonight.

This is a massive letdown spot for Syracuse with its biggest game of the season on deck against Duke this Saturday. The Orange won't be able to help themselves from looking ahead to that game. As a result, they won't have the kind of focus to beat Wake Forest by double-digits, which is what it would take to beat us.

Plays against road teams as an favorite or pick (SYRACUSE) - in a game involving two average offensive teams (67-74 PPG) after 15-plus games, after allowing 65 points or less five straight games are 32-9 (78%) ATS over the last five seasons. Wake Forest is a perfect 7-0 ATS when playing a top-level team with a winning percentage of greater than 80% after 15-plus games over the last three seasons. Take Wake Forest Wednesday.

15* CBB Tuesday Night Line Mistake on St. John's +13.5

The St. John's Red Storm got off to a horrible start this season. It was certainly a surprise considering this team returned all five starters from last year and was supposed to be one of the most improved in the country. However, that slow start has created a ton of value for the Red Storm lately, especially here tonight.

St. John's has been finally playing up to its potential of late. It has won three straight coming in, including its most impressive performance of the season last time out. The Red Storm went on the road and beat Butler 69-52 despite being a 3.5-point underdog in that contest. I believe that performance is a sign of things to come for this team.

Creighton is way overvalued right now due to being nationally ranked. There's no question that this is a quality team, but they are nowhere near as good as the beat down they put on Villanova a week ago, which is the reason they are overvalued here. The Bluejays made everything they looked at in that game from 3-point range. Asking them to win by 14 to beat us against an underrated St. John's team is simply asking too much.

St. John's is 33-18 ATS in its last 51 games after giving up five or less offensive rebounds last game. Creighton is 5-17 ATS after having won 15 or more of its last 20 games over the past three seasons. This trend just goes to show how overvalued the Bluejays have been when getting on a run like the current one they are on. Take St. John's Tuesday.

20* Michigan State/Iowa ESPN Tuesday No-Brainer on Iowa -4.5

The Iowa Hawkeyes are one of the most underrated teams in the country. It's amazing how close this team is to being 20-0 right now. All four of its losses have come on the road to ranked opponents in Villanova (83-88), Iowa State (82-85), Wisconsin (71-75) and Michigan (67-75) by a combined 20 points.

Iowa has yet to lose at home this season, going a perfect 11-0 while outscoring opponents 90.3 to 62.1, or by an average of 28.2 points per game. It's safe to say that Carver Hawkeye Arena has made a revival, and it will be rowdy inside when the Michigan State Spartans make a visit. These fans and the players want revenge from two 3-point losses to Michigan State last year.

The Spartans are in a world of hurt right now. They are likely to be without their top two big men tonight. Branden Dawson (10.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg) is out with a broken wrist, while Adreian Payne (16.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg) is doubtful with a foot injury. Iowa is one of the best rebounding teams in the country, outrebounding opponents 44-34 on the season, so the potential losses of Dawson and Payne will hurt the Spartans against the Hawkeyes more than they would against most other teams.

Iowa is 10-1 ATS when playing its 3rd game in a week over the last two seasons. The Hawkeyes are 36-15 ATS in their last 51 games overall. Iowa is 26-8 ATS in its last 34 games following a win. The Hawkeyes are 37-14 ATS in their last 51 home games. Iowa is 18-6 ATS in its last 24 vs. Big Ten opponents. Bet Iowa Tuesday.

15* Oklahoma State/Oklahoma ESPN Rivalry Play on Oklahoma +5

The Oklahoma Sooners have been one of the most underrated teams in the country this season. Once again, they are getting disrespected as a home underdog to rival Oklahoma State Monday. While I don't believe they'll need the points, I'll back the Sooners and the points for some insurance.

Oklahoma (16-4) has proven it is one of the better teams in the land in conference play. It has opened 5-2 in the Big 12, which includes road wins at Baylor and Texas, as well as a home win over Iowa State. Its two losses have come by 7 points or less to both Kansas and Kansas State (on the road).

Oklahoma State is one of the most overrated teams in the land due to having Marcus Smart, who really hasn't been as good as he was expected to be. The Cowboys have opened 4-2 in conference play, and they've been atrocious on the road. They are 1-2 in conference road games, losing to Kansas State and Kansas, while beating lowly West Virginia (73-72) by a single point.

Home-court advantage has been absolutely enormous in this rivalry. In fact, the home team is a perfect 9-0 straight up in the last nine meetings in this series. Better yet, the Sooners are 9-0 in Norman against the Cowboys since a 65-52 loss back in 2004. As you can see, the wrong team is favored in this one. Roll with Oklahoma Monday.

20* Pac-12 GAME OF THE WEEK on Utah +15

The Utah Utes get the call Saturday as a massive road underdog to the Arizona Wildcats. Ranked No. 1 in the country, the Wildcats are clearly overvalued right now, which means it's time to fade them.

While Arizona (19-0) is considered the best team in the land, I have no doubt that Utah (14-5) is one of the most underrated teams in college basketball. In fact, this team is very close to being undefeated this season. All five of its losses have come by 4 points or less with road losses to Boise State (67-69), Washington (57-59), Washington State (46-49) and Arizona State (75-79), as well as a home loss to Oregon (68-70).

Utah played Arizona extremely tough last season. It lost by a final of 57-60 as a 19-point road underdog on January 5. It came back at home and lost 64-68 as a 10-point underdog on February 17. There's no question the Utes want revenge and would love nothing more than to hand the Wildcats their first lost of the season. At the very least, I have no doubt they'll stay within 15 points.

Plays on road underdogs of 10 to 19.5 points (UTAH) - excellent free throw shooting team (>=73%) against an average free throw shooting team (65-69%), good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a poor pressure defensive team (<=14.5 TO's) are 28-9 (75.7%) ATS over the last five seasons.

Utah is a perfect 10-0 ATS when playing against a top-level team with a winning percentage of greater than 80% over the last two seasons. The Utes are 13-0 ATS versus excellent teams that shoot 45% or better and allow 42% or worse from the field over the last two years. The Utes are 38-13-2 ATS in their last 53 games overall. Bet Utah Sunday.

15* CBB Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Oregon -5.5

The Oregon Ducks are going to be highly motivated for a victory Sunday as they travel to face lowly Washington State. I look for that motivation and intensity to lead to a blowout road victory against the Cougars, who are just 8-11 on the season.

Oregon opened 13-0 and was nationally ranked. However, it has lost five straight games since with four of those coming by single-digits. It simply hasn't been getting the breaks, and it has played a brutal schedule to boot.

This is actually a break in the scheduled for the Ducks. Washington State is 1-6 SU & 2-5 ATS in Pac-12 play, getting outscored by an average of 16.5 points per game. The Cougars are clearly the worst team in the conference, and that will show again tonight.

Ken Bone is 0-9 ATS in home games versus good foul drawing teams that attempt 25 or more free throws per game in all games he has coached. Take this 100% system all-time straight to the bank tonight. Take Oregon Sunday.

20* SEC GAME OF THE WEEK on Alabama -1.5

It's now or never for the Alabama Crimson Tide, who cannot afford many more losses if they want to make a run at the NCAA Tournament. Playing with that motivation in mind, I'll back them as a small home favorite over the LSU Tigers today.

Alabama is the best team in the country that currently has a losing record. It just simply has not gotten the breaks in close games as nine of its 10 losses have come by 10 points or less, including close setbacks against some of the best teams in the country in Wichita State (67-72), Xavier (74-77) and Florida (62-68).

My biggest reason for backing 'Bama is the importance of home-court advantage in this series. Alabama is a sensational 14-2 SU in its last 16 home meetings with LSU.

Plays on a favorite (ALABAMA) - after going under the total by 18 or more points total in their last three games, a marginal losing team (40% to 49%) playing a winning team are 40-12 (76.9%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Crimson Tide are 9-1 ATS when playing with one or less days' rest over the last three seasons. Take Alabama Saturday.

15* Michigan/MSU ESPN Rivalry Play on Michigan +5

The Michigan State Spartans have no business being favored Saturday. They are going to be without their two best post players, and as a result, they are going to get owned inside and likely lose outright. I'm only taking the five points for some insurance.

Adreian Payne (16.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg) has missed the past four games with a foot injury and is doubtful to play Saturday. Branden Dawson (10.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg) suffered a broken hand during a recent film session and will miss the next four-to-five weeks as a result.

You would be hard-pressed to find a team playing better basketball than the Wolverines right now. They have won eight straight games going in, going 6-1-1 ATS in the process. That includes road wins over Minnesota (63-60) and Wisconsin (77-70), as well as a home win over Iowa (75-67). Roll with Michigan Saturday.

15* Big East PLAY OF THE DAY on DePaul +8

The Seton Hall Pirates have no business being this heavily favored over the DePaul Blue Demons Saturday in what I believe is a very evenly-matched game. I'll take the points in this one without hesitation as a result.

One of my biggest reasons for wanting to fade Seton Hall here is that it is in a very tough spot. Indeed, it is coming off a painful 76-77 loss at St. John's on Thursday. It came way back from 17 points down in the second half to have a chance to win in the end.

So, the Pirates used a ton of energy to come back, and now they only get one day to rest and prepare for DePaul. Meanwhile, the Blue Demons come in fresh and ready to go having last played on Monday, January 20 in a 10-point loss to Xavier. That edge in rest and preparation will be a big key to a Demon Deacons' cover today.

Seton Hall is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 Saturday home games. The Pirates are 0-6 ATS in their last six home games following a game with five or less offensive rebounds. Seton Hall is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 home games off a close road loss by 3 points or less. Bet DePaul Saturday.

15* Tennessee/Florida ESPN No-Brainer on Tennessee +9.5

The Florida Gators are getting way too much respect from the books Saturday. I'll gladly take my chances with the Gators not being able to beat a very underrated Tennessee team by double-digits in this one.

The reason Florida is overvalued is due to winning 10 straight games heading into this one. It has shown signs of being overvalued in its last two games, failing to cover in a 7-point win over Auburn and a 6-point win over Alabama. This one will go right down to the wire as well.

While Tennessee is a mediocre 12-6 this season, a closer look shows how close this team is to being a lot better than that. In fact, all six of its losses have come by 9 points or less this season. That three road losses to Xavier (63-67), Wichita State (61-70) and Kentucky (66-74), which are three of the best teams in the country. Those three efforts give the Vols the believe that they can play with anyone on the road.

Tennessee simply has Florida's number. In fact, the Vols are a perfect 3-0 SU and 3-0 ATS in their last three meetings with the Gators. They won 64-58 as an 8-point home underdog, 75-70 as a 12.5-point road dog, and 67-56 as a 7.5-point home dog in their last three meetings, respectively.

The Vols are 10-1 ATS vs. teams who are called for 3-plus fouls per game less than their opponents over the last three seasons. Tennessee is a perfect 7-0 ATS versus good rebounding teams who outrebound their opponents by 4-plus per game after 15-plus games over the last two years. Florida is 5-16 ATS in its last 21 home games following seven or more consecutive wins. Take Tennessee Saturday.

20* Big 12 GAME OF THE WEEK on West Virginia +14

The West Virginia Mountaineers will be out for revenge from their 72-73 home loss to the Oklahoma State Cowboys back on January 11 just two weeks ago. They will give the Cowboys a run for their money today, and they should not be catching 14 points.

Oklahoma State is in a very tough spot here. It is coming off a heartbreaking 78-80 loss at Kansas last time out, and it has a huge game on deck against Oklahoma Monday. That makes this a sandwich game for the Cowboys, who will have a hard time getting motivated enough to beat WVU by 15-plus points.

Plays on road underdogs of 10 or more points (W VIRGINIA) - revenging a home loss vs opponent, off a no-cover where the team won straight up as a favorite are 47-18 (72.3%) ATS over the last five seasons.

West Virginia is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games after scoring 80 or more points in its previous game. Oklahoma State is 13-26 ATS in its last 39 games as a home favorite of 12.5 to 18 points. The Cowboys are 9-19 ATS in their last 28 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Bet West Virginia Saturday.

15* Big Ten PLAY OF THE DAY on Northwestern +9.5

The Northwestern Wildcats will be out for revenge today from their ugly 67-93 loss at Iowa in their first meeting of the season on January 9. With the way this team has been playing of late, I like their chances to stay within double-digits of the Hawkeyes and possibly pull off the upset in the rematch.

Indeed, Northwestern is 3-1 in its last four games overall with home wins against Illinois (49-43) and Purdue (63-60), as well as a very impressive road win at Indiana (54-47) as a 13-point underdog. It was a dog in all four of those contests.

Iowa is in a tough spot here. Not only will it find it hard to be motivated enough to beat Northwestern by double-digits after already topping the Wildcats by 26 points, it is also coming off a tough loss at Michigan, and it has an even bigger game with Michigan State on deck Tuesday.

The Wildcats are a perfect 6-0 ATS in home games after three straight games where both teams scored 70 points or less over the last three seasons. They are winning 67.7 to 64.0 in this spot. They are clearly playing tremendous defense coming in. Roll with Northwestern Saturday.

20* Big Ten GAME OF THE MONTH on Penn State -3

The Penn State Nittany Lions are showing tremendous value as a small home favorite over the Nebraska Cornhuskers tonight. I'll take advantage and back them in what I believe is going to be a blowout by game's end.

Penn State is one of the most improved teams in the country this season due to the return of leading scorer Tim Frazier, who missed nearly all of last season with an injury. However, the Nittany Lions have struggled in Big Ten play, opening 0-6 with three losses by 3 points or less. That leaves them hungry for their first taste of victory within the conference, and they get it tonight.

This is the perfect spot to fade Nebraska, which is coming off its biggest win of the season. After opening 0-4 in Big Ten play, the Huskers were able to upset Ohio State at home on Monday. It's only human nature for them to suffer a letdown off such a big win. Plus, the Huskers only come in on two days' rest, while the Nittany Lions come in on four days' rest having last played on Saturday.

Nebraska is 0-8 ATS off an upset win over a conference rival over the last three seasons. It is coming back to lost 57.0 to 77.9 in this spot, or by an average of 20.9 points per game. Bet Penn State Thursday.

15* Big East PLAY OF THE DAY on St. John's -4

The St. John's Red Storm are under the radar right now due to a poor start in Big East play. With all five starters back from last season, this team has certainly underachieved up to this point. However, I think this is going to be a dangerous squad going forward because of it.

St. John's has opened 0-5 in Big East play and is hungry for its first taste of victory within the conference. Three of those losses have come by 7 points or less, including two by a combined 3 points. There's no question that this team is better than its record would indicate, and it should be a much heavier home favorite tonight.

Seton Hall is just a mediocre team that is getting too much respect from he books tonight. It was blown out at home by both Creighton (66-79) and Villanova (67-83). It also lost at home to St. Peters (80-83) in mid-December. However, it is coming off a big win at Georgetown last time out, which sets it up for a letdown spot here against a Red Storm team that simply wants it more.

Kevin Willard is 3-12 ATS in road games after covering two of their last three games against the spread as the coach of Seton Hall. Home-court advantage has been huge int his series as the home team is a sensational 9-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings. Take St. John's Thursday.

15* Big Ten PLAY OF THE DAY on Wisconsin -2

Off back-to-back losses, which just so happened to be their only two losses on the season, the Wisconsin Badgers (16-2) will be out for blood tonight. I'll gladly back this motivated team against the overmatched Minnesota Golden Gophers tonight.

While Wisconsin's two losses came by a combined nine points, Minnesota has really been overmatched in a couple of Big Ten games against the top teams in the league. It lost to Michigan State 75-87, while also falling to Iowa 73-94 last time out. It stands little chance tonight, too.

Wisconsin has won four of its last five meetings with Minnesota with its only loss coming in overtime. The Gophers have played a much softer schedule than the Badgers to this point, and I don't believe they are fully ready for the effort they're going to get from this hungry Wisconsin team.

The Badgers are 5-0 ATS in their last five Wednesday games. Wisconsin is 4-1 ATS in its last five games following an ATS loss. The Golden Gophers are 2-7 ATS in their last nine vs. Big Ten foes. Minnesota is 1-5 ATS in its last six games vs. a team with a winning percentage above 60%. The Golden Gophers are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six home games. Take Wisconsin Wednesday.

15* Big 12 PLAY OF THE DAY on Texas Tech +7.5

This is a classic revenge game for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, who lost at home to West Virginia by a final of 86-89 on January 6. Two weeks later, the Red Raiders will be out for payback tonight.

Texas Tech has been playing great since that defeat. After falling at Texas 64-67 as a 10-point underdog, it came back and beat Baylor at home 82-72 as a 5-point dog, while also topping TCU on the road 60-49 as a 2-point favorite.

West Virginia has been overrated all season, and it continues to be tonight. This team simply isn't that good, and that has shown in the last three games. It fell at home to Oklahoma State (72-73) and Texas (69-80) before getting throttled on the road at Kansas State (56-78).

Each of the last three meetings in this series have been decided by 3 points or less. The Mountaineers are 13-29-1 ATS in their last 43 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. WVU is 7-22-1 ATS in its last 30 home games. The Mountaineers are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 games following a S.U. loss. The road team is a perfect 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings. Bet Texas Tech Wednesday.

15* ACC PLAY OF THE DAY on Clemson +11

The Clemson Tigers are one of the most underrated teams in the country this season. Quietly, they have gotten off to a 13-4 start this season and have proven their worth in ACC play. They have opened 4-1 in the conference, which includes a win over Duke.

Pittsburgh is a much-improved team this season as well, but it is way overvalued here and has been for much of the season. It has gone just 2-8-1 ATS in its last 11 lined games, time and time again failing to cover lofty spreads.

The Panthers are coming off a huge loss to Syracuse by a final of 54-59 over the weekend. I fully expect them to suffer a hangover from that defeat as it will be tough to bounce back emotionally from such a close defeat.

Plays against home favorites of 10 to 19.5 points (PITTSBURGH) - after scoring 60 points or less against opponent after 2 straight games where both teams score 65 points or less are 44-15 (74.6%) ATS over the last five seasons. Pittsburgh is 1-12 ATS after three straight games outrebounding opponent by six or more over the last three seasons. Take Clemson Tuesday.

15* Big Ten PLAY OF THE DAY on Indiana +12

The Indiana Hoosiers will be highly motivated for a win tonight when they head to East Lansing to take on the Michigan State Spartans. Not only do they have revenge in mind, but they also want to get the sour taste out of their mouths from an ugly loss last time out.

Indiana lost 56-73 at home to Michigan State on January 4 just over two weeks ago. There's no question it wants payback from that defeat. Off a big win over Wisconsin, it was only human nature that the Hoosiers would let down against Northwestern last game, and it cost them as they lost outright. The Spartans will have their full attention.

Michigan State is way overvalued right now due to its 10-game winning streak heading into this game. Plus, the Spartans are expected to be without their best player in Adreian Payne (16.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg), who is listed as doubtful with a foot injury.

Indiana is 5-1-1 (83%) ATS in its last seven road games. Tom Izzo is 30-47 ATS after covering five or six of their last seven games as the coach of Michigan State. Roll with Indiana Tuesday.

15* Baylor/Kansas ESPN Monday No-Brainer on Baylor +10.5

The Baylor Bears will be a highly motivated team tonight when they take on the Kansas Jayhawks. They are way undervalued due to losing three of their first four games in Big 12 play, and I'll gladly take advantage by backing them as a double-digit dog here.

At 13-4 and with wins over Colorado, Dayton, and Kentucky all away from home, I have no doubt that Baylor is still one of the better teams in the country. I look for the Bears to prove that tonight against what is perceived to be as the best team in the Big 12.

After a 4-0 start in conference play, I have no doubt that Kansas is overvalued in this one. Three of those wins came by seven points or less, so it is fortunate to have this record. Remember, the Jayhawks have lost four games this season, including a home loss to San Diego State.

The road team is 13-3 ATS in the last 16 meetings in this series. Baylor is a very profitable 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Kansas. Clearly, the Bears have not minded playing in Lawrence at all. Roll with Baylor Monday.

15* Oregon/OSU CBB Sunday Night BAILOUT on Oregon -2.5

The Oregon Ducks opened the season 13-0 and were rolling. Three straight losses later to Colorado, Cal and Stanford, and this team is searching for itself. Due to this 3-game skid, I look for the Ducks to be even more motivated than usual as they do battle with in-state rival Oregon State in the Civil War Sunday.

I have no doubt that Oregon is still one of the best teams in the country despite this recent skid, and I look for it to show it tonight. This team is simply undervalued right now due to the streak and the six straight losses against the spread as well, and now is the time to pounce.

Oregon State (9-7) is clearly overvmatched in this one. Its true colors have shown as the schedule has gotten tougher of late, losing five of its last eight games overall. Oregon won both meetings by double-digits last year to improve to 24-8 straight up against Oregon State since 1997. The Ducks are 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings in Oregon State.

Oregon is 7-0 ATS in road games versus good shooting teams that make 45% or more of their shots after 15-plus games over the last three seasons. Oregon State is 14-37 ATS in its last 51 home games following a home loss. The Ducks are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight road games. Bet Oregon Sunday.

15* Louisville/UConn ESPN Saturday Night BAILOUT on Connecticut +2

The UConn Huskies have been undervalued for most of this season. That is certainly the case again here tonight as they are a home underdog to the defending champion Louisville Cardinals. I'll gladly take advantage.

I've seen enough from the Huskies to know that this team can beat anyone in the country. It has racked up neutral court wins over Maryland and Indiana, home wins over Florida and Harvard, and road wins over Washington and Memphis. That's an impressive slate.

Louisville is 0-3 against the best three opponents that it has faced this season in UNC, Kentucky and Memphis. I would argue that it doesn't have a good win yet considering all of its wins have come as a favorite of 13.5 points or more. It is short-handed as well as it is playing without Chane Behanan (dismissed from team) and third-leading scorer Chris Jones (11.3 ppg).

UConn is 8-1 ATS versus good teams who outscore their opponents by 4-plus points per game after 15-plus games over the last two seasons. The Huskies are 8-1 at home this season, outscoring opponents by 16.1 points per game. The Cardinals are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win. The Huskies are 18-5 ATS in their last 23 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Roll with UConn Saturday.

25* Atlantic 10 GAME OF THE YEAR on St. Bonaventure -3

St. Bonaventure is one of the better teams in the country that not too many folks know about. Despite being just 11-6 on the season, this team is favored for good reason over George Washington (14-3) tonight.

All six of the Bonnies' losses have come on the road this season with five of them coming by 6 points or less. That includes back-to-back impressive losses at UMass (68-73) as a 7-point dog and at Saint Louis (60-66) as an 11-point dog. They'll clearly be motivated to get back in the win column today.

You have to like their chances considering the Bonnies are a perfect 7-0 at home this season, outscoring opponents by an average of 18.0 points per game. All three of George Washington's losses have come on the road this year. Off a massive win over VCU earlier this week, the Colonials are in line for a colossal letdown today.

GW is 0-6 ATS in its last six road games versus good teams that outscore their opponents by 4 or more points per game after 15-plus games. St. Bonaventure is 6-0 ATS after allowing 30 points or less in the first half of two straight games this season. The Colonials are 7-21 ATS in their last 28 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Bonnies are 23-8 ATS in their last 31 home games, and 8-1 ATS in their last nine games following a loss by 6 points or fewer. Bet St. Bonaventure Saturday.

15* CBB Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on St. John's -13

The St. John's Red Storm (9-8) are going to be highly motivated for a win today. As a result, I'll back them as a generous 13-point favorite against Dartmouth (7-7) Saturday.

The Red Storm may be the best team in the country that has eight losses or more on the season. This is a team that returned all five starters from last year and was expected to be improved, but after a slow start, they are undervalued right now.

St. John's is coming off five straight losses against a brutal schedule, and it wants to take out its frustration today. Six of its eight losses have come by 10 points or less, and five of them have come against Wisconsin, Syracuse, Xavier, Georgetown and Villanova.

This is a Dartmouth team that has home losses to Vermont (53-62), Hartford (56-68) and Bryant (56-68), as well as a road loss to IUPU-FT Wayne (64-80) among its seven losses overall. Those results allow me to believe that they have no chance of hanging with the motivated Red Storm today.

Plays on favorites of 10 or more points (ST JOHNS) - off 2 or more consecutive losses as a favorite, with a winning percentage of between 45-55% on the season are 29-6 (82.9%) ATS since 1997. Take St. John's Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Iowa State -1.5

Off back-to-back losses for their first two defeats of the season, I am backing the Iowa State Cyclones to bounce back with a road win at Texas Saturday. This is a serious contender to win the Big 12, and it cannot afford a third straight loss if it wants to accomplish that feat.

Texas is coming off back-to-back wins, including a victory at West Virginia last time out. This is a quality team and one that is better than most expected coming into the season, but I believe it is overvalued due to the solid start. This team is a bit of a fraud and will fade as the Big 12 season rolls along.

Iowa State shot just 31.4% against Kansas while giving up 49.2% shooting to the Jayhawks, yet still only lost 70-77. Even playing their worst game Monday, the Cyclones still had a chance to win that game in the end.

The Cyclones are a perfect 6-0 ATS after having lost two of their last three games over the last three seasons. They are coming back to win by 14.1 points per game in this spot. Iowa State is also 6-0 ATS after failing to cover the spread in two or more consecutive games over the last two years. It is winning by 14.6 points per game in this spot. Bet Iowa State Saturday.

20* Big East GAME OF THE MONTH on Butler PK

The Butler Bulldogs will be more motivated for a win today than they have been at any point in the season thus far. That's why I'm going to back them at a very generous price as a pick 'em at home against Marquette Saturday.

Butler has lost five straight games coming in with three of those losses coming by five points or less, including setbacks to Villanova (73-76) and Georgetown (67-70). It is ready to put an end to this skid, which has been the result of a brutal schedule and poor fortune in close games more than anything.

Marquette is just 1-4 in true road games this season. I really believe that the Bulldogs are going to be the more motivated team here because they lost both meetings to the Golden Eagles last year by a combined three points, including a 72-74 setback in the NCAA Tournament. They want revenge this year.

The Golden Eagles are 0-8 ATS in their last eight vs. Big East opponents. Marquette is 0-6 ATS in its last six games overall. The Golden Eagles are 0-5 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. These three trends combine for a 19-0 system going against Marquette. Also, the Bulldogs are 16-6 ATS in their last 22 games following an ATS loss. Take Butler Saturday.

15* Big 12 PLAY OF THE DAY on Kansas State -4.5

The Kansas State Wildcats get the call Saturday as a small home favorite over the West Virginia Mountaineers. This is one of the most underrated teams in the country, and they continue to lack the respect they deserve from the books.

That has been very evident of late as the Wildcats have gone a healthy 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall. That includes wins over the likes of Ole Miss, Gonzaga, George Washington, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma.

I'm just not sold on West Virginia (10-7), which is getting too much respect from the books here. It has lost its last two games to Oklahoma State and Texas at home. I think its two narrow road wins over TCU and Texas Tech by a combined eight points to open the Big 12 season have it overvalued.

Kansas State is 9-1 at home this season, winning by an average of 11.2 points per game. The Wildcats are 9-1 ATS in home games versus good teams who outscore their opponents by 4-plus points per game over the last two seasons. The Mountaineers are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games following a S.U. loss.

The Wildcats are 6-0 ATS in their last six home games. The Mountaineers are 9-23-1 ATS in their last 33 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Kansas State is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. The Wildcats are 20-6-1 ATS in their last 27 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Roll with Kansas State Saturday.

15* CBB Thursday Night Line Mistake on Nebraska-Omaha +13

Nebraska-Omaha is one of those teams from a small conference that the betting public has not caught onto. The Mavericks have been a covering machine, going 6-2 ATS this season, and I'll continue to ride them showing tremendous value tonight.

This is a Nebraska-Omaha team that returned four starters from last season. It is led by three absolute studs in John Karhoff (14.4 ppg), CJ Carter (14.1 ppg) and Devin Patterson (12.1 ppg). The Mavericks are averaging 83.3 points per game this season and shooting 78.6% from the free throw line.

North Dakota State also returns a lot of talent from last season, but this team is simply overvalued tonight. The Bison have failed to cover the spread in three of their last five games overall, which includes a 71-82 loss at IUPU-FT Wayne despite being a 7-point favorite.

NDSU is 0-7 ATS versus very good teams - outscoring their opponents by 8+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons. Omaha has not lost by more than 13 points yet this season, which includes covers at Iowa (75-83) as a 29.5-point dog, at UNLV (70-73) as a 14-point dog, at Minnesota (79-92) as a 16-point dog, and at Hawaii (73-77) as a 9-point dog. Roll with Nebraska-Omaha Thursday.

15* CBB Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Houston +18

The defending champion Louisville Cardinals are once again overvalued tonight as an 18-point favorite over the Houston Cougars. I'll gladly fade them here, which is something I've done with quite a bit of success this season.

Louisville is really lacking quality wins this season. In its three toughest games this year, it lost to UNC (84-93), Kentucky (66-73) and Memphis (67-73). This team has failed to cover in three straight games, and they are nowhere near as good as they were a year ago when they won it all.

The team dismissed Chane Behanan in early January, which left the Cardinals very thin along the front line. Now, they are expected to be without third-leading scorer Chris Jones (11.3 ppg), who is out with an oblique injury.

Houston (10-6) is quietly having a solid season. I have backed this team with success a few times this year, and I believe it is one of the more underrated teams in the land. It nearly beat Cincinnati (60-61) last time out, and it beat UConn (75-71) just a couple weeks ago. This team is capable of hanging with Louisville.

The Cardinals are 3-14 ATS in their last 17 home games following four consecutive games as a favorite. The Cougars are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. The Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Cougars are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games. Take Houston Thursday.

20* UConn/Memphis ESPN No-Doubt Rout on Connecticut +6.5

The Connecticut Huskies are showing their best value of the season as a mid-sized road underdog to the Memphis Tigers tonight. I look for them not only to cover, but to likely win this game outright tonight.

Had they been eligible for the NCAA Tournament last year, they would have gone. Now eligible in 2014, and with all five starters back from that team, the Huskies are the real deal at 13-3 this season. They have beaten Maryland, Indiana, Florida, Washington and Harvard en route to this solid start.

Memphis comes in overvalued after back-to-back wins at Louisville and Temple. Those two wins have certainly masked their 53-69 home loss to Cincinnati in their last home game, but I certainly have not forgotten about it. UConn plays hard-nosed defense and will give this young Memphis team fits.

The Tigers are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 home games versus poor pressure defensive teams that force 14 or fewer turnovers over the last two seasons. Memphis is 2-11 ATS in its last 13 home games off a win by 10 points or more. Bet Connecticut Thursday.

15* Washington/California Pac-12 BAILOUT on Washington +9.5

The Washington Huskies get the call Wednesday as a big underdog to the California Bears in the final game of the night on the college hardwood. Asking the Bears to win by double-digits to beat us is simply asking too much.

The Huskies are off to an 11-6 start this season, but they have saved their best basketball for the Pac-12. They have gone 3-1 SU & 3-0-1 ATS in Pac-12 play, which includes an impressive road win at Arizona State (76-65) as a 10.5-point underdog, and a blowout home win over Colorado (71-54) as a 3.5-point dog.

Despite playing well, the Huskies are getting no respect from the books. While Cal is also playing well, it is indeed getting all kinds of respect from the books. Cal has gone 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in Pac-12 play, and I have been on the Bears for two of those three games. I just think it's time to fade them now that they are overvalued due to this impressive mini-run.

California is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 games after scoring 80 or more points in a win over a conference rival. Washington is 9-2 ATS in January games over the last two seasons. Lorenzo Romar is a sensational 93-63 ATS as an underdog as the coach of Washington.

The Bears are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 home games following three or more consecutive road games. The Huskies are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games. The Huskies are 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings with Cal. Bet Washington Wednesday.

20* CBB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Wake Forest -2

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons get the nod as a small home favorite over the NC State Wolfpack tonight. This is a very generous line given how Jeff Bzdelik's team has played at home.

Indeed, the Demon Deacons are a perfect 10-0 at home this season where they are outscoring opponents by an average of 14.8 points per game. They have beaten the likes of Richmond (76-66), St. Bonaventure (77-62) and North Carolina (73-67) at home this season, so it's not like they have beaten up a bunch of cupcakes.

While Wake Forest has four returning starters and is much-improved in 2013-14, NC State is a young team with just one starter back. It has struggled of late, losing three of its last five games overall, including a 45-76 home loss to Virginia last time out. It also has a home loss to NC Central (72-82) on its resume.

Wake Forest has won 12 of its last 16 home meetings with NC State. The Wolfpack are 0-7 ATS in their last seven games after scoring 60 or less points. Wake Forest is 6-0 ATS in January home games over the last two years. The Demon Deacons are 22-7-1 ATS in their last 30 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Roll with Wake Forest Wednesday.

20* Big 12 GAME OF THE WEEK on TCU +21

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are getting way too much respect from the books tonight as a 21-point favorite over the TCU Horned Frogs. I'll gladly take advantage and take all the points I can get here.

Oklahoma State is in a huge letdown spot here. It will be looking ahead to its massive showdown with Big 12 favorite Kansas this Saturday in Lawrence. It will not be giving TCU the attention it deserves because of it.

The Horned Frogs are one of the most improved teams in the country this season with a 9-6 start. They are undervalued due to opening 0-3 in Big 12 play, which included a 62-68 loss at Baylor last time out. I look for them to easily stay within 21 points of a Cowboys team that will just be going through the motions tonight.

As horrible as TCU was last season, it still stayed within 18 points or Oklahoma State in both meetings. The Cowboys are 0-7 ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%) after 15 or more games over the last two seasons. Bet TCU Wednesday.

15* Atlantic 10 PLAY OF THE DAY on Duquesne +11.5

The Duquesne Dukes get the call as a double-digit underdog tonight to the St. Joseph's Hawks. I look for this game to go right down to the wire with the Dukes having a good shot to pull off the upset on the road.

Duquesne is off to a respectable 8-6 start overall. It has played its best basketball on the road this season, going 3-1 straight up in true road games.

St. Joe's is 10-5 this season, but it could be without one of its best players tonight. Second-leading scorer Ronald Roberts (14.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg) is questionable to play with a back injury after missing Saturday's game against George Mason.

What really attracted me to Duquesne is the fact that it has played St. Joseph's very tough in recent years. In fact, three of the last six meetings between these teams have gone to overtime. Duquesne hasn't lost by more than eight points to St. Joseph's in any of the last seven meetings.

St. Joe's is 1-8 ATS after a game where it was called for 10 or less fouls over the last three seasons. The Hawks are 18-35 ATS in their last 53 games as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points. The Hawks are 8-20 ATS in their last 28 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. The road team is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings in this series. Roll with Duquesne Wednesday.

15* Missouri Valley PLAY OF THE DAY on Missouri State +10

The Missouri State Bears are one of the most improved teams in the country in 2013. They are still getting treated like a bottom feeder in the Missouri Valley, which simply is not the case.

Missouri State is off to a 12-4 start this season with three of its losses coming to three of the best teams in the country in Wichita State, Louisville and Virginia. That loss to Wichita State came by a mere three points with a final of 69-72 to really show what the Bears are capable of.

I am high on Indiana State this year as well, but this is simply a tough spot for the Sycamores. They will be looking ahead to their game at No. 5 Wichita State on Saturday. They won't give Missouri State the attention it deserves, and thus they won't win this game by double-digits.

Indiana State is 1-8 ATS as a home favorite of 10 or more points over the last three seasons. The Bears are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games following a S.U. loss. Missouri State is 18-6 ATS in its last 24 vs. MVC foes. The Sycamores are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 home games. Take Missouri State Wednesday.

15* Big East PLAY OF THE DAY on Butler +10.5

The Butler Bulldogs are showing tremendous value as a double-digit road underdog to the Creighton Bluejays Tuesday. I look for them to be highly motivated and to lay it all on the line after a brutal stretch of games heading in.

Butler got off to a 10-2 start this season to pick up right where it left off under former head coach Brad Stevens. However, it hast lost four straight games all by 11 points or less to Villanova (73-76), Xavier (68-79), DePaul (94-99) and Georgetown (67-70) coming in. I look for it to possibly pull off the upset here.

Creighton is coming off a big 95-89 home victory over Xavier last time out, which was on Sunday. That means that it has only had one day to prepare for Butler, while the Bulldogs have had two days to prepare after losing to Georgetown on Saturday. That is a huge advantage for the Bulldogs, who catch the Bluejays in a letdown spot.

Plays on underdogs of 10 or more points (BUTLER) - after failing to cover 4 of their last 5 against the spread against opponent after having covered 3 of their last 4 against the spread are 117-60 (66.1%) ATS over the last five seasons.

Butler is 7-0 ATS versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=37% of their attempts after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons. Creighton is 9-19 ATS after having won 12 or more of their last 15 games over the last 3 seasons. The Bulldogs are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games following a ATS loss. Bet Butler Tuesday.

20* American Athletic GAME OF THE WEEK on Temple +14.5

The Temple Owls are showing tremendous value as a massive underdog to the Cincinnati Bearcats Tuesday. This team is way undervalued due to its poor 5-9 record, but a closer look shows that this team is better than its record would indicate.

In fact, all nine of Temple's losses have come by 14 points or less, including eight by 10 or fewer, and seven by 7 or less. This team hasn't really been blown out yet, and I don't look for that to happen for the first time Tuesday, either.

Cincinnati is overvalued right now due to covering six of its last seven games overall. It is coming off a 20-point home win over Rutgers in a game that was much closer than the final score would indicate. The Scarlet Knights went 0-for-14 from the field over their final 14 shots of the game.

Plays against favorites of 10 or more points (CINCINNATI) - off a blowout win by 20 points or more over a conference rival against opponent off a loss by 10 points or more to a conference rival are 69-32 (68.3%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Owls are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a double-digit home loss. Temple is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 road games. Take Temple Tuesday.

15* Big Ten PLAY OF THE DAY on Penn State +11

The Penn State Nittany Lions will be one of the most improved teams in the country by season's end. Six of their eight losses have come by 10 points or less. I look for them to put up a fight against Michigan tonight as well.

The Nittany Lions are coming off back-to-back losses to Minnesota and Indiana by exactly three points. In fact, they have opened 0-4 in Big Ten play, which is why they are undervalued here. There's no question they are hungry for their first victory.

After making the championship game last season, the Wolverines have clearly been overvalued this season. They have lost four times already and have very few impressive wins. Their only wins by more than this 11-point spread have come against UMass-Lowell, South Carolina State, Long Beach State, Coppin State, Houston Baptist, Holy Cross and Northwestern.

Penn State played Michigan very tough in both regular season meetings last year. It lost 71-79 at Michigan as a 22-point underdog, but got revenge with an 84-78 home victory as a 13-point dog. Just like the Wolverines overlooked them last year, I could easily see it happening again considering Michigan has a huge game on deck at Wisconsin Saturday and could be looking ahead.

The Nittany Lions are 15-3 ATS in road games versus teams who make 8 or more 3 point shots/game on the season after 15+ games since 1997. Penn State is 4-1-1 ATS in its last six road games. Michigan is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 vs. Big Ten opponents. The Wolverines are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Roll with Penn State Tuesday.

15* Virginia/Duke ESPN Monday No-Brainer on Virginia +7

The Virginia Cavaliers are one of the most underrated teams in the country. I even underestimated them early, but once they have hit conference play, they have really played tremendous basketball.

Indeed, the Cavaliers are a perfect 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in conference play this season. They are not only winning, they are dominating, which is impressive when you consider they have played two of three games on the road. They won at Florida State (62-50) and NC State (76-45), while also thumping Wake Forest (74-51) at home.

Duke has proven to be overrated in conference play, going 1-2 SU & 1-2 ATS. The Blue Devils lost at Notre Dame (77-79) and at Clemson (59-72), but beat lowly Georgia Tech (79-57) at home. Honestly, Duke doesn't have many impressive wins this season. It has beaten UCLA and Michigan, but fallen to Kansas, Arizona, Notre Dame and Clemson. The fact of the matter is that this Duke team just isn't as good as many in years' past.

Virginia played Duke extremely tough last season. It lost 58-61 on the road as a 10.5-point underdog, but got revenge at home with a 73-68 triumph as a 1-point favorite. Virginia is the second-best defensive team in the country, giving up just 55.2 points per game on 36.9% shooting. It is also outrebounding foes 38-29, while Duke is only outrebounding its opponents 34-33. The Blue Devils are simply soft this season.

Virginia is a sensational 8-1 ATS when playing its second game in three days over the last three seasons. The Cavaliers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a SU win of more than 20 points. Virginia is 14-6 ATS in its last 20 games following an ATS win. The Cavaliers are 20-9-1 ATS in their last 30 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Duke is 1-8 ATS in its last nine Monday games. Take Virginia Monday.

15* CBB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Iowa +8

The Iowa Hawkeyes are one of the most underrated teams in the country in 2013-14. I look for them to not only cover with ease today, but to likely win this game outright against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Iowa returned basically everyone from last season's team that made it to the NIT Championship. It is off to a 13-3 start this year with its three losses coming to Villanova (83-88), Iowa State (82-85) and Wisconsin (71-75) all on the road. As you can see, the Hawkeyes were in every game they played.

Ohio State is in a hangover spot here after losing its first game of the season at Michigan State in overtime by a final of 68-72. It will not be completely focuses against Iowa after such a tough loss, and I look for the Hawkeyes to cover with ease because of it.

Iowa is 11-1 ATS versus teams who are called for 17 or less fouls/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons. The Hawkeyes are 33-15 ATS in all games over the last two seasons. Iowa is 16-3 ATS after playing a game as a home favorite over the last 2 seasons. Bet Iowa Sunday.

15* CBB Saturday Night Line Mistake on Rutgers +14

Rutgers (7-8) is one of the most underrated teams in the country to this point due to its poor record. A closer look at the schedule shows that the Scarlet Knights have been competitive and in every game that they have played.

Indeed, all eight of Rutgers' losses have come by 11 points or less. That includes road losses to UAB (76-79) as a 5-point dog and to Georgia Washington (87-93) as a 10.5-point dog. The Scarlet Knights also lost at home to Seton Hall (71-77), Princeton (73-78) and Louisville (76-83).

That game against the defending national champion Cardinals last time out really showed what the Scarlet Knights are capable of. They covered with ease as a 14.5-point dog, and I believe they give the Bearcats are run for their money here.

I believe Cincinnati remains overvalued due to its 69-53 win at Memphis a week ago when everything went right. I faded the Bearcats with success as a 6.5-point favorite at Houston on Tuesday in a 61-60 win. I'm going to fade them again here as they simply should not be this heavily-favored.

Plays on road underdogs of 10 or more points (RUTGERS) - off a cover where the team lost straight up as an underdog against opponent off 2 or more consecutive road wins are 73-37 (66.4%) ATS since 1997. Each of the last three meetings between Cincinnati and Rutgers have been decided by 10 points or less.

Rutgers is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 road games after a home game where both teams scored 75 points or more. The Scarlet Knights are a perfect 8-0 ATS in their last eight road games after playing their last games as an underdog. Cincinnati is 0-10 ATS after playing a road game over the last two years. These three trends combine for a 27-1 system backing the Scarlet Knights. Take Rutgers Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Connecticut -11.5

The UConn Huskies have played one of the toughest schedules in the entire country. They have managed to get through at 12-3 despite playing the likes of Maryland, Indiana, Florida, Stanford, Washington, Houston, SMU and Harvard among others.

After losing two of their last three games overall, there's no question that the Huskies will be focused today. They finally get a little bit of a 'break' in their schedule here taking on a UCF team that is 9-4, but one that has hardly played anyone.

All four of UCF's losses this season have come by 11 points or more. The Knights fell at home to both Florida State (68-80) and Louisville (65-90), while also losing at Valparaiso (70-85) and Florida Atlantic (70-85). This will be the Knights' toughest test of the season thus far, and I have no doubt they'll fail miserably while getting beat by 12-plus points.

The Huskies are 7-1 at home this season where they are outscoring opponents by 15.2 points per game. The Knights are 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall. UConn is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 Saturday games. Bet Connecticut Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Texas A&M +12

The Texas A&M Aggies certainly aren't ecstatic about their 10-4 start this season. However, they were able to right the ship in their conference opener with their best performance of the season in a 69-53 victory over Arkansas.

Now, I believe the Aggies are showing their best value of the season as a double-digit dog at Tennessee. They will want revenge from the multiple-overtime thriller they played against the Vols last season, losing by a final of 85-93.

The Vols are way overvalued right now due to a four-game winning streak coming in. They are coming off a 68-50 blowout win at LSU on National TV on Tuesday, and that result is the biggest reason why this line has been inflated. The Tigers simply played awful in that loss.

Plays against a home team (TENNESSEE) - after allowing 50 points or less against opponent after 2 straight wins by 15 points or more are 59-29 (67%) ATS over the last five seasons. Roll with Texas A&M Saturday.

20* SEC GAME OF THE MONTH on Alabama -2

The Alabama Crimson Tide are the best 7-loss team in the country. Their seven losses have all come by 10 points or less to Oklahoma (73-82), Duke (64-74), Drexel (83-85), South Florida (64-66), Wichita State (67-72), Xavier (74-77) and UCLA (67-75).

As you can see, they have played a brutal schedule to this point and could have one every game that they played. This team is going to be a covering machine in the second half of the season due to its poor start record-wise, leaving it way undervalued.

Unlike Alabama, Georgia (7-6) is every bit as bad as its record would indicate. It has lost six games this season to Georgia Tech, Davidson, Temple, Nebraska, Colorado and George Washington. That slate doesn't come close to stacking up against the competition that Alabama has lost to.

Georgia is coming off a huge 70-64 overtime win at Missouri on Wednesday, setting it up for a big letdown spot here. The Bulldogs were playing for head coach Mark Fox, who recently lost his father. That was a classic 'win one for the gipper' game, but this one is not. The Bulldogs will get back to playing their same, poor basketball.

Alabama is a perfect 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in its last five meetings with Georgia. It has won its last two visits to Athens by finals of 52-45 and 74-59. The Bulldogs are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win. Bet Alabama Saturday.

20* American Athletic GAME OF THE MONTH on Temple +7.5

The Memphis Tigers are in a massive letdown spot here. I was all over them as a 10-point underdog at Louisville on Thursday in a 73-67 road victory. Now, I'm going to fade them two days late in a game I don't expect them to show up for.

It's only human nature for a team to lack focus after beating the defending national champs. That will be the problem for the Tigers in this one as they won't get Temple the focus they deserve.

Despite being just 5-8 this season, there's no question that the Owls are a hell of a lot better than their record would indicate. In fact, seven of their eight losses have come by 7 points or less. They simply haven't been getting it done in close games, and I fully expect this one to go down to the wire, too.

The Tigers are 0-4 ATS in their last four Saturday games. The Owls are 6-1 ATS in their last seven Saturday games. Temple is 4-0 ATS in its last four games vs. a team with a winning percentage above 60%. Memphis won't be able to celebrate its Louisville win for long as it gets stunned today by the Owls. Take Temple Saturday.

15* Pac-12 PLAY OF THE DAY on California +8

The Oregon Ducks are one of the most overrated teams in the country. They opened 13-0 this season against a very easy schedule before suffering a reality check at Colorado over the weekend, falling by a final of 91-100. Oregon is now 0-4 ATS in its last four games overall, which included narrow wins over BYU (96-100) and Utah (68-70).

California is undervalued due to suffering four early-season losses, all of which came on the road against quality teams in Syracuse, Dayton, UC-Santa Barbara and Creighton. This is a team that returned four starters from last year and one to watch out for as a sleeper to win the Pac-12. The Bears are off to a good start in conference play, winning 69-62 at Stanford in their opener.

That game against Stanford was last time out, which was one week ago today. That means the Bears have had a full week to prepare for Oregon. Meanwhile, the Ducks played on Sunday, meaning that they have only had three practice days to get ready for California. The edge in rest and preparation clearly favors the Bears in this one.

"They'll have a full week, so we'll see a team that's very well-prepared," Oregon head coach Altman said. "You give Mike a full week, he's going to have them ready to go. So we're going to have to be really sharp."

California is a perfect 11-0 S.U. in its last 11 meetings with Oregon. This has clearly been a match-up of their liking throughout the years, and that was evident again last season as they took all three meetings with the Ducks. This 11-game winning streak dates back to 2009 and cannot be ignored, especially with four starters back from last season. Roll with California Thursday.

20* Memphis/Louisville ESPN Thursday No-Brainer on Memphis +10

The Louisville Cardinals are being way overvalued here tonight as a double-digit favorite against a very good Memphis team that will be making the NCAA Tournament. A win over Louisville tonight would certainly boost its chances.

I believe the reason this line has been inflated is due to the fact that Memphis is coming off its worst loss of the season, a 53-69 setback at home against Cincinnati. However, I have no doubt that the Tigers were looking ahead to this game, and that they simply overlooked the Bearcats.

Memphis is battle-tested in the early going having already played the likes of Florida, Cincinnati, Oklahoma State (twice) and LSU. It beat Oklahoma State and LSU, while also only losing to Florida by a mere two points. This team has proven that they can play with anyone in the country.

Another reason that the Cardinals are overvalued is that they won the title last year. However, against their two toughest opponents this season, they have been exposed. They lost to North Carolina (84-93) on a neutral court, while also falling at Kentucky (66-73). They honestly do not have a single good win this season as they rest of their opponents have been cupcakes. That's evident by the fact that they have been a double-digit favorite in all but one game this year.

Memphis is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games following an ATS loss. The Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games following three or more consecutive road games. The Tigers are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 meetings with the Cardinals, including 5-0-1 ATS in their last six trips to Louisville. The road team is 5-0-1 ATS in the last six meetings. Take Memphis Thursday.

15* Boise/SDSU ESPNU Late-Night BAILOUT on Boise State +7

The Boise State Broncos get the call tonight as a road underdog to the San Diego State Aztecs. This is a perfect spot bet on the Broncos, who will be the more motivated team tonight, hands down.

San Diego State is coming off its biggest win of the season, a 61-57 triumph at Kansas on Sunday. Rarely does anyone escape Lawrence with a victory, but the Aztecs accomplished that feat. It's only human nature for them to return home and suffer a letdown three days later.

This was a very closely-contested series last year. San Diego State won two of three meetings by finals of 63-62 at home, and 73-67 on a neutral court in the MWC Tournament. Boise State won 69-65 at home.

As you can see, all three meetings were decided by six points or less. Dating back to 2012, the last four meetings have been decided by six or fewer. Boise State, which returns five starters from last year, will be the more motivated team due to losing two of three last season.

The Broncos are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 conference games. San Diego State is 2-5 ATS in its last seven conference games. The Aztecs are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Roll with Boise State Wednesday.

15* Big Ten PLAY OF THE DAY on Illinois +10

The Wisconsin Badgers are way overvalued right now due to their perfect 15-0 start to the season. They have no business being a double-digit favorite against a very good Illinois team tonight, and I'll take advantage and fade them because of it.

Illinois is off to a 13-2 start this season with solid home wins over Indiana and Penn State to open conference play, as well as impressive road wins over Missouri and UNLV. In fact, Illinois' only two losses this season came by a combined 10 points on the road against Georgia Tech (64-67) and Oregon (64-71).

For the most part, Wisconsin has beaten up on an easy schedule. However, in games against its stiffest competition, all have been decided by 10 points or less. The Badgers beat Florida (59-53), Saint Louis (63-57), West Virginia (70-63), Virginia (48-38), Marquette (70-64) and Iowa (75-71) all by 10 points or less.

Really, this team is fortunate to be undefeated right now as it continues to win its close games. This one will go right down to the wire as well. The Fighting Illini are 3-0-2 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Take Illinois Wednesday.

15* Big 12 PLAY OF THE DAY on Texas +12.5

The Texas Longhorns are one of the most underrated teams in the country this season. They have opened 11-3 and have gotten back to playing team basketball under head coach Rick Barnes. Their only losses have come by BYU, Michigan State and Oklahoma with two of those coming by four points or less.

Texas does have some impressive wins on its resume, most notably its 86-83 victory at North Carolina as a 10.5-point underdog. The Longhorns did lose their Big 12 opener by a final of 85-88 against a very good Oklahoma team, but that result will only have them coming back more hungry tonight.

Oklahoma State is one of the better teams in the land, but it has no business being a double-digit favorite against Texas tonight. I went against the Cowboys as a 5.5-point favorite at Kansas State over the weekend as the Wildcats won outright. I'll gladly fade them again here as they are clearly overvalued.

The Cowboys are 12-26 ATS in their last 38 games as a home favorite of 12.5 to 18 points. Oklahoma State is 6-16 ATS versus good teams who outscore their opponents by 8 or more points per game over the past two seasons. The Longhorns are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. loss. Texas is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 games following a S.U. loss. The Cowboys are 5-17 ATS in their last 22 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Bet Texas Wednesday.

20* Pac-12 GAME OF THE WEEK on Colorado -7

I've been riding the Colorado Buffaloes with a lot of success this season, and I'm going to continue to do so tonight as I don't believe the oddsmakers have adjusted enough for how good this team really is.

I was on the Buffaloes as a 3-point favorite against Oregon Sunday in a game they won 100-91 at home to hand the Ducks their first loss. While some will see this as a letdown spot, I don't. Colorado can't afford letdowns if it wants to make the NCAA Tournament after falling just short last year.

This is a team that returned four starters from last season and one that will make some noise in the Big Dance. Their only losses have come to Baylor and Oklahoma State on a neutral court, and they have beaten the likes of Harvard, Kansas and Oregon already. The Buffs outrebound their opponents by nine boards per game, and shoot 12 more free throws than the opposition on average.

Washington State is in shambles right now. It has opened 7-7, including back-to-back blowout road losses to Arizona (25-60) and Arizona State (47-66) to open conference play. It's no surprise that these blowout losses have occurred considering they are without leading scorer DeVonte Lacy (17.7 ppg) for the past two games. He is expected to sit out this one, too. The Cougars' second-leading scorer is Royce Woolridge (9.8 ppg), so they are clearly lost offensively without Lacy.

'We have got to get better offensively," WSU coach Ken Bone said. "It's hard when arguably your best player, definitely your best scorer, is not out there, so again to try to manufacture points in creative ways. It makes it a little bit difficult, to say the least, but you got to keep plugging at it."

The Buffaloes are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games following three or more consecutive home games. Colorado is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games following a win. The Cougars are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Roll with Colorado Wednesday.

20* ACC GAME OF THE WEEK on Wake Forest +11.5

The Virginia Cavaliers are getting way too much respect from the books as a double-digit home favorite over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons tonight. I'll take advantage and back the dog in a game that will go right down to the wire.

Wake Forest is off to an 11-3 start this season, which includes a win over North Carolina last time out. Its only losses have come against Kansas, Tennessee and Xavier, which are three very good teams. This is a squad that returned four starters from last year and will be a tough out in the ACC all year.

Virginia is clearly not as good as it is perceived. This team has gone just 10-4 this season with some ugly losses along the way at home against Wisconsin (38-48) and on the road against Tennessee (52-87). It is coming off a 62-50 win at Florida State, but I believe that is why it is overvalued here.

Joe Harris, who led the team with 16.3 points per game last year and is their best player, went out with a concussion against Florida State early. That's why it was impressive that the Cavaliers went on to win that game, but they clearly are not the same team without this guy over the long haul. Harris is listed as doubtful to play tonight. Even if he does play, this spread is inflated, so it would just be an added bonus if he sits.

The Cavaliers are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Virginia is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 home games. The Cavaliers are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Virginia is 1-5 ATS in its last six games following a win. The Demon Deacons are 7-1 ATS in their last eight meetings with Virginia. Take Wake Forest Wednesday.

15* Ohio State/MSU ESPN Big Ten BAILOUT on Ohio State +5.5

The Ohio State Buckeyes should not be an underdog to the Michigan State Spartans tonight. The Buckeyes are off to a perfect 15-0 start this year and continue to get little respect from the books.

To open up Big Ten play, the Buckeyes have covered two straight with a 78-69 road win at Purdue as a 6-point favorite, and an 84-53 home win over Nebraska as a 15.5-point favorite. They have four starters back from last year including Aaron Craft, who guides what I believe to be the best defensive team in the country. The Buckeyes only allow 54.9 points per game and 36.9% shooting.

Michigan State is off to a great start as well at 13-1, but I believe this team has a lot more problems than most. The Spartans survived several close calls in the early going, and they proved they were beatable when North Carolina went into East Lansing and throttled them 79-65. MSU has rebounded since, winning and covering each of its last five games, but as a result it is overvalued heading into this one.

This has been a very closely-contested series to say the least, so I'm going to take all the points I can get. Remarkably, each of the last five meetings have been decided by eight points or less, including four by four points or fewer. The one eight-point game was a 68-60 home win for Ohio State. So, the Buckeyes have not lost by more than four points to Michigan State in any of the last five meetings. Ohio State is also 4-1-1 ATS in its last six trips to East Lansing.

Plays against home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (MICHIGAN ST) - after beating the spread by 24 or more points total in their last three games against opponent after going over the total by 18 or more points total in their last three games are 93-47 (66.4%) ATS since 1997. Ohio State is 21-6 ATS in its last 27 Tuesday road games. The Buckeyes are 7-0 ATS in their last seven vs. Big Ten opponents. Ohio State is 6-1 ATS in its last seven vs. a team with a winning record. Take the Buckeyes Tuesday.

20* American Athletic GAME OF THE WEEK on Houston +9.5

The Houston Cougars are showing their best value of the season tonight. Asking the Cincinnati Bearcats to go on the road and win at Houston by double-digits to beat us is simply asking too much.

The Cougars returned three starters from last year and a ton of talent. They have opened 10-5 this season, including 7-1 at home, where they have been virtually unbeatable. That includes a 75-71 win over UConn as a 9-point underdog. TaShawn Thomas (17.5 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 3.7 bpg) is an absolute beast and can carry this team when he needs to.

Cincinnati comes in red hot having won six straight, including an impressive 69-53 win at Memphis last time out despite being a 5.5-point underdog. However, I believe that win has the Bearcats way overvalued here, and they could easily suffer a letdown because of it. Remember, this team lost on the road to both New Mexico (54-63) and Xavier (47-64) in blowout fashion earlier this year.

Plays against road teams as an favorite or pick (CINCINNATI) - in a game involving two average offensive teams (67-74 PPG) after 15+ games, after allowing 65 points or less 5 straight games are 30-8 (78.9%) ATS over the last five seasons.

Cincinnati is 0-9 ATS after playing a road game over the last two seasons. The Bearcats are 0-7 ATS off an upset win by 15 points or more as an underdog since 1997. Houston is 6-0 ATS in home games after two straight games with nine or less offensive rebounds over the last three seasons. The Cougars are 6-0 ATS after allowing 30 points or less in the first half of two straight games over the last two years. These four trends combine for a perfect 28-0 system backing the Cougars. Roll with Houston Tuesday.

15* Tennessee/LSU ESPN Tuesday No-Brainer on LSU -2.5

The LSU Tigers (9-3) are coming off an ugly 70-74 home loss to Rhode Island, which I believe has them undervalued here. They were obviously looking ahead to their first SEC game, and I fully expect them to come back motivated with their best effort of the season tonight.

I have a lost of respect for Tennessee as I have backed them a couple times this year. However, after three straight blowout home wins, I believe this team is overvalued. Remember, the Vols were beaten 61-70 at Wichita State and at home against NC State by a final of 58-65 prior to this winning streak.

LSU returned four starters from last year, and these guys will be motivated to put an end to a five-game losing streak to Tennessee in this series. There are some absolute studs in this group of returnees, led by Johnny O'Bryant III (14.4 ppg, 7.5 rpg) and Jordan Mickey (14.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 3.6 bpg), who hold down the paint inside.

Tennessee is 5-16 ATS in its last 21 road games after scoring 85 points or more in two straight games. The Vols are 7-22 ATS in their last 29 games after two straight games where they made 50% of their shots or better. Tennessee is 0-2 SU in true road games this season, and 1-4 ATS in its last five road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Tigers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a loss. Bet LSU Tuesday.

15* CBB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Colorado -3

The Colorado Buffaloes are one of the most underrated teams in the country. They have opened the season 12-2 with their only losses coming to Baylor and Oklahoma State on a neutral court. They have beaten the likes of Harvard and Kansas this season.

Colorado has one of the best home-court advantages in the land dating back to last year. It has opened 10-0 at home this season, outscoring opponents by an average of 13.4 points per game. The Buffaloes are 4-1 against Oregon since joining the Pac-12, and they have won all four meetings in Boulder all-time.

Oregon is simply overvalued right now due to its 13-0 start. It is coming off a 70-68 overtime victory at Utah last time out, but it won't be as fortunate against a much better Colorado team today. The Buffaloes have won four straight at home against Top 25 teams after beating then-No. 6 Kansas on December 7.

The Ducks are 4-11-2 ATS in their last 17 vs. Pac-12 opponents. The Buffaloes are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a S.U. win. Colorado is 23-11-1 ATS in its last 35 games following an ATS loss. The Buffaloes are 4-0 ATS in their last four Sunday games. Roll with Colorado Sunday.

15* American Athletic PLAY OF THE DAY on Rutgers +17

This play is more of a fade of the Louisville Cardinals than anything. They are simply way overvalued after winning the championship last year, and after their 12-2 start this season. They have no business being a 17-point favorite at Rutgers Saturday.

Forward Chase Behanan has been dismissed from the team recently, leaving Louisville thin along the front line. It didn't bother them one bit in a 90-65 win at UCF in its first game without Behanan last time out. However, that result is the reason that the Cardinals are overvalued here, and I fully expect them to come back down to earth in their second game without him.

Rutgers is off to a respectable 7-7 start this season while being competitive in every game under first-year coach, Eddie Jordan. Indeed, all seven of the Scarlet Knights' losses this season have come by 11 points or fewer, including five by 6 points or less. They are coming off an impressive 71-66 home victory over Temple last time out and are fully capable of competing with Louisville, which may be looking ahead to its game against Memphis next.

The Cardinals are 1-5 ATS in their last six games following an ATS win. Roll with Rutgers Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on TCU +5

Off a disastrous 2012-13 campaign, the TCU Horned Frogs came into the 2013-14 season way undervalued. They remain that way as a home underdog to the West Virginia Mountaineers in their Big 12 opener Saturday when they really should be the favorite.

TCU has opened 9-3 this year while going 5-1 ATS in all lined games to show how underrated it really is. Two of the three losses came against very good SMU and Harvard teams on a neutral court. The Frogs have gone on the road and beaten Washington State (64-62) as a 14-point dog, and Mississippi State (71-61) as an 8.5-point dog. They have also beaten Tulsa twice.

West Virginia has been unimpressive en route to an 8-5 start this season. It doesn't have a good win all season as its eight victories have come against the likes of Mount St. Mary's, Duquesne, Georgia Southern, Presbyterian, Old Dominion, Loyola-Maryland, Marshall and William & Mary. The Mountaineers were at least a 7.5-point favorite in all of those games.

The Mountaineers are 1-10 ATS vs. good free throw shooting teams that make 72% or more of their attempts over the past two seasons. West Virginia is 0-6 ATS in its last six vs. Big 12 opponents. The Mountaineers are 7-22-1 ATS in their last 30 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. WVU is 16-33-2 ATS in its last 51 games overall. Take TCU Saturday.

20* Big 12 GAME OF THE WEEK on Kansas State +6.5

The Kansas State Wildcats get the call Saturday as a home underdog to the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Cowboys are one of the most overrated teams in the country due to playing a pretty soft schedule up to this point and getting through it at 12-1.

Kansas State is playing its best basketball of the season heading into this win, winning eight straight games while going 6-1 ATS in lined games in the process. That includes wins over Ole Miss (61-58) and Gonzaga (72-62) to prove that they are for real. Their last two games weren't even close as they rolled over Tulane (72-41) and George Washington (72-55).

The Wildcats have owned the Cowboys in recent meetings. They have gone 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings with their only loss coming by a final of 70-76 on the road last season. I like that dominance to continue in the Big 12 opener today with likely an outright victory, though I'll gladly take the points for some insurance.

Kansas State is 8-1 ATS in home games versus good defensive teams - shooting pct defense of <=42% over the last two seasons. The Wildcats are 16-1 ATS in their last 17 home games after two straight wins by 10 or more points. The Cowboys are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Roll with Kansas State Saturday.

20* Pac-12 GAME OF THE WEEK on Washington +17.5

The Washington Huskies are showing tremendous value as a massive road underdog to the Arizona Wildcats today. I'll take advantage and back them as 17.5-point underdog fresh off their biggest win of the season.

I was all over the Huskies last time out as they went into Arizona State and came away with a 76-65 victory as a 10.5-point underdog. I still believe this team is underrated and their best is yet to come. There's no question that the Wildcats will bring out the best in them.

Arizona is the No. 1 ranked team in the country and for good reason. However, it has created expectations for itself that it simply cannot live up to in the near future now that we have entered conference play. That is especially the case off a 60-25 win over Washington State. There's no question that the value in this game is with the Huskies, especially considering that the Wildcats could be looking ahead to UCLA.

Plays on road underdogs of 10 to 19.5 points (WASHINGTON) - excellent free throw shooting team (>=73%) against an average free throw shooting team (65-69%), good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a poor pressure defensive team (<=14.5 TO's) are 26-7 (78.8%) ATS over the last five seasons.

Arizona is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 games following a home win over a conference rival. Lorenzo Romar is 22-6 ATS as an underdog of 10 or more points in all games he has coached. The Huskies are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Take Washington Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Early ANNIHILATOR on Nebraska +17.5

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are going to be one of the most improved teams in the country by season's end. I believe they show that tonight and hang with a very good Ohio State team to stay within this inflated number, giving us the cover.

The Cornhuskers have played three very tough games in their last five contests overall, which will have them battle-tested heading into this showdown. They lost at Creighton (67-82), at Cincinnati (69-74) and at Iowa (57-67). This is a team that returned all five starters from a year ago and will be competitive in Big Ten play.

Ohio State is overvalued due to opening the season 14-0. It has created expectations for itself in terms of the point spread heading into conference play that it cannot live up to. Plus, I fully expect the Buckeyes to be looking ahead to their showdown against Michigan State on Tuesday, which will also help allow the Huskers to stay within the number.

Plays against favorites of 10 to 19.5 points (OHIO ST) - after 8 or more consecutive wins, undefeated on the season are 67-39 (63.2%) ATS over the last five seasons. Tim Miles is 11-1 ATS off a loss against a conference rival as the coach of Nebraska. Miles is 7-0 ATS in road games after playing two consecutive road games as the coach of Nebraska. Bet Nebraska Saturday.

15* Nebraska-Omaha/Hawaii CBB Midnight BAILOUT on Nebraska-Omaha +10

Nebraska-Omaha is a team that I have been on all season. I'm not about to stop now, especially catching them as a double-digit underdog against Hawaii tonight. This team will be ready to give the Warriors a fight tonight.

Despite playing a brutal schedule, the Mavericks have managed to open 10-4 and remain one of the most underrated teams in the country just because the betting public does not know about them. Their four losses have against quality competition, too.

Nebraska-Omaha lost at Iowa (75-83) as a 29.5-point underdog, at UNLV (70-73) as a 14-point dog, at Drake (80-88) as a 5.5-point dog, and at Minnesota (79-92) as a 16-point dog. As you can see, they have only lost by double-digits once all season, and No. 2 will not be coming tonight.

This is a Mavericks team that returned four starters from last season and does a lot of things right. They are scoring 84.9 points per game thanks in large part to their 78.2% from throw shooting. They don't foul often defensively, yielding an average of only 22 free throw attempts per game.

Nebraska-Omaha is 6-1 ATS in its last seven road games. The Mavericks are 6-1 ATS in their last seven non-conference games. The Mavericks are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall. Roll with Nebraska-Omaha Friday.

15* CBB Thursday PLAY OF THE DAY on Washington +11

The Washington Huskies are showing tremendous value as a double-digit road underdog to Arizona State in their Pac-12 opener Thursday. I'll take advantage and snag all the points I can get in this one.

Washington comes in undervalued due to failing to cover the spread in three straight games heading into this contest. Arizona State is overvalued due to covering the spread in three straight coming in.

This has been a one-sided series in recent years to say the least. Indeed, Washington is a perfect 7-0 in its last seven meetings with Arizona State. That makes it mind-boggling that the books have made the Huskies a double-digit underdog when they simply dominate this series.

Plays on road underdogs of 10 to 19.5 points (WASHINGTON) - excellent free throw shooting team (>=73%) against an average free throw shooting team (65-69%), good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a poor pressure defensive team (<=14.5 TO's) are 25-7 (78.1%) ATS over the last five seasons.

The Huskies are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Washington is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 meetings at Arizona State. The road team is 16-6 ATS in the last 22 meetings. Roll with Washington Thursday.

15* CBB Wednesday PLAY OF THE DAY on Boston College +9.5

The Boston College Eagles are way undervalued due to their poor start. They returned all five starters and 96 percent of their scoring from last season, so I have no doubt that this team is better than it has shown thus far.

The reason the Eagles are undervalued here is because they have failed to cover the spread in five straight games coming in, while Harvard has covered in four straight leading up to this one. As a result, the public is on Harvard and off of Boston College.

Boston College is 97-64 ATS in its last 161 road games overall, including 36-19 ATS in its last 45 January road games. The Eagles are 71-43 ATS in their last 114 after having lost two of their last three games coming in. Harvard is 17-35 ATS in its last 52 games after allowing 80 points or more in its last game. Take Boston College Wednesday.

15* CBB Tuesday Night Line Mistake on Northern Illinois +23.5

The Northern Illinois Huskies are showing tremendous value as a massive road underdog to the Iowa State Cyclones. They will be up for this game to try and knock off one of the top-ranked teams in the country.

The same cannot be said for Iowa State, which is coming off a huge tournament win in Hawaii. Now, Iowa State has its Big 12 opener on deck Saturday against Texas Tech, and it will be looking ahead to that game. I simply do not see the Cyclones being motivated enough tonight to cover this massive spread.

I've liked what I've seen so far from Northern Illinois, which returned four starters from last year and is 5-5 on the season. Four of its five losses have come by 13 points or less, including three by five points or fewer. The only exception was a 54-80 road loss to a very good UMass team as a 20.5-point dog. The Huskies have gone 3-2 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall, which is impressive when you consider they were an underdog in each.

Northern Illinois is 8-1 ATS in road games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game over the last 2 seasons. The Huskies are 11-1 ATS in road games after a game with 9 or less assists over the last 2 seasons. Northern Illinois is 57-37 ATS in its last 94 games as a road dog of 10 or more points. Take Northern Illinois Tuesday.

15* CBB Monday PLAY OF THE DAY on Tennessee -2

The Tennessee Volunteers are showing tremendous value as only a 2-point home favorite over Virginia Monday. I'll gladly take advantage and back the Vols, who will be hungry after losing two of their past three games coming in.

Tennessee has played its best basketball at home this season. It is 5-1 at home, outscoring opponents by an average of 14.2 points per game. Virginia has only played one true road game all year, which was a 72-75 loss at Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Virginia is 16-32 ATS in its last 48 games as a road underdog of 6 points or less. Tennessee is 26-11 ATS in its last 37 home games with a line of +3 to -3. The Cavaliers are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Virginia is 5-13-1 ATS in its last 19 road games. Take Tennessee Monday.

15* Louisville/Kentucky CBB Saturday No-Brainer on Kentucky +2.5

This is a classic case where the defending champions are way overvalued. Louisville should not be favored on the road at Kentucky, and I'll gladly take advantage by backing the home dog in this one.

Kentucky is one of the best rebounding teams in the country. It is outrebounding opponents 44-31 on the season and averaging 14 offensive boards in the process. It is also shooting 35 free throws per game.

The Wildcats are 35-17 ATS off three straight games where they outrebounded their opponents by six or more since 1997. Kentucky is 72-48 ATS off a no-cover where the team won straight up as a favorite since 1997. John Calipari has never lost as the coach off Kentucky off a combined score of 155 points or more in two straight games, going a perfect 6-0 ATS in this spot. Roll with Kentucky Saturday.

15* CBB Friday PLAY OF THE DAY on Louisiana-Monroe +25

The Ohio State Buckeyes are way overvalued right now due to their perfect 12-0 record and No. 3 ranking. I'll gladly fade them in their final non-conference game before Big Ten play. That makes this a huge lookahead spot for the Buckeyes, who play Purdue on December 31.

I've seen enough from Louisiana-Monroe this season against quality competition to make me believe that the Warhawks can be competitive. They have gone 4-1 ATS in their five lined games while playing some very good teams tough.

They lost 63-80 at Kansas as a 26-point underdog, 54-61 at Ole MIss as a 16.5-point dog, and 62-75 at LSU as a 15.5-point dog. If they can stay within 17 points of those three teams, who are all likely to make the NCAA Tournament, then they can certainly stay within 25 of Ohio State tonight.

Plays against favorites of 10 or more points off 10 or more consecutive wins are a healthy 145-92 (61.2%) ATS over the last five seasons. LA-Monroe is 7-0 ATS in road games off three consecutive non-conference games over the last three seasons. The Warhawks are 7-1 ATS in their last eight non-conference games. The Buckeyes are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 home games. Roll with Louisiana-Monroe Friday.

15* Iowa State/Boise State ESPN 2 No-Brainer on Iowa State -4.5

The Iowa State Cyclones are clearly one of the most underrated teams in the country. They have opened the season a perfect 10-0 while going 5-2 against the spread in lined games. They will be going for their best start in school history Wednesday, so they clearly want to accomplish that feat.

That shouldn't be a problem against a Boise State team that hasn't beaten anybody this season. It has lost to its two toughest opponents in Kentucky (55-70) and St. Mary's (74-82). It also barely escaped with a 62-61 victory over Hawaii a couple days ago to open up this tournament.

Iowa State has beaten three of the best teams in the country en route to this 10-0 start to really prove that it is for real. It has taken down the likes of Michigan, BYU and Iowa already this season, and Boise State is not as good as any of those three squads.

The Cyclones are 39-17 ATS in their last 56 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Iowa State is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games overall. The Broncos are 0-7 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a wining record. Boise State is 0-7 ATS in its last seven games vs. a team with a winning percentage above 60%. Roll with Iowa State Wednesday.

15* CBB Sunday Night Line Mistake on California +11

The California Bears are showing tremendous value as a double-digit underdog to Creighton tonight. This is going to be one of the better teams in the Pac-12 despite some early struggles.

This is a classic case of overvalued and undervalued at its finest. Cal has favored to cover the spread in three straight games coming in, while Creighton has covered the spread in three straight. This automatically creates the kind of line value that is hard to pass up.

Cal's three losses this season have come against very good competition on the road in Syracuse, Dayton and UC-Santa Barbara. Creighton has some ugly losses to San Diego State and George Washington on a neutral court despite being a favorite in both contests, so this team is vulnerable.

Cal is outrebounding its opponents 40-33 on the season, and getting to the free throw line 24 times per game. Creighton is only outrebounding foes 37-32 and getting to the line 21 times per game.

Plays on road underdogs of 10 or more points (CALIFORNIA) - after failing to cover 4 of their last 5 against the spread against opponent after having covered 3 of their last 4 against the spread are 116-58 (66.7%) ATS over the last five seasons. This trend just goes to show that you should back a cold team ATS against a hot team ATS, especially when catching double-digits on the road. Bet California Sunday.

15* UConn/Washington ESPNU No-Brainer on Washington +6

Washington is off to just a 6-4 start this season, but all but one of its losses have come against quality competition. Three of its four losses have come to Indiana, Boston College and San Diego State, which were all on the road.

The Huskies have played very well over the past month, winning four of their last five games with their only loss coming at San Diego State by a final of 63-70 as an 11-point underdog. They are 5-1 at home this season where they are putting up 85.3 points per game on the season.

UConn is overvalued due to its 9-1 start. This team has won a whopping four games by two points or less and by a combined five points. That's how close this team is to being a 5-5 squad right now.

What's most amazing about that is that UConn has yet to play a true road game this season. It will be traveling all the way out to the west coast to play in a hostile environment. UConn has lost three of its past four non-conference true road games dating to last season.

UConn is only even with teams in rebounding margin this season. It is only grabbing seven offensive boards per game while giving up 11. Washington is outrebounding opponents 37-33 on the year. While UConn is only getting to the free throw line 20 times per game, Washington is getting to the charity stripe 26 times per contest, cashing in 77.6% of them.

UConn is 0-6 ATS versus good foul drawing teams who attempt at least 25 free throws per game over the past two seasons. UConn is 0-6 ATS in road games off two straight non-conference games over the last two years. Take Washington Sunday.

20* Oklahoma State/Colorado ESPN 2 Late-Night BAILOUT on Colorado +6.5

The Colorado Buffaloes are one of the most underrated teams in the country. They continue to get no respect from oddsmakers Saturday as a 6.5-point underdog against Oklahoma State in a game that they should be favored in.

Colorado returned four starters from last year and will be an NCAA Tournament team in 2014. It has opened 10-1 with impressive wins over the likes of Kansas, Harvard and UC-Santa Barbara.

What I like most about the Buffaloes is their rebounding and free throw shooting. They are outrebounding opponents 40-30 on the season, which is one of the best margins in the country. They are also getting to the line 32 times per game, converting 70.5% of them.

Oklahoma State has arguably the best trio of guards in the country. However, the Cowboys will be overmatched on the glass in this one, which will be the difference in the game. They are only outrebounding their opponents 39-36 on the season against a pretty soft schedule to this point.

Colorado is 9-1 ATS versus good shooting teams that make 48% of their shots or better over the last three seasons. The Buffaloes are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Cowboys are 1-6 ATS in their last seven neutral site games. Oklahoma State is 5-15 ATS in its last 20 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above 60%. Bet Colorado Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Night Line Mistake on Texas Tech +11.5

The Texas Tech Red Raiders are a much-improved team this season under former National Championship winner, Tubby Smith. Smith has taken 17 of his last 20 teams to the NCAA Tournament, and it won't be long before he gets the Red Raiders there, too.

Fortunately for Smith, the cupboard wasn't bare to start the season. The Red Raiders welcomed back four starters this year, and they have opened a solid 7-4 to this point. Their four losses have come to four of the better teams in the country in Arizona, Pittsburgh, LSU and Alabama. So, this team is certainly battle-tested.

Arizona State is simply getting too much respect here as I don't believe it has a win of any significance yet. However, it does have two losses that make me believe that this team is overrated. The Sun Devils fell 60-88 to Creighton and 57-60 to a depleted Miami team on a neutral court.

Plays on road underdogs of 10 or more points (TEXAS TECH) - excellent free throw shooting team (>=73%) against an average free throw shooting team (65-69%), good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a poor pressure defensive team (<=14.5 TO's) are 25-6 (80.6%) ATS over the last five seasons. Roll with Texas Tech Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on UAB +9.5

The UAB Blazers continue to go under the radar as a 9.5-point underdog Saturday. Asking LSU to win by double-digits to beat us is simply asking too much, and I'll take advantage and back the Blazers in a game that will go right down to the wire.

UAB returned four starters from last season and has opened a solid 9-2. That record is very impressive when you consider that they have already played New Mexico, Nebraska, Temple and North Carolina. Against the two toughest teams they've face, they beat UNC 63-59 at home, and only lost 94-97 to New Mexico on a neutral court.

What I love about the Blazers is that they are the best rebounding team in the country, averaging 48.2 boards per game, which including 15 offensive rebounds per contest. They are outrebounding their opponents by a whopping 13 boards per game.

LSU usually has an advantage over teams on the glass because of its height, but that won't be the case here. Another factor to watch is that the Tigers are only getting to the free throw line 20 times per game and making just 64.4% of them. They aren't an aggressive team when it comes to drawing fouls.

Plays on road underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (UAB) - in a game involving 2 up-tempo teams (>=60 shots/game), after 2 straight games - allowing a shooting pct. of 37% or less are 24-3 (88.9%) ATS since 1997. LSU is 0-10 ATS in its last 10 home games off a close road win by three points or less. The Tigers are 4-16 ATS in their last 20 games as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points. Take UAB Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Afternoon ANNIHILATOR on Northern Iowa +10.5

The Northern Iowa Panthers have played a brutal early schedule that will have them battle-tested heading into this showdown at Virginia, which will certainly help them be competitive and possibly pull off the upset.

Indeed, the Panthers have played George Mason, Maryland, La Salle, Iowa State and VCU already this season. They took an undefeated and Top 15 Iowa State team to overtime, while beating VCU 77-68 last time out.

That's the same VCU team that went on the road and beat Virginia 59-56 back on November 12, giving these teams a common opponent. Virginia has been off for a whopping two weeks since a 72-75 loss at Wisconsin-Green Bay, and I look for it to be rusty in this contest as a result.

Virginia has three losses already this season without a good win. The Cavaliers are 3-11 ATS In their last 14 games overall. Virginia is 1-5 ATS in its last six home games. Bet Northern Iowa Saturday.

15* CBB Friday PLAY OF THE DAY on Nebraska-Omaha +15

The Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks are one of the most underrated teams in the entire country. They have opened the season 8-3 SU and 4-1 ATS in their lined games. From what I've seen against solid competition, I have no doubt that the Mavericks can stay within 15 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers Friday night.

Nebraska-Omaha returned four starters from last season. CJ Carter (15.1 ppg) has led the way, but John Karhoff (13.0 ppg), Devin Patterson (12.6 ppg) and Marcus Tyus (9.9 ppg) have all made significant contributions as well.

The Mavericks' only three losses this season came on the road at Iowa (75-83) as a 29.5-point dog, at UNLV (70-73) as a 14-point dog and at Drake (80-88) as a 5.5-point dog. As you can see, they have lost a game by more than eight points all season. If they can stay within eight of Iowa, they can certainly do so against Minnesota.

The Golden Gophers are a quality team this season with an 8-2 record. However, it's not like they have blown away some of their poorest competition. They only beat Lehigh (81-62), Coastal Carolina (82-72), New Orleans (80-65) and South Dakota State (75-59) at home. They also only beat Chaminade (83-68) as a 20-point road favorite. Nebraska-Omaha is a much better squad than all five of those teams.

Plays against home favorites of 10 or more points (MINNESOTA) - after allowing 65 points or less three straight games against opponent after two straight wins by 6 points or less are 22-5 (81.5%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Mavericks are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games. Bet Nebraska-Omaha Friday.

15* CBB Thursday PLAY OF THE DAY on Troy +14

The Cal-Santa Barbara Gauchos are getting too much respect from oddsmakers here as a 14-point favorite over Troy. They have a rematch with Utah State on deck tomorrow, and they will certainly be looking ahead to that contest and not giving Troy the attention it deserves.

The Trojans have played a couple of good teams tough this season to make be believe that they can hang with UCSB. They lost on the road to both Ole Miss (54-69) and UAB (69-81) as a 15-point underdog in each. That's the same UAB team that beat UNC.

Santa Barbara is a quality team, but it is getting too much respect for recent wins over Cal and San Diego. It has done most of its damage at home this season, and this will be a neutral court game played in Utah. The Gauchos do have three losses on the year, so they are clearly beatable.

The Trojans are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Troy is 6-0 ATS off a road loss in which it scored less than 60 points over the past two seasons. The Trojans are 18-7 ATS off a loss by 20 or more points since 1997. Take Troy Thursday.

15* CBB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Indiana State +10

The Saint Louis Billikens are way overvalued this season due to making the NCAA Tournament last year. Sure, they returned a lot of talent from that team, but asking them to beat a very good Indiana State team by double-digits tonight is asking too much.

The Sycamores have opened 7-2 this season and are two measly points away from being undefeated. Their two losses have both come on the road to Belmont (95-96) and Tulsa (62-63) by a single point. That's the same Belmont team that beat North Carolina on the road.

Indiana State really proved what it was capable of with an 83-70 win at Notre Dame as an 11-point underdog on November 17. This is a team that returned four starters from last year and will be underrated for most of the season, so it's important that you hop on board early to take advantage of the value.

The Sycamores are scoring 79.1 points per game while shooting 50% from the field, 44.8% from 3-point range, and 75.2% from the line. To compare, Saint Louis is scoring 70.5 points per game, shooting 43.7% from the field, 30.2% from 3-point range, and 70.7% from the charity stripe.

It's easy to see that Saint Louis is overvalued considering it is just 2-7 ATS in all lined games this season. The Billikens are 0-9 ATS off three straight games where both teams scored 70 points or less over the past two seasons. Bet Indiana State Wednesday.

15* Texas/UNC ESPN 2 Holiday Hoops ANNIHILATOR on Texas +11

The Texas Longhorns are one of the most underrated teams in the league this year. They have gone completely under the radar while opening the season 9-1. They have won five straight since their lone loss of the season to then-No. 25 BYU.

Center Cameron Ridley scored a game-high 22, while freshman point guard Isaiah Taylor added 15 points and eight assists without a turnover in an 85-53 win over Texas State Saturday. The Longhorns featured a balanced offensive attack with five players averaging double figures scoring.

North Carolina is in a massive letdown spot here. It is coming off an 82-77 home win over then-No. 11 Kentucky, and I look for it to suffer a letdown off such a big victory. Remember, the Tar Heels lost to UAB and Belmont earlier this season, so they are vulnerable. They are simply getting too much respect here as a double-digit favorite due to the Kentucky win.

Rick Barnes and Texas have gone 4-1 against Roy Williams and North Carolina in their last five meetings. That includes an 85-67 home win for the Longhorns last year despite behind a 5-point underdog. That Texas team wasn't nearly as good as this year's version.

The Longhorns are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings with UNC. North Carolina is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games following a win. The Tar Heels are 1-5 ATS in their last six vs. Big 12 foes. UNC is 1-4 ATS in its last five home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Roll with Texas Wednesday.

15* Memphis/Florida ESPN Tuesday No-Brainer on Florida -3

Now that they have finally gotten healthy and have all their key players back from suspension, the Florida Gators are going to be a very dangerous team going forward. They proved that last time out with a 67-61 victory over Kansas, and I look for them to build off that win with another triumph over Memphis tonight.

Florida has opened 7-2 this season with its only two losses coming on the road to Wisconsin (53-59) and UConn (64-65). As you may know, both Wisconsin (12-0) and UConn (9-0) remain undefeated this season. The loss to the Badgers came without some key players, while the loss to the Huskies game on a game-winning buzzer-beater.

Memphis (7-1) is a quality team that is improved this season, but I just believe that Florida is on a completely different playing field. The 80-101 loss at Oklahoma State early in the season shows me that the Tigers aren't ready to compete with the best teams in college basketball. Sure, they would beat the Cowboys in their second meeting, but that was obviously a letdown spot for OSU.

The Gators are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games following a ATS win. Florida is 4-1 ATS in its last five games overall. Memphis is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 vs. SEC foes. The Tigers are 0-4 ATS in their last four Tuesday games. Billy Donovan is 54-37 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 as the coach of the Gators. Roll with Florida Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Wake Forest -6

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are much-improved this season and will be making a run at the NCAA Tournament. Jeff Bzdelik returned four starters from last year, and this is a sleeper team to look out for in the ACC.

The Demon Deacons have opened 8-2 this season with their only losses coming to very good Kansas and Tennessee teams on a neutral court. They are a perfect 7-0 at home this year, which includes a solid win over Richmond (76-66) last time out as only a 1-point favorite.

St. Bonaventure may be 7-3 this season, but it really has played a soft schedule It has not beaten anyone of any significance this year. It has lost to Siena, Louisiana Tech and Buffalo, while barely escaping with victories over Wagner (70-67) and UMass-Lowell (67-58). Leading scorer Matthew Wright (17.3 ppg) is questionable to play tonight with an ankle injury after missing Saturday's game against Iona.

Wake Forest is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games vs. Atlantic 10 opponents. The Demon Deacons are 7-2 ATS in their last nine non-conference games. Wake Forest is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 home games. Take Wake Forest Tuesday.

15* CBB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on La Salle +14

The La Salle Explorers made it all the way to the Sweet 16 last year. They returned six of their top seven players from that squad, including second-leading scorer Tyreek Duren (13.6 ppg), who has scored 47 points while dishing out 10 assists in his last two meetings with Villanova.

I believe the Explorers came into this season overconfident with so much experience back from last year's Sweet 16 team. After a poor 5-4 start, I have no doubt this team will get it together sooner rather than later. A game against Big 5 rival Villanova will certainly spark their interest.

The Wildcats come into this game overvalued due to their 9-0 start and first Top 10 ranking since February of 2011. They'll be taking on a La Salle team that is clearly not afraid of them after winning 77-74 at home last season.

Plays against favorites of 10 to 19.5 points (VILLANOVA) - after 8 or more consecutive wins, undefeated on the season are 63-33 (65.6%) ATS over the last five seasons. La Salle is 6-0 ATS in road games after playing a game where both teams score 65 points or less over the last 3 seasons. Bet La Salle Sunday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on North Dakota State +14.5

The Ohio State Buckeyes are way overvalued right now due to their 9-0 start against a very soft schedule. I would argue that North Dakota State will be the toughest opponent that the Buckeyes have faced all season.

This is an NDSU team that will likely be going to the NCAA Tournament this year with all five starters back. It has won five straight games coming in, which includes impressive road wins over both Santa Clara and Notre Dame.

With this being Finals Week for Ohio State, I expect the players to have been lacking focus leading up to this game. Also, the home crowd won't be as fierce as it normally would be. Both of these factors favor a cover by NDSU.

Plays against home favorites of 10 or more points (OHIO ST) - after allowing 65 points or less 3 straight games against opponent after 2 straight wins by 6 points or less are 22-4 (84.6%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Bison are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 non-conference games. The Buckeyes are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games. Bet North Dakota State Saturday.

15* Xavier/Cincinnati Rivalry Play on Cincinnati -4.5

The Cincinnati Bearcats are showing excellent value as a mere 4.5-point favorite over rival Xavier Saturday. I'll take advantage and back them in what I believe is going to be a lopsided final similar to the 60-45 beat down the Bearcats gave the Musketeers last season.

Cincinnati has three starters back from that squad and has opened 7-1 this season with its only loss coming at New Mexico, which is a plays that opponents rarely win. All seven of the Bearcats' wins have come by double-digits this year.

Xavier also has three starters back from last year, but it's easy to see that this team isn't very good. It was beaten by both Tennessee (49-64) and USC (78-84) on a neutral court. Last time out, it barely beat Evansville (63-60) despite being a 10-point home favorite.

Plays against neutral court teams (XAVIER) - off a close home win by 3 points or less, a good team (60% to 80%) playing a team with a winning record are 25-6 (80.6%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Bearcats are 6-0 ATS as a neutral court favorite or pick over the last three seasons. Roll with Cincinnati Saturday.

15* New Mexico/Kansas ESPN 2 No-Brainer on Kansas -5.5

This is essentially a home game for Kansas as it will be played at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO. I look for the Jayhawks to be highly motivated for a win Saturday after losing two straight and three of their last four games coming in.

A closer look shows that those three losses came against some of the best teams in the country. They fell to Villanova (59-63), Colorado (72-75) and Florida (61-67) all on the road by a combined 13 points. They beat Duke (94-83) on a neutral court earlier this season, so they are certainly battle-tested.

New Mexico has beaten up on a pretty soft schedule. It did get a good win at home over Cincinnati last time out, but again, that was at home and this team just does not lose at home. In their toughest game of the season, the Lobos were handled by UMass 81-65 on a neutral court.

The Lobos are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. New Mexico is 1-4 ATS in its last five games following a win. Take Kansas Saturday.

20* CBB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Boise State -3

The Boise State Broncos are one of the most underrated teams in all of college basketball. They returned all five starters from last season, and they have opened 8-1 this year with their only loss coming at Kentucky by a final of 55-70.

While St. Mary's has also started strong, opening 8-0, it has yet to play a road game. Plus, it has played a very soft schedule. Boise State is 6-0 at home this season, outscoring opponents 89.5 to 64.5, or by an average of 25.0 points per game.

Plays on a favorite (BOISE ST) - off an embarrassing road loss scoring less than 60 points, with all five starters returning from last season are 81-40 (66.9%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. loss. Bet Boise State Saturday.

15* Maryland/Boston College ACC No-Doubt Rout on Boston College +2

The Boston College Eagles are way undervalued due to their 3-6 start to the season. I have no doubt that this team is better than it has shown as it returned 96 percent of its scoring from last year. This team finished strong last season, and I look for them to pick up their play tonight.

Maryland is getting too much respect as a road favorite in this one when it has no business being one. The Terrapins don't have too many impressive wins this year, and they are coming off back-to-back losses to Ohio State (60-76) and George Washington (75-77). They also lost to Oregon State (83-90) at home and are just 5-4 on the season.

Home-court advantage has been huge in this series over the past couple of years. The home team is a perfect 4-0 in the last four meetings. Boston College won by a final of 69-58 at home against Maryland last year, and with 96 percent of its scoring back from that team, I expect a similar result. The Terrapins lost center Alex Len to the NBA and have taken a step back this year.

Boston College is 71-40 ATS after having lost two of its last three games since 1997. The underdog is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings in this series. Maryland is 12-25 ATS in its last 37 December road games. The Terrapins are 3-11 ATS after having won four or five of their last six games over the last three seasons. Roll with Boston College Thursday.